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+Project Gutenberg's The Great War in England in 1897, by William Le Queux
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Great War in England in 1897
+
+Author: William Le Queux
+
+Illustrator: Cyril Field
+
+Release Date: September 18, 2011 [EBook #37470]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive.)
+
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+
+
+    THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897
+
+
+
+
+    _First Edition_         _July 1894._
+    _Second Edition_        _July 1894._
+    _Edition de Luxe_       _July 1894._
+    _Third Edition_         _August 1894._
+    _Fourth Edition_        _August 1894._
+    _Fifth Edition_         _September 1894._
+    _Sixth Edition_         _October 1894._
+    _Seventh Edition_       _November 1894._
+    _Eighth Edition_        _December 1894._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BOMBARDMENT OF LONDON: "IN LUDGATE HILL THE SCENE
+WAS AWFUL."]
+
+
+
+
+    THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897
+
+    BY
+    WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.
+
+    AUTHOR OF
+    "GUILTY BONDS" "STRANGE TALES OF A NIHILIST" "CONDEMNED TO SILENCE"
+    "THE STOLEN SOUL" ETC.
+
+    _ILLUSTRATED BY CAPTAIN CYRIL FIELD, R.M.L.I.
+    AND T. S. C. CROWTHER_
+
+    ELEVENTH EDITION
+
+    LONDON
+    TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED
+    95, MINORIES, E.C.
+    1895
+
+    [_All Rights Reserved_]
+
+
+
+
+    TO
+    MY FRIEND
+    ALFRED CHARLES HARMSWORTH
+    A GENEROUS EDITOR AND PATRIOTIC ENGLISHMAN
+    I INSCRIBE THIS FORECAST
+    OF
+    THE COMING WAR
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO NINTH EDITION
+
+
+In writing this book it was my endeavour to bring vividly before the
+public the national dangers by which we are surrounded, and the absolute
+necessity which lies upon England to maintain her defences in an
+adequate state of efficiency. That my effort has been successful, is
+proved alike by the fact that eight editions of the work have already
+been exhausted, and by the commendatory and highly gratifying terms in
+which it has been criticised by prominent statesmen and leading naval
+and military experts, including the Commander-in-Chief of the British
+Army. Some professional critics have, it is true, questioned certain
+prophetic details concerning naval warfare, but I think the best
+possible answer to them is furnished by the results of recent battles in
+Chinese waters, which, it is admitted, present to us very serious
+object-lessons. A few passages I have revised in order to bring the
+events more thoroughly up to date, and in sending my forecast forth
+again it is accompanied by a devout hope that ere it be too late our
+present insecurity will be remedied, that a national disaster may thus
+be prevented, and that England may ever retain her supremacy upon the
+sea.
+
+    WILLIAM LE QUEUX.
+    LONDON, _March_ 1895.
+
+
+
+
+CRITICISM BY LORD ROBERTS
+
+
+    UNITED SERVICE CLUB,
+    PALL MALL, W.
+
+DEAR SIR,--I have read with considerable interest your vivid account of
+the dangers to which the loss of our naval supremacy may be expected to
+expose us, and the means by which you think we should be able to
+extricate ourselves from those dangers. I hardly like to criticise a
+work which, to be effective, must to a great extent be imaginative, but
+on one or two points I would venture to offer a few remarks:--
+
+_First_, You refer to the assistance the Home Army might receive from
+India and the Colonies. I feel confident that in such an emergency as
+you portray, the Colonies and Dependencies of the Empire would be most
+anxious to assist the Mother Country; but unless our sea power were
+assured, it appears to me that they would be unable to do so. Until our
+command of the sea had been regained, we should be powerless to move a
+soldier either from or to the United Kingdom.
+
+_Secondly_, You very properly lay stress on the part which might be
+taken by the Volunteers in the defence of the United Kingdom. No one can
+appreciate more fully than I do the gallant and patriotic spirit which
+animates the Volunteer Force, and I most thoroughly agree with you as to
+the value it might be under such serious circumstances as you depict. In
+fact, the _raison d'�tre_ of the Force is to be able to defend the
+country in the event of an invasion. But to enable our Volunteers to do
+all that is expected of them, they must be made thoroughly efficient.
+Much has been done of late years to this end, but much more is required
+before our citizen soldiers can be depended upon to hold their own
+against foreign troops whose training is continually being carried on,
+and whose organisation is believed to be nearly perfect. It is very
+penny-wise and pound-foolish of us not to do all in our power to render
+the Volunteers the serviceable body they might be.
+
+_Thirdly_, You take but little account of the Militia, which the Duke of
+Wellington considered to be our mainstay in the event of a threatened
+invasion. The Militia would seem to be rather out of fashion at present,
+but still it is a very useful force, which only needs encouragement and
+development to convert it into a reliable fighting body, capable of
+reinforcing and co-operating with our small regular Army.
+
+You will gather from what I have said that, under the conditions
+specified by you, I should be inclined to regard your forecast of the
+result of the supposed conflict as being unduly favourable. I can only
+add that I trust such conditions may never arise, and that your estimate
+of the means immediately available for repelling foreign attack may be
+more correct than my own.--Believe me, yours very truly,
+
+    ROBERTS.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.
+
+
+GENERAL LORD ROBERTS, V.C., on reading this forecast of the Coming War,
+wrote as follows:--
+
+    Grove Park, Kingsbury,
+    Middlesex, March 26, 1894.
+
+    DEAR SIR,--I entirely concur with you in thinking it most
+    desirable to bring home to the British public in every possible
+    way the dangers to which the nation is exposed, unless it
+    maintains a Navy and Army sufficiently strong and well organised
+    to meet the defensive requirements of the Empire.--Believe me,
+    yours faithfully,
+
+[Illustration: Signature of Roberts]
+
+Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, K.P., in his _Life of Marlborough_,
+speaks plainly when he says--
+
+    The last battle fought in England was fought to secure James his
+    crown. If through the folly and parsimony of our people we
+    should ever see another, it will be fought in defence of London.
+    The struggle will be, not for a dynasty, but for our own very
+    existence as an independent nation. Are we prepared to meet it?
+    The politician says Yes; the soldier and the sailor say No.
+
+Such outspoken expressions of opinion from two of our chief military
+authorities should cause the British public to pause and reflect. On all
+hands it is admitted by both naval and military experts, that,
+notwithstanding the increase of our Navy by the Spencer programme, our
+country is inadequately defended and totally unprepared for war. The
+extraordinary preparations now going forward in France and Russia are
+being made in view of an attack upon England, and it is ominous that the
+downfall of our Empire is a perpetual subject of discussion in the Paris
+press. Although a Briton, I have lived long enough in France to know
+that the French, while hating the Germans, despise the English, and are
+looking forward to a day not far hence when their battleships will
+bombard our south coast towns, and their legions advance over the Surrey
+Hills to London. When the Great War does come, it will come swiftly, and
+without warning. We are accustomed to scoff at the idea of an invasion
+of Britain. We feel secure in our sea-girt island home; we have
+confidence in our brave sailor defenders, in our gallant Army, and our
+enthusiastic Volunteers, and we entertain a supreme contempt for "mere
+foreigners." It is this national egotism, this insular conviction that
+foreign engines of war are inferior to our own, that may cause our ruin.
+Everything we possess, everything we hold dear, our position among
+nations, our very life, depends for its safety, firstly, upon the
+undoubted predominance of our Navy over any likely or possible
+combination of the Navies of Continental Powers; and, secondly, upon an
+Army properly equipped and ready to take the field on receipt of the
+momentous word "Mobilise"!
+
+Is our Navy, even strengthened by the recent programme, in a
+sufficiently efficient state to retain the supremacy of the seas? Let us
+face the situation boldly, and allow a well-known and distinguished
+officer to reply to that question. Admiral of the Fleet Sir Thomas
+Symonds, G.C.B., writing to me, says--
+
+    Our weak Navy, with its inefficient _personnel_, has now to
+    perform an enormously increased duty, such as defending
+    increased commerce, food, and coals. Our guns are the worst in
+    the world in forty-seven vessels, mounting 350 muzzleloaders,
+    where the French and all foreign Navies use _only
+    breechloaders_. Dimensions, expense, and very many other reasons
+    are given for this ruinous custom, but all other Navies mount
+    breechloaders on vessels of the same dimensions as our own. As
+    to expenses, such economy (so-called) means the most execrable
+    parsimony--to ruthlessly murder men and disgrace our flag and
+    Navy. Our forty-seven feeble vessels, weak in armament, and all
+    composing them, reduce our Navy to comparative insignificance,
+    and are a preparation for disgrace and ruin when at war.
+
+Yet we are content to sit idly by, confident in a strength which two
+foreign Powers are slowly but surely undermining! Russia and France,
+both barely able to sustain their gigantic Armies, are to-day straining
+every nerve to enlarge their naval forces, preparatory to a swift
+descent upon our shores. This alarming fact we wilfully disregard,
+affecting to find humour in the Franco-Muscovite preparations. Thus,
+unless we maintain a Navy of sufficient strength to prevent invasion,
+War, with its attendant horrors, is inevitable, and the scene of battle
+will be England's smiling fields.
+
+Turning to our Army, what do we find? Even the civilian writer who
+studies it is amazed at the muddle of insufficiency in which it is
+steeped. Our Home Defence Scheme is a very elaborate paper problem, but
+as our forces have never been mobilised, its many glaring defects must,
+alas! remain unremedied until our highways echo to the tramp of an
+enemy. Upon this point a volume might be written, but a few plain facts
+must suffice. Military experts will, I think, agree when I assert that
+the 2nd Corps, as planned by this grotesque scheme, does not and cannot
+exist; and while the 3rd Corps may possibly stand as regards infantry,
+because its infantry are all Militia, yet it will have neither Regular
+cavalry nor guns. Every one of the staffs is a myth, and the equipment
+and commissariat arrangements are a complete guarantee of collapse at
+the outset of mobilisation. What, for instance, can be said of a system
+in which one unit of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade "mobilises," and obtains
+its "personal" and part of its "regimental" equipment at Plymouth; the
+other part of its regimental paraphernalia, including munitions, at
+Aldershot; and its horses--at Dublin? Practically, half our cavalry at
+home are to-day, however, incapable of mobilisation, for, according to
+the latest return available, I find that over six thousand cavalry men
+have no horses! Again, the Volunteers, upon whom we must depend for the
+defence of London, have no transport, and the ammunition columns for
+the 3rd Army Corps and the Regular cavalry do not exist. Such staggering
+deficits as these are in themselves sufficient to show how critical
+would be our position if England were invaded, and in order to give an
+adequate idea of what we may expect during that reign of terror, I have
+penned the narrative which follows. Some, no doubt, believe that our
+enemies will treat us with more mercy than I have shown, but I firmly
+anticipate that in the desperate struggle for the supremacy of the
+world, towns will be bombarded and international law set at naught where
+our invaders see a chance of success. Consequently, the ruin must be
+widespread, and the loss of life enormous.
+
+In the various strategical and tactical problems involved, I have
+received assistance from a number of well-known naval and military
+officers on the active list, whose names I am, however, not at liberty
+to divulge. Suffice it to say that, in addition to personally going over
+the whole of the ground where battles are fought, I have also obtained
+information from certain official documents not made public, and have
+endeavoured to bring this forecast up to date by introducing the latest
+inventions in guns, and showing the relative strength of Navies as they
+will appear in 1897. In this latter I have been compelled to bestow
+names upon many ships now building.
+
+To Lieut. J. G. Stevens, 17th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, who supplied
+me with many details regarding the Volunteers; to Mr. Alfred C.
+Harmsworth, F.R.G.S., whose suggestion prompted me to write this
+narrative; and to Mr. Harold Harmsworth, who on several occasions
+assisted me, I hereby acknowledge my thanks. While many readers will no
+doubt regard this book chiefly as an exciting piece of fiction, I trust
+that no small proportion will perceive the important lesson underlying
+it, for the French are laughing at us, the Russians presume to imitate
+us, and the Day of Reckoning is hourly advancing.
+
+    WILLIAM LE QUEUX.
+
+    PRINCE OF WALES'S CLUB,
+    COVENTRY STREET, W.
+
+
+
+
+    CONTENTS
+
+
+    _BOOK I_
+    THE INVASION
+
+    CHAP.                                        PAGE
+          I. THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH                  13
+         II. A TOTTERING EMPIRE                    19
+        III. ARMING FOR THE STRUGGLE               23
+         IV. THE SPY                               28
+          V. BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN               35
+         VI. LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX       40
+        VII. BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON               44
+       VIII. FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG         49
+         IX. COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME           56
+          X. A DEATH DRAUGHT                       61
+         XI. THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE            65
+        XII. IN THE EAGLE'S TALONS                 70
+       XIII. FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL        75
+        XIV. BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD                85
+
+    _BOOK II_
+    THE STRUGGLE
+
+         XV. THE DOOM OF HULL                      99
+        XVI. TERROR ON THE TYNE                   110
+       XVII. HELP FROM OUR COLONIES               125
+      XVIII. RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS      137
+        XIX. FALL OF BIRMINGHAM                   150
+         XX. OUR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN     162
+        XXI. A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES   174
+       XXII. PANIC IN LANCASHIRE                  186
+      XXIII. THE EVE OF BATTLE                    193
+       XXIV. MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS      200
+        XXV. GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS            208
+       XXVI. GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY           213
+      XXVII. THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED           218
+
+    _BOOK III_
+    THE VICTORY
+
+     XXVIII. A SHABBY WAYFARER                    229
+       XXIX. LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH        235
+        XXX. ATTACK ON EDINBURGH                  243
+       XXXI. "THE DEMON OF WAR"                   248
+      XXXII. FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW  256
+     XXXIII. MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON        268
+      XXXIV. LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS               279
+       XXXV. LONDON BOMBARDED                     284
+      XXXVI. BABYLON BURNING                      291
+     XXXVII. FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS         299
+    XXXVIII. NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS           304
+      XXXIX. THE DAY OF RECKONING                 312
+         XL. "FOR ENGLAND!"                       324
+        XLI. DAWN                                 328
+
+
+
+
+_BOOK I_
+
+_THE INVASION_
+
+
+
+
+    THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND
+    IN 1897.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH.
+
+
+War! _War in England!_
+
+Growled by thoughtful, stern-visaged men, gasped with bated breath by
+pale-faced, terrified women, the startling news passed quickly round the
+Avenue Theatre from gallery to boxes. The crisis was swift, complete,
+crushing. Actors and audience were appalled.
+
+Though it was a gay comic opera that was being performed for the first
+time, entertainers and entertained lost all interest in each other. They
+were amazed, dismayed, awestricken. Amusement was nauseating; War, with
+all its attendant horrors, was actually upon them! The popular tenor,
+one of the idols of the hour, blundered over his lines and sang terribly
+out of tune, but the hypercritical first-night audience passed the
+defect unnoticed. They only thought of what might happen; of the dark
+cavernous future that lay before.
+
+War had been declared against Britain--Britain, the Empire that had so
+long rested in placid sea-girt security, confident of immunity from
+attack, was to be invaded! The assertion seemed preposterous.
+
+Some, after reading eagerly the newspapers still damp from the press,
+smiled incredulously, half inclined to regard the startling intelligence
+as a mere fabrication by alarmists, or a perfected phase of the
+periodical war-scare which sensational journalists annually launch upon
+the world during what is technically known as the "gooseberry" season.
+
+Other readers, however, recollecting the grave political crises on the
+Continent, set their teeth firmly, silent and dumfounded. Upon many
+merchants and City men the news fell like a thunderbolt, for financial
+ruin stared them in the face.
+
+Evidently a desperate attempt would be made by the enemy to land on
+English soil. Already the startled playgoers could hear in their excited
+imagination the clash of arms mingling with the triumphant yell of the
+victor, and the stifled, despairing cry of the hapless victim. But who,
+they wondered, would be the victim? Would Britannia ever fall to the
+dust with broken trident and shattered shield? Would her neck ever lie
+under the heel of the foreign invader? No, never--while Britons could
+fight.
+
+The theatre, in its garish blaze of electricity, and crowded with
+well-dressed men and women, presented a brilliant appearance, which had
+suddenly become strangely incongruous with the feelings of the audience.
+In the boxes, where youth and beauty smiled, the bouquets which had been
+provided by the management gave to the theatre a bright, artistic touch
+of colour. Yet the pungent odour they diffused had become sickening.
+Intermingled with other flowers there were many tuberoses. They are
+funereal blossoms, ineffably emblematic of the grave. There is death in
+their breath.
+
+When the astounding news fell upon the house the performance was drawing
+to a close. A moment before, every one had been silent and motionless,
+listening with rapt attention to the tenor's plaintive love song, and
+admiring the grace of the fair heroine, but as the terrible truth dawned
+upon them they rose, amid a scene of the wildest excitement. The few
+papers that had been purchased at fabulous prices at the doors were
+eagerly scanned, many of the sheets being torn into shreds in the mad
+struggle to catch a glimpse of the alarming telegrams they contained.
+For a few moments the agitation nearly approached a panic, while above
+the hum and din the hoarse, strident voices of running newsmen could be
+heard outside, yelling, "War declared against England! Expected landing
+of the enemy! Extrur-speshal!"
+
+There was a hidden terror in the word "War" that at first held the
+amazed playgoers breathless and thoughtful. Never before had its
+significance appeared so grim, so fatal, so fraught with appalling
+consequences.
+
+War had been actually declared! There was no averting it! It was a stern
+reality.
+
+No adroit diplomatic negotiations could stem the advancing hordes of
+foreign invaders; Ministers and ambassadors were as useless pawns, for
+two great nations had had the audacity to combine in the projected
+attack upon Great Britain.
+
+It seemed incredible, impossible. True, a Great War had long been
+predicted, forecasts had been given of coming conflicts, and European
+nations had for years been gradually strengthening their armies and
+perfecting their engines of war, in the expectation of being plunged
+into hostilities. Modern improvements in arms and ammunition had so
+altered the conditions of war, that there had long been a feeling of
+insecurity even among those Powers who, a few years before, had felt
+themselves strong enough to resist any attack, however violent.
+War-scares had been plentiful, crises in France, Germany, and Russia of
+frequent occurrence; still, no one dreamed that Moloch was in their
+midst--that the Great War, so long foreshadowed, had in reality
+commenced.
+
+Yet on this hot, oppressive Saturday night in August the extra-special
+editions of the papers contained news that startled the world. It ran as
+follows:--
+
+    INVASION OF ENGLAND.
+    WAR DECLARED BY FRANCE AND RUSSIA.
+    HOSTILE FLEETS ADVANCING.
+    EXTRAORDINARY MANIFESTO BY THE TSAR.
+    [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]
+
+    St. Petersburg, _August 14th_, 4 P.M.
+
+    The most intense excitement has been caused here by a totally
+    unexpected and amazing announcement made this afternoon by the
+    Minister of Foreign Affairs to the French Ambassador. It appears
+    that the Minister has addressed to the French representative a
+    short note in which the following extraordinary passage
+    occurs:--
+
+    "The earnest negotiations between the Imperial Government and
+    Great Britain for a durable pacification of Bosnia not having
+    led to the desired accord, His Majesty the Tsar, my august
+    master, sees himself compelled, to his regret, to have recourse
+    to force of arms. Be therefore so kind as to inform your
+    Government that from to-day Russia considers herself in a state
+    of war with Great Britain, and requests that France will
+    immediately comply with the obligations of the alliance signed
+    by President Carnot on February 23rd, 1892."
+
+    A circular note has also been addressed by the Russian Foreign
+    Office to its ambassadors at the principal Courts of Europe,
+    stating that, for reasons assigned, the Tsar has resolved to
+    commence hostilities against Great Britain, and has given his
+    Armies and Navy orders to commence the invasion.
+
+    This declaration has, no doubt, been contemplated by the Russian
+    Government for several days. During the past week the French
+    Ambassador has twice had private audience of the Tsar, and soon
+    after 11 A.M. to-day he had a long interview at the Ministry of
+    Foreign Affairs. It is understood that the Minister of War was
+    also present.
+
+    No official notification of the Declaration of War has been
+    given to the British Ambassador. This has created considerable
+    surprise.
+
+    5.30 P.M.
+
+    Large posters, headed "A Manifesto of His Majesty the Emperor of
+    Russia," and addressed to his subjects, are being posted up in
+    the Nevski Prospekt. In this document the Tsar says--
+
+    "Our faithful and beloved subjects know the strong interest
+    which we have constantly felt in the destinies of our Empire.
+    Our desire for the pacification of our western frontier has been
+    shared by the whole Russian nation, which now shows itself ready
+    to bear fresh sacrifices to alleviate the position of those
+    oppressed by British rule. The blood and property of our
+    faithful subjects have always been dear to us, and our whole
+    reign attests our constant solicitude to preserve to Russia the
+    benefits of peace. This solicitude never failed to actuate my
+    father during events which occurred recently in Bulgaria,
+    Austro-Hungary, and Bosnia. Our object, before all, was to
+    effect an amelioration in the position of our people on the
+    frontier by means of pacific negotiations, and in concert with
+    the great European Powers, our allies and friends. Having,
+    however, exhausted our pacific efforts, we are compelled by the
+    haughty obstinacy of Great Britain to proceed to more decisive
+    acts. A feeling of equity and of our own dignity enjoins it. By
+    her recent acts Great Britain places us under the necessity of
+    having recourse to arms. Profoundly convinced of the justice of
+    our cause, we make known to our faithful subjects that we
+    declare war against Great Britain. In now invoking a blessing
+    upon our valiant armies, we give the order for an invasion of
+    England."
+
+    This manifesto has excited the greatest enthusiasm. The news has
+    spread rapidly, and dense crowds have assembled in the Nevski,
+    the Izak Platz, and on the English Quay, where the posters are
+    being exhibited.
+
+    The British Ambassador has not yet received any communication
+    from the Imperial Government.
+
+    Fontainebleau, _Aug. 14th_, 4.30 P.M.
+
+    President Felix Faure has received a telegram from the French
+    representative at St. Petersburg, stating that Russia has
+    declared war against Great Britain. The President left
+    immediately for Paris by special train.
+
+    Paris, _Aug. 14th_, 4.50 P.M.
+
+    An astounding piece of intelligence has this afternoon been
+    received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is no less than
+    a Declaration of War by Russia against Britain. The telegram
+    containing the announcement was received at the Ministry from
+    the French Ambassador at St. Petersburg soon after three
+    o'clock. The President was at once informed, and the Cabinet
+    immediately summoned. A meeting is now being held for the
+    purpose of deciding upon the course to be pursued with regard to
+    the obligations of France contracted by the Treaty of Alliance
+    made after the Cronstadt incident in 1891. The news of impending
+    hostilities has just been published in a special edition of the
+    _Soir_, and has created the wildest excitement on the
+    Boulevards. Little doubt is entertained that France will join
+    the invading forces, and the result of the deliberations of the
+    Cabinet is anxiously awaited. President Felix Faure has returned
+    from Fountainebleau.
+
+    [BY TELEPHONE THROUGH DALZIEL'S AGENCY.]
+
+    6 P.M.
+
+    The meeting of the Cabinet has just concluded. It has been
+    resolved that France shall unreservedly render assistance to
+    Russia. There is great activity at the War Office, and troops
+    are already being ordered on active service. The excitement in
+    the streets is increasing.
+
+    [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]
+
+    Berlin, _Aug. 14th_, 5.30 P.M.
+
+    Telegrams received here from St. Petersburg report that Russia
+    has unexpectedly declared war against Great Britain, and called
+    upon France to aid her in a combined attack. The report is
+    scarcely credited here, and further details are being eagerly
+    awaited. The Emperor, who was to have left for Bremen this
+    afternoon, has abandoned his journey, and is now in consultation
+    with the Chancellor.
+
+    Christiansand, _Aug. 14th_, 7.30 P.M.
+
+    The French Channel Squadron, which has been manoeuvring for the
+    past fortnight off the western coast of Norway, anchored outside
+    the fjord here last night. This morning, according to rumour,
+    the Russian Squadron arrived suddenly, and lay about thirty
+    miles off land. Secret telegraphic orders were received at 6
+    P.M. by the Admirals of both fleets almost simultaneously, and
+    the whole of the vessels left in company half an hour later.
+    They sailed in a southerly direction, but their destination is
+    unknown.
+
+    Dieppe, _Aug. 14th_, 8 P.M.
+
+    Ten transport vessels are embarking troops for England. Four
+    regiments of cavalry, including the 4th Chasseurs and 16th
+    Guards, are--[1]
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[1] The conclusion of this message has not reached us, all the wires
+connecting this country with France having been cut.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A TOTTERING EMPIRE.
+
+
+The excitement in the theatre had increased, and the curtain had been
+rung down. Death shadows, grimly apparent, had fallen upon the house,
+and the scene was an extraordinary and unprecedented one. No such wild
+restlessness and impetuous agitation had ever before been witnessed
+within those walls. Some enthusiast of the pit, springing to his feet,
+and drawing a large red handkerchief from his pocket, waved it,
+shouting--
+
+"Three cheers for good Old England!" to which, after a moment's silence,
+the audience responded lustily.
+
+Then, almost before the last sound had died away, another patriot of the
+people mounted upon his seat, crying--
+
+"No one need fear. The British Lion will quickly hold the French Eagle
+and the Russian Bear within his jaws. Let the enemy come; we will mow
+them down like hay."
+
+This raised a combined laugh and cheer, though it sounded forced and
+hollow. Immediately, however, some buoyant spirits in the gallery
+commenced singing "Rule, Britannia," the chorus of which was taken up
+vigorously, the orchestra assisting by playing the last verse.
+
+Outside, the scene in the streets was one of momentarily increasing
+excitement. The news had spread with marvellous rapidity, and the whole
+city was agog. An elbowing, waving, stormy crowd surged down the Strand
+to Trafalgar Square, where an impromptu demonstration was being held,
+the Government being denounced by its opponents, and spoken of with
+confidence by its supporters. The Radical, the Socialist, the Anarchist,
+each aired his views, and through the throng a hoarse threatening murmur
+condensed into three words, "Down with Russia! Down with France!" The
+cry, echoed by a thousand throats, mingled weirdly with the shouts of
+the newsmen and the snatches of patriotic songs.
+
+London was anxious, fevered, and turbulent, that hot, moonless August
+night. At that hour all the shops were closed, and the streets only
+lighted by the lamps. From the unlighted windows the indistinct shapes
+of heads looking out on the scene could be distinguished.
+
+On the pavements of Piccadilly and Knightsbridge knots of people stood
+arguing and wrangling over the probable turn of events. From uncouth
+Whitechapel to artistic Kensington, from sylvan Highgate to the villadom
+of Dulwich, the amazing intelligence had been conveyed by the presses of
+Fleet Street, which were still belching forth tons of damp news-sheets.
+At first there was confidence among the people; nevertheless little by
+little this confidence diminished, and curiosity gave place to surprise.
+But what could it be? All was shrouded in the darkest gloom. In the
+atmosphere was a strange and terrible oppression that seemed to weigh
+down men and crush them. London was, it appeared, walled in by the
+unknown and the unexpected.
+
+But, after all, England was strong; it was the mighty British Empire; it
+was the world. What was there to fear? Nothing. So the people continued
+to shout, "Down with France! Down with the Autocrat! Down with the
+Tsar!"
+
+A young man, who had been sitting alone in the stalls, had risen,
+electrified at the alarming news, and rushing out, hailed a passing cab,
+and drove rapidly away up Northumberland Avenue. This conduct was
+remarkable, for Geoffrey Engleheart was scarcely the man to flinch when
+danger threatened. He was a tall, athletic young fellow of twenty-six,
+with wavy brown hair, a dark, smartly-trimmed moustache, and handsome,
+well-cut features. He was happy and easy-going, always overflowing with
+genuine _bonhomie_. As the younger son of a very distinguished officer,
+he contrived to employ himself for a couple of hours a day at the
+Foreign Office, where, although a clerk, he held a very responsible
+position. Belonging to a rather good set, he was a member of several
+fashionable clubs, and lived in cosy, well-furnished chambers in St.
+James's Street.
+
+Driving first to the house of his _fianc�e_, Violet Vayne, at Rutland
+Gate, he informed her family of the startling intelligence; then,
+re-entering the conveyance, he subsequently alighted before the door of
+his chambers. As he paid the cabman, an ill-clad man pushed a newspaper
+into his face, crying, "'Ere y'are, sir. Extrur-special edition o' the
+_People_. Latest details. Serious scandal at the Forrin' Office."
+
+Geoffrey started. He staggered, his heart gave a bound, and his face
+blanched. Thrusting half a crown into the man's dirty palm, he grasped
+the paper, and rushing upstairs to his sitting-room, cast himself into a
+chair. In breathless eagerness he glanced at the front page of the
+journal, and read the following:--
+
+    SCANDAL AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE.
+    A STATE SECRET DIVULGED.
+
+    An extraordinary rumour is going the round of the Service clubs
+    to-night. It is alleged that the present Declaration of War
+    would have been impossible but for the treachery of some person
+    through whose hands the transcript of a secret treaty between
+    England and Germany passed to-day.
+
+    A prominent Cabinet Minister, on being questioned by our
+    reporter on the subject, admitted that he had heard the rumour,
+    but declined to make any definite statement whether or not it
+    was true.
+
+    There must be a good deal behind the rumour of treachery,
+    inasmuch as none of the prominent men who have already been
+    interviewed gave a denial to the statement.
+
+Geoffrey sat pale and motionless, with eyes fixed upon the printed
+words. He read and re-read them until the lines danced before his gaze,
+and he crushed the paper in his hands, and cast it from him.
+
+The little French clock on the mantelshelf chimed the hour of one upon
+its silvery bell; the lamp spluttered and burned dim. Still he did not
+move; he was dumfounded, rooted to the spot.
+
+Blacker and blacker grew the crowd outside. The density of the cloud
+that hung over all portended some direful tragedy. The impending
+disaster made itself felt. An alarming sense of calmness filled the
+streets. A silence had suddenly fallen, and was becoming complete and
+threatening. What was it that was about to issue from these black
+storm-clouds? Who could tell?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ARMING FOR THE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+London was amazed.
+
+The provinces were awestricken, paralysed by the startling suddenness
+with which the appalling news of the invasion had been flashed to them.
+Bewildered, the people could not believe it.
+
+Only slowly did the vivid and terrible truth dawn individually upon the
+millions north and south, and then, during the Day of Rest, they crowded
+to the newspaper and telegraph offices, loudly clamouring for further
+details of the overwhelming catastrophe that threatened. They sought for
+information from London; they expected London, the mighty, all-powerful
+capital, to act.
+
+Through the blazing Sunday the dust rose from the impatient, perspiring
+crowds in towns and cities, and the cool night brought no rest from a
+turmoil now incessant. Never before were such scenes of intense
+enthusiasm witnessed in England, Wales, and Scotland, for this was the
+first occasion on which the public felt the presence of invaders at
+their very doors.
+
+A mighty force was on its way to ruin their homes, to sweep from them
+their hard-earned savings, to crush, to conquer--to kill them!
+
+Fierce antagonism rose spontaneously in every Briton's heart, and during
+that never-to-be-forgotten day, at every barracks throughout the
+country, recruiting-sergeants were besieged by all sorts and conditions
+of men eager to accept the Queen's shilling, and strike for their
+country's honour. Heedless of danger, of hardship, of the fickle fortune
+of the fight, the determination to assist in the struggle rose instantly
+within them.
+
+At York, Chester, Edinburgh, and Portsmouth, volunteers came forward by
+hundreds. All were enthusiastic, undrilled, but ready to use their
+guns--genuinely heroic patriots of our land, such as are included in no
+other nation than the British. Pluck, zeal for the public safety, and an
+intense partisanship towards their fellows induced thousands to join the
+colours--many, alas! to sink later beneath a foeman's bullet, unknown,
+unhonoured heroes!
+
+Already the Cabinet had held a hurried meeting, at which it had been
+decided to call out the whole of the Reserves. Of this the War Office
+and Admiralty had been notified, and the Queen had given her sanction to
+the necessary proclamations, with the result that telegraphic orders had
+been issued to general officers commanding and to officers commanding
+Reservists to mobilise instantly.
+
+The posters containing the proclamation, which are always kept in
+readiness in the hands of officers commanding Regimental Districts, were
+issued immediately, and exhibited on all public places throughout the
+kingdom. On the doors of town halls, churches, chapels, police stations,
+military barracks, and in the windows of post offices, these notices
+were posted within a few hours. Crowds everywhere collected to read
+them, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed. Militia, Yeomanry,
+Volunteers, all were called out, and men on reading the Mobilisation
+Order lost no time in obtaining their accoutrements and joining their
+dep�ts. The national danger was imminent, and towards their "places of
+concentration" all categories of Her Majesty's forces were already
+moving. In every Regimental District the greatest activity was
+displayed. No country maintains in peace the full complement, or
+anything approaching the full complement of transport which its Armies
+require; hence vehicles and horses to complete the Army Service Corps
+companies, and for the supplemental service, were being immediately
+requisitioned from far and near.
+
+One of the many anomalies discovered during this critical period was,
+that while transport could thus be rapidly requisitioned, yet the
+impressment of civilians as drivers and caretakers of the animals was
+not permitted by the law; therefore on all hands the organisation of
+this requisitioned transport was fraught with the utmost difficulty, the
+majority of owners and employees refusing to come forward voluntarily.
+Registered horses were quickly collected, but they were far from
+sufficient for the requirements, and the want of animals caused loud
+outcries from every Regimental District.
+
+The general scheme was the constitution of a Field Army of four cavalry
+brigades and three army corps, with behind them a semi-mobile force made
+up of thirty-three Volunteer infantry brigades and eighty-four Volunteer
+batteries of position. The garrisons having been provided for, the four
+cavalry brigades and the 1st and 2nd Army Corps were to be composed
+entirely of Regulars, the 3rd Army Corps being made up of Regulars,
+Militia, and Volunteers. Organised in brigades, the Yeomanry were
+attached to the various infantry brigades or divisions of the Field
+Army, and the Regular Medical Staff Corps being much too weak, was
+strengthened from companies of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps. In
+brief, the scheme was the formation of a composite Field Army, backed by
+a second line of partially trained Auxiliaries.
+
+Such a general scheme to set in battle order our land forces for home
+defence was, no doubt, well devised. Nevertheless, from the first moment
+the most glaring defects in the working out of details were everywhere
+manifested. Stores were badly disposed, there was a sad want of
+clothing, camp equipment, and arms, and the arrangements for the joining
+of Reservists were throughout defective. Again, the whole Reserve had
+been left totally untrained from the day the men left the colours; and
+having in view the fact that all leading authorities in Europe had,
+times without number, told us that the efficiency of an Army depended
+on drill, discipline, and shooting, what could be expected from a system
+which relied in great part for the safety of the country on a Reserve,
+the members of which were undisciplined, undrilled, and unpractised in
+shooting for periods ranging from nine years in the Guards to five years
+in the case of the Line?
+
+On the day of mobilisation not a single regiment in the United Kingdom
+was ready to move forward to the front as it stood on parade! Not an
+officer, not a man, was prepared. England had calmly slept for years,
+while military reforms had been effected in every other European
+country. Now she had been suddenly and rudely awakened!
+
+Everywhere it was commented upon that no practical peace trial of the
+mobilisation scheme had ever been made. Little wonder was there, then,
+that incomplete details hampered rapid movements, or that the carrying
+out of the definite and distinct programme was prevented by gaps
+occurring which could not be discovered until the working of the system
+had been tested by actual experiment.
+
+It was this past apathy of the authorities, amounting to little less
+than criminal negligence, that formed the text of the vehement
+outpourings of Anarchists, Socialists, and "No War" partisans. A
+practical test of the efficiency of the scheme to concentrate our forces
+should have taken place even at the risk of public expenditure, instead
+of making the experiment when the enemy were actually at our doors.
+
+Another anomaly which, in the opinion of the public, ought long ago to
+have been removed, was the fact that the billeting of troops on the
+march on the inhabitants of the United Kingdom, other than owners of
+hotels, inns, livery stables, and public-houses, is illegal, while
+troops when not on the march cannot be billeted at all! At many points
+of concentration this absurd and antiquated regulation, laid down by the
+Army Act in 1881, was severely felt. Public buildings, churches, and
+schools had to be hired for the accommodation of the troops, and those
+others who could not find private persons hospitable enough to take them
+in were compelled to bivouac where they could. Of tents they had
+scarcely any, and many regiments were thus kept homeless and badly fed
+several days before moving forward!
+
+Was there any wonder, then, that some men should lose heart? Did not
+such defects portend--nay, invite disaster?
+
+Strange though it may seem, Geoffrey Engleheart was one of but two
+persons in England who had on that Saturday anticipated this sudden
+Declaration of War.
+
+Through the hot night, without heed of the wild turbulence outside,
+regardless of the songs of patriots, of gleeful shouts of Anarchists,
+that, mingling into a dull roar, penetrated the heavy curtains before
+the window of his room, he sat with brows knit and gaze transfixed.
+
+Words now and then escaped his compressed lips. They were low and
+ominous; utterances of blank despair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE SPY.
+
+
+Count von Beilstein was a polished cosmopolitan. He was in many ways a
+very remarkable man.
+
+In London society he was as popular as he had previously been in Paris
+and in Berlin. Well-preserved and military-looking, he retained the
+vigour, high spirits, and spruce step of youth, spent his money freely,
+and led the almost idyllic life of a careless bachelor in the Albany.
+
+Since his partnership with Sir Joseph Vayne, the well-known shipowner,
+father of Geoffrey's _fianc�e_, he had taken up a prominent position in
+commercial circles, was a member of the London Chamber of Commerce, took
+an active part in the various deliberations of that body, and in the
+City was considered a man of considerable importance.
+
+How we of the world, however shrewd, are deceived by outward
+appearances!
+
+Of the millions in London there were but two men who knew the truth; who
+were aware of the actual position held by this German landed proprietor.
+Indeed, the Count's friends little dreamed that under the outward cloak
+of careless ease induced by wealth there was a mind endowed with a
+cunning that was extraordinary, and an ingenuity that was marvellous.
+Truth to tell, Karl von Beilstein, who posed as the owner of the great
+Beilstein estates, extending along the beautiful valley of the
+Moselle, between Alf and Cochem, was not an aristocrat at all, and
+possessed no estate more tangible than the proverbial ch�teau in Spain.
+
+[Illustration: "COUNT VON BEILSTEIN WAS A SPY!"]
+
+Count von Beilstein was a _spy_!
+
+His life had been a strangely varied one; few men perhaps had seen more
+of the world. His biography was recorded in certain police registers.
+Born in the Jews' quarter at Frankfort, he had, at an early age, turned
+adventurer, and for some years was well known at Monte Carlo as a
+successful gamester. But the Fickle Goddess at last forsook him, and
+under another name he started a bogus loan office in Brussels. This,
+however, did not last long, for the police one night made a raid on the
+place, only to discover that Monsieur had flown. An extensive robbery of
+diamonds in Amsterdam, a theft of bonds while in transit between Hanover
+and Berlin, and the forgery of a large quantity of Russian rouble notes,
+were events which followed in quick succession, and in each of them the
+police detected the adroit hand of the man who now called himself the
+Count von Beilstein. At last, by sheer ill-luck, he fell into the grip
+of the law.
+
+He was in St. Petersburg, where he had opened an office in the Bolshaia,
+and started as a diamond dealer. After a few genuine transactions he
+obtained possession of gems worth nearly �20,000, and decamped.
+
+But the Russian police were quickly at his heels, and he was arrested in
+Riga, being subsequently tried and condemned by the Assize Court at St.
+Petersburg to twelve years' exile in Siberia. In chains, with a convoy
+of convicts he crossed the Urals, and tramped for weeks on the
+snow-covered Siberian Post Road.
+
+His name still appears on the register at the forwarding prison of
+Tomsk, with a note stating that he was sent on to the silver mines of
+Nertchinsk, the most dreaded in Asiatic Russia.
+
+Yet, strangely enough, within twelve months of his sentence he appeared
+at Royat-les-Bains, in Auvergne, posing as a Count, and living
+expensively at one of the best hotels.
+
+There was a reason for all this. The Russian Government, when he was
+sentenced, were well aware of his perfect training as a cosmopolitan
+adventurer, of his acquaintance with persons of rank, and of his cool
+unscrupulousness. Hence it was that one night while on the march along
+the Great Post Road to that bourne whence few convicts return, it was
+hinted to him by the captain of Cossacks, that he might obtain his
+liberty, and a good income in addition, if he consented to become a
+secret agent of the Tsar.
+
+The authorities desired him to perform a special duty; would he consent?
+He could exchange a life of heavy toil in the Nertchinsk mines for one
+of comparative idleness and ease. The offer was tempting, and he
+accepted.
+
+That same night it was announced to his fellow-convicts that the Tsar
+had pardoned him; his leg-fetters were thereupon struck off, and he
+started upon his return to St. Petersburg to receive instructions as to
+the delicate mission he was to perform.
+
+It was then, for the first time, that he became the Count von Beilstein,
+and his subsequent actions all betrayed the most remarkable daring,
+forethought, and tact. With one object in view he exercised an amount of
+patience that was almost incredible. One or two minor missions were
+entrusted to him by his official taskmasters on the banks of the Neva,
+and in each he acquitted himself satisfactorily. Apparently he was a
+thoroughly patriotic subject of the Kaiser, with tastes strongly
+anti-Muscovite, and after his partnership with Sir Joseph Vayne he
+resided in London, and mixed a good deal with military men, because he
+had, he said, held a commission in a Hussar regiment in the Fatherland,
+and took the liveliest interest in all military matters.
+
+Little did those officers dream that the information he gained about
+improvements in England's defences was forwarded in regular and
+carefully-written reports to the Russian War Office, or that the Tsar's
+messenger who carried weekly despatches between the Russian Ambassador
+in London and his Government frequently took with him a packet
+containing plans and tracings which bore marginal notes in the angular
+handwriting of the popular Count von Beilstein!
+
+Early in the morning of this memorable day when the startling news of
+the Declaration of War had reached England, a telegram had been handed
+to the Tsar's secret agent while he was still in bed.
+
+He read it through; then stared thoughtfully up at the ceiling.
+
+The message, in code, from Berlin, stated that a draft of a most
+important treaty between Germany and England had been despatched from
+the German Foreign Office, and would arrive in London that day. The
+message concluded with the words, "It is imperative that we should have
+a copy of this document, or at least a summary of its contents,
+immediately."
+
+Although sent from Berlin, the Count was well aware that it was an order
+from the Foreign Minister in St. Petersburg, the message being
+transmitted to Berlin first, and then retransmitted to London, in order
+to avoid any suspicion that might arise in the case of messages
+exchanged direct with the Russian capital. Having read the telegram
+through several times, he whistled to himself, rose quickly, dressed,
+and breakfasted. While having his meal, he gave some instructions to
+Grevel, his valet, and sent him out upon an errand, at the same time
+expressing his intention of waiting in until his return.
+
+"Remember," the Count said, as his man was going out, "be careful to
+arouse no suspicion. Simply make your inquiries in the proper quarter,
+and come back immediately."
+
+At half-past twelve o'clock, as Geoffrey Engleheart was busy writing
+alone in his room at the Foreign Office, he was interrupted by the
+opening of the door.
+
+"Hulloa, dear boy! I've found my way up here by myself. Busy, as usual,
+I see!" cried a cheery voice as the door slowly opened, and Geoffrey
+looking up saw it was his friend the Count, well groomed and fashionably
+attired in glossy silk hat, perfect-fitting frock coat, and varnished
+boots. He called very frequently upon Engleheart, and had long ago
+placed himself on excellent terms with the messengers and doorkeepers,
+who looked upon him as a most generous visitor.
+
+"Oh, how are you?" Engleheart exclaimed, rising and shaking his hand.
+"You must really forgive me, Count, but I quite forgot my appointment
+with you to-day."
+
+"Oh, don't let me disturb you, pray. I'll have a glance at the paper
+till you've finished," and casting himself into a chair near the window
+he took up the _Times_ and was soon absorbed in it.
+
+A quarter of an hour went by in silence, while Engleheart wrote on,
+calmly unconscious that there was a small rent in the newspaper the
+Count was reading, and that through it he could plainly see each word of
+the treaty as it was transcribed from the secret code and written down
+in plain English.
+
+"Will you excuse me for ten minutes?" Geoffrey exclaimed presently. "The
+Cabinet Council is sitting, and I have to run over to see Lord Stanbury
+for a moment. After I return I must make another copy of this paper, and
+then I shall be free."
+
+The Count, casting the newspaper wearily aside, glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past one," he said. "You'll be another half-hour, if not
+more. After all, I really think, old fellow, I'll go on down to
+Hurlingham. I arranged to meet the Vaynes at two o'clock."
+
+"All right. I'll run down in a cab as soon as I can get away," answered
+Engleheart.
+
+"Good. Come on as soon as you can. Violet will be expecting you, you
+know."
+
+"Of course I shall," replied his unsuspicious friend, and they shook
+hands, after which the Count put on his hat and sauntered jauntily out.
+
+In Parliament Street he jumped into his phaeton, but instead of driving
+to Hurlingham gave his man orders to proceed with all speed to the
+General Post Office, St. Martin's-le-Grand. Within half an hour from the
+time he had shaken the hand of his unsuspecting friend, a message in
+code--to all intents and purposes a commercial despatch--was on its way
+to "Herr Brandt, 116 Friedrich Strasse, Berlin."
+
+That message contained an exact transcript of the secret treaty!
+
+[Illustration: THE RUSSIAN SPY'S TELEGRAM.]
+
+Almost immediately after the Count had left, Geoffrey made a discovery.
+From the floor he picked up a small gold pencil-case which he knew
+belonged to von Beilstein.
+
+Engleheart was sorely puzzled to know why the Count should require a
+pencil if not to write, and it momentarily flashed across his mind that
+he might have copied portions of the treaty. But the next minute he
+dismissed the suspicion as ungrounded and preposterous, and placing the
+pencil in his pocket went in search of Lord Stanbury.
+
+It was only the statement he read in the _People_ later, alleging
+treachery at the Foreign Office, that recalled the incident to his mind.
+Then the horrible truth dawned upon him. He saw how probable it was that
+he had been tricked.
+
+He knew that the mine was already laid; that the only thing that had
+prevented an explosion that would shake the whole world had been the
+absence of definite knowledge as to the exact terms of the alliance
+between England, Germany, Italy, and Austria.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN.
+
+
+At sea the night was dark and moonless. A thick mist hung near the land.
+The Coastguard and Artillery on our southern and eastern shores spent a
+terribly anxious time, peering from their points of vantage out into the
+cavernous darkness where no light glimmered. The Harbour Defence
+Flotilla was in readiness, and under the black cliffs sentinels kept
+watch with every nerve strained to its highest tension, for the safety
+of England now depended upon their alertness. The great waves crashed
+and roared, and the mist, obscuring the light of vessels passing up and
+down the Channel, seemed to grow more dense as the hours wore on.
+
+In the midst of the feverish excitement that had spread everywhere
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, the troops were, a couple
+of hours after the receipt of the alarming news in London, already being
+mobilised and on their way south and east by special trains. Men, arms,
+ammunition, and stores were hurried forward to repel attack, and in the
+War Office and Admiralty, where the staffs had been suddenly called
+together, the greatest activity prevailed. Messages had been flashed
+along the wires in every direction giving orders to mobilise and
+concentrate at certain points, and these instructions were being obeyed
+with that promptness for which British soldiers and sailors are
+proverbial.
+
+Yet the high officials at the War Office looked grave, and although
+affecting unconcern, now and then whispered ominously together. They
+knew that the situation was critical. An immediate and adequate naval
+defence was just possible, but the Channel Squadron was manoeuvring off
+the Irish coast, and both the Coastguard Squadron and the Steam Reserve
+at the home ports were very weak. It was to our land army that we had to
+trust, and they were divided in opinion as to the possibility to
+mobilise a sufficient force in time to bar the advance.
+
+Military experts did not overlook the fact that to Dunkirk, Calais,
+Boulogne, Dieppe, F�camp, Havre, Honfleur, and Cherbourg ran excellent
+lines of railway, with ample rolling-stock, all Government property, and
+at the beck and call of the French War Minister. In the various ports
+there was adequate wharf accommodation and plenty of steam tonnage. From
+the brief official despatches received from Paris before the cutting of
+the wires, it was apparent that the French War Office had laid its plans
+with much forethought and cunning, and had provided against any
+_contretemps_. An army of carpenters and engineers had been put to work
+in the ports to alter the fittings of such of the merchant steamers as
+were destined to convey horses, and these fittings, prepared beforehand,
+were already in position. Four army corps had for several weeks been
+manoeuvring in Normandy, so that the Reservists had become accustomed to
+their work, and in excellent condition for war; therefore these facts,
+coupled with the strong support certain to be rendered by the warships
+of the Tsar, led experts to regard the outlook as exceedingly gloomy.
+
+For years military and naval men had discussed the possibilities of
+invasion, haggled over controversial points, but had never arrived at
+any definite opinion as to the possibility of an enemy's success. Now,
+however, the defences of the country were to be tested.
+
+Our great Empire was at stake.
+
+The power of steam to cause rapid transit by land and sea, the
+uncertainty of the place of disembarkment, and the great weight of
+modern naval artillery, combined to render the defences of England on
+the coast itself most uncertain and hazardous, and to cause grave doubts
+to arise in the minds of those who at that critical moment were
+directing the forward movement of the forces.
+
+The British public, whose national patriotism found vent in expressions
+of confidence in the Regular Army and Volunteers, were ignorant of the
+facts. They knew that two great Powers had combined to crush our island
+stronghold, and were eager that hostilities should commence in order
+that the enemy should be taught a severe lesson for their presumption.
+
+They, however, knew nothing of the plain truth, that although the 1st
+Army Corps at Aldershot would be ready to move at a few hours' notice,
+yet it was hopeless to try and prevent the disembarkation of the French
+army corps along a long line of unprotected coast by the action of a
+land force only one-third of their strength.
+
+So, by the water's edge, the lonely posts were kept through the night by
+patient, keen-sighted sentinels, ready at any moment to raise the alarm.
+But the dense mist that overhung everything was tantalising, hiding
+friend and foe alike, and no sound could be heard above the heavy roar
+of the waters as they rolled in over the rocks.
+
+London, infuriated, enthusiastic, turbulent, knew no sleep that night.
+The excitement was at fever-heat. At last, soon after daybreak, there
+came the first news of the enemy. A number of warships had suddenly
+appeared through the fog off the Sussex coast, and had lost no time in
+asserting their presence and demanding a large sum from the Mayor of
+Newhaven.
+
+The French first-class battery cruiser _Tage_, the _D�vastation_, the
+_Pothuau_, the _Ar�thuse_ and others, finding that their demand was
+unheeded, at once commenced shelling the town. Although our Coastguard
+Squadron and first-class Steam Reserve had mobilised, yet they had
+received orders and sailed away no one knew whither. The forts replied
+vigorously, but the fire of the enemy in half an hour had wrought
+terrible havoc both in the town and in the forts, where several of the
+guns had been rendered useless and a number of men had been killed.
+Hostilities had commenced.
+
+Never during the century had such scenes been witnessed in the streets
+of London as on that memorable Sunday morning. The metropolis was
+thrilled.
+
+Dawn was spreading, saffron tints were in the sky heralding the sun's
+coming. Yet Regent Street, Piccadilly, and the Strand, usually entirely
+deserted at that hour on a Sabbath morning, were crowded as if it were
+midday.
+
+Everywhere there was excitement. Crowds waited in front of the newspaper
+offices in Fleet Street, boys with strident voices sold the latest
+editions of the papers, men continued their snatches of patriotic
+ballads, while women were blanched and scared, and children clung to
+their mothers' skirts timidly, vaguely fearing an unknown terror.
+
+The shadow of coming events was black and dim, like a funeral pall. The
+fate of our Empire hung upon a thread.
+
+Twenty-four hours ago England was smiling, content in the confidence of
+its perfect safety and immunity from invasion; yet all the horrors of
+war had, with a startling, appalling suddenness, fallen and bewildered
+it. The booming of French cannon at Newhaven formed the last salute of
+many a brave Briton who fell shattered and lifeless.
+
+As the sun rose crimson from the grey misty sea, the work of destruction
+increased in vigour. From the turrets of the floating monsters smoke and
+flame poured forth in continuous volume, while shot and shell were
+hurled into the town of Newhaven, which, it was apparent, was the centre
+of the enemy's attack, and where, owing to the deepening of the harbour,
+troops could effect a landing under cover of the fire from the
+ironclads.
+
+Frightful havoc was wrought by the shells among the houses of the little
+town, and one falling on board the Brighton Railway Company's mail
+steamer _Paris_, lying alongside the station quay, set her on fire. In
+half an hour railway station and quays were blazing furiously, while the
+flames leaped up about the ship, wrapping themselves about the two
+white funnels and darting from every porthole.
+
+The Custom House opposite quickly ignited, and the inflammable nature of
+its contents caused the fire to assume enormous proportions. Meanwhile
+the bombardment was kept up, the forts on shore still replying with
+regularity, steadiness, and precision, and the armoured coast train of
+the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers, under Captain Brigden, rendering
+excellent service. In one of the forts a man was standing in front of a
+small camera-obscura, on the glass of which were a number of mysterious
+marks. This glass reflected the water and the ships; and as he stood by
+calmly with his hand upon a keyboard, he watched the reflections of the
+hostile vessels moving backwards and forwards over the glass. Suddenly
+he saw a French gunboat, after a series of smartly-executed manoeuvres,
+steaming straight over one of the marks, and, quick as lightning, his
+finger pressed one of the electric keys. A terrific explosion followed,
+and a column of green water shot up at the same instant. The gunboat
+_Lavel_ had been suddenly blown almost out of the water by a submarine
+mine! Broken portions of her black hull turned over and sank, and
+mangled remains of what a second before had been a crew of enthusiastic
+Frenchmen floated for a few moments on the surface, then disappeared.
+Not a soul on board escaped.
+
+Along the telegraph line from the signal-station on Beachy Head news of
+the blowing up of the enemy's gunboat was flashed to London, and when,
+an hour later, it appeared in the newspapers, the people went half mad
+with excitement. Alas, how they miscalculated the relative strength of
+the opposing forces!
+
+They were unaware that our Channel Fleet, our Coastguard Squadron, and
+our Reserve were steaming away, leaving our southern shores _practically
+unprotected_!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX.
+
+
+The Briton is, alas! too prone to underrate his adversary. It is this
+national egotism, this fatal over-confidence, that has led to most of
+the reverses we have sustained in recent wars.
+
+The popular belief that one Briton is as good as half a dozen
+foreigners, is a fallacy which ought to be at once expunged from the
+minds of every one. The improved and altered conditions under which
+international hostilities are carried on nowadays scarcely even admit of
+a hand-to-hand encounter, and the engines of destruction designed by
+other European Powers being quite as perfect as our own, tact and
+cunning have now taken the place of pluck and perseverance. The strong
+arm avails but little in modern warfare; strategy is everything.
+
+Into Brighton, an hour after dawn, the enemy's vessels were pouring
+volley after volley of deadly missiles. A party had landed from the
+French flagship, and, summoning the Mayor, had demanded a million
+pounds. This not being forthcoming, they had commenced shelling the
+town. The fire was, for the most part, directed against the long line of
+shops and private residences in King's Road and at Hove, and in half an
+hour over a hundred houses had been demolished. The palatial H�tel
+M�tropole stood a great gaunt ruin. Shells had carried large portions of
+the noble building away, and a part of the ruin had caught fire and was
+burning unchecked, threatening to consume the whole. Church steeples
+had been knocked over like ninepins, and explosive missiles dropped in
+the centre of the town every moment, sweeping the streets with deadly
+effect. The enemy met with little or no opposition. Our first line of
+defence, our Navy, was missing! The Admiralty were unaware of the
+whereabouts of three whole Fleets that had mobilised, and the ships
+remaining in the Channel, exclusive of the Harbour Defence Flotilla,
+were practically useless.
+
+At Eastbourne, likewise, where a similar demand had been made, shot fell
+thick as hail, and shells played fearful havoc with the handsome
+boarding-houses and hotels that line the sea front. From the redoubt,
+the Wish Tower, and a battery on the higher ground towards Beachy Head,
+as well as a number of other hastily constructed earthworks, a reply was
+made to the enemy's fire, and the guns in the antiquated martello
+towers, placed at intervals along the beach, now and then sent a shot
+towards the vessels. But such an attempt to keep the great ironclads at
+bay was absurdly futile. One after another shells from the monster guns
+of the Russian ship _Pjotr Velikij_, and the armoured cruisers _Gerzog
+Edinburskij_, _Krejser_, and _Najezdnik_, crashed into these out-of-date
+coast defences, and effectually silenced them. In Eastbourne itself the
+damage wrought was enormous. Every moment shells fell and exploded in
+Terminus and Seaside Roads, while the aristocratic suburb of Upperton,
+built on the hill behind the town, was exposed to and bore the full
+brunt of the fray. The fine modern Queen Anne and Elizabethan residences
+were soon mere heaps of burning d�bris. Every moment houses fell,
+burying their occupants, and those people who rushed out into the roads
+for safety were, for the most part, either overwhelmed by d�bris, or had
+their limbs shattered by flying pieces of shell.
+
+The situation was awful. The incessant thunder of cannon, the screaming
+of shells whizzing through the air, to burst a moment later and send a
+dozen or more persons to an untimely grave, the crash of falling walls,
+the clouds of smoke and dust, and the blazing of ignited wreckage,
+combined to produce a scene more terrible than any witnessed in England
+during the present century.
+
+And all this was the outcome of one man's indiscretion and the cunning
+duplicity of two others!
+
+At high noon Newhaven fell into the hands of the enemy.
+
+The attack had been so entirely unexpected that the troops mobilised and
+sent there had arrived too late. The town was being sacked, and the
+harbour was in the possession of the French, who were landing their
+forces in great numbers. From Dieppe and Havre transports were arriving,
+and discharging their freights of fighting men and guns under cover of
+the fire from the French warships lying close in land.
+
+Notwithstanding all the steps taken during the last twenty years to
+improve the condition of our forces on land and sea, this outbreak of
+hostilities found us far from being in a state of preparedness for war.
+England, strangely enough, has never yet fully realised that the
+conditions of war have entirely changed. In days gone by, when troops
+and convoys could move but slowly, the difficulty of providing for
+armies engaged in operations necessarily limited their strength. It is
+now quite different. Improved communications have given to military
+operations astonishing rapidity, and the facilities with which large
+masses of troops, guns, and stores can now be transported to great
+distances has had the effect of proportionately increasing numbers. As a
+result of this, with the exception of our own island, Europe was armed
+to the teeth. Yet a mobilisation arrangement that was faulty and not
+clearly understood by officers or men, was the cause of the enemy being
+allowed to land. It is remarkable that the military authorities had not
+acted upon the one principle admitted on every side, namely, that the
+only effective defence consists of attack. The attack, to succeed,
+should have been sudden and opportune, and the Army should have been so
+organised that on the occurrence of war a force of adequate strength
+would have been at once available.
+
+In a word, we missed our chance to secure this inestimable advantage
+afforded by the power of striking the first blow.
+
+There was an old and true saying, that "England's best bulwarks were her
+wooden walls." They are no longer wooden, but it still remains an
+admitted fact that England's strongest bulwarks should be her Navy, and
+that any other nation may be possessed of an equally good one; also that
+our best bulwark should be equal to, or approach, the fighting power of
+the bulwarks owned by any two possible hostile nations.
+
+To be strong is to stave off war; to be weak is to invite attack. It was
+our policy of _laissez faire_, a weak Navy and an Army bound up with red
+tape, that caused this disastrous invasion of England. Had our Fleet
+been sufficient for its work, invasion would have remained a threat, and
+nothing more. Our Navy was not only our first, but our last line of
+defence from an Imperial point of view; for, as a writer in the _Army
+and Navy Gazette_ pointed out in 1893, it was equally manifest and
+unquestionable that without land forces to act as the spearhead to the
+Navy's over-sea shaft, the offensive tactics so essential to a thorough
+statesmanlike defensive policy could not be carried out. Again, the
+mobility and efficiency of our Regular Army should have been such that
+the victory of our Fleet could be speedily and vigorously followed by
+decisive blows on the enemy's territory.
+
+Already the news of the landing of the enemy had--besides causing a
+thrill such as had never before been known in our "tight little
+island"--produced its effect upon the price of food in London as
+elsewhere. In England we had only five days' bread-stuffs, and as the
+majority of our supplies came from Russia the price of bread trebled
+within twelve hours, and the ordinary necessaries of life were
+proportionately dearer.
+
+But the dice had been thrown, and the sixes lay with Moloch.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON.
+
+
+On that never-to-be-forgotten Sunday, scenes were witnessed in the
+metropolis which were of the most disgraceful character. The teeming
+city, from dawn till midnight, was in a feverish turmoil, the throngs in
+its streets discussing the probable turn of affairs, singing patriotic
+songs, and giving vent to utterances of heroic intentions interspersed
+with much horse play.
+
+In Trafalgar Square, the hub of London, a mass meeting of Anarchists and
+Socialists was held, at which the Government and military authorities
+were loudly denounced for what was termed their criminal apathy to the
+interests and welfare of the nation. The Government, it was contended,
+had betrayed the country by allowing the secret of the German alliance
+to fall into the hands of its enemies, and the Ministers, adjudged
+unworthy the confidence of the nation, were by the resolutions adopted
+called upon to resign immediately. The crisis was an excuse for
+Anarchism to vent its grievances against law and order, and, unshackled,
+it had spread with rapidity through the length and breadth of the land.
+In "The Square" the scarlet flag and the Cap of Liberty were everywhere
+in evidence, and, notwithstanding the presence of the police, the
+leaders of Anarchy openly advocated outrage, incendiarism, and murder.
+At length the police resolved to interfere, and this was the signal for
+a terrible uprising. The huge mob, which in the mellow sunset filled
+the great Square and blocked all its approaches, became a seething,
+surging mass of struggling humanity. The attack by the police, who were
+ordered to disperse them, only incensed them further against the
+authorities, whom they blamed for the catastrophe that had befallen our
+country. Angry and desperate they fought with the police, using both
+revolvers and knives.
+
+The scene was terrible. The scum of the metropolis had congregated to
+wage war against their own compatriots whom they classed among enemies,
+and for an hour in the precincts of the Square the struggle was for
+life. Dozens of constables were shot dead, hundreds of Anarchists and
+Socialists received wounds from batons, many succumbing to their
+injuries, or being trampled to death by the dense mob. It was a
+repetition of that historic day known as "Bloody Sunday," only the fight
+was more desperate and the consequences far worse, and such as would
+disgrace any civilised city.
+
+Before sundown the police had been vanquished; and as no soldiers could
+be spared, Anarchism ran riot in the Strand, Pall Mall, St. Martin's
+Lane, Northumberland Avenue, and Parliament Street. Pale, determined
+men, with faces covered with blood, and others with their clothes in
+shreds, shouted hoarse cries of victory, as, headed by a torn red flag,
+they rushed into Pall Mall and commenced breaking down the shutters of
+shops and looting them. Men were knocked down and murdered, and the
+rioters, freed from all restraint, commenced sacking all establishments
+where it was expected spoil could be obtained. At one bank in Pall Mall
+they succeeded, after some difficulty, in breaking open the strong room
+with explosives, and some forty or fifty of the rebels with eager
+greediness shared the gold and notes they stole.
+
+At the Strand corner of the Square a squad of police was being formed,
+in order to co-operate with some reinforcements which were arriving,
+when suddenly there was a terrific explosion.
+
+A bomb filled with picric acid had been thrown by an Anarchist, and when
+the smoke cleared, the shattered remains of thirty-four constables lay
+strewn upon the roadway!
+
+This was but the first of a series of dastardly outrages. The advice of
+the Anarchist leaders in their inflammatory speeches had been acted
+upon, and in half an hour a number of bomb explosions had occurred in
+the vicinity, each doing enormous damage, and killing numbers of
+innocent persons. After the petard had been thrown in Trafalgar Square a
+loud explosion was almost immediately afterwards heard in Parliament
+Street, and it was soon known that a too successful attempt had been
+made to blow up the Premier's official residence in Downing Street. The
+programme of the outrages had apparently been organised, for almost
+before the truth was known another even more disastrous explosion
+occurred in the vestibule of the War Office in Pall Mall, which wrecked
+the lower part of the building, and blew to atoms the sentry on duty,
+and killed a number of clerks who were busy at their important duties in
+the apartments on the ground floor.
+
+Through Pall Mall and along Whitehall the mob ran, crying "Down with the
+Government! Kill the traitors! Kill them!" About three thousand of the
+more lawless, having looted a number of shops, rushed to the Houses of
+Parliament, arriving there just in time to witness the frightful havoc
+caused by the explosion of two terribly powerful bombs that had been
+placed in St. Stephen's Hall and in Westminster Abbey.
+
+A section of the exultant rioters had gained access to the National
+Gallery, where they carried on ruthless destruction among the priceless
+paintings there. Dozens of beautiful works were slashed with knives,
+others were torn down, and many, cut from their frames, were flung to
+the howling crowd outside. Suddenly some one screamed, "What do we want
+with Art? Burn down the useless palace! Burn it! Burn it!"
+
+This cry was taken up by thousands of throats, and on every hand the
+rebels inside the building were urged to set fire to it. Intoxicated
+with success, maddened by anger at the action of the police, and
+confident that they had gained a signal victory over the law, they piled
+together a number of historic paintings in one of the rooms, and then
+ignited them. The flames leaped to the ceiling, spread to the woodwork,
+and thence, with appalling rapidity, to the other apartments. The
+windows cracked, and clouds of smoke and tongues of fire belched forth
+from them.
+
+It had now grown dusk. The furious, demoniacal rabble surging in the
+Square set up loud, prolonged cheering when they saw the long dark
+building burning. In delight they paused in their work of destruction,
+watching the flames growing brighter as they burst through the roof,
+licking the central dome; and while the timber crackled and the fire
+roared, casting a lurid glare upon the tall buildings round and lighting
+up the imposing fa�ade of the Grand Hotel, they cheered vociferously and
+sang the "Marseillaise" until the smoke half choked them and their
+throats grew hoarse.
+
+These denizens of the slums, these criminal crusaders against the law,
+were not yet satiated by their wild reckless orgies. Unchecked, they had
+run riot up and down the Strand, and there was scarcely a man among them
+who had not in his pocket some of the spoils from jewellers' or from
+banks. In the glare of the flames the white bloodstained faces wore a
+determined expression as they stood collecting their energies for some
+other atrocious outrage against their so-called enemies, the rich.
+
+At the first menace of excesses, dwellers in the locality had left their
+houses and fled headlong for safety to other parts of the city. The
+majority escaped, but many fell into the hands of the rioters, and were
+treated with scant humanity. Men and women were struck down and robbed,
+even strangled or shot if they resisted. The scene was frightful--a
+terrible realisation of Anarchist prophecies that had rendered the
+authorities absolutely helpless. On the one hand, an enemy had landed on
+our shores with every chance of a successful march to London, while on
+the other the revolutionary spirit had broken out unmistakably among the
+criminal class, and lawlessness and murder were everywhere rife.
+
+The homes of the people were threatened by double disaster--by the
+attack of both enemy and "friend." The terrible bomb outrages and their
+appalling results had completely disorganised the police, and although
+reinforcements had been telegraphed for from every division in London,
+the number of men mustered at Scotland Yard was not yet sufficient to
+deal effectually with the irate and rapidly increasing mob.
+
+As evening wore on the scenes in the streets around the Square were
+terrible. Pall Mall was congested by the angry mob who were wrecking the
+clubs, when suddenly the exultant cries were succeeded by terrified
+shrieks mingled with fierce oaths. Each man fought with his neighbour,
+and many men and women, crushed against iron railings, stood half
+suffocated and helpless. The National Gallery was burning fiercely,
+flames from the great burning pile shot high in the air, illuminating
+everything with their flood of crimson light, and the wind, blowing down
+the crowded thoroughfare, carried smoke, sparks, and heat with it.
+
+Distant shrieks were heard in the direction of the Square, and suddenly
+the crowd surged wildly forward. Gaol-birds from the purlieus of Drury
+Lane robbed those who had valuables or money upon them, and committed
+brutal assaults upon the unprotected. A moment later, however, there was
+a flash, and the deafening sound of firearms at close quarters was
+followed by the horrified shrieks of the yelling mob. Again and again
+the sound was repeated. Around them bullets whistled, and men and women
+fell forward dead and wounded with terrible curses upon their lips.
+
+The 10th Hussars had just arrived from Hounslow, and having received
+hurried orders to clear away the rioters, were shooting them down like
+dogs, without mercy. On every hand cries of agony and despair rose above
+the tumult. Then a silence followed, for the street was thickly strewn
+with corpses.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG.
+
+
+A cloudy moonless night, with a gusty wind which now and then swept the
+tops of the forest trees, causing the leaves to surge like a summer sea.
+
+Withered branches creaked and groaned, and a dog howled dismally down in
+Flimwell village, half a mile away. Leaning with his back against the
+gnarled trunk of a giant oak on the edge of the forest, his ears alert
+for the slightest sound, his hand upon his loaded magazine rifle,
+Geoffrey Engleheart stood on outpost duty. Dressed in a rough shooting
+suit, with a deerstalker hat and an improvised kit strapped upon his
+back, he was half hidden by the tall bracken. Standing motionless in the
+deep shadow, with his eyes fixed upon the wide stretch of sloping
+meadows, he waited, ready, at the slightest appearance of the enemy's
+scouts, to raise the alarm and call to arms those who were sleeping in
+the forest after their day's march.
+
+The City Civilian Volunteer Battalion which he had joined was on its way
+to take part in the conflict, which every one knew would be desperate.
+Under the command of Major Mansford, an experienced elderly officer who
+had long since retired from the Lancashire Regiment, but who had at once
+volunteered to lead the battalion of young patriots, they had left
+London by train for Maidstone, whence they marched by way of Linton,
+Marden, and Goudhurst to Frith Wood, where they had bivouacked for the
+night on the Sussex border.
+
+It was known that Russian scouts had succeeded in getting as far as
+Wadhurst, and it was expected that one of the French reconnoitring
+parties must, in their circuitous survey, pass the border of the wood on
+their way back to their own lines. Up to the present they had been
+practically unmolested. The British army was now mobilised, and Kent,
+Sussex, and Hampshire were overrun with soldiers. Every household gave
+men accommodation voluntarily, every hostelry, from the aristocratic
+hotels of the watering-places to the unassuming Red Lions of the
+villages, was full of Britain's brave defenders. The echoes of old-world
+village streets of thatched houses with quaint gables were awakened
+night and day by the rumbling of heavy artillery, the shouts of the
+drivers as they urged along their teams, and the rattle of ammunition
+carts and of ambulance waggons, while on every high road leading south
+battalions were on the march, and eager to come within fighting range of
+the audacious foreigners.
+
+At first the peaceful people of the villages gazed, wondered, and
+admired, thinking some manoeuvres were about to take place--for military
+manoeuvres always improve village trade. But they were very quickly
+disillusioned. When they knew the truth--that the enemy was actually at
+their doors, that the grey-coated masses of the Russian legions were
+lying like packs of wolves in the undulating country between Heathfield,
+Etchingham, and the sea--they were panic-stricken and appalled. They
+watched the stream of redcoats passing their doors, cheering them, while
+those who were their guests were treated to the best fare their hosts
+could provide.
+
+Tommy Atkins was now the idol of the hour.
+
+Apparently the enemy, having established themselves, were by no means
+anxious to advance with undue haste. Having landed, they were, it was
+ascertained, awaiting the arrival of further reinforcements and
+armaments from both Powers; but nothing definite was known of this,
+except some meagre details that had filtered through the American
+cables, all direct telegraphic communication with the Continent having
+now been cut off.
+
+Alas! Moloch had grinned. He had sharpened his sickle for the terrible
+carnage that was to spread through Albion's peaceful land.
+
+Terrible was the panic that the invasion had produced in the North.
+
+Food had risen to exorbitant prices. In the great manufacturing centres
+the toiling millions were already feeling the pinch of starvation, for
+with bread at ninepence a small loaf, meat at a prohibitive figure, and
+the factories stopped, they were compelled to remain with empty stomachs
+and idle hands.
+
+Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and the larger towns
+presented a gloomy, sorry aspect. Business was suspended, the majority
+of the shops were closed, the banks barred and bolted, and the only
+establishments where any trade flourished were the taverns and music
+halls. These were crowded. Drink flowed, gold jingled, and the laughter
+at wild jest or the thunder of applause which greeted dancing girls and
+comic vocalists was still as hearty as of old. Everywhere there was a
+sordid craving for amusement which was a reflex of the war fever. The
+people made merry, for ere long they might be cut down by a foeman's
+steel.
+
+Restless impatience thrilled the community from castle to cottage,
+intensified by the vain clamourings of Anarchist mobs in the greater
+towns. As in London, these shock-headed agitators held high revel,
+protesting against everything and everybody--now railing, now
+threatening, but always mustering converts to their harebrained
+doctrines. In Manchester they were particularly strong. A number of
+serious riots had occurred in Deansgate and in Market Street. The mob
+wrecked the Queen's Hotel, smashed numbers of windows in Lewis's great
+emporium, looted the _Guardian_ office, and set fire to the Town Hall. A
+portion of the latter only was burned, the fire brigade managing to
+subdue the flames before any very serious damage was occasioned.
+Although the police made hundreds of arrests, and the stipendiary sat
+from early morning until late at night, Anarchist demonstrations were
+held every evening in the city and suburbs, always resulting in
+pillage, incendiarism, and not unfrequently in murder. In grey,
+money-making Stockport, in grimy Salford, in smoky Pendleton, and even
+in aristocratic Eccles, these demonstrations were held, and the
+self-styled "soldiers of the social revolution" marched over the granite
+roads, headed by a dirty scarlet flag, hounding down the Government, and
+crying shame upon them for the apathy with which they had regarded the
+presence of the bearded Caucasian Tcherkesses of the White Tsar.
+
+The kingdom was in wild turmoil, for horror heaped upon horror. Outrages
+that commenced in London were repeated with appalling frequency in the
+great towns in the provinces. An attempt had been made to assassinate
+the Premier while speaking in the Town Hall, Birmingham, the bomb which
+was thrown having killed two hard-working reporters who were writing
+near; but the Prime Minister, who seemed to lead a charmed existence,
+escaped without a scratch.
+
+In Liverpool, where feeling against the War Office ran high, there were
+several explosions, two of which occurred in Bold Street, and were
+attended by loss of life, while a number of incendiary fires occurred at
+the docks. At Bradford the Town Hall was blown up, and the troops were
+compelled to fire on a huge mob of rioters, who, having assembled at
+Manningham, were advancing to loot the town.
+
+The cavalry barracks at York was the scene of a terrific explosion,
+which killed three sentries and maimed twenty other soldiers; while at
+Warwick Assizes, during the hearing of a murder trial, some unknown
+scoundrel threw a petard at the judge, killing him instantly on the
+bench.
+
+These, however, were but few instances of the wild lawlessness and
+terrible anarchy that prevailed in Britain, for only the most flagrant
+cases of outrage were reported in the newspapers, their columns being
+filled with the latest intelligence from the seat of war.
+
+It must be said that over the border the people were more law-abiding.
+The Scotch, too canny to listen to the fiery declamations of hoarse and
+shabby agitators, preferred to trust to British pluck and the strong arm
+of their brawny Highlanders. In Caledonia the seeds of Anarchy fell on
+stony ground.
+
+In Northern and Midland towns, however, the excitement increased hourly.
+It extended everywhere. From Ventnor to the Pentlands, from Holyhead to
+the Humber, from Scilly to the Nore, every man and every woman existed
+in fearfulness of the crash that was impending.
+
+It was now known throughout the breadth of our land that the Government
+policy was faulty, that War Office and Admiralty organisation was a
+rotten make-believe, and, worst of all, that what critics had long ago
+said as to the inadequacy of our naval defence, even with the ships
+built under the programme of 1894, had now, alas! proved to be true.
+
+The suspense was awful. Those who were now living in the peaceful
+atmospheres of their homes, surrounded by neighbours and friends in the
+centre of a great town, and feeling a sense of security, might within a
+few days be shot down by French rifles, or mowed down brutally by
+gleaming Cossack _shushkas_. The advance of the enemy was expected
+daily, hourly; and the people in the North waited, staggered,
+breathless, and terrified. Men eagerly scanned the newspapers; women
+pressed their children to their breasts.
+
+In the mining districts the shock had not inspired the same amount of
+fear as at the ports and in the manufacturing centres. Possibly it was
+because work was still proceeding in the pits, and constant work
+prevents men from becoming restless, or troubling themselves about a
+nation's woes. Toilers who worked below knew that foreign invaders had
+landed, and that the Militia and Volunteers had been called out, but
+they vaguely believed that, the seat of war being away down south--a
+very long distance in the imagination of most of them--everything would
+be over before they could be called upon to take part in the struggle.
+In any case coal and iron must be got, they argued, and while they had
+work they had little time for uneasiness. Nevertheless, great numbers of
+stalwart young miners enrolled themselves in the local Volunteer corps,
+and burned to avenge the affront to their country and their sovereign.
+
+Those were indeed fateful, ever-to-be-remembered days.
