Felix sprang up cheerfully, and in a short time we had placed ourselves
in attendance on our chief, who greeted us with his usual grave but
kindly smile.

"Let us commend our souls to God, gentlemen," he said reverently, "and
beseech Him to strengthen our hearts in the approaching encounter."

It may have been pure fancy on my part, but as we rode along the lines I
seemed to miss that air of cheerful confidence which had been so evident
at Roche Abeille. The men greeted their general with cheers, and I had
no doubt they would do their duty; but they lacked that eager vivacity
which goes so far toward winning victory.

Across the plain the enemy were drawn up in two lines with their
artillery posted on a hill, and about eight o'clock the first cannon
ball came booming toward us. Instantly our guns replied, and a fierce
artillery duel which lasted throughout the battle began.

"Their guns are heavier than ours, and carry a farther distance," I
observed to Felix.

"It matters little," replied he; "the battle will be decided by the
sword. I wonder when we are going to advance?"

"Not at all, I expect. The Admiral has chosen his ground"--though there
was little choice for that matter--"and intends to stand on the
defensive."

"That may suit the Germans well enough, but our own men do not like