The colonel rode to the front, angrily gave some reply to questions put to him by the officers, and, like a man desperately insisting on having his own way, gave an order.

No one said anything definite, but the rumor of an attack spread through the squadron.

The command to form up rang out and the sabers whizzed as they were drawn from their scabbards.

Still no one moved.

The troops of the left flank, infantry and hussars alike, felt that the commander did not himself know what to do, and this irresolution communicated itself to the men.