The
movement was an adroit one, for in the gathering darkness the enemy
in front would not be able to distinguish friends from foes, or to
perceive the nature of the movement. For a few minutes they were
unmolested, then the course was again changed, and Charlie was
beginning to think that, in the darkness, they would yet make their
escape, when a dull heavy sound was heard in their rear.
"That's the Russian cavalry, Bowyer. Take the musketeers on with
you, and keep close to the company ahead. I will break them up with
the pikemen. If they do come up to you, give them a volley and then
continue your retreat with the rest."
While the captains of the other two companies had placed their
pikemen in the front line, Charlie had placed his in the rear, in
order to repel any attack of cavalry from that direction. He now
formed them in a close clump, taking his place among them. The
Russian squadrons came along with a deep roll like that of thunder.
They were but thirty yards away when they perceived the little
cluster of men with levelled lances. A few, unable to check their
horses, rushed upon the points, but most of them reined in their
little steeds in time. In a moment, the Swedes were surrounded by a
wall of yelling horsemen, some of whom tried to break through the
hedge of spears, while others discharged their pistols.
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