+
+Amid this weary, anxious watching, this constant dread of what might
+next occur, an item of news was circulated which caused the greatest
+rejoicing everywhere. Intelligence reached New York, by cable from
+France, that Germany had combined with England against the
+Franco-Russian alliance, that her vast army had been mobilised, and that
+already the brave, well-drilled legions of the Emperor William had
+crossed the Vosges, and passed the frontier into France. A sharp battle
+had been fought near Givet, and that, as well as several other French
+frontier towns which fell in 1870, were again in the hands of the
+Germans.
+
+How different were German methods to those of the British!
+
+With a perfect scheme of attack, every detail of which had been long
+thought out, and which worked without a hitch, the Kaiser's forces were
+awaiting the word of command to march onward--to Paris. For years--ever
+since they taught France that severe lesson in the last disastrous
+war--it had been the ambition of every German cavalryman to clink his
+spurs on the asphalte of the Boulevards. Now they were actually on their
+way towards their goal!
+
+The papers were full of these latest unexpected developments, the
+details of which, necessarily meagre owing to the lack of direct
+communication, were eagerly discussed. It was believed that Germany
+would, in addition to defending her Polish frontier and attacking
+France, also send a naval squadron from Kiel to England.
+
+The Tsar's spy had been foiled, and Russia and France now knew they had
+made a false move! Russia's rapid and decisive movement was intended to
+prevent the signing of the secret alliance, and to bar England and
+Germany from joining hands. But happily the sly machinations of the
+Count von Beilstein, the released convict and adventurer, had in a
+measure failed, for Germany had considered it diplomatic to throw in
+her fortune with Great Britain in this desperate encounter.
+
+A feeling of thankfulness spread through the land. Nevertheless, it was
+plain that if Germany intended to wield the double-handled sword of
+conquest in France, she would have few troops to spare to send to
+England.
+
+But those dark days, full of agonising suspense, dragged on slowly. The
+French well knew the imminent danger that threatened their own country,
+yet they could not possibly withdraw. Mad enthusiasts always!
+
+It must be war to the death, they decided. The conflict could not be
+averted. So Britons unsheathed their steel, and held themselves in
+readiness for a fierce and desperate fray.
+
+The invasion had indeed been planned by our enemies with marvellous
+forethought and cunning. There was treachery in the Intelligence
+Department of the British Admiralty, foul treachery which placed our
+country at the mercy of the invader, and sacrificed thousands of lives.
+On the morning following the sudden Declaration of War, the officer in
+charge of the telegraph bureau at Whitehall, whose duty it had been to
+send the telegrams ordering the naval mobilisation, was found lying dead
+beside the telegraph instrument--stabbed to the heart! Inquiries were
+made, and it was found that one of the clerks, a young Frenchman who had
+been taken on temporarily at a low salary, was missing. It was further
+discovered that the murder had been committed hours before, immediately
+the Mobilisation Orders had been sent; further, that fictitious
+telegrams had been despatched cancelling them, and ordering the Channel
+Fleet away to the Mediterranean, the Coastguard Squadron to Land's End,
+and the first-class Reserve ships to proceed to the North of Scotland in
+search of the enemy! Thus, owing to these orders sent by the murderer,
+England was left unprotected.
+
+Immediately the truth was known efforts were made to cancel the forged
+orders. But, alas! it was too late. Our Fleets had already sailed!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME.
+
+
+Karl von Beilstein sat in his own comfortable saddlebag-chair, in his
+chambers in the Albany, lazily twisting a cigarette.
+
+On a table at his elbow was spread sheet 319 of the Ordnance Survey Map
+of England, which embraced that part of Sussex where the enemy were
+encamped. With red and blue pencils he had been making mystic marks upon
+it, and had at last laid it aside with a smile of satisfaction.
+
+"She thought she had me in her power," he muttered ominously to himself.
+"The wolf! If she knew everything, she could make me crave again at her
+feet for mercy. Happily she is in ignorance; therefore that trip to a
+more salubrious climate that I anticipated is for the present postponed.
+I have silenced her, and am still master of the situation--still the
+agent of the Tsar!" Uttering a low laugh, he gave his cigarette a final
+twist, and then regarded it critically.
+
+The door opened to admit his valet, Grevel.
+
+"A message from the Embassy. The man is waiting," he said.
+
+His master opened the note which was handed to him, read it with
+contracted brows, and said--
+
+"Tell him that the matter shall be arranged as quickly as possible."
+
+"Nothing else?"
+
+"Nothing. I am leaving London, and shall not be back for a week--perhaps
+longer."
+
+With a slight yawn he rose and passed into his dressing-room, while his
+servant went to deliver his message to the man in waiting. The note had
+produced a marked effect upon the spy. It was an order from his
+taskmasters in St. Petersburg. He knew it must be obeyed. Every moment
+was of vital consequence in carrying out the very delicate mission
+intrusted to him, a mission which it would require all his tact and
+cunning to execute.
+
+In a quarter of an hour he emerged into his sitting-room again, so
+completely disguised that even his most intimate acquaintances would
+have failed to recognise him. Attired in rusty black, with clean shaven
+face and walking with a scholarly stoop, he had transformed himself from
+the foppish man-about-town to a needy country parson, whose cheap boots
+were down at heel, and in the lappel of whose coat was displayed a piece
+of worn and faded blue.
+
+"Listen, Pierre," he said to his man, who entered at his summons. "While
+I am away keep your eyes and ears open. If there is a shadow of
+suspicion in any quarter, burn all my papers, send me warning through
+the Embassy, and clear out yourself without delay. Should matters assume
+a really dangerous aspect, you must get down to the Russian lines, where
+they will pass you through, and put you on board one of our ships."
+
+"Has the Ministry at Petersburg promised us protection at last?"
+
+"Yes; we have nothing to fear. When the game is up among these lambs, we
+shall calmly go over to the other side and witness the fun."
+
+"In what direction are you now going?"
+
+"I don't know," replied the spy, as he unlocked a drawer in a small
+cabinet in a niche by the fireplace and took from it a long Circassian
+knife. Drawing the bright blade from its leathern sheath, he felt its
+keen double edge with his fingers.
+
+It was like a razor.
+
+"A desperate errand--eh?" queried the valet, with a grin, noticing how
+carefully the Count placed the murderous weapon in his inner pocket.
+
+"Yes," he answered. "Desperate. A word sometimes means death."
+
+And the simple rural vicar strode out and down the stairs, leaving the
+crafty Pierre in wonderment.
+
+"Bah!" the latter exclaimed in disgust, when the receding footsteps had
+died away. "So you vainly imagine, my dear Karl, that you have your heel
+upon my neck, do you? It is good for me that you don't give me credit
+for being a little more wideawake, otherwise you would see that you are
+raking the chestnuts from the fire for me. _Bien!_ I am silent, docile,
+obedient; I merely wait for you to burn your fingers, then the whole of
+the money will be mine to enjoy, while you will be in the only land
+where the Tsar does not require secret agents. Vain, avaricious fool!
+_You'll be in your grave!_"
+
+Von Beilstein meanwhile sped along down the Haymarket and Pall Mall to
+Whitehall. The clock on the stone tower of the Horse Guards showed it
+was one o'clock, and, with apparently aimless purpose, he lounged about
+on the broad pavement outside Old Scotland Yard, immediately opposite
+the dark fa�ade of the Admiralty. His hawk's eye carefully scrutinised
+every single person of the busy throng entering or leaving the building.
+There was great activity at the naval headquarters, and the courtyard
+was crowded with persons hurrying in and out. Presently, after a short
+but vigilant watch, he turned quickly so as to be unobserved, and moved
+slowly away.
+
+The cause of this sudden manoeuvre was the appearance of a well-dressed,
+dark-bearded man of about forty, having the appearance of a naval
+officer in mufti, who emerged hastily from the building with a handbag
+in his hand, and crossed the courtyard to the kerb, where he stood
+looking up and down the thoroughfare.
+
+"My man!" exclaimed von Beilstein, under his breath. "He wants a cab. I
+wonder where he's going?"
+
+Five minutes later the naval officer was in a hansom, driving towards
+Westminster Bridge, while, at a little distance behind, the Tsar's agent
+was following in another conveyance. Once on the trail, the Count never
+left his quarry. Crossing the bridge, they drove on rapidly through the
+crowded, turbulent streets of South London to the Elephant and Castle,
+and thence down the Old Kent Road to the New Cross Station of the
+South-Eastern Railway.
+
+As a protest against the action of the Government, and in order to
+prevent the enemy from establishing direct communication with London in
+case of British reverses, the lines from the metropolis to the south had
+been wrecked by the Anarchists. On the Chatham and Dover Railway, Penge
+tunnel had been blown up, on the Brighton line two bridges near Croydon
+had been similarly treated, and on the South-Eastern four bridges in
+Rotherhithe and Bermondsey had been broken up and rendered impassable by
+dynamite, while at Haysden, outside Tunbridge, the rails had also been
+torn up for a considerable distance. Therefore traffic to the south from
+London termini had been suspended, and the few persons travelling were
+compelled to take train at the stations in the remoter southern suburbs.
+
+As the unsuspecting officer stepped into the booking-office, his
+attention was not attracted by the quiet and seedy clergyman who lounged
+near enough to overhear him purchase a first-class ticket for Deal. When
+he had descended to the platform the spy obtained a third-class ticket
+to the same destination, and leisurely followed him. Travelling by the
+same train, they were compelled to alight at Haysden and walk over the
+wrecked permanent way into Tunbridge, from which place they journeyed to
+Deal, arriving there about six o'clock. Throughout, it was apparent to
+the crafty watcher that the man he was following was doing his utmost to
+escape observation, and this surmise was strengthened by his actions on
+arriving at the quaint old town, now half ruined; for, instead of going
+to a first-class hotel, he walked on until he came to Middle Street,--a
+narrow little thoroughfare, redolent of fish, running parallel with the
+sea,--and took up quarters at the Mariners' Rest Inn. It was a low,
+old-fashioned little place, with sanded floors, a smoke-blackened
+taproom, a rickety time-mellowed bar, with a comfortable little parlour
+beyond.
+
+In this latter room, used in common by the guests, on the following day
+the visitor from London first met the shabby parson from Canterbury. The
+man from the Admiralty seemed in no mood for conversation; nevertheless,
+after a preliminary chat upon the prospect of the invasion, they
+exchanged cards, and the vicar gradually became confidential. With a
+pious air he related how he had been to Canterbury to conduct a revival
+mission which had turned out marvellously successful, crowds having to
+be turned away at every service, and how he was now enjoying a week's
+vacation before returning to his poor but extensive parish in
+Hertfordshire.
+
+"I came to this inn, because I am bound to practise a most rigid
+economy," he added. "I am charmed with it. One sees so much character
+here in these rough toilers of the sea."
+
+"Yes," replied his friend, whose card bore the words "Commander Yerbery,
+R.N." "Being a sailor myself, I prefer this homely little inn, with its
+fisher folk as customers, to a more pretentious and less comfortable
+establishment."
+
+"Are you remaining here long?" asked his clerical friend.
+
+"I--I really don't know," answered the officer hesitatingly. "Possibly a
+day or so."
+
+The spy did not pursue the subject further, but conducted himself with
+an amiability which caused his fellow-traveller to regard him as "a real
+good fellow for a parson." Together they smoked the long clays of the
+hostelry, they sat in the taproom of an evening and conversed with the
+fishermen who congregated there, and frequently strolled along by the
+shore to Walmer, or through the fields to Cottingham Court Farm, or
+Sholden. Constantly, however, Commander Yerbery kept his eyes seaward.
+Was he apprehensive lest Russian ironclads should return, and again
+bombard the little town; or was he expecting some mysterious signal from
+some ship in the Downs?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A DEATH DRAUGHT.
+
+
+On several occasions the spy had, with artful ingenuity, endeavoured to
+discover the object of Commander Yerbery's sojourn, but upon that point
+he preserved a silence that was impenetrable. In their wanderings about
+the town they saw on every side the havoc caused by the bombardment
+which had taken place three days previously. Whole rows of houses facing
+the sea had been carried away by the enemy's shells, and the once
+handsome church spire was now a mere heap of smouldering d�bris. The
+barracks, which had been one of the objects of attack, had suffered most
+severely. M�linite had been projected into them, exploding with
+devastating effect, and demolishing the buildings, which fell like packs
+of cards. Afterwards, the enemy had sailed away, apparently thinking the
+strategical position of the place worthless.
+
+And all this had been brought about by this despicable villain--the man
+who had now wrapped himself in the cloak of sanctity, and who, beaming
+with well-feigned good fellowship, walked arm-in-arm with the man upon
+whom he was keeping the most vigilant observation! By night sleep
+scarcely came to his eyes, but in his little room, with its clean
+old-fashioned dimity blinds and hangings, he lay awake,--scheming,
+planning, plotting, preparing for the master-stroke.
+
+One morning, after they had been there three days, he stood alone in
+his bedroom with the door closed. From his inner pocket he drew forth
+the keen Circassian blade that reposed there, and gazed thoughtfully
+upon it.
+
+"No," he muttered, suddenly rousing himself, as if a thought had
+suddenly occurred to him. "He is strong. He might shout, and then I
+should be caught like a rat in a trap."
+
+Replacing the knife in his pocket, he took from his vest a tiny phial he
+always carried; then, after noiselessly locking the door, he took from
+the same pocket a small cube of lump sugar. Standing by the window he
+uncorked the little bottle, and with steady hand allowed one single drop
+of the colourless liquid to escape and fall upon the sugar, which
+quickly absorbed it, leaving a small darkened stain. This sugar he
+placed in a locked drawer to dry, and, putting away the phial, descended
+to join his companion.
+
+That night they were sitting together in the private parlour behind the
+bar, smoking and chatting. It was an old-fashioned, smoke-begrimed room,
+with low oak ceiling and high wainscot,--a room in which many a seafarer
+had found rest and comfort after the toils and perils of the deep, a
+room in which many a stirring tale of the sea has been related, and in
+which one of our best-known nautical writers has gathered materials for
+his stirring ocean romances.
+
+Although next the bar, there is no entrance on that side, neither is
+there any glass, therefore the apartment is entirely secluded from the
+public portion of the inn. At midnight the hearty Boniface and his wife
+and servant had retired, and the place was silent, but the officer and
+his fellow-guest still sat with their pipes. The parson, as became one
+who exhibited the blue pledge of temperance in his coat, sipped his
+coffee, while the other had whisky, lemon, and a small jug of hot water
+beside him. The spy had been using the sugar, and the basin was close to
+his hand.
+
+His companion presently made a movement to reach it, when the
+pleasant-spoken vicar took up the tongs quickly, saying--
+
+"Allow me to assist you. One lump?"
+
+"Yes, thanks," replied the other, holding his glass for the small cube
+to be thrown in. Then he added the lemon, whisky, and hot water.
+Beilstein, betraying no excitement, continued the conversation, calmly
+refilled his pipe, and watched his companion sip the deadly potion.
+
+Karl von Beilstein had reduced poisoning to a fine art.
+
+Not a muscle of his face contracted, though his keen eyes never left the
+other's countenance.
+
+They talked on, the Commander apparently unaffected by the draught; his
+friend smilingly complacent and confident.
+
+Suddenly, without warning, the officer's face grew ashen pale and
+serious. A violent tremor shook his stalwart frame.
+
+"I--I feel very strange," he cried, with difficulty. "A most curious
+sensation has come over me--a sensation as if--as if--ah! heavens! Help,
+help!--I--I can't breathe!"
+
+The mild-mannered parson jumped to his feet, and stood before his
+friend, watching the hideous contortions of his face.
+
+"Assistance!" his victim gasped, sinking inertly back in the high-backed
+Windsor arm-chair. "Fetch me a doctor--quick."
+
+But the man addressed took no heed of the appeal. He stood calmly by,
+contemplating with satisfaction his villainous work.
+
+"Can't you see--I'm ill?" the dying man cried in a feeble, piteous
+voice. "My throat and head are burning. Give me water--_water_!"
+
+Still the spy remained motionless.
+
+"You--you refuse to assist me--you scoundrel! Ah!" he cried hoarsely, in
+dismay. "Ah! I see it all now! _God! You've poisoned me!_"
+
+With a frantic effort he half-raised himself in his chair, but fell back
+in a heap; his arms hanging helplessly at his side. His breath came and
+went in short hard gasps; the death-rattle was already in his throat,
+and with one long deep-drawn sigh the last breath left the body, and the
+light gradually died out of the agonised face.
+
+Quick as thought the Count unbuttoned the dead man's coat, and
+searching his pockets took out a large white official envelope bearing
+in the corner the blue stamp of the Admiralty. It was addressed to "Sir
+Michael Culme-Seymour, Admiral commanding the Channel Squadron," and was
+marked "Private."
+
+"Good!" ejaculated the spy, as he tore open the envelope. "I was not
+mistaken, after all! He was waiting until the flagship came into the
+Downs to deliver it."
+
+The envelope contained a letter accompanied by a chart of the South
+Coast, upon which were certain marks at intervals in red with minute
+directions, as well as a copy of the code of secret signals in which
+some slight alterations had lately been made.
+
+"What fortune!" cried the Count gleefully, after reading the note.
+"Their plans and the secret of their signals, too, are now ours! The
+Embassy were correct in their surmise. With these the French and Russian
+ships will be able to act swiftly, and sweep the British from the sea.
+Now for London as quickly as possible, for the information will be
+absolutely invaluable."
+
+Without a final glance at the corpse, huddled up in its chair, he put on
+his hat, and stealing noiselessly from the house, set out in the
+moonlight to walk swiftly by way of Great Mongeham and Waldershare to
+Shepherd's Well station, whence he could get by train to London.
+
+The immense importance of these secret documents he had not overrated.
+Their possession would enable the Russian ships to decipher many of the
+hitherto mysterious British signals.
+
+The spy had accomplished his mission!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE.
+
+
+Hourly the most alarming reports were being received at the War Office,
+and at newspaper offices throughout the country, of the
+rapidly-increasing forces of the invaders, who were still landing in
+enormous numbers. Vague rumours were also afloat of desperate encounters
+at sea between our Coastguard Squadron that had returned and the French
+and Russian ironclads.
+
+Nothing definite, however, was known. News travelled slowly, and was
+always unreliable.
+
+Mobilisation was being hurried forward with all possible speed.
+Nevertheless, so sudden had been the descent of the enemy, that
+Eastbourne, Newhaven, and Seaford had already fallen into their hands.
+Into the half-wrecked town of Eastbourne regiment after regiment of
+Russian infantry had been poured by the transports _Samojed_ and
+_Artelscik_, while two regiments of dragoons, one of Cossacks, and many
+machine-gun sections had also been landed, in addition to a quantity of
+French infantry from the other vessels. The streets of the usually
+clean, well-ordered town were strewn with the d�bris of fallen houses
+and shops that had been wrecked by Russian shells. The Queen's Hotel at
+Splash Point, with its tiers of verandahs and central spire, stood out a
+great gaunt blackened ruin.
+
+Along Terminus Road the grey-coated hordes of the Great White Tsar
+looted the shops, and showed no quarter to those who fell into their
+hands. The Grand Hotel, the Burlington, the Cavendish, and others, were
+quickly transformed into barracks, as well as the half-ruined Town Hall,
+and the Floral Hall at Devonshire Park.
+
+Robbery, outrage, and murder ran riot in the town, which only a few days
+before had been a fashionable health resort, crowded by aristocratic
+idlers. Hundreds of unoffending persons had been killed by the merciless
+fire from the enemy's battleships, and hundreds more were being shot
+down in the streets for attempting a feeble resistance. The inhabitants,
+surrounded on all sides by the enemy, were powerless.
+
+The huge guns of the _Pamyat Azova_, the _Imperator Nicolai I._, the
+_Pjotr Velikij_, the _Krejser_, the _Najezdnik_, and others, had belched
+forth their death-dealing missiles with an effect that was appalling.
+
+The thunder of cannon had ceased, but was now succeeded by the sharp
+cracking of Russian rifles, as those who, desperately guarding their
+homes and their loved ones, and making a stand against the invaders,
+were shot down like dogs. A crowd of townspeople collected in the open
+space outside the railway station, prepared to bar the advance of the
+Russians towards the Old Town and Upperton. Alas! it was a forlorn hope
+for an unarmed mob to attempt any such resistance.
+
+A Russian officer suddenly shouted a word of command that brought a
+company of infantry to the halt, facing the crowd. Another word and a
+hundred rifles were discharged. Again and again they flashed, and the
+volley was repeated until the streets were covered with dead and dying,
+and the few who were not struck turned and fled, leaving the invaders to
+advance unopposed.
+
+Horrible were the deeds committed that night. English homes were
+desecrated, ruined, and burned. Babes were murdered before the eyes of
+their parents, many being impaled by gleaming Russian bayonets; fathers
+were shot down in the presence of their wives and children, and sons
+were treated in a similar manner.
+
+[Illustration: LANDING OF RUSSIANS, AND MASSACRE IN TERMINUS ROAD,
+EASTBOURNE.]
+
+The massacre was frightful. Ruin and desolation were on every hand.
+
+The soldiers of the Tsar, savage and inhuman, showed no mercy to the
+weak and unprotected. They jeered and laughed at piteous appeal, and
+with fiendish brutality enjoyed the destruction which everywhere they
+wrought.
+
+Many a cold-blooded murder was committed, many a brave Englishman fell
+beneath the heavy whirling sabres of Circassian Cossacks, the bayonets
+of French infantry, or the deadly hail of machine guns. Battalion after
+battalion of the enemy, fierce and ruthless, clambered on over the
+d�bris in Terminus Road, enthusiastic at finding their feet upon English
+soil. The flames of the burning buildings in various parts of the town
+illuminated the place with a bright red glare that fell upon dark
+bearded faces, in every line of which was marked determination and
+fierce hostility. Landing near Langney Point, many of the battalions
+entered the town from the east, destroying all the property they came
+across on their line of advance, and, turning into Terminus Road, then
+continued through Upperton and out upon the road leading to Willingdon.
+
+The French forces, who came ashore close to Holywell, on the other side
+of the town, advanced direct over Warren Hill, and struck due north
+towards Sheep Lands.
+
+At about a mile from the point where the road from Eastdean crosses that
+to Jevington, the force encamped in a most advantageous position upon
+Willingdon Hill, while the Russians who advanced direct over St.
+Anthony's Hill, and those who marched through Eastbourne, united at a
+point on the Lewes Road near Park Farm, and after occupying Willingdon
+village, took up a position on the high ground that lies between it and
+Jevington.
+
+From a strategic point of view the positions of both forces were
+carefully chosen. The commanding officers were evidently well acquainted
+with the district, for while the French commanded Eastbourne and a wide
+stretch of the Downs, the Russians also had before them an extensive
+tract of country extending in the north to Polegate, in the west to the
+Fore Down and Lillington, and in the east beyond Willingdon over
+Pevensey Levels to the sea.
+
+During the night powerful search-lights from the French and Russian
+ships swept the coast continually, illuminating the surrounding hills
+and lending additional light to the ruined and burning town. Before the
+sun rose, however, the majority of the invading vessels had rounded
+Beachy Head, and had steamed away at full speed down Channel.
+
+[Illustration: MAP SHOWING THE POINTS WHERE THE INVADERS LANDED.]
+
+Daylight revealed the grim realities of war. It showed Eastbourne with
+its handsome buildings scorched and ruined, its streets blocked by
+fallen walls, and trees which had once formed shady boulevards torn up
+and broken, its shops looted, its tall church steeples blown away, its
+railway station wrecked, and its people massacred. Alas! their
+life-blood was wet upon the pavements.
+
+The French and Russian legions, ever increasing, covered the hills. The
+heavy guns of the French artillery and the lighter but more deadly
+machine guns of the Russians had already been placed in position, and
+were awaiting the order to move north and commence the assault on
+London.
+
+It was too late! Nothing could now be done to improve the rotten state
+of our defences. The invasion had begun, and Britain, handicapped alike
+on land and on sea, must arm and fight to the death.
+
+By Tuesday night, three days after the Declaration of War, two French
+and half a Russian army corps, amounting to 90,000 officers and men,
+with 10,000 horses and 1500 guns and waggons, had landed, in addition to
+which reinforcements constantly arrived from the French Channel and
+Russian Baltic ports, until the number of the enemy on English soil was
+estimated at over 300,000.
+
+The overwhelming descent on our shores had been secretly planned by the
+enemy with great forethought, every detail having been most carefully
+arranged. The steam tonnage in the French harbours was ample and to
+spare, for many of the vessels, being British, had been at once seized
+on the outbreak of hostilities. The sudden interruption of the mail and
+telegraphic services between the two countries left us in total
+ignorance of the true state of affairs. Nevertheless, for weeks an army
+of carpenters and engineers had been at work preparing the necessary
+fittings, which were afterwards placed in position on board the ships
+destined to convey horses and men to England.
+
+In order to deceive the other Powers, a large number of military
+transport vessels had been fitted out at Brest for a bogus expedition to
+Dahomey. These ships actually put to sea on the day previous to the
+Declaration of War, and on Saturday night, at the hour when the news
+reached Britain, they had already embarked guns, horses, and waggons at
+the Channel ports. Immediately after the Tsar's manifesto had been
+issued the Russian Volunteer Fleet was mobilised, and transports which
+had long been held in readiness in the Baltic harbours embarked men and
+guns, and, one after another, steamed away for England without the
+slightest confusion or any undue haste.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IN THE EAGLE'S TALONS.
+
+
+Many British military and naval writers had ridiculed the idea of a
+surprise invasion without any attempt on the part of the enemy to gain
+more than a partial and temporary control of the Channel. Although an
+attack on territory without having previously command of the sea had
+generally been foredoomed to failure, it had been long ago suggested by
+certain military officers in the course of lectures at the United
+Service Institution, that under certain conditions such invasion was
+possible, and that France might ere long be ruled by some ambitious
+soldier who might be tempted to try a sudden dash on _le perfide
+Albion_. They pointed out that at worst it would entail on France the
+loss of three or four army corps, a loss no greater than she would
+suffer in one short land campaign. But alas! at that time very little
+notice was taken of such criticisms and illustrations, for Britons had
+always been prone to cast doubts upon the power of other nations to
+convey troops by sea, to embark them, or to land them. Thus the many
+suggestions directed towards increasing the mobility and efficiency of
+the Army were, like other warnings, cast aside, the prevailing opinion
+in the country being that sudden invasion was an absolute impossibility.
+
+Predictions of prophets that had so long been scorned, derided, and
+disregarded by an apathetic British public were rapidly being fulfilled.
+Coming events had cast dark shadows that had been unheeded, and now the
+unexpected bursting of the war cloud produced panic through our land.
+
+General Sir Archibald Alison struck an alarming note of warning when he
+wrote in _Blackwood_ in December 1893: "No one can look carefully into
+the present state of Europe without feeling convinced that it cannot
+continue long in its present condition. Every country is maintaining an
+armed force out of all proportion to its resources and population, and
+the consequent strain upon its monetary system and its industrial
+population is ever increasing, and must sooner or later become
+unbearable."
+
+It had never been sufficiently impressed upon the British public, that
+when mobilised for war, and with all the Reserves called out, Russia had
+at her command 2,722,000 officers and men, while France could put
+2,715,000 into the field, making a total force of the Franco-Russian
+Armies of 5,437,000 men, with 9920 field guns and 1,480,000 horses.
+
+This well-equipped force was almost equal to the combined Armies of the
+Triple Alliance, Germany possessing 2,441,000, Austria 1,590,000, and
+Italy 1,909,000, a total of 5,940,000 officers and men, with 8184 field
+guns and 813,996 horses.
+
+Beside these enormous totals, how ridiculously small appeared the
+British Army, with its Regular forces at home and abroad amounting to
+only 211,600 of all ranks, 225,400 Volunteers, and 74,000 Reserves, or
+511,000 fighting men! Of these, only 63,000 Regulars remained in England
+and Wales, therefore our Reserves and Volunteers were the chief
+defenders of our homes.
+
+What a mere handful they appeared side by side with these huge European
+Armies!
+
+Was it not surprising that in such circumstances the constant warnings
+regarding the weakness of our Navy--the force upon which the very life
+of our Empire depended--should have been unheeded by the too confident
+public?
+
+When we were told plainly by a well-known authority that the number of
+our war vessels was miserably inadequate, that we were 10,000 men and
+1000 officers short, and, among other things, that a French cruiser
+had, for all practical purposes, three times the fighting efficiency of
+an English cruiser, no one troubled. Nor was any one aroused from his
+foolishly apathetic confidence in British supremacy at sea. True, our
+Navy was strengthened to a certain extent in 1894, but hard facts,
+solemn warnings, gloomy forebodings, all were, alas! cast aside among
+the "scares" which crop up periodically in the press during a
+Parliamentary recess, and which, on the hearing of a murder trial, or a
+Society scandal, at once fizzle out and are dismissed for ever.
+
+On this rude awakening to the seriousness of the situation, Service men
+now remembered distinctly the prophetic words of the few students of
+probable invasion. Once they had regarded them as based on wild
+improbabilities, but now they admitted that the facts were as
+represented, and that critics had foreseen catastrophe.
+
+Already active steps had been taken towards the defence of London.
+
+Notwithstanding the serious defects in the mobilisation scheme, the 1st
+Army Corps, formed at Aldershot under Sir Evelyn Wood, and three cavalry
+brigades, were now in the field, while the other army corps were being
+rapidly conveyed southwards.
+
+Independently of the Field Army, the Volunteers had mobilised, and were
+occupying the lines north and south of the metropolis. This force of
+Volunteer infantry consisted of 108,300 officers and men, of whom
+73,000, with 212 guns, were placed on the line south of the Thames.
+
+It stretched along the hills from Guildford in Surrey to Halstead in
+Kent, with intermediate concentration points at Box Hill and Caterham.
+At the latter place an efficient garrison had been established,
+consisting of 4603 of all ranks of the North London Brigade, 4521 of the
+West London, 5965 of the South London, 5439 of the Surrey, and 6132 of
+the Lancashire and Cheshire. This force was backed by eleven 16-pounder
+batteries of the 1st Norfolk from Yarmouth, the 1st Sussex from
+Brighton, the 1st Newcastle and the 2nd Durham from Seaham, and ten
+40-pounder batteries of the 3rd and 6th Lancashire from Liverpool, the
+9th Lancashire from Bolton, the 1st Cheshire from Chester, the 1st
+Cinque Ports from Dover, and the 2nd Cinque Ports from St. Leonards. At
+Halstead, on the left flank, there were massed about 20,470 Volunteer
+infantry, these being made up of the South Wales Brigade 4182, Welsh
+Border 5192, the North Midland 5225, and the South Midland 5970. The
+eleven 16-pounder batteries came from the Woolwich Arsenal, Monmouth,
+Shropshire, and Stafford Corps, and five 40-pounder batteries from the
+Preston Corps.
+
+To Guildford 4471 infantry in the Home Counties Brigade and 4097 in the
+Western Counties were assigned, while the guns consisted of four
+40-pounder batteries from the York and Leeds Corps, the 16-pounder
+batteries of the Fife, Highland, and Midlothian Corps being unable, as
+yet, to get south on account of the congested state of all the northern
+railways.
+
+For this same reason, too, the force at Box Hill, the remaining post in
+the south line of defence, was a very weak one. To this the Volunteers
+assigned were mostly Scottish.
+
+Of the Glasgow Brigade 8000 of all ranks arrived, with 4000 from the
+South of Scotland Brigade; but the Highland Brigade of 4400 men, all
+enthusiastically patriotic, and the 16-pounder batteries from Ayr and
+Lanark, were compelled, to their chagrin, to wait at their headquarters
+for several days before the railways--every resource of which was
+strained to their utmost limits--could move them forward to the seat of
+war.
+
+The five heavy batteries of the Aberdeen and North York Corps succeeded
+in getting down to their place of concentration early, as likewise did
+the 16-pounder battery from Galloway. Volunteers also undertook the
+defences north of the metropolis, and a strong line, consisting of a
+number of provincial brigades, stretched from Tilbury to Brentwood and
+Epping.
+
+The British Volunteer holds no romantic notions of "death or glory," but
+is none the less prepared to do his duty, and is always ready "to do
+anything, and to go anywhere." Every officer and every man of this great
+force which had mounted guard north and south of the Thames was resolved
+to act his part bravely, and, if necessary, lay down his life for his
+country's honour.
+
+At their posts on the Surrey Hills, ready at any moment to go into
+action, and firmly determined that no invader should enter the vast
+Capital of the World, they impatiently awaited the development of the
+situation, eager to face and annihilate their foreign foe.
+
+Britannia had always been justly proud of her Volunteer forces, although
+their actual strength in time of invasion had never before been
+demonstrated. Now, however, the test which had been applied showed that,
+with an exception of rarest occurrence, every man had responded to this
+hasty call to arms, and that on active service they were as fearless and
+courageous as any body of Regulars ever put in the field.
+
+Every man was alive to Britain's danger; every man knew well how
+terrible would be the combat--the struggle that must result in either
+victory or death.
+
+The double-headed Eagle had set his talons in British soil!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL.
+
+
+In the Channel disastrous events of a most exciting character were now
+rapidly occurring.
+
+Outside Seaford Bay, Pevensey Bay, and off Brighton and the Mares at
+Cuckmere Haven, the enemy's transports, having landed troops and stores,
+rode at anchor, forming a line of retreat in case of reverses, while
+many fast French cruisers steamed up and down, keeping a sharp lookout
+for any British merchant or mail steamers which, ignorant of the
+hostilities, entered the Channel.
+
+The officers and crews of these steamers were in most cases so utterly
+surprised that they fell an easy prey to the marauding vessels, many
+being captured and taken to French ports without a shot being fired.
+Other vessels, on endeavouring to escape, were either overhauled or sunk
+by the heavy fire of pursuing cruisers. One instance was that of the
+fast mail steamer _Carpathian_, belonging to the Union Steamship
+Company, which, entering the Channel on a voyage from Cape Town to
+Southampton, was attacked off the Eddystone by the Russian armoured
+cruiser _Gerzog Edinburskij_. The panic on board was indescribable, over
+a hundred steerage passengers being killed or mutilated by the shells
+from the bow guns of the cruiser, and the captain himself being blown to
+atoms by an explosion which occurred when a shot struck and carried away
+the forward funnel. After an exciting chase, the _Carpathian_ was sunk
+near Start Point, and of the five hundred passengers and crew scarcely a
+single person survived.
+
+This terrible work of destruction accomplished, the Russian cruiser
+turned westward again to await further prey. As she steamed away,
+however, another ship rounded the Start following at full speed in her
+wake. This vessel, which was flying the British flag, was the
+barbette-ship _Centurion_. Already her captain had witnessed the attack
+and sinking of the _Carpathian_, but from a distance too great to enable
+him to assist the defenceless liner, and he was now on his way to attack
+the Tsar's cruiser. Almost immediately she was noticed by the enemy.
+Half an hour later she drew within range, and soon the two ships were
+engaged in a most desperate encounter. The gunners on the _Centurion_,
+seeing the Russian cross flying defiantly, and knowing the frightful
+havoc already wrought on land by the enemy, worked with that pluck and
+indomitable energy characteristic of the Britisher. Shot after shot was
+exchanged, but hissed and splashed without effect until the ships drew
+nearer, and then nearly every shell struck home. The rush of flame from
+the quick-firing guns of the _Centurion_ was continuous, and the firing
+was much more accurate than that of her opponent, nevertheless the
+latter was manipulated with remarkable skill.
+
+The roar of the guns was deafening. Clouds of smoke rose so thickly that
+the vessels could scarcely distinguish each other. But the firing was
+almost continuous, until suddenly a shell struck the _Centurion_ abaft
+the funnel, and for a moment stilled her guns.
+
+This, however, was not for long, for in a few moments she recovered from
+the shock, and her guns were again sending forth shells with regularity
+and precision. Again a shell struck the _Centurion_, this time carrying
+away one of her funnels and killing a large number of men.
+
+The British captain, still as cool as if standing on the hearthrug of
+the smoking-room of the United Service Club, took his vessel closer,
+continuing the fire, heedless of the fact that the Russian shells
+striking his ship were playing such fearful havoc with it. Every
+preparation had been made for a desperate fight to the death, when
+suddenly a shot struck the vessel, causing her to reel and shiver.
+
+So well had the Russians directed their fire that the British vessel
+could not reply. One of her 29-tonners had been blown completely off its
+carriage, and lay shattered with men dead all around, while two of her
+quick-firing broadside guns had been rendered useless, and she had
+sustained other injuries of a very serious character, besides losing
+nearly half her men.
+
+She was silent, riding to the swell, when wild exultant shouts in
+Russian went up from the enemy's ship, mingling with the heavy fire they
+still kept up.
+
+At that moment, however, even while the victorious shouts resounded, the
+captain of the _Centurion_, still cool and collected, swung round his
+vessel, and turning, touched one of the electric knobs at his hand. As
+he did so a long silvery object shot noiselessly from the side of the
+ship, and plunged with a splash into the rising waves.
+
+Seconds seemed hours. For a whole three minutes the captain waited;
+then, disappointed, he turned away with an expression of impatience. The
+torpedo had missed its mark, and every moment lost might determine their
+fate. With guns still silent he again adroitly manoeuvred his ship. Once
+again he touched the electric knob, and again a torpedo, released from
+its tube, sped rapidly through the water.
+
+Suddenly a dull and muffled explosion from the Russian cruiser sounded.
+Above the dense smoke a flame shot high, with great columns of spray, as
+the guns suddenly ceased their thunder.
+
+There was a dead stillness, broken only by the wash of the sea.
+
+Then the smoke clearing showed the d�bris of the _Gerzog Edinburskij_
+fast sinking beneath the restless waters. Some splinters precipitated
+into the air had fallen with loud splashes in every direction, and amid
+the victorious shouts of the British bluejackets the disabled ship, with
+its fluttering Russian cross, slowly disappeared for ever, carrying down
+every soul on board.
+
+The torpedo, striking her amidships, had blown an enormous hole right
+through her double bottom, and torn her transverse bulkheads away so
+much that her watertight doors were useless for keeping her afloat, even
+for a few minutes.
+
+Partially crippled as she was, the _Centurion_ steamed slowly westward,
+until at noon on the following day she fell in with a division of the
+Coastguard Squadron, which, acting under the fictitious telegraphic
+orders of the French spy, had been to Land's End, but which, now the
+enemy had landed, had received genuine orders from the Admiralty.
+
+Compared with the number and strength of the French and Russian vessels
+mustered in the Channel, this force was so small as to appear ludicrous.
+To send this weak defending division against the mighty power of the
+invaders was sheer madness, and everybody on board knew it. The vessels
+were weaker in every detail than those of the enemy.
+
+At full speed the British vessels steamed on throughout that day, until
+at 8 P.M., when about twenty miles south of Selsey Bill, they were
+joined by forces from the Solent. These consisted of the turret-ship
+_Monarch_, the turret-ram _Rupert_, the barbette-ship _Rodney_, the
+belted cruiser _Aurora_, and the coast defence armour-clads _Cyclops_
+and _Gorgon_, together with a number of torpedo boats. The night was
+calm, but moonless, and without delay the vessels all continued the
+voyage up Channel silently, with lights extinguished.
+
+Two hours later the officers noticed that away on the horizon a light
+suddenly flashed twice and then disappeared.
+
+One of the enemy's ships had signalled the approach of the defenders!
+
+This caused the British Admiral to alter his course slightly, and the
+vessels steamed along in the direction the light had shown.
+
+In turrets and in broadside batteries there was a deep hush of
+expectation. Officers and men standing at their quarters scarcely spoke.
+All felt the fight must be most desperate.
+
+Presently, in the far distance a small patch of light in the sky showed
+the direction of Brighton, and almost immediately the Admiral signalled
+to the cruisers _Aurora_, _Galatea_, and _Narcissus_, and the new
+battleship _Hannibal_, built under the 1894 programme, to detach
+themselves with six torpedo boats, and take an easterly course, in order
+to carry out instructions which he gave. These tactics caused
+considerable comment.
+
+The orders were to make straight for Eastbourne, and to suddenly attack
+and destroy any of the hostile transports that were lying there, the
+object being twofold--firstly, to cut off the enemy's line of retreat,
+and secondly, to prevent the vessels from being used for the purpose of
+landing further reinforcements.
+
+Soon after 2 A.M. this gallant little division had, by careful
+manoeuvring, and assisted by a slight mist which now hung over the sea,
+rounded Beachy Head without being discovered, and had got outside
+Pevensey Bay about eight miles from land. Here a number of Russian
+transports and service steamers were lying, among them being the
+_Samojed_ and _Olaf_, _Krasnaya Gorka_ and _Vladimir_, with two smaller
+ones--the _Dnepr_ and the _Artelscik_.
+
+Silently, and without showing any lights, a British torpedo boat sped
+quickly along to where the dark outline of a ship loomed through the
+mist, and, having ascertained that it was the _Olaf_, drew up quickly.
+
+A few minutes elapsed, all being quiet. Then suddenly a bright flash was
+followed by a fearful explosion, and the bottom of the Tsar's vessel
+being completely ripped up by the torpedo, she commenced to settle down
+immediately, before any of those on board could save themselves. The
+enemy had scarcely recovered from their surprise and confusion when
+three other loud explosions occurred, and in each case transport vessels
+were blown up. British torpedo boats, darting hither and thither between
+the Russian ships, were dealing terrible blows from which no vessel
+could recover. So active were they, indeed, that within the space of
+fifteen minutes six transports had been blown up, as well as the
+first-class torpedo boat _Abo_. The loss of life was terrible.
+
+Simultaneously with the first explosion, the guns of the _Aurora_,
+_Galatea_, and _Narcissus_ thundered out a terrible salute. The bright
+search-lights of the Russian cruisers and of the battleship _Navarin_
+immediately swept the sea, and through the mist discerned the British
+ships. The lights served only to show the latter the exact position of
+the enemy, and again our guns belched forth shot and shell with
+disastrous effect.
+
+Quickly, however, the Russian vessels replied. Flame flashed
+continuously from the turret of the _Navarin_ and the port guns of the
+_Opricnik_ and the _Najezdnik_, while the search-lights were at the same
+time shut off.
+
+At first the fire was very ineffectual, but gradually as the vessels
+crept closer to each other the encounter became more and more desperate.
+
+The Russian torpedo boats _Vzryv_, _Vindava_, and _Kotlinj_ were
+immediately active, and the _Narcissus_ had a very narrow escape, a
+Whitehead torpedo passing right under her bows, while one British
+torpedo boat, which at the same moment was endeavouring to launch its
+deadly projectile at the _Navarin_, was sent to the bottom by a single
+shot from the _Najezdnik_.
+
+The combat was desperate and terrible. That the British had been already
+successful in surprising and sinking a torpedo boat and six of the
+hostile transports was true; nevertheless the number of Russian ships
+lying there was much greater than the British Admiral had anticipated,
+and, to say the least, the four vessels now found themselves in a most
+critical position.
+
+The _Navarin_ alone was one of the most powerful of the Tsar's
+battleships, and, in addition to the seven cruisers and nine torpedo
+boats, comprised an overwhelming force.
+
+Yet the English warships held their own, pouring forth an incessant
+fire. Each gun's crew knew they were face to face with death, but,
+inspired by the coolness of their officers, they worked on calmly and
+indefatigably. Many of their shots went home with frightful effect. One
+shell which burst over the magazine of the _Lieut. Iljin_ ripped up her
+deck and caused severe loss of life, while in the course of half an hour
+one of the heavy turret guns of the _Navarin_ had been disabled, and
+two more Russian torpedo boats sunk. Our torpedo boat destroyers
+operating on the Channel seaboard were performing excellent work, the
+_Havock_, _Shark_, _Hornet_, _Dart_, _Bruiser_, _Hasty_, _Teaser_,
+_Janus_, _Surly_, and _Porcupine_ all being manoeuvred with splendid
+success. Several, however, were lost while sweeping out the enemy's
+torpedo boat shelters, including the _Ardent_, _Charger_, _Boxer_, and
+_Rocket_.
+
+[Illustration: SINKING OF H.M.S. "AURORA" BY A TORPEDO: "THE CRUISER
+ROSE AS IF SHE HAD RIDDEN OVER A VOLCANO."]
+
+But the British vessels were now suffering terribly, hemmed in as they
+were by the enemy, with shells falling upon them every moment, and their
+decks swept by the withering fire of machine guns. Suddenly, after a
+shell had burst in the stern of the _Aurora_, she ceased firing and
+swung round, almost colliding with the _Narcissus_. Her steam
+steering-gear had, alas! been broken by the shot, and for a few moments
+her officers lost control over her.
+
+A Russian torpedo boat in shelter behind the _Navarin_, now seeing its
+chance, darted out and launched its projectile.
+
+The officers of the _Aurora_, aware of their danger, seemed utterly
+powerless to avert it. It was a terrible moment. A few seconds later the
+torpedo struck, the cruiser rose as if she had ridden over a volcano,
+and then, as she gradually settled down, the dark sea rolled over as
+gallant a crew as ever sailed beneath the White Ensign.
+
+Immediately afterwards the _Navarin_ exchanged rapid signals with a
+number of ships which were approaching with all speed from the direction
+of Hastings, and the captains of the three remaining British vessels saw
+that they had fallen into a trap.
+
+The _Narcissus_ had been drawn between two fires. Both her funnels had
+been shot away, two of her broadside guns were useless, and she had
+sustained damage to her engines; nevertheless, her captain, with the
+dogged perseverance of a British sailor, continued the desperate combat.
+With the first flush of dawn the fog had lifted, but there was scarcely
+sufficient wind to spread out the British ensign, which still waved with
+lazy defiance.
+
+On one side of her was the ponderous _Navarin_, from the turret of which
+shells were projected with monotonous regularity, while on the other the
+British cruiser was attacked vigorously by the _Najezdnik_. The
+_Narcissus_, however, quickly showed the Russians what she could do
+against such overwhelming odds, for presently she sent a shot from one
+of her 20-ton guns right under the turret of the _Navarin_, causing a
+most disastrous explosion on board that vessel, while, at the same time,
+her 6-inch breechloaders pounded away at her second antagonist, and sank
+a torpedo boat manoeuvring near.
+
+Both the _Galatea_ and the _Hannibal_ were in an equally serious
+predicament. The enemy's torpedo boats swarmed around them, while the
+cruisers _Opricnik_, _Admiral Korniloff_, _Rynda_, and several other
+vessels, kept up a hot, incessant fire, which was returned energetically
+by the British vessels.
+
+The sight was magnificent, appalling! In the spreading dawn, the great
+ships manoeuvring smartly, each strove to obtain points of vantage, and
+vied with each other in their awful work of destruction. The activity of
+the British torpedo boats, darting here and there, showed that those who
+manned them were utterly reckless of their lives. As they sped about, it
+was indeed marvellous how they escaped destruction, for the Russians had
+more than double the number of boats, and their speed was quite equal to
+our own.
+
+Nevertheless the British boats followed up their successes by other
+brilliant deeds of daring, for one of them, with a sudden dash, took the
+_Rynda_ off her guard, and sent a torpedo at her with awful result,
+while a few moments later two terrific explosions sounded almost
+simultaneously above the thunder of the guns, and it was then seen that
+the unprotected cruiser _Asia_, and the last remaining transport the
+_Krasnaya Gorka_, were both sinking.
+
+It was a ghastly spectacle.
+
+Hoarse despairing shrieks went up from hundreds of Russian sailors who
+fought and struggled for life in the dark rolling waters, and three
+British torpedo boats humanely rescued a great number of them. Many,
+however, sank immediately with their vessels, while some strong swimmers
+struck out for the distant shore. Yet, without exception, all these
+succumbed to exhaustion ere they could reach the land, and the long
+waves closed over them as they threw up their arms and sank into the
+deep.
+
+During the first few minutes following this sudden disaster to the enemy
+the firing ceased, and the _Navarin_ ran up signals. This action
+attracted the attention of the officers of the British vessels to the
+approaching ships, and to their amazement and dismay they discovered
+that they were a squadron of the enemy who had returned unexpectedly
+from the direction of Dover.
+
+The British ships, in their half-crippled condition, could not possibly
+withstand such an onslaught as they knew was about to be made upon them,
+for the enemy's reinforcements consisted of the steel barbette-ships
+_Gangut_, _Alexander II._, and _Nicolai I._, of the Baltic Fleet, the
+great turret-ship _Petr Veliky_, the _Rurik_, a very powerful
+central-battery belted cruiser of over ten thousand tons, two new
+cruisers of the same type that had been recently completed, the _Enara_
+and _Ischma_, with three other cruisers and a large flotilla of torpedo
+boats. Accompanying them were the French 10,000-ton armoured
+barbette-ship _Magenta_, the central-battery ship _Richelieu_, the
+armoured turret-ship _Tonnerre_, and the _Hoche_, one of the finest
+vessels of our Gallic neighbour's Navy, as well as the torpedo cruisers
+_Hirondelle_ and _Fleurus_, and a number of swift torpedo boats and
+"catchers."
+
+The captains of the British vessels saw that in the face of such a force
+defeat was a foregone conclusion; therefore they could do nothing but
+retreat hastily towards Newhaven, in the hope of finding the division of
+the British Coastguard Squadron which had gone there for the same
+purpose as they had rounded Beachy Head, namely, to destroy the enemy's
+transports.
+
+Without delay the three vessels swung round with all speed and were
+quickly headed down Channel, while the remaining attendant torpedo
+boats, noticing this sudden retreat, also darted away. This manoeuvre
+did not, of course, proceed unchecked, the enemy being determined they
+should not escape. Signals were immediately made by the _Alexander II._,
+the flagship, and the _Petr Veliky_ and _Enara_, being within range,
+blazed forth a storm of shell upon the fugitives. The shots, however,
+fell wide, and ricochetted over the water, sending up huge columns of
+spray; whereupon the _Narcissus_ and _Galatea_ replied steadily with
+their 6-inch guns, while the heavy guns of the _Hannibal_ were also
+quickly brought into play.
+
+In a few minutes the _Magenta_ and _Tonnerre_ with the _Alger_,
+_C�cille_, and _Sfax_, started in pursuit, and an intensely exciting
+chase commenced. The engines of the British vessels were run at the
+highest possible pressure, but the French ships proved several knots
+swifter. As they steamed at full speed around Beachy Head towards
+Seaford Bay the enemy gradually overhauled them. The brisk fire which
+was being kept up soon began to tell, for all three retreating ships had
+lost many men, and the scenes of bloodshed on board were frightful.
+
+Eagerly the officers swept the horizon with their glasses to discover
+signs of friendly aid, but none hove in sight. All three ships were
+weak, their guns disabled, with whole guns' crews lying dead around, and
+many of the officers had fallen. In strength, in speed, in armaments--in
+fact, in everything--they were inferior to their opponents, and they saw
+it was a question of sheer force, not one of courage.
+
+They would either be compelled to surrender to the Tricolor, or
+deliberately seek the grave. With such a force bearing down upon them,
+escape seemed absolutely impossible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD.
+
+
+The sun at last broke forth brilliantly, betokoning another blazing day.
+
+Having regard to the fact that both the Channel Fleet and the reserve
+had been sent on futile errands by our enemy's secret agent, and the
+superior forces against which the British had all along had to fight,
+they had most assuredly shown what tact and courage could effect.
+
+Opposite the Belle Tout lighthouse a disaster occurred to the
+_Narcissus_. During the fight one of her engines had been injured, and
+this being now strained to its utmost limit had suddenly broken down
+altogether, with the result that the vessel gradually slackened speed,
+and the _Sfax_ and _Alger_ bore down quickly upon her, pouring into her
+a heavy fire from their 5-tonners. The reply was a weak one from her
+quick-firing guns, her heavy arms having nearly all been disabled.
+
+Onward steamed the _Galatea_ and _Hannibal_, keeping up a running fire
+with the four vessels pursuing them, while the two cruisers engaging the
+_Narcissus_ continued their strenuous endeavours to silence her guns.
+The British sailors, however, still undaunted, quickly showed their
+opponents that all the arms workable would be brought into play by
+directing a most vigorous fire upon their pursuers, blowing away one of
+the funnels of the _Alger_, and disabling one of her large bow guns.
+
+Just then, however, while the _Narcissus_ was discharging a broadside, a
+torpedo boat crept under her stern and sent forth its submerged
+projectile. For a moment there was a hush of expectation, then a dull
+explosion sounded as the cruiser, apparently rent in twain, plunged
+stern foremost into the sea, and with her ensign still flying gradually
+disappeared without a soul on board being able to save himself.
+
+Meanwhile the _Galatea_ and _Hannibal_, with their torpedo boats, were
+sustaining serious injuries from the heavy bow fire, and there seemed
+every possibility that they too would share the same terrible fate as
+the _Narcissus_, when suddenly one of the officers of the _Galatea_
+discovered three vessels approaching. The "demand" was immediately
+hoisted, and responded to by both vessels running up private signals.
+With an expression of satisfaction he directed the attention of the
+captain to the fact, for the flags of the first-named vessel showed her
+to be the British turret-ship _Monarch_, and those of the second the
+great barbette-ship _Rodney_, while a moment later it was discerned that
+the third vessel was the _Gorgon_.
+
+Even as they looked, other masts appeared upon the horizon, and then
+they knew relief was at hand. Both vessels ran up signals, while the
+men, encouraged by the knowledge that some powerful British ironclads
+were bearing down to their aid in indented line ahead, worked with
+increased vigour to keep the enemy at bay.
+
+It was a fierce, sanguinary fight. Fire vomited from all the vessels'
+battered works, and the scuppers ran with blood. The French vessels,
+having apparently also noticed the relief approaching, did not seem
+inclined to fight, but were nevertheless compelled, and not for a single
+instant did the firing from the attacked vessels cease. Their guns
+showed constant bursts of flame.
+
+Soon, however, the _Rodney_ drew within range. A puff of white smoke
+from her barbette, and the _C�cille_ received a taste of her
+quick-firing guns, the shots from which struck her amidships, killing a
+large number of her men, and tearing up her deck. This was followed by
+deafening discharges from the four 25-ton guns of the _Monarch_, while
+the _Gorgon_ and a number of other vessels as they approached all took
+part in the conflict, the engagement quickly becoming general. With
+great precision the British directed their fire, and the French vessels
+soon prepared to beat a retreat, when, without warning, a frightful
+explosion occurred on board the _Hirondelle_, and wreckage mingled with
+human limbs shot into the air amid a great sheet of flame.
+
+The magazine had exploded! The scene on board the doomed vessel, even as
+witnessed from the British ships, was awful. Terrified men left their
+guns, and, rushing hither and thither, sought means of escape. But the
+boats had already been smashed by shots from the British cruisers, and
+all knew that death was inevitable.
+
+The burning ship slowly foundered beneath them, and as they rushed about
+in despair they fell back into the roaring flames. A British torpedo
+boat rescued about a dozen; but presently, with a heavy list, the
+warship suddenly swung round, and, bow first, disappeared into the green
+sunlit sea, leaving only a few poor wretches, who, after struggling
+vainly on the surface for a few moments, also went down to the unknown.
+
+The carnage was frightful. Hundreds of men were being launched into
+eternity, while upon the horizon both east and west dozens of ships of
+both invaders and defenders were rapidly approaching, and all would, ere
+long, try conclusions.
+
+Before half an hour had passed, a fierce battle, as sanguinary as any in
+the world's history, had commenced. The cruisers, acting as satellites
+to the battleships forming the two opposing fighting lines, had quickly
+commenced a series of fierce skirmishes and duels, all the most
+destructive engines of modern warfare being brought into play.
+
+The division of our Channel Fleet that had at last returned consisted of
+the powerful battleship _Royal Sovereign_, flying the Admiral's flag;
+the barbette-ships _Anson_, _Howe_, _Camperdown_, and _Benbow_; the
+turret-ships _Thunderer_ and _Conqueror_; the cruisers _Mersey_,
+_Terpsichore_, _Melampus_, _Tribune_, _Latona_, _Immortalit�_, and
+_Barham_; with the torpedo gunboats _Spanker_ and _Speedwell_, and
+nineteen torpedo boats.
+
+The forces of the invaders were more than double that of the British,
+for, in addition to the vessels already enumerated, the reinforcements
+consisted of the French battleships _Amiral Baudin_, _Formidable_,
+_Amiral Duperr�_, _Brennus_, _Tr�houart_, _Jemappes_, _Terrible_,
+_Requin_, _Indomptable_, _Ca�man_, _Courbet_, _D�vastation_,
+_Redoubtable_, and _Furieux_, together with nine cruisers, and
+thirty-eight _torpilleurs de haute mer_.
+
+From the very commencement the fighting was at close quarters, and the
+storm of shot and shell caused death on every hand. With such an
+overwhelming force at his disposal, Admiral Maigret, the French
+commander, had been enabled to take up a position which boded ill for
+the defenders, nevertheless the British Admiral on board the _Royal
+Sovereign_ was determined to exert every effort to repulse the enemy.
+
+In the thick of the fight the great flagship steamed along, her
+compartments closed, her stokeholds screwed down, her four 67-ton guns
+hurling great shots from her barbettes, and her smaller arms pouring out
+a continuous deadly fire upon the French ship _Indomptable_ on the one
+side, and the great Russian armoured cruiser _Nicolai I._ on the other.
+Upon the latter the British vessel's shells played with a terribly
+devastating effect, bringing down the large forward mast and the machine
+guns in her fighting tops, and then, while the crew worked to get the
+wreckage clear, the Maxim, Nordenfelt, and Hotchkiss guns of the _Royal
+Sovereign_ suddenly rattled out, sweeping with their metal hail her
+opponent's deck, and mowing down those who were cutting adrift the
+fallen rigging. A moment later a shell struck one of the pair of guns in
+the _Nicolai's_ turret, rendering it useless, and then the captain of
+the _Royal Sovereign_, who had been standing in the conning-tower calmly
+awaiting his chance, touched three electric knobs in rapid succession.
+The engines throbbed, the great ship moved along at increasing speed
+through dense clouds of stifling smoke, and as she did so the captain
+shouted an order which had the effect of suddenly turning the vessel,
+and while her great barbette guns roared, the ram of the British vessel
+crashed into the broadside of the Tsar's ship with a terrific impact
+which caused her to shiver from stem to stern.
+
+[Illustration:
+_Nicolai I._    _Royal Sovereign._
+BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD: H.M.S. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN" RAMMING THE
+"NICOLAI I."]
+
+Then, as the big guns in her rear barbette thundered out upon the
+_Indomptable_, whose engines had broken down, she drew gradually back
+from the terrible breach her ram had made under the water-line of her
+opponent, and the latter at once commenced to sink. The force of the
+impact had been so great that the Russian's hull was absolutely broken
+in two, and as the iron stretched and rent like paper, she heaved slowly
+over, "turning turtle," and carrying down with her over three hundred
+officers and men.
+
+The British captain now turned his attention to the French ship, which
+had been joined in the attack by the _Brennus_, the fire from whose
+58-ton guns at close quarters played great havoc with the British
+flagship's superstructure. A second later, however, the captain of the
+_Royal Sovereign_ caught the _Indomptable_ in an unguarded moment, and,
+springing towards one of the electric knobs before him, pressed it. This
+had the effect of ejecting a torpedo from one of the bow tubes, and so
+well directed was it that a few seconds later there was a deafening
+report, as part of the stern portion of the French ship was blown away,
+raising great columns of spray.
+
+The situation was awful, and the loss of life everywhere enormous.
+Dense, blinding smoke, and the choking fumes of m�linite, obscured the
+sun, and in the darkness thus caused the flames from the guns shed a
+lurid light upon decks strewn with dead and dying. The cruisers and
+scouts by which our battleships were surrounded cut off many of the
+French torpedo boats, but a large number got right in among the fleet,
+and some terrible disasters were thus caused. Once inside the circle of
+British cruisers, all fire directed at the boats was as dangerous to our
+own ships as to the enemy's boats.
+
+The superiority of the French torpedo boats was, alas! keenly felt by
+the British, for in the course of the first hour five of our
+cruisers--the _Terpsichore_, _Galatea_, _Melampus_, _Tribune_, _Mersey_,
+the turret-ship _Conqueror_, and the battleships _Hannibal_ and
+_Rodney_, had been blown up. As compared with these losses, those of the
+enemy were at this stage by no means small. The French had lost two
+cruisers and four torpedo boats, and the Russians one battleship, three
+cruisers, and six torpedo boats.
+
+The British, with all these fearful odds against them, still continued a
+galling fire. The _Camperdown_, _Anson_, and _Benbow_, steaming together
+in line, belched a storm of shell from their barbettes, which caused
+wholesale destruction among the crowd of ships engaging them. Yet the
+withering fire of the enemy was telling terribly upon the comparatively
+small force of the defenders. Upon all three battleships the casualties
+were frightful, and on board each one or more of the heavy guns had been
+disabled. Suddenly a shot, penetrating a weak point in the armour of the
+_Anson_, entered her engine-room, disabling a portion of her machinery,
+while a moment later a shell from the _Amiral Duperr�_ fell close to her
+broadside torpedo discharge, and a fragment of the shell coming into
+contact with the striker of a torpedo, just as it was about to leave its
+tube, caused a terrific and disastrous explosion between the decks. The
+effect was horrifying. The torpedo contained over 70 lb. of gun-cotton,
+therefore the devastating nature of the explosion may be readily
+imagined. Over a hundred men were blown to atoms, and the whole six of
+the broadside guns were more or less disabled.
+
+A second later, however, a shell from the _Benbow_ struck the _Amiral
+Duperr�_, carrying away the greater portion of her conning-tower, and
+killing her captain instantly, while almost at the same moment a torpedo
+from one of the British boats struck her bows with a frightful
+detonation, blowing an enormous hole in them. The catastrophe was
+complete. The crew of the doomed ship, panic-stricken, left their guns
+and commenced to launch the only two boats that remained uninjured; but
+ere this could be accomplished, the _Tr�houart_, which suddenly went
+astern, apparently to avoid a torpedo, crashed into her, with the
+result that she heeled right over and quickly disappeared.
+
+The _Camperdown_, fighting fiercely with the _Requin_, the _Terrible_,
+and the _Courbet_, was suffering terrible damage from bow to stern;
+nevertheless her guns kept up an incessant torrent of shot, until
+suddenly, just after one of her shells had struck right under the turret
+of the _Terrible_, there was a deafening report, the air was filled with
+dense smoke, and the French ship, with her engines disabled, commenced
+to fill and sink.
+
+A portion of the shell had penetrated to her magazine, and she had blown
+up, nearly half her crew being killed by the terrific force of the
+explosion. Many of the remaining men, however, scrambled on board the
+_Ca�man_, which by some means had come into slight collision with her;
+but scarcely had the last terrified man left the sinking vessel, when
+the _Camperdown's_ powerful ram entered the _Ca�man's_ bows, breaking
+her hull, and she also foundered, carrying down with her not only her
+own crew, but also the survivors of the _Terrible_.
+
+This success was witnessed with satisfaction by the British Admiral, who
+nevertheless saw how seriously weakened was his force, and how critical
+was the position of his few remaining ships. Yet he remained quite cool,
+for the heavy guns of the steel monster in whose conning-tower he stood
+continued thundering forth their projectiles, and the White Ensign still
+loomed defiantly through the dense black smoke, fluttering in the
+freshening breeze that was now springing up.
+
+Although a number of the enemy's vessels had been sunk, he knew the
+issue must be fatal to his force, for they were now surrounded by a
+number of ships so vastly superior to them in armament and speed, that
+to die fighting was their only course.
+
+Though the cockpits were full, true British indomitable courage was
+showing itself everywhere on board our ships. Officers by words of
+encouragement incited their men to splendid heroic deeds, and guns'
+crews, with dark determined faces, seeing only death ahead, resolved to
+fight and struggle to the last for the honour of the Union Jack, which
+should never be surmounted by the Tricolor.
+
+A moment later, the captain, standing with the Admiral, who had just
+entered the conning-tower of the _Royal Sovereign_, suddenly uttered a
+cry of dismay, and with transfixed, horrified gaze pointed with his
+finger to the sea.
+
+Breathlessly the Admiral looked in the direction indicated.
+
+Though one of the bravest men in the Navy, and on his breast he wore the
+Victoria Cross, his eyes fell upon a sight that appalled him.
+
+It was a critical moment.
+
+A small French vessel, the unarmoured cruiser _Faucon_, had crept up
+unnoticed. The attention of the British officers had been, until that
+moment, concentrated upon the three powerful battleships, the _Requin_,
+the _D�vastation_, and the _Jemappes_, which kept up their hot fire upon
+the flagship, causing terrible destruction. Now, however, the British
+Admiral saw himself surrounded by the enemy, and the sight which caused
+his heart to beat quickly was a distinct line of bubbles upon the water,
+advancing with terrific speed, showing that a torpedo had been ejected
+from the _Faucon_ directly at his ship!
+
+In the conning-tower all knew their danger, but not a man spoke. Both
+the Admiral and the captain at the same instant saw the death-dealing
+projectile advancing, and both retained their coolness and presence of
+mind. The captain, shouting an order, sprang back and touched one of the
+electric signals, which was instantly responded to.
+
+It was the work of a second. The great engines roared and throbbed, and
+the huge vessel, propelled backwards by its 13,000 horse-power, swung
+steadily round just as the torpedo glanced off her bow obliquely. The
+crew of the _Royal Sovereign_ had never been nearer death than at that
+instant. Had the ironclad not halted in her course, the striker of the
+torpedo would have come square upon her bows, and one of the finest
+vessels of the British Navy would have probably gone to the bottom.
+
+The _Faucon_ was not given an opportunity to make a second attempt. The
+captain of the _Anson_ had witnessed how narrowly the British flagship
+had escaped, and immediately turned his great guns upon the little
+vessel, with the result that her quick-firing guns were quickly rendered
+useless, her hull was torn up like paper, and she slowly sank without
+offering resistance.
+
+Shots came from the frowning barbettes of the _Camperdown_, _Benbow_,
+and the turrets of the _Monarch_ rapidly, the damage and loss of life
+suffered by the enemy now being enormous. The three French battleships
+engaging the _Royal Sovereign_ at close quarters received terrible
+punishment. One of the 75-ton guns of the _Requin_ had been rendered
+useless, her deck had been torn up, and her bulwarks had been carried
+away, together with her funnel and forward mast. The rear barbette gun
+of the _Jemappes_ had been thrown off its mounting, and a shell striking
+the port side battery, had burst against the forward bulkhead, and
+wrought horrible destruction among the guns' crews.
+
+The three powerful French vessels pouring their fire upon the British
+flagship, and finding themselves being raked by the heavy fire of their
+adversary, signalled the _Tonnerre_ and _Furieux_ to assist them. Both
+vessels drew nearer, and soon afterwards commenced pounding at the
+_Royal Sovereign_.
+
+The _Anson_, however, noticed the dangerous position of the British
+flagship, and, having manoeuvred adroitly, succeeded in getting under
+way, and with her great forward guns thundering, she crashed her ram
+into the _Furieux_, and sank her, while almost at the same moment a
+torpedo, discharged from one of the British boats, struck the _Tonnerre_
+right amidships, dealing her a blow from which she could never recover.
+Five minutes later, the _Gangut_, fighting desperately at close quarters
+with the _Camperdown_, had part of her armoured casemate blown away, and
+the British battleship followed up this success by directing a torpedo
+at her in such a manner that, although she drew back quickly to avoid
+it, she nevertheless received it right under her stern. Some ammunition
+on board that vessel also exploded, and the effect was frightful, for
+fragments of wood, iron, and human bodies were precipitated in all
+directions.
+
+The loss of life, although heavy on the British side, was nevertheless
+far greater on board the enemy's ships. The continuity and precision of
+the British fire wrought awful destruction. Between the decks of many of
+the French and Russian ships the carnage was frightful. Among wrecked
+guns and mountings lay headless and armless bodies; human limbs
+shattered by shells were strewn in all directions upon decks slippery
+with blood. The shrieks of the dying were drowned by the roar and crash
+of the guns, the deafening explosion of shells, and the rending of iron
+and steel as the projectiles pierced armourplates, destroying everything
+with which they came in contact.
+
+The noon had passed, and as the day wore on other catastrophes occurred
+involving further loss of life. One of these was the accidental ramming
+of the _Sfax_ by the French battleship _Redoubtable_, which managed,
+however, to save the greater portion of the crew, although her engines
+broke down.
+
+During the afternoon the fire from the British ships seemed to increase
+rather than diminish, notwithstanding each vessel flying the White
+Ensign fought more than one of the enemy's ships, and in doing so
+constantly received shots that spread death and destruction between the
+decks. Still, amid the blinding smoke, the din of battle, and the
+constant roaring of the guns, British bluejackets with smoke-begrimed
+faces worked enthusiastically for the defence of Old England. Many
+heroic deeds were performed that memorable afternoon, and many a gallant
+hero was sent to an untimely grave.
+
+On board the _Royal Sovereign_ the destruction was frightful. By four
+o'clock many of the guns had been disabled, half the crew had perished,
+and the decks ran with the life-blood of Britain's gallant defenders.
+The captain had been struck upon the forehead by a flying fragment of
+shell, causing a fearful wound; yet, with his head enveloped in a
+hastily improvised bandage, he stuck to his post. He was engaging the
+_Redoubtable_ and getting the worst of it, when suddenly, having
+manoeuvred once or twice, he turned to his lieutenant, saying, "Lay
+guns, ahead full speed, and prepare to ram." The officer addressed
+transmitted the order, and a few moments later, as her guns thundered
+forth, the bows of the _Royal Sovereign_ entered the broadside of the
+French ship with a loud crash, ripping her almost in half.
+
+Backing again quickly as the _Redoubtable_ sank, she suddenly received a
+shock which made her reel and shiver. A shell from the Russian flagship
+had struck under her stern barbette, but, failing to penetrate the
+armour, glanced off into the sea.
+
+Fiercer and more fierce became the fight. A well-directed shot from one
+of the 67-ton guns on the _Anson's_ rear barbette struck the
+conning-tower of the _Magenta_, blowing it away, killing the captain and
+those who were directing the vessel.
+
+The sun was sinking, but the battle still raged with unabated fury. Each
+side struggled desperately for the mastery. The British, fighting nobly
+against what had all along been overwhelming odds, had succeeded in
+sinking some of the enemy's finest ships, and inflicting terrible loss
+upon the crews of the others; yet the British Admiral, on viewing the
+situation, was compelled to admit that he was outnumbered, and that a
+continuance of the struggle would inevitably result in the loss of other
+of his ships. There still remained three of the enemy's vessels to each
+one of the British. His ships were all more or less crippled, therefore
+a successful stand against the still overwhelming force would be sheer
+madness. He was not the sort of man to show the white feather;
+nevertheless a retreat upon Portsmouth had now become a matter of
+policy, and the _Royal Sovereign_ a few minutes later ran up signals
+intimating to the other vessels her intention.
+
+As the British Squadron moved away down Channel the hoarse exultant
+shouts of the enemy filled the air. But the fighting became even more
+desperate, and for over an hour there was a most exciting chase. The
+running fire did little harm to the retreating ships, but their stern
+guns played terrible havoc with the French and Russian torpedo boats,
+which were picked off one after another with remarkable rapidity.
+
+Off Littlehampton one of the Russian ships ran up signals, and
+immediately the enemy's ships slackened. Apparently they had no desire
+to follow further west, for after a few parting shots they turned and
+stood away up Channel again, while the surviving ships of the British
+Squadron steamed onward in the blood-red track of the dying day.
+
+At their head was the _Royal Sovereign_, battered, and bearing marks of
+the deadly strife; but bright against the clear, calm evening sky, the
+British flag, half of which had been shot away, still fluttered out in
+the cool breeze of sunset.
+
+The British Lion had shown his teeth. Alas, that our Navy should have
+been so weak! Several of the ships had had their engines severely
+damaged or broken, but our margin of additional strength was so small
+that we had no vessels wherewith to replace those compelled to return to
+port.
+
+The struggle in this, the first naval battle in the defence of our
+Empire, had been desperate, and the loss of life appalling.
+
+The First Act of the most sanguinary drama of modern nations had closed.
+
+What would be its _d�nouement_?
+
+
+
+
+_BOOK II_
+
+_THE STRUGGLE_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE DOOM OF HULL.
+
+
+In Hull forty-eight long weary hours of anxious suspense and breathless
+excitement had passed. The night was dark, the sky overcast, and there
+was in the air that oppressive sultry stillness precursory of a storm.
+
+Church clocks had chimed ten, yet most of the shops were still open, and
+the well-lighted streets of the drab old Yorkshire town were filled by a
+pale-faced, terror-stricken crowd surging down the thoroughfares towards
+the Victoria Pier. A panic had suddenly been created an hour before by
+the issue of an extra-special edition of the Hull evening paper, the
+_Daily News_, containing a brief telegram in large type, as follows:--
+
+    The Coastguard at Donna Nook report that a strong force of
+    Russian war vessels, including the turret-ship _Sevastopol_ and
+    the barbette-ships _Sinope_ and _Cizoi Veliky_, have just hove
+    in sight and are making for the Humber. Lloyd's signal station
+    on Spurn Point has also intimated that hostile ships coming from
+    the south are lying-to just beyond the Lightship.
+
+The papers sold more quickly than they could be printed, a shilling each
+being given for copies by the excited townspeople, who now, for the
+first time, suddenly realised that the enemy was upon them. Men and boys
+with bundles of limp papers, damp from the press, rushed along
+Whitefriargate, away in every direction into the suburbs, shouting the
+appalling intelligence in hoarse, strident tones that awoke the echoes
+of the quieter thoroughfares.
+
+Now, even as purchasers of papers read the few lines of print under the
+dim uncertain light of street lamps, the dull booming of distant guns
+fell upon their ears, and the populace, wildly excited, made their way
+with one accord towards the Victoria Pier, to glean the latest news, and
+ascertain the true significance of the repeated firing.
+
+Was Hull in danger? Would the enemy advance up the river and bombard the
+town? These all-important questions were on every one's tongue, and as
+the thousands of all classes rushed hither and thither, wild rumours of
+the enemy's intentions spread and increased the horror.
+
+Within an hour of the publication of the first intimation of the
+presence of the invaders the excitement had become intense, and the
+narrow streets and narrower bridges had become congested by a
+terror-stricken multitude. Time after time the thunder of heavy guns
+shook the town, causing windows to clatter, and the people standing on
+the pier and along the riverside strained their eyes into the cavernous
+darkness towards the sea. But they could discern nothing. Across at New
+Holland, two miles away, lamps twinkled, but the many lights--red,
+white, and green--that stud the broad river for the guidance of the
+mariner had, since the Declaration of War, been extinguished. The
+familiar distant lights that had never failed to shine seaward at Salt
+End and Thorngumbald no longer shed their radiance, and from the
+revolving lights at Spurn no stream of brilliancy now flashed away upon
+the rolling waters of the North Sea. The buoys had been cut adrift, the
+Bull Lightship taken from her moorings, and the entrance to Grimsby
+harbour was unillumined. Not a star appeared in the sky, for all was
+dark, black, and threatening. Through the hot, heavy atmosphere the roar
+of cannon came from the direction of Spurn Point, and as the sounds of
+the shots fell upon the ears of the anxious watchers, they stood aghast,
+wondering what would be their destiny.
+
+The suspense was awful. Men, women, and children, with scared faces,
+stood in groups in the market-place, in Queen Street, and in High
+Street, discussing the situation. This question, however, was already
+engaging the attention of the municipal and military authorities, for on
+hearing the alarming news the Mayor, with shrewd promptitude, walked
+quickly to the Town Hall, and held a hurried informal consultation with
+Mr. Charles Wilson, Mr. Arthur Wilson, Mr. Richardson, Major Wellsted,
+Alderman Woodhouse, and a number of aldermen and councillors. All knew
+the town was in peril. The enemy could have but one object in entering
+the Humber. Yet it was agreed that no steps could be taken at such brief
+notice to defend the place. The guardship _Edinburgh_ had been withdrawn
+to form part of the squadron upon which they would be compelled to rely,
+with the batteries at Paull and the submarine mines.
+
+It was evident by the firing that an attack upon the British Squadron
+had commenced. The shadow of impending disaster had fallen.
+
+Working men, hurrying towards the pier, stopped their leader, Mr.
+Millington, and tried to learn what was being done, while many of the
+leading townsfolk were thronged around for information, and were centres
+of excited groups in Whitefriargate. The boatmen, sharply questioned on
+every hand, were as ignorant of the state of affairs as those seeking
+information, so nothing could be done except to wait.
+
+Women and children of the middle and upper classes, regardless of their
+destination, were being hurried away by anxious fathers. Every train
+leaving Hull was filled to overflowing by those fleeing from the advance
+of the Russians, and on the roads inland to Beverley, Selby, and Market
+Weighton crowds of every class hurried away to seek some place of
+safety.
+
+Suddenly, just before eleven o'clock, the thousands anxiously peering
+over the wide, dark waters saw away on the bank, three miles distant,
+two beams of white light, which slowly swept both reaches of the river.
+
+They were the search-lights of the battery at Paull. Scarcely had the
+bright streaks shone out and disappeared when they were followed by a
+terrific cannonade from the forts, and then, for the first time, those
+standing on the Victoria Pier could discern the enemy's ships. How many
+there were it was impossible at that moment to tell, but instantly their
+guns flashed and thundered at the forts in reply. Far away seaward could
+also be heard low booming. The enemy's vessels were creeping carefully
+up the Humber, being compelled to take constant soundings on account of
+the removal of the buoys, and evidently guided by foreign pilots who had
+for years been permitted to take vessels up and down the river.
