An _estafette_ came with an order to evacuate the plateau, and to save the artillery.

No time was lost.
Fortunately, at this moment the enemy's fire also slackened; and the preparations for a retreat were hurriedly made.

The guns were taken from their carriages, the baggage was laden on the carts, and the munition on the waggons.

The soldiers strapped on their knapsacks, struck their tents, and harnessed the horses.

All this was not accomplished without difficulty, for it had to be done noiselessly and in the dark, for all the fires had been put out.