The enemy's trenches are being pushed nearer and nearer, and there are still more of their guns to be brought to bear.

Our wall is breached; I marvel they have not already made an assault.

There is nothing for it but surrender, if we can obtain honourable terms of capitulation." "Nay, rather let us die sword in hand and face to foe!" cried Roche, with a sudden burst of enthusiasm.

"Let us make a last desperate sortie, and see if we cannot drive the enemy from their position.

Anything is better than dying here like rats in a hole! A forlorn hope is better than none.