+
+Moments dragged on like hours, each bringing the town of Hull nearer its
+fate. The people knew it, but were powerless. They stood awaiting the
+unknown.
+
+The Russian force, besides the three vessels already mentioned, included
+the armoured cruiser _Dimitri Donskoi_, the central-battery ship _Kniaz
+Pojarski_, the cruiser _Pamyat Merkuriya_, two of the new armoured
+cruisers, _Mezen_ and _Syzran_, of the _Rurik_ type, the corvette
+_Razboynik_, the torpedo gunboats _Griden_ and _Gaidamak_, and the
+armoured gunboat _Gremyastchy_, with several torpedo boats.
+
+The manner in which they had manoeuvred to pass Spurn Point and ascend
+the river was remarkable, and astounded the officers in the forts at
+Paull. They, however, were not aware that each captain of those vessels
+possessed a copy of the British secret code and other important
+information compiled from the documents filched from the body of the
+Admiralty messenger by the Count von Beilstein at the Mariners' Rest at
+Deal!
+
+The possession of this secret knowledge, which was, of course, unknown
+to our Admiralty, enabled the captains of the Russian vessels to evade
+sunken hulks and other obstructions, and take some of their ships slowly
+up the river, bearing well on the Lincolnshire coast, so as to keep,
+until the last moment, out of the range of the search-lights at Paull.
+Then, on the first attack from the batteries, they suddenly replied
+with such a hail of shell, that from the first moment it was clear that
+the strength of the fort with its obsolete guns was totally inadequate.
+
+The roar of the cannonade was incessant. Amid the deafening explosions
+the townspeople of Hull rushed up and down the streets screaming and
+terrified. Suddenly a great shell fell with a dull thud in Citadel
+Street, close to a crowd of excited women, and exploding a second later,
+blew a number of them to atoms, and wrecked the fronts of several
+houses.
+
+This served to increase the panic. The people were on the verge of
+madness with fright and despair. Thousands seized their money and
+jewellery and fled away upon the roads leading to the country. Others
+hid away their valuables, and preferred to remain; the crisis had come,
+and as Britons they determined to face it.
+
+While the Russian ships, lying broadside-on in positions carefully
+selected to avoid the electro-contact mines, poured their terrible fire
+upon the land battery at Paull, their torpedo boats darted hither and
+thither with extraordinary rapidity. Several were sunk by shots from the
+battery, but four piquet boats in the darkness at last managed to creep
+up, and after searching, seized the cable connecting the mines with the
+Submarine Mining Station at Paull.
+
+This was discovered just at the critical moment by means of one of the
+British search-lights, and upon the hostile boats a frightful cascade of
+projectiles was poured by the quick-firing guns of the battery.
+
+But it was, alas, too late! The cable had been cut. To the whole of the
+wires a small electric battery had in a moment been attached, and as the
+guns of the fort crashed out there were a series of dull explosions
+under the bed of the river across the channel from Foul Holme Sand to
+Killingholme Haven, and from Paull Coastguard Station to the Skitter.
+
+The dark water rose here and there. The whole of the mines had been
+simultaneously fired!
+
+Cheers rang out from the Russian vessels, sounding above the heavy
+cannonade. The destruction of this most important portion of the
+defences of the Humber had been accomplished by the boats just at the
+very instant when they were shattered by British shells, and ere the
+waters grew calm again the last vestige of the boats had disappeared.
+The officers at Paull worked on with undaunted courage, striving by
+every means in their power to combat with the superior forces. In a
+measure, too, they were successful, for such havoc did the shells play
+with the gunboat _Gremyastchy_ that she slowly foundered, and her crew
+were compelled to abandon her. A portion of the men were rescued by the
+_Syzran_, but two boatloads were precipitated into the water, and nearly
+all were drowned. Two of the big guns of the _Dimitri Donskoi_ were
+disabled, and the loss of life on several of the ships was considerable.
+Nevertheless the firing was still incessant. Time after time the 9-ton
+guns of the _Kniaz Pojarski_ and the four 13�-tonners of the _Mezen_
+threw their terrible missiles upon the defences at Paull with frightful
+effect, until at length, after a most desperate, stubborn resistance on
+the part of the British commander of the battery, and after half the
+defending force had been killed, the guns suddenly ceased.
+
+Both land and sea defences had been broken down! The Russians were now
+free to advance upon Hull!
+
+Not a moment was lost. Ten minutes after the guns of Paull had been
+silenced, the enemy's ships, moving very cautiously forward, opened a
+withering fire upon the town.
+
+The horrors of that bombardment were frightful. At the moment of the
+first shots, fired almost simultaneously from the two big guns of the
+_Syzran_, the panic became indescribable. Both shells burst with loud
+detonations and frightfully devastating effect. The first, striking one
+of the domes of the Dock Office, carried it bodily away, at the same
+time killing several persons; while the other, crashing upon the
+Exchange, unroofed it, and blew away the colossal statue of Britannia
+which surmounted the parapet on the corner. Surely this was an omen of
+impending disaster!
+
+Ere the horrified inhabitants could again draw breath, the air was rent
+by a terrific crash, as simultaneously flame rushed from the guns of
+the _Kniaz Pojarski_, the _Pamyat Merkuriya_, and the _Mezen_, and great
+shells were hurled into the town in every direction. The place trembled
+and shook as if struck by an earthquake, and everywhere walls fell and
+buildings collapsed.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF HULL AND THE HUMBER.]
+
+Long bright beams of the search-lights swept the town and neighbouring
+country, lighting up the turbulent streets like day, and as the crowds
+rushed headlong from the river, shot and shell struck in their midst,
+killing hundreds of starving toilers and unoffending men, women, and
+children.
+
+Lying off Salt End, the _Cizoi Veliky_, which had now come up the river
+in company with two torpedo boats, poured from her barbette a heavy fire
+upon the Alexandra Dock and Earle's shipbuilding yard, while the other
+vessels, approaching nearer, wrought terrible destruction with every
+shot in various other parts of the town. In the course of a quarter of
+an hour many streets were impassable, owing to the fallen buildings, and
+in dozens of places the explosion of the m�linite shells had set on fire
+the ruined houses.
+
+Missiles hurled from such close quarters by such heavy guns wrought the
+most fearful havoc. Naturally, the Russian gunners, discovering the most
+prominent buildings with their search-lights, aimed at them and
+destroyed many of the public edifices.
+
+Among the first prominent structures to topple and fall was the
+Wilberforce Monument, and then, in rapid succession, shots carried away
+another dome of the Dock Office, and the great square towers of St.
+John's and Holy Trinity Churches. The gaudily gilded equestrian statue
+of King William III. was flung from its pedestal and smashed by a heavy
+shot, which entered a shop opposite, completely wrecking it; and two
+shells, striking the handsome offices of the Hull Banking Company at the
+corner of Silver Street, reduced the building to a heap of ruins. Deadly
+shells fell in quick succession in Paragon Street, and at the
+North-Eastern Railway Station, where the lines and platforms were torn
+up, and the Station Hotel, being set on fire, was soon burning fiercely,
+for the flames spread unchecked here, as in every other quarter. Church
+spires fell crashing into neighbouring houses, whole rows of shops were
+demolished in Whitefriargate, High Street, and Saville Street, and roads
+were everywhere torn up by the enemy's exploding missiles.
+
+Not for a moment was there a pause in this awful work of destruction;
+not for a moment was the frightful massacre of the inhabitants
+suspended. The enemy's sole object was apparently to weaken the northern
+defences of London by drawing back the Volunteer battalions to the
+north. There was no reason to bombard after the fort had been silenced,
+yet they had decided to destroy the town and cause the most widespread
+desolation possible.
+
+Flame flashed from the muzzles of those great desolating guns so quickly
+as to appear like one brilliant, incessant light. Shells from the _Cizoi
+Veliky_ fell into the warehouses around the Alexandra Dock, and these,
+with the fine new grain warehouses on each side of the river Hull, were
+blazing furiously with a terrible roar. High into the air great tongues
+of flame leaped, their volume increased by the crowd of ships in the
+dock also igniting in rapid succession, shedding a lurid glare over the
+terrible scene, and lighting up the red, angry sky. The long range of
+warehouses, filled with inflammable goods, at the edge of the Albert and
+William Wright Docks, were on fire, while the warehouses of the Railway
+Dock, together with a large number of Messrs. Thomas Wilson's fine
+steamers, were also in flames. Such a hold had the flames obtained that
+no power could arrest them, and as the glare increased it was seen by
+those flying for their lives that the whole of the port was now
+involved.
+
+The great petroleum stores of the Anglo-American Company, struck by a
+shell, exploded a few moments later with a most terrific and frightful
+detonation which shook the town. For a moment it seemed as if both town
+and river were enveloped in one great sheet of flame, then, as blazing
+oil ran down the gutters on every side, fierce fires showed, and whole
+streets were alight from end to end.
+
+Hundreds of persons perished in the flames, hundreds were shot down by
+the fragments of flying missiles, and hundreds more were buried under
+falling ruins. Everywhere the roar of flames mingled with the shrieks of
+the dying. Shells striking the Royal Infirmary burst in the wards,
+killing many patients in their beds, and setting fire to the building,
+while others, crashing through the roof of the Theatre Royal, carried
+away one of the walls and caused the place to ignite. One shot from the
+13-ton gun of the _Syzran_ tore its way into the nave of Holy Trinity
+Church, and, exploding, blew out the three beautiful windows and wrecked
+the interior, while another from the same gun demolished one of the
+corner buildings of the new Market Hall. The handsome tower of the Town
+Hall, struck by a shell just under the dial, came down with a frightful
+crash, completely blocking Lowgate with its d�bris, and almost at the
+same instant a shot came through the dome of the Council Chamber,
+totally destroying the apartment.
+
+The Mariners' Hospital and Trinity House suffered terribly, many of the
+inmates of the former being blown to pieces. One shot completely
+demolished the Savings Bank at the corner of George Street, and a shell
+exploding under the portico of the Great Thornton Street Chapel blew out
+the whole of its dark fa�ade. Another, striking the extensive premises
+of a firm of lead merchants at the corner of Brook and Paragon Streets,
+swept away the range of buildings like grass before the scythe.
+
+In the Queen's, Humber, Victoria, and Prince's Docks the congested crowd
+of idle merchant ships were enveloped in flames that wrapped themselves
+about the rigging, and, crackling, leaped skyward. The Orphanage at
+Spring Bank, the Artillery Barracks, and Wilberforce House were all
+burning; in fact, in the course of the two hours during which the
+bombardment lasted hardly a building of note escaped.
+
+The houses of the wealthy residents far away up Spring Bank, Anlaby and
+Beverley Roads, and around Pearson's Park, had been shattered and
+demolished; the shops in Saville Street had without exception been
+destroyed, and both the Cannon Street and Pier Stations had been
+completely wrecked and unroofed.
+
+Soon after two o'clock in the morning, when the Russian war vessels
+ceased their thunder, the whole town was as one huge furnace, the
+intense heat and suffocating smoke from which caused the Russian Admiral
+to move his vessels towards the sea as quickly as the necessary
+soundings allowed.
+
+The glare lit the sky for many miles around. The immense area of great
+burning buildings presented a magnificent, appalling spectacle.
+
+It was a terrible national disaster--a frightful holocaust, in which
+thousands of lives, with property worth millions, had been wantonly
+destroyed by a ruthless enemy which Britain's defective and obsolete
+defences were too weak to keep at bay--a devastating catastrophe, swift,
+complete, awful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TERROR ON THE TYNE.
+
+
+England was thrilled, dismayed, petrified. The wholesale massacre at
+Eastbourne and the terrible details of the bombardment of Hull had
+spread increased horror everywhere throughout the land.
+
+Terror reigned on the Tyneside. Hospitals, asylums, and public
+institutions, crowded with affrighted inmates, had no food to
+distribute. In Newcastle, in Shields, in Jarrow, and in Gateshead the
+poor were idle and hungry, while the wealthy were feverishly
+apprehensive. A Sabbath quiet had fallen on the great silent highway of
+the Tyne. In those blazing days and breathless nights there was an
+unbroken stillness that portended dire disaster.
+
+In the enormous crowded districts on each side of the river the gaunt
+spectre Starvation stalked through the cheerless homes of once
+industrious toilers, and the inmates pined and died. So terrible was the
+distress already, that domestic pets were being killed and eaten, dogs
+and cats being no uncommon dish, the very offal thrown aside being
+greedily devoured by those slowly succumbing to a horrible death. Awful
+scenes of suffering and blank despair were being witnessed on every
+side.
+
+Three days after the enemy had ascended the Humber and dealt such a
+decisive blow at Hull, the port of South Shields was suddenly alarmed by
+information telegraphed from the Coastguard on Harton Down Hill, about
+a mile south of the town, to the effect that they had sighted a number
+of French and Russian ships.
+
+Panic at once ensued. The broad market-place was filled by a
+terror-stricken crowd of townspeople, while the seafaring population
+surged down King Street and Ocean Road, across the park to the long
+South Pier at the entrance to the Tyne, eager to reassure themselves
+that the enemy had no designs upon their town.
+
+In the dull red afterglow that lit up the broad bay of golden sand
+between Trow Point and the pier, a huge vessel suddenly loomed dark upon
+the sky line, and, as she approached, those watching anxiously through
+glasses made her out as the great steel turret-ship _Lazare Carnot_,
+flying the French Tricolor. Immediately following her came a number of
+cruisers, gunboats, and torpedo boats. They included the _Dimitri
+Donskoi_, the _Kniaz Pojarski_, the _Pamyat Merkuriya_, the _Mezen_, the
+_Syzran_, the _Griden_, and the _Gaidamak_, all of which had taken part
+in the attack on Hull, while they had now been joined by the French
+battleships _Mass�na_ and _Neptune_, the small cruisers _Cosamo_,
+_Desaix_, _D'Estaing_, _Coetlogon_, and _Lalande_, the torpedo gunboats
+_Iberville_, _Lance_, _L�ger_, and _Fl�che_, and the gun-vessels
+_Etoile_, _Fulton_, _Gabes_, _Sagittaire_, and _Vip�re_, with a large
+number of torpedo boats and "catchers," in addition to those which were
+at Hull.
+
+As the vessels steamed onward at full speed, the people rushed from the
+pier back again into the town in wild disorder, while the Coastguard at
+Spanish Battery on the north shore of the estuary, having now discovered
+the presence of the menacing ships, at once telegraphed the intelligence
+up to Newcastle, where the most profound sensation was immediately
+caused. The news spread everywhere, and the people on the Tyneside knew
+that the hand of the oppressor was upon them.
+
+Suddenly, without warning, smoke tumbled over the bows of the _Lazare
+Carnot_. There was a low boom, and one of the ponderous guns in her
+turret sent forth an enormous shell, which struck the battery at Trow
+Point, blowing away a portion of a wall.
+
+A moment later the battery replied with their 9-tonners, sending forth
+shot after shot, most of which, however, ricochetted away over the
+glassy sea. It was the signal for a fight which quickly became
+desperate.
+
+In a few moments half a dozen of the ships lay broadside on, and the
+great guns of the _Mass�na_ and _Neptune_, with those of four other
+vessels, opened a terrible fire upon the fort, casting their shells upon
+the British gunners with frightful effect.
+
+In the battery the Armstrong disappearing guns were worked to their
+utmost capacity, and the shots of the defenders played havoc with the
+smaller craft, three torpedo boats and a "catcher" being sunk in as many
+minutes.
+
+Meanwhile the _Active_, _Bonaventure_, _Cambrian_, _Canada_, and
+_Archer_ of the Reserve Squadron, now on its way from the north of
+Scotland in consequence of orders from the Admiralty having reached it,
+rounded Sharpness Point, and steamed full upon the enemy's ships.
+
+The conflict was fierce, but quickly ended.
+
+Heavy fire was kept up from the fort at Tynemouth, from Spanish Battery,
+from Trow Battery, and from several new batteries with disappearing guns
+between the Groyne and the quarry at Trow, that had been constructed and
+manned since the mobilisation by Volunteers, consisting of the 1st
+Newcastle Volunteer Engineers, the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery, and
+the 4th Durham Light Infantry from Newcastle. Nevertheless the
+assistance received by the British ships from the land was of but little
+avail, for a Russian torpedo boat sent forth its messenger of death at
+the third-class cruiser _Canada_, blowing her up, while the engines of
+both the _Active_ and _Bonaventure_ were so seriously damaged as to be
+practically useless. Rapid signalling by the semaphore at Spanish
+Battery had placed the defenders on the alert, and although the British
+were suffering so heavily on account of their minority, still the enemy
+were everywhere feeling the effect of the hot and unexpected reception.
+
+Before half an hour had passed two Russian gunboats had been torpedoed,
+and the French cruiser _D'Estaing_, having caught fire, was burning
+furiously, many of her crew perishing at their guns.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE TYNE DISTRICT.]
+
+The _Lazare Carnot_ and the _Mass�na_, heedless of the fire from the
+shore, steamed at half speed across the estuary until they were opposite
+the Tynemouth Battery, when they suddenly opened fire, being quickly
+joined by six French and Russian cruisers. In the meantime the contact
+mines were being blown up by piquet boats, who, although suffering
+heavily from the fire from the shore, nevertheless continued their task.
+It was then seen how utterly inadequate were the defences of the Tyne,
+and what negligence had been displayed on the part of the War Office in
+not providing at Tynemouth adequate means of warding off or successfully
+coping with an attack.
+
+From behind the tall grey lighthouse a few guns were thundering, but in
+face of the overwhelming force at sea it was but a sorry attempt. One
+shot from the battery severely damaged the superstructure of the _Lazare
+Carnot_, another cut through the funnel of the _Neptune_, carrying it
+away, and a third entering the magazine of one of the small cruisers
+caused it to explode with serious loss of life. Yet the devastating
+effect of the enemy's shells on the obsolete defences of Tynemouth was
+appalling.
+
+Enclosed in the fortifications were the crumbling ruins of the ancient
+Priory, with its restored chapel, a graveyard, and an old Castle that
+had been converted into artillery barracks. As flame and smoke rushed
+continuously from the barbettes, turrets, and broadsides of the hostile
+ships, the shots brought down the bare, dark old walls of the Priory,
+and, crashing into the Castle, played havoc with the building. The
+lantern of the lighthouse, too, was carried away, probably by a shot
+flying accidentally wide, and every moment death and desolation was
+being spread throughout the fort. Such a magnificent natural position,
+commanding as it did the whole estuary of the Tyne, should have been
+rendered impregnable, yet, as it remained in 1894, so it stood on this
+fatal day, a typical example of War Office apathy and shortsightedness.
+
+Its guns were a mere make-believe, that gave the place an appearance of
+strength that it did not possess. In the North Battery, on the left
+side, commanding a broad sweep of sea beyond Sharpness, only one gun, a
+64-pounder, was mounted, the remaining five rotting platforms being
+unoccupied! At the extreme point, to command the mouth of the river, a
+single 5-tonner was placed well forward with great ostentation, its
+weight, calibre, and other details having been painted up in conspicuous
+white letters, for the delectation of an admiring public admitted to
+view the Priory. The South Battery, a trifle stronger, was,
+nevertheless, a sheer burlesque, its weakness being a disgrace to the
+British nation. In fact, in the whole of the battery the upper defences
+had long been known to experts to be obsolete, and the lower ones
+totally inadequate for the resistance they should have been able to
+offer.
+
+Was it any wonder, then, that the shells of the enemy should cause such
+frightful destruction? Among the British artillerymen there was no lack
+of courage, for they exerted every muscle in their gallant efforts to
+repulse the foe. Yet, handicapped as they were by lack of efficient arms
+and properly constructed fortifications, their heroic struggles were
+futile, and they sacrificed their lives to no purpose. The deadly hail
+from the floating monsters swept away the whole of the ancient Priory
+walls, demolishing the old red brick barracks, blowing up the Castle
+gateway, wrecking the guardroom, and igniting the Priory Chapel. The
+loss of life was terrible, the whole of the men manning the 5-ton gun
+pointing seaward having been killed by a single shell that burst among
+them, while everywhere else men of the Royal Artillery, and those of the
+Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery, who were assisting, were killed or maimed
+by the incessant rain of projectiles.
+
+Night clouds gathered black and threatening, and it appeared as if the
+enemy were carrying all before them. The French battleship _Neptune_,
+seeing the guns of all three batteries had been considerably weakened,
+was steaming slowly into the mouth of the Tyne, followed by the Russian
+cruiser _Syzran_, when suddenly two terrific explosions occurred,
+shaking both North and South Shields to their very foundations. High
+into the air the water rose, and it was then seen that two submarine
+mines had been exploded simultaneously by electric current from the
+Tynemouth Battery, and that both vessels had been completely blown up.
+Such was the force of the explosion, that the hull of the _Neptune_, a
+great armour-clad of over ten thousand tons, had been ripped up like
+paper, and of her crew scarcely a man escaped, while the cruiser had
+been completely broken in half, and many of her crew blown to atoms.
+Scarcely had this success of the defenders been realised when it was
+followed by another, for a second later a British torpedo boat succeeded
+in blowing up with all hands the French torpedo gunboat _Lance_.
+
+These reverses, however, caused but little dismay among the invaders,
+for ere long the British cruisers had been driven off, the guns at Trow
+had been silenced, while those at Spanish Battery and Tynemouth could
+only keep up a desultory fire. Then, in the falling gloom, ship after
+ship, guided by foreign pilots, and carefully evading a number of hulks
+that had been placed near the estuary, entered the Tyne, pouring forth
+their heavy monotonous fire into North Shields and South Shields.
+Skilfully as the despairing defenders managed their submarine mines,
+they only succeeded in destroying three more of the enemy's ships, the
+French torpedo gunboats _Iberville_ and _Cassini_ and the cruiser
+_Desaix_, the crews perishing.
+
+Not for a moment was there a cessation of the cannonade as the smaller
+ships of the enemy advanced up the river, and the damage wrought by
+their shells was enormous. Tynemouth had already suffered heavily, many
+of the streets being in flames. The tower of St. Saviour's Church had
+fallen, the conspicuous spire of the Congregational Chapel had been shot
+away, the Piers Office had been reduced to ruins, and the long building
+of the Royal Hotel completely wrecked. The houses facing Percy Park had
+in many cases been shattered, a shell exploding under the archway of the
+Bath Hotel had demolished it, and the handsome clock tower at the end of
+the road had been hurled down and scattered.
+
+Slackening opposite the Scarp, the gunboats and cruisers belched forth
+shot and shell upon North Shields, aiming first at the more conspicuous
+objects, such as the Sailors' Home, the Custom House, the tall tower of
+Christ Church, and the Harbour Master's office, either totally
+destroying them or injuring them irreparably, while the houses on Union
+Quay and those in Dockway Square and in adjoining streets, from the
+gasometers down to the Town Hall, were also swept by shells. Resistance
+was made from Fort Clifford on the one side of the town, from a position
+occupied by a battery of the Durham Volunteer Artillery, who had mounted
+guns on the hill behind Smith's Yard, and also by the submarine mines of
+the Tyne Division Volunteer Miners; but it was most ineffectual, and,
+when night fell, hundreds of terror-stricken persons had been killed,
+and the town was on fire in dozens of places, the flames illuminating
+the sky with their lurid brilliancy.
+
+In South Shields tragic scenes were being enacted. Shells flying about
+the town from the river on the one side and the sea on the other
+exploded in the streets, blowing unfortunate men, women, and children
+into atoms, wrecking public buildings, and setting fire to the cherished
+homes of the toilers. The congested blocks of buildings around Panash
+Point were one huge furnace; the Custom House, the River Police Station,
+and the Plate Glass Works were wrecked, while a shell exploding in one
+of the petroleum tanks on the Commissioners' Wharf caused it to burst
+with fearful effect. The queer old turret of St. Hilda's fell with a
+crash, the Church of St. Stephen was practically demolished, and the
+school in the vicinity unroofed. The dome of the Marine School was
+carried bodily away; nothing remained standing of the Wouldhave Memorial
+Clock but a few feet of the square lower structure, and the Ingham
+Infirmary being set on fire, several of the patients lost their lives.
+Amid this frightful panic, Lieut.-Col. Gowans and Major Carr of the 3rd
+Durham Artillery, the Mayor, Mr. Readhead, Alderman Rennoldson,
+Councillors Lisle, Marshall, and Stainton, the Town Clerk, Mr. Hayton,
+and the Rev. H. E. Savage, were all conspicuous for the coolness they
+displayed. Courage, however, was unavailing, for South Shields was at
+the mercy of the invaders, and all defence was feeble and futile.
+Hundreds of the townspeople were killed by flying fragments of shells,
+hundreds more were buried in the d�bris of tottering buildings, while
+those who survived fled horror-stricken with their valuables away into
+the country, beyond the range of the enemy's fire.
+
+The horrors of Hull were being repeated. The streets ran with the
+life-blood of unoffending British citizens.
+
+As evening wore on, the invaders came slowly up the Tyne, heedless of
+the strenuous opposition with which they were met by Volunteer
+Artillery, who, having established batteries on various positions
+between Shields and Newcastle, poured a hot fire upon them. Advancing,
+their terrible guns spread death and destruction on either bank.
+
+The crowds of idle shipping in the great Tyne Dock at South Shields, and
+those in the Albert Edward and Northumberland Docks on the north bank,
+together with the staiths, warehouses, and offices, were blazing
+furiously, while the Tyne Commissioners' great workshops, Edwards'
+Shipbuilding Yard, and many other factories and shipbuilding yards, were
+either set on fire or seriously damaged.
+
+Many of the affrighted inhabitants of North Shields sought refuge in the
+railway tunnel, and so escaped, but hundreds lost their lives in the
+neighbourhood of Wallsend and Percy Main.
+
+Shells fell in Swinburne's brass foundry at Carville, destroying the
+buildings, together with the Carville Hotel and the railway viaduct
+between that place and Howdon.
+
+The Wallsend Railway Station and the Theatre of Varieties were blown to
+atoms, and the houses both at High and Low Walker suffered severely,
+while opposite at Jarrow enormous damage was everywhere caused. At the
+latter place the 1st Durham Volunteer Engineers rendered excellent
+defensive service under Lieut.-Col. Price and Major Forneaux, and the
+Mayor was most energetic in his efforts to insure the safety of the
+people. A submarine mine had been laid opposite Hebburn, and, being
+successfully exploded, blew to atoms the French gunboat _Gabes_, and at
+the same time seriously injured the propeller of the cruiser _Cosamo_.
+This vessel subsequently broke down, and a second mine fired from the
+shore destroyed her also. Nevertheless the invaders steadily advanced up
+the broad river, blowing up obstacles, dealing decisive blows, and
+destroying human life and valuable property with every shot from their
+merciless weapons.
+
+The panic that night in Newcastle was terrible. The streets were in a
+turmoil of excitement, for the reports from Tynemouth had produced the
+most intense alarm and dismay. On receipt of the first intelligence the
+Free Library Committee of the City Council happened to be sitting, and
+the chairman, Alderman H. W. Newton, the popular representative of All
+Saints' North, formally announced it to his colleagues, among whom was
+the Mayor. The committee broke up in confusion, and an excited
+consultation followed, in which Councillors Durnford, Fitzgerald, and
+Flowers, with Alderman Sutton, took part. Capt. Nicholls, the Chief
+Constable, Major A. M. Potter of the 1st Northumberland Artillery,
+Lieut.-Col. Angus of the 1st Newcastle Volunteer Artillery, Lieut.-Col.
+Palmer and Major Emley of the Volunteer Engineers, Mr. Hill Motum, and
+Mr. Joseph Cowen also entered the room and engaged in the discussion.
+
+At such a hasty informal meeting, nothing, however, could be done. The
+Mayor and Councillors were assured by the Volunteer officers that
+everything possible under the circumstances had been arranged for the
+defence of the Tyne. Property worth millions was at stake, and now that
+the news had spread from mouth to mouth the streets around the Town Hall
+were filled with crowds of excited, breathless citizens, anxious to know
+what steps were being taken to insure their protection.
+
+So loudly did they demand information, that the Mayor was compelled to
+appear for a moment and address a few words to them, assuring them that
+arrangements had been made which he hoped would be found adequate to
+repel the foe. This appeased them in a measure, and the crowd dispersed;
+but in the other thoroughfares the excitement was intensified, and
+famished thousands rushed aimlessly about, many going out upon the High
+Level and Low Level Bridges and straining their eyes down the river in
+endeavour to catch a glimpse of the enemy.
+
+Heavy and continuous firing could be heard as the dark evening dragged
+on, and presently, just before nine o'clock, the anxious ones upon the
+bridges saw the flash of guns as the invading vessels rounded the sharp
+bend of the river at the ferry beyond Rotterdam Wharf.
+
+The sight caused the people to rush panic-stricken up into the higher
+parts of Newcastle or across the bridges into Gateshead, and from both
+towns a rapid exodus was taking place, thousands fleeing into the
+country. From gun-vessels, torpedo gunboats, and cruisers, shot and
+shell poured in continuous streams into the wharves, shipping, and
+congested masses of houses on either bank.
+
+The houses along City Road, St. Lawrence Road, Quality Row, and Byker
+Bank, on the outskirts of Newcastle, suffered severely, while shots
+damaged the great Ouseburn Viaduct, wrecked St. Dominic's Roman Catholic
+Chapel, and blew away the roof of the new Board School, a prominent
+feature of the landscape.
+
+Several shells fell and exploded in Jesmond Vale. One burst and set fire
+to the Sandyford Brewery, and one or two falling in Portland Road caused
+widespread destruction and terrible loss of life. The London and Hamburg
+Wharves, with the shipping lying near, were soon blazing furiously, and
+all along Quay Side, right up to the Guildhall, shops and offices were
+every moment being destroyed and swept away. New Greenwich and South
+Shore on the Gateshead side were vigorously attacked, and many shots
+fired over the Salt Marshes fell in the narrow thoroughfares that lie
+between Sunderland Road and Brunswick Street.
+
+Upon the enemy's ships the Volunteer batteries on the commanding
+positions on either side of the high banks poured a galling fire, one
+battery at the foot of the Swing Bridge on the Gateshead side effecting
+terrible execution. Their guns had been well laid, and the salvoes of
+shell played about the French gun-vessels and torpedo boats, causing
+frightful destruction among the crews. Both Newcastle and Gateshead,
+lying so much higher than the river, were in a certain measure
+protected, and the high banks afforded a wide command over the waterway.
+At various points, including the entrances to the High Level Bridge, at
+the Side, the Close, New Chatham, and the Rabbit Banks, the Volunteers
+had opened fire, and were keeping up a terrible cannonade. The dark
+river reflected the red light which flashed forth every moment from gun
+muzzles, while search-lights from both ships and shore were constantly
+streaming forth, and the thunder of war shook the tall factory chimneys
+to their very foundations.
+
+Heedless of the strenuous opposition, the invading ships kept up a
+vigorous fire, which, aimed high, fell in the centre of Newcastle with
+most appalling effect. In the midst of the crowds in Newgate and
+Pilgrim Streets shells exploded, blowing dozens of British citizens to
+atoms and tearing out the fronts of shops. One projectile, aimed at the
+strangely shaped tower of St. Nicholas' Cathedral, struck it, and swept
+away the thin upper portion, and another, crashing into the sloping roof
+of the grim, time-mellowed relic Black Gate, shattered it, and tore away
+part of the walls.
+
+The old castle and the railway bridge were also blown up in the earlier
+stages of the bombardment, and the square tower of St. John's fell with
+a sudden crash right across the street, completely blocking it. From end
+to end Grainger Street was swept by French m�linite shells, which,
+bursting in rapid succession, filled the air with tiny flying fragments,
+each as fatal as a bullet fired from a rifle. The French shell is much
+more formidable than ours, for, while the latter breaks into large
+pieces, the former is broken up into tiny and exceedingly destructive
+fragments.
+
+In the midst of this terrible panic a shot cut its way through the Earl
+Grey Monument, causing it to fall, many persons being crushed to death
+beneath the stones, while both the Central Exchange and the Theatre
+Royal were now alight, shedding a brilliant glare skyward.
+
+At this time, too, the whole of Quay Side was a mass of roaring,
+crackling flames, the thin spire of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral
+had been shot away, Bainbridge's great emporium was blazing furiously,
+and the Art Club premises had taken fire. One shot had fallen at the
+back of the Town Hall, and torn an enormous hole in the wall, while
+another, entering the first floor of the County Hotel, had burst with
+awful force, and carried away the greater part of its gloomy fa�ade.
+
+In the Central Station opposite, dozens of shells had exploded, and it
+was now on fire, hopelessly involved together with the adjoining Station
+Hotel. The grey front of the imposing _Chronicle_ building had been
+wrecked by a shell that had descended upon the roof, and a row of dark
+old-fashioned houses in Eldon Square had been demolished.
+
+The same fate had been shared by the Co-operative Wholesale Society's
+warehouse, the Fish Market, the _Journal_ office, and both the Crown and
+M�tropole Hotels at the bottom of Clayton Street.
+
+Yet the firing continued; the terrified citizens were granted no
+quarter. The Royal Arcade was blown to atoms, the new red brick
+buildings of the Prudential Assurance Company were set on fire, and were
+blazing with increasing fury. The building of the North British and
+Mercantile Assurance Company, the Savings Bank at the corner of Newgate
+Street, and the Empire Theatre were wrecked. Along New Bridge Street
+dozens of houses were blown to pieces, several fine residences in
+Ellison Place were utterly demolished and blocked the roadway with their
+d�bris, and the whole city, from the river up to Brandling Village, was
+swept time after time by salvoes of devastating shots. Rows of houses
+fell, and in hundreds the terrified people were massacred. Away over the
+Nun's Moor shells were hurled and burst, and others were precipitated
+into the great Armstrong works at Elswick.
+
+Suddenly, in the midst of the incessant thunder, a series of terrific
+explosions occurred, and the great High Level Bridge collapsed, and fell
+with an awful crash into the Tyne. The enemy had placed dynamite under
+the huge brick supports, and blown them up simultaneously. A few moments
+later the Swing Bridge was treated in similar manner; but the enemy,
+under the galling fire from the Volunteer batteries, were now losing
+frightfully. Many of the new guns at the Elswick works were brought into
+action, and several ironclads in the course of construction afforded
+cover to those desperately defending their homes.
+
+But this blow of the invaders had been struck at a most inopportune
+moment, and was evidently the result of an order that had been
+imperfectly understood. It caused them to suffer a greater disaster than
+they had anticipated. Six torpedo boats and two gun-vessels had passed
+under the bridge, and, lying off the Haughs, were firing into the
+Elswick works at the moment when the bridges were demolished, and the
+d�bris, falling across the stream, cut off all means of escape.
+
+[Illustration: NEWCASTLE BOMBARDED: BLOWING UP OF THE HIGH LEVEL
+BRIDGE.]
+
+The defenders, noticing this, worked on, pounding away at the hostile
+craft with merciless monotony, until one after another the French and
+Russians were blown to atoms, and their vessels sank beneath them into
+the dark, swirling waters.
+
+While this was proceeding, two mines, one opposite Hill Gate, at
+Gateshead, and the other near the Rotterdam Wharf, on the Newcastle
+side, were fired by the Volunteer Engineers, who thus succeeded in
+blowing up two more French gunboats, while the battery at the foot of
+the Swing Bridge sank two more torpedo boats, and that in front of the
+Chemical Works at Gateshead sent a shell into the "vitals" of one of the
+most powerful torpedo gunboats, with the result that she blew up.
+
+Everywhere the enemy were being cut to pieces.
+
+Seeing the trap into which their vessels had fallen above the ruined
+bridges, and feeling that they had caused sufficient damage, they
+turned, and with their guns still belching forth flame, steamed at half
+speed back again towards the sea.
+
+But they were not allowed to escape so easily, for the mines recently
+laid by the Volunteers were now brought into vigorous play, and in the
+long reach of the river between High Walker and Wallsend no fewer than
+six more of the enemy's gun and torpedo boats had their bottoms blown
+out, and their crews torn limb from limb.
+
+Flashed throughout the land, the news of the enemy's repulse, though
+gained at such enormous loss, excited a feeling of profound
+satisfaction.
+
+The injury inflicted on the invaders had been terrible, and from that
+attack upon the Tyne they had been hurled reeling back the poorer by the
+loss of a whole fleet of torpedo and gun boats, one of the most
+effective arms of their squadrons, while the sea had closed over one of
+France's proudest battleships, the _Neptune_, and no fewer than four of
+her cruisers.
+
+The surviving vessels, which retreated round the Black Middens and
+gained the open sea, all more or less had their engines crippled, and
+not half the men that had manned them escaped alive.
+
+They had wrought incalculable damage, it is true, for part of Newcastle
+was burning, and the loss of life had been terrible; yet they were
+driven back by the Volunteers' desperately vigorous fire, and the lives
+of many thousands in Newcastle and Gateshead had thus been saved at the
+eleventh hour by British patriots.
+
+Alas, it was a black day in England's history!
+
+Was this to be a turning-point in the wave of disaster which had swept
+so suddenly upon our land?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+HELP FROM OUR COLONIES.
+
+
+Days passed--dark, dismal, dispiriting. Grim-visaged War had crushed all
+joy and gaiety from British hearts, and fierce patriotism and
+determination to fight on until the bitter end mingled everywhere with
+hunger, sadness, and despair. British homes had been desecrated, British
+lives had been sacrificed, and through the land the invaders rushed
+ravaging with fire and sword.
+
+Whole towns had been overwhelmed and shattered, great tracts of rich
+land in Sussex and Hampshire had been laid waste, and the people,
+powerless against the enormous forces sweeping down upon them, had been
+mercilessly mowed down and butchered by Cossacks, whose brutality was
+fiendish. Everywhere there were reports of horrible atrocities, of
+heartless murders, and wholesale slaughter of the helpless and
+unoffending.
+
+The situation, both in Great Britain and on the Continent, was most
+critical. The sudden declaration of hostilities by France and Russia had
+resulted in a great war in which nearly all European nations were
+involved. Germany had sent her enormous land forces over her frontiers
+east and west, successfully driving back the French along the Vosges,
+and occupying Dijon, Chalons-sur-Sa�ne, and Lyons. Valmy, Nancy, and
+Metz had again been the scenes of sanguinary encounters, and Chaumont
+and Troyes had both fallen into the hands of the Kaiser's legions. In
+Poland, however, neither Germans nor Austrians had met with such
+success. A fierce battle had been fought at Thorn between the Tsar's
+forces and the Germans, and the former, after a desperate stand, were
+defeated, and the Uhlans, dragoons, and infantry of the Fatherland had
+swept onward up the valley of the Vistula to Warsaw. Here the resistance
+offered by General Bodisco was very formidable, but the city was
+besieged, while fierce fighting was taking place all across the level
+country that lay between the Polish capital and the Prussian frontier.
+Austrians and Hungarians fought fiercely, the Tyrolese J�gers displaying
+conspicuous bravery at Brody, Cracow, Jaroslav, and along the banks of
+the San, and they had succeeded up to the present in preventing the
+Cossacks and Russian infantry from reaching the Carpathians, although an
+Austrian army corps advancing into Russia along the Styr had been
+severely cut up and forced to retreat back to Lemberg.
+
+Italy had burst her bonds. Her Bersaglieri, cuirassiers, Piedmontese
+cavalry, and carabiniers had marched along the Corniche road into
+Provence, and, having occupied Nice, Cannes, and Draguigan, were on
+their way to attack Marseilles, while the Alpine infantry, taking the
+road over Mont Cenis, had, after very severe fighting in the beautiful
+valley between Susa and Bardonnechia, at last occupied Modane and
+Chamb�ry, and now intended joining hands with the Germans at Lyons.
+
+France was now receiving greater punishment than she had anticipated,
+and even those members of the Cabinet and Deputies who were responsible
+for the sudden invasion of England were compelled to admit that they had
+made a false move. The frontiers were being ravaged, and although the
+territorial regiments remaining were considered sufficient to repel
+attack, yet the Army of the Sa�ne had already been cut to pieces. In
+these circumstances, France, knowing the great peril she ran in
+prolonging the invasion of Britain, was desperately anxious to make the
+British sue for peace, so that she could turn her attention to events at
+home, and therefore, although in a measure contravening International
+Law, she had instructed her Admirals to bombard British seaports and
+partially-defended towns.
+
+Although the guns of the hostile fleet had wrought such appalling havoc
+on the Humber, on the Tyne, and along the coast of Kent and Sussex,
+nevertheless the enemy had only secured a qualified success. The cause
+of all the disasters that had befallen us, of the many catastrophes on
+land and sea, was due to the wretchedly inadequate state of our Navy,
+although the seven new battleships and six cruisers commenced in 1894
+were now complete and afloat.
+
+Had we possessed an efficient Navy the enemy could never have approached
+our shores. We had not a sufficient number of ships to replace
+casualties. Years behind in nearly every essential point, Britain had
+failed to give her cruisers either speed or guns equal in strength to
+those of other nations. Our guns were the worst in the world, no fewer
+than 47 vessels still mounting 350 old muzzleloaders, weapons discarded
+by every other European Navy.
+
+For years it had been a race between the hare and the tortoise. We had
+remained in dreamy unconsciousness of danger, while other nations had
+quickly taken advantage of all the newly-discovered modes of destruction
+that make modern warfare so terrible.
+
+Notwithstanding the odds against us in nearly every particular, the
+British losses had been nothing as compared with those of the enemy.
+This spoke much for British pluck and pertinacity. With a force against
+them of treble their strength, British bluejackets had succeeded in
+sinking a number of the finest and most powerful ships of France and
+Russia. France had lost the _Amiral Duperr�_, a magnificent steel vessel
+of eleven thousand tons; the _Neptune_ and _Redoutable_, a trifle
+smaller; the _Tonnerre_, the _Terrible_, the _Furieux_, the
+_Indomptable_, the _Ca�man_, all armoured ships, had been lost; while
+the cruisers _D'Estaing_, _Sfax_, _Desaix_, _Cosamo_, _Faucon_, the
+despatch-vessel _Hirondelle_, the gunboats _Iberville_, _Gabes_, and
+_Lance_, and eleven others, together with sixteen torpedo boats and
+numbers of transports, had been either blown up, burned, or otherwise
+destroyed.
+
+The losses the Russians had sustained, in addition to the many
+transports and general service steamers, included the great steel
+cruiser _Nicolai I._, the vessels _Gerzog Edinburgskij_, _Syzran_,
+_Rynda_, _Asia_, _Gangut_, _Kranaya Gorka_, _Olaf_, and the torpedo boat
+_Abo_, with eight others.
+
+The destruction of this enormous force had, of course, not been effected
+without an infliction of loss upon the defenders, yet the British
+casualties bore no comparison to those of the enemy. True, the armoured
+turret-ship _Conqueror_ had, alas! been sacrificed; the fine
+barbette-ships _Centurion_ and _Rodney_ had gone to the bottom; the
+splendid first-class cruiser _Aurora_ and the cruiser _Narcissus_ had
+been blown up; while the cruisers _Terpsichore_, _Melampus_, _Tribune_,
+_Galatea_, and _Canada_, with a number of torpedo boats and "catchers,"
+had also been destroyed, yet not before every crew had performed heroic
+deeds worthy of record in the world's history, and every vessel had
+shown the French and Russians what genuine British courage could effect.
+
+Still the invaders were striking swift, terrible blows. On the Humber
+and the Tyne the loss of life had been appalling. The bombardment of
+Brighton, the sack of Eastbourne, and the occupation of the Downs by the
+land forces, had been effected only by wholesale rapine and awful
+bloodshed, and Britain waited breathlessly, wondering in what direction
+the next catastrophe would occur.
+
+Such newspapers as in these dark days continued to appear reported how
+great mass meetings were being held all over the United States,
+denouncing the action of the Franco-Russian forces.
+
+In New York, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco,
+and other cities, resolutions were passed at enormous demonstrations by
+the enthusiastic public, demanding that the United States Government
+should give an immediate ultimatum to France that unless she withdrew
+her troops from British soil, war would be declared against her.
+
+Special sittings of Congress were being held daily at Washington for the
+purpose of discussing the advisability of such a step; influential
+deputations waited upon the President, and all the prominent statesmen
+were interviewed by the various enterprising New York journals, the
+result showing a great preponderance of feeling that such a measure
+should be at once taken.
+
+In British colonies throughout the world the greatest indignation and
+most intense excitement prevailed. Already bodies of Volunteers were on
+their way from Australia and Cape Town, many of the latter, under Major
+Scott, having already been in England and shot as competitors at Bisley.
+From India a number of native regiments had embarked for Southampton,
+but the Northern frontier stations had been strengthened in anticipation
+of a movement south by Russia, and the French Indian possessions,
+Pondich�ry and Karikal, were occupied by British troops.
+
+An expedition from Burmah had crossed the Shan States into Tonquin, and
+with the assistance of the British Squadron on the China Station had,
+after hard fighting, occupied a portion of the country, while part of
+the force had gone farther south and commenced operations in French
+Cochin-China by a vigorous attack on Saigon.
+
+Armed British forces had also landed in Guadaloupe and Martinique, two
+of the most fertile of the West Indian Islands, and St. Bartholomew had
+also been occupied by West Indian regiments.
+
+On the outbreak of hostilities intense patriotism spread through Canada,
+and from the shores of Lake Superior away to far Vancouver a movement
+was at once made to assist the Mother Country. In Quebec, Montreal,
+Ottawa, Toronto, and Kingston mass meetings were held, urging the
+Dominion Government to allow a force of Volunteers to go to England
+without delay; and this universal demand was the more gratifying when it
+was remembered that more than a quarter of the population were
+themselves French. Nevertheless the knowledge that Britain was in danger
+was sufficient to arouse patriotism everywhere, and within a few days
+20,000 Volunteers were enrolled, and these, before a fortnight had
+passed, were on their way to Liverpool. Great was the enthusiasm when, a
+few days later, to the strains of "Rule, Britannia," the first
+detachment landed in the Mersey, and as they marched through the crowded
+streets, the people, delighted at this practical demonstration of
+sympathy, wrung the hands of the patriots of the West. Vessel after
+vessel, escorted by British cruisers, arrived at the landing-stage, and
+discharged their regiments of men to whom the knowledge of Britain's
+danger had been sufficient incentive to induce them to act their part as
+Britons. Then, when the last vessel had arrived, they were formed into a
+brigade, and set out to march south in the direction of Birmingham.
+
+Meanwhile a great loan was being floated in Australia and the United
+States. The former colony had but recently passed through a serious
+financial crisis, but in America a sum of no less than �200,000,000 was
+taken up, although the issue only continued a few days. In Wall Street
+the excitement was intense, and the struggle to invest was desperate. No
+such scenes had ever been witnessed within the memory of the oldest
+member of the Stock Exchange, for financiers were determined to assist
+the greatest Power on earth; indeed, apart from the sound security
+offered, they felt it their duty to do so. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane,
+and Calcutta all contributed in more or less degree, and the loan
+immediately proved the most successful ever floated.
+
+To Britain on every side a helping hand was outstretched, and,
+irrespective of politics and party bickerings, assistance was rendered
+in order that she might crush her enemies. Britannia gathered her
+strength, and armed herself for the fierce combat which she knew must
+decide the destiny of her glorious Empire.
+
+London, starving, terror-stricken, and haunted continually by
+apprehensions of an unknown doom, was in a state of restlessness both
+night and day. Food supplies had failed, the cheapest bread was sold at
+3s. 8d. a small loaf, and neither fish nor meat could be purchased.
+
+In the City the panic was frightful. Business was paralysed, hundreds
+were being ruined daily, and after the first sensation and headlong rush
+on the Stock Exchange, transactions remained at a standstill. Then
+suddenly, when the seriousness of the situation was fully understood,
+there was a run on the banks.
+
+Crowds, eager and clamouring, surrounded the Bank of England, and
+establishments in Lombard Street and elsewhere, with cheques in their
+hands, demanding their deposits in gold. Although weak and half-starved,
+they desired their money in order to flee and take with them all they
+possessed before the enemy swept down upon London.
+
+Day and night in all the City banks the cashiers were kept paying out
+thousands upon thousands in hard shining gold. The clink of coin, the
+jingle of scales, and the eager shouts of those feverishly anxious for
+their turn, and fearing the resources would not hold out, formed a loud
+incessant din.
+
+As the days passed, and the run on the banks continued, one after
+another of the establishments, both in the City and the West End, unable
+to withstand the heavy withdrawals, were compelled to close their doors.
+Many were banks of such high reputation that the very fact of being a
+depositor was a hall-mark of a man's prosperity, while others were minor
+establishments, whose business was mainly with small accounts and
+middle-class customers. One by one they failed to fulfil their
+obligations, and closed; and the unfortunate ones, including many women
+who had not been able to struggle successfully to get inside, turned
+away absolutely ruined!
+
+In the West End the starving poor had formed processions, and marched
+through Mayfair and Belgravia demanding bread, while Anarchists held
+council in front of the blackened ruins of the National Gallery, and the
+Unemployed continued their declamatory oratory on Tower Hill. The
+starving thousands from the East End ran riot in the aristocratic
+thoroughfares of Kensington, and, heedless of the police,--who were, in
+fact, powerless before such superior numbers,--residences of the rich
+were entered and searched for food, and various acts of violence
+ensued. The cellars of clubs, hotels, and private houses were broken
+open and sacked, granaries were emptied, wholesale grocery warehouses
+were looted, and flour mills searched from roof to basement. If they
+could not obtain food, they said, they would drink. A desperate starving
+crowd then forced an entry to the wine vaults at the Docks, and
+swallowed priceless vintages from pewter pots. Hogsheads of port and
+sherry were carried up into the streets, and amid scenes of wild
+disorder were tapped and drunk by the excited and already
+half-intoxicated multitude.
+
+For days London remained at the mercy of a drunken, frenzied rabble.
+Murder and incendiarism were committed in every quarter, and many
+serious and desperate conflicts occurred between the rioters and the
+law-abiding patriotic citizens.
+
+Enthusiasm was displayed by even the latter, when an infuriated mob one
+night surrounded Albert Gate House, the French Embassy, and, breaking
+open the door, entered it, and flung the handsome furniture from the
+windows.
+
+Those below made a huge pile in the street, and when the whole of the
+movable effects had been got out, the crowd set fire to them, and also
+to the great mansion, at the same time cheering lustily, and singing
+"Rule, Britannia," as they watched the flames leap up and consume both
+house and furniture.
+
+The servants of the Embassy had fortunately escaped, otherwise they
+would no doubt have fared badly at the hands of the lawless assembly.
+
+When the fire had burned itself out, however, a suggestion was spread,
+and the mob with one accord rushed to the Russian Embassy in Chesham
+Place.
+
+This house was also entered, and the furniture flung pell-mell from the
+windows, that too large to pass through being broken up in the rooms,
+and the fragments thrown to the shouting crowd below.
+
+Chairs, tables, ornaments, mirrors, bedding, kitchen utensils, and
+crockery were thrown out, carpets were taken up, and curtains and
+cornices torn down by ruthless denizens of Whitechapel and Shoreditch,
+who, maddened by drink, were determined to destroy everything belonging
+to the countries which had brought disaster upon them.
+
+Presently, when nearly all the furniture had been removed, some man,
+wild-haired and excited, emerged into the street, with a great flag he
+had discovered in one of the attics. With a shout of delight he unfurled
+it. It was a large yellow one, upon which was depicted a huge black
+double eagle; the flag that had been hoisted at the Embassy on various
+State occasions.
+
+Its appearance was greeted by a fearful howl of rage, and the infuriated
+people, falling upon the man who waved it, tore it into shreds, which
+they afterwards cast into the bonfire they had made for the Ambassador's
+furniture.
+
+From the archives the secret papers and reports of spies were taken,
+and, being torn into fragments, were scattered from an upper window to
+the winds, until at last, men, snatching up flaring brands from the huge
+bonfire, rushed into the dismantled mansion, and, having poured
+petroleum in many of the apartments, ignited them.
+
+Flames quickly spread through the house, belching forth from the
+windows, and, ascending, had soon burst through the roof, illuminating
+the neighbourhood with a bright, fitful glare. The mob, as the flames
+leaped up and crackled, screamed with fiendish delight. From thousands
+of hoarse throats there went up loud cries of "Down with the Tsar! Down
+with Russia!" And as the great bonfire died down, and the roof of the
+Embassy collapsed with a crash, causing the flames to shoot higher and
+roar more vigorously, they sang with one accord, led by a man who had
+mounted some railings, the stirring British song, "The Union Jack of Old
+England."
+
+Although the colonies had shown how zealously they were prepared to
+guard the interests of the Mother Country, their public spirit was
+eclipsed by the spontaneous outburst of patriotism which occurred in
+Ireland. Mass meetings were being held in Belfast, Dublin, Cork,
+Waterford, Limerick, Londonderry, Sligo, Armagh, Dundalk, Newry, and
+dozens of other places, at which men of all grades of society
+unanimously decided by resolution to raise Volunteer regiments to take
+arms against the foe.
+
+The knowledge of Britain's danger had aroused the patriotic feelings of
+the people, and they were determined to give their sovereign a proof of
+their allegiance, cost what it might.
+
+The movement was a general one. Nationalists and Unionists vied in their
+eagerness to demonstrate their love for the Empire, and that part of it
+which was now in danger.
+
+Already the Irish Reserve forces had been mobilised and sent to their
+allotted stations. The 3rd Irish Rifles from Newtownards, the 5th
+Battalion from Downpatrick, and the 6th from Dundalk, were at Belfast
+under arms; the Donegal Artillery from Letterkenny had already gone to
+Harwich to assist in the defence of the east coast; and both the
+Londonderry and Sligo Artillery had gone to Portsmouth; while the 3rd
+Irish Fusiliers from Armagh were at Plymouth, and the 4th Battalion from
+Cavan had left to assist in the defence of the Severn.
+
+Whatever differences of political opinion had previously existed between
+them on the question of Home Rule, were forgotten by the people in the
+face of the great danger which threatened the Empire to which they
+belonged. The national peril welded the people together, and shoulder to
+shoulder they marched to lay down their lives, if necessary, in the work
+of driving back the invader.
+
+Within six days of this spontaneous outburst of patriotism, 25,000
+Irishmen of all creeds and political opinions were on their way to
+assist their English comrades. As might have been expected, the greater
+number of these Volunteers came from the North of Ireland, but every
+district sent its sons, eager to take part in the great struggle. At the
+great meetings held at Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Wexford,
+Waterford, Strabane, Newtown-Stewart, Downpatrick, Ballymena, and dozens
+of other places all over the country, from the Giant's Causeway to Cape
+Clear, and from Dublin to Galway Bay, the most intense enthusiasm was
+shown, and men signed their names to the roll in hundreds, many
+subscribing large sums to defray the cost of equipment and other
+expenses. Each passenger or mail boat from Larne to Stranraer, from
+Dublin to Holyhead, every steamer from Belfast to Whitehaven and
+Liverpool, brought over well-armed contingents of stalwart men, who,
+after receiving hearty receptions of the most enthusiastic and
+flattering description, were moved south to Stamford in Lincolnshire as
+quickly as the disorganised railway service would allow.
+
+The object of the military authorities in concentrating them at this
+point was to strengthen the great force of defenders now marching south.
+Detraining at Stamford, the commanding officer had orders to march to
+Oundle, by way of King's Cliffe and Fotheringhay, and there remain until
+joined by a brigade of infantry with the Canadians coming from
+Leicestershire. The great body of men at length mustered, answered the
+roll, and marched through the quiet old-world streets of Stamford, and
+out upon the broad highway to King's Cliffe on the first stage of their
+journey.
+
+It was early morning. In the sunlight the dew still glistened like
+diamonds on the wayside, as regiment after regiment, with firm, steady
+step, and shouldering their rifles, bravely passed away through the
+fields of ripe uncut corn, eager to unite with a force of Regulars, and
+strike their first blow for their country's liberty.
+
+Sturdy fishermen from the rough shores of Donegal marched side by side
+with townsmen and artisans from Dublin, Belfast, and Limerick; sons of
+wealthy manufacturers in Antrim and Down bore arms with stalwart
+peasantry from Kerry and Tipperary; while men whose poor but cherished
+cabins overlooked Carlingford Lough, united with fearless patriots from
+Carlow, Wexford, and Waterford.
+
+Since they landed on English soil, they had met with a boundless
+welcome.
+
+In the rural districts the distress was not yet so great as in the
+larger towns; consequently at King's Cliffe, when the first detachment
+halted for rest in the long straggling street of the typical English
+village, the bells of the quaint old church were rung, and villagers
+gave their defenders bread, cheese, and draughts of ale. While the men
+were standing at ease and eating heartily, two officers entered
+Bailey's, the village grocery store, which served as post office, and
+received a cipher telegraphic despatch. They emerged into the roadway
+immediately, and their faces showed that some unforeseen event had
+occurred. A third officer was summoned, and a hurried and secret
+consultation took place as they stood together opposite the Cross Keys
+Inn.
+
+"But can we do it?" queried the youngest of the trio, aloud, pulling on
+his gloves, and settling the hang of his sword.
+
+The grave elder man, commander of the brigade, glanced quickly at his
+watch, with knit brows.
+
+"Do it?" he replied, with a marked Irish accent. "We must. It'll be a
+dash for life; but the boys are fresh, and as duty calls, we must push
+onward, even though we may be marching to our doom. Go," he said to the
+youngest of his two companions, "tell them we are moving, and that our
+advance guard will reach them at the earliest possible moment."
+
+The young lieutenant hurried over to the little shop, and as he did so
+the colonel gave an order, and a bugle awoke the echoes of the village.
+
+Quick words of command sounded down the quaint, ancient street, followed
+by the sharp click of arms. Again officers' voices sounded loud and
+brief, and at the word "March!" the great body of stern loyalists moved
+onward over the bridge, and up the School Hill on to the long winding
+road which led away through Apesthorpe and historic Fotheringhay to
+Oundle.
+
+The message from the front had been immediately responded to, for a few
+minutes later the excited villagers stood watching the rearguard
+disappearing in the cloud of dust raised by the heavy tread of the
+thousand feet upon the white highway.
+
+[Illustration: IRISH VOLUNTEERS HALTING IN KING'S CLIFFE.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS.
+
+
+Through the land the grey-coated hordes of the White Tsar spread like
+locusts--their track marked by death and desolation.
+
+Both French and Russian troops had taken up carefully selected positions
+on the Downs, and, backed by the enormous reinforcements now landed,
+were slowly advancing. Every detail of the surprise invasion had
+apparently been carefully considered, for immediately after the fierce
+battle off Beachy Head a number of French and Russian cruisers were
+despatched to the Channel ports in order to threaten them, so as to
+prevent many of the troops in Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon from moving
+to their place of assembly. Consequently large bodies of British troops
+were compelled to remain inactive, awaiting probable local attacks.
+
+Meanwhile the invaders lost no time in extending their flanks
+preparatory to a general advance, and very quickly they were in
+possession of all the high ground from Polegate to Steyning Down, while
+Cossack patrols were out on the roads towards Cuckfield and West
+Grinstead, and demonstrations were made in the direction of Horsham,
+where a strong force of British troops had hastily collected.
+
+As the long hot days passed, the Volunteers forming the line of defence
+south of London had not been idle. A brigade of infantry had been pushed
+forward to Balcombe, and with this the British were now watching the
+high ground that stretched across to Horsham.
+
+The advance of the enemy had not, of course, been accomplished without
+terrible bloodshed. A division of the Regulars from Parkhurst,
+Portsmouth, and Winchester, which had been hurried down to Arundel to
+occupy a strong defensive position near that town, had come into contact
+with the enemy, and some desperate fighting ensued. Outposts had been
+thrown across the river Arun, and about midnight a patrol of the 2nd
+Cavalry Brigade from Petersfield, supported by infantry, had been
+suddenly attacked close to Ashington village. Under a vigorous fire they
+were unfortunately compelled to fall back fighting, and were almost
+annihilated, for it was only then ascertained that the enemy were moving
+in great force, evidently with the intention of obtaining possession of
+the heights as far as Cocking, West Dean, and Chichester, and so
+threaten Portsmouth from the land.
+
+The survivors of this cavalry patrol succeeded in recrossing the Arun,
+but their losses were exceedingly heavy.
+
+At daybreak the enemy were visible from Arundel, and shot and shell were
+poured into them from the batteries established along the hills to
+Houghton. So heavy was the British fire that the Russians were compelled
+to seek cover, and their advance in this direction was, for this time,
+checked.
+
+The defenders, although occupying an excellent position, were, however,
+not sufficiently strong to successfully cope with the onward rush of
+invaders, and could do little else beyond watching them.
+
+On the other hand, the Russians, displaying great tactical skill, and
+led by men who had thoroughly studied the geography of the South of
+England, had gained a distinct advantage, for they had secured their
+left flank from attack, so that they could now advance northward to
+Horsham and Balcombe practically unmolested.
+
+The first general movement commenced at noon, when an advance was made
+by two enormous columns of the enemy, one of which proceeded by way of
+Henfield and Partridge Green and the other by Cooksbridge and Keynes,
+the third column remaining in Sussex to protect the base of operations.
+Meanwhile, Horsham had been occupied by a portion of the 2nd division of
+the 1st Army Corps with a 12-pounder, a 9-pounder field battery, and a
+field company of the Royal Engineers, and had been placed in a state of
+hasty defence. Walls had been loopholed, fences had been cut down, and
+various preparations made for holding the town.
+
+Our forces were, nevertheless, sadly lacking in numbers. A cavalry
+patrol of one of our flying columns was captured by Cossacks at Cowfold,
+and the neglect on the part of the commander of this column to send out
+his advance guard sufficiently far, resulted in it being hurled back
+upon the main body in great disorder. Then, seeing the success
+everywhere attending their operations, the invaders turned their
+attention to the British line of communication between Horsham and
+Arundel, and succeeded in breaking it at Billinghurst and at Petworth.
+
+Fierce fighting spread all over Sussex, and everywhere many lives were
+being sacrificed for Britain. The defenders, alas! with their weak and
+totally inadequate forces, could make but a sorry stand against the
+overwhelming masses of French and Russians, yet they acted with
+conspicuous bravery to sustain the honour of their native land. Villages
+and towns were devastated, rural homes were sacked and burned, and
+everywhere quiet, unoffending, but starving Britons were being put to
+the sword.
+
+Over Sussex the reign of terror was awful. The pastures were stained by
+Britons' life-blood, and in all directions our forces, though displaying
+their characteristic courage, were being routed. At Horsham they were
+utterly defeated after a fierce and bloody encounter, in which the enemy
+also lost very heavily; yet the cause of the British reverse was due
+solely to a defective administration. Hurriedly massed in the town from
+Aldershot by way of Guildford, they had, owing to the short-sighted
+policy of the War Office, arrived without a sufficient supply of either
+transport or ammunition. Night was falling as they detrained, and in the
+hopeless confusion battalion commanders could not find their brigade
+headquarters, and brigadiers could not find their staff.
+
+This extraordinary muddle resulted in the fresh troops, instead of being
+sent forward to reinforce the outposts, being kept in town, while the
+jaded, ill-fed men, who had already been on the alert many hours, were
+utterly unable to resist the organised attack which was made before
+daybreak.
+
+Though they made a gallant stand and fought on with desperate
+determination, yet at last the whole of them were driven back in
+confusion, and with appalling loss, upon their supports, and the latter,
+who held out bravely, were at last also compelled to fall back upon
+their reserves. The latter, which included half a battery of artillery
+stationed at Wood's Farm and Toll Bar, held the enemy in temporary
+check; but when the heavy French artillery was at length brought up, the
+invaders were enabled to cut the railway, destroy the half battery at
+Wood's Farm, turn the British right flank, and compel them to retreat
+hastily from Horsham and fly to defensive positions at Guildford and
+Dorking.
+
+By this adroit manoeuvre the enemy succeeded in taking over two hundred
+prisoners, capturing the guns of the 12-pounder field battery,--which
+had not been brought into play for the simple reason that only
+ammunition for 9-pounders had been collected in the town,--and seizing a
+large quantity of stores and ammunition of various kinds.
+
+This success gave the enemy the key to the situation.
+
+As on sea, so on land, our blundering defensive policy had resulted in
+awful disaster. Sufficient attention had never been paid to detail, and
+the firm-rooted idea that Britain could never be invaded had caused
+careless indifference to minor matters of vital importance to the
+stability of our Empire.
+
+The contrast between the combined tactics of the enemy and those of our
+forces was especially noticeable when the cavalry patrol of the British
+flying column was captured on the Cowfield road and the column defeated.
+The commander of the column, a well-known officer, unfortunately, like
+many others, had had very little experience of combined tactics, and
+looked upon cavalry not merely as "the eyes and ears of an army," but as
+the army itself. It was this defect that was disastrous. For many years
+past it had never appeared quite clear whether British cavalry were
+intended to act _en masse_ in warfare, or simply as scouts or mounted
+infantry, therefore their training had been uncertain. The Home
+establishment of our cavalry was supposed to be about 12,000 men, but
+owing to a parsimonious administration only about half that number had
+horses, and in some corps less than a half. Another glaring defect was
+the division of many regiments into detachments stationed in various
+towns, the inevitable result of this being that many such detachments
+were without regimental practice for months, and there were many who had
+not manoeuvred with a force of all arms _for years_!
+
+Army organisation proved a miserable failure.
+
+The supply of ammunition was totally inadequate, and a disgrace to a
+nation which held its head above all others. It was true that dep�ts had
+been established at various centres, yet with strange oversight no
+provision had been made for the work of ammunition trains.
+
+Originally it had been intended that men for this most important duty
+should be found by the Reserves, and that the horses should be those
+privately registered; nevertheless it was found necessary at the very
+last moment to weaken our artillery by detailing experienced men for
+duty with the ammunition column. Many of the horses which were
+registered for service were found to be totally unfit, and very few of
+the remainder had been previously trained. In the case of those which
+were required for the cavalry regiments--nearly six thousand--the best
+men in the regiments had to be told off at the very beginning of the
+invasion to hurriedly train and prepare these animals for service, when
+they should have been available to proceed to any part of the kingdom at
+twenty-four hours' notice. By such defects mobilisation was foredoomed
+to failure.
+
+The scheme, instead of being so arranged as to be carried out without
+confusion, resulted in muddle and farcical humiliation.
+
+Again, the infantry, owing to the recent departure of the Indian drafts,
+had been considerably weakened, many battalions being found on
+mobilisation very disorganised and inefficient. As an instance, out of
+one battalion at Aldershot, which was on paper 1000 strong, 200 had been
+sent away to India, while of the remainder more than half had only seen
+twelve months' service, and a large percentage were either under
+eighteen years of age or were "special enlistments," namely, below the
+minimum standard of height.
+
+Such a battalion compared very unfavourably with the majority of
+Volunteer regiments,--those of the Stafford Brigade, for instance,--the
+average service of the men in those regiments being over five years, and
+the average age twenty-seven years. British officers had long ago
+foreseen all these defects, and many others, yet they had preserved an
+enforced silence. They themselves were very inefficiently trained in
+manoeuvring, for, with one or two exceptions, there were no stations in
+the kingdom where forces were sufficiently numerous to give the majority
+of the superior officers practice in handling combined bodies of troops.
+
+Thus in practical experience in the field they were far behind both
+French and Russians, and it was this very serious deficiency that now
+became everywhere apparent.
+
+British troops, fighting valiantly, struggled to protect their native
+land, which they determined should never fall under the thrall of the
+invader. But alas! their resistance, though stubborn and formidable, was
+nevertheless futile. Time after time the lines of defence were broken.
+
+The Russian Eagle spread his black wings to the sun, and with joyous
+shouts the dense grey white masses of the enemy marched on over the
+dusty Sussex roads northward towards the Thames.
+
+After the battle of Horsham, the gigantic right column of the invaders,
+consisting mostly of French troops, followed up the defenders to
+Guildford and Dorking, preparatory to an attack upon London; while the
+left column, numbering 150,000 French and Russians of all arms, pushed
+on through Alfold to Haslemere, then through Farnham and Odiham to
+Swallowfield, all of which towns they sacked and burned, the terrified
+inhabitants being treated with scant mercy. As the majority of the
+defenders were massed in Kent, South Surrey, and Sussex, the enemy
+advanced practically unmolested, and at sunrise one morning a terrible
+panic was created in Reading by the sudden descent upon the town of a
+great advance guard of 10,000 Russians.
+
+The people were appalled. They could offer no resistance against the
+cavalry, who, tearing along the straight high road from Swallowfield,
+swept down upon them. Along this road the whole gigantic force was
+moving, and the Cossack skirmishers, spurring on across the town, passed
+away through the Railway Works, and halted at the bridge that spans the
+Thames at Caversham. They occupied it at once, in order to prevent it
+being blown up before the main body arrived, and a brisk fight ensued
+with the small body of defenders that had still remained at the Brigade
+dep�t on the Purley Road.
+
+Meanwhile, as the French and Russian advance guard came along, they
+devastated the land with fire and sword. The farms along the road were
+searched, and afterwards set on fire, while not a house at Three Mile
+Cross escaped. Entering the town from Whitley Hill, the great mass of
+troops, working in extended order, came slowly on, and, followed by
+140,000 of the main body and 1000 guns, carried everything before them.
+
+No power could stem the advancing tide of the Muscovite legions, and as
+they poured into the town in dense compact bodies, hundreds of
+townspeople were shot down ruthlessly, merely because they attempted to
+defend their homes. From the Avenue Works away to the Cemetery, and from
+the Railway Station to Leighton Park, the streets swarmed with soldiers
+of the Tsar, who entered almost every house in search of plunder, and
+fired out of sheer delight in bloodshed upon hundreds who were flying
+for their lives.
+
+Men, women, even children, were slaughtered. The massacre was
+frightful. Neither life nor property was respected; in every
+thoroughfare brutal outrages and murders were committed, and English
+homes were rendered desolate.
+
+Almost the first buildings attacked were the great factories of Messrs.
+Huntley & Palmer, whose 3000 hands were now, alas! idle owing to the
+famine. The stores were searched for biscuits, and afterwards the whole
+factory was promptly set on fire. The Great Western, Queen's, and George
+Hotels were searched from garret to cellar, and the wines and beer found
+in the latter were drunk in the streets. With the scant provisions
+found, several of the regiments made merry during the morning, while
+others pursued their devastating work. The banks were looted, St.
+Mary's, Greyfriars', and St. Lawrence's Churches were burned, and Sutton
+& Sons' buildings and the Railway Works shared the same fate, while out
+in the direction of Prospect Hill Park all the houses were sacked, and
+those occupants who remained to guard their household treasures were put
+to the sword.
+
+Everywhere the invaders displayed the most fiendish brutality, and the
+small force of British troops who had engaged the Russian advance guard
+were, after a most fiercely contested struggle, completely annihilated,
+not, however, before they had successfully placed charges of gun-cotton
+under the bridge and blown it up, together with a number of Cossacks who
+had taken possession of it.
+
+This, however, only checked the enemy's progress temporarily, for the
+right flank crossed at Sonning, and as the main body had with them
+several pontoon sections, by noon the pontoons were in position, and the
+long line of cavalry, infantry, artillery, and engineers, leaving behind
+Reading, now in flames, crossed the Thames and wound away along the road
+to Banbury, which quaint old town, immortalised in nursery rhyme, they
+sacked and burned, destroying the historic Cross, and regaling
+themselves upon the ale found in the cellars of the inns, the Red and
+White Lions. This done, they again continued their march, practically
+unmolested; while Oxford was also entered and sacked.
+
+True, scouts reported strong forces of the defenders advancing across
+from Market Harborough, Kettering, and Oundle, and once or twice British
+outposts had sharp encounters with the Russians along the hills between
+Ladbrooke and Daventry, resulting in serious losses on both sides;
+nevertheless the gigantic force of Russians still proceeded, sweeping
+away every obstacle from their path.
+
+On leaving Banbury, the enemy, marching in column of route, took the
+road through Stratford-on-Avon to Wootton Wawen, where a halt for
+twenty-four hours was made in order to mature plans for an organised
+attack on Birmingham. Wootton Hall, after being looted, was made the
+headquarters, and from thence was issued an order on the following day
+which caused Warwick and Leamington to be swept and burned by the
+invaders, who afterwards broke into two divisions. One body, consisting
+of 50,000 men, including an advance guard of 5000, took the right-hand
+road from Wootton to Birmingham, through Sparkbrook; while the remaining
+100,000 bore away to the left through Ullenhall and Holt End to the
+extremity of the Hagley Hills, intending to occupy them. They had
+already been informed that strong defences had been established at
+King's Norton, in the immediate vicinity, and knew that severe fighting
+must inevitably ensue; therefore they lost no time in establishing
+themselves along the high ground between Redditch and Barnt Green, in a
+position commanding the two main roads south from Dudley and Birmingham.
+
+That a most desperate stand would be made for the defence of the
+Metropolis of the Midlands the Russian commander was well aware. After
+the long march his troops were jaded, so, bivouacing in Hewell Park, he
+awaited for nearly two days the reports of his spies. These were not so
+reassuring as he had anticipated, for it appeared that the high ground
+south of the city, notably at King's Norton, Northfield, Harborne,
+Edgbaston, and along the Hagley Road, was occupied by strong bodies of
+troops and a large number of guns, and that every preparation had been
+made for a stubborn resistance.
+
+It also appeared that at the entrance to the city at Sparkbrook, which
+road had been taken by the right column, very little resistance was
+likely to be offered.
+
+That the positions occupied by the defenders had been very carefully
+chosen as the most advantageous the Russian commander was bound to
+admit, and although he possessed such a large body of men it would
+require considerable tactical skill to dislodge the defenders in order
+to prevent them covering with their guns the country over which the
+Russian division, taking the right-hand roads, must travel.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLEFIELD OF BIRMINGHAM.]
+
+During that day an encounter of a most fierce description occurred
+between hostile reconnoitring parties on the road between Bromsgrove
+Lickey and Northfield. The road gradually ascended with a walled-in
+plantation on either side, and the enemy were proceeding at a
+comfortable pace when suddenly a number of rifles rattled out
+simultaneously, and then it was discovered that the wall had been
+loopholed, and that the British were pouring upon them a deadly hail
+from which there was no shelter. The walls bristled with rifles, and
+from them came a storm of bullets that killed and wounded dozens of the
+invaders.
+
+The latter, however, showed considerable daring, for while the magazine
+rifles poured forth their deadly shower, they rallied and charged up the
+hill in the face of the fearful odds against them. For ten minutes or
+perhaps a quarter of an hour the fighting was a desperate hand-to-hand
+one, the enemy entering the plantation with a dash that surprised the
+defenders. Gradually, although outnumbered by the Russians, the British
+at length, by dint of the most strenuous effort and hard fighting,
+succeeded in inflicting frightful loss upon the invaders, and the
+latter, after a most desperate stand, eventually retreated in confusion
+down into the valley, leaving nearly two-thirds of the party dead or
+dying.
+
+The British, whose losses were very small, had shown the invaders that
+they meant to defend Birmingham, and that every inch of ground they
+gained would have to be won by sheer fighting. An hour later another
+fierce encounter occurred in the same neighbourhood, and of the 4000
+Russians who had advanced along that road not 900 returned to the main
+body, such havoc the British Maxims caused; while at the same time a
+further disaster occurred to the enemy in another direction, for away at
+Tanworth their outposts had been completely annihilated, those who were
+not killed being taken prisoners by the 3rd South Staffordshire
+Volunteers, who, under Colonel E. Nayler, acted with conspicuous
+bravery. In every direction the enemy's outposts and advance guards were
+being harassed, cut up, and hurled back in disorder with heavy loss,
+therefore the Russian commander decided that a sudden and rapid movement
+forward in order to effect a junction with his right column was the only
+means by which the position could be carried.
+
+In the meantime events were occurring rapidly all over the country south
+of the city. The commander of the Russian left column, deciding to
+commence the attack forthwith, moved on his forces just before midnight
+in order to commence the onslaught before daybreak, knowing the British
+forces always relieve their outposts at that time. Again, it was
+necessary to advance under cover of darkness in order to prevent the
+defenders' artillery, which now commanded the road between Alcester and
+Moseley, firing upon them.
+
+Having received a message from the right column stating that their
+advance guard had pushed on to Olton End with outposts at Sheldon and
+Yardley, and announcing their intention of advancing through Sparkbrook
+upon the city before dawn, the commanding officer, leaving some
+artillery at Barnt Green, and sending on cavalry to Stourbridge and
+Cradley to turn the English flank at Halesowen, manoeuvred rapidly,
+bringing the main body of cavalry and infantry back to Alvechurch,
+thence across to Weatheroak, and then striking due north, again marched
+by the three roads leading to King's Norton.
+
+The high ground here he knew was strongly defended, and it was about a
+quarter to two o'clock when the British, by means of their
+search-lights, discovered the great dark masses advancing upon them.
+Quickly their guns opened fire, and the sullen booming of cannon was
+answered by the Russian battery near Barnt Green. Over Birmingham the
+noise was heard, and had volumes of terrible significance for the
+turbulent crowds who filled the broad thoroughfares. The search-lights
+used by both invaders and defenders turned night into day, and the
+battle proceeded.
+
+The enemy had carefully prepared their plans, for almost at the same
+moment that they assaulted the position at King's Norton, a battery of
+Russian artillery opened a terrible fire from the hill at Tanner's
+Green, while the attacking column extended their right across to
+Colebrook Hall, with intent to push across to Moseley Station, and thus
+gain the top of the ridge of the ground in the rear of the British
+positions, and so hem in the British force and allow the right column to
+advance through Small Heath and Sparkbrook unchecked.
