Colonel von Landesberg gave a searching look at the situation.
"If this spot remains undefended," he said to his adjutant, "the enemy will penetrate our position, and divide our forces."
"So it seems to me, colonel," replied the adjutant. "I cannot see why it is to be abandoned,--however, the general staff--"
The colonel gnawed his moustache.
"It is impossible to give up this position to the enemy," he said, half to himself.
His eyes flashed, and he pulled in his horse suddenly.
"Battalion, halt!" he shouted.
The command was repeated along the ranks; the battalion halted. With excited faces the grenadiers awaited further orders from their leader.
"Right about turn!" he cried.
A thundering shout of joy broke as from one mouth along the ranks, and in an instant the grenadiers had fronted.