The enemy's sharpshooters appeared on the other side of the river.
"Skirmishers, forward!" cried Colonel von Landesberg.
The lines opened out with exemplary precision, and in a short time the Hanoverian skirmishers were close to the river, received by the fire of the enemy.
Several grenadiers fell; but the firing from the Hanoverian lines was so certain and regular, that the most advanced of the enemy's sharpshooters soon sought cover, and replied but feebly.
The second battalion of guards had come up in the meantime. Colonel von Alten galloped up to Colonel von Landesberg, who had ridden down to the river, and was in the midst of his men.
"What is going on here?" asked Alten; "is the plan for the day changed?"
"You see this spot," said Colonel von Landesberg,--"it must not be taken, and I mean to hold it."
"Have you received an order?" asked Colonel von Alten.
"I do not want an order, for I see that the fate of the day and of the army depends on its being kept," cried Landesberg. "Fire!"
The report of fire-arms rolled along the line.