Page:Napoleon (O'Connor 1896).djvu/428

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Napoleon.

pended on obtaining possession of the ground in front of the wood—the sand here by the border of the grass,' the captain threw his glove over to the spot indicated—'Ney, you see, calls up the reserve brigade of Milhaud's cuirassiers, and hurls himself at the enemy. Presently his men were seen upon the heights, and already the people around the Emperor were shouting 'Victoire!' 'It is an hour too late,' answered Napoleon. As he now saw that the Marshal in his new position was suffering much from the enemy's fire, he determined to go to his assistance, and, at the same time, to try to crush Wellington at one blow. He chose, for the execution of this plan, Kellermann's famous dragoons and the heavy cavalry of the guard. Now comes one of the crucial moments of the fight. You must come out here upon the battlefield!' Cousin Hans at once arose from the bench, and took the position the captain pointed out to him. 'Now you are Wellington!' Cousin Hans drew himself up. 'You are standing there on the plain with the greater part of the English infantry. Here comes the whole of the French cavalry rushing down upon you. Milhaud has joined Kellermann; they form an illimitable multitude of horses, breastplates, plumes, and shining weapons. Surround yourself with a square!' Cousin Hans stood for a moment bewildered; but presently he understood the captain's meaning. He hastily drew a square