Onwards and onwards we advance, vomiting forth fire and smoke. Our great stature, our determined visages, our kilts and waving plumes, we learn afterwards from the wounded Russians, struck a strange terror to their inmost hearts. The two regiments effect this; but when still another—the 79th—comes bounding onwards, the columns of the enemy give way, and all along the hillsides rise our cheers of victory, mingled with the wailing of the defeated foe. The Ouglitz battalions are still to be defeated. But once more the Highland brigade—one and all of us—being re-formed, pours in its volleys, and the Ouglitz column is forced to flee.
* * * * *
Our victory was most complete, though our losses had everywhere been very great—that is, on the side of the British; the French suffered nothing in comparison with what we did.
Brave Sir Colin was everything to his men and officers. Indeed they fought as if the great master's eye was ever on them, and it is true that few acts of heroism escaped his notice.
Llewellyn's heart was filled therefore with a pride that positively brought tears to his eyes, when his chief complimented him on his valour.
"But," added Sir Colin with a kindly smile, as he placed his hand on the young soldier's shoulder, "one must always in battle be calm as well as brave, and at one time to-day I really thought my gallant boys of the 93rd had lost their heads."
* * * * *
Victory! Yes, a glorious victory! When the news came to England, and to Scotland, Ireland, and Wales—for did we not all take our share in this memorable battle?—people went positively daft with joy. Yet I fear there was a good deal of braggadocio mixed up with the general rejoicing.
The bells were set a-ringing; there were more balls and parties over it than if it had been Christmas, and thanksgiving was heard in every pulpit throughout the land.
But those who had sons, brothers, husbands, or fathers at the far-off war, went in anxious suspense for the account of the killed and wounded. And sorrow came at last, and there was weeping and wailing in many a family.