In a few minutes the 7th had lost a third of their men, and half the 23d were down.

Not less was the storm of fire around the 33d.

Confused, bewildered and stunned by the dreadful din, Harry Archer struggled on with his company.

His voice was hoarse with shouting, though he himself could scarce hear the words he uttered.

His lips were parched with excitement and the acrid smell of gunpowder.