"They are coming on again and in great numbers, sir," said McKay to
his general.
"I see, and menacing both our flanks. We shall be surrounded and
swallowed up if we don't take care."
"Some support ought to be near by this time, sir," replied McKay.
"Ride back, and see. I don't want to be outflanked."
McKay retired and presently came upon two battalions of Guards,
Grenadiers and Fusiliers, advancing under the command of the Duke of
Cambridge.
"General Wilders, sir, is very hard pressed in the Sandbag Battery,"
said McKay, briefly.
"I'll march at once to his aid," replied the duke, promptly.
"Sir George Cathcart and part of the Fourth Division are coming up,
and not far off," added one of the staff; "we won't wait for any one.
Ride on ahead, sir,"--this was to McKay,--"and let your general know
he is about to be supported by her Majesty's Guards."
CHAPTER XVII.
A COSTLY VICTORY.
Now followed one of the fiercest and bloodiest episodes of the day.
Wilders had made the best show with his little band and clung
tenaciously to the battery yet. The Russians came on and on, with
stubborn insistence, and all along the line a hand-to-hand fight
ensued. Numbers told at length, and the small garrison was slowly
forced back, after enduring serious loss.
Pages:
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186