He, the apostle of peace, must plunge into the midst of bloody strife.

"Thy will be done!" he murmured, then advanced to the front of the battalion, and turned to address his comrades.
"Forward!" They obeyed him with alacrity, singing as they advanced, "A mighty fortress is our God," and so began the assault.
Not a shot was fired as they pushed forward at double-quick in the face of a murderous artillery discharge from the terrace above.

Gaining the foot of the scarp, they planted their bayonets in the earthern wall, and so mounted the rampart, those behind helping up those in front.

As they sang the last stanza of their hymn, the _Madonna della Scoperta_ was taken--without the firing of a single shot.

The major of the battalion was beside himself with pride and exultation.