Some entered the abandoned houses whose doors the dragoons
had forced in order to utilize the upper floors. All seemed satisfied to
be able to rest, even though they might soon have to fight. The officer
went from group to group giving his orders. They must not fire till he
gave the word.
Don Marcelo watched these preparations with the immovability of
surprise. So rapid and noiseless had been the apparition of the
stragglers that he imagined he must still be dreaming. There could be
no danger in this unreal situation; it was all a lie. And he remained
in his place without understanding the deputy who was ordering his
departure with roughest words. Obstinate civilian! . . .
The reverberation of the explosion had filled the highway with horsemen.
They were coming from all directions, forming themselves into the
advance group. The Uhlans were galloping around under the impression
that the village was abandoned.
"Fire!"
Desnoyers was enveloped in a rain of crackling noises, as though the
trunks of all the trees had split before his eyes.
The impetuous band halted suddenly. Some of their men were rolling on
the ground. Some were bending themselves double, trying to get across
the road without being seen. Others remained stretched out on their
backs or face downward with their arms in front. The riderless horses
were racing wildly across the fields with reins dragging, urged on by
the loose stirrups.
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