"London." The actors were all sailors of the brigade, the ladies' parts being taken by young boatswains' mates.

Two thousand spectators closely packed were present, and the performance was immensely enjoyed in spite of the fact that the shell from the Russian long-range guns occasionally burst in the neighborhood of the theatre.
The French had now pushed forward their trenches so far that from their front sap they could absolutely touch the abattis of the Malakoff.

On the 3d the Russians made a sortie, and some heavy fighting took place in the trenches.

The time was now at hand when the last bombardment was to commence.

The French began it early on the morning of the 5th.