+
+These simultaneous attacks met in the valley separating the parallel
+ridges held by the Russians and British, and the fighting became at once
+fierce and stubborn. A furious infantry fire raged for over an hour in
+the valley between the excellent position held by the defenders at
+King's Norton and the lower wooded ridge occupied by the Russians, who
+had succeeded in capturing half a British battery who held it. Owing to
+the bareness of the slope, the Russians went down into battle without
+cover, cut up terribly by the British infantry fire, and by the shell
+fire from the King's Norton batteries. From the British trenches between
+Broad Meadow and Moundsley Hall a galling fire was poured, and Russian
+infantry fell in hundreds over the undulating fields between the high
+road to Alcester and the Blithe River.
+
+From a ridge on the Stratford Road, near Monkspath Street, heavy Russian
+artillery opened fire just before dawn, and played terrible havoc with
+the British guns, which on the sky-line opposite afforded a mark. As
+time crept on there was no cessation in the thunder on either side,
+while away along the valleys a most bloody encounter was in progress.
+The whole stretch of country was one huge battlefield. British and
+Russians fell in hundreds, nay, in thousands.
+
+The losses on every side were appalling; the fortune of war trembled in
+the balance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+FALL OF BIRMINGHAM.
+
+
+The battle outside Birmingham was long, fierce, and furious. No more
+desperately contested engagement had ever occurred in the history of the
+British Empire. From the very first moment of the fight it was apparent
+that the struggle would be a fearful one, both sides possessing
+advantages; the British by reason of the magnificent defensive positions
+they occupied, and the Russians by reason of their overwhelming numbers.
+Against a defending force of 50,000 of all arms, 150,000 invaders--the
+majority of whom were Russians--were now fighting, and the combat was
+necessarily long and deadly. British Volunteers were conspicuous
+everywhere by their bravery; the Canadians rendered most valuable
+assistance, firing from time to time with excellent precision, and
+holding their position with splendid courage; while the Irish Brigade,
+who had moved rapidly from King's Cliffe by train and road, and had
+arrived in time, now held their own in a position close to Kingsheath
+House.
+
+Many of the principal buildings in Birmingham had during the past day or
+two been converted into hospitals, amongst others the Post Office, where
+the trained nurses received very valuable assistance from the female
+clerks. A train full of British wounded was captured early in the
+evening at Barnt Green. It contained regular troops and civilians from
+the Stratford force which had fallen back to Alcester, and the train
+had been sent on from there in the hope that it would get through before
+the enemy were able to cut the line. This, however, was not
+accomplished, for the Russians inhumanely turned out the wounded and
+filled the train with their own troops and ammunition. Then, under the
+guidance of a Birmingham railway man of French nationality who had been
+acting as spy, the train proceeded to New Street Station. It was
+impossible for the officials at the station to cope with the enemy, for
+they had only expected their own wounded, or they would, of course, have
+wrecked the train by altering the points before it arrived in the
+station. The Russians therefore detrained, and, led by their spy, made a
+dash along the subway leading to the lifts ascending to the Post Office.
+These were secured, and the Office was soon captured by the Russians,
+who not only thereby obtained a footing in the very centre of the town
+from which there was not much chance of dislodging them before
+Birmingham fell, but they had also obtained possession of the most
+important telegraph centre for the North and Midland districts of
+England.
+
+Before the first flush of dawn the whole of the country from Kings
+Norton right across to Solihull was one huge battlefield, and when the
+sun rose, bright and glorious, its rays were obscured by the clouds of
+smoke which hung like a funeral pall over hill and dale. For a long
+period the principal Russian battery on the Stratford Road was short of
+ammunition, and, seeing this, the strong British battery at Northfield
+moved quickly up into a commanding position at Drake's Cross, not,
+however, before it had been considerably weakened by the Russian fire
+from Bromsgrove Lickey. During this time, however, detachments of
+Canadian marksmen had been detailed with no other purpose than to sweep
+the Russian road at the exposed points of its course, and to fire at
+everything and everybody exposed on the ridge. This was most effective,
+and for quite half an hour prevented any supply of ammunition reaching
+the enemy, thus giving the British battery an opportunity to establish
+itself. At length, however, both batteries of defenders opened fire
+simultaneously upon the Russian guns, and so thickly fell the shots,
+that although ammunition had by this time been brought up, the enemy's
+power in that quarter was completely broken.
+
+From that time the fierce struggle was confined to cavalry and infantry.
+Troops of Cossacks, sweeping up the banks of the Arrow, encountered
+British Hussars and cut into them with frightful effect. The defenders,
+fighting hard as the day wore on, hindered the enemy from gaining any
+material advantage, though the latter forced the outer line of the
+British shelter trenches on the slopes below the position of King's
+Norton. The Canadians had laid mines in front of their trenches, which
+were exploded just as the head of the Russian assaulting parties were
+massed above them, and large numbers of the Tsar's infantry were blown
+into atoms.
+
+Bullets were singing along the valleys like swarms of angry wasps, and
+the Russian losses in every direction were enormous.
+
+Hour after hour the fighting continued. The British held good positions,
+with an inner line of defence across from Selly Oak, Harborne, and
+Edgbaston, to the high crest on the Hagley Road, close to the Fountain,
+while the Russians swarmed over the country in overwhelming numbers. The
+frightful losses the latter were sustaining by reason of the defenders'
+artillery fire did not, however, disconcert them. But for the huge right
+column of invaders advancing on Birmingham by way of Acock's Green, it
+seemed an even match, yet as afternoon passed the firing in the valley
+swelled in volume, and the mad clamour of battle still surged up into
+the blue cloudless heavens.
+
+The enemy could see on the sky-line the British reinforcements as they
+came up from Halesowen by the road close to their battery on the bare
+spot near the edge of their right flank, and it was decided at four
+o'clock to deliver a counter flank attack on the left edge of the
+British position, simultaneously with a renewed strenuous assault by the
+tirailleurs from below. Soon this desperate manoeuvre was commenced, and
+although the marching ground was good, the British guns swept them with
+their terrible fire, and hundreds of the Tsar's soldiers dyed the
+meadows with their blood.
+
+It was a fierce, mad dash. The British attacked vigorously on every
+side, fought bravely, straining every nerve to repulse their foe.
+
+The battle had been the most fiercely contested of any during the
+struggle, and in this desperate assault on King's Norton the Russians
+had suffered appalling losses. The valleys and slopes were strewn with
+dead and dying, and a bullet had struck the British commander, mortally
+wounding him. As he was borne away to the ambulance waggon, the last
+words on that noble soldier's lips were a fervent wish for good fortune
+to the arms of the Queen he had served so well.
+
+But the British were, alas! outnumbered, and at last retreating in
+disorder, were followed over the hills to Halesowen and utterly routed,
+while the main body of the enemy marching up the Bristol and Pershore
+Roads, extended their left across to Harborne and Edgbaston. Meanwhile,
+however, the guns placed on the edge of the city along the Hagley Road
+near the Fountain, and in Beech Lane close to the Talbot Inn, as well as
+the Volunteer batteries near St. Augustine's Church and Westfield Road,
+opened fire upon the advancing legions. The two lower roads taken by the
+enemy were well commanded by the British guns, and the Volunteers, with
+the Canadians and Irish, again rendered most valuable assistance,
+everywhere displaying cool and conspicuous courage. The walls of the new
+villas along the Hagley Road, Portland Road, and Beech Lane had been
+placed in a state of hasty defence, and rifles bristled everywhere, but
+as the sun sank behind the long range of purple hills the fight was in
+the balance. The British, as they stood, could almost keep back the foe,
+but, alas! not quite.
+
+There was soon a concentric rush for the hill, and as the cannons
+thundered and rifles rattled, hundreds of the grey-coats fell back and
+rolled down the steep slope dead and dying, but the others pushed on in
+face of the frowning defences, used their bayonets with desperate
+energy, and a few minutes later loud shouts in Russian told that the
+ridge had been cleared and the position won. The battle had been long
+and terrible; the carnage awful!
+
+The British, making a last desperate stand, fought a fierce hand-to-hand
+struggle, but ere long half their number lay helpless in the newly-made
+suburban roads, and the remainder were compelled to leave their guns in
+possession of the enemy and fly north to Sandwell to save themselves.
+Then, as they fled, the Russians turned the British guns near St.
+Augustine's upon them, causing havoc in their rear.
+
+The shattered left column of the enemy, having at length broken down the
+British defences, raised loud victorious yells, and, after reorganising,
+marched down the Hagley Road upon the city, fighting from house to house
+the whole way. The gardens in front of these houses, however, aided the
+defenders greatly in checking the advance.
+
+The sacrifice of human life during those hours from daybreak to sundown
+had been frightful. The whole country, from Great Packington to
+Halesowen, was strewn with blood-smeared corpses.
+
+Having regard to the fact that the defending force consisted of only
+50,000 men against 100,000 Russians, the losses inflicted upon the
+latter spoke volumes for British pluck and military skill. Upon the
+field 10,000 Russians lay dead, 30,000 were wounded, and 2000 were
+prisoners, while the defenders' total loss in killed and wounded only
+amounted to 20,000.
+
+Indeed, had it not been for the reinforcements, numbering 50,000, from
+the right column, which were by this time coming up with all speed from
+Acock's Green, the Russians, in their terribly jaded and demoralised
+state, could not have marched upon the city. As it was, however, the
+occupation commenced as night drew on; the fighting that followed being
+principally done by the reinforcements.
+
+Leaving no fewer than 42,000 men dead, wounded, and captured, the
+invaders pushed on into Birmingham. Though the citizens' losses had
+already been terrific, nevertheless they found that they were still
+determined to hold out. In all the principal roads leading into the
+city barricades had been formed, and behind them were bands of desperate
+men, well equipped, and prepared to fight on to the bitter end.
+
+The first of these in the Hagley Road had been constructed at the
+junction of Monument Road, and as the skirmishers and advance guard
+approached, offered a most desperate resistance. In addition to a
+vigorous rifle fire that poured from the improvised defences, three
+Maxims were brought into play from the roofs of large houses, and these,
+commanding the whole road as far as its junction with Beech Lane,
+literally mowed down the enemy as they approached. Time after time the
+Russians rushed upon the defenders' position, only to be hurled back
+again by the leaden hail, which fell so thickly that it was impossible
+for any body of troops to withstand it. By this the invaders' advance
+was temporarily checked, but it was not long before they established a
+battery at the corner of Norfolk Road, and poured shell upon the
+barricade with frightful effect. Quickly the guns were silenced, and the
+Russians at last breaking down the barrier, engaged in a conflict at
+close quarters with the defenders.
+
+The road along to Five Ways was desperately contested. The slaughter on
+both sides was awful, for a detachment of Russians coming up the
+Harborne Road had been utterly annihilated and swept away by the rifle
+fire of defenders concealed behind loopholed walls. At Five Ways the
+entrance to each of the five broad converging thoroughfares had been
+strongly barricaded, and as the enemy pressed forward the British
+machine guns established there caused terrible havoc. Behind those
+barricades men of Birmingham of every class, armed with all sorts of
+guns, hastily obtained from Kynoch's and other factories, struggled for
+the defence of their homes and loved ones, working with a dash and
+energy that greatly disconcerted the enemy, who had imagined that, in
+view of their victory in the battle, little resistance would be offered.
+
+In the darkness that had now fallen the scenes in the streets were
+frightful. The only light was the flash from gun-muzzles and the glare
+of flames consuming private houses and public buildings. The civilian
+defenders, reinforced by Regular soldiers, Militia, and Volunteers, had
+made such excellent preparations for defence, and offered such strenuous
+opposition, that almost every foot the Russians gained in the direction
+of the centre of the city was fought for hand to hand. Both right and
+left Russian columns were now advancing up the Coventry, Stratford,
+Moseley, Pershore, and Bristol Roads, and in each of those thoroughfares
+the barricades were strongly constructed, and, being armed with Maxims,
+wrought frightful execution.
+
+Gradually, however, one after another of these defences fell by reason
+of the organised attacks by such superior numbers, and the Russians
+marched on, killing with bayonet and sword.
+
+In the city, as the night passed, the fighting in the streets everywhere
+was of the fiercest and most sanguinary description. In Corporation
+Street a huge barricade with machine guns had been constructed opposite
+the Victoria Law Courts, and, assisted by 200 Volunteers, who, inside
+the latter building, fired from the windows, the enemy were held in
+check for several hours.
+
+Time after time shells fell from the Russian guns in the midst of the
+defenders, and, bursting, decimated them in a horrible manner; yet
+through the long close night there was never a lack of brave men to step
+into the breach and take up the arms of their dead comrades. Indeed, it
+was only when the enemy succeeded in setting fire to the Courts, and
+compelling the defenders to cease their vigorous rifle fire from the
+windows, that the position was won; and not until hundreds of Russians
+lay dead or dying in the street.
+
+In New Street the Irish Volunteers distinguished themselves
+conspicuously. After the retreat they had been withdrawn with the
+Canadians into the city, and, waiting in the side thoroughfares at the
+opposite end of New Street, held themselves in readiness. Suddenly, as
+the enemy rushed along in their direction, an order was given, and they
+formed up, and stretching across the street, met them with volley after
+volley of steady firing; then, rushing onward with fixed bayonets,
+charged almost before the Russians were aware of their presence.
+
+Without a thought of his own personal safety, every Irishman cast
+himself into the thick of the fray, and, backed by a strong body of
+Canadians and fusiliers, they succeeded in cutting their way completely
+into the invaders, and driving them back into Corporation Street, where
+they were forced right under the fire of four Maxims that had just at
+that moment been brought into position outside the Exchange.
+
+Suddenly these guns rattled out simultaneously, and the Russians, unable
+to advance, and standing at the head of the long broad thoroughfare,
+were swept down with awful swiftness and with scarcely any resistance.
+So sudden had been their fate, that of a force over two thousand strong,
+not more than a dozen escaped, although the defenders were taken in rear
+by the force of 500 Russians who had occupied the Post Office on the
+previous night.
+
+From Corporation Street a brilliant, ruddy glow suffused the sky, as
+both the Law Courts and the Grand Theatre were in flames, while St.
+Mary's Church and the Market Hall had also been fired by incendiaries.
+
+In the panic and confusion, conflagrations were breaking out everywhere,
+flames bursting forth from several fine shops in New Street which had
+already been sacked and wrecked. Maddened by their success, by the
+thirst for the blood of their enemies, and the rash deeds of
+incendiaries, the Muscovite legions spread over the whole city, and
+outrage and murder were common everywhere.
+
+Away up Great Hampton Street and Hockley Hill the jewellery factories
+were looted, and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of gems and gold
+were carried off, while the Mint was entered, afterwards being burned
+because only copper coins were found there, and the pictures in the Art
+Gallery were wantonly slashed by sabres and bayonets.
+
+The scenes on that memorable night were awful. Birmingham, one of the
+most wealthy cities in the kingdom, fell at last, after a most stubborn
+resistance, for just before day broke the overwhelming forces of Russia
+occupying the streets commenced to drive out the defenders, and shoot
+down those who turned to resist. From Bordesley to Handsworth, and from
+Smethwick to Aston, the city was in the hands of the enemy. The banks in
+New Street were broken open, and the gold stuffed into the pockets of
+the uncouth dwellers on the Don and the Volga, Chamberlain's Memorial
+was wrecked, and Queen's College occupied by infantry. Cossack officers
+established themselves in the Grand and Queen's Hotels, and their men
+were billeted at the Midland, Union, Conservative, and other Clubs, and
+at many minor hotels and buildings.
+
+Before the dawn had spread, whole rows of shops were burning, their
+brilliant glare illuminating the streets that ran with blood. It was a
+fearful scene of death and desolation.
+
+The majority of the citizens had fled, leaving everything in the hands
+of the enemy, who still continued their work of pillage. In the streets
+the bodies of 10,000 Russians and 3000 British lay unheeded, while no
+fewer than 9000 of the enemy's infantry had been wounded.
+
+The headquarters of the Russian army had at last been established in a
+British city, for over the great Council House there now lazily flapped
+in the fresh morning breeze the great yellow-and-black flag of the Tsar
+Alexander.
+
+And the Russian General, finding he had lost the enormous force of
+61,000 men, spent the grey hours of dawn in nervous anxiousness, pacing
+the room in which he had installed himself, contemplating the frightful
+disaster, and undecided how next to act.
+
+An incident illustrative of the fierceness of the fight outside the city
+was published in the _Times_ several days later. It was an extract from
+a private letter written by Lieut. J. G. Morris of the 3rd Battalion of
+the York and Lancaster Regiment, and was as follows:--
+
+"The sun that day was blazing and merciless. Throughout the morning our
+battalion had lost heavily in the valley, when suddenly at about twelve
+o'clock the enemy apparently received reinforcements, and we were then
+driven back upon Weatheroak by sheer force of numbers, and afterwards
+again fell further back towards our position on the high ground in
+Hagley Road.
+
+[Illustration: BIRMINGHAM OCCUPIED BY THE RUSSIANS.]
+
+"In this hasty retreat I found myself with a sergeant and eighteen men
+pursued by a large skirmishing party of Russians. All we could do was to
+fly before them. This we did, until at length, turning into Beech Lane,
+we found ourselves before a small, low-built ancient hostelry, the
+King's Head Inn, with a dilapidated and somewhat crude counterfeit
+presentment of King George II. outside. The place was unoccupied, and I
+decided immediately to enter it. I could count on every one of my men;
+therefore very soon we were inside, and had barricaded the little place.
+Scarcely had we accomplished this when the first shots rang out, and in
+a few moments the space outside where the cross-roads meet literally
+swarmed with Russians, who quickly extended, and, seeking cover at the
+junction of each of the five roads, commenced a terrific fusillade. The
+windows from which we fired were smashed, the woodwork splintered
+everywhere, and so thickly came the bullets that my men had to exercise
+the utmost caution in concealing themselves while firing.
+
+"In a quarter of an hour one man had been struck and lay dead by my
+side, while at the same time the terrible truth suddenly dawned upon me
+that our ammunition could not last out. Regulating the firing, I rushed
+to one of the back windows that commanded the valley down to Harborne,
+and saw advancing along the road in our direction, and raising a cloud
+of dust, about a thousand Russian cavalry and infantry.
+
+"Back again to the front room I dashed, just in time to witness the
+enemy make a wild rush towards us. Our slackened fire had deceived them,
+and as the storming party dashed forward, they were met by vigorous
+volleys from our magazine rifles, which knocked over dozens, and
+compelled the remainder to again retire.
+
+"Again the enemy made a desperate onslaught, and again we succeeded in
+hurling them back, and stretching dead a dozen or more. Meanwhile the
+great force of Russians was moving slowly up the hill, and I knew that
+to hold the place much longer would be impossible. From the rear of the
+building a vigorous attack had now commenced, and moving more men round
+to the rear, so that our fire would command the sloping approach to the
+house, I gave an order to fire steadily. A moment later my sergeant and
+two other men had been severely wounded, and although the former had had
+his arm broken, and was near fainting from loss of blood, nevertheless
+he kept up, resting his rifle-barrel upon the shattered window-ledge,
+and pouring out the deadly contents of his magazine.
+
+"A few minutes afterwards a bullet shattered my left hand, and the man
+who crouched next to me under the window was a second later shot through
+the heart, and fell back dead among the disordered furniture.
+
+"Still not a man hesitated, not a word of despair was uttered. We all
+knew that death stared us in the face, and that to face it bravely was a
+Briton's duty. Only once I shouted above the din: 'Do your best, boys!
+Remember we we are all Britons, and those vermin outside have wrecked
+our homes and killed those we love. Let's have our revenge, even if we
+die for it!'
+
+"'We'll stick to 'em till the very last, sir, never fear,' cheerily
+replied one young fellow as he reloaded his gun; but alas! ere he could
+raise it to fire, a bullet struck him in the throat. He staggered back,
+and a few moments later was a corpse.
+
+"Undaunted, however, my men determined to sell their lives as dearly as
+possible, and continued their fire, time after time repelling the
+attack, and sweeping away the grey-coats as they emerged from behind the
+low walls.
+
+"Three more men had fallen in as many seconds, and another, staggering
+back against the wall, held his hand to his breast, where he had
+received a terrible and mortal wound. Our situation at that moment was
+most critical. Only two rounds remained to each of my nine brave
+fellows, yet not a man wavered.
+
+"Looking, I saw in the fading twilight the dark masses of the enemy
+moving up the steep road, and at that moment a round was fired with
+effect upon those who had surrounded us. One more round only remained.
+Then we meant to die fighting. Blinding smoke suddenly filled the
+half-wrecked room, and we knew that the enemy had succeeded in setting
+fire to the taproom underneath!
+
+"I stepped forward, and shouted for the last time the order to my brave
+comrades to fire. Nine rifles rang out simultaneously; but I had, I
+suppose, showed myself imprudently, for at the same second I felt a
+sharp twinge in the shoulder, and knew that I had been struck. The rest
+was all a blank.
+
+"When I regained my senses I found myself lying in Sandwell Hall, with
+doctors bandaging my wounds, and then I learned that we had been rescued
+just in time, and that my nine comrades had all escaped the fate they
+had faced with dogged disregard for their own safety, and such noble
+devotion to their Queen."
+
+It was a black day for Britain. During the long hours of that fierce,
+mad struggle many Victoria Crosses were earned, but the majority of
+those who performed deeds worthy of such decoration, alas! fell to the
+earth, dead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+OUR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
+
+
+Many important events had occurred in the Mediterranean since the
+outbreak of hostilities. At the moment of the sudden Declaration of War,
+the ships forming the British Mediterranean Squadron were at Larnaka,
+Cyprus, and on receipt of the alarming intelligence, the Admiral sailed
+immediately for Malta. On arrival there, he heard that a strong force of
+French vessels had been despatched to Gibraltar for the purpose of
+preventing any British ships from getting out of the Mediterranean in
+order to strengthen the Channel Squadron. Nevertheless he waited for
+some days at Malta, in hourly expectation of instructions, which came at
+length about two o'clock one morning, and an hour later the Squadron
+sailed westward for an unknown destination.
+
+Our Fleet in those waters was notoriously inadequate in comparison with
+those of France and Russia. It consisted of three of the battleships
+constructed under the 1894 programme, the _Jupiter_, _C�sar_, and
+_Victorious_, with the cruisers _Diana_ and _Dido_; the ironclads
+_Collingwood_, _Dreadnought_, _Hood_, _Inflexible_, _Nile_, _Ramillies_,
+_Repulse_, _Sans Pareil_, _Trafalgar_, _Magnificent_, _Empress of
+India_, and _Revenge_; the cruisers _Arethusa_, _Edgar_, _Fearless_,
+_Hawke_, _Scout_, _Orlando_, _Undaunted_; the torpedo ram _Polyphemus_;
+the torpedo gun-vessel _Sandfly_; the sloops _Dolphin_, _Gannet_,
+_Melita_, and _Bramble_; and the despatch vessel _Surprise_, with
+twenty-two torpedo boats and six destroyers.
+
+The information received by our Fleet at Malta was to the effect that
+the French force at Gibraltar was so strong that a successful attack was
+out of the question; while the Russian Mediterranean and Black Sea
+Fleets, the strength of which was considerable, were also known to be
+approaching for the purpose of co-operating with the French.
+
+Notwithstanding the addition of three new battleships and two new
+cruisers to our force in the Mediterranean, the utter inadequacy of our
+Navy was still very apparent. For years the British public had demanded
+that a dozen more new battleships should be constructed in case of
+casualties, but these demands were unheeded, and during the three years
+that had passed we had lost our naval supremacy, for France and Russia
+combined were now considerably stronger. France alone had 150 fighting
+pennants available along her southern shores, against our 59; and the
+Tsar's ships were all strong, well-equipped, and armed with guns of the
+latest type.
+
+As was feared from the outset, the Russian Black Sea Fleet had struck
+for the Suez Canal, England's highway to the East. Egypt, the Bosphorus,
+Gibraltar, and Tripoli in the grasp of the enemy, meant supremacy in the
+East, and a situation that would not be tolerated by either Italy or
+Austria. Therefore the British Admiral, recognising the seriousness of
+the situation, and having received instructions to return home and
+assist in the defence of Britain, mustered his forces and cleared for
+action. The events that occurred immediately afterwards are best related
+in the graphic and interesting narrative which was subsequently written
+to a friend by Captain Neville Reed of the great steel battleship
+_Ramillies_, and afterwards published, together with the accompanying
+sketch, in the _Illustrated London News_, as follows:--
+
+"After leaving Malta, we rounded the Adventure Bank off the Sicilian
+coast, and headed due north past Elba and on to the Gulf of Genoa.
+From Spezia we received despatches, and after anchoring for
+twelve hours,--during which time we were busy completing our
+preparations,--sailed at midnight westward. Off St. Tropez, near the
+Hy�res Islands, in obedience to signals from the flagship, the _Empress
+of India_, the ironclads _Jupiter_, _Sans Pareil_, _Repulse_, with the
+cruisers _Edgar_, _Dido_, _Diana_, _Orlando_, _Undaunted_, and _Scout_,
+the sloop _Gannet_, and five torpedo boats, detached themselves from the
+Squadron, and after exchanging further signals, bore away due south.
+Giving the shore a wide offing, we steamed along throughout the
+afternoon. The Mediterranean had not yet been the scene of any bloody or
+fatal conflict, but as we cut our way through the calm sunlit waters
+with a brilliant cerulean sky above, the contrast between our bright and
+lovely surroundings and the terrible realities of the situation during
+those breathless hours of suspense still dwells distinctly in my memory.
+
+"It was our duty to fight the enemy, to beat him, and to pass through
+the Straits of Gibraltar and help our comrades at home. Every man,
+although totally unaware of his present destination, felt that at last
+the moment had come when the supreme ambition of his life was to be
+realised, and he was to strike a blow for his country's honour.
+
+"Apparently our Admiral was in no hurry. He no doubt was awaiting
+events, for at sunset we lay-to about thirty miles south of La Ciotat,
+and spent the calm bright night restlessly anxious and keeping a sharp
+lookout for the enemy. There was a hush of expectation over the ship,
+and scarcely a sound broke the quiet save the lapping of the water
+against the smooth sides of the ironclad, and no sign of force except
+the swish of the waves falling on either side of the formidable and
+deadly ram.
+
+"Just after seven bells in the morning watch, however, we resumed our
+voyage, and turning, went north again. Then, for the first time, we knew
+the Admiral's intentions. An ultimatum had already been given. _We were
+to bombard Marseilles!_
+
+"Three hours later we came within view of the city. Seen from the sea it
+has a certain amount of picturesqueness. In the foreground there is the
+harbour, with a barren group of islands at its entrance, and behind
+masses of yellow houses covering an extensive valley, and white villas
+dotted over a semicircle of green hills stretching in the rear.
+Prominent in the landscape is the church of N�tre Dame de la Garde,
+perched on the eminence on the right; while on the left there stands on
+an island the Ch�teau d'If, rendered immortal by the adventures of Monte
+Cristo; and behind, on the broad Quai de la Joliette, rises the fine
+Cathedral, built in alternate courses of black and white stone. It is a
+handsome and wealthy city, with its fine shady boulevard, the Cannebi�re
+running through its centre from the Arc de Triomphe right down to the
+old port whence the mail steamers depart. This city, teeming with life,
+it was our duty to lay in ruins!
+
+"Knowing how strongly fortified it was, that upon each of those hills
+were great batteries ready at a given signal to pour out their deadly
+hail, and that under the blue waters were mines which might be exploded
+from the shore at any moment, we made preparations for counter-mining,
+and then cautiously approached within range. Suddenly, however, having
+got into position and laid our guns, we received the anxiously expected
+order, and a few moments later opened a terrific and almost simultaneous
+fire.
+
+"Through my glass I could clearly distinguish the terrible confusion
+being caused in the streets as our shells fell and burst on the Quai de
+la Joliette, in the Cannebi�re, and the Boulevard de l'Emp�reur.
+
+"The first taste of our guns had produced a terrible panic, for a shell
+from the _Dreadnought_, lying next to us, had struck the tower of the
+Cathedral and brought down a great quantity of masonry, while another
+shell from one of our 67-ton guns, bursting in the Palais de Justice
+with terrible effect, had ignited it.
+
+"It was our first shot, and the gun had been well sighted; but ere we
+fired again such a storm of shell burst upon us that I confess for a
+moment I stood in my conning-tower motionless in surprise. On all sides
+the French had apparently established batteries. From the great Fort St.
+Jean at the entrance to the port, and from the Batterie du Phare on the
+opposite side, flame and smoke belched from heavy guns continuously.
+From a small battery in the Ch�teau d'If, from another on the rocky
+promontory on the right known as the Edoume, from a number of smaller
+ones established on the hills of l'Oriol and the Citadel, as well as
+from the great fortress of N�tre Dame de la Garde on the highest hill, a
+little to the right of the city, there came an incessant thunder, and
+dozens of shots ricochetted over the placid water towards us.
+
+"In a few moments, however, my 67-tonners were again adding to the
+deafening roar, my ten 6-inch quick-firing guns were sending out their
+messengers of death, and my smaller arms, consisting of 3 and
+16-pounders, were acting their part in the sudden outburst. We had
+attacked the town without intention of investment, but simply to destroy
+it, and as the minutes slipped by, and I peered through my glass, I
+could see how devastating were our enormous modern shells.
+
+"All our guns were now trained upon the forts, and the bombardment was
+most vigorous. The six coast-defence ships, which endeavoured to drive
+us off, we quickly put out of action, capturing one, torpedoing two, and
+disabling the three others; while up to the present, although a number
+of shots from the land batteries had struck us, we sustained no serious
+damage.
+
+"We were avenging Hull and Newcastle. Into the panic-stricken town we
+were pouring an unceasing storm of shell, which swept away whole streets
+of handsome buildings, and killed hundreds of those flying for safety
+into the country. Watching, I saw one shot from one of my bow barbette
+guns crash into the roof of the fine new H�tel du Louvre, in the
+Cannebi�re. The French Tricolor on the flagstaff toppled over into the
+street, and a second later the clouds of smoke and the d�bris which shot
+up showed plainly the awful results of the bursting shell.
+
+"Time after time my 67-tonners crashed and roared, time after time I
+pressed my fingers upon the little knobs in the conning-tower, and huge
+projectiles were discharged right into the forts. In conjunction with
+the never-ceasing fire of companion ships, we rained iron in a
+continuous stream that wrought havoc in the defences and destroyed all
+the buildings that offered targets. In an hour the Arsenal behind the
+Palais de Justice was laid in ruins, the fine H�tel de Ville was a mere
+heap of smouldering d�bris, the Bourse, and the great Library in the
+Boulevard du Mus�e were half wrecked by shells, and the Custom House,
+the Gendarmerie, and the Prefecture were burning furiously. The Ch�teau
+du Phare on the headland at the entrance to the fort was suffering
+frightfully, and the shells that had struck the Citadel and the fort of
+N�tre Dame had been terribly effective. Every part of the city from the
+Promenade du Prado to the Botanical Gardens was being swept continuously
+by our fire, and from the black smoke curling upward in the sunlight we
+knew that many broad handsome streets were in flames. Excited over their
+work of revenge, my guns' crews worked on with a contemptuous disregard
+for the withering fire being poured upon us from the land. They meant,
+they said, to teach the Frenchmen a lesson, and they certainly did.
+Around us shots from the batteries fell thickly, sending up huge columns
+of water. Suddenly a shell struck the _Ramillies_ forward in front of
+the barbette, and burst like the rending of a thundercloud. The deck was
+torn up, a dozen men were maimed or killed, poor fellows! but the solid
+face of the barbette held its own, and the muzzles of our two great guns
+remained untouched.
+
+"Several shots from the N�tre Dame Fort and the Endoume Battery then
+struck us in quick succession. One was particularly disastrous, for,
+crashing into the battery on the port side, it burst, disabling one of
+the 6-inch guns, and killing the whole gun's crew in an instant. The
+effect was frightful, for the whole space around was wrecked, and not a
+man escaped.
+
+"Such are the fortunes of war! A few moments later we turned our heavy
+guns upon the Endoume Battery, perched up upon the rocky headland, and
+together with the _Empress of India_ and the _Victorious_ thundered
+forth our great projectiles upon it in a manner which must have been
+terribly disconcerting. The battery replied vigorously at first, but the
+_Nile_, noticing the direction in which we had turned our attention,
+trained her guns upon the same fort, and let loose a perfect hail of
+devastating shell. Without ceasing for a second, we played upon it, and
+could distinguish even with the naked eye how completely we were
+destroying it, until half an hour later we found that the Frenchmen had
+ceased to reply. We had silenced their guns, and, in fact, totally
+wrecked the fort.
+
+"Several of our vessels were, however, severely feeling the fire from
+the N�tre Dame Fortress and that of St. Jean. Nearly one hundred men on
+board the _Trafalgar_ had been killed; while two shots, entering one of
+the broadside batteries of the flagship, had caused frightful havoc, and
+had blown to atoms over forty men and three officers. A torpedo boat
+that had approached the French coast-defence ship just before she was
+captured had been sunk by a shot, but the crew were fortunately all
+rescued, after much difficulty, by the sloop _Dolphin_, which had
+severely suffered herself from the vigorous fire from the Batterie du
+Phare. The funnel of the _Nile_ had been carried away by a shot from the
+Citadel, while among the more conspicuous British losses was a serious
+catastrophe which had occurred on board the _Hood_ by the premature
+explosion of a torpedo, by which a sub-lieutenant and thirty-three men
+were launched into eternity, and sixteen men very severely wounded. The
+engines of the _Arethusa_ were also broken.
+
+"The smoke rising from the bombarded city increased every moment in
+density, and even in the daylight we could distinguish the flames. The
+centre of Marseilles was burning furiously, and the fire was now
+spreading unchecked. One of our objects had been to destroy the immense
+quantity of war stores, and in this we were entirely successful. We had
+turned our united efforts upon the Fort St. Jean down at the harbour
+entrance and that of N�tre Dame high on the hill. Pounding away at
+these, time slipped by until the sun sank in a blaze of crimson and
+gold. Both forts made a gallant defence, but each of our shots went
+home, and through my glasses I watched the awful result. Suddenly a
+terrific report caused the whole city to tremble. One of our shots had
+apparently entered the powder magazine in the Fort St. Jean, and it had
+blown up, producing an appalling catastrophe from which the fortress
+could never recover.
+
+[Illustration: BOMBARDMENT OF MARSEILLES BY THE BRITISH:
+"ONE OF OUR SHELLS HAD ENTERED THE POWDER MAGAZINE OF FORT ST. JEAN."]
+
+"By this time the whole of the shipping in the docks was burning
+furiously, and the congested part of the city lying between the port and
+the Lyons Railway Station was like a huge furnace. The sight was one of
+terrible grandeur.
+
+"Presently, just as the sun sank behind the grey night clouds, we ceased
+fire, and then gazed with calm satisfaction upon the result of our
+bombardment. We had treated a French city in the same manner as the
+French and Russians had treated our own homes, and we could look upon
+this scene of destruction and death without a pang of remorse. But that
+was not all. When our guns were silent we could distinctly hear vigorous
+rifle firing at the back of the city. Then we knew the truth.
+
+"While we had been attacking Marseilles from the sea, the Italians, who
+a week before had crossed the frontier, and with the Germans occupied
+Lyons, had co-operated with us on land, and the terror-stricken
+Marseillais, hemmed in by fire and bullets on either side, had been
+swept away in thousands.
+
+"The scenes in the streets were, we afterwards learnt, awful; and
+although the garrison offered a desperate resistance to the Italians
+along the valley near the Ch�teau des Fleurs, most of them were killed,
+and nearly three thousand of their number taken prisoners. But the
+Italians were unable to enter Marseilles themselves, as, long before
+they had succeeded in breaking up the land defences, we had set the
+place on fire, and now, as night fell, the great city was one mass of
+flames, the lurid light from which illuminated sky and sea with a bright
+red glare."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The blazing African sun was fading, flooding the calm sapphire
+Mediterranean with its blood-red afterglow. The air was oppressive, the
+wind blew hot from the desert, and shoals of tiny green birds were
+chattering before roosting in the oasis of tall date palms that cast
+long shadows over the sun-baked stones of the Place du Gouvernement at
+Algiers. Everything was of a dazzling whiteness, relieved only by the
+blue sky and sea. The broad, handsome Square was almost deserted, the
+jalousies of the European houses were still closed, and although a few
+people were sipping absinthe at the caf�s, the siesta was not yet over.
+
+At one corner of the Square the Mosque of Djama-el-Djedid, with its dome
+and minarets, stood out intensely white against the bright, cloudless
+sky, its spotless cleanliness causing the white-washed houses of
+Europeans to appear yellow and dingy; and as the _mueddin_ stood on one
+of the minarets with arms uplifted, calling the Faithful to prayer, idle
+Moors and Arabs, who had been lying asleep in the shadow during the
+afternoon, rose quickly, rearranged their burnouses, and entered the
+Mosque in order to render thanks to Allah.
+
+Darkness crept on after a brief twilight. Moorish women, wrapped in
+their white _haicks_, wearing their ugly baggy trousers, and veiled to
+the eyes, waddled along slowly and noiselessly among the palms, and
+gradually a gay cosmopolitan crowd assembled in the Place to enjoy the
+_bel fresco_ after the terrible heat of the day, and to listen to the
+fine band of the 1st Zouaves, which had already taken up its stand in
+the centre of the Square, and was now playing one of Strauss's dreamy
+waltzes.
+
+The night was bright and starlit, one of those calm, mystic evenings
+peculiar to North Africa. All was peaceful, but no moon had yet risen.
+The city wore its gay air of carelessness. White-robed Moors and
+red-fezzed Arabs, negroes from the Soudan, and Biskris in their blue
+burnouses, lounged, chattered, and promenaded, while the caf�s and
+bazaars around were full of life, and the warm, balmy air was laden with
+the scent of flowers.
+
+Suddenly, without warning, the whole place was illuminated by a
+brilliant light from the sea. Slowly it swept the town, and a few
+seconds later other bright beams shot forth, lighting up the quays, the
+terraces of white, flat-roofed houses, and the Moorish city on the hill.
+Then, before the promenaders could realise the cause, a loud booming
+was heard at sea, and almost at the same moment a shell fell, and,
+exploding in the midst of them, blew a dozen Moors and Arabs into atoms.
+
+In a few seconds the cannonade increased, and the battery in the centre
+of the harbour replied. Then firing seemed to proceed from all quarters,
+and a storm of shell suddenly crashed upon the town with the most
+appalling effect.
+
+British war-vessels had crept up within range, and were pouring the
+vials of Britain's wrath upon the ancient city of the Deys!
+
+The detachment of vessels which, led by the new battleship _Jupiter_,
+went south from St. Tropez, had received instructions to destroy Algiers
+and return with all speed to Cagliari, in Sardinia, to await further
+instructions. The bombardment of the two cities simultaneously was in
+order to draw off the French Squadron from the position it had taken up
+near Gibraltar, so that the British could fight and then run past them
+into the Atlantic.
+
+How far the manoeuvre succeeded is shown in the few interesting details
+of the bombardment given in the course of an interview which a reporter
+of the _Daily Telegraph_ had with Lieut. George Ingleton, of the
+first-class cruiser _Edgar_. The officer said:--
+
+"We arrived off Algiers two hours after sundown, and after an inspection
+with search-lights, began to let fly with our big guns. In a few minutes
+the Al-Djefna Battery in the centre of the harbour replied, and a moment
+later a very rigorous fire was poured forth from Fort Neuf on the right
+and Forts Bab-Azzoun and Conde on the left. All four were very strong,
+and in conjunction with coast-defence vessels offered a most vigorous
+resistance. So suddenly did we fire upon the town, that a frightful
+panic must have been caused. Before we had fired half a dozen times, a
+shot from one of our 22-tonners crashed into the dome of the Mosque and
+totally demolished it, while another particularly well-aimed shell
+struck the Mairie, a big handsome building on the Boulevard de la
+R�publique, facing the sea, tearing out a portion of the front. Then,
+turning our guns upon the long row of shops, banks, and hotels which
+formed the Boulevard, we pounded away most effectively, while several of
+our other vessels attended to the forts.
+
+"During the first half-hour the four warships of the enemy gave us
+considerable trouble, but very soon our torpedoes had sunk two of them,
+and the other two were quickly captured.
+
+"Meanwhile, under the hot fire from the forts, the bombardment grew
+exciting. Shells were ricochetting on the water all round us, but our
+search-lights being now shut off, we offered a very indistinct target to
+the enemy. On nearly all our ships, however, there were some slight
+casualties. A shell severely damaged the superstructure of the
+_Jupiter_, while others rendered useless several of her machine guns. A
+shell penetrated the _Gannet_, unfortunately killing fourteen
+bluejackets; and had it not been that the deck of the _Edgar_ was
+protected throughout, the consequences to us would also have been very
+serious. Nevertheless, our two 22-ton guns rendered valuable service,
+and contributed in no small measure to the demolition of the town.
+
+"From the outset we could see that Algiers was totally unprepared for
+attack, and, continuing our fire calmly and regularly, we watched the
+flames bursting forth in every part of the town and leaping skyward. On
+shore the guns kept up their roaring thunder, although by aid of glasses
+we could detect how effectual were our shells in wrecking the
+fortifications and laying in ruins the European quarter. Every moment we
+were dealing terrible blows which shook the city to its foundations. The
+formidable city walls availed them nothing, for we could drop our shells
+anywhere we pleased, either on the hill at Mustapha or upon the pretty
+Moorish villas that lined the shore at St. Eug�ne.
+
+"Blazing away at long range upon the town, we spread destruction
+everywhere. Houses toppled like packs of cards, mosques were blown into
+the air, and public buildings swept away like grains of sand before the
+sirocco. Under such a fire thousands of natives and Europeans must have
+perished, for we were determined to carry out our intentions, and teach
+the invaders a lesson they were not likely to easily forget. Time after
+time our heavy guns crashed, while our 6-inch quick-firers kept up their
+roar, and our machine guns rattled continuously. As the hours went by,
+and we continued our work of merciless destruction, we were hit once or
+twice, but beyond the loss of two men and some unimportant damage we
+escaped further punishment.
+
+"The roar of our guns was deafening, and the smoke hung over the calm
+sea like a storm-cloud. Still we kept on in the face of the galling fire
+from the shore, and before midnight had the satisfaction of witnessing a
+magnificent spectacle, for the isolated conflagrations gradually united
+and the whole town was in flames.
+
+"We had accomplished our work, so with cheers for Old England we gave a
+parting shot, and turning were soon steaming away towards the Sicilian
+coast, leaving Algiers a mass of roaring flame.
+
+"The journey was uneventful until just before noon on the following day.
+I was at that time on duty, and suddenly, to my surprise, detected a
+number of ships. By the aid of our glasses, the captain and I found to
+our dismay that a number of the most powerful vessels of the Russian
+Fleet were bearing down upon us! All our other vessels had made the same
+discovery, and I must confess that the meeting was somewhat
+disconcerting. The strength of the Russian ironclads was such as to
+cause our hearts to beat more quickly. To engage that great force meant
+certain defeat, while it was necessary that our Admiral off Marseilles
+should know of the whereabouts of this hostile squadron, therefore we
+resolved to get away. But although we altered our course and put on all
+speed, we were, alas! unsuccessful. At last we determined at all hazards
+to stick to our guns so long as we were afloat, and as the first of the
+Tsar's ironclads drew within range, one of our 22-tonners thundered. The
+white smoke, driven forward, tumbled over our bows. We had spoken the
+first word of battle!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
+
+
+"The great naval force of the Tsar, with which we were now face to
+face," continued Lieutenant Ingleton in his narrative, "consisted of the
+new battleship _Petropavlovsk_ of 10,960 tons, with a speed of 17 knots;
+the great turret-ship _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ of 8076 tons; the two new
+barbette-ships _Kama_ and _Vologda_ of the _Cizoi Veliky_ type; the
+_Tchesm�_ of 10,181 tons, the _Gheorghy Pobyednosets_ of 10,280 tons,
+and the powerful _Tria Sviatitelia_ of 12,480 tons; the two enormous new
+cruisers _Tiumen_ and _Minsk_, both of 17,000 tons, and running at 20
+knots; the _Vladimir Monomach_ of 5754 tons; the armoured gunboat
+_Otvazny_, and the new rams _Admiral Seniavine_ and _Admiral Uschakoff_,
+with thirty torpedo boats, including the _Kodor_, _Reni_, _Anakria_, and
+_Adler_, the latter being able to run at 27�4 knots.
+
+"Against such a gigantic force as this our small force of vessels and
+torpedo boats presented but a sorry appearance. Nevertheless we had
+fired the first shot, and were now determined to die rather than haul
+down our colours. As our guns thundered, those of the _Jupiter_,
+_Repulse_, _Sans Pareil_, _Undaunted_, _Orlando_, _Diana_, _Scout_, and
+_Gannet_ joined in noisy chorus. The 12-inch guns in the turrets of the
+_Petropavlovsk_ and the four big guns in the barbettes of the _Tria
+Sviatitelia_ crashed out together, and almost immediately afterwards we
+found ourselves being swept from stem to stern by the enemy's shells.
+The Russian battleships were all well armoured, and had a much heavier
+shell fire than the vessels of either France or Britain. We were both in
+columns of divisions in line ahead, but from the first moment of the
+engagement our position was critical.
+
+"A terrific and deadly storm burst upon us from the enemy's tops, while
+his heavy guns kept up an incessant thunder. With such an enormous force
+against us, it was apparent to every man on board that disaster was
+imminent. It had, alas! never been graven sufficiently deep upon the
+public mind how absurdly weak we were in the Mediterranean. Here, as in
+all other squadrons, every grade of officer from commander downwards was
+deficient in numbers, and the ships in commission had for years been so
+much below their complement that the work had only been carried on with
+great difficulty. Other ships at home had been obliged to wait until a
+sufficient number of merchant seamen and half-trained engine-room staff
+could be scraped together to provide the semblance of a crew. In fact,
+successive British Governments of both parties had subordinated national
+necessities to a desire to evade a material increase in taxation, and
+now at last our Mediterranean Squadron were compelled to face the
+inevitable.
+
+"The insidious cunning and patient methods to which the Russians resort
+in order to attain their aims and break their boundaries had once more
+been illustrated. They had, by dint of extraordinary chicanery, secured
+absolute possession of the small Turkish peninsula known as Mount Athos.
+Situated near the entrance of the Gulf of Salonica, it was a paramount
+strategical position, and its possessor was now enabled to keep watch
+upon Macedonia, and in the meantime be very near the Dardanelles, and
+also Asia Minor. The possession was accomplished in a curiously secret
+manner, showing to what extent Russian foresight and artifice is
+carried. For years past the _Soci�t� Slav de Bienfaisance_ had been
+sending, through a bank in Salonica, large sums of money to further the
+aim. To the casual observer there was nothing extraordinary about this,
+for the Russians had established on the lofty heights several
+monasteries, converting the place into a clerical settlement. This fact
+was pointed out by the _Pall Mall Gazette_ as far back as 1893, but the
+British public at that time failed to detect any Russian intrigue.
+
+"Gradually, however, Muscovite roubles purchased the surrounding
+property, and Greek convents were reduced to poverty while Russian
+institutions flourished and increased. But, strangely enough, the
+inmates of these monasteries were suddenly discovered to be mock
+clerics, and then it was disclosed that under the cover of monastic
+garments and robes were to be found the Tsar's soldiers, performing a
+three years' special and specific military service!
+
+"Yet, owing to the Sultan's weakness, to the almighty backsheesh, and to
+the shortsightedness of Turkish statesmen, the Russians were not
+dislodged, but the position was actually ceded to them, with the result
+that they had now firmly established themselves where they were enabled
+to counteract British action and influence. A naval station had been
+established for their Mediterranean Squadron at Poros, off the eastern
+coast of the Peloponnesus, some fifteen miles due south of the island of
+�gina. Here there were three miles of deep water safe from sea attack,
+with an arsenal and dockyard, on the very weakest point along the line
+of our highway between England and India! Such was the manner in which
+our power in the Mediterranean had been undermined!
+
+"There was, however, no time for reflection amid the deafening roar.
+This Black Sea Fleet that had burst its bonds and passed through the
+Dardanelles intended to sweep us from the sea. Yet, notwithstanding the
+terrible fire pouring upon us from these great and powerful ships, each
+fully equipped with the latest and most improved arms, fully manned by
+well-trained men, and fresh for the fray, we held our quarters,
+determined to show the forces of the Tsar defiance. Even though every
+man of us might be sent to an untimely grave, the Russian flag should
+never surmount the White Ensign of Britain. We were determined, so we
+set our teeth, and showed a firm and vigorous front to the foe.
+
+"Our two 22-tonners rendered admirable service, and the cannonade kept
+up from our 3 and 6-pounder quick-firing guns was playing havoc with the
+Russian belted cruiser _Vladimir Monomach_ lying on our port quarter.
+The vessel was slightly larger than ourselves, carrying much heavier
+armaments, including four 13-ton guns, and twelve 4-tonners. She was
+indeed a very formidable opponent, nevertheless we did our best, and,
+blazing away at close quarters, soon succeeded in silencing the
+starboard 13-tonner nearest us.
+
+"Just at this moment I found we were being attacked on the port bow by
+the enormous new turret-ship _Petropavlovsk_ and the _Dvenadsat
+Apostoloff_. Two of the heavy 12-inch guns of the former thundered
+almost simultaneously, and both shells striking us almost amidships,
+caused us such a shock that for a second I stood breathless.
+
+"In a few moments, however, it was reported that our 'vitals' had
+fortunately escaped, and we continued firing as if no catastrophe had
+occurred. As a matter of fact, the damage caused by those two shells was
+appalling.
+
+"The _Jupiter_, steaming about two miles away on our starboard quarter,
+was apparently holding her own against the barbette-ships _Tchesm�_ and
+_Gheorghy Pobyednosets_, the cruiser _Tiumen_, one of the largest in the
+world, and the new ram _Admiral Seniavine_. The four attacking vessels,
+as seen through the dense smoke, were pouring into the British ship a
+deadly fire; yet, judging from the fallen tops and disabled engines of
+the _Gheorghy Pobyednosets_ and the wrecked superstructure of the
+_Tchesm�_, the _Jupiter's_ heavy armaments were executing good work,
+notwithstanding the strength of the _Tchesm�'s_ six 50-ton guns,
+admirably arranged in pairs in the centre of the vessel.
+
+"The _Diana_ and _Sans Pareil_, lying near to one another, were
+desperately resisting the vigorous attack made by the _Admiral
+Uschakoff_, _Minsk_, _Otvazny_, _Kama_, and _Vologda_; and here again,
+amid smoke and flying d�bris, I could distinguish that the 67-tonners of
+the _Repulse_, in co-operation with the lighter weapons of the
+_Undaunted_, were giving the enemy a taste of what British courage could
+accomplish.
+
+"The sea around us simply swarmed with Russian torpedo boats, and it
+required all our vigilance to evade their continued attacks. Before an
+hour had passed we had succeeded in sinking two by shots from our 6-inch
+guns, and several more were sent to the bottom by well-aimed projectiles
+from the _Dido_ and _Jupiter_.
+
+"As for ourselves, projectiles were sweeping across our deck like hail,
+and under the incessant and fearful fire we were suffering frightfully.
+Over sixty of our men and a sub-lieutenant had been killed, while
+forty-nine were severely wounded. Once I had occasion to go below, and
+between decks the sight that met my gaze was awful.
+
+"Around two of the quick-firing guns on our port quarter lay the guns'
+crews, mutilated by shells from the _Vladimir Monomach_. They had been
+killed almost instantly while standing bravely at their posts. The scene
+was appalling. The mangled masses of humanity amid which the surgeons
+were at work were awful to look upon, and I rushed up again with the
+terrible scene photographed indelibly upon my memory.
+
+"Meanwhile the ship was in the greatest peril. The continual bursting of
+shells upon her shook and shattered her, and she trembled violently as,
+time after time, her own guns uttered their thundering reply to her
+enemies. Heeling now this way, now that, as the helm was put hard over
+to avoid a blow, the situation on board was intensely exciting.
+
+"Those were terrible moments. The captain suddenly noticed the movements
+of the _Vladimir Monomach_, and divined her intentions. She had ceased
+firing, and by a neatly executed manoeuvre was preparing to ram us. In a
+moment our helm was put over again, and the _Edgar_ answered to it
+immediately.
+
+"'Ready bow tube!' I heard the captain shout hoarsely. He waited a few
+moments, allowing the Russian ironclad to partially perform her
+evolution, then just as she came almost into collision with us he
+shrieked 'Fire bow tube!' at the same time bringing us over further to
+port.
+
+"The seconds seemed hours. Suddenly there was a loud explosion, a great
+column of water rose under the Russian's bow, and we knew the torpedo
+had struck. At that moment, too, even while the water was still in the
+air, one of our torpedo boats which had crept up under the _Vladimir
+Monomach's_ stern sent another torpedo at her, which also hit its mark
+and ripped her up. Turning our guns upon the armoured cruiser, we poured
+volley after volley into her, but she did not reply, for her men were
+panic-stricken, and she was sinking fast.
+
+"The _Petropavlovsk_, leaving us, endeavoured to rescue her crew, but
+ere a dozen men were saved, she settled down bow foremost, and
+disappeared into the deep, carrying down with her nearly five hundred
+officers and men.
+
+"The _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ kept up her fire upon us, and a few moments
+later I witnessed another disaster, for a shot from one of her bow guns
+struck the torpedo boat that had just assisted us, and sank it. A few
+minutes later a loud explosion in the direction of the _Sans Pareil_
+attracted my attention, and, turning, I saw amid the smoke-clouds d�bris
+precipitated high into the air. A shot from one of her 111-ton guns had
+penetrated to the magazine of the _Admiral Seniavine_, which had
+exploded, causing a frightful disaster on board that vessel, and just at
+the same moment a cheer from the crew of one of our 6-inch guns prompted
+me to look for the cause, which I found in the fact that they had shot
+the Russian colours completely away from the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_.
+
+"Again another frightful explosion sounded loud above the incessant din,
+and to my satisfaction I saw a great column of water rise around the
+_Admiral Uschakoff_, which, fighting at close quarters with the _Dido_,
+had apparently been torpedoed. Not satisfied with this, the captain of
+the _Dido_, keeping his machine guns going, turned his vessel and
+discharged a second Whitehead, which also struck with such terrible
+effect that the Russian ship began at once to sink, and in a few minutes
+the blue waves closed for ever over her tops, ere a score or so out of
+her crew of 300 could be rescued.
+
+"It was nearly three bells, and the sun was setting. A galling fire from
+the machine guns in the foretop of the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ suddenly
+swept our deck, killing a dozen poor fellows who were at work clearing
+away some d�bris, and at the same moment a shot from one of her 52-ton
+guns crashed into our port quarter, and must have caused terrible havoc
+among the guns' crews. A moment later we were dismayed by the report
+that our steering-gear had been broken. For a few seconds we were
+helplessly swinging round under the awful fire which was now pouring
+from the great guns of the Russian ironclad, and our captain was making
+strenuous efforts to recover control of the ship, when I saw the torpedo
+boat _Anakria_ shoot suddenly across our bows, then quickly slacken as
+she got to starboard of us.
+
+"A second later I realised her intention, and shouted frantically. A
+line of bubbles had appeared on the surface advancing swiftly towards
+us. She had ejected a torpedo straight at us, and I stood petrified, not
+daring to breathe.
+
+"A moment later there came a terrific explosion right underneath us,
+followed by a harsh tearing sound as iron plates were torn asunder like
+tinfoil, and the ship's side was ripped completely up. The _Edgar_
+heaved high and plunged heavily, a great column of water rose high above
+her masts, and the air seemed filled with flying fragments of iron and
+wood. The vessel rocked and swayed so that we could not keep our feet,
+and then gradually heeling over, causing her guns to shift, she went
+down before a soul on board could launch a boat.
+
+"At the moment of the explosion I felt a sharp twinge in the back, and
+found that I had been struck by a flying splinter of steel. The strain
+of those hours had been terrible, and of the events that followed I can
+only recollect two things. I remember finding myself struggling alone in
+the water with a shower of bullets from the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff's_
+tops sending up little splashes about me. Then I felt my strength
+failing, my limbs seemed paralysed, and I could no longer strike out to
+save myself. Abandoning all hope, I was sinking, when suddenly a rope
+was flung to me. I remember how frantically I clutched it, and that a
+few moments later I was hauled aboard a torpedo boat; but for days
+afterwards I lay hovering 'twixt life and death, oblivious to all. I
+was one of the thirteen only who were saved out of a crew of 327 brave
+officers and men."
+
+Such a ghastly disaster could only produce profound dismay among those
+who manned the remaining British vessels. Straining every nerve to
+uphold the honour of Britain, the guns' crews of the _Jupiter_, _Sans
+Pareil_, _Repulse_, and _Undaunted_, with smoke-begrimed hands and
+faces, worked on with that indomitable energy begotten of despair.
+Regardless of the awful rain of shot and shell, they reloaded and fired
+with calm, dogged self-possession, the officers on all four vessels
+inspiring their men by various deeds of valour, and preserving such
+discipline under fire as none but British sailors could. The British
+naval officer is full of undaunted defiance and contempt for his foes;
+but, above all, he is a strict disciplinarian, and to this our country
+in a great measure owes the supremacy our Navy has hitherto enjoyed upon
+the seas. During the fight the vessels had been moving in a
+north-easterly direction, and although the Russians were unaware of the
+fact, Her Majesty's ships had therefore continued in their course.
+Hence, just as a cool breeze sprang up at sundown, soon after the
+_Edgar_ had sunk, a line of low dark cliffs was sighted ahead.
+
+The officers of the _Diana_, watching anxiously through their glasses,
+distinguished the distant crest of Mount Genargentu gradually appearing
+against the clear evening sky, and then they knew that they were off
+Sardinia, outside the Gulf of Oristano.
+
+Altering their course, they headed due north, still keeping up a running
+fire, but the Russians prevented them making headway.
+
+All our vessels were suffering frightfully, when there was a sudden
+explosion, and, to the Englishmen's dismay, it was seen that a torpedo
+had struck the _Undaunted_ nearly amidships. Still the doomed vessel
+managed to evade a second attack, and by a desperate manoeuvre the
+captain succeeded in turning and heading for land.
+
+The remaining ships, in their terribly crippled condition, would, the
+Russians anticipated, soon fall an easy prey. Nevertheless, with their
+crews decimated, their guns disabled, and their machinery damaged, the
+British vessels still continued firing, the men resolved to go down at
+their quarters. They knew that escape was hopeless, and every moment
+they saw their comrades being swept away by the great exploding
+projectiles of the Tsar's heavy guns. But they were not dismayed. To do
+their utmost for the defence of Britain, to keep afloat as long as
+possible, and to die like Britons with faces towards the foe, was their
+duty. Pale and desperate, they were fighting for their country and their
+Queen, knowing that only a grave in the deep and the honour of those at
+home would be the reward of their bravery--that at any moment they might
+be launched into the unknown.
+
+Suddenly there was a loud shouting on board the _Jupiter_, and signals
+were, a moment later, run up to her half-wrecked top. The captain of the
+_Dido_, noticing this, looked to ascertain the cause, and saw away on
+the horizon to the north, whence the dark night clouds were rising, a
+number of strange craft. Snatching up his glass, he directed it on the
+strangers, and discovered that they were Italian warships, and were
+exchanging rapid signals with the captain. They were promising
+assistance!
+
+Cheers rang loudly through the British vessels, when, a few minutes
+later, the truth became known, and the guns' crews worked with redoubled
+energy, while the Russians, noticing the approaching ships, were
+apparently undecided how to act. They were given but little time for
+reflection, however, for within half an hour the first of the great
+Italian ironclads, the _Lepanto_, opened fire upon the _Petropavlovsk_,
+and was quickly followed by others, until the action became general all
+round.
+
+Aid had arrived just in time, and the British vessels, with engines
+broken, stood away at some distance, leaving matters for the nonce to
+the powerful Italian Squadron. It was indeed a very formidable one, and
+its appearance caused the Russian Admiral such misgivings that he gave
+orders to retreat, a manoeuvre attempted unsuccessfully. The Italian
+Fleet, as it loomed up in the falling gloom, included no fewer than
+twenty-six warships and forty-three torpedo boats. The vessels consisted
+of the barbette-ship _Lepanto_ of 15,000 tons; the _Sardegna_,
+_Sicilia_, and _Re Umberto_ of 13,000 tons; the _Andrea Doria_,
+_Francesca Morosini_, and _Ruggiero di Lauria_ of 11,000 tons; the
+turret-ships _Dandolo_ and _Duilio_ of the same size; the _Ammeraglio di
+St. Bon_ of 9800 tons; the armoured cruisers _Ancona_, _Castelfidardo_,
+and _Maria Pia_, and the _San Martino_, each of about 4500 tons; the
+gun-vessels _Andrea Provana_, _Cariddi_, _Castore_, _Curtatone_; the
+torpedo gunboats _Aretusa_, _Atlante_, _Euridice_, _Iride_,
+_Montebello_, and _Monzambano_; the despatch vessels _Galileo_ and
+_Vedetta_; and the first-class torpedo vessels _Aquila_, _Avvoltoio_,
+_Falco_, _Nibbio_, and _Sparviero_, and thirty-eight others.
+
+With such a force descending upon the Russian ships, which had already
+been very severely punished by the vigorous fire of the British, there
+was little wonder that the Tsar's vessels should endeavour to escape.
+The Italian Fleet had already bombarded and destroyed Ajaccio two days
+ago, and, steaming south from the Corsican capital, had anchored for
+twenty-four hours off Cape della Caccia, near Alghero, in the north of
+Sardinia. Then again taking a southerly course in the expectation of
+joining hands with the British Mediterranean Squadron, which was on its
+way from Marseilles to Cagliari, they had fallen in with the three
+crippled ships.
+
+Without hesitation the powerful Italian ironclads, several of which were
+among the finest in the world, opened a terrific fire upon the Russian
+ships, and as darkness fell the sight was one of appalling grandeur.
+From all sides flame rushed from turrets and barbettes in vivid flashes,
+while the Maxims in the tops poured out their deadly showers of bullets.
+The ponderous 105-ton guns of the _Andrea Doria_, _Francesca Morosini_,
+and _Ruggiero di Lauria_ crashed and roared time after time, their great
+shots causing frightful havoc among the Russian ships, the four
+100-tonners of the _Lepanto_ and the 67-tonners of the _Re Umberto_,
+_Sardegna_, and _Sicilia_ simply knocking to pieces the _Petropavlovsk_.
+The Russian ships were receiving terrible blows on every hand. With
+their search-lights beaming forth in all directions, the ships were
+fighting fiercely, pounding away at each other with deafening din. It
+was not long, however, before this vigorous attack of the Italians began
+to tell, for within an hour of the first shot from the _Lepanto_ the
+fine Russian battleship _Gheorghy Pobyednosets_ and the great new
+cruiser _Minsk_ of 17,000 tons had been rammed and sunk, the former by
+the _Duilio_, and the latter by the _Re Umberto_, while the _Tchesm�_
+and the gunboat _Otvazny_ had been torpedoed, and scarcely a soul saved
+out of 1500 men who were on board.
+
+Explosions were occurring in quick succession, and red glares flashed
+momentarily over the sea. Hither and thither as the Italian torpedo
+boats darted they ejected their missiles, and the rapid and terrible
+fire from the leviathans of Italy, pouring into every one of the
+remaining ships of the Tsar, killed hundreds who were striving to defend
+themselves.
+
+Suddenly the _Sicilia_, which had been fighting the Russian flagship,
+the _Tria Sviatitelia_, at close quarters, and had blown away her
+conning-tower and greater portion of her superstructure, performed a
+neat evolution, and crashed her ram right into her opponent's broadside,
+breaking her almost in half.
+
+A few moments later there was a terrific explosion on board, and then
+the doomed vessel sank into the dark rolling sea, carrying with her the
+Russian Admiral and all hands.
+
+Quickly this success was followed by others--the blowing up of the
+monster new cruiser _Tiumen_, the sinking of the _Adler_ and four other
+Russian torpedo boats, occurring in rapid succession. Seeing with what
+rapidity and irresistible force they were being swept from the sea, the
+remainder of the Tsar's shattered fleet struck their flags and called
+for quarter, not, however, before the torpedo boat _Kodor_ had been
+sunk. The Russians thus captured were the battleships _Petropavlovsk_ of
+10,960 tons, the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ of 8076 tons, the two new
+barbette-ships, _Kama_ and _Vologda_, both of whose engines had broken
+down, and fifteen torpedo boats.
+
+[Illustration:
+_Ruggiero di Lauria._  _Re Umberto._ _Duilio._ _Tchesm�._
+_Dvenadsat Apostoloff._
+_H.M.S. Edgar._
+HELP FROM ITALY: "WITH THEIR SEARCH-LIGHTS BEAMING FORTH IN ALL
+DIRECTIONS, THE SHIPS WERE FIGHTING FIERCELY, POUNDING AWAY AT EACH
+OTHER WITH DEAFENING DIN."]
+
+At dawn most of the latter were manned by Italians, while the captured
+ships, with the Italian colours flying and bearing evidence of the
+terrible conflict, were on their way due north to Genoa, accompanied by
+the battered British vessels.
+
+The strongest division of Russia's Fleet had been totally destroyed, and
+the Tsar's power in the Mediterranean was broken.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+PANIC IN LANCASHIRE.
+
+
+The Russians were within gunshot of Manchester! A profound sensation was
+caused in that city about eight o'clock on the evening of September 6th,
+by an announcement made by the _Evening News_--which still appeared in
+fitful editions--that a Cossack patrol had been seen on the road between
+Macclesfield and Alderley, and that it was evident, from the manner of
+the Russian advance, that they meant to attack the city almost
+immediately.
+
+The utmost alarm was caused, and the streets were everywhere crowded by
+anxious, starving throngs, eager to ascertain fuller details, but unable
+to gather anything further beyond the wild conjectures of idle gossip.
+
+The great city which, on the outbreak of war, was one of the most
+prosperous in the world, was now but a sorry semblance of its former
+self. Heated, excited, turbulent, its streets echoed with the
+heartrending wails of despairing crowds, its factories were idle, its
+shops closed, and its people were succumbing to the horrible, lingering
+death which is the result of starvation.
+
+Wealth availed them naught. Long ago the last loaf had been devoured,
+the last sack of flour had been divided, and the rich living in the
+suburbs now felt the pinch of hunger quite as acutely as factory
+operatives, who lounged, hands in pockets, about the streets.
+Manchester, like most other towns in England, had come to the end of
+her supplies, and death and disease now decimated the more populous
+districts, while those who had left the city and tramped north had fared
+no better, and hundreds dropped and died by the roadside.
+
+The situation in Lancashire was terrible. At Liverpool a few vessels
+were arriving from America, under escort of British cruisers, bringing
+supplies, but these were mostly purchased at enormously high rates, and
+sent to London by way of Manchester and Sheffield, railway communication
+by that route being still open. This fact becoming known in Manchester
+caused the greatest indignation, and the people, rendered desperate by
+hunger, succeeded on several occasions in stopping the trains, and
+appropriating the food they carried. The situation in Manchester was one
+of constant excitement, and fear that the enemy should repeat the
+success they had achieved at Birmingham. The hundreds of thousands of
+hungry ones who flocked Manchester streets and the grimy thoroughfares
+of Stockport, Ashton, Oldham, Bolton, and other great towns in the
+vicinity, feared that they, like the people of Birmingham, would be put
+to the sword by the ruthless invaders.
+
+The week that had elapsed had been an eventful one, fraught with many
+horrors. After the success of the Russians at Birmingham, the British
+troops, both Regulars, Volunteers, and improvised, fell back and formed
+up north of the city, being practically nothing more than a strong line
+of outposts without reserves, extending from Dudley, through West
+Bromwich and Sutton Park, to Tamworth. This scheme, however, was
+ill-devised, for the defenders, in order to act successfully, should
+have fallen back much further, and concentrated their forces at one or
+two strategical points on the line to Manchester, as it had been
+ascertained from spies that a swift and vigorous attack on that city was
+meditated.
+
+The day following the taking of Birmingham was devoted by the enemy to
+the reorganisation of their forces, and the rearrangement of their
+transport and ammunition train. Large quantities of waggons and war
+stores of all kinds had been found in the town and annexed by the
+victors, and at Kynoch's Factory at Aston some hundreds of thousands of
+rounds of ammunition had been seized. These had been made for a foreign
+government, and fitted both rifles and machine guns of the Russians.
+
+Having thus reorganised, the Russians, leaving 10,000 men in Birmingham
+as a base, resumed their march north on the third day. The left flank,
+consisting of 2000 cavalry and 12,000 infantry, took the road through
+West Bromwich to Wednesbury and Bilston, but quickly found themselves
+entrapped, for on account of the many canals their cavalry were unable
+to act, and their transport was cut off. The miners and factory men had
+armed themselves, and, acting in conjunction with the British troops
+from Dudley and Great Barr, succeeded, after some hard fighting around
+Tipton and Coseley, in completely annihilating the enemy, taking 5000
+prisoners and killing the remaining 9000.
+
+Meanwhile the right flank had passed out of Birmingham by way of Castle
+Bromwich, and had advanced without opposition through Wishaw and
+Tamworth to Lichfield, driving the defenders before them. The Russian
+main column, however, were not allowed to go north without a most
+desperate endeavour on the part of our men to hold them in check.
+Indeed, if ever British courage showed itself it was during those dark
+days. Advancing through Aston and Perry to Sutton along the ancient
+highway, Icknield Street, the Russians sent a large force through the
+woods to the high ground between Wild Green and Maney. Here the British
+had established strong batteries, but after some desperate fighting
+these were at length captured, the enemy losing heavily. At the same
+time, fierce fighting occurred in Sutton Park and across at Aldridge,
+the defenders making the most strenuous efforts to break the force of
+the invaders. All was, alas! to no purpose. The British, outnumbered as
+before, were compelled to fall back fighting, with the result that the
+enemy's main column, pushing on, effected a junction with its right
+flank, which had bivouaced on Wittington Heath, near Lichfield, and
+occupied the barracks there.
+
+On the day following the invaders broke into two columns and marched
+again north, practically in battle formation, the right column
+continuing along Icknield Street, through Burton, Derby, Bakewell, and
+Marple, driving back the defenders, while the left column took a route
+that lay through the hilly and wooded country near Cannock Chase. Both
+columns, advancing in �chelon of division, with cavalry on their flanks,
+were constantly harassed in the rear by the British, and in their
+advance lost numbers of waggons and a large quantity of ammunition; but
+they succeeded in travelling so quickly north that they were actually
+marching on Manchester before the people in that city could realise it.
+Signal acts of bravery were being everywhere reported, but what could
+individual heroism effect against the fearful odds we had to face?
+
+Thousands of men in Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Wigan, Rochdale, and other
+neighbouring towns had already armed themselves, and, on hearing that
+Manchester was threatened, poured into the city to act their part
+bravely in its defence.
+
+It must be admitted that the British General commanding had, on gaining
+knowledge of the intentions of the Russians, taken every precaution in
+his power to prevent an advance on Manchester.
+
+Our troops which had been defeated and driven back from Birmingham, had
+at once retreated north to the Peak district, and about one-quarter of
+the number had taken up excellent defensive positions there, while the
+remainder, with small reinforcements of Regulars drawn from Lancaster,
+Warrington, Bury, Chester, Wrexham, Burnley, Ashton-under-Lyne, York,
+Halifax, and as far distant as Carlisle, had, in addition to those from
+Manchester, been massed along the north bank of the Mersey from
+Stockport to Flixton, with a line of communication stretching across to
+Woodley Junction, and thence over Glossop Dale to the Peak.
+
+Thus Manchester was defended by a force of 38,000 cavalry, infantry,
+Volunteers, and colonials, against the Russian army, consisting of the
+remaining 65,000 of the force which attacked Birmingham, and
+reinforcements of 10,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry that had been pushed
+rapidly forward from Sussex over the ground that the main body had
+travelled. The total force of Russians was therefore 80,000.
+
+From Stockport, the north bank of the Mersey to its confluence with the
+Irwell past Flixton was well guarded. Earthworks had been raised,
+trenches dug, walls had been loopholed, and houses placed in a state of
+hasty defence. Among the reinforcements now under arms were several
+portions of battalions of Lancashire Volunteer Artillery who had not
+gone south to their allotted positions in the defence of London, and
+five companies of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Artillery under
+Col. H. T. Brown, V.D., together with the Cheshire Yeomanry under Col.
+P. E. Warburton. The Manchester Brigade was a strong one, consisting of
+six Volunteer battalions of the Manchester Regiment, the 1st under the
+Earl of Crawford, V.D., the 2nd under Col. Bridgford, V.D., the 3rd
+under Col. Eaton, V.D., the 4th under Col. Lynde, V.D., the 5th under
+Col. Rocca, V.D., and the 6th under Col. Lees; the Cheshire and
+Lancashire Brigades included three Volunteer battalions of the
+Lancashire Fusiliers under Colonels Young, Philippi, and Haworth, and
+two battalions of the South Lancashire Regiment; while the Northern
+Counties Brigade, composed of one Volunteer battalion of the Royal
+Lancaster Regiment under Col. Strongitharm, two battalions of the East
+Lancashire Regiment under Col. A. I. Robinson, V.D., and Col. T.
+Mitchell, V.D., and two of the Loyal North Lancashire under Col. Widdows
+and Col. Ormrod, also mustered their forces and performed excellent
+defensive work. It was here, too, that the Volunteer cyclists were found
+of the utmost value in scouting and carrying despatches.
+
+The excitement in Manchester on that memorable September night was
+intense. That a desperate and bloody fray was imminent, every one knew,
+and the people were trusting to the defensive line on the river bank to
+protect them from the foreign destroyer. Would they be strong enough to
+effectively resist? Would they be able to drive back the Russians and
+defeat them?
+
+The people of Lancashire who condemned our military administration did
+not do so without cause. It had been claimed by many that England could
+never be invaded; nevertheless our course should have been to prepare
+for possible events. Our Army, being small, should have been better
+equipped and armed, as well as trained to balance weakness in numbers.
+Again, there had always existed a hideous hindrance to the efficiency of
+the Auxiliaries--the arms. Many of the Martini-Henrys carried by the
+Volunteers bore date of a quarter of a century ago, and their barrels
+were so worn they could not be fired accurately; while others possessed
+the Snider, which was practically a smoothbore from wear. What was the
+use of weapons surpassed in power by those of other nations? It was an
+unpalatable truth that had now at last dawned upon Britain, that in
+arming her soldiers she was far behind the rest of the world.
+
+While Manchester spent the sultry night in feverish excitement at the
+knowledge that the enemy had advanced almost to their doors, the British
+outposts were being harassed by the enemy, who, flushed with success,
+were advancing gradually onward towards the line of defence. The Russian
+front had been suddenly widely extended, evidently aiming at a
+concentric attack on Manchester, and an attempt to wholly envelop the
+defenders' position by cavalry operating on both flanks.
+
+Some terribly desperate encounters took place during a frightful
+thunderstorm which lasted a portion of the night, and many a brave
+Briton fell while performing valiant deeds for the honour of his
+country. The anxiety within the British lines that hot night was
+intense.
+
+Reports coming in told of fierce fighting all along the line. Soon after
+midnight a British patrol, supported by cavalry, that had been sent out
+from Northenden to Baguley, was suddenly attacked by a party of
+Russians, who lay in ambush close to Wythenshaw Hall. A short but fierce
+fight ensued, but the British, knowing that part of the country well,
+succeeded in totally annihilating their antagonists. The firing,
+however, attracted attention in the Russian lines, with the result that
+a second attack was quickly made upon them, compelling them to retire up
+the hill at Lawton Moor, where they dashed into a small wood, closely
+pressed by the enemy. The attack was desperate. There is something
+terrible in a fight in a wood at night. The combatants could see nothing
+save an occasional flash in the impenetrable darkness, and hoarse cries
+went up from the mysterious inferno. Neither invader nor defender could
+distinguish each other, and in the half-hour that followed, many a
+Russian shot his comrade in mistake for his foe.
+
+At last the defenders, finding that the slightest rustling of boughs
+brought down a volley from magazine rifles, stood motionless, scarcely
+daring to breathe, and waited anxiously, until at last the enemy, seeing
+that their efforts to drive them out were useless, withdrew, and went
+off towards Baguley.
+
+In another direction, close to Henbury, near Macclesfield, a squadron of
+British cavalry surprised a small outpost camp of Russians, and cut it
+up terribly, killing half the number; but pushing on to Marthall, six
+miles across country, they came into collision with a body of Russian
+dragoons, and after a very fierce encounter were compelled to fall back
+again after considerable loss. On the outskirts of Northwich, and on the
+borders of Delamere Forest, skirmishes occurred, resulting in serious
+loss on both sides. A reconnoitring party of Russians was totally swept
+away and every man killed, by a British party who were concealed in an
+old farm building close to Alderley village; while another engaged in
+surveying the roads to Altrincham had been forced to retreat, leaving
+half their number dead or wounded on the edge of Tatton Park.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE EVE OF BATTLE.
