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The French were already near. Prince Andrew, walking beside

Bagration, could clearly distinguish their bandoliers, red

epaulets, and even their faces. (He distinctly saw an old French

officer who, with gaitered legs and turned-out toes, climbed the

hill with difficulty.) Prince Bagration gave no further orders

and silently continued to walk on in front of the ranks. Suddenly

one shot after another rang out from the French, smoke appeared

all along their uneven ranks, and musket shots sounded. Several

of our men fell, among them the round-faced officer who had

marched so gaily and complacently. But at the moment the first

report was heard, Bagration looked round and shouted, "Hurrah!"

"Hurrah-ah!-ah!" rang a long-drawn shout from our ranks, and

passing Bagration and racing one another they rushed in an

irregular but joyous and eager crowd down the hill at their

disordered foe.

CHAPTER XIX