Word was passed down that the rapid Swedish march was to be moderated, and that they were to move carelessly and at a slow rate, as if fatigued by a long march, and that the spears were to be carried at the trail, as they were so much longer than those used by the Russians that their length would, if carried erect, at once betray the nationality of the troops.  There was no attempt at concealment, for the cavalry would be visible for a considerable distance across the flat country.  Considerable bodies of men could be seen, gathered round fires at a distance of not more than a quarter of a mile on either hand, but, as the column passed between them, there was no sign of any stir.

In a short time, the order was passed for the troops to form from column into line, and the cavalry officer who brought it said that there was a Russian battery erected right across the road, a little more than a quarter of a mile ahead.

“Things look better, Captain Carstairs,” the lieutenant said, as the company, which happened to be leading, fell into line.

“Yes, I have no doubt we shall take their battery, coming down, as we do, upon its rear.  The question is, are there any intrenchments ahead?  Major Sion told us, when we halted, that the peasant assured him that there were no works beyond it, and that it was the weakest point of the line; but it is three days since he came out from Notteburg, and, working hard as the Russians evidently do, they may have pushed on their intrenchments far in advance of the battery by this time.”

The force halted for a moment.  The guns were unlimbered, turned round, and loaded.  Then the line of cavalry opened right and left, the four pieces poured a discharge of grape into the Russians, clustered thickly in the battery four hundred yards away, and then, with a shout, the Swedish cavalry charged, the infantry coming on at a run behind them.

The surprise was complete.  With cries of terror, the Russians for the most part leapt from the battery and fled, and the few who attempted to defend their guns were sabred by the cavalry.

“There are other works ahead!” Major Sion exclaimed, as, sitting on his horse, he looked over the parapet, “and bodies of troops scattered all about.  Push forward, men, at a double, and do you, Captain Sherlbach, cut a way for us with your cavalry.”

The sun had set a few minutes before the guns were fired, and Charlie, as he led his men over the earthwork, and saw the Russian lines in front, congratulated himself upon the fact that, in another half hour, it would be quite dark.  As they approached the next line of works, a scattering fire of musketry opened upon them, but the aim was wide, and without loss they reached the work.  The Russians, though inferior in numbers, defended themselves obstinately, and continually received reinforcements of bodies of men, running up from all sides.  In five minutes the Swedes cleared the works of them, but, as they prepared to advance again, they saw a large body of horse riding down to bar their advance, while numbers of footmen were running to occupy some intrenchments ahead of them.  Trumpets were sounding to the right, left, and rear.