"It was a great ambush, and it's succeeding so far." "But we must hold them! We must find some way to hold them!" cried the colonel.
He said more, but it was lost in the tremendous uproar of the firing and the shouting.

All the officers were dismounted--their horses already had been taken by the enemy--and now, waving their swords, they walked up and down in front of the lines, seeking to encourage their own troops.
Despite the surprise and the attack from two sides, the men in blue sustained their courage and made a stubborn fight.

Nevertheless the attack in both front and flank was fatal.

Again and again they sought to hold a position, but always they were driven from it, leaving behind more dead and wounded and more prisoners.
Dick's heart sank.

It was bitter to see a defeat, after so many victories.