Huge shells and balls raked the fort once more and the defenders crouched lower than ever in the trenches.
Harry surmised that the new cannonade was intended mainly to prevent a possible return attack by the Southern troops, but they were too cautious to venture from their earthworks.

The Invincibles had grown many years older in a few hours.
When it became evident that no sally would be made from the fort, the fire of the cannon in front ceased, and the smoke lifted, disclosing a field black with the slain.

Harry looked, shuddered and refused to look again.

But Colonel Talbot examined field and forest long and anxiously through his glasses.
"They are there yet, and they will remain," he announced at last.
"We have beaten back the assault.

They may hold us here until a great army comes, and with heavy loss to them, but we are yet besieged.
Carrington will not let us rest.