"Certainly, no one would grudge you the duty." One night, when there had been but little opposition during the day, Lisle was posted on a hill where the picket consisted of ten men; five of whom were on the crest, while the other five lay down in the snow.

The day had been a hard one, and Lisle was less watchful than usual.

It seemed to him that he had not closed his eyes for a minute, as he leant on his rifle; but it must have been much longer, for he suddenly started with a feeling that something was wrong, and saw a number of dark figures advancing along the crest towards him.

He at once fired a shot, and fell back upon the next sentry.

Dropping behind rocks, they answered the fire which the enemy had already opened upon them.
The whole picket quickly gathered and, for a time, checked the advance of the enemy; but these were too numerous to be kept at a distance, and parties of them pressed forward on each flank.
"We must retire till we can find better shelter," the sub-officer in command said.