All day the fire continued with unabated fury on the side of the allies, the Russians replying intermittently.

Presently the news circulated through the camp that an assault would be made at six o'clock, and all officers and men of duty thronged the brow of the plateau, looking down upon the town.
At half-past six a body of French troops were observed to leave their trenches, and, in skirmishing order, to make their way towards the Mamelon.

The guns of the Russian fort roared out, but already the assailants were too close for these to have much effect.

Soon a great shout from the spectators on the hill proclaimed that the Zouaves, who always led the French attacks, had gained the parapet.

Then, from within, a host of figures surged up against the sky, and a curious conflict raged on the very summit of the work.