push forward and attack the Prussian
centre.

Suddenly a wild cry was heard from the little street of the village: the
houses were in flames. The Prussians had thrown in heated shells, and
the wooden roofs of the cottages caught up the fire. For an instant all
became, as it were, panic-struck, and a confused movement of retreat was
begun: but the next moment order was restored; the sappers scaled the
walls of the burning houses, and with their axes severed the timbers,
and suffered the blazing mass to fall within the buildings.

But by this time the Prussians had re-formed their columns, and once
more advanced to the attack. The moment was in their favor: the disorder
of our ranks, and the sudden fear inspired by an unlooked-for danger
still continued, when they came on. Then, indeed, began a scene of
bloodshed the most horrible to witness: through the narrow streets,
within the gardens, the houses themselves, the combatants fought hand
to hand; neither would give way; neither knew on which side lay their
supporting columns. It was the terrible carnage of deadly animosity on
both sides.

Meanwhile the flames burst forth anew, and amid the crackling of the
burning timbers and the dense smoke of the lighted thatch, the fight
went on.

"Vandamme! Vandamme!" cried several voices, in ecstasy; "here come the
grenadiers!" And, true enough, the tall shakos peered through the blue
cloud.

"Hurrah for the Faubourg!" shouted a wild voltigeur, as he waved his cap
and sprang forward. "Let us not lose the glory now, boys!"

The appeal was not made in vain. From every window and doorway the men
leaped down into the street, and rushed at the Prussian column, which
was advancing at the charge. Suddenly the column opened, a rushing
sound was heard, and down with the speed of lightning rode a squadron
of cuirassiers. Over us they tore, sabring as they went, nor halted till
the head of Vandamme's column poured in a volley. Then wheeling, they
galloped back, trampling on our wounded, and dealing death with their
broadswords.

As for me, a sabre-cut in the head had stunned me; and while I leaned
for support against the wall of a house, a horseman tore past, and with
one vigorous cut he cleft open my shoulder. I staggered back and fell,
covered with bloody upon the door-sill. I saw our column pass on,
cheering, and heard the wild cry, "En avant I en avant!" swelling from
a thousand voices; and then, faint and exhausted, my senses re