The Keepers of the People

1390As soon as he was clear of the press, Prince Ralph sent messenger after messenger to the commanders of the batteries bidding them hasten up; and set about getting his disorganised mob of horse and foot into such order as the darkness allowed, A regiment of infantry from the Varandal left marched up in column; and finding them in hand, he sent three companies into the gorge in skirmishing order. It was all black darkness, and the Russians, rats in a corner, resisted fiercely. Firing along the woods told of fugitives in the plain; and as fast as he could form them he sent squadrons of horse to scour it. Then one battery, and then the other came up, and were soon shelling the gorge. The Varandal infantry little by little fell into some sort of order, and he ranged a line of companies across the gorge, ready against a rush. Then he sent five squadrons of horse to seize the pass if they could, at any rate to cut off any fugitives who came to its foot. The Russians in the gorge soon ceased firing: they found that the flashes gave the Varandal gunners the range. There was nothing more to be done till the dawn gave them light; and leaving Colonel Sayers to see to it, Prince Ralph rode up to the palace.