There was an end to retreats.

They saw the enemy and they were eager to rush upon him.
The pulses in Harry's temples were beating hard.

He already considered himself a veteran of battle, but he could not see it near without feeling excitement.

A long line of fire had extended across the valley.
White puffs of smoke arose like innumerable jets of steam.

The crackle of the rifles was incessant and at the distance sounded like the ripping of heavy cloth.
Then came a deep heavy crash that made the earth tremble.