Meanwhile a great bustle rose. The Eighth Westphalian regiment had
just come up and, while the batteries moved rapidly back toward the
village in the rear, the former, led by the general in person, dashed
down into the ravine to the aid of their sorely imperilled companions.
The French recoiled before the shock and a large number of the
prisoners were recaptured. Yet the first assault did not succeed in
dislodging the foe; the French obstinately maintained their position at
the foot of the opposite height, and when attacked there, amid great
loss, with the bayonet, retired step by step up the scarf and again
made a stand at its top. A double flank movement of the Westphalians,
however, compelled them to retire somewhat quickly, and the latter,
stimulated by the sight, pressed after them cheering.
But this favourable turn did not last long. During the struggle for
the possession of the valley, the foe had not remained inactive. New
masses of infantry were brought up, and in the distance cavalry
appeared, moving slowly forward.
Prince Louis had watched the course of the battle with increasing
excitement, feeling his heart alternately beat joyously with twofold
rapidity and then contract in pain till it seemed to stop.
Pages:
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146