ge was soon lost,
the enemy still advanced in unbroken columns, and almost forced the
Prussians to retreat. The left wing of infantry, commanded by the Duke
of Severn, which had fired unceasingly, had exhausted their ammunition,
while the Austrian General Wied, who defended the post of Losovitz, kept
up a brisk cannonading. The Prussian warriors pleaded loudly for powder
and shot.

Anna stopped reading, her heart beat loudly, she leaned her head against
the tree and closed her eyes in terror. The old people sitting at her
feet prayed and wept aloud, and from the crowd there arose sounds of
grief and despair. In their terror they had forgotten that it was of a
victory and not a defeat they were to hear, and that the battle must at
last have ended to their advantage.

"Read on, Anna," said the old shepherd, after a long pause. "Are we
such cowards as not to be able even to hear an account of this murderous
battle in which our sons were brave enough to fight?"

"Read on, read on!" was heard here and there.

Anna unclosed her eyes and raised the paper. Breathless stillness
reigned anew. Anna read,

"In this fearful moment the Duke of Bevern felt that a decisive step
must be taken, and springing in front of his troops with drawn sword, he
cried, 'Boys, you have no more ammunition! Do not be discouraged! Fight
with your bayonets!' These words, spoken by a brave and beloved leader,
gave heart to all. They closed their ranks, and inspired by the example
of their officer, attacked the enemy boldly. In vain Baron Stahremberg
hastened forward with his six battalions--uselessly Baron Wied tried to
defend the house of Losovitz in which his grenadiers had taken refuge.
Nothing could withstand the Prussians. Like a raging hurricane they
fell upon the enemy, who were forced to give way to them. A part of the
Austrian force sprang into the Elbe, and tried to save their lives by
swimming. Losovitz was tired, and all its defenders fled. The Prussians
had gained a complete victory." [Footnote: "Characteristics of the Seven
Years' War," vol. i., p. 63]

Anna Sophia could read no further. The delight of all was intense--wives
embraced their husbands with tears of joy--old men thanked God
aloud--and the boys, who had ceased their play and been listening
attentively, made bolder and higher somersets and shouted more lustily.
Anna Sophia alone said nothing. Her tall, slender, but full form was
leaning against the tree--an inspired smile