THE BATTLE OF CLISSOW 269

But more troops were gathering to bar their way, and the
major changed the line of march sharply to the right,
sweeping along by the side of the force through which they
had just cut their way, the musketeers on the flank firing
into them as they passed. ‘The movement was an adroit
one, for in the gathering darkness the enemy in front would
not be able to distinguish friends from foes, or to perceive
the nature of the movement. For a few minutes they were
unmolested, then the course was again changed, and Charlie
was beginning to think that in.the darkness they would yet
make their escape, when a dull heavy sound was heard in
their rear.

“That's the Russian cavalry, Bowyer; take the musket-
eers on with you, and keep close to the company ahead.
I will break them up with the pikemen. Tf they do come
up to you, give them a volley and then continue your
retreat with the rest.”

While the captains of the other two companies had placed
their pikemen in the front line, Charlie had placed his in
the rear, in order to repel any attack of cavalry from that
direction. He now formed them in a close clump, taking
his place among them. ‘The Russian squadrons came along
with a deep roll like that of thunder. ‘They were but thirty
yards away when they perceived the little cluster of men
with levelled lances. A few, unable to check their horses,
tushed upon the points, but most of them reined in their
little steeds in time. In a moment the Swedes were sur-
rounded by a wall of yelling horsemen, some of whom tried
to break through the hedge of spears, while others dis-
charged their pistols. Charlie listened anxiously for the
roll of a volley of musketry, but no sound came, and he
felt sure that the whole body of cavalry had halted round
him, and that his movement had saved the rest, who would
now, if fortunate, be able to make their way off in the
darkness. But the men were falling now from the pistol-