r, and would at the
eleventh hour order up the cannon, and take those steps which might
ensure success, the tide of battle might soon be turned. Yet no man
felt any confidence in him as a leader, and it was only the
ignorant soldiers, unaware of what lay before them, who rose to
greet the coming day with hope and confidence in their hearts.

But it was something that they should start forth with so high a
courage. Even if they were going to their death, it was better they
should believe that they were marching forth to victory. They
cheered lustily as they received the order, which was to carry the
breastwork by a bayonet charge; and only the Rangers saw the grim
smile which crossed the face of Rogers as he heard that word given.

Yet he and his gallant band of Rangers were in the van. They did
not shrink from the task before them, although they knew better
than others the perils and difficulties by which it was beset. They
had widened the path; they led the way. There was no more confusion
in the line of march.

The General remained behind at the sawmills, to direct the
operations of the whole army, as there were other slighter
enterprises to be undertaken upon the same day, though the assault
of the protecting rampart was the chief one. News was to be brought
to him at short intervals of the course the fight was taking. It
was Rogers' great hope that he would soon be made aware of the
impossibility of the task he had set his soldiers, and would send
instant and urgent orders for the cannon to be brought up to the
aid of his foot soldiers.

Full of hope and confidence the columns pressed forward, till
shortly after midday they emerged from the shelter of the forest,
and saw before them the broken space of open ground, with its
encumbering mass of stumps and fallen timber, and behind that the
grim rampart, where all looked still as death. They formed into
line quickly and without confusion and then, with an enthusiastic
cheer, made a dash for the barrier.

The Rangers and light infantry in front began to fire as they
advanced; but the main body of soldiers held their bayonets in
position, and strove after an orderly advance. But over such ground
order was impossible. They had to clamber, to scramble, to cut
their way as best they could. The twigs and branches blinded them;
they fell over the knotted roots; they became disordered and
scattered, though their confidence remained unshaken.

Then suddenly, when they