+
+
+Some idea of the gallant conduct of our Volunteers during the night may
+be gathered from the following extract from a letter by Lieutenant John
+Rowling of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment,
+to a friend a few days afterwards. He wrote--
+
+"You will no doubt have heard something about the warm work we had on
+the night before the Battle of Manchester. The city, as you know, was
+covered on the south by a long straggling line of outposts, extending
+practically from Stockport to Altrincham. Late in the afternoon of
+September 6th we received an order to proceed to Mere, about four miles
+from Altrincham, having been detailed to form the section of the
+outposts from New Tatton to Goodier's Green, and on arrival at Mere half
+of our force of 600 was left in reserve there; the supports were moved
+about half a mile down Watling Street, and the remainder was divided
+into three piquets, No. 1 at Bentley Hurst Farm, No. 2 at Moss Cottage,
+and No. 3 near Mereplatt Farm, with four double sentry posts out in
+front of each piquet.
+
+"I was in command of No. 2 picket, with Anderson and Wishton as subs,
+and as soon as I returned to the piquet, after posting the sentries, I
+sent the former with two sections to form a detached post at Over
+Tabley, and instructed him to send a reconnoitring patrol as far down
+Watling Street as he might consider consistent with safety. Anderson
+posted his men, and returned to me about ten o'clock with a corporal and
+two men, bringing in a man who had been pointed out to him at Over
+Tabley as a suspicious character--in fact, he was said to be a spy. He
+had been staying at an inn there for two or three days, and had very
+little luggage. Anderson had examined his portmanteau, but found nothing
+there; and as the man refused to give any account of himself, he made
+him a prisoner. Fresh fires were continually breaking out, therefore I
+thought it best to waste no time questioning him, but took him into a
+room at Moss Cottage, where he was thoroughly searched. Notes were found
+upon him from which it was evident that he had been obtaining
+information for the enemy for some time, and, better still, particulars
+of their proposed operations for the investment of Manchester, showing
+that they were advancing in our direction along the old Watling Street.
+
+"I sent the prisoner under escort to the commander of the outposts, and
+at the same time sent word to Nos. 1 and 3 piquets, after which Anderson
+and I went down to Over Tabley, leaving Wishton in charge of No. 2. The
+machine gun that had been allotted to my piquet I also ordered to Over
+Tabley, and on arrival there we threw up barricades, hastily constructed
+of barrels, doors, and logs, banked with earth, across the road between
+the Vicarage and the church. A quantity of barbed wire was found in the
+village, and this came in very useful, for we stretched several lengths
+of it across the roads on the off-side of the barricade.
+
+"There were under thirty of us, but every man was determined to do his
+duty unflinchingly. By this time it was past eleven, and very dark, yet
+there was just light enough to train the gun on to the centre of the
+cross-roads by Dairyhouse Farm. Very soon we could hear the enemy
+approaching, and as their spy had not met them outside, they evidently
+concluded that the village was unoccupied, and advanced in comparatively
+close order, Cossacks leading, and the infantry so close that there was
+practically no division between their vanguard and mainguard. The first
+section of Cossacks very soon found our first wire, and the whole of
+their horses came to grief. Those in the rear, thinking probably that
+there was no other obstruction in the way, spurred their horses and
+galloped over their friends, only to meet with a similar fate further
+on.
+
+"The pioneers doubled up, and began to cut the wires, and fearing that
+the infantry in the rear would soon deploy, I gave the order for
+independent firing. The Russians stood it for some minutes, and
+attempted to reply, but not a man of ours was visible, and they soon
+retreated to Tabley Hall, where I had no means of following them.
+
+"It must be remembered that we were all Volunteers, the Regulars being
+on the Stockport flank of the outpost line. My men behaved splendidly,
+and the firing was excellent from first to last."
+
+About the same time as the unsuccessful attack was made on the outposts
+at Mere, the British line was broken through at Heald Green and
+Appletree.
+
+A cavalry patrol, supported by infantry, was feeling its way along the
+road to Wilmslow, and had passed Willow Farm, at which point the road
+runs beside the railway embankment.
+
+The storm had burst, the thunder rolled incessantly, rain fell in
+torrents, and the lightning played about them, causing their arms to
+gleam in its vivid flashes.
+
+Slowly, and without undue noise, the patrol was wending its way up the
+hill towards Finney Green, when suddenly there was a terrific rattle of
+musketry, and they discovered to their surprise that the enemy, who were
+occupying the embankment of the North-Western Railway on their left,
+were pouring upon them a fire sufficient to blanch the cheek of the
+bravest among them.
+
+Along the embankment for a mile or more were stationed infantry with
+magazine rifles, and in addition they had brought two machine guns into
+play with appalling effect. So sudden did this galling fire open upon
+them, that men and horses fell without being able to fire a shot in
+return. British infantry, however, stood their ground, and as the
+lightning flashed, disclosing the position of the enemy, every Russian
+who dared to stand up or show himself was promptly picked off. But
+against the awful rain of deadly bullets ejected from the machine guns,
+at the rate of 600 a minute, no force could make a successful defence.
+
+Many British heroes fell pierced by a dozen bullets; still their
+comrades, seeking what shelter they could, continued the defensive.
+
+Meanwhile over the dismal muddy road the survivors of the cavalry
+galloped back, and quickly reported to the commander of the piquet at
+Appletree that the enemy were in strong force on the other side of the
+embankment between Oaklands and Wilmslow Park, and as they had heard a
+train run into Wilmslow Station and stop, it was evident that the enemy
+had reopened the line from Crewe, and intended concentrating part of
+their reinforcements to the general advance. The facts that the enemy
+had succeeded in cutting all the telegraph lines in the district, and
+had now obtained complete control over the railway, were most alarming,
+and the outlook of the defenders was rendered doubly serious by the
+large force they were compelled to keep east of Stockport, and in the
+Peak district, to prevent the invaders getting round to attack
+Manchester from the north.
+
+On receipt of the news of the disaster to the patrol, the commander of
+the piquet at Appletree immediately sent information to the commander of
+the piquet posted at the railway station at Cheadle Hulme; but by a
+strange oversight, due no doubt to the excitement of the moment, sent no
+report to the commander of the outposts. The infantry engaging the
+Russians on the embankment, though exhibiting most gallant courage, were
+so exposed that it was little wonder they were soon completely
+annihilated, only half a dozen escaping.
+
+The enemy must have detrained a large number of troops at Wilmslow, for
+the British cavalry scouts were quickly followed up by Cossacks and the
+Tsar's Dragoons. Quickly the sentries between Heald Green and
+Appletree were driven back on their piquets, the latter extending in
+skirmishing order. Such a manoeuvre, however, proved fatal in the
+darkness and on the heavy ploughed land over which they were fighting.
+Alas! very few succeeded in reaching the supports, and when they did,
+they all fell back hurriedly on the reserves at Pimgate.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLEFIELD OF MANCHESTER.]
+
+Then the commander of the piquet at Cheadle Hulme Station, finding that
+he must inevitably be attacked by road and rail, set the station on
+fire, and with the assistance of the railway officials blew up a large
+portion of the permanent way with dynamite, thus cutting off the enemy's
+means of communication. This accomplished, he fell back upon his
+supports at Adswood, and they, at about 2 A.M., retreated with the
+reserves to the embankment of the North-Western Railway which carries
+the line from Stockport to Whaley Bridge, and took up a strong position
+to assist in the defence of Stockport.
+
+The latter town was defended on three sides by railway embankments,
+which were now occupied by strong bodies of Regulars, with several
+Maxims. One embankment ran from the west boundary of the town to
+Middlewood Junction, another from Middlewood to Marple, and a third from
+Marple to Mayercroft. Throughout the night the defenders were in hourly
+expectation that an attack would be made upon their positions, with the
+object of investing Stockport as a preliminary to the assault on the
+defensive lines north of the Mersey; but the enemy apparently had other
+objects, and the disaster to the British cavalry patrol on the Wilmslow
+road was, unfortunately, followed by a second and more serious one. The
+Cossacks and Dragoons that followed the British cavalry scouts overtook
+them just as they had joined their reserves, a short distance beyond
+Pimgate, about half-past two. A fierce fight ensued, and the force of
+British cavalry and infantry was gradually drawn into a
+cunningly-devised trap, and then there suddenly appeared a great force
+of Russians, who simply swept down upon them, slaughtering the whole of
+them with brutal ferocity, not, however, before they had fought
+desperately, and inflicted enormous loss upon the enemy.
+
+Having totally annihilated that detachment of defenders, the Russians
+marched into Cheadle, and, after sacking the little town, burned it,
+together with the Grange, the Print Works, the railway station, St.
+Mary's Church, and a number of large mills.
+
+The great army of the Tsar had bivouaced, reserving its strength for a
+desperate dash upon Manchester. But the British outposts stood wakeful
+and vigilant, ready at any moment to sound the alarm. To those
+entrenched beyond the winding Mersey, soaked by the heavy rain, and
+spending the dark hours in anxiety, there came over the dismal country
+the sound of distant rifle-firing mingling with the roll of the thunder.
+Ere long they knew that every man would be fighting for his life against
+the great hordes of invaders who would descend upon them swiftly and
+mercilessly. Across the country from the Peak away to Chester, the
+Briton bravely faced his foe, anxious and vigilant, awaiting
+breathlessly the progress of events.
+
+Thus passed the stormy, oppressive night, till the grey dawn of a
+fateful day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS.
+
+
+With the first streak of daylight the anxious, excited crowds of men and
+women, surging up and down the principal streets of Manchester, were
+alarmed by the sounds of heavy firing. A terrible panic instantly
+ensued. The battle had actually commenced!
+
+Half-starved operatives, with pale, wan faces, stood in groups in
+Deansgate, Market Street, Piccadilly, and London Road, while men, armed
+with any weapons they could obtain, rushed out along the main roads to
+the south of the city to assist in its defence. Lancashire men exhibited
+commendable patriotism, even though they had not hesitated to criticise
+the administration of our War Department; for now at the critical hour
+not a man flinched from his duty, both old and young taking up arms for
+their country's honour.
+
+During the eventful night at all approaches to the city from the south
+the roads had been thrown into a state of hasty defence. A formidable
+barricade had been constructed at a point in the Stretford Road close to
+the Botanical Gardens to prevent the enemy from advancing up the Chester
+or Stretford New Roads; another was thrown up at the junction of
+Chorlton Road, Withington Road, Upper Chorlton Road, and Moss Lane West;
+a third opposite Rusholme Hall prevented any march up the Wilmslow Road;
+while others of minor strength blocked the Anson Road close to the Elms,
+the London Road at Longsight, the Hyde Road opposite Belle Vue Prison,
+and at Ivy Place in the Ashton Old Road.
+
+These had all been raised out of any materials that came to hand.
+Barrels, brick rubbish, planks, doors, flooring of houses hastily torn
+up, and scaffold poles lashed together; in fact, the barriers were huge
+piles of miscellaneous and portable articles, even furniture from
+neighbouring houses being utilised, while lengths of iron railings and
+wire torn from fences played an important part in these hastily-built
+defences. Behind them, armed with rifles, shot-guns, pistols, knives,
+and any other weapon that came handiest, the men of Manchester waited,
+breathlessly impatient in the expectation of attack.
+
+As dawn spread bright and rosy, and the mist cleared from the low
+meadows beside the Mersey, the distant firing was continuous, and the
+one or two shells that fell and burst in the centre of the city were
+precursory of an awful sanguinary struggle. Scarcely a person in that
+densely populated area had slept that night, and the streets were
+everywhere full, the most exciting and heartrending scenes being
+witnessed.
+
+A great crowd that assembled in Albert Square was addressed by the Mayor
+from the steps of the Town Hall, and urged to strain every muscle to
+drive back the invaders, in order that the disaster at Birmingham should
+not be repeated. Even as he spoke, in the interval of wild cheering and
+the energetic singing of the National Anthem and "Rule, Britannia," the
+distant crackling of rifles and the low booming of field guns could be
+heard.
+
+It was the din of battle--the catastrophe caused by the cunning spy Von
+Beilstein, who was still living in luxury in London, and who still posed
+as the friend of Geoffrey Engleheart and Violet Vayne!
+
+Geoffrey was still with the Volunteers assisting in the defence of
+London, but the French spy who had sent the forged orders to our Navy
+had apparently made good his escape.
+
+Here, in Manchester, the sound of the guns aroused that patriotic
+enthusiasm latent in the heart of every Briton. True, they were weary,
+famished, ill from lack of food, yet they were fiercely determined that
+the invader should never tread their streets, nor should incendiaries
+burn or Russian artillery destroy their handsome buildings--monuments of
+England's wealth and greatness. In St. Peter's Square, at a mass meeting
+attended by nearly twelve thousand people, a demonstration was made
+against the enemy, and it was resolved that every man should act his
+part in the struggle, and that no quarter should be shown the legions of
+the Tsar; while at another impromptu meeting held in Piccadilly, in the
+open space opposite the Infirmary, the conduct of the Russians before
+Birmingham was denounced; and some speakers, using violent language,
+lashed their hearers into a frenzy of mad excitement, causing an eager
+rush to the barricades in readiness for the terrible fray.
+
+As the sun shone out pale and yellow in the stormy sky, the fighting
+spread quickly down the Mersey banks from Haughton away to Flixton. It
+became fiercest around Stockport, and over the level pastures the white
+smoke of rifles puffed from every bush, wall, and fence.
+
+The Russians were the superior force, for, while all were trained
+soldiers, not more than a third of the defenders had taken the Queen's
+shilling, and not more than half of them had ever had an hour's drill in
+their lives. They were simply volunteers who had found their own arms
+and banded for the defence of their homes.
+
+The soldiers of the Tsar, trained under the most rigorous discipline,
+had considerably improved in tactics, in drill, and in munitions of war
+since the Crimea,--a fact overlooked by the majority of Britons,--and
+they had now taken possession of every strategical position where
+batteries might be established. After fierce fighting over Lyme Park
+across to Norbury Hall, in which the Russians lost very heavily owing to
+the British gun fire from the railway embankment, a great charge was
+made by an enormous body of infantry, who succeeded, after several
+futile attempts, in carrying the position, and driving the British
+artillerymen back to the road which runs from Stockport to Marple.
+
+The embankment which thus fell into the hands of the Muscovite infantry
+formed one of the strongest defences of Stockport, therefore they at
+once moved the guns up towards Davenport Station, and commenced shelling
+the city with the defenders' own guns!
+
+The panic caused in Stockport was awful, when without warning shells
+commenced to explode in the crowded barricaded streets, but the Russians
+were not allowed to have things their own way for long. The British
+batteries on the opposite railway embankment between Heaton Norris and
+New Mills formed up at the junction almost opposite Davenport, and
+opened a terrific fire upon the captured guns.
+
+For half an hour this continued, and the Russians, standing in an
+exposed position right on the sky-line, were being swept away by British
+shells, when suddenly the enemy were joined by reinforcements, whereupon
+a small force of British infantry, who had been brought quickly along,
+unperceived by the enemy from Marple, suddenly swarmed up the embankment
+at Norbury, and, charging along to the Russian position, added a strong
+rifle fire to that of their artillery.
+
+The officer commanding the British batteries watched the infantry
+advance through his field glass, and in a few minutes suddenly ceased
+his fire, so as to allow the infantry to make the dash for which they
+were preparing. A heliograph signal was flashed from the batteries, and
+then, without hesitation, the order was given to charge.
+
+It was a terribly exciting moment. If they succeeded they would in all
+probability save Stockport. If they were driven back the town was
+doomed.
+
+With admirable pluck the British rushed upon the guns, and for a few
+minutes there was a fierce struggle hand to hand. Russians, although
+making a most desperate stand, were every moment being impaled on
+British bayonets, or, pierced by bullets, they rolled down the slopes
+into ditches covered in stagnant slime. Hacked to pieces by the small
+but gallant force of Britons, the enemy were forced at last to give in
+and retire, leaving more than half their number killed; but with
+admirable tact, the fugitives were forced down the bank nearest the
+British batteries. Thus they fell into a trap, for as soon as they
+attempted to recover themselves, and make a dash to reorganise their
+line of communications, two British Maxims uttered their sharp rattle,
+and the whole force were simply mowed down where they stood.
+
+The fight had been a most desperate one, but, thanks to the heroic
+charge of the British infantry, Stockport was again safe, and the guns
+once more in the hands of her defenders.
+
+Meanwhile, fighting of the fiercest possible description was taking
+place across the meadows lying between Norbury and Bramhall, and the
+Russians, unable to withstand the withering British fire, were gradually
+forced back to Cheadle Hulme, where they were surprised by the defenders
+and utterly routed. So great was the slaughter, that it is estimated
+that in this engagement alone, after the recapture of the guns by the
+British, over 4000 Russians were shot down and 3000 taken prisoners!
+
+The Russians, finding how desperate was the resistance, and how heavily
+they were losing, quickly brought up strong reinforcements upon Cheadle,
+and, after a fiercely-contested conflict, succeeded in driving back the
+small British force, they being compelled to retreat back over the
+Mersey to Parr's Wood and Didsbury, afterwards blowing up the bridges,
+and keeping up a hot fire from the bank, where a large body of
+Volunteers were already entrenched. By this means, although they were
+unable to save Cheadle from being burned, they succeeded, by reason of
+the excellence of their position and the admirable tactics they
+displayed, in mowing down another 2000 of the Tsar's soldiers. In this
+instance the laurels remained with a portion of the Manchester Volunteer
+Brigade, the effect of whose rifle fire was appalling.
+
+It was now about ten o'clock, and the sky had cleared for a brilliant
+day. At Chapel-en-le-Frith a large detachment of Cossacks had been swept
+away by a body of British Hussars who had suddenly descended upon
+Whitehough, while almost at the same moment a British battery that had
+been hastily established on Chinley Churn succeeded in wiping out a
+body of infantry that was advancing with all speed in the neighbourhood
+of Yeardsley Hall. But one of the most sanguinary portions of the battle
+was the conflict which spread westward from Cheadle across to
+Altrincham, Lymm, and Warrington. Already Altrincham had fallen. The
+fine villas of wealthy Manchester tradesmen and manufacturers, deserted
+by their owners, had been entered by the uncouth Muscovites and sacked.
+Every nook and corner had been searched for plate, jewellery, and money,
+paintings had been ruthlessly torn down, furniture broken and burned,
+and Russian troopers had made merry in many a handsome drawing-room. Old
+Field Hall and Timperly Hall had both been ransacked and set on fire
+with petroleum, while every house at Dunham Massey had been destroyed by
+incendiaries.
+
+Elated over their successes, the Russians were collecting their forces
+preparatory to a decisive rush over the Mersey to Stretford, intending
+to take that place, and advance by that route upon Manchester. The
+defenders, who had been warned of this through spies, awaited their
+chance, and suddenly, when the Russians least expected an attack, a body
+of British cavalry, backed by infantry, crossed the Mersey, and sweeping
+down the level turnpike road to Sale, came upon their opponents before
+they were aware of their presence. The effect of this was frightful. A
+small body of British Hussars, with some Lancashire Yeomanry, made a
+splendid charge, exhibiting magnificent courage, and cut their way clean
+through the Russian lines with irresistible force; while the infantry,
+advancing cautiously, and taking every advantage of the small cover
+afforded on that level country, poured forth a deadly rifle fire.
+Indeed, so gallant was this charge, that the Tsar's forces were almost
+annihilated. They endeavoured to make a stand near the cross-roads
+leading from Carrington Moss, but the rifle fire of the defenders was so
+heavy that they dropped by hundreds under the deadly rain of British
+bullets.
+
+The disaster to the Russians being signalled back by them to their
+reserves at Tatton Park and around Knutsford, had the effect of bringing
+up an enormous force of infantry. Signallers were at work in all
+directions, and those who watched the progress of the action found the
+next two hours full of exciting moments. It was apparent at once that
+the Russians had marked out Stretford as the gate by which they intended
+to enter Manchester, but they must have been misled by their spies as to
+the strength of the defenders in this direction.
+
+Indeed, if they had surveyed the whole of the southern line defending
+the city, they could not have discovered a point more strongly
+fortified; therefore it was a somewhat curious fact that they should
+have concentrated their forces upon that part. Possibly it was because
+they had formed an opinion by studying their Ordnance Maps--so
+generously provided for them by the British Department of Agriculture at
+a cost of one shilling each--that, if they succeeded in breaking the
+defence at Stretford, they would also secure the road running in a
+circular direction up to Barton, by which means they could enter
+Manchester by way of Eccles, Pendleton, and Salford at the same time as
+the march through Trafford. Such a design was, of course, cleverly
+planned. It must be admitted that, from a strategical point of view, the
+taking of Stretford would mean the fall of Manchester, a fact which the
+Russian commanding officer had not overlooked.
+
+But the soldiers of the Tsar had reckoned without their hosts. They only
+saw along the Mersey a thin and apparently weak line of defence, a
+massing of defenders without undue ostentation and without any
+particular show of strength. A balloon sent up by the Russians to
+reconnoitre from Sale had been fired at and brought down by the
+defenders, but with this exception scarcely a shot had been fired north
+of the Mersey. Britons were watching and waiting. Their foe, ridiculing
+the idea that a town like Manchester, almost utterly devoid of positions
+whereon batteries might be established, could be successfully defended,
+therefore kept up a desultory fire upon the British detachment that had
+swept away their advance guard, in the meantime covering the massing of
+their enormous force. This latter consisted of Cossacks, guards,
+infantry, artillery, and two companies of engineers, with pontoon
+sections, as well as a ballooning party and two field hospitals.
+
+The British detachment that had crossed the river were, however, unaware
+of the enemy's intention until too late. The manoeuvres of the Russians
+were being watched by a British balloon sent up from Old Trafford, but
+the signals made by the a�ronaut were unfortunately unobserved by the
+party, so desperately were they fighting; otherwise a disaster which
+befell them on the sudden rush of the enemy towards the river might
+possibly have been averted. However, no blame could be attached to the
+officer in charge of the detachment. The men acted their part bravely,
+and displayed that courage of which the Briton speaks with justifiable
+pride, even though, alas! they fell, every one of them fighting till the
+last, their bodies being afterwards frightfully mangled by horses'
+hoofs, as hundreds of Cossacks rode over them. Not a man of that party
+escaped, but each one had once more shown the world what pluck and
+courage could accomplish, and had gone to his grave as a sacrifice for
+his country and his Queen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS.
+
+
+Noon came and went. The fighting grew fiercer around Manchester, and the
+excitement more intense within the barricaded, starving city. Through
+the wildly agitated crowds of women of all classes, from manufacturers'
+wives to factory girls, who moved up and down Deansgate, Market Street,
+and many other principal thoroughfares, feverishly anxious for the
+safety of their husbands and brothers manning the improvised defences,
+rumours of terrible disaster spread like wildfire, and caused loud
+wailing and lamentation.
+
+Now rumour told of huge British successes away beyond the Mersey, a
+report which elated the pale-faced hungry ones, but this being followed
+quickly by a further report that a force of the defenders had been cut
+up and utterly annihilated outside Eccles, the cheering died away, and
+give place to deep, long-drawn sighs and murmurings of despair.
+
+Upon the dusty, perspiring throngs the hot noonday sun beat down
+mercilessly, the low rumbling of artillery sounded gradually closer and
+more distinct, and the smoke of burning buildings in Sale and Altrincham
+slowly ascending hung in the clear sky a black ominous cloud.
+
+By about two o'clock the line of defence south of the Mersey had been
+nearly all withdrawn, leaving, however, the defending line running
+south-east of Stockport to Buxton and the Peak. Although Cheadle had
+fallen into the enemy's hands, an English battery, established near
+the railway at Bamford, commanded the road from Cheadle to Stockport,
+and British infantry, supported by artillery, were strongly entrenched
+from Bramhall Moor through Norbury, Poynton, Wardsend, Booth Green, and
+Bollington, then turning east through Macclesfield Forest to Buxton.
+This line was being hourly strengthened, and although not strong enough
+to take the offensive, it was too strong for the Russians to attack.
+
+[Illustration: GALLANT STAND BY CYCLISTS IN PARR WOOD.]
+
+All the bridges over the Mersey, from Glazebrook to Stockport, had been
+prepared for demolition, but it was not intended to carry this out
+except as a last resource. Cavalry and cyclist scouts who were left on
+the south of the Mersey had withdrawn across the bridges, after
+exchanging shots with the skirmishers of the advance guards of the enemy
+who quickly lined the banks. The bridges north of Cheadle were then
+blown up, and the defenders were well posted in Parr Wood, near where it
+was believed the enemy would attempt to ford the river. The Russians
+contented themselves with exchanging a few shots with the defenders
+until half an hour later, when some of their batteries had been
+established, and then the passage of the Mersey at Northenden was
+commenced, under cover of the guns of the Russians near the Convalescent
+Hospital, north of Cheadle.
+
+As soon as the Russian scouts approached the river three British
+outposts could be seen in the wood. They were, however, driven in by
+some Cossacks, who forded the river and attempted to enter the wood, but
+were all immediately killed by hidden skirmishers. The Russian engineers
+were meanwhile busy building a pontoon bridge, which they soon
+completed, and they then crossed after a short opposition, rapidly
+deploying to right and left in order to surround Didsbury.
+
+This, the first force to cross the Mersey, consisted of two battalions
+of the Kazan Regiment and two battalions of the Vladimir, with two
+9-pounder and one 6-pounder field batteries and 100 cavalry. Didsbury
+had been put in a state of hasty defence, and was held by two battalions
+of the defenders, who also established a Volunteer battery at Bank
+Hall, and lined the railway embankment in force as far as
+Chorlton-with-Hardy.
+
+The enemy's battery at the Convalescent Home had rendered the wood
+almost untenable, but it was soon silenced by the well-directed fire of
+the British Volunteer battery, and the wood was then re-entered by the
+defenders. By this time, however, a large number of the enemy had taken
+up positions in it, and the British were once more gradually driven
+back.
+
+One section, consisting of six cyclists, with a light machine gun
+mounted on a double cycle, was told off under Sergeant Irons of the
+Royal Lancaster, to defend a junction of two paths about half-way
+through the dense wood, and as the latter was still occupied by the
+defenders, the enemy could only make slow progress, and the cavalry
+could only move by the paths.
+
+Irons, taking advantage of a bend in the path, dismounted his men, who,
+having drawn up their cycles under cover, were formed up each side of
+the road to support the gun. About thirty Russian dragoons, with their
+infantry, who were working through the wood, were soon upon them, and,
+seeing such a small force barring the way, the cavalry charged.
+
+They, however, met with such a terribly hot reception that only two
+reached the guns, and these were immediately shot. The stand made by
+these seven men was a most noteworthy instance of the indomitable
+courage of the defenders. In those critical moments they remained calm
+and collected, obeying the orders of their sergeant as coolly as if they
+had been drilling in the barrack square. But their position was one of
+momentarily increasing peril, for bullets whistled about them, and the
+force against them was an overwhelming one. The Russian horses and men
+who had fallen blocked the road, and Irons therefore gave the order to
+fall in, as the sound of firing had now drawn many of the enemy's
+skirmishers towards the spot.
+
+Irons then re-formed his squad, one of whom had been shot and another
+wounded, and, taking the wounded man with them, retired. Just as they
+were moving off the corporal was wounded in the shoulder, and Irons
+himself received a bullet in the left arm. About two hundred yards
+nearer Didsbury there was a clearing, with farm buildings on both sides
+of the road, and these had been loopholed and occupied by a small force
+of Volunteers. Irons, sending the wounded man on to Didsbury, remained
+here with his gun, and a few minutes later the position was vigorously
+attacked.
+
+The conflict which ensued was of the fiercest description. The mere
+handful of defenders fought with such desperate courage that the great
+body of Russians which surrounded them were from the first moment
+gradually swept away by the steady and precise fire from the farm.
+Around the buildings the enemy swarmed in overwhelming numbers, but
+every man who showed himself was promptly picked off by Britons shooting
+almost as coolly as if they were competing for prizes at Bisley.
+
+Sergeant Irons' small machine gun, with its single barrel, rattled out
+continuously, shedding its rain of lead in all directions, while from
+muzzles of Martini rifles peeping over walls and from windows there came
+a continuous stream of bullets, which played frightful havoc with the
+foe. Within the first ten minutes two men of the defending force had
+been shot dead and one wounded; still, their comrades never lost heart,
+for they were determined that their position should never fall into the
+enemy's hands. The Russian officer who was directing the operations of
+the attacking party rose and shouted in Russian to encourage his men,
+but in a moment an English bullet struck him, and, with a loud cry, he
+fell forward over the body of a dragoon, shot through the heart.
+
+The stand the cyclists and their companions made was unparalleled. They
+fought on heroically, knowing the importance of the position they held,
+and how, if it were taken, other and more serious British casualties
+must follow. Firing steadily and with caution, they displayed such
+bravery that even the Russians themselves were compelled to secretly
+admire them; and at last, after nearly half an hour's desperate
+fighting, the Tsar's soldiers found themselves so terribly cut up that
+they were forced to retire, leaving more than half their number dead
+and many wounded.
+
+While this had been in progress, the British battery had totally
+destroyed the Russian pontoon, and thus all means of retreat for this
+portion of the invading force were cut off. About ten thousand men had
+crossed the river at this point, and although they had deployed at
+first, they had all been gradually driven into the wood by the fire from
+the railway embankment.
+
+As soon as the pontoon was destroyed, the British commenced to advance
+through the wood, slowly driving back the Russians, who then endeavoured
+to make for Stretford along the north bank of the river; but on seeing
+their intention a brigade of defenders was immediately pushed along the
+railway, and two regiments of cavalry were hurried down the road to
+Chorlton.
+
+These succeeded in heading the enemy, and, suddenly swooping down, they
+destroyed the rest of the Cossacks who had escaped from the wood, as
+well as the remainder of the force who had attacked the farm.
+
+Another British battery was then hurried forward, and after a stubborn
+fight the remainder of the invaders who had crossed surrendered.
+
+In this attack alone the Russians lost in killed and wounded 200 cavalry
+and nearly 2000 infantry and artillery, while Stretford and Stockport
+still remained safe. But along the long line east and west the battle
+raged with increasing fierceness. The conflict was a terrible one on
+every hand.
+
+The town of Lymm had been sacked, and was now burning, while hundreds of
+unoffending men, women, and children living in the quiet Cheshire
+villages had been wantonly massacred by the Muscovites. The latter were,
+however, now suffering well-merited punishment, for in this bloody
+battle they were falling dead in hundreds.
+
+The Russian Eagle was at last being forced to bite the dust!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY.
+
+
+The long blazing day was one of many battles and much toilsome combat.
+
+Fighting spread over a front of nearly nine miles, and during the
+engagement one wing of the Russians was swung across three miles. Hour
+after hour the tremendous warfare raged between the armies of Queen
+Victoria and the Tsar, and the bloodshed was everywhere terrible.
+
+Small parties of the Russian Telegraph Corps had ferried over the Ship
+Canal and the Mersey near Latchford, and wires were run out, and posts
+established connecting the headquarters at Altrincham, on the south of
+the river, with the well-advanced guard stations on the Liverpool Road
+towards Manchester at Woolstone, Hollinfare, and Lower Irlam.
+
+Sending forth a huge division of infantry upon his left, and three
+brigades of cavalry in the centre, the Russian General struck hard at
+the British line between Stretford and Chorlton-with-Hardy.
+
+Meanwhile, beyond Ashton-on-Mersey the battle was also growing in
+intensity, and rifle and cannon were noisily engaged. A strong force of
+Russian infantry was at once pushed across to Partington, where they
+succeeded in crossing the Ship Canal and the Mersey, subsequently
+joining their advance guard at Lower Irlam.
+
+The British reserves at Newton-in-Makerfield, however, swept down upon
+them, and a terrible fight quickly ensued. The defenders advanced very
+steadily by section rushes, keeping under good firing discipline as they
+went, and the enemy were driven on towards Flixton, where they were
+simply swept away by the 12-pounder batteries established there, while
+at the same time their wires crossing the Mersey were cut, and
+communication with their headquarters thus interrupted.
+
+While this was in progress, another and more important attack was being
+made on Stretford. The heavy artillery fire and the affairs of outposts
+in the earlier stages of the battle had been followed by a
+carefully-regulated long-range fire of infantry on both sides.
+
+The tactics the Russians had displayed were as follows:--They had
+gradually developed their infantry in front of the Stretford position,
+and brought their pontoons in readiness for a dash over the river. Then,
+after some tentative movements, designed to feel the strength of our
+forces massed at this important point, they apparently determined to
+carry it at any cost.
+
+On their right flank the enemy were losing very heavily. A telegraphic
+message received at Altrincham gave the headquarters alarming news of
+constant reverses. A strong force of infantry marching along the banks
+of the Etherow from Compstall, intending to get to Hyde by way of
+Mottram and Godley Junction, had been attacked by British infantry and a
+couple of 9-pounders, and totally annihilated; while at the same time,
+about a thousand men attacking a British battery on the hill at
+Charlesworth had been cut up and forced to retreat, being followed by
+some Lancers right down to Ludworth Houses, where they were nearly all
+killed or wounded.
+
+Indeed, times without number during that memorable day the Russians made
+fierce attacks upon our positions on the edge of the Peak district, but
+on each occasion they were hurled back with fearful loss by the thin
+line of defenders holding the high ground.
+
+A battery we had established on the crown of the hill at Werneth was
+charged again and again by Cossacks and Dragoons, but our men,
+displaying cool courage at the critical moments, fought desperately, and
+mowed down the foe in a manner that was remarkable.
+
+The Russians, having decided to carry Stretford, were making vigorous
+demonstrations towards the Peak, and in the direction of Flixton, in
+order to distract our attention. They occupied us at many points in the
+vast semicircle, and by thus engaging us all along the line, endeavoured
+apparently to prevent us from reinforcing the point at Stretford which
+they intended gaining. Both invaders and defenders gradually extended in
+order to meet outflanking movements, and this was the cause of another
+sudden British success. It was a foregone conclusion that such an
+extension would exceed the limits of defensive power on one side or the
+other, and then blows would be struck with the object of breaking the
+too extended line.
+
+What occurred is, perhaps, best related by one of the special
+correspondents of the _Daily News_, who, in his account of the battle,
+published two days later, said--
+
+"About three o'clock I was at Barton with the force of infantry who were
+holding the road to Warrington, when we unexpectedly received
+telegraphic information from headquarters of a rapid extension of the
+enemy's left flank. A brigade which I accompanied was pushed on at once
+down to Hollinfare, where we reinforced those who had been so successful
+in cutting up the enemy at Lower Irlam half an hour before. We then
+extended along the Liverpool Road, past Warrington, as far as Widnes. I
+remained with a small detachment at Hollinfare awaiting developments,
+when suddenly we were informed that the enemy had thrown a pontoon
+bridge over the Mersey at its confluence with the Bollin, and that a
+great body of infantry, with machine guns, had left Lymm, where they had
+been lying inactive, and were already crossing. There were not more than
+one hundred of us, mostly men of the Loyal Lancashire from Preston and a
+few of the Manchester Regiment; but at the word of command we dashed
+down the road for nearly a mile, and then leaving it, doubled across the
+fields to Rixton Old Hall, where we obtained cover.
+
+"The Russians had chosen the most advantageous spot they could find to
+cross, for on the opposite bank there was a small thick wood, and in
+this they remained quite concealed until they suddenly dashed out and
+got across. Numbers had already reached our side and were deploying,
+when our rifles spoke out sharply, and, judging from the manner in which
+the enemy were exposed, our fire was quite unexpected. About thirty of
+our men, kneeling behind a wall, kept up a vigorous fire, emptying their
+magazines with excellent effect upon the grey-coats swarming over the
+improvised bridge.
+
+"Still it was impossible to keep them back, for the force effecting a
+passage was very much larger than we had anticipated.
+
+"A few minutes later, having ascertained the extent of the attack, our
+signallers opened communication with Higher Irlam, and the information
+was conveyed on to Barton, whence the heliograph flashed the news down
+to Stretford.
+
+"Suddenly, however, in the midst of a shady clump of trees there was a
+loud rattle and continuous flashing. The enemy had brought a
+10-barrelled Nordenfelt into play, and it was raining bullets upon us at
+the rate of a thousand a minute!
+
+"The wall behind which I was crouching was struck by a perfect hail of
+lead, and there was a loud whistling about my ears that was particularly
+disconcerting. Nevertheless our men had in their sudden dash for the
+defence secured an excellent position, and only three were killed and
+five wounded by this sudden outburst.
+
+"The struggle during the next few minutes was the most desperate I have
+ever witnessed. At the moment of peril our men displayed magnificent
+pluck. They seemed utterly unconcerned at their imminent danger, and lay
+or crouched, firing independently with calm precision. A dozen or so
+fell wounded, however, and a sergeant who knelt next to me, and who was
+shooting through a hole in the wall, was shot through the heart, and
+fell dead while in the act of making an observation to me.
+
+"The men who had attacked us were a fierce-looking set, mostly composed
+of Tchuwakes and Mordwa from the central district of the Volga, and
+renowned as among the best infantry that the Tsar can command.
+
+"Rifles bristled from every bit of cover around us, and it was really
+marvellous that we scored such success. Indeed, it was only by reason of
+the courageous conduct of every individual man that the successful stand
+was made against such overwhelming numbers. We knew that if the enemy
+forced the passage and annihilated us, they would then be enabled to
+outflank our force, and get round to Eccles and Pendlebury--a disaster
+which might result in the rapid investment of Manchester. Therefore we
+fought on, determined to do our very utmost to stem the advancing tide
+of destroyers.
+
+"Time after time our rifles rattled, and time after time the deadly
+Nordenfelt sent its hail of bullets around us. Presently, however, we
+heard increased firing on our right, and then welcome signals reached us
+from Martinscroft Green. We greeted them with loud cheering, for a force
+of our infantry and cavalry had returned along the road from Warrington,
+and, working in extended order, were bearing down upon the foe.
+
+"We ceased firing in that direction, and ere long we had the
+satisfaction of seeing the enemy's pontoon blown up, and then, with
+their retreat cut off, they became demoralised, and were driven into the
+open, where we picked them off so rapidly that scarcely one man of the
+1500 who had set his foot upon the Lancashire bank survived.
+
+"From first to last our men fought magnificently. The whole engagement
+was a brilliant and almost unequalled display of genuine British
+bravery, and all I can hope is that the defenders of London will act
+their part with equal courage when the decisive struggle comes."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED.
+
+
+While this vigorous attack on the right flank was in progress, the enemy
+made a sudden dash upon Stretford.
+
+The edge of the town itself--or rather suburb--lies but a short distance
+from the Mersey, and the turnpike road runs straight away over the river
+through Sale and Altrincham to Northwich. At the end of the town nearest
+the river a road leading down from Barton joins the main road, and at
+the junction is a large red-brick modern hotel, the Old Cock, while
+adjoining is the Manchester Tramway Company's stable and terminus. At a
+little distance behind lies a high embankment, which carries the railway
+from Manchester to Liverpool, while the Mersey itself, though not wide,
+has steep banks with earthworks thrown up to prevent floods. Hence the
+force holding this position found ready-made defences which were now of
+the utmost value.
+
+The defenders here included three batteries of Royal Artillery, one
+battalion of the Manchester Regiment, the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the
+same regiment, and one of the Lancashire Fusiliers, a field company of
+Engineers, half the 14th (King's) Hussars with their machine gun
+section, and a company of signallers. Trenches had been dug at various
+points, and earthworks thrown up all along the line from Chorlton over
+to Flixton. Across the junction of the two roads opposite the Old Cock a
+great barricade had been constructed, and behind this was a powerful
+battery that commanded the level country away towards Altrincham. The
+bridges carrying the road and railway over the river had both been
+demolished by engineers, and many other precautions had been taken to
+prevent the enemy forcing a passage across.
+
+At last, with a swiftness that was surprising, the expected assault was
+made. Its strength was terrific, and the carnage on both sides
+appalling.
+
+The first dash across was effected by the Russians from the rifle range
+near Old Hall, and this was rapidly followed by another from the bank
+opposite the battery at Stretford, while further down a third attack was
+made near Mersey House, close to Ashton.
+
+Of the three, the strongest, of course, was that upon Stretford. The
+enemy had, by a good deal of neat manoeuvring, brought their main body
+within the triangle bounded on the one side by the road from Cheadle to
+Altrincham, on the second by the road from the latter place to the
+river, and the third by the river itself.
+
+Pontoons were floated at many points, and while some cavalry forded the
+river, infantry and artillery rapidly crossed in the face of a terrific
+fire which was pouring upon them.
+
+Smokeless powder being used, the positions of the invaders were not
+obscured, and it could be seen that the British were effecting terrible
+execution. Hundreds of the foe who were in the act of crossing were
+picked off, and shells falling upon the pontoons destroyed them. The
+latter, however, were quickly replaced, and the force of the Tsar, by
+reason of the overwhelming numbers that had hurled themselves upon
+Stretford, succeeded, after a desperately-contested fight, in breaking
+the line of defence between Chorlton-with-Hardy and Fallowfield, and
+advancing by short rushes upon Manchester.
+
+But the British infantry in their trenches behaved splendidly, and made
+the roads from Old Hall at Sale right along to Partington quite
+untenable, so the continuous advance of the enemy cost them very dearly.
+
+Russian shells bursting in Stretford killed and injured large numbers
+of the defenders. Two of them struck the Old Cock in rapid succession,
+almost completely demolishing it, but the d�bris was quickly manned, and
+rifles soon spoke from its ruined walls. Again, a shell exploding in the
+large tram stables, set a hay store on fire, and this burned furiously,
+while away in the centre of the town the Public Library and a number of
+shops in the vicinity had also been ignited in a similar manner.
+
+At last the thousands of grey-coats swarming over the country fell in
+such enormous numbers upon the British rifle pits on the Mersey bank,
+that the first line of defence was at length utterly broken down; but in
+doing this the enemy's front had become much exposed, whereupon the
+Maxims on the railway embankment between the river and Barton suddenly
+burst forth a perfect hail of bullets, and in a short time a whole
+division of Russian infantry, cavalry, and artillery had been literally
+swept out of existence.
+
+The batteries down in the Stretford Road, combined with those on the
+embankment, had up to this moment played greater havoc with the foe than
+any other. The men of the Manchester Regiment, both Regulars and
+Volunteers, were displaying the greatest coolness; but unfortunately the
+Lancashire Fusiliers and the Loyal North Lancashire, who had manned the
+trenches, had been partially annihilated, the majority lying dead, their
+bodies scattered over the level fields and roads. Yet, notwithstanding
+the strenuous opposition of the British batteries at this point, the
+Russians were bringing up huge reinforcements from Altrincham, Cheadle,
+and Northenden, and by establishing strong batteries commanding
+Stretford, they at last, about five o'clock, succeeded in killing nearly
+half the gallant defenders, and driving back the survivors up the Barton
+Road.
+
+The tide of grey-coats rushing onward, captured the British guns, and
+although the batteries on the railway embankment still held out, and the
+enemy suffered heavily from their Maxims, yet they pressed on into
+Stretford town, and commenced to sack it. Messrs. Williams, Deacon's
+Bank, was entered, the safes blown open, and large sums in gold and
+notes abstracted, shops were entered and looted, and houses ransacked
+for jewellery.
+
+Thus Stretford fell.
+
+Its streets ran with blood; and on, over the bodies of its brave
+defenders, the hordes of the Great White Tsar marched towards
+Manchester.
+
+Meanwhile the British batteries on the railway embankment had also
+fallen into the hands of the Russians, who were now driving the
+survivors over towards Barton. They did not, however, retreat without a
+most desperate resistance. A row of thatched and white-washed cottages
+at the bend of the road they held for a long time, emptying their
+magazine rifles with deadly effect upon their pursuers, but at last they
+were driven north, and half an hour later joined their comrades who had
+massed at Barton, but who had been attacked in great force and fallen
+back in good order to Pendleton.
+
+By this time the enemy, having pierced the line of outposts, had
+occupied Barton and Eccles. At the former place they had set on fire a
+number of factories, and out of mere desire to cause as much damage to
+property as possible, they had blown up both the bridge that carried the
+road over the Ship Canal, and also destroyed the magnificent swinging
+aqueduct which carried the Bridgewater Canal over the other.
+
+This great triumph of engineering--one of the most successful feats of
+the decade--was blown into the air by charges of gun-cotton, and now lay
+across the Ship Canal a heap of fallen masonry and twisted iron
+cantilevers, while the water from the Bridgewater Canal was pouring out
+in thousands of tons, threatening to flood the surrounding district, and
+the church opposite had been wrecked by the terrific force of the
+explosion.
+
+A frightful panic had been caused in Manchester by these reverses. The
+scenes in the streets were indescribable. At the barricades, however,
+the enemy met with a desperate resistance.
+
+Three great columns were marching on Manchester at that moment. The
+first, having broken the line of defence near Fallowfield, divided into
+two divisions; one, advancing up the Wilmslow Road, stormed the great
+barricade opposite Rusholme Hall, while the other appeared on the
+Withington Road, and commenced to engage the defences that had been
+thrown across Moss Lane and Chorlton Road. The second column advanced to
+where Eccles Old Road joins Broad Street at Pendleton; and the third,
+sweeping along up the Stretford Road, met with a terrific resistance at
+the Botanic Gardens at Trafford, the walls of which, on either side of
+the road, were loopholed and manned by infantry and artillery; while
+opposite, the Blind Asylum was held by a regiment of infantry, and a
+strong barricade, with a battery of 12-pounders, had been established a
+little further towards the city, at the junction of the Chester and
+Stretford New Roads.
+
+The enemy advanced here in enormous force; but, seeing the formidable
+defences, a number of cavalry and infantry turned off along the Trafford
+Road, blew up the bridge of the Ship Canal in order to prevent a
+pursuing force of British cavalry from following, and after setting fire
+to the great dock warehouses and crowd of idle ships, continued along to
+Eccles New Road, where, however, they were met by another force of our
+Hussars, and totally routed and cut up.
+
+From this point the tide of battle turned. It was already half-past
+five, and the sun was sinking when the Russian forces prepared for their
+final onslaught. Cossacks and Dragoons charged again and again, and
+infantry with bayonets fixed rushed onward to the barricades in huge
+grey legions, only to be met by a sweeping rain of British bullets,
+which filled the roads with great heaps of dead. In these defences,
+rendered doubly strong by the patriotic action of the stalwart civilians
+of Manchester, the invaders could make no breach, and before every one
+of them they fell in thousands.
+
+The men in the entrenchments saw the foe were falling back, and found
+the attack growing weaker. Then signals were made, and they raised a
+long hearty cheer when the truth was flashed to them.
+
+[Illustration: RUSSIANS ATTACKING THE BARRICADE IN STRETFORD ROAD,
+MANCHESTER.]
+
+The news was inspiriting, and they fought on with redoubled energy, for
+they knew that the great body of reserves from Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde,
+and Compstall, as well as those who had been occupying the hills on the
+edge of the Peak, had been pushed right past Stretford to Barton, and
+were now advancing like a huge fan, outflanking the Russians and
+attacking them in their rear.
+
+The British tactics were excellent, for while the invaders were attacked
+by cavalry and infantry on the one side, the defenders manning the
+barricades made a sudden sortie, cutting their way into them with
+bayonet rushes which they could not withstand, and which had a terribly
+fatal effect.
+
+The Tsar's forces, unable to advance or retreat, and being thus
+completely surrounded, still fought on, and as they refused to
+surrender, were literally massacred by thousands by British troops,
+while many guns and horses were captured, thousands of rounds of
+ammunition seized, and many men taken prisoners.
+
+The fight in that evening hour was the most fiercely contested of any
+during that day. The fate of Manchester was in the hands of our gallant
+soldiers, who, although necessarily losing heavily before such an
+enormous army, behaved with a courage that was magnificent, and which
+was deserving the highest commendation that could be bestowed.
+
+As dusk gathered into darkness, the enemy were being forced back towards
+the Mersey over the roads they had so recently travelled, but still
+fighting, selling their lives dearly. The highways and fields were
+strewn with their dead and dying, for while infantry fired into their
+front from the cover of houses and walls, our cavalry, with whirling
+sabres, fell upon them and hacked them to pieces. Neither Cossacks nor
+Dragoons proved a match for our Hussars, Lancers, and Yeomanry, and even
+in face of the machine guns which the Russians brought into play in an
+endeavour to break the line and escape, our infantry dashed on with
+grand and magnificent charges, quickly seizing the Nordenfelts, turning
+their own guns against them, and letting loose a fire that mowed down
+hundreds.
+
+Across the neighbouring country our forces swept in good attack
+formation, and all along that great line, nearly six miles in length,
+the slaughter of Russians was frightful.
+
+In the falling gloom fire flashed from the muzzles of rifles, cannon,
+and machine guns, and far above the terrible din sounded shrill cries of
+pain and hoarse shouts of despair as the great Army that had devastated
+our beloved country with fire and sword was gradually annihilated. In
+those roads in the south of the city the scenes of bloodshed were awful,
+as a force of over 20,000 Russians were slaughtered because they would
+not yield up their arms.
+
+Outside Stretford a last desperate stand was made, but ere long some
+British cavalry came thundering along, and cut them down in a frightful
+manner, while about the same time a Russian flying column was
+annihilated over at Davy-Hulme; away at Carrington a retreating brigade
+of infantry which had escaped over the river was suddenly pounced upon
+by the defenders and slaughtered; and at Altrincham the enemy's
+headquarters were occupied, and the staff taken prisoners. Ere the
+Russian General could be forced to surrender, however, he placed a
+revolver to his head, and in full view of a number of his officers, blew
+his brains out.
+
+Then, when the moon shone out from behind a dark bank of cloud just
+before midnight, she shed her pale light upon the wide battlefield on
+both sides of the Mersey, whereon lay the bodies of no fewer than 30,000
+Russians and 12,000 British, while 40,000 Russians and 16,000 British
+lay wounded, nearly 10,000 Russians having been disarmed and marched
+into the centre of the city as prisoners.
+
+The victory had only been achieved at the eleventh hour by dint of great
+courage and forethought, and being so swift and effectual it was
+magnificent.
+
+Manchester was safe, and the public rejoicings throughout that night
+were unbounded.
+
+The loss of life was too awful for reflection, for 12,000 of Britain's
+heroes--men who had won the battle--were lying with their white lifeless
+faces upturned to the twinkling stars.
+
+
+
+
+_BOOK III_
+
+_THE VICTORY_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A SHABBY WAYFARER.
+
+
+In Sussex the situation was now most critical. The struggle between the
+French invaders and the line of Volunteers defending London was long and
+desperate, but our civilian soldiers were bearing their part bravely,
+showing how Britons could fight, and day after day repelling the
+repeated assaults with a vigour that at once proved their efficiency.
+
+Three days after the battle at Manchester had been fought and won, a man
+with slouching gait and woeful countenance, attired in a cheap suit of
+shabby grey, stood on the steps of the Granton Hotel, at Granton, and
+with his hands thrust into his pockets gazed thoughtfully out over the
+broad waters of the Firth of Forth, to where the Fifeshire hills loomed
+dark upon the horizon. Slowly his keen eyes wandered away eastward to
+the open sea, an extensive view of which he obtained from the flight of
+steps whereon he stood, and then with a sigh of disappointment he
+buttoned his coat, and, grasping his stick, descended, and walked at a
+leisurely pace along the road through Newhaven to Leith.
+
+"To-night. To-night at sundown!" he muttered to himself, as he bent his
+head to the wind.
+
+Involuntarily he placed his hand to his hip to reassure himself that a
+letter he carried was still safe.
+
+"Bah!" he continued, "I declare I feel quite timid to-night. Everything
+is so quiet here; the houses look deserted, and everybody seems to have
+left the place. Surely they can have no suspicion, and--and if they had?
+What does it matter?--eh, what?"
+
+Quickening his pace, he passed down the long, quaint street of Newhaven,
+lined on each side by ancient fishermen's cottages, and then, crossing
+the railway, passed under the wall of Leith Fort, whereon a couple of
+sentries were pacing. Glancing up at the two artillerymen, with the
+half-dozen obsolete guns behind them, and their background of
+grass-grown mounds and buildings, the wayfarer smiled. He was thinking
+how different would be the scene at this spot ere long.
+
+Leith Fort was a sort of fortified back-garden. The railway ran close to
+the sea, parallel with which was the highway, and upon higher ground at
+the back was a block of buildings, before which a few black old cannon
+were placed in formidable array, and in such a position as to be fully
+exposed to any destructive projectiles fired from the sea.
+
+On went the down-at-heel wayfarer, his shifty eyes ever on the alert,
+viewing with suspicion the one or two persons he met. Apparently he was
+expecting the arrival of some craft, for his gaze was constantly turned
+towards the wide expanse of grey water, eager to detect the smallest
+speck upon the horizon. Any one who regarded him critically might have
+noticed something remarkable about his appearance, yet not even his most
+intimate friends would have recognised in this broken-down, half-starved
+clerk, who had arrived at Granton that morning, after tramping over from
+Glasgow, the popular man-about-town, the Count von Beilstein!
+
+"Those fools will soon be swept away into eternity," he muttered to
+himself, as he glanced back in the direction of the fort. "They will
+have an opportunity of tasting Russian lead, and of practising with
+their guns, which are only fit for a museum. They mount guard to defend
+an attack! Bah! They seek their own destruction, for no force can
+withstand that which will presently appear to give them a sudden
+rousing. They will be elevated--blown into the air, together with their
+miserable guns, their barracks, and the whole of their antiquated
+paraphernalia. And to me the world owes this national catastrophe! I am
+the looker-on. These British have a proverb that the looker-on sees most
+of the game. _Bien! that is full of truth._"
+
+And he chuckled to himself, pursuing his way at the same pace, now and
+then glancing back as if to assure himself that no one dogged his
+footsteps. Darkness had crept on quickly as he passed along through the
+open country at Fillyside and entered Portobello, the little
+watering-place so popular with holiday makers from Edinburgh during the
+summer. Along the deserted promenade he strolled leisurely from end to
+end, and passing out of the town through Joppa, came at length to that
+rugged shore between the Salt Pans and Eastfield. The tide was out, so,
+leaving the road, he walked on in the darkness over the shingles until
+he came to a small cove, and a moment later two men confronted him.
+
+A few sentences in Russian were rapidly exchanged between the spy and
+the men, and then the latter at once guided him to where a boat lay in
+readiness, but concealed. Five minutes later the Count was being rowed
+swiftly but silently away into the darkness by six stalwart men
+belonging to one of the Tsar's battleships.
+
+The oars dipped regularly as the boat glided onwards, but no word was
+exchanged, until about twenty minutes later the men suddenly stopped
+pulling, a rope thrown by a mysterious but vigilant hand whistled over
+their heads and fell across them, and then they found themselves under
+the dark side of a huge ironclad. It was the new battleship, _Admiral
+Orlovski_, which had only just left the Baltic for the first time.
+Without delay the spy climbed on board, and was conducted at once by a
+young officer into the Admiral's private cabin.
+
+A bearded, middle-aged man, in handsome naval uniform, who was poring
+over a chart, rose as he entered. The spy, bowing, said briefly in
+Russian--
+
+"I desire to see Prince Feodor Mazaroff, Admiral of the Fleet."
+
+"I am at your service, m'sieur," the other replied in French, motioning
+him to a chair.
+
+The Count, seating himself, tossed his hat carelessly upon the table,
+explaining that he had been sent by the Russian Intelligence Department
+as bearer of certain important documents which would materially assist
+him in his operations.
+
+"Yes," observed the Prince, "I received a telegram from the Ministry at
+Petersburg before I left Christiansand, telling me to await you here,
+and that you would furnish various information."
+
+"That I am ready to do as far as lies in my power," replied the Count,
+taking from his hip pocket a bulky packet, sealed with three great daubs
+of black wax. This he handed to the Prince, saying, "It contains maps of
+the country between Edinburgh and Glasgow, specially prepared by our
+Secret Service, together with a marked chart of the Firth of Forth, and
+full detailed information regarding the troops remaining to defend this
+district."
+
+The Admiral broke the seals, and glanced eagerly through the contents,
+with evident satisfaction.
+
+"Now, what is the general condition of the south of Scotland?" the
+Prince asked, lounging back, twirling his moustache with a
+self-satisfied air.
+
+"Totally unprepared. It is not believed that any attack will be made.
+The military left north of the Cheviots after mobilisation were sent
+south to assist in the defence of Manchester."
+
+"Let us hope our expedition to-night will meet with success. We are now
+one mile east of Craig Waugh, and in an hour our big guns will arouse
+Leith from its lethargy. You will be able to watch the fun from deck,
+and give us the benefit of your knowledge of the district. Is the fort
+at Leith likely to offer any formidable resistance?" continued the
+Admiral. "I see the information here is somewhat vague upon that
+point."
+
+"The place is useless," replied the spy, as he stretched out his hand
+and took a pencil and paper from the Prince's writing-table. "See! I
+will sketch it for you. In the character of a starving workman who
+desired to volunteer I called there, and succeeded in obtaining a good
+view of the interior. They have a few modern guns, but the remainder are
+old muzzleloaders, which against such guns as you have on board here
+will be worse than useless." And as he spoke he rapidly sketched a plan
+of the defences in a neat and accurate manner, acquired by long
+practice. "The most serious resistance will, however, be offered from
+Inchkeith Island, four miles off Leith. There has lately been
+established there a new fort, containing guns of the latest type. A plan
+of the place, which I succeeded in obtaining a few days ago, is, you
+will find, pinned to the chart of the Firth of Forth."
+
+The Admiral opened out the document indicated, and closely examined the
+little sketch plan appended. On the chart were a number of small squares
+marked in scarlet, surrounded by a blue circle to distinguish them more
+readily from the dots of red which pointed out the position of the
+lights. These squares, prepared with the utmost care by von Beilstein,
+showed the position of certain submarine mines, a plan of which he had
+succeeded in obtaining by one of his marvellous master-strokes of
+finesse.
+
+"Thanks to you, Count, our preparations are now complete," observed the
+Prince, offering the spy a cigarette from his silver case, and taking
+one himself. "Our transports, with three army corps, numbering nearly
+60,000 men and 200 guns, are at the present moment lying 12 miles north
+of the Bass Rock, awaiting orders to enter the Firth, therefore I think
+when we land we shall"--
+
+A ray of brilliant white light streamed for a moment through the port of
+the cabin, and then disappeared.
+
+The Prince, jumping to his feet, looked out into the darkness, and saw
+the long beam sweeping slowly round over the water, lighting up the
+ships of his squadron in rapid succession.
+
+"The search-lights of Inchkeith!" he gasped, with an imprecation. "I had
+no idea we were within their range, but now they have discovered us
+there's no time to be lost. For the present I must leave you. You will,
+of course, remain on board, and land with us"; and a moment later he
+rushed on deck, and shouted an order which was promptly obeyed.
+
+Suddenly there was a low booming, and in another second a column of dark
+water rose as the first shot ricochetted about five hundred yards from
+their bows. Orders shouted in Russian echoed through the ship, numbers
+of signals were exchanged rapidly with the other vessels, and the sea
+suddenly became alive with torpedo boats.
+
+Time after time the British guns sounded like distant thunder, and shots
+fell in the vicinity of the Russian ships. Suddenly, as soon as the men
+were at their quarters, electric signals rang from the conning-tower of
+the _Admiral Orlovski_, and one of her 56-tonners crashed and roared
+from her turret, and a shot sped away towards where the light showed.
+The noise immediately became deafening as the guns from nine other ships
+thundered almost simultaneously, sending a perfect hail of shell upon
+the island fort. In the darkness the scene was one of most intense
+excitement.
+
+For the first time the spy found himself amidst the din of battle, and
+perhaps for the first time in his life his nerves were somewhat shaken
+as he stood in a convenient corner watching the working of one of the
+great guns in the turret, which regularly ran out and added its voice to
+the incessant thunder.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH.
+
+
+All the vessels were now under steam and approaching Inchkeith, when
+suddenly two shells struck the _Admiral Orlovski_ amidships, carrying
+away a portion of her superstructure.
+
+Several of the other vessels were also hit almost at the same moment,
+and shortly afterwards a torpedo boat under the stern of the flagship
+was struck by a shell, and sank with all hands. Time after time the
+Russian vessels poured out their storm of shell upon the fort, now only
+about a mile and a half distant; but the British fire still continued as
+vigorous and more effective than at first.
+
+Again the flagship was struck, this time on the port quarter, but the
+shot glanced off her armour into the sea; while a moment later another
+shell struck one of her fighting tops, and, bursting, wrecked two of the
+machine guns, and killed half a dozen unfortunate fellows who had manned
+them. The d�bris fell heavily upon the deck, and the disaster, being
+witnessed by the spy, caused him considerable anxiety for his own
+safety.
+
+Even as he looked he suddenly noticed a brilliant flash from one of the
+cruisers lying a little distance away. There was a terrific report, and
+amid flame and smoke wreckage shot high into the air. An explosion had
+occurred in the magazine, and it was apparent the ship was doomed! Other
+disasters to the Russians followed in quick succession. A cruiser which
+was lying near the Herwit light-buoy blazing away upon the fort,
+suddenly rolled heavily and gradually heeled over, the water around her
+being thrown into the air by an explosion beneath the surface. A contact
+mine had been fired, and the bottom of the ship had been practically
+blown out, for a few minutes later she went down with nearly every soul
+on board.
+
+At the moment this disaster occurred, the _Admiral Orlovski_, still
+discharging her heavy guns, was about half-way between the Briggs and
+the Pallas Rock, when a search-light illuminated her from the land, and
+a heavy fire was suddenly opened upon her from Leith Fort.
+
+This was at once replied to, and while five of the vessels kept up their
+fire upon Inchkeith, the three others turned their attention towards
+Leith, and commenced to bombard it with common shell.
+
+How effectual were their efforts the spy could at once see, for in the
+course of a quarter of an hour, notwithstanding the defence offered by
+Leith Fort and several batteries on Arthur's Seat, at Granton Point,
+Wardie Bush, and at Seaside Meadows, near Portobello, fires were
+breaking out in various quarters of the town, and factories and
+buildings were now burning with increasing fury. The great paraffin
+refinery had been set on fire, and the flames, leaping high into the
+air, shed a lurid glare far away over the sea.
+
+Shells, striking the Corn Exchange, wrecked it, and one, flying away
+over the fort, burst in the Leith Distillery, with the result that the
+place was set on fire, and soon burned with almost equal fierceness with
+the paraffin works. The shipping in the Edinburgh, Albert, and Victoria
+Docks was ablaze, and the drill vessel H.M.S. _Durham_ had been
+shattered and was burning. A great row of houses in Lindsay Road had
+fallen prey to the flames, while among the other large buildings on fire
+were the Baltic Hotel, the great goods station of the North British
+Railway, and the National Bank of Scotland.
+
+In addition to being attacked from the forts on the island, and on land,
+the Russians were now being vigorously fired upon by the British
+Coastguard ship _Imp�rieuse_, which, with the cruiser _Active_, and the
+gunboat cruisers _Cockchafer_, _Firm_, and _Watchful_, had now come
+within range. Soon, however, the enemy were reinforced by several
+powerful vessels, and in the fierce battle that ensued the British ships
+were driven off. Then by reason of the reinforcements which the
+Russians brought up, and the great number of transports which were now
+arriving, the defence, desperate though it had been, alas! broke down,
+and before midnight the invader set his foot upon Scottish soil.
+
+[Illustration: POSITIONS FOR THE DEFENCE OF EDINBURGH.]
+
+Ere the sun rose, a huge force of 60,000 men had commenced a march upon
+Edinburgh and Glasgow!
+
+Events on shore during that never-to-be-forgotten night were well
+described by Captain Tiller of the Royal Artillery, stationed at Leith
+Fort, who, in a letter written to his young wife at Carlisle, on the
+following day, gave the following narrative:--
+
+"Disaster has fallen upon us. The Russians have landed in Scotland, and
+the remnant of our force which was at Leith has fallen back inland. On
+Friday, just after nightfall, we were first apprised of our danger by
+hearing heavy firing from the sea in the direction of Inchkeith Fort,
+and all civilians were sent on inland, while we prepared for the fight.
+
+"Very soon a number of ships were visible, some of them being evidently
+transports, and as they were observed taking soundings, it was clear
+that an immediate landing was intended. Fortunately it was a light
+night, and while two Volunteer field batteries were sent out along the
+coast west to Cramond and east to Fisherrow, we completed our
+arrangements in the fort. With such antiquated weapons as were at our
+disposal defeat was a foregone conclusion, and we knew that to annoy the
+enemy and delay their landing would be the extent of our resistance.
+Some of our guns were, of course, of comparatively recent date, and our
+supply of ammunition was fair, but the Volunteer guns were antiquated
+40-pounder muzzleloaders, which ought to have been withdrawn years ago,
+and the gunners had had very little field training. The arrangements for
+horsing the guns were also very inefficient, and they had no waggons or
+transport. Most of our forces having been drawn south, the only infantry
+available was a battalion and a half--really a provisional battalion,
+for it was composed of portions of two Volunteer rifle regiments, with a
+detachment of Regulars. Our Regular artillery detachment was,
+unfortunately, very inadequate, for although the armament of the fort
+had been recently strengthened, the force had been weakened just before
+the outbreak of war by the despatch of an Indian draft.
+
+"It was apparent that the enemy would not attempt to destroy our
+position, but land and carry it by assault; therefore, while the
+Inchkeith guns kept them at bay, we undermined our fort, opened our
+magazines, and got ready for a little target practice.
+
+"The Volunteer batteries sent eastward had been ordered to do what
+execution they could, and then, in the case of a reverse, to retire
+through Portobello and Duddingston to Edinburgh, and those on the west
+were to go inland to Ratho; while we were resolved to hold the fort as
+long as possible, and if at last we were compelled to retire we intended
+to blow up the place before leaving.
+
+"As soon as we found the Russian flagship within range, we opened fire
+upon her, and this action caused a perfect storm of projectiles to be
+directed upon us. The town was soon in flames, the shipping in the
+harbour sank, and the martello tower was blown to pieces. Our
+search-light was very soon brought into requisition, and by its aid some
+of the boats of the enemy's transports were sunk, while others came to
+grief on the Black Rocks.
+
+"By this time the enemy had turned their search-lights in every
+direction where they could see firing, and very soon our Volunteer
+batteries were silenced, and then Granton harbour fell into the hands of
+the enemy's landing parties. Having first rendered their guns useless,
+the survivors fell back to Corstorphine Hill, outside Edinburgh, and we
+soon afterwards received intelligence that the Russians were landing at
+Granton in thousands. Meanwhile, although our garrison was so weak and
+inexperienced, we nevertheless kept up a vigorous fire.
+
+"We saw how Inchkeith Fort had been silenced, and how our Volunteer
+batteries had been destroyed, and knew that sooner or later we must
+share the same fate, and abandon our position. As boatload after
+boatload of Russians attempted to land, we either sank them by shots
+from our guns or swept them with a salvo of bullets from our Maxims; yet
+as soon as we had hurled back one landing party others took its place.
+
+"Many were the heroic deeds our gunners performed that night, as hand to
+hand they fought, and annihilated the Russians who succeeded in landing;
+but in this frightful struggle we lost heavily, and at length, when all
+hope of an effective defence had been abandoned, we placed electric
+wires in the magazine, and the order was given to retire. This we did,
+leaving our search-light in position in order to deceive the enemy.
+
+"Half our number had been killed, and we sped across to Bonnington,
+running out a wire along the ground as we went. The Russians, now
+landing rapidly in great force, swarmed into the fort and captured the
+guns and ammunition, while a party of infantry pursued us. But we kept
+them back for fully a quarter of an hour, until we knew that the fort
+would be well garrisoned by the invaders; then we sent a current through
+the wire.
+
+"The explosion that ensued was deafening, and its effect appalling.
+Never have I witnessed a more awful sight. Hundreds of tons of all sorts
+of explosives and ammunition were fired simultaneously by the electric
+spark, and the whole fort, with nearly six hundred of the enemy, who
+were busy establishing their headquarters, were in an instant blown into
+the air. For several moments the space around us where we stood seemed
+filled with flying d�bris, and the mangled remains of those who a second
+before had been elated beyond measure by their success.
+
+"Those were terribly exciting moments, and for a few seconds there was a
+cessation of the firing. Quickly, however, the bombardment was resumed,
+and although we totally annihilated the force pursuing us, we fell back
+to Restalrig, and at length gained the battery that had been established
+on Arthur's Seat, and which was now keeping up a heavy fire upon the
+Russian transports lying out in the Narrow Deep. Subsequently we went on
+to Dalkeith. Our situation is most critical in every respect, but we are
+expecting reinforcements, and a terrible battle is imminent."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus the Russians landed three corps of 20,000 each where they were
+least expected, and at once prepared to invest Edinburgh and Glasgow.
+Three of the boats which came ashore at Leith that night, after the
+blowing up of the fort, brought several large mysterious-looking black
+boxes, which were handled with infinite care by the specially selected
+detachment of men who had been told off to take charge of them. Upon the
+locks were the official seals of the Russian War Office; and even the
+men themselves, unaware of their contents, looked upon them with a
+certain amount of suspicion, handling them very gingerly, and placing
+them in waggons which they seized from a builder's yard on the outskirts
+of the town.
+
+The officers alone knew the character of these mysterious consignments,
+and as they superintended the landing, whispered together excitedly. The
+news of the invasion, already telegraphed throughout Scotland from end
+to end, caused the utmost alarm; but had the people known what those
+black boxes, the secret of which was so carefully guarded, contained,
+they would have been dismayed and appalled.
+
+Truth to tell, the Russians were about to try a method of wholesale and
+awful destruction, which, although vaguely suggested in time of peace,
+had never yet been tested in the field.
+
+If successful, they knew it would cause death and desolation over an
+inconceivably wide area, and prove at once a most extraordinary and
+startling development of modern warfare. The faces of a whole army,
+however brave, would blanch before its terrific power, and war in every
+branch, on land and on sea, would become revolutionised.
+
+But the boxes remained locked and guarded. The secret was to be kept
+until the morrow, when the first trial was ordered to be made, and the
+officers in charge expressed an opinion between themselves that a blow
+would then be struck that would at once startle and terrify the whole
+world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+ATTACK ON EDINBURGH.
+
+
+In attacking Edinburgh the besiegers at once discovered they had a much
+more difficult task than they had anticipated. The Russian onslaught had
+been carefully planned. Landing just before dawn, the 1st Corps,
+consisting of about twenty thousand men, marched direct to Glasgow by
+way of South Queensferry and Kirkliston, and through Linlithgow, sacking
+and burning all three towns in the advance.
+
+The 3rd Army Corps succeeded, after some very sharp skirmishing, in
+occupying the Pentland Hills, in order to protect the flanks of the
+first force, while a strong detachment was left behind to guard the base
+at Leith. The 2nd Corps meanwhile marched direct upon Edinburgh.
+
+The defenders, consisting of Militia, Infantry, Artillery, the local
+Volunteers left behind during the mobilisation, and a large number of
+civilians from the neighbouring towns, who had hastily armed on hearing
+the alarming news, were quickly massed in three divisions on the
+Lammermuir Hills, along the hills near Peebles, and on Tinto Hill, near
+Lanark.
+
+The Russian army corps which marched from Leith upon Edinburgh about
+seven o'clock on the following morning met with a most desperate
+resistance. On Arthur's Seat a strong battery had been established by
+the City of Edinburgh Artillery, under Col. J. F. Mackay, and the 1st
+Berwickshire, under Col. A. Johnston; and on the higher parts of the
+Queen's Drive, overlooking the crooked little village of Duddingston,
+guns of the 1st Forfarshire, under Col. Stewart-Sandeman, V.D., flashed
+and shed forth torrents of bullets and shell, which played havoc with
+the enemy's infantry coming up the Portobello and Musselburgh roads.
+Batteries on the Braid and Blackford Hills commanded the southern
+portion of the city; while to the west, the battery on Corstorphine Hill
+prevented the enemy from pushing along up the high road from Granton.
+
+Between Jock's Lodge and Duddingston Mills the Russians, finding cover,
+commenced a sharp attack about nine o'clock; but discovering, after an
+hour's hard fighting, that to attempt to carry the defenders' position
+was futile, they made a sudden retreat towards Niddry House.
+
+The British commander, observing this, and suspecting their intention to
+make a circuit and enter the city by way of Newington, immediately set
+his field telegraph to work, and sent news on to the infantry brigade at
+Blackford.
+
+This consisted mainly of the Queen's Volunteer Rifle Brigade (Royal
+Scots), under Col. T. W. Jones, V.D.; the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th
+Volunteer Battalions of the Royal Scots, under Col. W. U. Martin, V.D.,
+Col. W. I. Macadam, Col. Sir G. D. Clerk, Col. P. Dods, and Col. G. F.
+Melville respectively, with a company of engineers. The intelligence
+they received placed them on the alert, and ere long the enemy extended
+his flank in an endeavour to enter Newington. The bridges already
+prepared for demolition by the defenders were now promptly blown up, and
+in the sharp fight that ensued the enemy were repulsed with heavy loss.
+
+Meanwhile the formidable division of the 3rd Russian Army Corps guarding
+the base at Leith had attacked the Corstorphine position, finding their
+headquarters untenable under its fire, and although losing several guns
+and a large number of men, they succeeded, after about an hour's hard
+fighting, in storming the hill and sweeping away the small but gallant
+band of defenders.
+
+The fight was long. It was a struggle to the death. Over the whole
+historic battle-ground from the Tweed to the Forth, fighting spread, and
+everywhere the loss of life was terrible.
+
+The long autumn day passed slowly, yet hostilities continued as vigorous
+and sanguinary as they had begun. Before the sun sank many a brave
+Briton lay dead or dying, but many more Muscovites had been sent to that
+bourne whence none return.
+
+As it was, the British line of communications was broken between Temple
+and Eddleston, the outposts at the latter place having been surprised
+and slaughtered. But although the enemy strove hard to break down the
+lines of defence and invest Edinburgh, yet time after time they were
+hurled back with fearful loss. Colinton and Liberton were sacked and
+burned by the Tsar's forces. On every hand the Russians spread death and
+destruction; still the defenders held their own, and when the fighting
+ceased after nightfall Edinburgh was still safe. Strong barricades
+manned by civilians had been hastily thrown up near the station in Leith
+Walk, in London Road opposite the Abbey Church, in Inverleith Row, in
+Clerk Street and Montague Street, while all the bridges over the Water
+of Leith had been blown up with gun-cotton; quick-firing guns had been
+posted on Calton Hill and at the Castle, while in St. Andrew's Square a
+battery had been established by the 1st Haddington Volunteer Artillery,
+under Major J. J. Kelly, who had arrived in haste from Dunbar, and this
+excellent position commanded a wide stretch of country away towards
+Granton.
+
+At dead of night, under the calm, bright stars, a strange scene might
+have been witnessed. In the deep shadow cast by the wall of an old and
+tumble-down barn near the cross-roads at Niddry, about three miles from
+Edinburgh, two Russian infantry officers were in earnest conversation.
+They stood leaning upon a broken fence, talking in a half-whisper in
+French, so that the half-dozen privates might not understand what they
+said. The six men were busy unpacking several strange black cases,
+handling the contents with infinite care. Apparently three of the boxes
+contained a quantity of fine silk, carefully folded, while another
+contained a number of square, dark-looking packages, which, when taken
+out, were packed in order upon a strong net which was first spread upon
+the grass. Ropes were strewn over the ground in various directions, the
+silk was unfolded, and presently, when all the contents had been
+minutely inspected by the two officers with lanterns, a small tube was
+taken from a box that had remained undisturbed, and fastened into an
+object shaped like a bellows.
+
+Then, when all preparations were satisfactorily completed, the six men
+threw themselves upon the grass to snatch an hour's repose, while the
+officers returned to their previous positions, leaning against the
+broken fence, and gravely discussing their proposals for the morrow's
+gigantic sensation. The elder of the two was explaining to his companion
+the nature of the _coup_ which they intended to deliver, and the mode in
+which it would be made. So engrossed were they in the contemplation of
+the appalling results that would accrue, they did not observe that they
+were standing beneath a small square hole in the wall of the barn;
+neither did they notice that from this aperture a dark head protruded
+for a second and then quick as lightning withdrew. It was only like a
+shadow, and disappeared instantly!
+
+Ten minutes later a mysterious figure was creeping cautiously along
+under the hedge of the high road to Newington in the direction of the
+British lines. Crawling along the grass, and pausing now and then with
+his ear to the ground, listening, he advanced by short, silent stages,
+exercising the greatest caution, well aware that death would be his fate
+should he be discovered. In wading the Braid Burn he almost betrayed
+himself to a Russian sentry; but at last, after travelling for over an
+hour, risking discovery at any moment, he at length passed the British
+outposts beyond Liberton, and ascended the Braid Hills to the
+headquarters.
+
+The story he told the General commanding was at first looked upon as
+ludicrous. In the dim candlelight in the General's tent he certainly
+looked a disreputable derelict, his old and tattered clothes wet
+through, his hands cut by stones and bleeding, and his face half covered
+with mud. The three officers who were with the General laughed when he
+dashed in excitedly, and related the conversation he had overheard; yet
+when he subsequently went on to describe in detail what he had
+witnessed, and when they remembered that this tramp was an artilleryman
+who had long ago been conspicuous by his bravery at El Teb, and an
+ingenious inventor, their expression of amusement gave way to one of
+alarm.
