THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER. 49

and then helped to liberate the light infantry. In another
instant, thesewere free;
and, well knowing how
useful cavalry is in a
battle, they hastened
to release the hussars,
who began to canter
gaily about, and range
; themselves four deep
eee ee upon the flanks.
But if the regular troops ¥ were thus somewhat behind-
hand, in consequence '
of the excellent dis-
cipline in which Fritz
maintained them, they 4
speedily repaired the §
lost time: for infantry,
cavalry, and artillery
began to descend with the fury of an avalanche, amidst the
plaudits of Miss Rose and Miss Clara, who clapped their
hands as they passed, and encouraged them with their voices,
as the ladies from whom
they were descended
most likely were wont
to do in the days of
ancient chivalry.
Meantime the king ot
the mice perceived that
She had to encounter an
entire army. In fact,
the Nut-cracker was in
the centre with his sellant band of militia; on the left was
the regiment of hussar; 8, waiting only the moment to charge;
on the right was stationed a formidable battalion of infantry;
while, upon a footstool which commanded the entire scene of
battle, was a park of ten cannon. In addition to these

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