In a moment the hillside was wreathed with smoke.

With the greatest energy the French worked their guns, and the roar was continuous and terrible.
For a time the Russians seemed paralyzed by this tremendous fire; lying quietly in their sheltered subterranean caves, they had no thought of what was preparing for them, and the storm which burst upon them took them wholly by surprise.

Soon, however, they recovered from their astonishment, and steadily opened fire in return.

The English guns now joined their voices to the concert, and for two hours the storm of fire continued unabating on both sides.
After two hours and a half the din ceased, the French artillery-men waiting to allow their guns to cool.

At ten o'clock the French again exploded some mines, and for two hours renewed their cannonade as hotly as ever.