+
+The General, who had been writing, thoughtfully tapped the little camp
+table before him with his pen. "So they intend to destroy us and wreck
+the city by that means, now that their legitimate tactics have failed! I
+can scarcely credit that such is their intention; yet if they should be
+successful--if"--
+
+"But they will not be successful, sir. If you will send some one to
+assist me, and allow me to act as I think fit, I will frustrate their
+dastardly design, and the city shall be saved."
+
+"You are at liberty to act as you please. You know their plans, and I
+have perfect confidence in you, Mackenzie," replied the officer. "Do
+not, however, mention a word of the enemy's intention to any one. It
+would terrify the men; and although I do not doubt their bravery, yet
+the knowledge of such a horrible fate hanging over them must necessarily
+increase their anxiety, and thus prevent them from doing their best. We
+are weak, but remember we are all Britons. Now come," he added, "sit
+there, upon that box, and explain at once what is your scheme of defence
+against this extraordinary attack."
+
+And the fearless man to whom the General had entrusted the defence of
+Edinburgh obeyed, and commenced to explain what means he intended to
+take--a desperate but well-devised plan, which drew forth words of the
+highest commendation from the commanding officer and those with him.
+They knew that the fate of Edinburgh hung in the balance, and that if
+the city were taken it would be the first step towards their downfall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+"THE DEMON OF WAR."
+
+
+Two hours later, just before the break of day, British bugles sounded,
+and the camp on the Braid Hills was immediately astir. That the enemy
+were about to test the efficiency of a new gigantic engine of war was
+unknown except to the officers and the brave man who had risked his life
+in order to obtain the secret of the foeman's plans.
+
+To him the British General was trusting, and as with knit brows and
+anxious face the grey-haired officer stood at the door of his tent
+gazing across the burn to Blackford Hill, he was wondering whether he
+had yet obtained his coign of vantage. From the case slung round his
+shoulder he drew his field glasses and turned them upon a clump of trees
+near the top of the hill, straining his eyes to discover any movement.
+
+On the crest of the hill two Volunteer artillery batteries were actively
+preparing for the coming fray, but as yet it was too dark to discern
+anything among the distant clump of trees; so, replacing his glasses,
+the commanding officer re-entered his tent and bent for a long time over
+the Ordnance Map under the glimmering, uncertain light of a guttering
+candle.
+
+Meanwhile the Russians were busily completing their arrangements for
+striking an appalling blow.
+
+Concealed by a line of trees and a number of farm buildings, the little
+section of the enemy had worked indefatigably for the past two hours,
+and now in the grey dawn the contents of the mysterious boxes, a long
+dark monster, lay upon the grass, moving restlessly, trying to free
+itself from its trammels.
+
+It was a huge and curiously-shaped air-ship, and was to be used for
+dropping great charges of m�linite and steel bombs filled with picric
+acid into the handsome historic city of Edinburgh! Some of the shells
+were filled with sulphurous acid, carbon dioxide, and other deadly
+compounds, the intent being to cause suffocation over wide areas by the
+volatilisation of liquid gases!
+
+This controllable electric balloon, a perfection of M. Gaston
+Tissandier's invention a few years before, was, as it lay upon the
+grass, nearly inflated and ready to ascend, elongated in form, and
+filled with hydrogen.
+
+It was about 140 feet long, 63 feet in diameter through the middle, and
+the envelope was of fine cloth coated with an impermeable varnish. On
+either side were horizontal shafts of flexible walnut laths, fastened
+with silk belts along the centre, and over the balloon a netting of
+ribbons was placed, and to this the car was connected. On each of the
+four sides was a screw propeller 12 feet in diameter, driven by
+bichromate of potassium batteries and a dynamo-electric motor. The
+propellers were so arranged that the balloon could keep head to a
+hurricane, and when proceeding with the wind would deviate immediately
+from its course by the mere pulling of a lever by the a�ronaut.
+
+Carefully packed in the car were large numbers of the most powerful
+infernal machines, ingeniously designed to effect the most awful
+destruction if hurled into a thickly-populated centre. Piled in the
+smallest possible compass were square steel boxes, some filled with
+m�linite, dynamite, and an explosive strongly resembling cordite, only
+possessing twice its strength, each with fulminating compounds, while
+others contained picric acid fitted with glass detonating tubes. Indeed,
+this gigantic engine, which might totally wreck a city and kill every
+inhabitant in half an hour while at an altitude of 6� miles, had rightly
+been named by the Pole who had perfected Tissandier's invention--"The
+Demon of War."
+
+While the two officers of the Russian balloon section, both experienced
+a�ronauts, were finally examining minutely every rope, ascertaining that
+all was ready for the ascent, away on Blackford Hill one man, pale and
+determined, with coat and vest thrown aside, was preparing a
+counterblast to the forthcoming attack. Under cover of the clump of
+trees, but with its muzzle pointing towards Bridgend, a long, thin gun
+of an altogether strange type had been brought into position. It was
+about four times the size of a Maxim, which it resembled somewhat in
+shape, only the barrel was much longer, the store of ammunition being
+contained in a large steel receptacle at the side, wherein also was some
+marvellously-contrived mechanism. The six gunners who were assisting
+Mackenzie at length completed their work, and the gun having been
+carefully examined by the gallant man in charge and two of the officers
+who had been in the tent with the General during the midnight
+consultation, Mackenzie, with a glance in the yet hazy distance where
+the enemy had bivouaced, pulled over a small lever, which immediately
+started a dynamo.
+
+"In three minutes we shall be ready for action," he said, glancing at
+his watch; and then, turning a small wheel which raised the muzzle of
+the gun so as to point it at a higher angle in the direction of the sky,
+he waited until the space of time he had mentioned had elapsed.
+
+The officers stood aside conversing in an undertone. This man Mackenzie
+had invented this strange-looking weapon, and only one had been made. It
+had some months before been submitted to the War Office, but they had
+declined to take it up, believing that a patent they already possessed
+was superior to it; yet Mackenzie had nevertheless thrown his whole soul
+into his work, and meant now to show his superiors its penetrative
+powers, and put its capabilities to practical test. Again he glanced at
+his watch, and quickly pulled back another lever, which caused the motor
+to revolve at twice the speed, and the gun to emit a low hissing sound,
+like escaping steam. Then he stepped back to the officers, saying--
+
+"I am now prepared. It will go up as straight and quickly as a rocket,
+but we must catch it before it ascends two miles, for the clouds hang
+low, and we may lose it more quickly than we imagine."
+
+The gunners stood in readiness, and the two officers looked away over
+Craigmillar towards the grey distant sea. Dawn was spreading now, and
+the haze was gradually clearing. They all knew the attempt would be made
+ere long, before it grew much lighter, so they stood at their posts in
+readiness, Mackenzie with his hand upon the lever which would regulate
+the discharge.
+
+They were moments of breathless expectancy. Minute after minute went by,
+but not a word was spoken, for every eye was turned upon the crest of a
+certain ridge nearly three miles away, at a point where the country was
+well wooded.
+
+A quarter of an hour had thus elapsed, when Mackenzie suddenly shouted,
+"Look, lads! _There she goes!_ Now, let's teach 'em what Scots can do."
+
+As he spoke there rose from behind the ridge a great dark mass, looking
+almost spectral in the thin morning mist. For a moment it seemed to
+poise and swing as if uncertain in its flight, then quickly it shot
+straight up towards the sky.
+
+"Ready?" shouted Mackenzie, his momentary excitement having given place
+to great coolness. The men at their posts all answered in the
+affirmative. Mackenzie bent and waited for a few seconds sighting the
+gun, while the motor hummed with terrific speed. Then shouting "Fire!"
+he drew back the lever.
+
+The gun discharged, but there was no report, only a sharp hiss as the
+compressed air released commenced to send charge after charge of
+dynamite automatically away into space in rapid succession!
+
+None dared to breathe. The excitement was intense. They watched the
+effect upon the Russian balloon, but to their dismay saw it still
+rapidly ascending and unharmed!
+
+It had altered its course, and instead of drifting away seaward was now
+travelling towards Duddingston, and making straight for Edinburgh,
+passing above the Russian camp.
+
+"Missed! _missed!_" Mackenzie shrieked, turning back the lever and
+arresting the discharge. "It's four miles off now, and we can carry
+seven and three-quarters to hit a fixed object. Remember, lads, the fate
+of Auld Reekie is now in your hands! Ready?"
+
+Again he bent and sighted the gun, raising the muzzle higher than the
+balloon so as to catch it on the ascent. The motor hummed louder and
+louder, the escaping air hissed and turned into liquid by the enormous
+pressure, then with a glance at the gauge he yelled "Fire!" and pulled
+back the lever.
+
+Dynamite shells, ejected at the rate of 50 a minute, rushed from the
+muzzle, and sped away.
+
+But the Demon of War, with its whirling propellers, continued on its
+swift, silent mission of destruction.
+
+"Missed again!" cried one of the men, in despair. "See! it's gone!
+We've--good heavens!--_why, we've lost it--lost it!_"
+
+Mackenzie, who had been glancing that moment at the gauges, gazed
+eagerly up, and staggered back as if he had received a blow. "It's
+disappeared!" he gasped. "_They've outwitted us, the brutes, and nothing
+now can save Edinburgh from destruction!_"
+
+Officers and men stood aghast, with blanched faces, scarce knowing how
+to act. The destructive forces in that controllable balloon were more
+than sufficient to lay the whole of Edinburgh in ruins; and then, no
+doubt, the enemy would attempt by the same means to destroy the British
+batteries on the neighbouring hills. Already, along the valleys fighting
+had begun, for rapid firing could be heard in the direction of
+Gilmerton, and now and then the British guns on the Braid Hills behind
+spoke out sharply to the Russians who had occupied Loanhead, and the
+distant booming of cannon could be heard incessantly from Corstorphine.
+
+Suddenly a loud, exultant cry from Mackenzie caused his companions to
+strain their eyes away to Duddingston, and there they saw high in the
+air the monster a�rial machine gradually looming through the mist, a
+vague and shadowy outline. It had passed through a bank of cloud, and
+was gradually reappearing.
+
+"Quick! There's not a moment to lose!" shrieked Mackenzie, springing to
+the lever with redoubled enthusiasm, an example followed by the others.
+
+The motor revolved so rapidly that it roared, the gauges ran high, the
+escaping air hissed so loudly that Mackenzie was compelled to shout at
+the top of his voice "Ready?" as for a third time he took careful aim at
+the misty object now six miles distant.
+
+The War Demon was still over the Russian camp, and in a few moments,
+travelling at that high rate of speed, it would pass over Arthur's Seat,
+and be enabled to drop its deadly compounds in Princes Street. But
+Mackenzie set his teeth, and muttered something under his breath.
+
+"_Now!_" he ejaculated, as he suddenly pulled the lever, and for the
+last time sent forth the automatic shower of destructive shells.
+
+A second later there was a bright flash from above as if the sun itself
+had burst, and then came a most terrific explosion, which caused the
+earth to tremble where they stood. The clouds were rent asunder by the
+frightful detonation, and down upon the Russian camp the d�bris of their
+ingenious invention fell in a terrible death-dealing shower. The
+annihilation of the dastardly plot to wreck the city was complete. Small
+dynamite shells from Mackenzie's pneumatic gun had struck the car of the
+balloon, and by the firing of half a ton of explosives the enemy was in
+an instant hoist with his own petard.
+
+As the d�bris fell within the Russian lines, some fifty or sixty
+picric-acid bombs--awful engines of destruction--which had not been
+exploded in mid-air, crashed into the Muscovite ranks, and, bursting,
+killed and wounded hundreds of infantrymen and half a regiment of
+Cossacks. One, bursting in the enemy's headquarters, seriously injured
+several members of the staff; while another, falling among the
+Engineers' transport, exploded a great quantity of gun-cotton, which in
+its turn killed a number of men and horses.
+
+The disaster was awful in its suddenness, appalling in its completeness.
+The a�ronauts, totally unprepared for such an attack, had been blown to
+atoms just when within an ace of success.
+
+Fortune had favoured Britain, and, thanks to Mackenzie's vigilance and
+his pneumatic dynamite gun, which the Government had rejected as a
+worthless weapon, the grey old city of Edinburgh was still safe.
+
+But both Russians and Britons had now mustered their forces, and this,
+the first note sounded of a second terrific and desperately-fought
+battle, portended success for Britain's gallant army.
+
+Yet notwithstanding the disaster the enemy sustained by the blowing up
+of their balloon, their 2nd Army Corps, together with the portion of the
+3rd Army Corps operating from their base at Leith, succeeded, after
+terribly hard fighting and heavy losses, in at length forcing back the
+defenders from the Braid and Blackford Hills, and the Corstorphine
+position having already been occupied, they were then enabled to invest
+Edinburgh. That evening fierce sanguinary fights took place in the
+streets, for the people held the barricades until the last moment, and
+the batteries on Calton Hill, in St. Andrew's Square, and at the Castle
+effected terrible execution in conjunction with those on Arthur's Seat.
+Still the enemy by their overwhelming numbers gradually broke down these
+defences, and, after appalling slaughter on both sides, occupied the
+city. The fighting was fiercest along Princes Street, Lothian Road, and
+in the neighbourhood of Scotland Street Station, while along Cumberland
+and Great King Streets the enemy were swept away in hundreds by British
+Maxims brought to bear from Drummond Place. Along Canongate from
+Holyrood to Moray House, and in Lauriston Place and the Grassmarket,
+hand-to-hand struggles took place between the patriotic civilians and
+the foe. From behind their barricades men of Edinburgh fought valiantly,
+and everywhere inflicted heavy loss; still the enemy, pressing onward,
+set fire to a number of public buildings, including the Register Office,
+the Royal Exchange, the University, the Liberal and New Clubs, and
+Palace Hotel, with many other buildings in Princes Street. The fires,
+which broke out rapidly in succession, were caused for the purpose of
+producing a panic, and in this the enemy were successful, for the city
+was quickly looted, and the scenes of ruin, death, and desolation that
+occurred in its streets that night were awful.
+
+[Illustration: "IN EDINBURGH THE FIGHTING WAS FIERCEST ALONG PRINCES
+STREET."]
+
+In every quarter the homes of loyal Scotsmen were entered by the
+ruthless invader, who wrecked the cherished household gods, and carried
+away all the valuables that were portable. Outrage and murder were rife
+everywhere, and no quarter was shown the weak or unprotected. Through
+the streets the invader rushed with sword and firebrand, causing
+destruction, suffering, and death.
+
+The defenders, though straining every nerve to stem the advancing tide,
+had, alas! been unsuccessful, and ere midnight Edinburgh, one of the
+proudest and most historic cities in the world, had fallen, and the
+British standard floating over the Castle was, alas! replaced by the
+Eagle of the Russian Autocrat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.
+
+
+It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not
+lose heart. Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and
+fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order,
+and husbanded their force for the morrow.
+
+Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
+Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left
+their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that
+the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the
+assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in
+blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition
+and provisions.
+
+Such an attack was, of course, very vigorously defended, but it was a
+smart manoeuvre on the part of the British General, and enabled him,
+after cutting off the enemy's line of retreat, to turn suddenly and
+attack the Russians who were continuing their destructive campaign
+through the streets of Edinburgh. This bold move on the part of the
+defenders was totally unexpected by the foe, which accounted for the
+frightful loss of life that was sustained on the Russian side, and the
+subsequent clever tactics which resulted in the driving out of the
+invaders from Edinburgh, and British troops reoccupying that city.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD OUTSIDE GLASGOW.]
+
+Meanwhile the 1st Russian Army Corps, which on landing had at once set
+out towards Glasgow, had marched on in a great extended line, sacking
+the various towns through which they passed. As they advanced from
+Linlithgow, Airdrie, and Coatbridge were looted and burned, while
+further south, Motherwell, Hamilton, and Bothwell shared the same fate.
+About 20,000 men, together with 11,000 who had been forced to evacuate
+Edinburgh, had at length advanced a little beyond Coatbridge, and, in
+preparation for a vigorous siege of Glasgow, halted within seven miles
+of the city, with flanks extended away south to Motherwell and on to
+Wishaw, and north as far as Chryston and Kirkintilloch.
+
+In Glasgow the excitement was intense, and surging crowds filled the
+streets night and day. The fall of Edinburgh had produced the greatest
+sensation, and the meagre news of the disaster telegraphed had scarcely
+been supplemented when the report of the retaking of "Auld Reekie" came
+to hand, causing great rejoicing. Nevertheless, it was known that over
+thirty thousand trained soldiers were on their way to the banks of the
+Clyde, and Glasgow was fevered and turbulent. The scanty business that
+had lately been done was now at a standstill, and the meagre supplies
+that reached there from America not being half sufficient for the
+enormous population, the city was already starving. But, as in other
+towns, great barricades had been thrown up, and those in Gallowgate and
+Duke Street, thoroughfares by which Glasgow might be entered by way of
+Parkhead and Dennistoun, were soon manned by loyal and patriotic bands
+of civilians. Other barriers were constructed at St. Rollox Station, in
+Canning Street, in Monteith Row, and in Great Western, Dumbarton, and
+Govan Roads.
+
+South of the river, Eglinton Street and the roads at Crosshill were
+barricaded, and in New City and Garscube Roads in the north there were
+also strong defences. All were held by enthusiastic bodies of men who
+had hastily armed themselves, confident in the belief that our
+Volunteers and the small body of Regulars would not allow the invader to
+march in force upon their city without a most determined resistance.
+
+Now, however, the alarming news reached Glasgow that the enemy had
+actually sacked and burned Coatbridge. In an hour they could commence
+looting the shops in Gallowgate, and their heavy tramp would be heard on
+the granite of Trongate and Argyle Street! Throughout the city the
+feeling of insecurity increased, and hourly the panic assumed greater
+proportions.
+
+The sun that day was obscured by dark thunder-clouds, the swirling
+Clyde flowed on black beneath its many bridges, and the outlook was
+everywhere gloomy and ominous.
+
+Still, away on the hills to southward, our small force of soldiers and
+Volunteers had narrowly watched the onward tide of destroyers, and
+carefully laid their plans. The manner in which the defensive operations
+were conducted is perhaps best related in a letter written by Captain
+Boyd Drummond of the 1st Battalion Princess Louise's (Argyll and
+Sutherland) Highlanders, to a friend in London, and which was published
+with the accompanying sketch in the _Daily Graphic_.
+
+He wrote as follows:--"On the second day after the Russians had landed,
+Colonel Cumberland of 'Ours' received orders to move us from Lanark, and
+reconnoitre as far as possible along the Carluke road, with a view to
+taking up a position to cover the advance of the division, which had
+during the morning been considerably reinforced by nearly half the
+centre division from Peebles. In addition to our battalion with two
+machine guns, Colonel Cumberland was in command of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
+and 4th Volunteer Battalions from Greenock, Paisley, Pollokshaws, and
+Stirling respectively, the 1st Dumbarton from Helensburgh, the Highland
+Borderers, and the Renfrew Militia, together with a section of field
+artillery, a field company of Royal Engineers, and about forty cavalry
+and cyclists. Arriving at Carluke early in the afternoon, we awaited the
+return of scouts, who had been pushed on in advance to beyond Wishaw, in
+the direction of the enemy. They having reported that the Russians had
+withdrawn from Wishaw, we at once moved on to Law Junction, about a mile
+from that town, and finally took up a position for the night near
+Waterloo, commanding Wishaw and Overtown.
+
+"Beyond the junction, towards Glasgow, the railway, which the enemy
+evidently did not intend to use, had been destroyed, but scouts from
+Morningside reported that the line to Edinburgh had not been cut, and
+that the permanent way remained uninjured. Colonel Cumberland therefore
+told off the right half battalion, with a machine gun, a section of
+Engineers, and six cyclists, to take up a position near the road between
+Newmains and Morningside, with instructions to form piquets and patrol
+the roads north and east. I was with No. 1 Company, but, being senior
+captain present, the chief gave me command of this detachment. It was
+the first time such a responsibility had been conferred upon me;
+therefore I was determined not to be caught napping.
+
+"As soon as we arrived at our ground, I sent two cyclists out to
+Newmains and two to Morningside, with orders to glean what information
+they could, and to wait in the villages until further orders, unless
+they sighted the enemy's outposts, or discovered anything important. As
+soon as I had sent out my piquets, I took my own company and six of the
+Engineers down to Morningside. Some of the villagers, who had escaped
+when a portion of the invaders passed through on the previous night, had
+returned, and the cyclists gathered from them that we were close upon
+the heels of the Russian rearguard.
+
+"As the railway had not been destroyed, I thought that possibly the
+invaders intended to use the line _vi�_ Mid-Calder, and therefore
+examined the station closely. While engaged in this, one of the
+Engineers suddenly discovered a wire very carefully concealed along the
+line, and as we followed it up 500 yards each way, and could find no
+connection with the instrument at the station office, I at once
+concluded that it was the enemy's field telegraph, forming means of
+communication between their headquarters at Airdrie and the division
+that still remained in the Pentlands.
+
+"Cutting the wire, and attaching the ends to the instrument in the
+station, I left three Engineers, all expert telegraphists, to tap the
+wire, and they, with the right half company, under Lieutenant Compton,
+formed a detached post at this point. I also left the cyclists to convey
+to me any messages which might be received on the instrument, and then
+proceeded to Newmains. The place was now a mere heap of smouldering
+ruins; but, as at Morningside, some of the terrified villagers had
+returned, and they stated that early in the morning they had seen small
+detachments of Russian cavalry pass through from Bankle, and proceed
+north along the Cleland road.
+
+"Leaving the left half company here with the other Engineers and the two
+cyclists, under Lieutenant Planck, with orders to block the road and
+railway bridge, I returned to my piquet line. A few minutes later,
+however, a cyclist rode up with a copy of a message which had been sent
+from the Russian headquarters on the Pentlands to the Glasgow investing
+force. The message was in cipher, but, thanks to the information
+furnished by the spy who was captured near Manchester, we were now aware
+of some of the codes used by the invaders, and I sent the messenger on
+to the Colonel at once. One of his staff was able to transcribe it
+sufficiently to show that some disaster had occurred to the enemy on the
+Pentlands, for it concluded with an order withdrawing the troops from
+Glasgow, in order to reinforce the 3rd Army Corps in the fierce battle
+that was now proceeding. It was also stated in the message that
+despatches followed, so at once we were all on the alert.
+
+"Almost immediately afterwards news was received over our own telegraph
+from Carstairs, stating that a terrific battle had been fought along the
+valleys between Leadburn, Linton, and Dolphinton, in which we had
+suffered very severely, but we had nevertheless gained a decisive
+victory, for from dawn until the time of telegraphing it was estimated
+that no fewer than 12,000 Russians had been killed or wounded.
+
+"It appeared that our forces on the Lammermuirs had moved quickly, and,
+extending along the ridges, through Tynehead, and thence to Heriot, and
+on to Peebles, joined hands with the division at that place before dawn,
+and, when it grew light, had made a sudden and desperate attack. The
+enemy, who had imagined himself in a safe position, was unprepared, and
+from the first moment of the attack the slaughter was awful. As noon
+wore on the battle had increased, until now the invaders had been
+outflanked, and mowed down in such a frightful manner, that the
+survivors, numbering nearly six thousand of all ranks, had, finding
+their urgent appeal to their forces at Airdrie met with no response, and
+imagining that they too had been defeated, at last surrendered, and were
+taken prisoners.
+
+"On receipt of this intelligence, Colonel Cumberland executed a
+manoeuvre that was a marvel of forethought and smartness. The appeal to
+Airdrie for help had, of course, not been received, but in its place he
+ordered a message in Russian to be sent along the enemy's field
+telegraph to the force advancing on Glasgow in the following words:
+'Remain at Airdrie. Do not advance on Glasgow before we join you. The
+defenders are defeated with heavy losses everywhere. Our advance guard
+will be with you in twenty-four hours. Signed--Drukovitch.'
+
+"This having been despatched, he reported by telegraph to the
+headquarters at Carstairs what he had done, and then our whole force
+immediately moved as far as Bellshill, in the direction of Glasgow. Here
+we came across the Russian outposts, and a sharp fight ensued. After
+half an hour, however, we succeeded in cutting them off and totally
+annihilating them, afterwards establishing ourselves in Bellshill until
+reinforcements could arrive. We were now only six miles from the Russian
+headquarters at Airdrie, and they, on receipt of our fictitious message,
+had withdrawn from the Clyde bank, and extended farther north over the
+hills as far as Milngavie.
+
+"We were thus enabled to watch and wait in Bellshill undisturbed
+throughout the night; and while the enemy were eagerly expecting their
+legions of infantry who were to swoop down and conquer Glasgow, we
+remained content in the knowledge that the hour of conquest was close at
+hand.
+
+"A short, hasty rest, and we were astir again long before the dawn. Just
+at daybreak, however, the advance guard of our force from Carstairs,
+which had been on the march during the night, came into touch with us,
+and in an hour the combined right and centre divisions of the British
+had opened the battle.
+
+"Our fighting front extended from Wishaw right across to Condorrat, with
+batteries on Torrance and the hill at New Monkland, while another strong
+line was pushed across from Cambuslang to Parkhead, and thence to
+Millerston, for the protection of Glasgow.
+
+"Thus, almost before our guns uttered their voice of defiance, we had
+surrounded the enemy, and throughout the morning the fighting was most
+sanguinary and desperate. Our batteries did excellent service; still, it
+must be remembered we had attacked a well-trained force of over thirty
+thousand men, and they had many more guns than we possessed. No doubt
+the fictitious despatch we had sent had prevented the Russian commander
+from advancing on Glasgow during the night, as he had intended; and now,
+finding himself so vigorously attacked by two divisions which he
+believed had been cut up and annihilated, all his calculations were
+completely upset.
+
+"It was well for us that this was so, otherwise we might have fared much
+worse than we did. As it was, Cossacks and Dragoons wrought frightful
+havoc among our infantry; while, on the other hand, the fire discipline
+of the latter was magnificent. Every bit of cover on the hills seem to
+bristle with hidden rifles, that emptied their magazines without smoke
+and with fatal effect. Many a gallant dash was made by our men, the
+Volunteers especially displaying conspicuous courage. The 1st
+Dumbartonshire Volunteers, under Col. Thomson, V.D., the 1st
+Renfrewshire, under Col. Lamont, V.D., and the 4th Battalion Argyll and
+Sutherland Highlanders, under Col. D. M'Fayden, V.D., operated together
+with magnificent success, for they completely cut up a strong Russian
+detachment on the Glasgow road beyond Uddingston, driving them out of
+the wood near Daldowie, and there annihilating them, and afterwards
+holding their own on the banks of the North Calder without suffering
+very much loss. They handled their Maxims as smartly as any body of
+Regulars; and indeed, throughout the day their performances everywhere
+were marked by steady discipline and cool courage that was in the
+highest degree commendable.
+
+"About two o'clock in the afternoon the battle was at its height. Under
+the blazing sun that beat down upon us mercilessly, my battalion fought
+on, feeling confident that the enemy were gradually being defeated. The
+slaughter everywhere was frightful, and the green hillsides and fields
+were covered with dead and dying soldiers of the Tsar. The grey coats
+were soaked with blood, and dark, ugly stains dyed the grass of the
+fertile meadows beside the winding Clyde. Since their sudden landing in
+Scotland, the enemy's early successes had been followed by defeat after
+defeat. Their transports had been destroyed, their ammunition and stores
+seized, both their 2nd and 3rd Army Corps had been totally annihilated,
+leaving nearly twelve thousand men in our hands as prisoners, and now
+the defeat of this force of picked regiments, who had, on landing,
+immediately marched straight across Scotland, would effect a crushing
+and decisive blow.
+
+"But the struggle was terrific, the din deafening, the wholesale
+butchery appalling. Our men knew they were fighting for Caledonia and
+their Queen, and their conduct, from the first moment of hostilities,
+until stray bullets laid them low one after another, was magnificent;
+they were splendid examples of the true, loyal, and fearless Briton, who
+will fight on even while his life-blood ebbs.
+
+"Evening fell, but the continuous firing did not cease. The sun sank red
+and angry into dark storm-clouds behind the long range of purple hills
+beyond the Clyde, but the clash of arms continued over hill and dale on
+the east of Glasgow, and we, exerting every effort in our successful
+attempt to hold the five converging roads near Broomhouse, knew not
+which side were victors.
+
+"Suddenly I received orders to send over a small detachment to block the
+two roads at Baillieston, the one a main road leading up from
+Coatbridge, and the other from the hilly country around Old Monkland,
+where the struggle was fiercest. Sending Lieutenant Planck over
+immediately with a detachment and several cyclists, I followed as soon
+as possible, and found he had blocked both roads in the centre of the
+little Scotch village, and had occupied the inn situated between the two
+roads, leaving just sufficient space for his cyclists to pass. Looking
+towards the city we could see that the hills on our left were occupied
+by British redcoats. In the village the quaint little low-built
+cottages, with their stairs outside, were all closed and deserted, and
+the place seemed strangely quiet after the exciting scenes and ceaseless
+deafening din.
+
+"Taking six of Planck's men and the cyclists about a mile towards
+Coatbridge, I posted them at the cross-roads beyond Rhind House, sending
+the cyclists out along the valley to Dikehead. All was quiet in our
+immediate vicinity for some time, until suddenly we discerned the
+cyclists coming back. They reported that they had seen cavalry. This,
+then, must be a detachment of the enemy, who in all probability were
+retreating. I at once sent the cyclists back to inform Planck, and to
+tell him we should not take a hand in the game until we had allowed them
+to pass and they had discovered his barricade. In a few minutes we could
+distinctly hear them approaching. We were all well under cover, but I
+was surprised to find that it was only an escort.
+
+"They were galloping, and had evidently come a long distance by some
+circuitous route, and had not taken part in the fighting. I counted
+five--two Cossacks in advance, then about forty yards behind a
+shabbily-dressed civilian on horseback, and about forty yards behind him
+two more Cossacks. They appeared to expect no interruption, and it
+occurred to me that the Cossacks were escorting the civilian over to the
+Russian position away beyond Hogganfield Loch. As soon as they were
+clear, I formed my men up on each side of the road to await events.
+
+"We had no occasion to remain long in expectation, for soon afterwards
+the stillness was broken by shouts and a few rapid shots, and then we
+could hear two horses galloping back. One was riderless, and a corporal
+who attempted to stop it was knocked down and seriously injured; but the
+other had a rider, and as he neared us I could see he was the civilian.
+I knew I must stop him at all costs.
+
+"So, ordering the men on the opposite side of the road to lie down, we
+gave him a section volley from one side as he rushed past. The horse was
+badly hit, and stumbled, throwing its rider, who was at once secured. To
+prevent him from disposing of anything, we bound him securely. Two of
+the Cossacks had been shot and the other two captured. Upon the
+civilian, and in his saddle-bags, we found a number of cipher
+despatches, elaborate plans showing how Glasgow was defended, and an
+autograph letter from the Russian General Drukovitch, giving him
+instructions to enter Glasgow alone by way of Partick, and to await him
+there until the city fell.
+
+"But the city was never invested. An hour after we had sent this
+mysterious civilian--who spoke English with a foreign accent--over to
+the Colonel, our onslaught became doubly desperate. In the dusk,
+regiment after regiment of Russians were simply swept away by the cool
+and deliberate fire of the British, who, being reinforced by my
+battalion and others, wrought splendid execution in the enemy's main
+body, forced back upon us at Baillieston.
+
+"Then, as night fell, a report was spread that General Drukovitch had
+surrendered. This proved true. With his 2nd and 3rd Army Corps
+annihilated, and his transports and base in our hands, he was compelled
+to acknowledge himself vanquished; therefore, by nine o'clock
+hostilities had ceased, and during that night nearly six thousand
+survivors of the 1st Russian Army Corps were taken prisoners, and
+marched in triumph into Glasgow amid the wildest excitement of the
+populace. This desperate attempt to invest Glasgow had cost the Russians
+no fewer than 25,000 men in killed and wounded.
+
+"The capture we effected near Baillieston turned out to be of a most
+important character. When searched at headquarters, a visiting-card was
+found concealed upon the man, and this gave our Colonel a clue. The man
+has since been identified by one of his intimate friends as a person
+well known in London society, who poses as a wealthy German, the
+Count von Beilstein! It is alleged that he has for several years been
+living in the metropolis and acting as an expert spy in the Secret
+Service of the Tsar. He was sent handcuffed, under a strong escort, to
+London a few days after the battle, and if all I hear be true, some
+highly sensational disclosures will be made regarding his adventurous
+career.
+
+[Illustration: DEFEAT OF THE RUSSIANS AT BAILLIESTON, NEAR GLASGOW.]
+
+"But throughout Caledonia there is now unbounded joy. Our beloved
+country is safe; for, thanks to the gallant heroism of our Volunteers,
+the Muscovite invaders have been completely wiped out, and Scotland
+again proudly rears her head."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON.
+
+
+South of the Thames, where the gigantic force of French and Russians,
+numbering nearly two hundred thousand of all arms, had been prevented
+from attacking London by our Volunteers and Regulars massed along the
+Surrey Hills, the slaughter on both sides had been frightful. The
+struggle was indeed not for a dynasty, but for the very existence of
+Britain as an independent nation.
+
+Sussex had been devastated, but Kent still held out, and Chatham
+remained in the possession of the defenders.
+
+The rout of the British at Horsham prior to the march of the left column
+of invaders to Birmingham was succeeded by defeat after defeat, the
+engagements each day illustrating painfully that by force of
+overwhelming numbers the invaders were gradually nearing their goal--the
+mighty Capital of our Empire.
+
+Gallant stands were made by our Regulars at East Grinstead, Crawley,
+Alfold, and from Haslemere across Hind Head Common to Frensham. At each
+of these places, long, desperately-fought battles with the French had
+taken place through the hot September days,--our Regular forces
+confident in the stubborn resistance that would be offered by the long
+unbroken line of Volunteers occupying the range of hills behind. Our
+signallers had formed a long line of stations from Reculvers and Star
+Hill, south of the Medway Fortress, to Blue Bell Hill, between Chatham
+and Maidstone, thence through Snodland, Wrotham, Westerham, and
+Limpsfield to Caterham, and from there on through Reigate Park, Boxhill,
+St. Martha's, and over the Hog's Back to Aldershot. With flags in day
+and lamps by night messages constantly passed, and communication was
+thus maintained by this means as well as by the field telegraph, which,
+however, on several occasions had been cut by the enemy.
+
+Yet although our soldiers fought day after day with that pluck
+characteristic of the true Briton, fortune nevertheless seemed to have
+forsaken us, and even although we inflicted frightful losses upon the
+French all round, still they gradually forced back the defenders over
+the Surrey border. Terror, ruin, and death had been spread by the
+invading Gauls. English homes were sacked, French soldiers bivouaced in
+Sussex pastures, and the ripening corn was trodden down and stained with
+blood. The white dusty highways leading from London to the sea were
+piled with unheeded corpses that were fearful to gaze upon, yet
+Britannia toiled on undaunted in this desperate struggle for the
+retention of her Empire.
+
+After our defeat at Horsham, the Russians had contented themselves by
+merely driving back the defenders to a line of resistance from Aldershot
+to the north of Bagshot, and then they had marched onward to Birmingham.
+From Horsham, however, two columns of the invaders, mostly French, and
+numbering over twenty thousand each, had advanced on Guildford and
+Dorking. At the same time, a strong demonstration was made by the enemy
+in the country north of Eastbourne and Hailsham, by which the whole of
+the district in the triangle from Bexhill to Heathfield, and thence to
+Cuckfield and Steyning, fell into their hands. The British, however, had
+massed a strong force to prevent the enemy making their way into West
+Kent, and still held their own along the hills stretching from
+Crowborough to Ticehurst, and from Etchingham, through Brightling and
+Ashburnham, down to Battle and Hastings.
+
+The north of London had during the weeks of hostilities been strongly
+guarded by Volunteers and Regulars, for information of a contemplated
+landing in Essex had been received; and although the defenders had not
+yet fired a shot, they were eagerly looking forward to a chance of
+proving their worth, as their comrades in other parts of England had
+already done.
+
+At first the tactics of the invaders could not be understood, for it had
+been concluded that they would naturally follow up their successes on
+landing with a rapid advance on London.
+
+It was, of course, evident that the vigorous demonstrations made in the
+North and other parts of Britain were intended with a view to drawing as
+many troops as possible from the defence of London, and dispose of them
+in detail before surrounding the capital. Yet, to the dismay of the
+enemy, no blow they delivered in other parts of our country had had the
+desired effect of weakening the defensive lines around London. At the
+opening of the campaign it had been the enemy's intention to reduce
+London by a blockade, which could perhaps have been successfully carried
+out had they landed a strong force in Essex. The troops who were
+intended to land there were, however, sent to Scotland instead, and the
+fact that they had been annihilated outside Glasgow resulted in a
+decision to march at once upon the metropolis.
+
+Advancing from Horsham, the French right column, numbering 20,000 men
+with about 70 guns, had, after desperate fighting, at last reached
+Leatherhead, having left a battalion in support at Dorking. The British
+had resolutely contested every step the French had advanced, and the
+slaughter around Dorking had been awful, while the fighting across
+Fetcham Downs and around Ockley and Bear Green had resulted in frightful
+loss on both sides.
+
+Our Regulars and Volunteers, notwithstanding their gallantry, were,
+alas! gradually driven back by the enormous numbers that had commenced
+the onslaught, and were at last thrown back westward in disorder,
+halting at Ripley. Here the survivors snatched a hasty rest, and they
+were during the night reinforced by a contingent of Regulars who had
+come over from Windsor and Hounslow. On the arrival of these
+reinforcements, the Colonel, well knowing how serious was the situation
+now our first line of defence had been broken, sent out a flying column
+from Ripley, while the main body marched to Great Bookham, with the
+result that Leatherhead, now in the occupation of the French, was from
+both sides vigorously attacked. The British flying column threatening
+the enemy from the north was, however, quickly checked by the French
+guns, and in the transmission of an order a most serious blunder
+occurred, leading to the impossibility of a retreat upon Ripley, for
+unfortunately the order, wrongly given, resulted in the blowing up by
+mistake of the bridges over the river Mole by which they had crossed,
+and which they wanted to use again.
+
+Thus it was that for a time this force was compelled to remain, at
+terrible cost, right under the fire of the French entrenched position at
+Leatherhead; but the enemy were fortunately not strong enough to follow
+up this advantage, and as they occupied a strong strategical position
+they were content to await the arrival of their huge main body, now on
+the move, and which they expected would reach Leatherhead during that
+night. After more fierce fighting, lasting one whole breathless day, the
+defenders were annihilated, while their main body approaching from the
+south also fell into a trap. For several hours a fierce battle also
+raged between Dorking and Mickleham. The British battery on Box Hill
+wrought awful havoc in the French lines, yet gradually the enemy
+silenced our guns and cut up our forces.
+
+The invaders were now advancing in open order over the whole of Sussex
+and the west of Kent, and on the same day as the battle was fought at
+Leatherhead, the high ground south of Sevenoaks, extending from Wimlet
+Hill to Chart Common, fell into their hands, the British suffering
+severely; while two of our Volunteer batteries in the vicinity were
+surprised and seized by a French flying column.
+
+In the meantime, another French column, numbering nearly twenty thousand
+infantry and cavalry, had advanced from Alfold, burning Ewhurst and
+Cranley, and after a desperately-contested engagement they captured the
+British batteries on the hills at Hascombe and Hambledon.
+
+On the same day the French advance guard, though suffering terrible
+loss, successfully attacked the battery of Regulars on the hill at
+Wonersh, and Godalming having been invested, they commenced another
+vigorous attack upon the strong line of British Regulars and Volunteers
+at Guildford, where about fourteen thousand men were massed.
+
+On the hills from Gomshall to Seale our brave civilian defenders had
+remained throughout the hostilities ready to repel any attack. Indeed,
+as the days passed, and no demonstration had been made in their
+direction, they had grown impatient, until at length this sudden and
+ferocious onslaught had been made, and they found themselves face to
+face with an advancing army of almost thrice their strength. Among the
+Volunteer battalions holding the position were the 1st Bucks, under Lord
+Addington, V.D.; the 2nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry, under Col. H. S.
+Hall; the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment, under Col. A. M.
+Blake, Lieut.-Col. Rumball, and Col. J. T. Green, V.D.; the 1st Royal
+Berkshire, under Col. J. C. Carter; the 1st Somersetshire Light
+Infantry, under Col. H. M. Skrine, V.D.; and the 1st and 2nd Wiltshire,
+under the Earl of Pembroke, V.D., and Col. E. B. Merriman, V.D. Strong
+batteries had been established between Guildford and Seale by the 1st
+Fifeshire Artillery, under Col. J. W. Johnston, V.D., and the Highland
+Artillery, under Col. W. Fraser, V.D.; while batteries on the left were
+held by the 1st Midlothian, under Col. Kinnear, V.D.; the 1st East
+Riding, under Col. R. G. Smith, V.D.; and the 1st West Riding, under
+Col. T. W. Harding, V.D.
+
+Commencing before dawn, the battle was fierce and sanguinary almost from
+the time the first shots were exchanged. The eight 60-pounder guns in
+the new fort at the top of Pewley Hill, manned by the Royal Artillery,
+commanded the valleys lying away to the south, and effected splendid
+defensive work.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ON THE SURREY HILLS.]
+
+Indeed, it was this redoubt, with three new ones between Guildford and
+Gomshall, and another on the Hog's Back, which held the enemy in check
+for a considerable time; and had there been a larger number of a similar
+strength, it is doubtful whether the French would ever have accomplished
+their design upon Guildford.
+
+The Pewley Fort, built in the solid chalk, and surrounded by a wide
+ditch, kept up a continuous fire upon the dense masses of the enemy, and
+swept away hundreds of unfortunate fellows as they rushed madly onward;
+while the Volunteer batteries and the Maxims of the infantry battalions
+poured upon the invaders a devastating hail of lead.
+
+From Farnham, the line through Odiham and Aldershot was held by a force
+increasing hourly in strength; therefore the enemy were unable to get
+over to Farnborough to outflank the defenders. Through that brilliant,
+sunny September day the slaughter was terrible in every part of the
+enemy's column, and it was about noon believed that they would find
+their positions at Wonersh and Godalming untenable.
+
+Nevertheless, with a dogged persistency unusual to our Gallic
+neighbours, they continued to fight with unquelled vigour. The 2nd
+Oxfordshire Light Infantry and the 1st and 2nd Wiltshire, holding very
+important ground over against Puttenham, bore their part with
+magnificent courage, but were at length cut up in a most horrible
+manner; while the 1st Bedfordshire, who, with a body of Regulars
+valiantly held the road running over the hills from Gomshall to Merrow,
+fought splendidly; but they too were, alas! subsequently annihilated.
+
+Over hill and dale, stretching away to the Sussex border, the rattle and
+din of war sounded incessantly, and as hour after hour passed, hundreds
+of Britons and Frenchmen dyed the brown, sun-baked grass with their
+blood. The struggle was frightful. Volunteer battalions who had
+manoeuvred over that ground at many an Eastertide had little dreamed
+that they would have one day to raise their rifles in earnest for the
+defence of their home and Queen. Yet the practice they had had now
+served them well, for in one instance the 1st Berkshire succeeded by a
+very smart manoeuvre in totally sweeping away several troops of
+Cuirassiers, while a quarter of an hour later half an infantry battalion
+of Regulars attacked a large force of Zouaves on the Compton Road, and
+fought them successfully almost hand to hand.
+
+Through the long, toilsome day the battle continued with unabated fury,
+and as the sun went down there was no cessation of hostilities. A force
+of our Regulars, extending from Farnham over Hind Head Common, fell
+suddenly upon a large body of French infantry, and, outflanking them,
+managed--after a most frightful encounter, in which they lost nearly
+half their men--to totally annihilate them.
+
+In connection with this incident, a squadron of the 5th Dragoon Guards
+made a magnificent charge up a steep hill literally to the muzzles of
+the guns of a French battery, and by their magnificent pluck captured
+it. Still, notwithstanding the bravery of our defenders, and their
+fierce determination to sweep away their foe, it seemed when the sun
+finally disappeared that the fortunes of war were once more against us,
+for the French had now received huge reinforcements, and Dorking and
+Leatherhead having already passed into their hands two days previously,
+they were enabled to make their final assault a most savage and terrific
+one.
+
+It was frightful; it crushed us! In the falling gloom our men fought
+desperately for their lives, but, alas! one after another our positions
+were carried by the invaders literally at the point of the bayonet, and
+ere the moon rose Guildford had fallen into the enemy's hands, and our
+depleted battalions had been compelled to retire in disorder east to
+Effingham and west to Farnham. Those who went to Effingham joined at
+midnight the column who had made an unsuccessful effort to recover
+Leatherhead, and then bivouaced in Oldlands Copse. The number of wounded
+in the battles of Guildford and Leatherhead was enormous. At Mickleham
+the British hospital flag floated over St. Michael's Church, the Priory
+at Cherkley, Chapel Farm, and on Mickleham Hall, a portion of which
+still remained intact, although the building had been looted by Zouaves.
+In Leatherhead the French had established hospitals at Givons Grove,
+Vale Lodge, Elmbank, and in the Church of St. Mary and the parish church
+at Fetcham. At Guildford, in addition to the field hospitals on Albury
+Downs and behind St. Catherine's Hill, Holden, Warren, and Tyting Farms,
+Sutton Place and Loseley were filled with wounded French infantrymen and
+British prisoners, and many schools and buildings, including the
+Guildhall in Guildford town, bore the red cross.
+
+At two most important strategic points the first line defending London
+had now been broken, and the British officers knew that it would require
+every effort on our part to recover our lost advantages. The metropolis
+was now seriously threatened; for soon after dawn on the following day
+two great French columns, one from Guildford and the other from
+Leatherhead, were advancing north towards the Thames! The enemy had
+established telegraphic communication between the two towns, and
+balloons that had been sent up from Guildford and Ashstead to
+reconnoitre had reported that the second line of the British defence had
+been formed from Kingston, through Wimbledon, Tooting, Streatham, and
+Upper Norwood, and thence across _vi�_ Sydenham to Lewisham and
+Greenwich.
+
+It was upon this second line of defence that the French, with their
+enormous force of artillery, now marched. The Leatherhead column, with
+their main body about one day's march behind, took the route through
+Epsom to Mitcham, while the troops from Guildford pushed on through
+Ripley, Cobham, and Esher.
+
+This advance occupied a day, and when a halt was made for the night the
+enemy's front extended from Walton to Thames Ditton, thence across
+Kingston Common and Malden to Mitcham. Bivouacing, they faced the
+British second line of defence, and waited for the morrow to commence
+their onslaught. In London the alarming news of the enemy's success
+caused a panic such as had never before been experienced in the
+metropolis. During the long anxious weeks that the enemy had been held
+within bounds by our Volunteers, London had never fully realised what
+bombardment would mean. While the French were beyond the Surrey Hills,
+Londoners felt secure; and the intelligence received of the enemy's
+utter rout at Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow added
+considerably to this sense of security.
+
+London, alas! was starving. Business was suspended; trains no longer
+left the termini; omnibuses, trams, and cabs had ceased running, the
+horses having been pressed into military service, and those which had
+not had been killed and eaten. The outlook everywhere, even during those
+blazing sunny days and clear moonlit nights, was cheerless and
+dispiriting. The bright sun seemed strangely incongruous with the black
+war-clouds that overhung the gigantic city, with its helpless, starving,
+breathless millions.
+
+In the sun-baked, dusty streets the roar of traffic no longer sounded,
+but up and down the principal thoroughfares of the City and the West End
+the people prowled, lean and hungry--emaciated victims of this awful
+struggle between nations--seeking vainly for food to satisfy the
+terrible pangs consuming them. The hollow cheek, the thin, sharp nose,
+the dark-ringed glassy eye of one and all, told too plainly of the
+widespread suffering, and little surprise was felt at the great
+mortality in every quarter.
+
+In Kensington and Belgravia the distress was quite as keen as in
+Whitechapel and Hackney, and both rich and poor mingled in the gloomy,
+dismal streets, wandering aimlessly over the great Modern Babylon, which
+the enemy were now plotting to destroy.
+
+The horrors of those intensely anxious days of terror were unspeakable.
+The whole machinery of life in the Great City had been disorganised, and
+now London lay like an octopus, with her long arms extended in every
+direction, north and south of the Thames, inert, helpless, trembling.
+Over the gigantic Capital of the World hung the dark Shadow of Death. By
+day and by night its ghastly presence could be felt; its hideous
+realities crushed the heart from those who would face the situation with
+smiling countenance. London's wealth availed her not in this critical
+hour.
+
+Grim, spectral, unseen, the Destroying Angel held the sword over her,
+ready to strike!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS.
+
+
+While famished men crept into Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and there
+expired under the trees of absolute hunger, and starving women with
+babes at their breasts sank upon doorsteps and died, the more robust
+Londoners had, on hearing of the enemy's march on the metropolis, gone
+south to augment the second line of defence. For several weeks huge
+barricades had been thrown up in the principal roads approaching London
+from the south. The strongest of these were opposite the Convalescent
+Home on Kingston Hill, in Coombe Lane close to Raynes Park Station, in
+the Morden Road at Merton Abbey, opposite Lynwood in the Tooting Road;
+while nearer London, on the same road, there was a strong one with
+machine guns on the crest of Balham Hill, and another in Clapham Road.
+At Streatham Hill, about one hundred yards from the hospital, earthworks
+had been thrown up, and several guns brought into position; while at
+Beulah Hill, Norwood, opposite the Post Office at Upper Sydenham, at the
+Half Moon at Herne Hill, and in many of the roads between Honor Oak and
+Denmark Hill, barricades had been constructed and banked up with bags
+and baskets filled with earth.
+
+Though these defences were held by enthusiastic civilians of all
+classes,--professional men, artisans, and tradesmen,--yet our second
+line of defence, distinct, of course, from the local barricades, was a
+very weak one. We had relied upon our magnificent strategic positions on
+the Surrey Hills, and had not made sufficient provision in case of a
+sudden reverse. Our second line, stretching from Croydon up to South
+Norwood, thence to Streatham and along the railway line to Wimbledon and
+Kingston, was composed of a few battalions of Volunteers, detachments of
+Metropolitan police, Berks and Bucks constabulary, London firemen and
+postmen, the Corps of Commissionaires--in fact, every body of drilled
+men who could be requisitioned to handle revolver or rifle. These were
+backed by great bodies of civilians, and behind stood the barricades
+with their insignificant-looking but terribly deadly machine guns.
+
+The railways had, on the first news of the enemy's success at
+Leatherhead and Guildford, all been cut up, and in each of the many
+bridges spanning the Thames between Kingston and the Tower great charges
+of gun-cotton had been placed, so that they might be blown up at any
+instant, and thus prevent the enemy from investing the city.
+
+Day dawned again at last--dull and grey. It had rained during the night,
+and the roads, wet and muddy, were unutterably gloomy as our civilian
+defenders looked out upon them, well knowing that ere long a fierce
+attack would be made. In the night the enemy had been busy laying a
+field telegraph from Mitcham to Kingston, through which messages were
+now being continually flashed.
+
+Suddenly, just as the British outposts were being relieved, the French
+commenced a vigorous attack, and in a quarter of an hour fighting
+extended along the whole line. Volunteers, firemen, policemen,
+Commissionaires, and civilians all fought bravely, trusting to one hope,
+namely, that before they were defeated the enemy would be outflanked and
+attacked in their rear by a British force from the Surrey Hills. They
+well knew that to effectually bar the advance of this great body of
+French was out of all question, yet they fought on with creditable tact,
+and in many instances inflicted serious loss upon the enemy's infantry.
+
+Soon, however, French field guns were trained upon them, and amid the
+roar of artillery line after line of heroic Britons fell shattered to
+earth. Amid the rattle of musketry, the crackling of the machine guns,
+and the booming of 16-pounders, brave Londoners struggled valiantly
+against the masses of wildly excited Frenchmen; yet every moment the
+line became slowly weakened, and the defenders were gradually forced
+back upon their barricades. The resistance which the French met with was
+much more determined than they had anticipated; in fact, a small force
+of Volunteers holding the Mitcham Road, at Streatham, fought with such
+splendid bravery, that they succeeded alone and unaided in completely
+wiping out a battalion of French infantry, and capturing two field guns
+and a quantity of ammunition. For this success, however, they, alas!
+paid dearly, for a quarter of an hour later a large body of cavalry and
+infantry coming over from Woodlands descended upon them and totally
+annihilated them, with the result that Streatham fell into the hands of
+the French, and a few guns placed in the high road soon made short work
+of the earthworks near the hospital. Under the thick hail of bursting
+shells the brave band who manned the guns were at last compelled to
+abandon them, and the enemy were soon marching unchecked into Stockwell
+and Brixton, extending their right, with the majority of their
+artillery, across Herne Hill, Dulwich, and Honor Oak.
+
+In the meantime a desperate battle was being fought around Kingston. The
+barricade on Kingston Hill held out for nearly three hours, but was at
+last captured by the invaders, and of those who had manned it not a man
+survived. Mitcham and Tooting had fallen in the first hour of the
+engagement, the barricade at Lynwood had been taken, and hundreds of the
+houses in Balham had been looted by the enemy in their advance into
+Clapham.
+
+Nearly the whole morning it rained in torrents, and both invaders and
+defenders were wet to the skin, and covered with blood and mud.
+Everywhere British pluck showed itself in this desperate resistance on
+the part of these partially-trained defenders. At the smaller
+barricades in the suburban jerry-built streets, Britons held their own
+and checked the advance with remarkable coolness; yet, as the dark,
+stormy day wore on, the street defences were one after another broken
+down and destroyed.
+
+Indeed, by three o'clock that afternoon the enemy ran riot through the
+whole district, from Lower Sydenham to Kingston. Around the larger
+houses on Sydenham Hill one of the fiercest fights occurred, but at
+length the defenders were driven down into Lordship Lane, and the houses
+on the hill were sacked, and some of them burned. While this was
+proceeding, a great force of French artillery came over from Streatham,
+and before dusk five great batteries had been established along the
+Parade in front of the Crystal Palace, and on Sydenham Hill and One Tree
+Hill; while other smaller batteries were brought into position at Forest
+Hill, Gipsy Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill, and Herne Hill; and
+further towards London about twenty French 12-pounders and a number of
+new quick-firing weapons of long range and a very destructive character
+were placed along the top of Camberwell Grove and Denmark Hill.
+
+The defences of London had been broken. The track of the invaders was
+marked by ruined homes and heaps of corpses, and London's millions knew
+on this eventful night that the enemy were now actually at their doors.
+In Fleet Street, in the Strand, in Piccadilly, the news spread from
+mouth to mouth as darkness fell that the enemy were preparing to launch
+their deadly shells into the City. This increased the panic. The people
+were in a mad frenzy of excitement, and the scenes everywhere were
+terrible. Women wept and wailed, men uttered words of blank despair, and
+children screamed at an unknown terror.
+
+The situation was terrible. From the Embankment away on the Surrey side
+could be seen a lurid glare in the sky. It was the reflection of a great
+fire in Vassall Road, Brixton, the whole street being burned by the
+enemy, together with the great block of houses lying between the Cowley
+and Brixton Roads.
+
+London waited. Dark storm-clouds scudded across the moon. The chill wind
+swept up the river, and moaned mournfully in doors and chimneys.
+
+At last, without warning, just as Big Ben had boomed forth one o'clock,
+the thunder of artillery shook the windows, and startled the excited
+crowds. Great shells crashed into the streets, remained for a second,
+and then burst with deafening report and appalling effect.
+
+In Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, and the Strand the deadly projectiles
+commenced to fall thickly, wrecking the shops, playing havoc with the
+public buildings, and sweeping hundreds of men and women into eternity.
+Nothing could withstand their awful force, and the people, rushing madly
+about like frightened sheep, felt that this was indeed their last hour.
+
+In Ludgate Hill the scene was awful. Shots fell with monotonous
+regularity, bursting everywhere, and blowing buildings and men into
+atoms. The French shells were terribly devastating; the reek of m�linite
+poisoned the air. Shells striking St. Paul's Cathedral brought down the
+right-hand tower, and crashed into the dome; while others set on fire a
+long range of huge drapery warehouses behind it, the glare of the
+roaring flames causing the great black Cathedral to stand out in bold
+relief.
+
+The bombardment had actually commenced! London, the proud Capital of the
+World, was threatened with destruction!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+LONDON BOMBARDED.
+
+
+The Hand of the Destroyer had reached England's mighty metropolis. The
+lurid scene was appalling.
+
+In the stormy sky the red glare from hundreds of burning buildings grew
+brighter, and in every quarter flames leaped up and black smoke curled
+slowly away in increasing volume.
+
+The people were unaware of the events that had occurred in Surrey that
+day. Exhausted, emaciated, and ashen pale, the hungry people had endured
+every torture. Panic-stricken, they rushed hither and thither in
+thousands up and down the principal thoroughfares, and as they tore
+headlong away in this _sauve qui peut_ to the northern suburbs, the
+weaker fell and were trodden under foot.
+
+Men fought for their wives and families, dragging them away out of the
+range of the enemy's fire, which apparently did not extend beyond the
+line formed by the Hackney Road, City Road, Pentonville Road, Euston
+Road, and Westbourne Park. But in that terrible rush to escape many
+delicate ladies were crushed to death, and numbers of others, with their
+children, sank exhausted, and perished beneath the feet of the fleeing
+millions.
+
+Never before had such alarm been spread through London; never before had
+such awful scenes of destruction been witnessed. The French
+Commander-in-chief, who was senior to his Russian colleague, had been
+killed, and his successor being unwilling to act in concert with the
+Muscovite staff, a quarrel ensued. It was this quarrel which caused the
+bombardment of London, totally against the instructions of their
+respective Governments. The bombardment was, in fact, wholly
+unnecessary, and was in a great measure due to some confused orders
+received by the French General from his Commander-in-chief. Into the
+midst of the surging, terrified crowds that congested the streets on
+each side of the Thames, shells filled with m�linite dropped, and,
+bursting, blew hundreds of despairing Londoners to atoms. Houses were
+shattered and fell, public buildings were demolished, factories were set
+alight, and the powerful exploding projectiles caused the Great City to
+reel and quake. Above the constant crash of bursting shells, the dull
+roar of the flames, and the crackling of burning timbers, terrific
+detonations now and then were heard, as buildings, filled with
+combustibles, were struck by shots, and, exploding, spread death and
+ruin over wide areas. The centre of commerce, of wealth, of intellectual
+and moral life was being ruthlessly wrecked, and its inhabitants
+massacred. Apparently it was not the intention of the enemy to invest
+the city at present, fearing perhaps that the force that had penetrated
+the defences was not sufficiently large to accomplish such a gigantic
+task; therefore they had commenced this terrible bombardment as a
+preliminary measure.
+
+Through the streets of South London the people rushed along, all
+footsteps being bent towards the bridges; but on every one of them the
+crush was frightful--indeed, so great was it that in several instances
+the stone balustrades were broken, and many helpless, shrieking persons
+were forced over into the dark swirling waters below. The booming of the
+batteries was continuous, the bursting of the shells was deafening, and
+every moment was one of increasing horror. Men saw their homes swept
+away, and trembling women clung to their husbands, speechless with fear.
+In the City, in the Strand, in Westminster, and West End streets the
+ruin was even greater, and the destruction of property enormous.
+
+Westward, both great stations at Victoria, with the adjoining furniture
+repositories and the Grosvenor Hotel, were burning fiercely; while the
+Wellington Barracks had been partially demolished, and the roof of St.
+Peter's Church blown away. Two shells falling in the quadrangle of
+Buckingham Palace had smashed every window and wrecked some of the
+ground-floor apartments, but nevertheless upon the flagstaff, amidst the
+dense smoke and showers of sparks flying upward, there still floated the
+Royal Standard. St. James's Palace, Marlborough House, Stafford House,
+and Clarence House, standing in exposed positions, were being all more
+or less damaged; several houses in Carlton House Terrace had been
+partially demolished, and a shell striking the Duke of York's Column
+soon after the commencement of the bombardment, caused it to fall,
+blocking Waterloo Place.
+
+Time after time shells whistled above and fell with a crash and
+explosion, some in the centre of the road, tearing up the paving, and
+others striking the clubs in Pall Mall, blowing out many of those noble
+time-mellowed walls. The portico of the Athen�um had been torn away like
+pasteboard, the rear premises of the War Office had been pulverised, and
+the Carlton, Reform, and United Service Clubs suffered terrible damage.
+Two shells striking the Junior Carlton crashed through the roof, and
+exploding almost simultaneously, brought down an enormous heap of
+masonry, which fell across the roadway, making an effectual barricade;
+while at the same moment shells began to fall thickly in Grosvenor Place
+and Belgrave Square, igniting many houses, and killing some of those who
+remained in their homes petrified by fear.
+
+Up Regent Street shells were sweeping with frightful effect. The Caf�
+Monico and the whole block of buildings surrounding it was burning, and
+the flames leaping high, presented a magnificent though appalling
+spectacle. The front of the London Pavilion had been partially blown
+away, and of the two uniform rows of shops forming the Quadrant many
+had been wrecked. From Air Street to Oxford Circus, and along Piccadilly
+to Knightsbridge, there fell a perfect hail of shell and bullets.
+Devonshire House had been wrecked, and the Burlington Arcade destroyed.
+The thin pointed spire of St. James's Church had fallen, every window in
+the Albany was shattered, several houses in Grosvenor Place had suffered
+considerably, and a shell that struck the southern side of St. George's
+Hospital had ignited it, and now at 2 A.M., in the midst of this awful
+scene of destruction and disaster, the helpless sick were being removed
+into the open streets, where bullets whistled about them and fragments
+of explosive shells whizzed past.
+
+As the night wore on London trembled and fell. Once Mistress of the
+World, she was now, alas! sinking under the iron hand of the invader.
+Upon her there poured a rain of deadly missiles that caused appalling
+slaughter and desolation. The newly introduced long-range guns, and the
+terrific power of the explosives with which the French shells were
+charged, added to the horrors of the bombardment; for although the
+batteries were so far away as to be out of sight, yet the unfortunate
+people, overtaken by their doom, were torn limb from limb by the
+bursting bombs.
+
+Over the roads lay men of London, poor and rich, weltering in their
+blood, their lower limbs shattered or blown completely away. With
+wide-open haggard eyes, in their death agony they gazed around at the
+burning buildings, at the falling d�bris, and upward at the
+brilliantly-illumined sky. With their last breath they gasped prayers
+for those they loved, and sank to the grave, hapless victims of
+Babylon's downfall.
+
+Every moment the Great City was being devastated, every moment the
+catastrophe was more complete, more awful. In the poorer quarters of
+South London whole streets were swept away, and families overwhelmed by
+their own demolished homes. Along the principal thoroughfares shop
+fronts were shivered, and the goods displayed in the windows strewn
+about the roadway.
+
+About half-past three a frightful disaster occurred at Battersea. Very
+few shells had dropped in that district, when suddenly one fell right in
+the very centre of a great petroleum store. The effect was frightful.
+With a noise that was heard for twenty miles around, the whole of the
+great store of oil exploded, blowing the stores themselves high into the
+air, and levelling all the buildings in the vicinity. In every direction
+burning oil was projected over the roofs of neighbouring houses, dozens
+of which at once caught fire, while down the streets there ran great
+streams of blazing oil, which spread the conflagration in every
+direction. Showers of sparks flew upwards, the flames roared and
+crackled, and soon fires were breaking out in all quarters.
+
+Just as the clocks were striking a quarter to four, a great shell struck
+the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament, bringing it down with a
+terrific crash. This disaster was quickly followed by a series of
+others. A shell fell through the roof of Westminster Abbey, setting the
+grand old historic building on fire; another tore away the columns from
+the front of the Royal Exchange; and a third carried away one of the
+square twin towers of St. Mary Woolnoth, at the corner of Lombard
+Street.
+
+Along this latter thoroughfare banks were wrecked, and offices set on
+fire; while opposite, in the thick walls of the Bank of England, great
+breaches were being made. The Mansion House escaped any very serious
+injury, but the dome of the Stock Exchange was carried away; and in
+Queen Victoria Street, from end to end, enormous damage was caused to
+the rows of fine business premises; while further east the Monument,
+broken in half, came down with a noise like thunder, demolishing many
+houses on Fish Street Hill.
+
+The great drapery warehouses in Wood Street, Bread Street, Friday
+Street, Foster Lane, and St. Paul's Churchyard suffered more or less.
+Ryland's, Morley's, and Cook's were all alight and burning fiercely;
+while others were wrecked and shattered, and their contents blown out
+into the streets. The quaint spire of St. Bride's had fallen, and its
+bells lay among the d�bris in the adjoining courts; both the
+half-wrecked offices of the _Daily Telegraph_ and the _Daily Chronicle_
+were being consumed.
+
+The great clock-tower of the Law Courts fell about four o'clock with a
+terrific crash, completely blocking the Strand at Temple Bar, and
+demolishing the much-abused Griffin Memorial; while at the same moment
+two large holes were torn in the roof of the Great Hall, the small black
+turret above fell, and the whole of the glass in the building was
+shivered into fragments.
+
+It was amazing how widespread was the ruin caused by each of the
+explosive missiles. Considering the number of guns employed by the
+French in this cruel and wanton destruction of property, the desolation
+they were causing was enormous. This was owing to the rapid extension of
+their batteries over the high ground from One Tree Hill through Peckham
+to Greenwich, and more especially to the wide ranges of their guns and
+the terrific power of their shells. In addition to the ordinary
+projectiles filled with m�linite, charges of that extremely powerful
+substance lignine dynamite were hurled into the city, and, exploded by a
+detonator, swept away whole streets, and laid many great public
+buildings in ruins; while steel shells, filled with some arrangement of
+liquid oxygen and blasting gelatine, produced frightful effects, for
+nothing could withstand them.
+
+One of these, discharged from the battery on Denmark Hill, fell in the
+quadrangle behind Burlington House, and levelled the Royal Academy and
+the surrounding buildings. Again a terrific explosion sounded, and as
+the smoke cleared it was seen that a gelatine shell had fallen among the
+many turrets of the Natural History Museum, and the front of the
+building fell out with a deafening crash, completely blocking the
+Cromwell Road.
+
+London lay at the mercy of the invaders. So swiftly had the enemy cut
+their way through the defences and opened their hail of destroying
+missiles, that the excited, starving populace were unaware of what had
+occurred until dynamite began to rain upon them. Newspapers had ceased
+to appear; and although telegraphic communication was kept up with the
+defenders on the Surrey Hills by the War Office, yet no details of the
+events occurring there had been made public for fear of spies. Londoners
+had remained in ignorance, and, alas! had awaited their doom. Through
+the long sultry night the situation was one of indescribable panic and
+disaster.
+
+The sky had grown a brighter red, and the streets within the range of
+the enemy's guns, now deserted, were in most cases blocked by burning
+ruins and fallen telegraph wires; while about the roadways lay the
+shattered corpses of men, women, and children, upon whom the shells had
+wrought their frightful work.
+
+The bodies, mutilated, torn limb from limb, were sickening to gaze
+upon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+BABYLON BURNING.
+
+
+Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its
+smoke-begrimed fa�ade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled
+with a huge pile of smouldering d�bris. On either side of the Strand
+from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left
+intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of
+buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been
+handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted
+girders. The rain of fire continued. Dense black smoke rising in a huge
+column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that
+noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall,
+and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.
+
+The burning of Babylon was a sight of awful, appalling grandeur.
+
+The few people remaining in the vicinity of the Strand who escaped the
+flying missiles and falling buildings, sought what shelter they could,
+and stood petrified by terror, knowing that every moment might be their
+last, not daring to fly into the streets leading to Holborn, where they
+could see the enemy's shells were still falling with unabated regularity
+and frightful result, their courses marked by crashing buildings and
+blazing ruins.
+
+Looking from Charing Cross, the Strand seemed one huge glaring furnace.
+Flames belched from windows on either side, and, bursting through roofs,
+great tongues of fire shot upwards; blazing timbers fell into the
+street; and as the buildings became gutted, and the fury of the
+devouring element was spent, shattered walls tottered and fell into the
+roadway. The terrific heat, the roar of the flames, the blinding smoke,
+the stifling fumes of dynamite, the pungent, poisonous odour of
+m�linite, the clouds of dust, the splinters of stone and steel, and the
+constant bursting of shells, combined to render the scene the most awful
+ever witnessed in a single thoroughfare during the history of the world.
+
+From Kensington to Bow, from Camberwell to Somers Town, from Clapham to
+Deptford, the vast area of congested houses and tortuous streets was
+being swept continually. South of the Thames the loss of life was
+enormous, for thousands were unable to get beyond the zone of fire, and
+many in Brixton, Clapham, Camberwell, and Kennington were either maimed
+by flying fragments of shell, buried in the d�bris of their homes, or
+burned to death. The disasters wrought by the Frenchmen's improved
+long-range weapons were frightful.
+
+London, the all-powerful metropolis, which had egotistically considered
+herself the impregnable Citadel of the World, fell to pieces and was
+consumed. She was frozen by terror, and lifeless. Her ancient monuments
+were swept away, her wealth melted in her coffers, her priceless objects
+of art were torn up and broken, and her streets ran with the blood of
+her starving toilers.
+
+Day dawned grey, with stormlight gloom. Rain-clouds scudded swiftly
+across the leaden sky. Along the road in front of the Crystal Palace,
+where the French batteries were established, the deafening discharges
+that had continued incessantly during the night, and had smashed nearly
+all the glass in the sides and roof of the Palace, suddenly ceased.
+
+The officers were holding a consultation over despatches received from
+the batteries at Tulse Hill, Streatham, Red Post Hill, One Tree Hill,
+and Greenwich, all of which stated that ammunition had run short, and
+they were therefore unable to continue the bombardment.
+
+[Illustration: THE FRENCH BOMBARDING LONDON FROM THE CRYSTAL PALACE
+PARADE.]
+
+Neither of the ammunition trains of the two columns of the enemy had
+arrived, for, although the bombarding batteries were unaware of it, both
+had been captured and blown up by British Volunteers.
+
+It was owing to this that the hostile guns were at last compelled to
+cease their thunder, and to this fact also was due the fortunes of the
+defenders in the events immediately following.
+
+Our Volunteers occupying the line of defence north of London, through
+Epping and Brentwood to Tilbury, had for the past three weeks been in
+daily expectation of an attempt on the part of the invaders to land in
+Essex, and were amazed at witnessing this sudden bombardment. From their
+positions on the northern heights they could distinctly see how
+disastrous was the enemy's fire, and although they had been informed by
+telegraph of the reverses we had sustained at Guildford and Leatherhead,
+yet they had no idea that the actual attack on the metropolis would be
+made so swiftly. However, they lost not a moment. It was evident that
+the enemy had no intention of effecting a landing in Essex; therefore,
+with commendable promptitude, they decided to move across the Thames
+immediately, to reinforce their comrades in Surrey. Leaving the 2nd and
+4th West Riding Artillery, under Col. Hoffmann and Col. N. Creswick,
+V.D., at Tilbury, and the Lincolnshire, Essex, and Worcestershire
+Volunteer Artillery, under Col. G. M. Hutton, V.D., Col. S. L. Howard,
+V.D., and Col. W. Ottley, the greater part of the Norfolk,
+Staffordshire, Tay, Aberdeen, Manchester, and Northern Counties Field
+Brigades moved south with all possible speed. From Brentwood, the 1st,
+2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment, under
+Col. A. C. Dawson, Col. E. H. H. Combe, Col. H. E. Hyde, V.D., and Col.
+C. W. J. Unthank, V.D.; the 1st and 2nd North Staffordshire, under Col.
+W. H. Dutton, V.D., and Col. F. D. Mort, V.D.; and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
+South Staffordshire, under Col. J. B. Cochrane, V.D., Col. T. T. Fisher,
+V.D., and Col. E. Nayler, V.D.; the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Royal
+Highlanders, under Col. W. A. Gordon, V.D., Col. Sir R. D. Moncreiffe,
+Col. Sir R. Menzies, V.D., and Col. Erskine; the 7th Argyll and
+Sutherland Highlanders, under Col. J. Porteous, V.D.; the 3rd, 4th, and
+5th Gordon Highlanders, under Col. A. D. Fordyce, Col. G. Jackson, V.D.,
+and Col. J. Johnston--were, as early as 2 A.M., on their way to London.
+
+At this critical hour the Engineer and Railway Volunteer Staff Corps
+rendered invaluable services. Under the direction of Col. William Birt,
+trains held in readiness by the Great Eastern Railway brought the
+brigades rapidly to Liverpool Street, whence they marched by a
+circuitous route beyond the zone of fire by way of Marylebone,
+Paddington, Kensington Gardens, Walham Green, and across Wandsworth
+Bridge, thence to Upper Tooting, where they fell in with a large force
+of our Regular infantry and cavalry, who were on their way to outflank
+the enemy.
+
+Attacking a detachment of the French at Tooting, they captured several
+guns, destroyed the enemy's field telegraph, and proceeded at once to
+Streatham, where the most desperate resistance was offered. A fierce
+fight occurred across Streatham Common, and over to Lower Norwood and
+Gipsy Hill, in which both sides lost very heavily. Nevertheless our
+Volunteers from Essex, although they had been on the march the greater
+part of the night, fought bravely, and inflicted terrible punishment
+upon their foe. The 3rd and 4th Volunteer Battalions of the Gordon
+Highlanders and the 1st Norfolk, attacking a French position near the
+mouth of the railway tunnel, displayed conspicuous bravery, and
+succeeded in completely annihilating their opponents; while in an
+opposite direction, towards Tooting, several troops of French cavalry
+were cut up and taken prisoners by two battalions of Royal Highlanders.
+
+The batteries on Streatham Hill having been assaulted and taken, the
+force of defenders pushed quickly onward to Upper Norwood, where our
+cavalry, sweeping along Westow Hill and Church Street, fell upon the
+battery in front of the Crystal Palace. The enemy, owing to the
+interruption of their field telegraph, were unaware of their presence,
+and were completely surprised. Nevertheless French infantrymen rushed
+into the Crystal Palace Hotel, the White Swan, Stanton Harcourt, the
+Knoll, Rocklands, and other houses at both ends of the Parade, and from
+the windows poured forth withering volleys from their Lebels. Our
+cavalry, riding down the broad Parade, used their sabres upon the
+artillerymen, and the whole of the French troops were quickly in a
+confused mass, unable to act with effect, and suffering appallingly from
+the steady fire of our Volunteers, who very soon cleared the enemy from
+the White Swan, and, having been drawn up outside, poured forth a
+galling rifle fire right along the enemy's position. Suddenly there was
+loud shouting, and the British "Cease fire" sounded. The French, though
+fighting hard, were falling back gradually down the hill towards
+Sydenham Station, when suddenly shots were heard, and turbaned cavalry
+came riding into them at a terrific pace from the rear.
+
+The British officers recognised the new-comers as a squadron of Bengal
+Lancers! At last India had sent us help, and our men sent up a loud
+cheer. A large force of cavalry and infantry, together with two
+regiments of Goorkas, had, it appeared, been landed at Sheerness. They
+had contemplated landing in Hampshire, but, more unfortunate than some
+of their compatriots who had effected a landing near Southampton, they
+were driven through the Straits of Dover by the enemy's cruisers.
+Marching north in company with a force from Chatham, they had earlier
+that morning attacked and routed the enemy's right flank at Blackheath,
+and, after capturing the battery of the foe at Greenwich, greater part
+of the escort of which had been sent over to Lewisham an hour before,
+they slaughtered a battalion of Zouaves, and had then extended across to
+Denmark Hill, where a sanguinary struggle occurred.
+
+The French on Dog Kennel, Red Post, Herne, and Tulse Hills turned their
+deadly machine guns upon them, and for a long time all the positions
+held out. At length, however, by reason of a splendid charge made by the
+Bengal Lancers, the battery at Red Post Hill was taken and the enemy
+slaughtered. During the next half-hour a fierce hand-to-hand struggle
+took place up Dog Kennel Hill from St. Saviour's Infirmary, and
+presently, when the defenders gained the spur of the hill, they fought
+the enemy gallantly in Grove Lane, Private Road, Bromar Road, Camberwell
+Grove, and adjoining roads. Time after time the Indian cavalry charged,
+and the Goorkas, with their keen knives, hacked their way into those of
+the enemy who rallied. For nearly an hour the struggle continued
+desperately, showers of bullets from magazine rifles sweeping along the
+usually quiet suburban thoroughfares, until the roads were heaped with
+dead and dying, and the houses on either side bore evidence of the
+bloody fray. Then at last the guns placed along the hills all fell into
+our hands, and the French were almost completely swept out of existence.
+
+Many were the terrible scenes witnessed in the gardens of the quaint
+last-century houses on Denmark Hill. Around those old-world residences,
+standing along the road leading down to Half Moon Lane, time-mellowed
+relics of an age bygone, Indians fought with Zouaves, and British
+Volunteers struggled fiercely hand to hand with French infantrymen. The
+quiet old-fashioned quarter, that was an aristocratic retreat when
+Camberwell was but a sylvan village with an old toll gate, when cows
+chewed the cud upon Walworth Common, and when the Walworth Road had not
+a house in the whole of it, was now the scene of a frightful massacre.
