For a few minutes they were unmolested, then the course was again changed, and Charlie was beginning to think that, in the darkness, they would yet make their escape, when a dull heavy sound was heard in their rear.
"That's the Russian cavalry, Bowyer.

Take the musketeers on with you, and keep close to the company ahead.

I will break them up with the pikemen.

If they do come up to you, give them a volley and then continue your retreat with the rest." While the captains of the other two companies had placed their pikemen in the front line, Charlie had placed his in the rear, in order to repel any attack of cavalry from that direction.

He now formed them in a close clump, taking his place among them.