It's quite heartbreaking."
"And will nothing more be tried to-day?"
"I fear not, although Lord Raglan is quite ready; but the French are
very dispirited. Goodness knows how it will end! The only slice of
luck is Eyre's getting in here; but I doubt if he can remain."
"Why not?"
"The enemy's fire is too galling, and it appears to be on the
increase."
"I fancy they are bringing the ships' broadsides to bear."
"Yes, and we are bound to suffer severely. But you, McKay; I see you
are wounded. We must try and get you to the rear."
"Never mind me," said McKay, pluckily; "I will take my chance and wait
my turn."
The chance did not come for many hours. Eyre's brigade continued to be
terribly harassed; they were not strong enough to advance, yet they
stoutly refused to retire. The enemy's fire continued to deal havoc
amongst them; many officers and men were struck down; General Eyre
himself was wounded severely in the head.
All this time they waited anxiously for support, but none appeared. At
length, as night fell, Colonel Adams, who had succeeded Eyre in the
command, reluctantly decided to fall back.
The retreat was carried out slowly and in perfect order, without
molestation from the enemy. Now at last the wounded were removed on
stretchers as carefully and tenderly as was possible.
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