+The deafening explosions of cordite from magazine rifles, the exultant
+shouts of the victors and the hoarse shrieks of the dying, awakened the
+echoes in those quaint old gardens, with their Dutch-cut zigzag walks,
+enclosed by ancient red brick walls, moss-grown, lichen covered, and
+half hidden by ivy, honeysuckle, and creepers. Those spacious grounds,
+where men were now being mercilessly slaughtered, had been the scene of
+many a brilliant _f�te champ�tre_, where splendid satin-coated _beaux_,
+all smiles and _ailes de pigeon_, whispered scandal behind the fans of
+dainty dames in high-dressed wigs and patches, or, clad as Watteau
+shepherds, had danced the _al fresco_ minuet with similarly attired
+shepherdesses, and later on played _piquet_ and drank champagne till
+dawn.
+
+[Illustration: GOORKAS SLAUGHTERING THE FRENCH ARTILLERY AT GREENWICH
+OBSERVATORY.]
+
+In the good old Georgian days, when Johnson walked daily under the trees
+in Gough Square, when Macklin was playing the "Man of the World," and
+when traitors' heads blackened on Temple Bar, this colony was one of the
+most rural, exclusive, and gay in the vicinity of London. Alas, how it
+has decayed! Cheap "desirable residences" have sprung up around it, the
+hand of the jerry-building Vandal has touched it, the sound of traffic
+roars about it; yet still there is a charm in those quaint old gardens
+of a forgotten era. From under the dark yew hedges the jonquils still
+peep out early--the flowers themselves are those old-fashioned sweet
+ones beloved of our grandmothers--and the tea roses still blossom on the
+crumbling walls and fill the air with their fragrance. But in this
+terrible struggle the walls were used as defences, the bushes were torn
+down and trampled under foot, and the flowers hung broken on their
+stalks, bespattered with men's blood!
+
+Proceeding south again, the defenders successfully attacked the strong
+batteries on One Tree Hill at Honor Oak, and on Sydenham Hill and Forest
+Hill, and then extending across to the Crystal Palace, had joined hands
+with our Volunteers from Essex, where they were now wreaking vengeance
+for the ruthless destruction caused in London.
+
+The bloodshed along the Crystal Palace Parade was fearful. The French
+infantry and artillery, overwhelmed by the onward rush of the defenders,
+and now under the British crossfire, fell in hundreds. Dark-faced Bengal
+Lancers and Goorkas, with British Hussars and Volunteers, descended upon
+them with appalling swiftness; and so complete was the slaughter, that
+of the whole force that had effected that terribly effectual bombardment
+from Sydenham, not more than a dozen survived.
+
+By noon many of the shops on Westow Hill and private residences on
+College Hill and Sydenham Hill had been wantonly ignited by the enemy;
+but when the firing ceased some hours later, the roads were heaped with
+the corpses of those whose mission it had been to destroy London.
+
+Of all those batteries which had caused such frightful desolation and
+loss of life during the night, not one now remained. The two French
+columns had been swiftly wiped out of existence; and although our forces
+had suffered very considerably, they nevertheless were able to go south
+to Croydon later that afternoon, in order to take part in resisting the
+vigorous and desperate attack which they knew would sooner or later be
+made by the whole French army massed beyond the Surrey Hills. The sun
+was on the horizon, and the shadows were already deepening.
+
+Assistance had arrived tardily, for the damage to property in London
+during the night had been enormous; nevertheless at this the eleventh
+hour we had inflicted upon the French a crushing defeat, and now England
+waited, trembling and breathless, wondering what would be the final
+outcome of this fierce, bloody struggle for our national existence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS.
+
+
+Our valiant defenders were striking swift, decisive blows for England's
+honour. The French, demoralised by their severe defeat in the south of
+London, and suffering considerable loss in every other direction, fought
+desperately during the two days following the disastrous bombardment.
+
+In darkness and sunlight fierce contests took place along the Surrey
+Hills, where our Volunteers, under Major-Gen. Lord Methuen, were still
+entrenched. Every copse bristled with rifles; red coats gleamed among
+the foliage, and winding highways were, alas! strewn with corpses.
+Guildford had again been reoccupied by our Regulars, who were
+reorganising; and Leatherhead, holding out for another day, was retaken,
+after a terribly hard-fought battle, by the Highland, South of Scotland,
+and Glasgow Brigades, with the 1st Ayrshire and Galloway Artillery,
+under Col. J. G. Sturrock, V.D.; 1st Lanarkshire, under Col. R. J.
+Bennett, V.D.; 1st Aberdeenshire, under Col. J. Ogston, V.D.; and 1st
+North Riding Yorkshire Volunteer Artillery, under Major C. L. Bell. In
+such a splendid and gallant manner had our comparatively small force
+manoeuvred, that on the second night following the bombardment the whole
+of the invaders who had penetrated beyond our line of defence towards
+the metropolis had been completely wiped out, in addition to which the
+breach in our line had been filled up by strong reinforcements, and the
+enemy driven from the high ground between Box Hill and Guildford.
+
+The invaders, finding how vigorously we repelled any attack, made
+terrific onslaughts on our position at various points they believed were
+vulnerable, but everywhere they were hurled back with appalling
+slaughter. Volunteers from Australia and the Cape, in addition to the
+other contingent of 10,000 Indian native troops, had been landed near
+Southampton, and had advanced to assist in this terrific struggle, upon
+the result of which the future of our Empire depended. Among these
+Colonials were 500 Victorian Rangers, 900 Victoria Mounted Rifles, and
+seven companies of Queensland Mounted Infantry, with two ambulance
+corps.
+
+The Indians landed in splendid form, having brought their full war
+equipment with them without any contribution whatever from the Home
+Government, as it will be remembered they did when they landed at Malta
+during Lord Beaconsfield's administration. Having received intelligence
+of the movements of the two columns of the enemy that had gone to London
+after taking Leatherhead and Guildford, they pushed on to Petworth. By
+the time they arrived there, however, both towns had been recaptured by
+the British, who were then being severely harassed by the enemy massed
+along the south side of our defensive line. Although numerically
+inferior to the enemy occupying that part of the country, the Indians
+were already well accustomed to actual warfare, the majority having been
+engaged in operations against the hill tribes; therefore the commander
+decided to push on at once, and endeavour to outflank the large French
+force who with some Russian infantry had again attacked Guildford, and
+the manner in which this was accomplished was a single illustration of
+the valuable assistance the Indians rendered us in these days of
+bloodshed and despair.
+
+One of the native officers of a Sikh regiment, the Subadar Banerji
+Singh, having served with Sir Peter Lumsden's expeditionary force some
+years before, had frequently come into contact with the Russians, and
+could speak Russian better than some of the soldiers of the Tsar's
+Asiatic corps. The commander of the Indian force, determined that his
+men should strike their blow and sustain their reputation, advanced with
+great caution from Petworth, and late in the afternoon of the second
+evening after the bombardment of London, two Sikhs scouting in front of
+the advance guard sighted a Russian bivouac on the road on the other
+side of the Wye Canal beyond Loxwood Bridge, which latter had been
+demolished. The Indians were thereupon halted on the road which runs
+through the wood near Plaistow, and the officers held council. Their
+information was unfortunately very meagre and their knowledge of the
+country necessarily vague; but the Subadar Banerji Singh, who was of
+unusually fair complexion, volunteered to don a Russian uniform, which
+had been taken with other property from a dead officer found upon the
+road, and endeavour in that disguise to penetrate the enemy's lines.
+
+Towards dusk he set out on his perilous journey, and, on arriving at the
+wrecked bridge, shouted over to two Russian sentries, explaining that he
+had been wounded and left behind after the fight at Haslemere, and
+requesting their assistance to enable him to cross. Believing him to be
+one of their infantry officers, they told him there were no means of
+crossing unless he could swim, as their engineers had sounded the canal
+before blowing up the bridge, and had found it twenty feet deep.
+
+Banerji Singh questioned them artfully as to the position of their
+column, which they said intended, in co-operation with a great force of
+French cavalry and infantry, to again attack Guildford at dawn; and
+further, they told him in confidence that the rearguard to which they
+belonged only numbered about two thousand men, who had halted for the
+night with the transport waggons on the Guildford road, about two miles
+north of Alfold.
+
+Then, after further confidences, they suggested that he should continue
+along the canal bank for about a mile and a half, where there was a
+bridge still intact, and near which he would find the rearguard.
+
+Thanking them, he withdrew into the falling gloom, and a quarter of an
+hour later entered the presence of his commanding officer, who, of
+course, was delighted with the information thus elicited. The Subadar
+had carefully noted all the features of the canal bank and broken
+bridge, and the valuable knowledge he had obtained was at once put to
+account, and the General at once formed his force into two divisions.
+Then, after issuing instructions for the following day, he gave orders
+for a bivouac for the night.
+
+The pioneers, however, were far from idle. During the night they worked
+with unflagging energy, quietly preparing a position for the guns to
+cover the contemplated passage at Loxwood Bridge, and before day broke
+the guns were mounted, and the Engineers were ready for action. As soon
+as there was sufficient light the laying of the pontoon commenced, but
+was at once noticed by the Russians, who opened fire, and very soon it
+was evident that information had been conveyed to the enemy's rearguard,
+and that they were returning to contest the passage.
+
+In the meantime one division of the Indians, setting out before
+daybreak, had been cautiously working round to the main road crossing
+the canal north of Alfold, and succeeded in getting over soon after the
+majority of the Russian rearguard had left for the assistance of the
+detachment at Loxwood Bridge, and, after a sharp, decisive fight,
+succeeded in capturing the whole of the transport waggons. The
+Engineers, with the Indians, had in the meantime succeeded in completing
+their pontoon under cover of the guns, and the second division of the
+Indians, dark-faced, daring fellows, rushed across to the opposite bank,
+and descended upon the enemy with frightful effect. In the hot
+engagement that followed, the Russians, now attacked in both front and
+rear, were totally annihilated, and thus the whole of the reserve
+ammunition of the force assaulting Guildford fell into our hands.
+
+This victory on the enemy's left flank caused the tide of events to turn
+in our favour, for the huge Russian and French columns that intended to
+again carry the hills from Dorking to Guildford were hampered by want
+of ammunition, and so vigorously did our Volunteers along the hills
+defend the repeated attacks, that the invaders were again driven back.
+Then, as they drew south to recover themselves, they were attacked on
+their left by a large body of our Regulars, and in the rear by the
+Indians and Australians. Over the country stretching across from Cranley
+through Ewhurst, Ockley, Capel, and Newdigate to Horley, the fighting
+spread, as each side struggled desperately for the mastery.
+
+The fate of England, nay, of our vast British Empire, was in the hands
+of those of her stalwart sons of many races who were now wielding
+valiantly the rifle and the sword. Through that blazing September day,
+while the people of London wailed among the ruins of their homes, and,
+breathlessly anxious, awaited news of their victory or their doom, the
+whole of East Kent, the southern portion of Surrey and northern Sussex,
+became one huge battlefield. Of the vast bodies of troops massed over
+hill and dale every regiment became engaged.
+
+The butchery was awful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS.
+
+
+On sea England was now showing the world how she still could fight.
+Following the desperate struggle off Sardinia, in which Italy had
+rendered us such valuable help, our Mediterranean Squadron attacked the
+French Fleet off Cape Tresforcas, on the coast of Morocco, and after a
+terrific battle, extending over two days, defeated them with heavy loss,
+several of the enemy's vessels being torpedoed and sunk, two of them
+rammed, and one so badly damaged that her captain ran her ashore on
+Alboran Island.
+
+After this hard-earned victory, our Squadron passed out of the
+Mediterranean, and, returning home, had joined hands with the battered
+remnant of our Channel Fleet, now reinforced by several vessels recalled
+from foreign stations. Therefore, while the enemy marched upon London,
+we had collected our naval strength on the south coast, and at length
+made a final descent upon the enemy in British waters. The British
+vessels that passed Beachy Head coming up Channel on the night of the
+bombardment of London included the _Empress of India_, _Inflexible_,
+_Nile_, _Trafalgar_, _Magnificent_, _Hood_, _Warspite_, _Dreadnought_,
+_Camperdown_, _Blenheim_, _Barham_, _Benbow_, _Monarch_, _Anson_,
+_Immortalit�_, and _Royal Sovereign_, with four of the new cruisers
+built under the Spencer programme, viz. the _Terrible_, _Powerful_,
+_Doris_, and _Isis_, and a number of smaller vessels, torpedo boats, and
+"destroyers."
+
+At the same hour that our vessels were passing Beachy Head, the
+Coastguard at Sandwich Battery were suddenly alarmed by electric signals
+being flashed from a number of warships that were slowly passing the
+Gull Stream revolving light towards the Downs. The sensation these
+lights caused among the Coastguard and Artillery was immediately
+dispelled when it was discovered that the warships were not hostile, but
+friendly; that the Kaiser had sent a German Squadron, in two divisions,
+to assist us, and that these vessels were on their way to unite with our
+own Fleet. The first division, it was ascertained, consisted of the
+_Baden_, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Koester; the _Sachen_,
+commanded by Prince Henry of Prussia; the _W�rtemberg_, and the
+_Bayern_--all of 7400 tons, and each carrying 18 guns and nearly 400
+men; while the despatch boat _Pfeil_, the new dynamite cruiser _Trier_,
+and a number of torpedo boats, accompanied them. The second division,
+under Rear-Admiral von Diederichs on board the _K�nig Wilhelm_,
+consisted of the _Brandenburg_, _K�rfurst Friedrich Wilhelm_, and
+_Woerth_, each of 10,300 tons, and carrying 32 guns; the _Deutschland_
+and the _Friedrich der Grosse_, with the despatch vessel _Wacht_, and
+several torpedo gunboats and other craft.
+
+Before dawn, the British and German Fleets united near South Sand Head
+light, off the South Foreland, and it was decided to commence the attack
+without delay. Turning west again, the British ships, accompanied by
+those of the Emperor William, proceeded slowly down Channel in search of
+the enemy, which they were informed by signal had been sighted by the
+Coastguard at East Wear, near Folkestone, earlier in the night. Just as
+day broke, however, when the defenders were opposite Dymchurch, about
+eight miles from land, the enemy were discovered in force. Apparently
+the French and Russian Fleets had combined, and were preparing for a
+final descent upon Dover, or an assault upon the Thames defences; and it
+could be seen that, with both forces so strong, the fight would
+inevitably be one to the death.
+
+Little time was occupied in preliminaries. Soon our ships were within
+range in fighting formation in single column in line abreast, while the
+French, under Admiral le Bourgeois, advanced in single column in line
+ahead. The French flagship, leading, was within 2000 yards of the
+British line, and had not disclosed the nature of her attack. The
+enemy's Admiral had signalled to the ships astern of him to follow his
+motions together, as nearly as possible to concentrate their guns at
+point blank, right ahead, and to pour their shot on the instant of
+passing our ships. He had but three minutes to decide upon the attack,
+and as he apparently elected to pierce the centre of our line, the
+British had no time to counteract him. The French Admiral therefore
+continued his course, and as he passed between the _Camperdown_ and
+_Blenheim_, he discharged his guns, receiving the British broadsides and
+bow fire at the same time. In a few minutes, however, it was seen that
+the French attack had been frustrated, and as dawn spread the fighting
+increased, and the lines became broken. The ponderous guns of the
+battleships thundered, and ere long the whole of the great naval force
+was engaged in this final struggle for England's freedom. The three
+powerful French battleships, _Jaur�guiberry_, _Jemappes_, and
+_D�vastation_, and the submarine torpedo boat _Gustave Z�d�_, fiercely
+attacked the _Brandenburg_ and the _K�nig Wilhelm_; while the
+_Camperdown_, _Anson_, _Dreadnought_, and _Warspite_ fought desperately
+with half a dozen of the enemy's battleships, all of which suffered
+considerably. Our torpedo boats, darting swiftly hither and thither,
+performed much effective service, and many smart manoeuvres were carried
+out by astute officers in command of those wasps of the sea. In one
+instance a torpedo boat, which had designs upon a Russian ironclad,
+obtained cover by sending in front of her a gunboat which emitted an
+immense quantity of dense smoke. This of course obscured from view the
+torpedo boat under the gunboat's stern, and those on board the Tsar's
+battleship pounded away at the gunboat, unconscious of the presence of
+the dangerous little craft. Just as the gunboat got level with the
+battleship, however, the torpedo boat emerged from the cloud of smoke,
+and, darting along, ejected its Whitehead with such precision that five
+minutes later the Russian leviathan sank beneath the dark green waters.
+Almost at the same moment, the new German dynamite cruiser destroyed a
+French cruiser, and a fierce and sanguinary encounter took place between
+the _Immortalit�_ and the _Tr�houart_. The former's pair of 22-tonners,
+in combination with her ten 6-inch guns, wrought awful havoc on board
+the French vessel; nevertheless, from the turret of her opponent there
+came a deadly fire which spread death and destruction through the ship.
+Suddenly the Frenchman swung round, and with her quick-firing guns
+shedding a deadly storm of projectiles, came full upon the British
+vessel. The impact and the angle at which she was struck was not,
+however, sufficient to ram her, consequently the two vessels became
+entangled, and amid the rain of bullets the Frenchmen made a desperate
+attempt to board our ship. A few who managed to spring upon the
+_Immortalit�'s_ deck were cut down instantly, but a couple of hundred
+fully armed men were preparing to make a rush to overpower our
+bluejackets. On board the British cruiser, however, the enemy's
+intentions had been divined, and certain precautions taken. The
+_Fusiliers Marins_, armed with Lebels and cutlasses, suddenly made a
+desperate, headlong rush upon the British cruiser's deck, but just as
+fifty of them gained their goal, a great hose attached to one of the
+boilers was brought into play, and scalding water poured upon the enemy.
+This, in addition to some hand charges at that moment thrown, proved
+successful in repelling the attack; but just as the survivors retreated
+in disorder there was a dull explosion, and then it was evident, from
+the confusion on board the French ship, that she had been torpedoed by a
+German boat, and was sinking.
+
+Humanely, our vessel, the _Immortalit�_ rescued the whole of her
+opponent's men ere she sank; but it was found that in the engagement her
+captain and half her crew had been killed. On every hand the fight
+continued with unabated fierceness; every gun was worked to its utmost
+capacity, and amid the smoke and din every vessel was swept from stem
+to stern. As morning wore on, the enemy met with one or two successes.
+Our two new cruisers _Terrible_ and _Powerful_ had been sunk by French
+torpedoes; the _Hood_ had been rammed by the _Amiral Baudin_, and gone
+to the bottom with nearly every soul on board; while the German despatch
+boat _Wacht_ had been captured, and seven of our torpedo boats had been
+destroyed. During the progress of the fight, the vessels came gradually
+nearer Dungeness, and at eleven o'clock they were still firing at each
+other, with appalling results on either side. At such close quarters did
+this great battle occur, that the loss of life was awful, and throughout
+the ships the destruction was widespread and frightful. About noon the
+enemy experienced two reverses. The French battleship _Formidable_ blew
+up with a terrific report, filling the air with d�bris, her magazine
+having exploded; while just at that moment the _Courbet_, whose
+48-tonners had caused serious damage to the _Warspite_, was suddenly
+rammed and sunk by the _Empress of India_.
+
+This, the decisive battle, was the most vigorously contested naval fight
+during the whole of the hostilities. The scene was terrible. The steel
+leviathans of the sea were being rent asunder and pulverised by the
+terribly destructive modern arms, and amid the roar and crashing of the
+guns, shells were bursting everywhere, carrying away funnels, fighting
+tops, and superstructures, and wrecking the crowded spaces between the
+decks. Turrets and barbettes were torn away, guns dismounted by the
+enormous shells from heavy guns; steel armour was torn up and thrown
+aside like paper, and many shots entering broadsides, passed clean
+through and out at the other side. Whitehead torpedoes, carrying heavy
+charges of gun-cotton, exploded now and then under the enemy's ships;
+while both British and French torpedo boat "destroyers," running at the
+speed of an ordinary train, were sinking or capturing where they could.
+
+Through the dull, gloomy afternoon the battle continued. Time after time
+our ships met with serious reverses, for the _Anson_ was sunk by the
+Russian flagship _Alexander II._, assisted by two French cruisers, and
+this catastrophe was followed almost immediately by the torpedoing of
+the new British cruiser _Doris_, and the capture of the new German
+dynamite cruiser _Trier_.
+
+[Illustration:
+_H.M.S. Royal Sovereign._ _H.M.S. Camperdown._ _Amiral Baudin._
+_Russian flagship blown up._
+_H.M.S. Warspite._ _C�cille._
+FINAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS: "THE SCENE OF DESTRUCTION WAS APPALLING."]
+
+By this time, however, the vessels had approached within three miles of
+Dungeness, and the _Camperdown_, _Empress of India_, _Royal Sovereign_,
+_Inflexible_, and _Warspite_, lying near one another, fought nine of the
+enemy's vessels, inflicting upon them terrible punishment. Shots from
+the 67-tonners of the _Empress of India_, _Royal Sovereign_, and
+_Camperdown_, combined with those from the 22-tonners of the _Warspite_,
+swept the enemy's vessels with devastating effect, and during the
+three-quarters of an hour that the fight between these vessels lasted,
+the scene of destruction was appalling. Suddenly, with a brilliant flash
+and deafening detonation, the Russian flagship _Alexander II._, one of
+the vessels now engaging the five British ships, blew up and sank, and
+ere the enemy could recover from the surprise this disaster caused them,
+the _Camperdown_ rammed the _Amiral Baudin_, while the _Warspite_ sank
+the French cruiser _C�cille_, the submarine boat _Gustave Z�d�_, and
+afterwards captured the torpedo gunboat _Bombe_.
+
+This rapid series of terrible disasters apparently demoralised the
+enemy. They fought recklessly, and amid the din and confusion two
+Russian vessels collided, and were so seriously damaged that both
+settled down, their crews being rescued by British torpedo boats.
+Immediately afterwards, however, a frightful explosion rent the air with
+a deafening sound that dwarfed into insignificance the roar of the heavy
+guns, and the French battleship _Jaur�guiberry_ was completely broken
+into fragments, scarcely any of her hull remaining. The enemy were
+amazed. A few moments later another explosion occurred, even louder than
+the first. For a second the French battleship _D�vastation_, which had
+been engaging the _Royal Sovereign_, was obscured by a brilliant flash,
+then, as fragments of steel and human limbs were precipitated on every
+side, it was seen that that vessel also had been completely blown out of
+the water!
+
+The enemy stood appalled. The defenders themselves were at first
+dumfounded. A few moments later, however, it became known throughout the
+British ships that the battery at Dungeness, two miles and a half
+distant, were rendering assistance with the new pneumatic gun, the
+secret of which the Government had guarded so long and so well. Five
+years before, this frightfully deadly weapon had been tested, and proved
+so successful that the one gun made was broken up and the plans
+preserved with the utmost secrecy in a safe at the War Office. Now,
+however, several of the weapons had been constructed, and one of them
+had been placed in the battery at Dungeness. The British vessels drew
+off to watch the awful effect of the fire from these marvellous and
+terribly destructive engines of modern warfare. The enemy would not
+surrender, so time after time the deafening explosions sounded, and time
+after time the hostile ships were shattered into fragments.
+
+Each shot fired by this new pneumatic gun contained 900 lbs. of
+dynamite, which could strike effectively at four miles! The result of
+such a charge exploding on a ship was appalling; the force was terrific,
+and could not be withstood by the strongest vessel ever constructed.
+Indeed, the great armoured vessels were being pulverised as easily as
+glass balls struck by bullets, and every moment hundreds of poor fellows
+were being hurled into eternity. At last the enemy discovered the
+distant source of the fire, and prepared to escape beyond range; but in
+this they were unsuccessful, for, after a renewed and terrific fight, in
+which three French ironclads were sunk and two of our cruisers were
+torpedoed, our force and our allies the Germans succeeded in capturing
+the remainder of the hostile ships and torpedo boats.
+
+The struggle had been frightful, but the victory was magnificent.
+
+That same night the British ships steamed along the Sussex coast and
+captured the whole of the French and Russian transports, the majority of
+which were British vessels that had been seized while lying in French
+and Russian ports at the time war was declared. The vessels were lying
+between Beachy Head and Selsey Bill, and by their capture the enemy's
+means of retreat were at once totally cut off.
+
+Thus, at the eleventh hour, the British Navy had shown itself worthy of
+its reputation, and England regained the supremacy of the seas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE DAY OF RECKONING.
+
+
+The Day of Reckoning dawned.
+
+On land the battle was terrific; the struggle was the most fierce and
+bloody of any during the invasion. The British Regulars holding the high
+ground along from Crowborough to Ticehurst, and from Etchingham, through
+Brightling and Ashburnham, down to Battle, advanced in a huge fighting
+line upon the enemy's base around Eastbourne. The onslaught was
+vigorously repelled, and the battle across the Sussex Downs quickly
+became a most wild and sanguinary one; but as the day passed, although
+the defenders were numerically very weak, they nevertheless gradually
+effected terrible slaughter, capturing the whole of the enemy's stores,
+and taking nearly five thousand prisoners.
+
+In Kent the French had advanced from East Grinstead through Edenbridge,
+extending along the hills south of Westerham, and in consequence of
+these rapid successes the dep�t of stores and ammunition which had been
+maintained at Sevenoaks was being removed to Bromley by rail; but as the
+officer commanding the British troops at Eynsford could see that it
+would most probably be impossible to get them all away before Sevenoaks
+was attacked, orders were issued that at a certain hour the remainder
+should be destroyed. The force covering the removal only consisted of
+two battalions of the Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex) Regiment and
+half a squadron of the 9th Lancers; but the hills north of Sevenoaks
+from Luddesdown through Stanstead, Otford, Shoreham, Halstead,
+Farnborough, and Keston were still held by our Volunteers. These
+infantry battalions included the 1st and 2nd Derbyshire Regiment
+(Sherwood Foresters), under Col. A. Buchanan, V.D., and Col. E. Hall,
+V.D.; the 1st Nottinghamshire, under Col. A. Cantrell-Hubbersty; the 4th
+Derbyshire, under Lord Newark; the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire, under Col.
+J. G. Williams, V.D., and Col. R. G. Ellison; the 1st Leicestershire,
+under Col. S. Davis, V.D.; the 1st Northamptonshire, under Col. T. J.
+Walker, V.D.; the 1st and 2nd Shropshire Light Infantry, under Col. J.
+A. Anstice, V.D., and Col. R. T. Masefield; the 1st Herefordshire, under
+Col. T. H. Purser, V.D.; the 1st, 3rd, and 4th South Wales Borderers,
+under Col. T. Wood, Col. J. A. Bradney, and Col. H. Burton, V.D.; the
+1st and 2nd Warwickshire, under Col. W. S. Jervis and Col. L. V. Loyd;
+the 1st and 2nd Welsh Fusiliers, under Col. C. S. Mainwaring and Col. B.
+G. D. Cooke, V.D.; the 2nd Welsh Regiment, under Col. A. P. Vivian,
+V.D.; the 3rd Glamorganshire, under Col. J. C. Richardson, V.D.; and the
+1st Worcestershire, under Col. W. H. Talbot, V.D.; while the artillery
+consisted of the 3rd Kent, under Col. Hozier; the 1st Monmouthshire,
+under Col. C. T. Wallis; the 1st Shropshire and Staffordshire, under
+Col. J. Strick, V.D.; and the 5th Lancashire, under Col. W. H. Hunt.
+
+The events which occurred outside Sevenoaks are perhaps best described
+by Capt. A. E. Brown, of the 4th V.B. West Surrey Regiment, who was
+acting as one of the special correspondents of the _Standard_. He
+wrote--
+
+"I was in command of a piquet consisting of fifty men of my regiment at
+Turvan's Farm, and about three hours before the time to destroy the
+remainder of the stores at Sevenoaks my sentries were suddenly driven in
+by the enemy, who were advancing from the direction of Froghall. As I
+had orders to hold the farm at any cost, we immediately prepared for
+action. Fortunately we had a fair supply of provisions and plenty of
+ammunition, for since War had broken out the place had been utilised as
+a kind of outlying fort, although at this time only my force occupied
+it. Our equipment included two machine guns, and it was mainly by the
+aid of these we were saved.
+
+"The strength of the attacking force appeared to be about four
+battalions of French infantry and a battalion of Zouaves, with two
+squadrons of Cuirassiers. Their intention was, no doubt, to cut the
+railway line near Twitton, and thus prevent the removal of the Sevenoaks
+stores. As soon as the cavalry scouts came within range we gave them a
+few sharp volleys, and those who were able immediately retired in
+disorder. Soon afterwards, however, the farm was surrounded, but I had
+previously sent information to our reserves, and suggested that a sharp
+watch should be kept upon the line from Twitton to Sevenoaks, for of
+course I could do nothing with my small force. Dusk was now creeping on,
+and as the enemy remained quiet for a short time it seemed as though
+they intended to assault our position when it grew dark.
+
+"Before night set in, however, my messenger, who had managed to elude
+the vigilance of the enemy, returned, with a letter from a brother
+officer stating that a great naval battle had been fought in the
+Channel; and further, that the enemy's retreat had been cut off, and
+that the Kentish defenders had already retaken the invaders' base at
+Eastbourne. If we could, therefore, still hold the Surrey Hills, there
+was yet a chance of thoroughly defeating the French and Russians, even
+though one strong body was reported as having taken Guildford and
+Leatherhead, and was now marching upon London.
+
+"As evening drew on we could hear heavy firing in the direction of
+Sevenoaks, but as we also heard a train running it became evident that
+we still held the station. Nevertheless, soon after dark there was a
+brilliant flash which for a second lit up the country around like day,
+and a terrific report followed. We knew the remainder of our stores and
+ammunition had been demolished in order that it should not fall into the
+enemy's hands!
+
+"Shortly afterwards we were vigorously attacked, and our position
+quickly became almost untenable by the dozens of bullets projected in
+every direction where the flash of our rifles could be seen. Very soon
+some of the farm outbuildings fell into the hands of the Frenchmen, and
+they set them on fire, together with a number of haystacks, in order to
+burn us out. This move, however, proved pretty disastrous to them, for
+the leaping flames quickly rendered it light as day, and showed them up,
+while at the same time flashes from our muzzles were almost invisible to
+them. Thus we were enabled to bring our two machine guns into action,
+and break up every party of Frenchmen who showed themselves. Away over
+Sevenoaks there was a glare in the sky, for the enemy were looting and
+burning the town. Meanwhile, however, our men who had been defending the
+place had retreated to Dunton Green after blowing up the stores, and
+there they re-formed and were quickly moving off in the direction of
+Twitton. Fortunately they had heard the commencement of the attack on
+us, and the commander, halting his force, had sent out scouts towards
+Chevening, and it appeared they reached us just at the moment the enemy
+had fired the stacks. They worked splendidly, and, after going nearly
+all round the enemy's position, returned and reported to their Colonel,
+who at once resolved to relieve us.
+
+"As may be imagined, we were in a most critical position by this time,
+especially as we were unaware that assistance was so near. We had been
+ordered to hold the farm, and we meant to do it as long as breath
+remained in our bodies. All my men worked magnificently, and displayed
+remarkable coolness, even at the moment when death stared us in the
+face. The reports of the scouts enabled their Colonel to make his
+disposition very carefully, and it was not long before the enemy were
+almost completely surrounded. We afterwards learnt that our reserves at
+Stockholm Wood had sent out a battalion, which fortunately came in touch
+with the survivors of the Sevenoaks force just as they opened a
+desperate onslaught upon the enemy.
+
+"With the fierce flames and blinding smoke from the burning stacks
+belching in our faces, we fought on with fire around us on every side.
+As the fire drew nearer to us the heat became intense, the showers of
+sparks galled us almost as much as the enemy's bullets, and some of us
+had our eyebrows and hair singed by the fierce flames. Indeed, it was as
+much as we could do to keep our ammunition from exploding; nevertheless
+we kept up our stream of lead, pouring volley after volley upon those
+who had attacked us. Nevertheless, with such a barrier of flame and
+obscuring smoke between us we could see but little in the darkness
+beyond, and we all knew that if we emerged from cover we should be
+picked off easily and not a man would survive. The odds were against us.
+More than twenty of my brave fellows had fired their last shot, and now
+lay with their dead upturned faces looking ghastly in the brilliant
+glare, while a number of others had sunk back wounded. The heat was
+frightful, the smoke stifling, and I had just given up all hope of
+relief, and had set my teeth, determined to die like an Englishman
+should, when we heard a terrific volley of musketry at close quarters,
+and immediately afterwards a dozen British bugles sounded the charge.
+The scene of carnage that followed was terrible. Our comrades gave one
+volley from their magazines rifles, and then charged with the bayonet,
+taking the enemy completely by surprise.
+
+"The Frenchmen tried to rally, but in vain, and among those huge burning
+barns and blazing ricks they all fell or were captured. Dozens of them
+struggled valiantly till the last; but, refusing to surrender, they were
+slaughtered amid a most frightful scene of blood and fire. The events of
+that night were horrible, and the true extent of the losses on both
+sides was only revealed when the flames died down and the parting clouds
+above heralded another grey and toilsome day."
+
+Late on the previous evening the advance guard of the enemy proceeding
+north towards Caterham came in touch with the defenders north of
+Godstone. The French cavalry had seized Red Hill Junction Station at
+sundown, and some of their scouts suddenly came upon a detached post of
+the 17th Middlesex Volunteers at Tyler's Green, close to Godstone. A
+very sharp skirmish ensued, but the Volunteers, although suffering
+severe losses, held their own, and the cavalry went off along the Oxted
+Road. This being reported to the British General, special orders were at
+once sent to Col. Trotter, the commander of this section of the outpost
+line.
+
+From the reports of the inhabitants and of scouts sent out in plain
+clothes, it was believed that the French intended massing near
+Tandridge, and that they would therefore wait for supports before
+attempting to break through our outpost line, which still remained
+intact from the high ground east of Leatherhead to the hills north of
+Sevenoaks. During the night Oxted and Godstone were occupied by the
+enemy, and early in the morning their advance guard, consisting of four
+battalions of infantry, a squadron of cavalry, a battalion of Zouaves,
+and a section of field artillery, proceeded north in two columns, one
+along the Roman road leading past Rook's Nest, and the other past
+Flinthall Farm.
+
+At the latter place the sentries of the 17th Middlesex fell back upon
+their piquets, and both columns of the enemy came into action
+simultaneously. The French infantry on the high road soon succeeded in
+driving back the Volunteer piquet upon the supports, under Lieut.
+Michaelis, stationed at the junction of the Roman road with that leading
+to Godstone Quarry. A strong barricade with two deep trenches in front
+had here been constructed, and as soon as the survivors of the piquet
+got under cover, two of the defenders' machine guns opened fire from
+behind the barricade, assisted at the same moment by a battery on
+Gravelly Hill.
+
+The French artillery had gone on towards Flinthall Farm, but in passing
+the north edge of Rook's Nest Park their horses were shot by some
+Inniskilling Fusiliers lying in ambush, and by these two reverses,
+combined with the deadly fire from the two machine guns at the farm, the
+column was very quickly thrown into confusion. It was then decided to
+make a counter attack, and the available companies at this section of
+the outpost line, under Col. Brown and Col. Roche, succeeded, after
+nearly two hours' hard fighting, in retaking Godstone and Oxted,
+compelling the few survivors of the enemy's advance guard to fall back
+to Blindley Heath.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF CATERHAM: PLAN OF THE BRITISH POSITIONS.]
+
+In the meantime our troops occupying the line from Halstead to Chatham
+and Maidstone went down into battle, attacking the French right wing at
+the same time as the Indians were attacking their left, while the
+Volunteers from the Surrey Hills engaged the main body. The day was
+blazing hot, the roads dusty, and there was scarce a breath of wind. So
+hot, indeed, was it, that many on both sides fell from hunger, thirst,
+and sheer starvation. Yet, although the force of the invaders was nearly
+twice the numerical strength of the defenders, the latter fought on with
+undaunted courage, striking their swift, decisive blows for England and
+their Queen.
+
+The enemy, now driven into a triangle, fought with demoniacal strength,
+and that frenzied courage begotten of despair. On the hills around
+Sevenoaks and across to the valley at Otford, the slaughter of the
+French was fearful. Britons fighting for their homes and their country
+were determined that Britannia should still be Ruler of the World.
+
+From Wimlet Hill the enemy were by noon totally cut up and routed by the
+12th Middlesex (Civil Service), under Lord Bury; the 25th (Bank), under
+Capt. W. J. Coe, V.D.; the 13th (Queen's), under Col. J. W. Comerford;
+the 21st Middlesex, under Col. H. B. Deane, V.D.; and the 22nd, under
+Col. W. J. Alt, V.D. Over at Oxted, however, they rallied, and some
+brilliant charges by Cossacks, the slaughter of a portion of our advance
+guard, and the capture of one of our Volunteer batteries on Botley Hill,
+checked our advance.
+
+The French, finding their right flank being so terribly cut up, had
+suddenly altered their tactics, and were now concentrating their forces
+upon the Volunteer position at Caterham in an endeavour to break through
+our defensive line.
+
+But the hills about that position held by the North London, West London,
+South London, Surrey, and Cheshire Brigades were well defended, and the
+General had his finger upon the pulse of his command. Most of the
+positions had been excellently chosen. Strong batteries were established
+at Gravelly Hill by the 9th Lancashire Volunteer Artillery, under Col.
+F. Ainsworth, V.D.; at Harestone Farm by the 1st Cinque Ports, under
+Col. P. S. Court, V.D.; at White Hill by the 1st Northumberland and the
+1st Norfolk, under Col. P. Watts and Col. T. Wilson, V.D.; at Botley
+Hill by the 6th Lancashire, under Col. H. J. Robinson, V.D.; at
+Tandridge Hill by the 3rd Lancashire, under Col. R. W. Thom, V.D.; at
+Chaldon by the 1st Newcastle, under Col. W. M. Angus, V.D., who had come
+south after the victory at the Tyneside; at Warlingham village by the
+1st Cheshire, commanded by Col. H. T. Brown, V.D.; at Warlingham Court
+by the 2nd Durham, under Col. J. B. Eminson, V.D.; on the Sanderstead
+road, near King's Wood, by the 2nd Cinque Ports, under Col. W. Taylor,
+V.D.; and on the railway near Woldingham the 1st Sussex had stationed
+their armoured train with 40-pounder breech-loading Armstrongs, which
+they fired very effectively from the permanent way.
+
+Through Limpsfield, Oxted, Godstone, Bletchingley, and Nutsfield,
+towards Reigate, Frenchmen and Britons fought almost hand to hand. The
+defenders suffered severely, owing to the repeated charges of the French
+Dragoons along the highway between Oxted and Godstone, nevertheless the
+batteries of the 6th Lancashire on Tandridge Hill, which commanded a
+wide area of country occupied by the enemy, wrought frightful execution
+in their ranks. In this they were assisted by the 17th Middlesex, under
+Col. W. J. Brown, V.D., who with four Maxims at one period of the fight
+surprised and practically annihilated a whole battalion of French
+infantry. But into this attack on Caterham the enemy put his whole
+strength, and from noon until four o'clock the fighting along the valley
+was a fierce combat to the death.
+
+With every bit of cover bristling with magazine rifles, and every
+available artillery position shedding forth a storm of bullets and
+shell, the loss of life was awful. Invaders and defenders fell in
+hundreds, and with burning brow and dry parched throat expired in agony.
+The London Irish, under Col. J. Ward, V.D.; the Post Office Corps, under
+Col. J. Du Plat Taylor, V.D., and Col. S. R. Thompson, V.D.; the Inns of
+Court, under Col. C. H. Russell, V.D.; and the Cyclists, led by Major T.
+De B. Holmes, performed many gallant deeds, and served their country
+well. The long, dusty highways were quickly covered with the bodies of
+the unfortunate victims, who lay with blanched, bloodless faces and
+sightless eyes turned upward to the burning sun. On over them rode madly
+French cavalry and Cossacks, cutting their way into the British
+infantry, never to return.
+
+Just, however, as they prepared for another terrific onslaught, the guns
+of the 1st Cheshire battery at Warlingham village thundered, and with
+smart section volleys added by detachments of the London Scottish, under
+Major W. Brodie, V.D., and the Artists, under Capt. W. L. Duffield and
+Lieut. Pott, the road was in a few minutes strewn with horses and men
+dead and dying.
+
+Still onward there rushed along the valley great masses of French
+infantry, but the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Volunteer Battalions of the Royal
+Fusiliers, under Col. G. C. Clark, V.D., Col. A. L. Keller, and Col. L.
+Whewell respectively; the 2nd V. B. Middlesex Regiment, under Col. G.
+Brodie Clark, V.D.; the 3rd Middlesex, under Col. R Hennell, D.S.O.,
+late of the Indian Army; and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th West Surrey,
+under Col. J. Freeland, V.D., Col. G. Drewitt, V.D., Col. S. B.
+Bevington, V.D., and Col. F. W. Haddan, V.D., engaged them, and by dint
+of desperate effort, losing heavily all the time, they defeated them,
+drove them back, and slaughtered them in a manner that to a
+non-combatant was horrible and appalling. Time after time, the enemy,
+still being harassed by the British Regulars on their right, charged up
+the valley, in order to take the battery at Harestone Farm; but on each
+occasion few of those who dashed forward survived. The dusty roads, the
+grassy slopes, and the ploughed lands were covered with corpses, and
+blood draining into the springs and rivulets tinged their crystal
+waters.
+
+As afternoon passed and the battle continued, it was by no means certain
+that success in this fierce final struggle would lie with us. Having
+regard to the enormous body of invaders now concentrated on the Surrey
+border, and striving by every device to force a passage through our
+lines, our forces, spread over such a wide area and outflanking them,
+were necessarily weak. It was therefore only by the excellent tactics
+displayed by our officers, and the magnificent courage of the men
+themselves, that we had been enabled to hold back these overwhelming
+masses, which had already desolated Sussex with fire and sword.
+
+Our Regulars operating along the old Roman highway through Blindley
+Heath--where the invaders were making a desperate stand--and over to
+Lingfield, succeeded, after very hard fighting, in clearing the enemy
+off the railway embankment from Crowhurst along to South Park Farm, and
+following them up, annihilated them.
+
+Gradually, just at sundown, a strong division of the enemy were
+outflanked at Godstone, and, refusing to lay down their arms, were
+simply swept out of existence, scarcely a single man escaping. Thus
+forced back from, perhaps, the most vulnerable point in our defences,
+the main body of the enemy were then driven away upon Redhill, still
+fighting fiercely. Over Redstone Hill, through Mead Vale, and across
+Reigate Park to the Heath, the enemy were shot down in hundreds by our
+Regulars; while our Volunteers, whose courage never deserted them,
+engaged the French in hand-to-hand encounters through the streets of
+Redhill and Reigate, as far as Underhill Park.
+
+In Hartswood a company of the 4th East Surrey Rifles, under Major S. B.
+Wheaton, V.D., were lying in ambush, when suddenly among the trees they
+caught glimpses of red, baggy trousers, and scarlet, black-tasselled
+fezes, and a few seconds later they found that a large force of Zouaves
+were working through the wood. A few moments elapsed, and the combat
+commenced. The Algerians fought like demons, and with bullet and bayonet
+inflicted terrible punishment upon us; but as they emerged into the road
+preparatory to firing a volley into the thickets, they were surprised by
+a company of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment,
+under Capt. Pott, who killed and wounded half their number, and took the
+remainder prisoners.
+
+Gradually our Volunteer brigades occupying the long range of hills
+united with our Regulars still on the enemy's right from Reigate to
+Crawley, and closed down upon the foe, slowly narrowing the sphere of
+their operations, and by degrees forcing them back due westward.
+Russians and French, who had attacked Dorking, had by this time been
+defeated with heavy loss, and by dusk the main body had been thrown back
+to Newdigate, where in Reffold's Copse one or two very sanguinary
+encounters occurred. These, however, were not always in our favour, for
+the Civil Service Volunteers here sustained very heavy losses. On the
+railway embankment, and on the road running along the crest of the hill
+to Dorking, the French made a stand, and there wrought frightful
+execution among our men with their machine guns. Around Beare Green,
+Trout's Farm, and behind the "White Hart" at Holmwood, the enemy rapidly
+brought their guns into play, and occupied such strong strategic
+positions that as night drew on it became evident that they intended to
+remain there until the morrow.
+
+The defenders had but little cover, and consequently felt the withering
+fire of the French very severely. The latter had entrenched themselves,
+and now in the darkness it was difficult for our men to discern their
+exact position. Indeed, the situation of our forces became very serious
+and unsafe as night proceeded; but at length, about ten o'clock, a
+strong force of British Regulars, including the Sikhs and a detachment
+of Australians, swept along the road from Dorking, and came suddenly
+upon the French patrols. These were slaughtered with little resistance,
+and almost before the enemy were aware of it, the whole position was
+completely surrounded.
+
+Our men then used their field search-lights with very great advantage;
+for, as the enemy were driven out into the open, they were blinded by
+the glare, and fell an easy prey to British rifles; while the
+Frenchmen's own machine guns were turned upon them with frightful
+effect, their battalions being literally mowed down by the awful hail of
+bullets.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+"FOR ENGLAND!"
+
+
+Through the whole night the battle still raged furiously. The enemy
+fought on with reckless, unparalleled daring. Chasseurs and Zouaves,
+Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and infantry from the Loire and the Rhone
+struggled desperately, contesting every step, and confident of ultimate
+victory.
+
+But the enemy had at last, by the splendid tactics of the defenders,
+been forced into a gradually contracting square, bounded by Dorking and
+Guildford in the north, and Horsham and Billinghurst in the south, and
+soon after midnight, with a concentric movement from each of the four
+corners, British Regulars and Volunteers advanced steadily upon the foe,
+surrounding and slaughtering them.
+
+The horrors of that night were frightful; the loss of life on every hand
+enormous. Britannia had husbanded her full strength until this critical
+moment; for now, when the fate of her Empire hung upon a single thread,
+she sent forth her valiant sons, who fell upon those who had desecrated
+and destroyed their homes, and wreaked a terrible vengeance.
+
+Through the dark, sultry hours this awful destruction of life continued
+with unabated fury, and many a Briton closed with his foe in death
+embrace, or fell forward mortally wounded. Of British heroes there were
+many that night, for true pluck showed itself everywhere, and Englishmen
+performed many deeds worthy their traditions as the most courageous
+and undaunted among nations.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH BLUEJACKETS MARCHING THROUGH THE STRAND AFTER THE
+VICTORY.]
+
+Although the French Commander-in-chief had been killed, yet the enemy
+still fought on tenaciously, holding their ground on Leith Hill and
+through Pasture Wood to Wotton and Abinger, until at length, when the
+saffron streak in the sky heralded another blazing day, the straggling,
+exhausted remnant of the once-powerful legions of France and Russia,
+perspiring, dust-covered, and bloodstained, finding they stood alone,
+and that the whole of Sussex and Surrey had been swept and their
+comrades slaughtered, laid down their arms and eventually surrendered.
+
+After these three breathless days of butchery and bloodshed England was
+at last victorious!
+
+In this final struggle for Britain's freedom the invader had been
+crushed and his power broken; for, thanks to our gallant citizen
+soldiers, the enemy that had for weeks overrun our smiling land like
+packs of hungry wolves, wantonly burning our homes and massacring the
+innocent and unprotected, had at length met with their well-merited
+deserts, and now lay spread over the miles of pastures, cornfields, and
+forests, stark, cold, and dead.
+
+Britain had at last vanquished the two powerful nations that had sought
+by ingenious conspiracy to accomplish her downfall.
+
+Thousands of her brave sons had, alas! fallen while fighting under the
+British flag. Many of the principal streets of her gigantic capital were
+only parallel lines of gaunt, blackened ruins, and many of her finest
+cities lay wrecked, shattered, and desolate; yet this terrible ordeal
+had happily not weakened her power one iota, nor had she been ousted
+from her proud position as chief among the mighty Empires of the world.
+
+Three days after the great and decisive battle of Caterham, the British
+troops, with their compatriots from the Cape, Australia, Canada, and
+India, entered London triumphantly, bringing with them some thousands of
+French and Russian prisoners. In the streets, as, ragged and dusty,
+Britain's defenders passed through on their way to a great Open-Air
+Thanksgiving Service in Hyde Park, there were scenes of the wildest
+enthusiasm. With heartfelt gratitude, the people, scrambling over the
+d�bris heaped each side of the streets, cheered themselves hoarse; the
+men grasping the hands of Volunteers and veterans, and the women,
+weeping for joy, raising the soldiers' hands to their lips. The glad
+tidings of victory caused rejoicings everywhere. England, feeling
+herself free, breathed again. In every church and chapel through the
+United Kingdom special Services of Thanksgiving for deliverance from the
+invaders' thrall were held, while in every town popular f�tes were
+organised, and delighted Britons gaily celebrated their magnificent and
+overwhelming triumph.
+
+In this disastrous struggle between nations France had suffered
+frightfully. Paris, bombarded and burning, capitulated on the day
+following the battle of Caterham, and the legions of the Kaiser marched
+up the Boulevards with their brilliant cavalry uniforms flashing in the
+sun. Over the Hotel de Ville, the Government buildings on the Quai
+d'Orsay, and the Ministries of War and Marine, the German flag was
+hoisted, and waved lazily in the autumn breeze, while the Emperor
+William himself had an interview with the French President at the
+Elys�e.
+
+That evening all France knew that Paris had fallen. In a few days
+England was already shipping back to Dieppe and Riga her prisoners of
+war, and negotiations for peace had commenced. As security against any
+further attempts on England, Italian troops were occupying the whole of
+Southern France from Grenoble to Bordeaux; and the Germans, in addition
+to occupying Paris, had established their headquarters in Moghilev, and
+driven back the Army of the Tsar far beyond the Dnieper.
+
+From both France and Russia, Germany demanded huge indemnities, as well
+as a large tract of territory in Poland, and the whole of the vast
+Champagne country from Givet, on the Belgian frontier, down to the
+S�one.
+
+Ten days later France was forced to accept the preliminaries of a treaty
+which we proposed. This included the cession to us of Algiers, with its
+docks and harbour, so that we might establish another naval station in
+the Mediterranean, and the payment of an indemnity of �250,000,000. Our
+demands upon Russia at the same time were that she should withdraw all
+her troops from Bokhara, and should cede to us the whole of that portion
+of the Trans-Caspian territory lying between the mouths of the Oxus and
+Kizil Arvat, thence along the Persian frontier to Zulfikai, along the
+Afghan frontier to Karki, and from there up the bank of the Oxus to the
+Aral Sea. This vast area of land included the cities of Khiva and Merv,
+the many towns around Kara Khum, the country of the Kara Turkomans, the
+Tekeh and the Yomuts, and the annexation of it by Britain would
+effectually prevent the Russians ever advancing upon India.
+
+Upon these huge demands, in addition to the smaller ones by Italy and
+Austria, a Peace Conference was opened at Brussels without delay, and at
+length France and her Muscovite ally, both vanquished and ruined, were
+compelled to accept the proposals of Britain and Germany.
+
+Hence, on November 16th, 1897, the Treaty of Peace was signed, and eight
+days later was ratified. Then the huge forces of the Kaiser gradually
+withdrew into Germany, and the soldiers of King Humbert recrossed the
+Alps, while we shipped back the remainder of our prisoners, reopened our
+trade routes, and commenced rebuilding our shattered cities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+DAWN.
+
+
+A raw, cold December morning in London. With the exception of a
+statuesque sentry on the Horse Guards' Parade, the wide open space was
+deserted. It had not long been light, and a heavy yellow mist still hung
+over the grass in St. James's Park.
+
+A bell clanged mournfully. Big Ben chimed the hour, and then boomed
+forth eight o'clock. An icy wind swept across the gravelled square. The
+bare, black branches of the stunted trees creaked and groaned, and the
+lonely sentry standing at ease before his box rubbed his hands and
+shivered.
+
+Suddenly a side door opened, and there emerged a small procession.
+Slowly there walked in front a clergyman bare-headed, reciting with
+solemn intonation the Burial Service. Behind him, with unsteady step and
+bent shoulders, a trembling man with blanched, haggard face, and a wild
+look of terror in his dark, deep-sunken eyes. He wore a shabby
+morning-coat tightly buttoned, and his hands in bracelets of steel were
+behind his back.
+
+Glancing furtively around at the grey dismal landscape, he shuddered.
+Beside and behind him soldiers tramped on in silence.
+
+The officer's sword grated along the gravel.
+
+Suddenly a word of command caused them to halt against a wall, and a
+sergeant, stepping forward, took a handkerchief and tied it over the
+eyes of the quivering culprit, who now stood with his back against the
+wall. Another word from the officer, and the party receded some
+distance, leaving the man alone. The monotonous nasal utterances of the
+chaplain still sounded as four privates advanced, and, halting, stood in
+single rank before the prisoner.
+
+[Illustration: EXECUTION OF VON BEILSTEIN ON THE HORSE GUARDS' PARADE.]
+
+They raised their rifles. There was a momentary pause. In the distance a
+dog howled dismally.
+
+A sharp word of command broke the quiet.
+
+Then, a second later, as four rifles rang out simultaneously, the
+condemned man tottered forward and fell heavily on the gravel, shot
+through the heart.
+
+It was the spy and murderer, Karl von Beilstein!
+
+He had been brought from Glasgow to London in order that certain
+information might be elicited from him, and after his actions had been
+thoroughly investigated by a military court, he had been sentenced to
+death. The whole of his past was revealed by his valet Grevel, and it
+was proved that, in addition to bringing the great disaster upon
+England, he had also betrayed the country whose roubles purchased his
+cunningly-obtained secrets.
+
+Geoffrey Engleheart, although gallantly assisting in the fight outside
+Leatherhead, and subsequently showing conspicuous bravery during the
+Battle of Caterham, fortunately escaped with nothing more severe than a
+bullet wound in the arm. During the searching private inquiry held at
+the Foreign Office after peace was restored, he explained the whole of
+the circumstances, and was severely reprimanded for his indiscretion;
+but as no suspicion of von Beilstein's real motive had been aroused
+prior to the Declaration of War, and as it was proved that Geoffrey was
+entirely innocent of any complicity in the affair, he was, at the urgent
+request of Lord Stanbury, allowed to resume his duties. Shortly
+afterwards he was married to Violet Vayne, and Sir Joseph, having
+recovered those of his ships that had been seized by the Russian
+Government, was thereby enabled to give his daughter a handsome dowry.
+
+The young French clerk who had been engaged at the Admiralty, and who
+had committed murder for gold, escaped to Spain, and, after being
+hunted by English and Spanish detectives for many weeks, he became
+apparently overwhelmed by remorse. Not daring to show himself by day,
+nor to claim the money that had been promised him, he had tramped on
+through the snow from village to village in the unfrequented valleys of
+Lerida, while his description was being circulated throughout the
+Continent. Cold, weary, and hungry, he one night entered the Posada de
+las Pijorras at the little town of Oliana, at the foot of the Sierra del
+Cadi. Calling for wine, he took up a dirty crumpled copy of the Madrid
+_Globo_, three days old. A paragraph, headed "The Missing Spy," caught
+his eyes, and, reading eagerly, he found to his dismay that the police
+were aware that he had been in Huesca a week before, and were now using
+bloodhounds to track him!
+
+The paper fell from his nerveless grasp. The wine at his elbow he
+swallowed at one gulp, and, tossing down his last real upon the table,
+he rose and stumbled away blindly into the darkness.
+
+When the wintry dawn spread in that silent, distant valley, it showed a
+corpse lying in the snow with face upturned. In the white wrinkled brow
+was a small dark-blue hole from which blood had oozed over the pallid
+cheek, leaving an ugly stain. The staring eyes were wide open, with a
+look of unutterable horror in them, and beside the thin clenched hand
+lay a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The dreary gloom of winter passed, and there dawned a new era of
+prosperity for England.
+
+Dark days were succeeded by a period of happiness and rejoicing, and
+Britannia, grasping her trident again, seated herself on her shield
+beside the sea, Ruler of the Waves, Queen of Nations, and Empress of the
+World.
+
+THE END.
+
+MORRISON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH.
+
+
+
+
+_Ready shortly, price 6s._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.
+
+ZORAIDA.
+_A ROMANCE OF THE HAREM AND THE DESERT._
+
+BY WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.,
+AUTHOR OF "THE GREAT WAR IN 1897."
+_PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED BY H. PIFFARD._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Ready shortly, price 6s._
+THE TOWER ROMANCE LIBRARY. VOL. I.
+
+A TORQUAY MARRIAGE.
+A NEW MODERN NOVEL OF TO-DAY.
+
+BY G. RAYLEIGH VICARS AND EDITH VICARS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Ready shortly, price 6s._
+VOL. II.
+
+IN QUEST OF A NAME.
+
+BY MRS. HENRY WYLDE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Ready shortly._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s.
+_With numerous Illustrations by E. S. Hope._
+
+THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR.
+
+BY GEORGE GRIFFITH,
+AUTHOR OF "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "OLGA ROMANOFF," ETC.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Now ready. Picture Cover. Price 1s._
+
+BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.
+_A POLITICAL DREAM._
+
+BY GEOFFREY DANYERS.
+A Vision of the Reunited Anglo-Saxondom asserting the Dominion of the
+Sea.
+
+
+
+
+_Now ready. Eleventh Edition. Price 6s._
+
+THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897.
+
+BY WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.
+
+_With Numerous Illustrations by T. S. Crowther and Captain C. Field, and
+Nine Military Maps._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Opinions of some Great Authorities.
+
+    THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, writing to the Author, says: "Such books
+    cannot fail to have a good effect in inducing people to think
+    more seriously of the necessity which lies upon the whole
+    country to always be prepared, and to be more openhanded in
+    giving money for the means of defence."
+
+    FIELD MARSHAL LORD WOLSELEY says: "A pleasure to peruse it."
+
+    THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY says: "It is very realistic and
+    interesting."
+
+    LORD GEORGE HAMILTON says: "It is very striking and original."
+
+    SIR C. DILKE says: "I think it is most valuable as tending to
+    make people realise how little we are prepared for war."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Opinions of the London Press.
+
+    _The Times_ says: "Everything that can spice a sensational
+    volume."
+
+    _The Morning Post_ says: "Few works can compare in stirring
+    incidents or careful elaboration of detail.... A great deal of
+    what he forecasts would be very likely to occur if once England
+    were in the clutches of a strong enemy, and in the matter of
+    description wherein the tumult and carnage is brought vividly
+    before the reader.... A clever and exciting book."
+
+    _The Standard_ says: "Full of excitement and realism."
+
+    _The Globe_ says: "It is vigorous and rousing.... Will do a
+    public service."
+
+    _The Sun_ says: "Mr. Le Queux' narrative is well and spiritedly
+    written."
+
+    _The Evening News_ says: "Mr. Le Queux has succeeded in a very
+    difficult task. He has brought home to us the dangers we expose
+    ourselves if we neglect to maintain our Army and Navy in an
+    adequate state of efficiency."
+
+    _The Daily Graphic_ says: "Various essays have been made to
+    forecast the next great European war, but Mr. William Le Queux'
+    volume is certainly the most comprehensive and thrilling of
+    anything yet attempted. Regarded simply as a work of fiction, it
+    is exciting enough to satisfy the most enthusiastic lover of
+    'blood and thunder' literature. In its more serious aspect--and
+    it is this aspect, of course, which the author desires for
+    it--this book certainly evidences serious thought.... It is all
+    very graphic and very thrilling, especially the bombardment of
+    London by the Russians, and the author has not scrupled to avail
+    himself of the latest, even of the future, resources of
+    science."
+
+    _Naval and Military Record_ says: "Mr. Le Queux has special
+    qualifications for the task. He knows a great deal of our Army
+    and Navy, and he is familiar with continental systems and
+    sentiment. The narrative is lively and spirited, and the author
+    writes with an air of conviction which is calculated to carry
+    the reader on from beginning to end."
+
+    _Admiralty and Horse Guards Gazette_ says: "Mr. Le Queux is a
+    vivid writer, and his work gives evidence of care and
+    thoroughness. The chapter dealing with the march of the French
+    on London is particularly fine. The author's production is the
+    best of the kind we have come across for some time. It should
+    emphasise our old contention as to the unreadiness for active
+    service on a prolonged campaign of the sea and land forces of
+    the Empire."
+
+    _Army and Navy Gazette_ says: "The story is a capital one, full
+    of interest and incident, well sustained and well told."
+
+    _The Idler_ says: "Mr. Le Queux writes brilliantly, sensibly,
+    and with a thorough mastery of his subject."
+
+    _The Sketch_ says: "No novel of the day comes up to Mr. Le
+    Queux' 'Great War in England in 1897' for excitement. From the
+    preface to the last paragraph he has kept up his prophetic
+    heroics in magnificent style, and if his patriotism does not
+    scatter our indifference to our insular defences, why, then,
+    nothing will. It is really a terrifying book. Mr. Le Queux has
+    power to shake one's nerves as he foretells fights and
+    slaughters in peaceful suburbs."
+
+    _The World_ says: "It serves to bring home in a very realistic
+    fashion the horrors of a war brought into our very midst."
+
+    _To-Day_ says: "A mastery of military and naval details is
+    displayed with conception and execution."
+
+    _The Review of Reviews_ says: "The story is useful as a warning,
+    and is worked out with much knowledge."
+
+    _The Gentlewoman_ says: "Once having started, I couldn't lay it
+    down till I had made an end thereto."
+
+    _The Literary World_ says: "It is undoubtedly one of the books
+    of the year. It is so ingenious and so exciting, it is at once
+    extremely technical and extremely readable. The book is a great
+    book, and one that no Englishman could read without a thrill."
+
+    _The Publishers' Circular_ says: "Mr. Le Queux shows us what
+    will happen if we do not better prepare ourselves."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Read what the Country Press say.
+
+    _Manchester Evening News_ says: "Lovers of exciting literature
+    will be satisfied to the full with the graphic story."
+
+    _Liverpool Daily Mercury_ says: "Extremely interesting, and well
+    worth reading."
+
+    _Liverpool Daily Chronicle_ says:--"The story is full of
+    stirring episode."
+
+    _Birmingham Daily Post_ says: "The scenes are marked with real
+    and affecting power."
+
+    _Sheffield Daily Telegraph_ says: "We offer criticism in no
+    carping spirit, but as part of our grateful acknowledgment for a
+    brilliant, patriotic, and useful work."
+
+    _Yorkshire Post_ says: "Well calculated to make the nervous
+    tremble at every rumour of foreign complications."
+
+    _The Scotsman_ says: "Strategical and other problems are
+    elaborately worked out.... Amusing, entertaining, and exciting."
+
+    _The North British Mail_ says: "It is a very powerful work."
+
+    _Glasgow Herald_ says: "One of the best books we have read on a
+    subject on which it is only too easy to be tiresome."
+
+    _Glasgow Evening News_ says: "Whether as a romance or as a
+    prophecy it is highly interesting."
+
+    _The Western Morning News_ says: "Very exciting reading. Of real
+    literary merit."
+
+    _Bradford Daily Argus_ says: "Full of interesting and exciting
+    reading."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Read what the Foreign and Colonial Press say.
+
+    _Sydney Daily Telegraph_ says: "The writer's capability to speak
+    regarding his subject is displayed on every page of the book. It
+    is splendidly written."
+
+    _The Belgian News_ says: "The book is a remarkable and a
+    phenomenal success."
+
+    The _Palladium_ (Newhaven, Conn.) says: "One of the most
+    successful books of the season."
+
+    "Il Capitano Nemo," the well-known Italian naval writer, in
+    _L'Opinione_ of Rome, says that the problems put forward by Mr.
+    Le Queux should secure the serious consideration of European
+    Governments. "It is unquestionably a most important book," he
+    says; "it is of interest to everyone, and the minuteness of its
+    detail is astonishing. I can recommend it to the Italian public
+    as a very startling yet highly instructive book."
+
+    _The Italia Marinara_ says: "It is not a mere fantastic romance;
+    it is a book to study seriously, and we recommend it to the Army
+    and Navy of Italy, for it contains many valuable hints."
+
+    _Il Secolo_ says: "A very remarkable and important work. There
+    is genius in every line. The descriptions are most realistic,
+    and it is of interest to everybody."
+
+    _The China Telegraph_ says it is "of really intense and
+    thrilling interest."
+
+
+
+
+_Now ready. Sixth Edition. Price 6s._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.
+
+THE CAPTAIN OF THE MARY ROSE.
+_A TALE OF TO-MORROW._
+
+BY W. LAIRD CLOWES,
+U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE.
+
+With 60 Illustrations by the Chevalier de Martino and Fred. T. Jane.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This work has been truly described by the public press as an intensely
+realistic and stirring romance of the near future. It describes the
+wonderful adventures of an armour-clad cruiser, built on the Tyne, which
+takes part in a great Naval War that suddenly breaks out between France
+and Great Britain. The dashing way in which the vessel is handled, her
+narrow escapes, the boldness of her successful attacks upon the enemy,
+and the heroic conduct of her commander and crew, form altogether a
+narrative of most absorbing interest, and full of exciting scenes and
+situations.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW PRESS OPINIONS.
+
+    "Deserves something more than a mere passing notice."--_The
+    Times._
+
+    "Full of exciting situations.... Has manifold attractions for
+    all sorts of readers."--_Army and Navy Gazette._
+
+    "The most notable book of the season."--_The Standard._
+
+    "A clever book. Mr. Clowes is pre-eminent for literary touch and
+    practical knowledge of naval affairs."--_Daily Chronicle._
+
+    "Mr. W. Laird Clowes' exciting story."--_Daily Telegraph._
+
+    "We read 'The Captain of the Mary Rose' at a sitting."--_The
+    Pall Mall Gazette._
+
+    "Written with no little spirit and imagination.... A stirring
+    romance of the future."--_Manchester Guardian._
+
+    "Is of a realistic and exciting character.... Designed to show
+    what the naval warfare of the future may be."--_Glasgow Herald._
+
+    "One of the most interesting volumes of the year."--_Liverpool
+    Journal of Commerce._
+
+    "It is well told and magnificently illustrated."--_United
+    Service Magazine._
+
+    "Full of absorbing interest."--_Engineers Gazette._
+
+    "Is intensely realistic, so much so that after commencing the
+    story every one will be anxious to read to the end."--_Dundee
+    Advertiser._
+
+    "The book is splendidly illustrated."--_Northern Whig._
+
+
+
+
+_Ninth Edition, Price 6s._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.
+_Uniform with "The Captain of the Mary Rose," with numerous
+Illustrations by Fred T. Jane and Edwin S. Hope._
+
+THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION.
+A TALE OF THE COMING TERROR.
+
+BY GEORGE GRIFFITH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In this Romance of Love, War, and Revolution, the action takes place ten
+years hence, and turns upon the solution of the problem of aerial
+navigation, which enables a vast Secret Society to decide the issue of
+the coming world-war, for which the great nations of the earth are now
+preparing. Battles such as have hitherto only been vaguely dreamed of
+are fought on land and sea and in the air. Aerial navies engage armies
+and fleets and fortresses, and fight with each other in an unsparing
+warfare, which has for its prize the empire of the world. Unlike all
+other essays in prophetic fiction, it deals with the events of
+to-morrow, and with characters familiar in the eyes of living men. It
+marks an entirely new departure in fiction, and opens up possibilities
+which may become stupendous and appalling realities before the present
+generation of men has passed away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_A FEW PRESS OPINIONS._
+
+    "Since the days of the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, we know
+    of no writer who 'takes the cake' like Mr. George
+    Griffith."--_Daily Chronicle._
+
+    "A really exciting and sensational romance."--_Literary World._
+
+    "As a work of imagination it takes high rank."--_Belfast News
+    Letter._
+
+    "Full of absorbing interest."--_Barrow Herald._
+
+    "This powerful story."--_Liverpool Mercury._
+
+    "An entirely new departure in fiction."--_Reynolds' Newspaper._
+
+    "Of exceptional brilliancy and power."--_Western Figaro._
+
+    "This remarkable story."--_Weekly Times and Echo._
+
+    "There is a fascination about his book that few will be able to
+    resist."--_Birmingham Gazette._
+
+    "This exciting romance."--_Licensing World._
+
+    "A work of strong imaginative power."--_Dundee Courier._
+
+    "We must congratulate the author upon the vividness and reality
+    with which he draws his unprecedented pictures."--_Bristol
+    Mercury._
+
+    "Is quite enthralling."--_Glasgow Herald._
+
+    "A striking and fascinating novel."--_Hampshire Telegraph._
+
+
+
+
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s.
+_With Frontispiece by Edwin S. Hope._
+
+OLGA ROMANOFF;
+Or, The Syren of the Skies.
+
+BY GEORGE GRIFFITH,
+AUTHOR OF "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Dedicated to Mr. HIRAM S. MAXIM.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A sequel to the author's striking and successful romance. _The Angel of
+the Revolution_, describing the efforts of a beautiful daughter of the
+House of Romanoff to restore the throne of her ancestors destroyed in
+the World-War of 1904, and presenting to the reader the spectacle of a
+world transformed into a wonderland of art and science, yet trembling on
+the brink of a catastrophe, in comparison with which even the tremendous
+climax of _The Angel_ sinks almost into insignificance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOME PRESS OPINIONS.
+
+    "Mr. George Griffith has made himself a high reputation as an
+    imaginative novelist by his brilliant romances, _The Angel of
+    the Revolution_ and _The Syren of the Skies_."--_Sketch._
+
+    "This is quite as imaginative, as clever, and as enthralling a
+    book as its predecessor."--_Glasgow Herald._
+
+    "The book is a wild one, but its wildness and imaginative
+    boldness make it uncommonly interesting."--_Scotsman._
+
+    "The flights of fancy and imagination displayed by the author
+    show a most marvellous power and conception."--_Aberdeen Free
+    Press._
+
+    "An entrancing book."--_Birmingham Post._
+
+    "Full of originality in its rendition.... A marvel of
+    imaginative strength and picturesque pen painting."--_European
+    Mail._
+
+    "On the whole Mr. Griffith has published a work which to our
+    mind is the most suggestive of its kind that has been published
+    for many years."--_Admiralty and Horse Guards Gazette._
+
+    "The work hardly lends itself to critical remark other than the
+    expression of one's appreciation of an imaginative and glowing
+    style likely to add to the pleasure of those who enjoy purely
+    speculative fiction. These pictures have a weird splendour in
+    keeping with the theme, but it is natural to desire a better
+    future for the human race than the one here
+    prophesied."--_Morning Post._
+
+    "His theme is a more tremendous one, and the incidents of his
+    story tenfold more terrible than even those awful battles in the
+    former volume. There is the same swift succession of awful
+    calamities, the same sustained interest from title page to
+    cover, and the same thread of human love running through the
+    narrative which lent its chief charm to the 'Angel of the
+    Revolution.'"--_Weekly Times and Echo._
+
+    "By lovers of sensational writing, in which the scientific
+    discoveries of the future are forecast, and intrigue and warfare
+    related in realistic manner under conditions which now exist but
+    in prophetic imagination, it will be warmly welcomed.... The
+    book must be read to be appreciated. Description is
+    impossible."--_Bradford Daily Argus._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes
+
+Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
+
+Hyphens removed: muzzle[-]loaders (p. 127), look[-]out (p. 164),
+short[-]sightedness (p. 176), blood[-]stained (p. 325).
+
+p. 67: "Termius" changed to "Terminus" (over the d�bris in
+Terminus Road).
+
+p. 72: "Halsted" changed to "Halstead" (Surrey to Halstead in Kent).
+
+p. 92: "crusier" changed to "cruiser" (the unarmoured cruiser _Faucon_).
+
+p. 119: "thousand" changed to "thousands" (thousands fleeing into the
+country).
+
+p. 159: "fusilade" changed to "fusillade" (commenced a terrific
+fusillade).
+
+p. 160: "momemt" changed to "moment" (Our situation at that moment).
+
+p. 240: "Hundred" changed to "Hundreds" (Hundreds of tons).
+
+p. 257: "evacute" changed to "evacuate" (to evacuate Edinburgh).
+
+p. 316: "detatched" changed to "detached" (came upon a detached post).
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great War in England in 1897, by 
+William Le Queux
+
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+
+Project Gutenberg's The Great War in England in 1897, by William Le Queux
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Great War in England in 1897
+
+Author: William Le Queux
+
+Illustrator: Cyril Field
+
+Release Date: September 18, 2011 [EBook #37470]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive.)
+
+
+
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+
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+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND<br /></h1>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="bbox">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><i>First Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>July 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Second Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>July 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Edition de Luxe</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align="left"><i>July 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Third Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>August 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Fourth Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>August 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Fifth Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>September 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Sixth Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>October 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Seventh Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>November 1894.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Eighth Edition</i></td><td align="left"><i>December 1894.</i></td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 411px;">
+<a href="images/i004-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i004-lo.jpg" width="411" height="600" alt="BOMBARDMENT OF LONDON: &quot;IN LUDGATE HILL THE SCENE WAS AWFUL.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">BOMBARDMENT OF LONDON: &quot;IN LUDGATE HILL THE SCENE WAS AWFUL.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1>THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897</h1>
+<h3>BY</h3>
+<h2>WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.</h2>
+<div class="center"><br />
+AUTHOR OF<br />
+"GUILTY BONDS" "STRANGE TALES OF A NIHILIST" "CONDEMNED TO SILENCE"<br />
+"THE STOLEN SOUL" ETC.<br />
+<br /><br />
+<i>ILLUSTRATED BY CAPTAIN CYRIL FIELD, R.M.L.I.<br />
+AND T. S. C. CROWTHER</i><br />
+<br /><br />
+<span class="smcap">Eleventh Edition</span><br />
+<br /><br />
+LONDON<br />
+TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED<br />
+95, <span class="smcap">Minories</span>, E.C.<br />
+1895<br />
+<br /><br />
+[<i>All Rights Reserved</i>]<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="center"><br /><br /><br />
+TO<br />
+<br />
+MY FRIEND<br />
+<br />
+ALFRED CHARLES HARMSWORTH<br />
+<br />
+A GENEROUS EDITOR AND PATRIOTIC ENGLISHMAN<br />
+<br />
+I INSCRIBE THIS FORECAST<br />
+<br />
+OF<br />
+<br />
+THE COMING WAR<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+<h2>PREFACE TO NINTH EDITION</h2>
+
+<p>In writing this book it was my endeavour to bring vividly
+before the public the national dangers by which we are surrounded,
+and the absolute necessity which lies upon England
+to maintain her defences in an adequate state of efficiency.
+That my effort has been successful, is proved alike by the fact
+that eight editions of the work have already been exhausted,
+and by the commendatory and highly gratifying terms in
+which it has been criticised by prominent statesmen and
+leading naval and military experts, including the Commander-in-Chief
+of the British Army. Some professional critics have,
+it is true, questioned certain prophetic details concerning
+naval warfare, but I think the best possible answer to them is
+furnished by the results of recent battles in Chinese waters,
+which, it is admitted, present to us very serious object-lessons.
+A few passages I have revised in order to bring the events
+more thoroughly up to date, and in sending my forecast forth
+again it is accompanied by a devout hope that ere it be too
+late our present insecurity will be remedied, that a national
+disaster may thus be prevented, and that England may ever
+retain her supremacy upon the sea.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+WILLIAM LE QUEUX.<br />
+</div>
+<p><span class="smcap">London</span>, <i>March 1895.</i></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CRITICISM BY LORD ROBERTS</h2>
+
+<div class="right">
+<span class="smcap">United Service Club</span>,<br />
+<span class="smcap">Pall Mall, W.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,&mdash;I have read with considerable interest your
+vivid account of the dangers to which the loss of our naval
+supremacy may be expected to expose us, and the means by
+which you think we should be able to extricate ourselves from
+those dangers. I hardly like to criticise a work which, to be
+effective, must to a great extent be imaginative, but on one or
+two points I would venture to offer a few remarks:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>First</i>, You refer to the assistance the Home Army might
+receive from India and the Colonies. I feel confident that in
+such an emergency as you portray, the Colonies and Dependencies
+of the Empire would be most anxious to assist the
+Mother Country; but unless our sea power were assured, it
+appears to me that they would be unable to do so. Until our
+command of the sea had been regained, we should be powerless
+to move a soldier either from or to the United Kingdom.</p>
+
+<p><i>Secondly</i>, You very properly lay stress on the part which
+might be taken by the Volunteers in the defence of the United
+Kingdom. No one can appreciate more fully than I do the
+gallant and patriotic spirit which animates the Volunteer Force,
+and I most thoroughly agree with you as to the value it might
+be under such serious circumstances as you depict. In fact,
+the <i>raison d'�tre</i> of the Force is to be able to defend the country
+in the event of an invasion. But to enable our Volunteers to do
+all that is expected of them, they must be made thoroughly
+efficient. Much has been done of late years to this end, but
+much more is required before our citizen soldiers can be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+depended upon to hold their own against foreign troops whose
+training is continually being carried on, and whose organisation
+is believed to be nearly perfect. It is very penny-wise and
+pound-foolish of us not to do all in our power to render the
+Volunteers the serviceable body they might be.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thirdly</i>, You take but little account of the Militia, which
+the Duke of Wellington considered to be our mainstay in the
+event of a threatened invasion. The Militia would seem to be
+rather out of fashion at present, but still it is a very useful
+force, which only needs encouragement and development to convert
+it into a reliable fighting body, capable of reinforcing and
+co-operating with our small regular Army.</p>
+
+<p>You will gather from what I have said that, under the
+conditions specified by you, I should be inclined to regard your
+forecast of the result of the supposed conflict as being unduly
+favourable. I can only add that I trust such conditions may
+never arise, and that your estimate of the means immediately
+available for repelling foreign attack may be more correct than
+my own.&mdash;Believe me, yours very truly,</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+ROBERTS.
