A high terrace facing the hill had been converted by the enemy into a fortress, which commanded the cemetery, and which the yagers were now pressing forward to take.

The charge was gallantly led, but after a fierce struggle, in which the assailants exhausted their ammunition, and the engagement became a hand-to-hand fight, the Austrians were driven back in confusion.
Manasseh's battalion was then commanded to charge the terrace, from which the enemy's battery was dealing such deadly destruction, and to capture and hold the _Madonna della Scoperta_.

The major gave the necessary orders, but it was to Manasseh that every eye was turned at this critical moment.

Had he but shaken his head the whole battalion would have stood still and refused to advance a step.

If he said the word, however, his comrades would follow him, and attempt the impossible.
Manasseh looked up at the clouded heavens above, and breathed a sigh.
The hour had come when he must bow before the iron will of destiny.