For an hour they rode on, and then some distance ahead of the column they heard the report of a shot.
"The Cossacks have got sight of us," Mr.Myers said.

"We shall soon learn if the Russians have any troops in the neighborhood." Presently a scattered fire was opened from the walls of a country house, standing embowered in trees on an eminence near what appeared to be the mouth of the valley.

The officer in command of the party dismounted one of the squadrons, and sent the men up in skirmishing order against the house.

Two other squadrons trotted down the valley, and the rest remained in reserve.

A sharp musketry conflict went on for a short time around the chateau.