in our rear, and
head-quarters were at Kaya.

At seven o'clock the drums and the trumpets of the artillery sounded
the reveille. We went down to the village, some to look for wood,
others for straw or hay. Ammunition-wagons came up, and bread and
cartridges were distributed. There we were to remain, to let the army
march by upon Leipzig; this was why Sergeant Pinto said we would be in
the rear-guard.

Two _cantinieres_ arrived from the village; and, as I had yet a few
crowns remaining, I offered Klipfel and Zebede a glass of brandy each,
to counteract the effects of the fogs of the night. I also presumed to
offer one to Sergeant Pinto, who accepted it, saying that bread and
brandy warmed the heart.

We felt quite happy, and no one suspected the horrors the day was to
bring forth. We thought the Russians and the Prussians were seeking us
behind the Gruna-Bach; but they knew well where we were. And suddenly,
about ten o'clock, General Souham, mounted, arrived with his officers.
I was sentry near the stacks of arms, and I think I can now see him, as
he rode to the top of the hill, with his gray hair and white-bordered
hat; and as he took out his field-glass, and, after an earnest gaze,
returned quickly, and ordered the drums to beat the recall. The
sentries at once fell into the ranks, and Zebede, who had the eyes of a
falcon, said:

"I see yonder, near the Elster, masses of men forming and advancing in
good order, and others coming from the marshes by the three bridges.
We are lost if all those fall upon our rear!"

"A battle is beginning," said Sergeant Pinto, shading his eyes with his
hands, "or I know nothing of war. Those beggarly Prussians and
Russians want to take us on the flank with their whole force, as we
defile on Leipzig, so as to cut us in two. It is well thought of on
their part. We are always teaching them the art of war."

"But what will we do?" asked Klipfel.

"Our part is simple," answered the sergeant. "We are here twelve to
fifteen thousand men, with old Souham, who never gave an enemy an inch.
We will stand here like a wall, one to six or seven, until the Emperor
is informed how matters stand, and sends us aid. There go the staff
officers now."

It was true; five or six officers were galloping over the plain of
Lutzen toward Leipzig. They sped like the wind, and I prayed to God to
have them reach the Emperor in time to send the whole army to our
assistance; for there was somet