The little band cautiously left their shelter, and set diligently to work on the hill of dead bodies.

But in spite of the growing darkness they were observed by the French, who began their fire anew, and a few minutes later no living soul was left on the field.
The captain and Wilhelm were now the only remaining officers of the battalion.

The former cried: "Who--will volunteer ?" and was surrounded by a dozen brave fellows.

Wilhelm was not among them.

He stood leaning on his sword against the half-frozen side of the pit, observing with sorrowful expression what was going on around him.