However this may be, in an instant there crashed out of the darkness into their faces and ears a roar of point-blank fire, and the night was slashed across with the throbbing flame of the rifles.

At the moment before this outflame some doubt as to their whereabouts seems to have flashed across the mind of their leaders.

The order to extend had just been given, but the men had not had time to act upon it.

The storm of lead burst upon the head and right flank of the column, which broke to pieces under the murderous volley.
Wauchope was shot, struggled up, and fell once more for ever.

Rumour has placed words of reproach upon his dying lips, but his nature, both gentle and soldierly, forbids the supposition.