"
Thus, in the interval between two combats, but always under a galling
and destructive fire, they joked and bandied words with a freedom that
discipline would not have tolerated at any other time.
"I think, colonel, I could bring up the rations: biscuits and cold
pork, anyhow," suggested Hyde.
"And the grog-tub: don't forget that, sergeant" cried a fresh voice.
"By all means, Hyde, get us what you can," replied Blythe; "the men
are all fasting, and some sort of a meal would be very good for them,
only you must keep a sharp look-out for us. We may not be still here
when you return."
This Sandbag Battery, which for the moment the Royal Picts still held,
was the object of ceaseless contention that day. Although at best but
an empty prize, useful to neither side, because its parapet was too
high to be fired over, the battery was lost and won, captured and
recaptured, constantly during the battle.
Even now the Russians, regaining heart, had made it the first aim of
their fresh attack.
General Dannenberg, who was now in chief command, had a twofold
object: he was resolved to press the centre of the English position
and at the same time vigorously attack the right, throwing all his
weight first upon the Sandbag Battery.
The small force under General Wilders, which included the Royal Picts,
soon began to feel the stress of this renewed onslaught.
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