His own company ran forward to follow his impetuous lead.

The others joined in rapidly.

Away they dashed down the side of the declivity, and in an instant more were swarming up the opposite side toward the astonished Rebels.

Among these divided councils reigned.

Some were excited snapping unloaded guns at the oncoming foe; others were fixing bayonets, and sturdily urging their comrades to do likewise, and meet the rushing wave of cold steel with a counter wave.
The weaker-hearted ones were already clambering up the mountain-side out of reach of harm.
There was no time for debate.