Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol 6.djvu/176

132 THE BATTLE OF INKERMAN. CHAP. Amongst the siinniscs which aimed at an ex- Vf ' planatiou of the result, one was that from the i$t Period, apparition of a single horseman coming suddenly ont from behind the mist, and galloping into their ranks, the Kussians inferred a great charge of cavalry delivered against their unprepared flank ; but, whatever might be the particular form of their dominant apprehension, they plainly were taken by surprise. Some indeed, it is true, held firm for a while, defending themselves with the bayonet as well as with fire, but the great bulk of them stood and looked helpless with the air of soldiers brave yet bewildered, and seeking in vain for guidance. Then, however, a change supervened. Whether owing to guidance ob- tained or to a recovered consciousness of their huge ascendant in numbers, the Russians for a moment took heart and began to close in upon our people. Engulfed at one time in a multitude on all sides crowding round it, this flank company of the 77th suffered heavy losses, and Captain Nicholson — an officer of great stature and strength — who had led its attack, fell slain at an early moment. Soon, however, the enemy's encom- passing troops began to loosen their pressure, to disengage themselves from the strife, and presently, indeed, to fall back ; whilst on the other hand, those of his soldiery who had been foremost in the turning movement, and had not been directly assailed, now judged, it would seem, that they were hopelessly cut off, for they laid down their arms and gave themselves up as prisoners.