a short time the village burst
out into flames, completely hiding the troops on its farther side; then
the British were again caught sight of, after they had crossed the river
beyond the village, fighting their way up the slope, encountering the
fearful fire of the Russians, and small red spots could be discerned on
the ground over which they had passed.

Here and there the British redcoats could be distinguished fighting
their way up the hillside; but the broken nature of the ground hid the
larger number from sight, and it was impossible to discover how the
battle was going. Only at length it was seen that the banners of France
occupied the ground where the Russians had before stood; still some time
passed before they advanced. The Turks remained below, which was a good
sign, as it showed that their aid was not required. Now, far away, the
redcoats could be discerned scattered over the hillside. Could it be
that they were defeated? No; just then a long thin line, like a scarlet
thread, was seen amid the smoke, far, far away, moving up the slope, in
one spot having a parti-coloured hue.

"Those must be the Guards and Highlanders," exclaimed Tom. "My brother
Sidney will be in for it; I hope he'll escape, poor fellow. I wish I
could be there to help him, if he gets wounded."

Onward advanced that thin unbroken line up the hill; the brow was
reached, when there appeared in front of it a grey mass, which seemed
like a square patch of withered grass on the greener herbage. Many such
patches were seen sending forth wreaths of smoke from their midst. The
midshipmen guessed rightly that it was a column of Russian infantry.
From the red column issued a sheet of flame and smoke; not for one
moment did it cease. Minutes went by; now that parti-coloured portion
of the line reached the summit of the hill and moved on, smoke issuing
from it as it moved. The dark mass of the enormous Russian column began
to recede before it, at length breaking and scattering in all
directions.

The French, meantime, had disappeared, sweeping the enemy before them
over the hill, till they were lost to sight. The batteries, which had
been pouring their shot down on their assailants, had ceased their fire,
for those assailants had already stormed and captured them. The English
attack in front had been successful, and more troops, which had been
kept in reserve, went streaming up the hill. The whole British and
French armies had not onl