Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol 6.djvu/477

THE MAIN FIGHT. 433 in the centre, with the rest of his force, undertook CH a F. VI t(j assail it in front. He advanced with his men '. __ at a run. The opposing battery soon opened upon ^^ "^* him with canister, but disabled only a few of his men, and the onset continued unchecked. The two dissentient companies did not long remain halted on the ground where Acton had left them, but, on the contrary, worked their way steadily up in the direction of the battery ; and it is evident that, although not concerted with Acton, this ad- vance of troops on both his right and left rear must have helped to mask his real weakness from the eyes of the enemy. Moreover, Horsford, under orders from Haines, was already advancing towards the ground which had been reached by the two dissentient companies : and this was not all ; for a distant yet formidable power now began to ])artake of the combat. First one, then another of the miglity 18-poiinder shot flew whanging over the heads of our soldiery to strike at the same hapless battery which they were assailing ; and, Acton's men st ill tearing on- ward to attack it in front and flank, the enemy's artillery officers could no longer keep down their fear that the guns, unless instantly moved, might fall into the hands of our people. One of their guns had been already dismounted. In an instant, teams of horses appeared, and besides the? artillery- men — now limbering up in all haste — a concourse of soldiers brought up for the purpose was throng- ing the rear of the 1)attery, and helping to save it Toiling thus under fire, the TJussians every mo- VOL. VI. 2 E