Page 262 - A Jacobite Exile

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.

Charlie listened anxiously for the roll of a volley of musketry, but no sound

came, and he felt sure that the whole body of cavalry had halted round him,
and that his movement had saved the rest, who would now, if fortunate, be
able to make their way off in the darkness. But the men were falling now

from the pistol fire of the Cossacks, and, feeling that the work had been
done, he determined to make one effort to save the men with him.

"Level your spears, and charge through them shoulder to shoulder," he said.
"It is your only chance. Once through, throw away your spears, and break

up in the darkness. Most of you may escape.

"Now!"

With a shout, the Swedes rushed forward in a body. Horses and riders went

down before them. There was a rush from behind. Charlie shouted to the
rear rank, to face about, but in the confusion and din his words were

unheard. There was a brief struggle in the darkness. Charlie emptied his
pistols, and cut down more than one of his opponents, then a sword fell on
his shoulder, while at the same moment he was ridden over by a Cossack,

and was stunned by the force of his fall.

When he recovered consciousness, several men with torches were moving
about him, and, at the orders of an officer, were examining the bodies of the
fallen. He saw them pass their swords through the bodies of three of his

own men, who were lying near him, and as they came up to him he closed
his eyes, expecting a similar fate.

"This is an officer, captain," one of the torch bearers said in Russian.