ls, where they reported
that the British army had been destroyed.

Adams' brigade were now brought up from the reserve, and drove back
the French infantry and cavalry who had come up to the top of the
crest beyond Hougoumont. On the other side Ney sent a column against
La Haye Sainte. The Germans made a gallant stand; but they were cut
off from all assistance, outnumbered, and were altogether without
ammunition; and although they defended themselves with their bayonets
to the end, they were slain almost to a man, and La Haye Sainte was
captured at last. But beyond this the French could not advance; and
though column after column moved forward to the attack on the crest,
they were each and all beaten back.

It was now nearly seven o'clock in the evening, and the Prussians were
engaged at St. Lambert, Napoleon having detached Lobau's corps to
arrest their progress. Their march had been a terrible one. They had
to traverse country roads softened by the rain; the men were up to
their ankles in mud, guns and carriages stuck fast, and it was not
until after tremendous efforts that the leading squadron of their
cavalry passed through the wood of Wavre and came in view of the
battle that was raging. It was then past four o'clock, and another
hour passed before any considerable number of infantry arrived. It was
at this time Napoleon sent Lobau against them. He was able for a time
to resist their advance; but as fresh troops came up from the rear the
Prussians began to win their way forward, and Napoleon was obliged to
send two more divisions of the Young Guard to check them.

He now saw that all was lost unless he could, before the whole of the
Prussian army arrived, break down the resistance of the British. He
therefore prepared for a final effort. Ney was to collect all his
infantry, and, advancing past La Haye Sainte, to fall upon the center
of the British line. The guard, who had hitherto been held in reserve,
was to pass Hougoumont and attack the left center. The cavalry were to
follow in support.

A cannonade even more heavy and terrible than before, for the guns of
the reserve had been brought up, opened upon the British, and the
squares were now melting away fast. But no reinforcements could be
sent to them, for the whole of the British troops were now in action,
and their allies had for the most part long before left the field.

Every gun was brought to the front, the remains of the cavalry
gathered together as a