In the gloom of that early hour the men must have thought that they were charged by cavalry.

The column was dashed out of all military order as effectively as if a regiment of dragoons had ridden over them.

When the cyclone had passed, and the men had with many a muttered curse gathered themselves into their ranks once more, they realised how grave was the misfortune which had befallen them.

There, where those mad hoofs still rattled in the distance, were their spare cartridges, their shells, and their cannon.

A mountain gun is not drawn upon wheels, but is carried in adjustable parts upon mule-back.