red, some laughing, some horrified, some shouting, some swearing--a
long row of faces that swept through the smoke, following a line of
steel--a line of steel that flickered, waved, and dipped.




CHAPTER III

THE VICTORY

The bandmaster marshalled his music at the head of the column of
occupation which was to march into Louisburg. The game had been
admirably played. The victory was complete. There was no need to
occupy the trenches, for those who lay in them or near them would never
rally for another battle. The troops fell back behind the wood through
which they had advanced on the preceding day. They were to form upon
the road which had been the key of the advance, and then to march,
horse and foot in column, into Louisburg, the place of honour at the
head being given to those who had made the final charge to the last
trench and through the abattis. Gorged with what it had eaten, the
dusty serpent was now slothful and full of sleep. There was no longer
need for hurry. Before the middle of the morning the lines would start
on the march of the few short miles.

During the delay a young officer of engineers, Captain Edward Franklin
by name, asked permission of his colonel to advance along the line of
march until he came to the earthworks, to which he wished to give some
examination, joining his regiment as it passed beyond the
fortifications on its march. The colonel gave his consent, not