ts, the fresh men did not recognise us, and, by taking care not
to keep near the same persons longer than we could help, we were carried
on till we caught sight of our own men directly in front of us; and the
Russians thinking we were going to lead them against their foes, we were
able, without a blow aimed at us, to leap into the midst of our
friends."

"It was indeed a wonderful escape," said Tom; "but I wish you would let
us stop and help you; we could use our rifles as well as your men."

To this the officer would not consent, again urging them to make good
their retreat while they could do so without risk. After going a little
way up the valley, they began to ascend the steep side of the hill to a
place where they were protected from the shot which flew high over the
heads of the gallant band below. On reaching the summit, they saw
before them a battery manned by English sailors. They made their way
into it, and as it was upon high ground, they could see, on their right,
vast masses of Russians, who, having driven back the English
skirmishers, now crowned the top of a high hill. The enemy soon
afterwards, bringing up several field-pieces, began to fire at the
English brigade in their front. Scarcely had they begun to do so than
the English guns rapidly replied, their shot taking fearful effect upon
the closely-pressed body of Russians, which seemed rent and torn in
every direction by the iron showers hurled into their midst. For some
time the Russians stood their ground bravely, and, more masses coming
on, they threatened not only to cut off the gallant little band in the
valley below, but to surround the battery in which the midshipmen were
posted, and towards which several of the enemy's guns were now directed.
The shot came flying into and around it; the bluejackets who manned the
guns returned the fire with interest. But first one was struck, then
another and another, and there appeared every probability that the
battery would be overwhelmed.

Dangerous as was the position into which the midshipmen had got, they
were ashamed to retreat. Several more men had been killed, when a
sergeant hurried into the battery, ordering the naval officer in command
to spike his guns and retreat. "When my captain directs me to do so, I
will obey," was the answer. "In the meantime, this gun will be of
service." As he spoke, the Russians, who had been driven from the hill
on the right, were seen climbing up the sides