e was held at bay.

But the left of the ridge was still menaced, although the centre was
cleared. On this flank Pennefather disposed of some new troops, also
of the Fourth Division: the 63rd and part of the 21st.

He rode up to their head and made them a short but stirring address.

"Now, Sixty-third, let's see what metal you are made of! The enemy is
close upon you: directly you see them, fire a volley and charge!"

His answer was a vehement cheer. The 63rd fired as it was ordered, and
then drove the Russians down the hill.

One more trial awaited Pennefather at this period of the battle. His
right, on the Home Ridge, was now assailed; but here again the 20th,
with their famous Minden yell--an old historical war-cry, always
cherished and secretly practised in the corps--met and overcame the
enemy. They were actively supported by the 57th, the gallant
"Diehards," a title they had earned at Albuera, one of the bloodiest
of the Peninsular fights.

Thus, for the second time, Pennefather stood victorious on the ground
he so obstinately held. After two hours of incessant fighting the
Russians had made no headway. But although twice repulsed they had
inflicted terrible losses on our people. They had still in hand
substantial supports untouched; they had brought up more and more
guns; they were as yet far from despondent, and their generals might
still count upon making an impression by sheer weight of numbers
alone.

As for ourselves, the English were almost at the end of their
resources. There were no fresh troops to bring up; only the Third
Division remained in reserve, and it was fully occupied in guarding
the trenches.

The French, it is true, could have thrown the weight of many
thousands into the scale; but General Canrobert had not set his more
distant divisions in motion, and the only troops that could affect the
struggle--Bosquet's--were still far to the rear.

In the contest that was now to be renewed the balance between the
offensive forces was more than ever unequal.

Dannenberg gathered together upon the northern slopes of Mount
Inkerman some 17,000 men, partly those who had been already defeated,
but were by no means disheartened, and partly perfectly fresh troops.
On the other hand, Pennefather's force was reduced to a little over
3,000, to which a couple of French regiments might now be added, 1,600
strong. The Russians had a hundred guns in position; the allies barely
half that number.

Yet in