He formed them in single line now.
"Don't fire a shot until I give the word," he said; "then pour in your volley, fix bayonets instantly, and charge." Standing in the shade as they did, the movement of loading was unobserved by the peasants, who, as they saw the line again advancing, prepared to meet them, but gave a yell of surprise when a terrible volley was poured into them at a distance of twenty yards.

Then, before they had recovered from their surprise, the long line was upon them with levelled bayonets.

Only a few stood their ground.

These were instantly overthrown.

The rest, throwing away their weapons, fled in all directions.
"Thank God that is over!" Hector said, as he told the troops to halt and reload.