see ourselves drawn up in our long
ranks--our muskets loaded, the colors advanced, the generals in the
rear full of confidence--to see our masses thus moving onward without
hurry, but calmly marking the step; yes, it was enough to make our
hearts beat high with pride and hope! And I said to myself: "Perhaps
at sight of us the enemy will fly, which will be the best for them and
for us."

I was in the second rank, behind Zebede, and from time to time I
glanced at the other square, which was moving on the same line with us,
in the centre of which I saw the Marshal and his staff, all trying to
catch a glimpse of what was going on ahead.

The skirmishers had by this time reached the ravine, which was bordered
with brambles and hedges. I had already seen a movement on its farther
side, like the motion of a cornfield in the wind, and the thought
struck me that the Russians, with their lances and sabres, were there,
although I could scarcely believe it. But when our skirmishers reached
the hedges, the fusillade began, and I saw clearly the glitter of their
lances. At the same instant a flash like lightning gleamed in front of
us, followed by a fierce report. The Russians had their cannon with
them; they had opened on us. I know not what noise made me turn my
head, and there I saw an empty space in the ranks to my left.

At the same time Colonel Zapfel said quietly:

"Close up the ranks!"

And Captain Florentin repeated:

"Close up the ranks!"

[Illustration: "Close up the ranks!"]

All this was done so quickly that I had no time for thought. But fifty
paces farther on another flash shone out; there was another murmur in
the ranks--as if a fierce wind was passing--and another vacant space,
this time to the right.

And thus, after every shot from the Russians, the colonel said, "Close
up the ranks!" and I knew that each time he spoke there was a breach in
the living wall! It was no pleasant thing to think of, but still we
marched on toward the valley. At last I did not dare to think at all,
when General Chemineau, who had entered our square, cried in a terrible
voice:

"Halt!"

I looked forward, and saw a mass of Russians coming down upon us.

"Front rank, kneel! Fix bayonets! Ready!" cried the general.

As Zebede knelt, I was now, so to speak, in the front rank. On came
the line of horses, each rider bending over his saddle-bow, with sabre
flashing in his hand. Then again the general's voice was hea