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
+<h2>PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">General Lord Roberts</span>, V.C., on reading this forecast of the
+Coming War, wrote as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<div class="right">
+Grove Park, Kingsbury,<br />
+Middlesex, March 26, 1894.<br />
+</div>
+
+<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,&mdash;I entirely concur with you in thinking it most desirable
+to bring home to the British public in every possible way the dangers
+to which the nation is exposed, unless it maintains a Navy and Army
+sufficiently strong and well organised to meet the defensive requirements
+of the Empire.&mdash;Believe me, yours faithfully,
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/i011.jpg" width="200" height="96" alt="Roberts" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Roberts</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, K.P., in his <i>Life of
+Marlborough</i>, speaks plainly when he says&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+The last battle fought in England was fought to secure James his
+crown. If through the folly and parsimony of our people we should
+ever see another, it will be fought in defence of London. The struggle
+will be, not for a dynasty, but for our own very existence as an
+independent nation. Are we prepared to meet it? The politician says
+Yes; the soldier and the sailor say No.
+</div>
+
+<p>Such outspoken expressions of opinion from two of our
+chief military authorities should cause the British public to
+pause and reflect. On all hands it is admitted by both naval
+and military experts, that, notwithstanding the increase of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+Navy by the Spencer programme, our country is inadequately
+defended and totally unprepared for war. The extraordinary
+preparations now going forward in France and Russia are
+being made in view of an attack upon England, and it is
+ominous that the downfall of our Empire is a perpetual subject
+of discussion in the Paris press. Although a Briton, I have lived
+long enough in France to know that the French, while hating
+the Germans, despise the English, and are looking forward
+to a day not far hence when their battleships will bombard
+our south coast towns, and their legions advance over the
+Surrey Hills to London. When the Great War does come, it
+will come swiftly, and without warning. We are accustomed
+to scoff at the idea of an invasion of Britain. We feel secure
+in our sea-girt island home; we have confidence in our brave
+sailor defenders, in our gallant Army, and our enthusiastic
+Volunteers, and we entertain a supreme contempt for "mere
+foreigners." It is this national egotism, this insular conviction
+that foreign engines of war are inferior to our own, that may
+cause our ruin. Everything we possess, everything we hold
+dear, our position among nations, our very life, depends for its
+safety, firstly, upon the undoubted predominance of our Navy
+over any likely or possible combination of the Navies of
+Continental Powers; and, secondly, upon an Army properly
+equipped and ready to take the field on receipt of the
+momentous word "Mobilise"!</p>
+
+<p>Is our Navy, even strengthened by the recent programme,
+in a sufficiently efficient state to retain the supremacy of the
+seas? Let us face the situation boldly, and allow a well-known
+and distinguished officer to reply to that question. Admiral of
+the Fleet Sir Thomas Symonds, G.C.B., writing to me, says&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+Our weak Navy, with its inefficient <i>personnel</i>, has now to perform
+an enormously increased duty, such as defending increased commerce,
+food, and coals. Our guns are the worst in the world in forty-seven
+vessels, mounting 350 muzzleloaders, where the French and all foreign
+Navies use <i>only breechloaders</i>. Dimensions, expense, and very many
+other reasons are given for this ruinous custom, but all other Navies
+mount breechloaders on vessels of the same dimensions as our own.
+As to expenses, such economy (so-called) means the most execrable
+parsimony&mdash;to ruthlessly murder men and disgrace our flag and Navy.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>Our forty-seven feeble vessels, weak in armament, and all composing
+them, reduce our Navy to comparative insignificance, and are a preparation
+for disgrace and ruin when at war.
+</div>
+
+<p>Yet we are content to sit idly by, confident in a strength
+which two foreign Powers are slowly but surely undermining!
+Russia and France, both barely able to sustain their gigantic
+Armies, are to-day straining every nerve to enlarge their naval
+forces, preparatory to a swift descent upon our shores. This
+alarming fact we wilfully disregard, affecting to find humour in
+the Franco-Muscovite preparations. Thus, unless we maintain
+a Navy of sufficient strength to prevent invasion, War, with
+its attendant horrors, is inevitable, and the scene of battle will
+be England's smiling fields.</p>
+
+<p>Turning to our Army, what do we find? Even the civilian
+writer who studies it is amazed at the muddle of insufficiency
+in which it is steeped. Our Home Defence Scheme is a very
+elaborate paper problem, but as our forces have never been
+mobilised, its many glaring defects must, alas! remain unremedied
+until our highways echo to the tramp of an enemy.
+Upon this point a volume might be written, but a few plain
+facts must suffice. Military experts will, I think, agree when
+I assert that the 2nd Corps, as planned by this grotesque
+scheme, does not and cannot exist; and while the 3rd Corps
+may possibly stand as regards infantry, because its infantry
+are all Militia, yet it will have neither Regular cavalry nor
+guns. Every one of the staffs is a myth, and the equipment
+and commissariat arrangements are a complete guarantee of
+collapse at the outset of mobilisation. What, for instance,
+can be said of a system in which one unit of the 3rd
+Cavalry Brigade "mobilises," and obtains its "personal" and
+part of its "regimental" equipment at Plymouth; the other
+part of its regimental paraphernalia, including munitions, at
+Aldershot; and its horses&mdash;at Dublin? Practically, half our
+cavalry at home are to-day, however, incapable of mobilisation,
+for, according to the latest return available, I find that over
+six thousand cavalry men have no horses! Again, the Volunteers,
+upon whom we must depend for the defence of London,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+have no transport, and the ammunition columns for the 3rd
+Army Corps and the Regular cavalry do not exist. Such
+staggering deficits as these are in themselves sufficient to show
+how critical would be our position if England were invaded, and
+in order to give an adequate idea of what we may expect during
+that reign of terror, I have penned the narrative which follows.
+Some, no doubt, believe that our enemies will treat us with more
+mercy than I have shown, but I firmly anticipate that in the
+desperate struggle for the supremacy of the world, towns will be
+bombarded and international law set at naught where our
+invaders see a chance of success. Consequently, the ruin
+must be widespread, and the loss of life enormous.</p>
+
+<p>In the various strategical and tactical problems involved, I
+have received assistance from a number of well-known naval
+and military officers on the active list, whose names I am,
+however, not at liberty to divulge. Suffice it to say that, in
+addition to personally going over the whole of the ground where
+battles are fought, I have also obtained information from certain
+official documents not made public, and have endeavoured to
+bring this forecast up to date by introducing the latest inventions
+in guns, and showing the relative strength of Navies as
+they will appear in 1897. In this latter I have been compelled
+to bestow names upon many ships now building.</p>
+
+<p>To Lieut. J. G. Stevens, 17th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers,
+who supplied me with many details regarding the Volunteers;
+to Mr. Alfred C. Harmsworth, F.R.G.S., whose suggestion
+prompted me to write this narrative; and to Mr. Harold
+Harmsworth, who on several occasions assisted me, I hereby
+acknowledge my thanks. While many readers will no doubt
+regard this book chiefly as an exciting piece of fiction, I trust
+that no small proportion will perceive the important lesson
+underlying it, for the French are laughing at us, the Russians
+presume to imitate us, and the Day of Reckoning is hourly
+advancing.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+WILLIAM LE QUEUX.</div>
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">Prince of Wales's Club,<br />
+Coventry Street, W.</span>
+</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center"><i>BOOK I</i></td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center">THE INVASION</td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right">CHAP.</td><td align="left"></td><td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left">THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left">A TOTTERING EMPIRE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left">ARMING FOR THE STRUGGLE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left">THE SPY</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left">BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left">LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left">BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left">FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left">COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left">A DEATH DRAUGHT</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left">THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left">IN THE EAGLE'S TALONS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left">FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left">BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center">&nbsp;</td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center"><i>BOOK II</i></td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center">THE STRUGGLE</td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left">THE DOOM OF HULL</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left">TERROR ON THE TYNE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left">HELP FROM OUR COLONIES</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left">RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left">FALL OF BIRMINGHAM</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left">OUR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left">A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left">PANIC IN LANCASHIRE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXIII.</td><td align="left">THE EVE OF BATTLE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXIV.</td><td align="left">MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXV.</td><td align="left">GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXVI.</td><td align="left">GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXVII.</td><td align="left">THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_218">218</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center">&nbsp;</td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center"><i>BOOK III</i></td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right"></td><td align="center">THE VICTORY</td><td align="right"></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right">XXVIII.</td><td align="left">A SHABBY WAYFARER</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXIX.</td><td align="left">LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_235">235</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXX.</td><td align="left">ATTACK ON EDINBURGH</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_243">243</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXI.</td><td align="left">"THE DEMON OF WAR"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_248">248</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXII.</td><td align="left">FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXIII.</td><td align="left">MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_268">268</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXIV.</td><td align="left">LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_279">279</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td align="left">LONDON BOMBARDED</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_284">284</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXVI.</td><td align="left">BABYLON BURNING</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_291">291</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXVII.</td><td align="left">FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_299">299</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXVIII.</td><td align="left">NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_304">304</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XXXIX.</td><td align="left">THE DAY OF RECKONING</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_312">312</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XL.</td><td align="left">"FOR ENGLAND!"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_324">324</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">XLI.</td><td align="left">DAWN</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_328">328</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+<h1><i>BOOK I</i></h1>
+<h2><i>THE INVASION</i></h2>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+<h1>THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897.</h1>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+<h3>THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc019.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="W" title="W" /></div><p>ar! <i>War in England!</i></p>
+
+<p>Growled by thoughtful, stern-visaged men,
+gasped with bated breath by pale-faced, terrified
+women, the startling news passed quickly
+round the Avenue Theatre from gallery to
+boxes. The crisis was swift, complete, crushing.
+Actors and audience were appalled.</p>
+
+<p>Though it was a gay comic opera that was being performed
+for the first time, entertainers and entertained lost all interest
+in each other. They were amazed, dismayed, awestricken.
+Amusement was nauseating; War, with all its attendant
+horrors, was actually upon them! The popular tenor, one of
+the idols of the hour, blundered over his lines and sang terribly
+out of tune, but the hypercritical first-night audience passed
+the defect unnoticed. They only thought of what might
+happen; of the dark cavernous future that lay before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>War had been declared against Britain&mdash;Britain, the
+Empire that had so long rested in placid sea-girt security,
+confident of immunity from attack, was to be invaded! The
+assertion seemed preposterous.</p>
+
+<p>Some, after reading eagerly the newspapers still damp from
+the press, smiled incredulously, half inclined to regard the
+startling intelligence as a mere fabrication by alarmists, or a
+perfected phase of the periodical war-scare which sensational
+journalists annually launch upon the world during what is
+technically known as the "gooseberry" season.</p>
+
+<p>Other readers, however, recollecting the grave political
+crises on the Continent, set their teeth firmly, silent and dumfounded.
+Upon many merchants and City men the news
+fell like a thunderbolt, for financial ruin stared them in the
+face.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently a desperate attempt would be made by the
+enemy to land on English soil. Already the startled playgoers
+could hear in their excited imagination the clash of arms
+mingling with the triumphant yell of the victor, and the stifled,
+despairing cry of the hapless victim. But who, they wondered,
+would be the victim? Would Britannia ever fall to the dust
+with broken trident and shattered shield? Would her neck
+ever lie under the heel of the foreign invader? No, never&mdash;while
+Britons could fight.</p>
+
+<p>The theatre, in its garish blaze of electricity, and crowded
+with well-dressed men and women, presented a brilliant
+appearance, which had suddenly become strangely incongruous
+with the feelings of the audience. In the boxes, where
+youth and beauty smiled, the bouquets which had been provided
+by the management gave to the theatre a bright,
+artistic touch of colour. Yet the pungent odour they diffused
+had become sickening. Intermingled with other flowers
+there were many tuberoses. They are funereal blossoms,
+ineffably emblematic of the grave. There is death in their
+breath.</p>
+
+<p>When the astounding news fell upon the house the performance
+was drawing to a close. A moment before, every one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+had been silent and motionless, listening with rapt attention to
+the tenor's plaintive love song, and admiring the grace of the
+fair heroine, but as the terrible truth dawned upon them they
+rose, amid a scene of the wildest excitement. The few papers
+that had been purchased at fabulous prices at the doors were
+eagerly scanned, many of the sheets being torn into shreds in
+the mad struggle to catch a glimpse of the alarming telegrams
+they contained. For a few moments the agitation nearly
+approached a panic, while above the hum and din the hoarse,
+strident voices of running newsmen could be heard outside,
+yelling, "War declared against England! Expected landing of
+the enemy! Extrur-speshal!"</p>
+
+<p>There was a hidden terror in the word "War" that at first
+held the amazed playgoers breathless and thoughtful. Never
+before had its significance appeared so grim, so fatal, so fraught
+with appalling consequences.</p>
+
+<p>War had been actually declared! There was no averting it!
+It was a stern reality.</p>
+
+<p>No adroit diplomatic negotiations could stem the advancing
+hordes of foreign invaders; Ministers and ambassadors
+were as useless pawns, for two great nations had had
+the audacity to combine in the projected attack upon Great
+Britain.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed incredible, impossible. True, a Great War had
+long been predicted, forecasts had been given of coming conflicts,
+and European nations had for years been gradually
+strengthening their armies and perfecting their engines
+of war, in the expectation of being plunged into hostilities.
+Modern improvements in arms and ammunition had so
+altered the conditions of war, that there had long been a
+feeling of insecurity even among those Powers who, a few
+years before, had felt themselves strong enough to resist
+any attack, however violent. War-scares had been plentiful,
+crises in France, Germany, and Russia of frequent occurrence;
+still, no one dreamed that Moloch was in their midst&mdash;that
+the Great War, so long foreshadowed, had in reality commenced.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Yet on this hot, oppressive Saturday night in August the
+extra-special editions of the papers contained news that startled
+the world. It ran as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+INVASION OF ENGLAND.<br />
+WAR DECLARED BY FRANCE AND RUSSIA.<br />
+HOSTILE FLEETS ADVANCING.<br />
+EXTRAORDINARY MANIFESTO BY THE TSAR.<br />
+<br />
+[<span class="smcap">Reuter's Telegrams.</span>]<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<div class="right">
+St. Petersburg, <i>August 14th</i>, 4 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+<p>The most intense excitement has been caused here by a totally unexpected
+and amazing announcement made this afternoon by the Minister of Foreign
+Affairs to the French Ambassador. It appears that the Minister has addressed
+to the French representative a short note in which the following extraordinary
+passage occurs:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The earnest negotiations between the Imperial Government and Great
+Britain for a durable pacification of Bosnia not having led to the desired accord,
+His Majesty the Tsar, my august master, sees himself compelled, to his regret,
+to have recourse to force of arms. Be therefore so kind as to inform your
+Government that from to-day Russia considers herself in a state of war with
+Great Britain, and requests that France will immediately comply with the
+obligations of the alliance signed by President Carnot on February 23rd, 1892."</p>
+
+<p>A circular note has also been addressed by the Russian Foreign Office to
+its ambassadors at the principal Courts of Europe, stating that, for reasons
+assigned, the Tsar has resolved to commence hostilities against Great Britain,
+and has given his Armies and Navy orders to commence the invasion.</p>
+
+<p>This declaration has, no doubt, been contemplated by the Russian Government
+for several days. During the past week the French Ambassador has twice
+had private audience of the Tsar, and soon after 11 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span> to-day he had a long
+interview at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is understood that the Minister
+of War was also present.</p>
+
+<p>No official notification of the Declaration of War has been given to the British
+Ambassador. This has created considerable surprise.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+5.30 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Large posters, headed "A Manifesto of His Majesty the Emperor of Russia,"
+and addressed to his subjects, are being posted up in the Nevski Prospekt.
+In this document the Tsar says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Our faithful and beloved subjects know the strong interest which we have
+constantly felt in the destinies of our Empire. Our desire for the pacification
+of our western frontier has been shared by the whole Russian nation, which
+now shows itself ready to bear fresh sacrifices to alleviate the position of those
+oppressed by British rule. The blood and property of our faithful subjects
+have always been dear to us, and our whole reign attests our constant solicitude
+to preserve to Russia the benefits of peace. This solicitude never failed to
+actuate my father during events which occurred recently in Bulgaria,
+Austro-Hungary, and Bosnia. Our object, before all, was to effect an
+amelioration in the position of our people on the frontier by means of pacific
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>negotiations, and in concert with the great European Powers, our allies and
+friends. Having, however, exhausted our pacific efforts, we are compelled by
+the haughty obstinacy of Great Britain to proceed to more decisive acts. A
+feeling of equity and of our own dignity enjoins it. By her recent acts Great
+Britain places us under the necessity of having recourse to arms. Profoundly
+convinced of the justice of our cause, we make known to our faithful subjects
+that we declare war against Great Britain. In now invoking a blessing upon
+our valiant armies, we give the order for an invasion of England."</p>
+
+<p>This manifesto has excited the greatest enthusiasm. The news has spread
+rapidly, and dense crowds have assembled in the Nevski, the Izak Platz, and
+on the English Quay, where the posters are being exhibited.</p>
+
+<p>The British Ambassador has not yet received any communication from the
+Imperial Government.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+Fontainebleau, <i>Aug. 14th</i>, 4.30 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>President Felix Faure has received a telegram from the French representative
+at St. Petersburg, stating that Russia has declared war against Great Britain.
+The President left immediately for Paris by special train.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+Paris, <i>Aug. 14th</i>, 4.50 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>An astounding piece of intelligence has this afternoon been received at the
+Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is no less than a Declaration of War by Russia
+against Britain. The telegram containing the announcement was received at
+the Ministry from the French Ambassador at St. Petersburg soon after three
+o'clock. The President was at once informed, and the Cabinet immediately
+summoned. A meeting is now being held for the purpose of deciding upon the
+course to be pursued with regard to the obligations of France contracted by the
+Treaty of Alliance made after the Cronstadt incident in 1891. The news of
+impending hostilities has just been published in a special edition of the <i>Soir</i>,
+and has created the wildest excitement on the Boulevards. Little doubt is
+entertained that France will join the invading forces, and the result of the
+deliberations of the Cabinet is anxiously awaited. President Felix Faure has
+returned from Fountainebleau.</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+[<span class="smcap">By Telephone through Dalziel's Agency.</span>]<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="right">
+6 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>The meeting of the Cabinet has just concluded. It has been resolved that
+France shall unreservedly render assistance to Russia. There is great activity
+at the War Office, and troops are already being ordered on active service. The
+excitement in the streets is increasing.</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+[<span class="smcap">Reuter's Telegrams.</span>]<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="right">
+Berlin, <i>Aug. 14th</i>, 5.30 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>Telegrams received here from St. Petersburg report that Russia has unexpectedly
+declared war against Great Britain, and called upon France to aid
+her in a combined attack. The report is scarcely credited here, and further
+details are being eagerly awaited. The Emperor, who was to have left for
+Bremen this afternoon, has abandoned his journey, and is now in consultation
+with the Chancellor.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+Christiansand,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> <i>Aug. 14th</i>, 7.30 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>The French Channel Squadron, which has been man&oelig;uvring for the past
+fortnight off the western coast of Norway, anchored outside the fjord here last
+night. This morning, according to rumour, the Russian Squadron arrived
+suddenly, and lay about thirty miles off land. Secret telegraphic orders were
+received at 6 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span> by the Admirals of both fleets almost simultaneously,
+and the whole of the vessels left in company half an hour later. They sailed
+in a southerly direction, but their destination is unknown.</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+Dieppe, <i>Aug. 14th</i>, 8 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>Ten transport vessels are embarking troops for England. Four regiments of
+cavalry, including the 4th Chasseurs and 16th Guards,
+are&mdash;<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+<h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3>
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a>
+<a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a>
+The conclusion of this message has not reached us, all the wires connecting
+this country with France having been cut.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+<h3>A TOTTERING EMPIRE.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc025.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he excitement in the theatre had increased, and
+the curtain had been rung down. Death
+shadows, grimly apparent, had fallen upon the
+house, and the scene was an extraordinary and
+unprecedented one. No such wild restlessness
+and impetuous agitation had ever before been
+witnessed within those walls. Some enthusiast of the pit,
+springing to his feet, and drawing a large red handkerchief
+from his pocket, waved it, shouting&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for good Old England!" to which, after a
+moment's silence, the audience responded lustily.</p>
+
+<p>Then, almost before the last sound had died away, another
+patriot of the people mounted upon his seat, crying&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No one need fear. The British Lion will quickly hold the
+French Eagle and the Russian Bear within his jaws. Let the
+enemy come; we will mow them down like hay."</p>
+
+<p>This raised a combined laugh and cheer, though it sounded
+forced and hollow. Immediately, however, some buoyant
+spirits in the gallery commenced singing "Rule, Britannia,"
+the chorus of which was taken up vigorously, the orchestra
+assisting by playing the last verse.</p>
+
+<p>Outside, the scene in the streets was one of momentarily
+increasing excitement. The news had spread with marvellous
+rapidity, and the whole city was agog. An elbowing, waving,
+stormy crowd surged down the Strand to Trafalgar Square,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+where an impromptu demonstration was being held, the
+Government being denounced by its opponents, and spoken of
+with confidence by its supporters. The Radical, the Socialist,
+the Anarchist, each aired his views, and through the throng
+a hoarse threatening murmur condensed into three words,
+"Down with Russia! Down with France!" The cry, echoed
+by a thousand throats, mingled weirdly with the shouts of the
+newsmen and the snatches of patriotic songs.</p>
+
+<p>London was anxious, fevered, and turbulent, that hot,
+moonless August night. At that hour all the shops were
+closed, and the streets only lighted by the lamps. From the
+unlighted windows the indistinct shapes of heads looking out
+on the scene could be distinguished.</p>
+
+<p>On the pavements of Piccadilly and Knightsbridge knots of
+people stood arguing and wrangling over the probable turn of
+events. From uncouth Whitechapel to artistic Kensington,
+from sylvan Highgate to the villadom of Dulwich, the amazing
+intelligence had been conveyed by the presses of Fleet Street,
+which were still belching forth tons of damp news-sheets. At
+first there was confidence among the people; nevertheless little
+by little this confidence diminished, and curiosity gave place
+to surprise. But what could it be? All was shrouded in the
+darkest gloom. In the atmosphere was a strange and terrible
+oppression that seemed to weigh down men and crush them.
+London was, it appeared, walled in by the unknown and the
+unexpected.</p>
+
+<p>But, after all, England was strong; it was the mighty
+British Empire; it was the world. What was there to fear?
+Nothing. So the people continued to shout, "Down with
+France! Down with the Autocrat! Down with the Tsar!"</p>
+
+<p>A young man, who had been sitting alone in the stalls, had
+risen, electrified at the alarming news, and rushing out, hailed
+a passing cab, and drove rapidly away up Northumberland
+Avenue. This conduct was remarkable, for Geoffrey Engleheart
+was scarcely the man to flinch when danger threatened.
+He was a tall, athletic young fellow of twenty-six, with wavy
+brown hair, a dark, smartly-trimmed moustache, and handsome,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+well-cut features. He was happy and easy-going, always
+overflowing with genuine <i>bonhomie</i>. As the younger son of a
+very distinguished officer, he contrived to employ himself for
+a couple of hours a day at the Foreign Office, where, although
+a clerk, he held a very responsible position. Belonging to
+a rather good set, he was a member of several fashionable
+clubs, and lived in cosy, well-furnished chambers in St.
+James's Street.</p>
+
+<p>Driving first to the house of his <i>fianc�e</i>, Violet Vayne, at
+Rutland Gate, he informed her family of the startling intelligence;
+then, re-entering the conveyance, he subsequently
+alighted before the door of his chambers. As he paid the
+cabman, an ill-clad man pushed a newspaper into his face,
+crying, "'Ere y'are, sir. Extrur-special edition o' the <i>People</i>.
+Latest details. Serious scandal at the Forrin' Office."</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey started. He staggered, his heart gave a bound,
+and his face blanched. Thrusting half a crown into the man's
+dirty palm, he grasped the paper, and rushing upstairs to
+his sitting-room, cast himself into a chair. In breathless eagerness
+he glanced at the front page of the journal, and read the
+following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<div class="center">SCANDAL AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE.<br />
+<span class="smcap">A State Secret Divulged.</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>An extraordinary rumour is going the round of the Service clubs to-night.
+It is alleged that the present Declaration of War would have been impossible but
+for the treachery of some person through whose hands the transcript of a secret
+treaty between England and Germany passed to-day.</p>
+
+<p>A prominent Cabinet Minister, on being questioned by our reporter on the
+subject, admitted that he had heard the rumour, but declined to make any
+definite statement whether or not it was true.</p>
+
+<p>There must be a good deal behind the rumour of treachery, inasmuch as none
+of the prominent men who have already been interviewed gave a denial to the
+statement.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Geoffrey sat pale and motionless, with eyes fixed upon the
+printed words. He read and re-read them until the lines
+danced before his gaze, and he crushed the paper in his hands,
+and cast it from him.</p>
+
+<p>The little French clock on the mantelshelf chimed the hour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+of one upon its silvery bell; the lamp spluttered and burned
+dim. Still he did not move; he was dumfounded, rooted to
+the spot.</p>
+
+<p>Blacker and blacker grew the crowd outside. The density
+of the cloud that hung over all portended some direful tragedy.
+The impending disaster made itself felt. An alarming sense
+of calmness filled the streets. A silence had suddenly fallen,
+and was becoming complete and threatening. What was it
+that was about to issue from these black storm-clouds? Who
+could tell?</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+<h3>ARMING FOR THE STRUGGLE.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc029.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="L" title="L" /></div><p>ondon was amazed.</p>
+<p>The provinces were awestricken, paralysed
+by the startling suddenness with which the
+appalling news of the invasion had been flashed
+to them. Bewildered, the people could not
+believe it.</p>
+
+<p>Only slowly did the vivid and terrible truth dawn
+individually upon the millions north and south, and then,
+during the Day of Rest, they crowded to the newspaper and
+telegraph offices, loudly clamouring for further details of the
+overwhelming catastrophe that threatened. They sought for
+information from London; they expected London, the mighty,
+all-powerful capital, to act.</p>
+
+<p>Through the blazing Sunday the dust rose from the impatient,
+perspiring crowds in towns and cities, and the cool
+night brought no rest from a turmoil now incessant. Never
+before were such scenes of intense enthusiasm witnessed in
+England, Wales, and Scotland, for this was the first occasion on
+which the public felt the presence of invaders at their very
+doors.</p>
+
+<p>A mighty force was on its way to ruin their homes, to
+sweep from them their hard-earned savings, to crush, to
+conquer&mdash;to kill them!</p>
+
+<p>Fierce antagonism rose spontaneously in every Briton's
+heart, and during that never-to-be-forgotten day, at every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+barracks throughout the country, recruiting-sergeants were
+besieged by all sorts and conditions of men eager to accept
+the Queen's shilling, and strike for their country's honour.
+Heedless of danger, of hardship, of the fickle fortune of the
+fight, the determination to assist in the struggle rose instantly
+within them.</p>
+
+<p>At York, Chester, Edinburgh, and Portsmouth, volunteers
+came forward by hundreds. All were enthusiastic, undrilled,
+but ready to use their guns&mdash;genuinely heroic patriots of our
+land, such as are included in no other nation than the
+British. Pluck, zeal for the public safety, and an intense
+partisanship towards their fellows induced thousands to join
+the colours&mdash;many, alas! to sink later beneath a foeman's
+bullet, unknown, unhonoured heroes!</p>
+
+<p>Already the Cabinet had held a hurried meeting, at which
+it had been decided to call out the whole of the Reserves. Of
+this the War Office and Admiralty had been notified, and the
+Queen had given her sanction to the necessary proclamations,
+with the result that telegraphic orders had been issued to
+general officers commanding and to officers commanding
+Reservists to mobilise instantly.</p>
+
+<p>The posters containing the proclamation, which are always
+kept in readiness in the hands of officers commanding
+Regimental Districts, were issued immediately, and exhibited
+on all public places throughout the kingdom. On the doors of
+town halls, churches, chapels, police stations, military barracks,
+and in the windows of post offices, these notices were posted
+within a few hours. Crowds everywhere collected to read
+them, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed. Militia,
+Yeomanry, Volunteers, all were called out, and men on reading
+the Mobilisation Order lost no time in obtaining their accoutrements
+and joining their dep�ts. The national danger was
+imminent, and towards their "places of concentration" all
+categories of Her Majesty's forces were already moving. In
+every Regimental District the greatest activity was displayed.
+No country maintains in peace the full complement, or anything
+approaching the full complement of transport which its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+Armies require; hence vehicles and horses to complete the
+Army Service Corps companies, and for the supplemental service,
+were being immediately requisitioned from far and near.</p>
+
+<p>One of the many anomalies discovered during this critical
+period was, that while transport could thus be rapidly requisitioned,
+yet the impressment of civilians as drivers and caretakers
+of the animals was not permitted by the law; therefore
+on all hands the organisation of this requisitioned transport
+was fraught with the utmost difficulty, the majority of owners
+and employees refusing to come forward voluntarily. Registered
+horses were quickly collected, but they were far from sufficient
+for the requirements, and the want of animals caused loud
+outcries from every Regimental District.</p>
+
+<p>The general scheme was the constitution of a Field Army of
+four cavalry brigades and three army corps, with behind them
+a semi-mobile force made up of thirty-three Volunteer infantry
+brigades and eighty-four Volunteer batteries of position. The
+garrisons having been provided for, the four cavalry brigades
+and the 1st and 2nd Army Corps were to be composed entirely
+of Regulars, the 3rd Army Corps being made up of Regulars,
+Militia, and Volunteers. Organised in brigades, the Yeomanry
+were attached to the various infantry brigades or divisions of
+the Field Army, and the Regular Medical Staff Corps being much
+too weak, was strengthened from companies of the Volunteer
+Medical Staff Corps. In brief, the scheme was the formation
+of a composite Field Army, backed by a second line of partially
+trained Auxiliaries.</p>
+
+<p>Such a general scheme to set in battle order our land forces
+for home defence was, no doubt, well devised. Nevertheless,
+from the first moment the most glaring defects in the working
+out of details were everywhere manifested. Stores were badly
+disposed, there was a sad want of clothing, camp equipment,
+and arms, and the arrangements for the joining of Reservists
+were throughout defective. Again, the whole Reserve had been
+left totally untrained from the day the men left the colours;
+and having in view the fact that all leading authorities in
+Europe had, times without number, told us that the efficiency<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+of an Army depended on drill, discipline, and shooting, what
+could be expected from a system which relied in great part for
+the safety of the country on a Reserve, the members of which
+were undisciplined, undrilled, and unpractised in shooting for
+periods ranging from nine years in the Guards to five years in
+the case of the Line?</p>
+
+<p>On the day of mobilisation not a single regiment in the
+United Kingdom was ready to move forward to the front as it
+stood on parade! Not an officer, not a man, was prepared.
+England had calmly slept for years, while military reforms had
+been effected in every other European country. Now she had
+been suddenly and rudely awakened!</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere it was commented upon that no practical
+peace trial of the mobilisation scheme had ever been made.
+Little wonder was there, then, that incomplete details
+hampered rapid movements, or that the carrying out of the
+definite and distinct programme was prevented by gaps
+occurring which could not be discovered until the working of
+the system had been tested by actual experiment.</p>
+
+<p>It was this past apathy of the authorities, amounting to
+little less than criminal negligence, that formed the text of the
+vehement outpourings of Anarchists, Socialists, and "No War"
+partisans. A practical test of the efficiency of the scheme to
+concentrate our forces should have taken place even at the
+risk of public expenditure, instead of making the experiment
+when the enemy were actually at our doors.</p>
+
+<p>Another anomaly which, in the opinion of the public, ought
+long ago to have been removed, was the fact that the billeting
+of troops on the march on the inhabitants of the United
+Kingdom, other than owners of hotels, inns, livery stables, and
+public-houses, is illegal, while troops when not on the march
+cannot be billeted at all! At many points of concentration
+this absurd and antiquated regulation, laid down by the Army
+Act in 1881, was severely felt. Public buildings, churches,
+and schools had to be hired for the accommodation of the
+troops, and those others who could not find private persons
+hospitable enough to take them in were compelled to bivouac<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+where they could. Of tents they had scarcely any, and many
+regiments were thus kept homeless and badly fed several days
+before moving forward!</p>
+
+<p>Was there any wonder, then, that some men should lose
+heart? Did not such defects portend&mdash;nay, invite disaster?</p>
+
+<p>Strange though it may seem, Geoffrey Engleheart was one
+of but two persons in England who had on that Saturday
+anticipated this sudden Declaration of War.</p>
+
+<p>Through the hot night, without heed of the wild turbulence
+outside, regardless of the songs of patriots, of gleeful shouts of
+Anarchists, that, mingling into a dull roar, penetrated the
+heavy curtains before the window of his room, he sat with
+brows knit and gaze transfixed.</p>
+
+<p>Words now and then escaped his compressed lips. They
+were low and ominous; utterances of blank despair.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+<h3>THE SPY.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc034.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="C" title="C" /></div><p>ount von Beilstein was a polished cosmopolitan.
+He was in many ways a very
+remarkable man.</p>
+
+<p>In London society he was as popular as he
+had previously been in Paris and in Berlin.
+Well-preserved and military-looking, he retained
+the vigour, high spirits, and spruce step of youth, spent
+his money freely, and led the almost idyllic life of a careless
+bachelor in the Albany.</p>
+
+<p>Since his partnership with Sir Joseph Vayne, the well-known
+shipowner, father of Geoffrey's <i>fianc�e</i>, he had taken up a
+prominent position in commercial circles, was a member of the
+London Chamber of Commerce, took an active part in the
+various deliberations of that body, and in the City was considered
+a man of considerable importance.</p>
+
+<p>How we of the world, however shrewd, are deceived by
+outward appearances!</p>
+
+<p>Of the millions in London there were but two men who
+knew the truth; who were aware of the actual position held by
+this German landed proprietor. Indeed, the Count's friends
+little dreamed that under the outward cloak of careless ease
+induced by wealth there was a mind endowed with a cunning
+that was extraordinary, and an ingenuity that was marvellous.
+Truth to tell, Karl von Beilstein, who posed as the owner of
+the great Beilstein estates, extending along the beautiful valley
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>of the Moselle, between Alf and Cochem, was not an aristocrat
+at all, and possessed no estate more tangible than the proverbial
+ch�teau in Spain.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 393px;">
+<a href="images/i035-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i035-lo.jpg" width="393" height="600" alt="&quot;COUNT VON BEILSTEIN WAS A SPY!&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;COUNT VON BEILSTEIN WAS A SPY!&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Count von Beilstein was a <i>spy</i>!</p>
+
+<p>His life had been a strangely varied one; few men perhaps
+had seen more of the world. His biography was recorded in
+certain police registers. Born in the Jews' quarter at Frankfort,
+he had, at an early age, turned adventurer, and for some
+years was well known at Monte Carlo as a successful gamester.
+But the Fickle Goddess at last forsook him, and under another
+name he started a bogus loan office in Brussels. This, however,
+did not last long, for the police one night made a raid on
+the place, only to discover that Monsieur had flown. An
+extensive robbery of diamonds in Amsterdam, a theft of bonds
+while in transit between Hanover and Berlin, and the forgery
+of a large quantity of Russian rouble notes, were events which
+followed in quick succession, and in each of them the police
+detected the adroit hand of the man who now called himself
+the Count von Beilstein. At last, by sheer ill-luck, he fell
+into the grip of the law.</p>
+
+<p>He was in St. Petersburg, where he had opened an office in
+the Bolshaia, and started as a diamond dealer. After a few
+genuine transactions he obtained possession of gems worth
+nearly �20,000, and decamped.</p>
+
+<p>But the Russian police were quickly at his heels, and he
+was arrested in Riga, being subsequently tried and condemned
+by the Assize Court at St. Petersburg to twelve years' exile
+in Siberia. In chains, with a convoy of convicts he crossed
+the Urals, and tramped for weeks on the snow-covered Siberian
+Post Road.</p>
+
+<p>His name still appears on the register at the forwarding
+prison of Tomsk, with a note stating that he was sent on to the
+silver mines of Nertchinsk, the most dreaded in Asiatic Russia.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, strangely enough, within twelve months of his sentence
+he appeared at Royat-les-Bains, in Auvergne, posing as a
+Count, and living expensively at one of the best hotels.</p>
+
+<p>There was a reason for all this. The Russian Government,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+when he was sentenced, were well aware of his perfect training
+as a cosmopolitan adventurer, of his acquaintance with persons
+of rank, and of his cool unscrupulousness. Hence it was that
+one night while on the march along the Great Post Road to
+that bourne whence few convicts return, it was hinted to him
+by the captain of Cossacks, that he might obtain his liberty,
+and a good income in addition, if he consented to become a
+secret agent of the Tsar.</p>
+
+<p>The authorities desired him to perform a special duty;
+would he consent? He could exchange a life of heavy toil in
+the Nertchinsk mines for one of comparative idleness and ease.
+The offer was tempting, and he accepted.</p>
+
+<p>That same night it was announced to his fellow-convicts
+that the Tsar had pardoned him; his leg-fetters were thereupon
+struck off, and he started upon his return to St. Petersburg to
+receive instructions as to the delicate mission he was to perform.</p>
+
+<p>It was then, for the first time, that he became the Count
+von Beilstein, and his subsequent actions all betrayed the most
+remarkable daring, forethought, and tact. With one object in
+view he exercised an amount of patience that was almost
+incredible. One or two minor missions were entrusted to him
+by his official taskmasters on the banks of the Neva, and in
+each he acquitted himself satisfactorily. Apparently he was a
+thoroughly patriotic subject of the Kaiser, with tastes strongly
+anti-Muscovite, and after his partnership with Sir Joseph
+Vayne he resided in London, and mixed a good deal with
+military men, because he had, he said, held a commission in a
+Hussar regiment in the Fatherland, and took the liveliest
+interest in all military matters.</p>
+
+<p>Little did those officers dream that the information he
+gained about improvements in England's defences was forwarded
+in regular and carefully-written reports to the Russian
+War Office, or that the Tsar's messenger who carried weekly
+despatches between the Russian Ambassador in London and his
+Government frequently took with him a packet containing
+plans and tracings which bore marginal notes in the angular
+handwriting of the popular Count von Beilstein!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Early in the morning of this memorable day when the
+startling news of the Declaration of War had reached England,
+a telegram had been handed to the Tsar's secret agent while he
+was still in bed.</p>
+
+<p>He read it through; then stared thoughtfully up at the
+ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>The message, in code, from Berlin, stated that a draft of a
+most important treaty between Germany and England had
+been despatched from the German Foreign Office, and would
+arrive in London that day. The message concluded with the
+words, "It is imperative that we should have a copy of this
+document, or at least a summary of its contents, immediately."</p>
+
+<p>Although sent from Berlin, the Count was well aware that
+it was an order from the Foreign Minister in St. Petersburg,
+the message being transmitted to Berlin first, and then retransmitted
+to London, in order to avoid any suspicion that might
+arise in the case of messages exchanged direct with the Russian
+capital. Having read the telegram through several times, he
+whistled to himself, rose quickly, dressed, and breakfasted.
+While having his meal, he gave some instructions to Grevel,
+his valet, and sent him out upon an errand, at the same time
+expressing his intention of waiting in until his return.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember," the Count said, as his man was going out,
+"be careful to arouse no suspicion. Simply make your inquiries
+in the proper quarter, and come back immediately."</p>
+
+<p>At half-past twelve o'clock, as Geoffrey Engleheart was
+busy writing alone in his room at the Foreign Office, he was
+interrupted by the opening of the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Hulloa, dear boy! I've found my way up here by myself.
+Busy, as usual, I see!" cried a cheery voice as the door slowly
+opened, and Geoffrey looking up saw it was his friend the
+Count, well groomed and fashionably attired in glossy silk hat,
+perfect-fitting frock coat, and varnished boots. He called very
+frequently upon Engleheart, and had long ago placed himself
+on excellent terms with the messengers and doorkeepers, who
+looked upon him as a most generous visitor.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how are you?" Engleheart exclaimed, rising and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+shaking his hand. "You must really forgive me, Count, but I
+quite forgot my appointment with you to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't let me disturb you, pray. I'll have a glance at
+the paper till you've finished," and casting himself into a chair
+near the window he took up the <i>Times</i> and was soon absorbed
+in it.</p>
+
+<p>A quarter of an hour went by in silence, while Engleheart
+wrote on, calmly unconscious that there was a small rent in
+the newspaper the Count was reading, and that through it he
+could plainly see each word of the treaty as it was transcribed
+from the secret code and written down in plain English.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you excuse me for ten minutes?" Geoffrey exclaimed
+presently. "The Cabinet Council is sitting, and I have to run
+over to see Lord Stanbury for a moment. After I return I
+must make another copy of this paper, and then I shall be free."</p>
+
+<p>The Count, casting the newspaper wearily aside, glanced at
+his watch.</p>
+
+<p>"It's half-past one," he said. "You'll be another half-hour,
+if not more. After all, I really think, old fellow, I'll go on
+down to Hurlingham. I arranged to meet the Vaynes at two
+o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. I'll run down in a cab as soon as I can get
+away," answered Engleheart.</p>
+
+<p>"Good. Come on as soon as you can. Violet will be
+expecting you, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I shall," replied his unsuspicious friend, and
+they shook hands, after which the Count put on his hat and
+sauntered jauntily out.</p>
+
+<p>In Parliament Street he jumped into his phaeton, but
+instead of driving to Hurlingham gave his man orders to proceed
+with all speed to the General Post Office, St. Martin's-le-Grand.
+Within half an hour from the time he had shaken the
+hand of his unsuspecting friend, a message in code&mdash;to all
+intents and purposes a commercial despatch&mdash;was on its way
+to "Herr Brandt, 116 Friedrich Strasse, Berlin."</p>
+
+<p>That message contained an exact transcript of the secret
+treaty!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i041-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i041-lo.jpg" width="600" height="389" alt="THE RUSSIAN SPY&#39;S TELEGRAM." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">THE RUSSIAN SPY&#39;S TELEGRAM.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+Almost immediately after the Count had left, Geoffrey
+made a discovery. From the floor he picked up a small gold
+pencil-case which he knew belonged to von Beilstein.</p>
+
+<p>Engleheart was sorely puzzled to know why the Count
+should require a pencil if not to write, and it momentarily
+flashed across his mind that he might have copied portions of
+the treaty. But the next minute he dismissed the suspicion as
+ungrounded and preposterous, and placing the pencil in his
+pocket went in search of Lord Stanbury.</p>
+
+<p>It was only the statement he read in the <i>People</i> later,
+alleging treachery at the Foreign Office, that recalled the incident
+to his mind. Then the horrible truth dawned upon
+him. He saw how probable it was that he had been tricked.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that the mine was already laid; that the only
+thing that had prevented an explosion that would shake the
+whole world had been the absence of definite knowledge as to
+the exact terms of the alliance between England, Germany,
+Italy, and Austria.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+<h3>BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc043.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="A" title="A" /></div><p>t sea the night was dark and moonless. A thick
+mist hung near the land. The Coastguard and
+Artillery on our southern and eastern shores
+spent a terribly anxious time, peering from
+their points of vantage out into the cavernous
+darkness where no light glimmered. The
+Harbour Defence Flotilla was in readiness, and under the black
+cliffs sentinels kept watch with every nerve strained to its
+highest tension, for the safety of England now depended upon
+their alertness. The great waves crashed and roared, and the
+mist, obscuring the light of vessels passing up and down the
+Channel, seemed to grow more dense as the hours wore on.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the feverish excitement that had spread
+everywhere throughout the length and breadth of the land, the
+troops were, a couple of hours after the receipt of the alarming
+news in London, already being mobilised and on their way
+south and east by special trains. Men, arms, ammunition, and
+stores were hurried forward to repel attack, and in the War
+Office and Admiralty, where the staffs had been suddenly called
+together, the greatest activity prevailed. Messages had been
+flashed along the wires in every direction giving orders to
+mobilise and concentrate at certain points, and these instructions
+were being obeyed with that promptness for which British
+soldiers and sailors are proverbial.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the high officials at the War Office looked grave,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+and although affecting unconcern, now and then whispered
+ominously together. They knew that the situation was critical.
+An immediate and adequate naval defence was just possible,
+but the Channel Squadron was man&oelig;uvring off the Irish coast,
+and both the Coastguard Squadron and the Steam Reserve at
+the home ports were very weak. It was to our land army that
+we had to trust, and they were divided in opinion as to the
+possibility to mobilise a sufficient force in time to bar the
+advance.</p>
+
+<p>Military experts did not overlook the fact that to Dunkirk,
+Calais, Boulogne, Dieppe, F�camp, Havre, Honfleur, and Cherbourg
+ran excellent lines of railway, with ample rolling-stock,
+all Government property, and at the beck and call of the
+French War Minister. In the various ports there was adequate
+wharf accommodation and plenty of steam tonnage. From
+the brief official despatches received from Paris before the
+cutting of the wires, it was apparent that the French War
+Office had laid its plans with much forethought and cunning,
+and had provided against any <i>contretemps</i>. An army of
+carpenters and engineers had been put to work in the ports
+to alter the fittings of such of the merchant steamers as were
+destined to convey horses, and these fittings, prepared beforehand,
+were already in position. Four army corps had for
+several weeks been man&oelig;uvring in Normandy, so that the
+Reservists had become accustomed to their work, and in excellent
+condition for war; therefore these facts, coupled with the
+strong support certain to be rendered by the warships of
+the Tsar, led experts to regard the outlook as exceedingly
+gloomy.</p>
+
+<p>For years military and naval men had discussed the
+possibilities of invasion, haggled over controversial points, but
+had never arrived at any definite opinion as to the possibility
+of an enemy's success. Now, however, the defences of the
+country were to be tested.</p>
+
+<p>Our great Empire was at stake.</p>
+
+<p>The power of steam to cause rapid transit by land and sea,
+the uncertainty of the place of disembarkment, and the great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>
+weight of modern naval artillery, combined to render the
+defences of England on the coast itself most uncertain and
+hazardous, and to cause grave doubts to arise in the minds of
+those who at that critical moment were directing the forward
+movement of the forces.</p>
+
+<p>The British public, whose national patriotism found vent in
+expressions of confidence in the Regular Army and Volunteers,
+were ignorant of the facts. They knew that two great Powers
+had combined to crush our island stronghold, and were eager
+that hostilities should commence in order that the enemy
+should be taught a severe lesson for their presumption.</p>
+
+<p>They, however, knew nothing of the plain truth, that
+although the 1st Army Corps at Aldershot would be ready
+to move at a few hours' notice, yet it was hopeless to try and
+prevent the disembarkation of the French army corps along
+a long line of unprotected coast by the action of a land force
+only one-third of their strength.</p>
+
+<p>So, by the water's edge, the lonely posts were kept through
+the night by patient, keen-sighted sentinels, ready at any
+moment to raise the alarm. But the dense mist that overhung
+everything was tantalising, hiding friend and foe alike, and no
+sound could be heard above the heavy roar of the waters as
+they rolled in over the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>London, infuriated, enthusiastic, turbulent, knew no sleep
+that night. The excitement was at fever-heat. At last, soon
+after daybreak, there came the first news of the enemy. A
+number of warships had suddenly appeared through the fog off
+the Sussex coast, and had lost no time in asserting their
+presence and demanding a large sum from the Mayor of
+Newhaven.</p>
+
+<p>The French first-class battery cruiser <i>Tage</i>, the <i>D�vastation</i>,
+the <i>Pothuau</i>, the <i>Ar�thuse</i> and others, finding that their demand
+was unheeded, at once commenced shelling the town. Although
+our Coastguard Squadron and first-class Steam Reserve had
+mobilised, yet they had received orders and sailed away no one
+knew whither. The forts replied vigorously, but the fire of the
+enemy in half an hour had wrought terrible havoc both in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+town and in the forts, where several of the guns had been
+rendered useless and a number of men had been killed.
+Hostilities had commenced.</p>
+
+<p>Never during the century had such scenes been witnessed
+in the streets of London as on that memorable Sunday
+morning. The metropolis was thrilled.</p>
+
+<p>Dawn was spreading, saffron tints were in the sky heralding
+the sun's coming. Yet Regent Street, Piccadilly, and the
+Strand, usually entirely deserted at that hour on a Sabbath
+morning, were crowded as if it were midday.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere there was excitement. Crowds waited in front
+of the newspaper offices in Fleet Street, boys with strident
+voices sold the latest editions of the papers, men continued
+their snatches of patriotic ballads, while women were blanched
+and scared, and children clung to their mothers' skirts timidly,
+vaguely fearing an unknown terror.</p>
+
+<p>The shadow of coming events was black and dim, like a
+funeral pall. The fate of our Empire hung upon a thread.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty-four hours ago England was smiling, content in the
+confidence of its perfect safety and immunity from invasion;
+yet all the horrors of war had, with a startling, appalling
+suddenness, fallen and bewildered it. The booming of French
+cannon at Newhaven formed the last salute of many a brave
+Briton who fell shattered and lifeless.</p>
+
+<p>As the sun rose crimson from the grey misty sea, the work
+of destruction increased in vigour. From the turrets of the
+floating monsters smoke and flame poured forth in continuous
+volume, while shot and shell were hurled into the town of
+Newhaven, which, it was apparent, was the centre of the
+enemy's attack, and where, owing to the deepening of the
+harbour, troops could effect a landing under cover of the fire
+from the ironclads.</p>
+
+<p>Frightful havoc was wrought by the shells among the
+houses of the little town, and one falling on board the Brighton
+Railway Company's mail steamer <i>Paris</i>, lying alongside the
+station quay, set her on fire. In half an hour railway station
+and quays were blazing furiously, while the flames leaped up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+about the ship, wrapping themselves about the two white
+funnels and darting from every porthole.</p>
+
+<p>The Custom House opposite quickly ignited, and the inflammable
+nature of its contents caused the fire to assume
+enormous proportions. Meanwhile the bombardment was
+kept up, the forts on shore still replying with regularity,
+steadiness, and precision, and the armoured coast train of the
+1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers, under Captain Brigden, rendering
+excellent service. In one of the forts a man was standing
+in front of a small camera-obscura, on the glass of which were
+a number of mysterious marks. This glass reflected the water
+and the ships; and as he stood by calmly with his hand upon
+a keyboard, he watched the reflections of the hostile vessels
+moving backwards and forwards over the glass. Suddenly
+he saw a French gunboat, after a series of smartly-executed
+man&oelig;uvres, steaming straight over one of the marks, and,
+quick as lightning, his finger pressed one of the electric keys.
+A terrific explosion followed, and a column of green water shot
+up at the same instant. The gunboat <i>Lavel</i> had been suddenly
+blown almost out of the water by a submarine mine! Broken
+portions of her black hull turned over and sank, and mangled
+remains of what a second before had been a crew of enthusiastic
+Frenchmen floated for a few moments on the surface, then disappeared.
+Not a soul on board escaped.</p>
+
+<p>Along the telegraph line from the signal-station on Beachy
+Head news of the blowing up of the enemy's gunboat was
+flashed to London, and when, an hour later, it appeared in
+the newspapers, the people went half mad with excitement.
+Alas, how they miscalculated the relative strength of the
+opposing forces!</p>
+
+<p>They were unaware that our Channel Fleet, our Coastguard
+Squadron, and our Reserve were steaming away, leaving our
+southern shores <i>practically unprotected</i>!</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+<h3>LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc048.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he Briton is, alas! too prone to underrate his
+adversary. It is this national egotism, this
+fatal over-confidence, that has led to most of
+the reverses we have sustained in recent wars.</p>
+
+<p>The popular belief that one Briton is as good
+as half a dozen foreigners, is a fallacy which
+ought to be at once expunged from the minds of every one.
+The improved and altered conditions under which international
+hostilities are carried on nowadays scarcely even admit of
+a hand-to-hand encounter, and the engines of destruction
+designed by other European Powers being quite as perfect as
+our own, tact and cunning have now taken the place of pluck
+and perseverance. The strong arm avails but little in modern
+warfare; strategy is everything.</p>
+
+<p>Into Brighton, an hour after dawn, the enemy's vessels
+were pouring volley after volley of deadly missiles. A party
+had landed from the French flagship, and, summoning the
+Mayor, had demanded a million pounds. This not being forthcoming,
+they had commenced shelling the town. The fire was,
+for the most part, directed against the long line of shops and
+private residences in King's Road and at Hove, and in half an
+hour over a hundred houses had been demolished. The palatial
+H�tel M�tropole stood a great gaunt ruin. Shells had carried
+large portions of the noble building away, and a part of the
+ruin had caught fire and was burning unchecked, threatening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+to consume the whole. Church steeples had been knocked
+over like ninepins, and explosive missiles dropped in the centre
+of the town every moment, sweeping the streets with deadly
+effect. The enemy met with little or no opposition. Our
+first line of defence, our Navy, was missing! The Admiralty
+were unaware of the whereabouts of three whole Fleets that
+had mobilised, and the ships remaining in the Channel, exclusive
+of the Harbour Defence Flotilla, were practically useless.</p>
+
+<p>At Eastbourne, likewise, where a similar demand had been
+made, shot fell thick as hail, and shells played fearful havoc
+with the handsome boarding-houses and hotels that line the
+sea front. From the redoubt, the Wish Tower, and a battery
+on the higher ground towards Beachy Head, as well as a number
+of other hastily constructed earthworks, a reply was made
+to the enemy's fire, and the guns in the antiquated martello
+towers, placed at intervals along the beach, now and then
+sent a shot towards the vessels. But such an attempt to keep
+the great ironclads at bay was absurdly futile. One after
+another shells from the monster guns of the Russian ship
+<i>Pjotr Velikij</i>, and the armoured cruisers <i>Gerzog Edinburskij</i>,
+<i>Krejser</i>, and <i>Najezdnik</i>, crashed into these out-of-date coast
+defences, and effectually silenced them. In Eastbourne itself
+the damage wrought was enormous. Every moment shells fell
+and exploded in Terminus and Seaside Roads, while the
+aristocratic suburb of Upperton, built on the hill behind the
+town, was exposed to and bore the full brunt of the fray.
+The fine modern Queen Anne and Elizabethan residences were
+soon mere heaps of burning d�bris. Every moment houses
+fell, burying their occupants, and those people who rushed out
+into the roads for safety were, for the most part, either overwhelmed
+by d�bris, or had their limbs shattered by flying
+pieces of shell.</p>
+
+<p>The situation was awful. The incessant thunder of cannon,
+the screaming of shells whizzing through the air, to burst a
+moment later and send a dozen or more persons to an untimely
+grave, the crash of falling walls, the clouds of smoke and dust,
+and the blazing of ignited wreckage, combined to produce a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+scene more terrible than any witnessed in England during the
+present century.</p>
+
+<p>And all this was the outcome of one man's indiscretion
+and the cunning duplicity of two others!</p>
+
+<p>At high noon Newhaven fell into the hands of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The attack had been so entirely unexpected that the troops
+mobilised and sent there had arrived too late. The town was
+being sacked, and the harbour was in the possession of the
+French, who were landing their forces in great numbers.
+From Dieppe and Havre transports were arriving, and discharging
+their freights of fighting men and guns under cover
+of the fire from the French warships lying close in land.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding all the steps taken during the last twenty
+years to improve the condition of our forces on land and sea, this
+outbreak of hostilities found us far from being in a state of
+preparedness for war. England, strangely enough, has never
+yet fully realised that the conditions of war have entirely
+changed. In days gone by, when troops and convoys could
+move but slowly, the difficulty of providing for armies engaged
+in operations necessarily limited their strength. It is now
+quite different. Improved communications have given to
+military operations astonishing rapidity, and the facilities
+with which large masses of troops, guns, and stores can now
+be transported to great distances has had the effect of proportionately
+increasing numbers. As a result of this, with
+the exception of our own island, Europe was armed to the
+teeth. Yet a mobilisation arrangement that was faulty and
+not clearly understood by officers or men, was the cause of
+the enemy being allowed to land. It is remarkable that the
+military authorities had not acted upon the one principle
+admitted on every side, namely, that the only effective defence
+consists of attack. The attack, to succeed, should have been
+sudden and opportune, and the Army should have been so
+organised that on the occurrence of war a force of adequate
+strength would have been at once available.</p>
+
+<p>In a word, we missed our chance to secure this inestimable
+advantage afforded by the power of striking the first blow.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There was an old and true saying, that "England's best
+bulwarks were her wooden walls." They are no longer wooden,
+but it still remains an admitted fact that England's strongest
+bulwarks should be her Navy, and that any other nation may
+be possessed of an equally good one; also that our best bulwark
+should be equal to, or approach, the fighting power of the
+bulwarks owned by any two possible hostile nations.</p>
+
+<p>To be strong is to stave off war; to be weak is to invite
+attack. It was our policy of <i>laissez faire</i>, a weak Navy and an
+Army bound up with red tape, that caused this disastrous
+invasion of England. Had our Fleet been sufficient for its work,
+invasion would have remained a threat, and nothing more.
+Our Navy was not only our first, but our last line of defence
+from an Imperial point of view; for, as a writer in the <i>Army
+and Navy Gazette</i> pointed out in 1893, it was equally manifest
+and unquestionable that without land forces to act as the
+spearhead to the Navy's over-sea shaft, the offensive tactics so
+essential to a thorough statesmanlike defensive policy could
+not be carried out. Again, the mobility and efficiency of our
+Regular Army should have been such that the victory of our
+Fleet could be speedily and vigorously followed by decisive
+blows on the enemy's territory.</p>
+
+<p>Already the news of the landing of the enemy had&mdash;besides
+causing a thrill such as had never before been known in our
+"tight little island"&mdash;produced its effect upon the price of food
+in London as elsewhere. In England we had only five days'
+bread-stuffs, and as the majority of our supplies came from
+Russia the price of bread trebled within twelve hours, and the
+ordinary necessaries of life were proportionately dearer.</p>
+
+<p>But the dice had been thrown, and the sixes lay with
+Moloch.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+<h3>BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc052.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="O" title="O" /></div><p>n that never-to-be-forgotten Sunday, scenes were
+witnessed in the metropolis which were of the
+most disgraceful character. The teeming city,
+from dawn till midnight, was in a feverish
+turmoil, the throngs in its streets discussing
+the probable turn of affairs, singing patriotic
+songs, and giving vent to utterances of heroic intentions interspersed
+with much horse play.</p>
+
+<p>In Trafalgar Square, the hub of London, a mass meeting of
+Anarchists and Socialists was held, at which the Government
+and military authorities were loudly denounced for what was
+termed their criminal apathy to the interests and welfare of
+the nation. The Government, it was contended, had betrayed
+the country by allowing the secret of the German alliance to
+fall into the hands of its enemies, and the Ministers, adjudged
+unworthy the confidence of the nation, were by the resolutions
+adopted called upon to resign immediately. The crisis was an
+excuse for Anarchism to vent its grievances against law and
+order, and, unshackled, it had spread with rapidity through
+the length and breadth of the land. In "The Square" the
+scarlet flag and the Cap of Liberty were everywhere in
+evidence, and, notwithstanding the presence of the police, the
+leaders of Anarchy openly advocated outrage, incendiarism,
+and murder. At length the police resolved to interfere, and
+this was the signal for a terrible uprising. The huge mob,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+which in the mellow sunset filled the great Square and
+blocked all its approaches, became a seething, surging mass
+of struggling humanity. The attack by the police, who were
+ordered to disperse them, only incensed them further against
+the authorities, whom they blamed for the catastrophe that
+had befallen our country. Angry and desperate they fought
+with the police, using both revolvers and knives.</p>
+
+<p>The scene was terrible. The scum of the metropolis had
+congregated to wage war against their own compatriots whom
+they classed among enemies, and for an hour in the precincts
+of the Square the struggle was for life. Dozens of constables
+were shot dead, hundreds of Anarchists and Socialists received
+wounds from batons, many succumbing to their injuries, or
+being trampled to death by the dense mob. It was a repetition
+of that historic day known as "Bloody Sunday," only the
+fight was more desperate and the consequences far worse, and
+such as would disgrace any civilised city.</p>
+
+<p>Before sundown the police had been vanquished; and as no
+soldiers could be spared, Anarchism ran riot in the Strand,
+Pall Mall, St. Martin's Lane, Northumberland Avenue, and
+Parliament Street. Pale, determined men, with faces covered
+with blood, and others with their clothes in shreds, shouted
+hoarse cries of victory, as, headed by a torn red flag, they
+rushed into Pall Mall and commenced breaking down the
+shutters of shops and looting them. Men were knocked down
+and murdered, and the rioters, freed from all restraint, commenced
+sacking all establishments where it was expected spoil
+could be obtained. At one bank in Pall Mall they succeeded,
+after some difficulty, in breaking open the strong room with
+explosives, and some forty or fifty of the rebels with eager
+greediness shared the gold and notes they stole.</p>
+
+<p>At the Strand corner of the Square a squad of police was being
+formed, in order to co-operate with some reinforcements which
+were arriving, when suddenly there was a terrific explosion.</p>
+
+<p>A bomb filled with picric acid had been thrown by an
+Anarchist, and when the smoke cleared, the shattered remains
+of thirty-four constables lay strewn upon the roadway!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This was but the first of a series of dastardly outrages.
+The advice of the Anarchist leaders in their inflammatory
+speeches had been acted upon, and in half an hour a number
+of bomb explosions had occurred in the vicinity, each doing
+enormous damage, and killing numbers of innocent persons.
+After the petard had been thrown in Trafalgar Square a loud
+explosion was almost immediately afterwards heard in Parliament
+Street, and it was soon known that a too successful
+attempt had been made to blow up the Premier's official
+residence in Downing Street. The programme of the outrages
+had apparently been organised, for almost before the truth was
+known another even more disastrous explosion occurred in the
+vestibule of the War Office in Pall Mall, which wrecked the
+lower part of the building, and blew to atoms the sentry on
+duty, and killed a number of clerks who were busy at their
+important duties in the apartments on the ground floor.</p>
+
+<p>Through Pall Mall and along Whitehall the mob ran,
+crying "Down with the Government! Kill the traitors!
+Kill them!" About three thousand of the more lawless,
+having looted a number of shops, rushed to the Houses of
+Parliament, arriving there just in time to witness the frightful
+havoc caused by the explosion of two terribly powerful bombs
+that had been placed in St. Stephen's Hall and in Westminster
+Abbey.</p>
+
+<p>A section of the exultant rioters had gained access to the
+National Gallery, where they carried on ruthless destruction
+among the priceless paintings there. Dozens of beautiful
+works were slashed with knives, others were torn down, and
+many, cut from their frames, were flung to the howling crowd
+outside. Suddenly some one screamed, "What do we want with
+Art? Burn down the useless palace! Burn it! Burn it!"</p>
+
+<p>This cry was taken up by thousands of throats, and on
+every hand the rebels inside the building were urged to set fire
+to it. Intoxicated with success, maddened by anger at the
+action of the police, and confident that they had gained a
+signal victory over the law, they piled together a number of
+historic paintings in one of the rooms, and then ignited them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+The flames leaped to the ceiling, spread to the woodwork, and
+thence, with appalling rapidity, to the other apartments. The
+windows cracked, and clouds of smoke and tongues of fire
+belched forth from them.</p>
+
+<p>It had now grown dusk. The furious, demoniacal rabble
+surging in the Square set up loud, prolonged cheering when
+they saw the long dark building burning. In delight they
+paused in their work of destruction, watching the flames
+growing brighter as they burst through the roof, licking the
+central dome; and while the timber crackled and the fire roared,
+casting a lurid glare upon the tall buildings round and lighting
+up the imposing fa�ade of the Grand Hotel, they cheered
+vociferously and sang the "Marseillaise" until the smoke half
+choked them and their throats grew hoarse.</p>
+
+<p>These denizens of the slums, these criminal crusaders against
+the law, were not yet satiated by their wild reckless orgies.
+Unchecked, they had run riot up and down the Strand, and
+there was scarcely a man among them who had not in his
+pocket some of the spoils from jewellers' or from banks.
+In the glare of the flames the white bloodstained faces wore a
+determined expression as they stood collecting their energies
+for some other atrocious outrage against their so-called enemies,
+the rich.</p>
+
+<p>At the first menace of excesses, dwellers in the locality had
+left their houses and fled headlong for safety to other parts of
+the city. The majority escaped, but many fell into the hands
+of the rioters, and were treated with scant humanity. Men and
+women were struck down and robbed, even strangled or shot if
+they resisted. The scene was frightful&mdash;a terrible realisation
+of Anarchist prophecies that had rendered the authorities
+absolutely helpless. On the one hand, an enemy had landed on
+our shores with every chance of a successful march to London,
+while on the other the revolutionary spirit had broken out
+unmistakably among the criminal class, and lawlessness and
+murder were everywhere rife.</p>
+
+<p>The homes of the people were threatened by double disaster&mdash;by
+the attack of both enemy and "friend." The terrible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>
+bomb outrages and their appalling results had completely
+disorganised the police, and although reinforcements had been
+telegraphed for from every division in London, the number of
+men mustered at Scotland Yard was not yet sufficient to deal
+effectually with the irate and rapidly increasing mob.</p>
+
+<p>As evening wore on the scenes in the streets around the
+Square were terrible. Pall Mall was congested by the angry
+mob who were wrecking the clubs, when suddenly the exultant
+cries were succeeded by terrified shrieks mingled with fierce
+oaths. Each man fought with his neighbour, and many men
+and women, crushed against iron railings, stood half suffocated
+and helpless. The National Gallery was burning fiercely, flames
+from the great burning pile shot high in the air, illuminating
+everything with their flood of crimson light, and the wind,
+blowing down the crowded thoroughfare, carried smoke, sparks,
+and heat with it.</p>
+
+<p>Distant shrieks were heard in the direction of the Square,
+and suddenly the crowd surged wildly forward. Gaol-birds
+from the purlieus of Drury Lane robbed those who had valuables
+or money upon them, and committed brutal assaults upon the
+unprotected. A moment later, however, there was a flash, and
+the deafening sound of firearms at close quarters was followed
+by the horrified shrieks of the yelling mob. Again and again
+the sound was repeated. Around them bullets whistled, and
+men and women fell forward dead and wounded with terrible
+curses upon their lips.</p>
+
+<p>The 10th Hussars had just arrived from Hounslow, and
+having received hurried orders to clear away the rioters, were
+shooting them down like dogs, without mercy. On every hand
+cries of agony and despair rose above the tumult. Then a
+silence followed, for the street was thickly strewn with corpses.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+<h3>FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc057.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="A" title="A" /></div><p> cloudy moonless night, with a gusty wind which
+now and then swept the tops of the forest trees,
+causing the leaves to surge like a summer sea.</p>
+
+<p>Withered branches creaked and groaned,
+and a dog howled dismally down in Flimwell
+village, half a mile away. Leaning with his
+back against the gnarled trunk of a giant oak on the
+edge of the forest, his ears alert for the slightest sound, his
+hand upon his loaded magazine rifle, Geoffrey Engleheart stood
+on outpost duty. Dressed in a rough shooting suit, with a deerstalker
+hat and an improvised kit strapped upon his back, he
+was half hidden by the tall bracken. Standing motionless in
+the deep shadow, with his eyes fixed upon the wide stretch of
+sloping meadows, he waited, ready, at the slightest appearance
+of the enemy's scouts, to raise the alarm and call to arms those
+who were sleeping in the forest after their day's march.</p>
+
+<p>The City Civilian Volunteer Battalion which he had joined
+was on its way to take part in the conflict, which every one
+knew would be desperate. Under the command of Major
+Mansford, an experienced elderly officer who had long since
+retired from the Lancashire Regiment, but who had at once
+volunteered to lead the battalion of young patriots, they had
+left London by train for Maidstone, whence they marched by
+way of Linton, Marden, and Goudhurst to Frith Wood, where
+they had bivouacked for the night on the Sussex border.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was known that Russian scouts had succeeded in getting
+as far as Wadhurst, and it was expected that one of the French
+reconnoitring parties must, in their circuitous survey, pass the
+border of the wood on their way back to their own lines. Up
+to the present they had been practically unmolested. The
+British army was now mobilised, and Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire
+were overrun with soldiers. Every household gave men
+accommodation voluntarily, every hostelry, from the aristocratic
+hotels of the watering-places to the unassuming Red
+Lions of the villages, was full of Britain's brave defenders.
+The echoes of old-world village streets of thatched houses with
+quaint gables were awakened night and day by the rumbling
+of heavy artillery, the shouts of the drivers as they urged
+along their teams, and the rattle of ammunition carts and of
+ambulance waggons, while on every high road leading south
+battalions were on the march, and eager to come within fighting
+range of the audacious foreigners.</p>
+
+<p>At first the peaceful people of the villages gazed, wondered,
+and admired, thinking some man&oelig;uvres were about to take
+place&mdash;for military man&oelig;uvres always improve village trade.
+But they were very quickly disillusioned. When they knew the
+truth&mdash;that the enemy was actually at their doors, that the
+grey-coated masses of the Russian legions were lying like packs
+of wolves in the undulating country between Heathfield, Etchingham,
+and the sea&mdash;they were panic-stricken and appalled.
+They watched the stream of redcoats passing their doors,
+cheering them, while those who were their guests were treated
+to the best fare their hosts could provide.</p>
+
+<p>Tommy Atkins was now the idol of the hour.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the enemy, having established themselves, were
+by no means anxious to advance with undue haste. Having
+landed, they were, it was ascertained, awaiting the arrival of
+further reinforcements and armaments from both Powers; but
+nothing definite was known of this, except some meagre details
+that had filtered through the American cables, all direct telegraphic
+communication with the Continent having now been
+cut off.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Alas! Moloch had grinned. He had sharpened his sickle
+for the terrible carnage that was to spread through Albion's
+peaceful land.</p>
+
+<p>Terrible was the panic that the invasion had produced in
+the North.</p>
+
+<p>Food had risen to exorbitant prices. In the great manufacturing
+centres the toiling millions were already feeling
+the pinch of starvation, for with bread at ninepence a small
+loaf, meat at a prohibitive figure, and the factories stopped,
+they were compelled to remain with empty stomachs and idle
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and the
+larger towns presented a gloomy, sorry aspect. Business was
+suspended, the majority of the shops were closed, the banks
+barred and bolted, and the only establishments where any
+trade flourished were the taverns and music halls. These
+were crowded. Drink flowed, gold jingled, and the laughter
+at wild jest or the thunder of applause which greeted dancing
+girls and comic vocalists was still as hearty as of old. Everywhere
+there was a sordid craving for amusement which was a
+reflex of the war fever. The people made merry, for ere long
+they might be cut down by a foeman's steel.</p>
+
+<p>Restless impatience thrilled the community from castle to
+cottage, intensified by the vain clamourings of Anarchist
+mobs in the greater towns. As in London, these shock-headed
+agitators held high revel, protesting against everything and
+everybody&mdash;now railing, now threatening, but always mustering
+converts to their harebrained doctrines. In Manchester
+they were particularly strong. A number of serious riots had
+occurred in Deansgate and in Market Street. The mob
+wrecked the Queen's Hotel, smashed numbers of windows in
+Lewis's great emporium, looted the <i>Guardian</i> office, and set fire
+to the Town Hall. A portion of the latter only was burned,
+the fire brigade managing to subdue the flames before any very
+serious damage was occasioned. Although the police made
+hundreds of arrests, and the stipendiary sat from early morning
+until late at night, Anarchist demonstrations were held<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+every evening in the city and suburbs, always resulting in
+pillage, incendiarism, and not unfrequently in murder. In
+grey, money-making Stockport, in grimy Salford, in smoky
+Pendleton, and even in aristocratic Eccles, these demonstrations
+were held, and the self-styled "soldiers of the social revolution"
+marched over the granite roads, headed by a dirty scarlet flag,
+hounding down the Government, and crying shame upon them
+for the apathy with which they had regarded the presence of
+the bearded Caucasian Tcherkesses of the White Tsar.</p>
+
+<p>The kingdom was in wild turmoil, for horror heaped
+upon horror. Outrages that commenced in London were repeated
+with appalling frequency in the great towns in the
+provinces. An attempt had been made to assassinate the
+Premier while speaking in the Town Hall, Birmingham, the
+bomb which was thrown having killed two hard-working
+reporters who were writing near; but the Prime Minister,
+who seemed to lead a charmed existence, escaped without a
+scratch.</p>
+
+<p>In Liverpool, where feeling against the War Office ran
+high, there were several explosions, two of which occurred in
+Bold Street, and were attended by loss of life, while a number
+of incendiary fires occurred at the docks. At Bradford the
+Town Hall was blown up, and the troops were compelled to
+fire on a huge mob of rioters, who, having assembled at
+Manningham, were advancing to loot the town.</p>
+
+<p>The cavalry barracks at York was the scene of a terrific
+explosion, which killed three sentries and maimed twenty
+other soldiers; while at Warwick Assizes, during the hearing
+of a murder trial, some unknown scoundrel threw a petard at
+the judge, killing him instantly on the bench.</p>
+
+<p>These, however, were but few instances of the wild lawlessness
+and terrible anarchy that prevailed in Britain, for only
+the most flagrant cases of outrage were reported in the newspapers,
+their columns being filled with the latest intelligence
+from the seat of war.</p>
+
+<p>It must be said that over the border the people were more
+law-abiding. The Scotch, too canny to listen to the fiery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+declamations of hoarse and shabby agitators, preferred to trust
+to British pluck and the strong arm of their brawny Highlanders.
+In Caledonia the seeds of Anarchy fell on stony
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>In Northern and Midland towns, however, the excitement
+increased hourly. It extended everywhere. From Ventnor
+to the Pentlands, from Holyhead to the Humber, from Scilly
+to the Nore, every man and every woman existed in fearfulness
+of the crash that was impending.</p>
+
+<p>It was now known throughout the breadth of our land that
+the Government policy was faulty, that War Office and
+Admiralty organisation was a rotten make-believe, and, worst
+of all, that what critics had long ago said as to the inadequacy
+of our naval defence, even with the ships built under the
+programme of 1894, had now, alas! proved to be true.</p>
+
+<p>The suspense was awful. Those who were now living in
+the peaceful atmospheres of their homes, surrounded by neighbours
+and friends in the centre of a great town, and feeling a
+sense of security, might within a few days be shot down by
+French rifles, or mowed down brutally by gleaming Cossack
+<i>shushkas</i>. The advance of the enemy was expected daily,
+hourly; and the people in the North waited, staggered, breathless,
+and terrified. Men eagerly scanned the newspapers;
+women pressed their children to their breasts.</p>
+
+<p>In the mining districts the shock had not inspired the
+same amount of fear as at the ports and in the manufacturing
+centres. Possibly it was because work was still proceeding
+in the pits, and constant work prevents men from becoming
+restless, or troubling themselves about a nation's woes. Toilers
+who worked below knew that foreign invaders had landed, and
+that the Militia and Volunteers had been called out, but they
+vaguely believed that, the seat of war being away down south&mdash;a
+very long distance in the imagination of most of them&mdash;everything
+would be over before they could be called upon to
+take part in the struggle. In any case coal and iron must be
+got, they argued, and while they had work they had little
+time for uneasiness. Nevertheless, great numbers of stalwart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+young miners enrolled themselves in the local Volunteer corps,
+and burned to avenge the affront to their country and their
+sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>Those were indeed fateful, ever-to-be-remembered days.</p>
+
+<p>Amid this weary, anxious watching, this constant dread
+of what might next occur, an item of news was circulated
+which caused the greatest rejoicing everywhere. Intelligence
+reached New York, by cable from France, that Germany had
+combined with England against the Franco-Russian alliance,
+that her vast army had been mobilised, and that already the
+brave, well-drilled legions of the Emperor William had crossed
+the Vosges, and passed the frontier into France. A sharp
+battle had been fought near Givet, and that, as well as several
+other French frontier towns which fell in 1870, were again in
+the hands of the Germans.</p>
+
+<p>How different were German methods to those of the
+British!</p>
+
+<p>With a perfect scheme of attack, every detail of which had
+been long thought out, and which worked without a hitch, the
+Kaiser's forces were awaiting the word of command to march
+onward&mdash;to Paris. For years&mdash;ever since they taught France
+that severe lesson in the last disastrous war&mdash;it had been the
+ambition of every German cavalryman to clink his spurs on
+the asphalte of the Boulevards. Now they were actually on
+their way towards their goal!</p>
+
+<p>The papers were full of these latest unexpected developments,
+the details of which, necessarily meagre owing to the
+lack of direct communication, were eagerly discussed. It was
+believed that Germany would, in addition to defending her
+Polish frontier and attacking France, also send a naval squadron
+from Kiel to England.</p>
+
+<p>The Tsar's spy had been foiled, and Russia and France now
+knew they had made a false move! Russia's rapid and decisive
+movement was intended to prevent the signing of the secret
+alliance, and to bar England and Germany from joining hands.
+But happily the sly machinations of the Count von Beilstein,
+the released convict and adventurer, had in a measure failed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+for Germany had considered it diplomatic to throw in her
+fortune with Great Britain in this desperate encounter.</p>
+
+<p>A feeling of thankfulness spread through the land. Nevertheless,
+it was plain that if Germany intended to wield the
+double-handled sword of conquest in France, she would have
+few troops to spare to send to England.</p>
+
+<p>But those dark days, full of agonising suspense, dragged
+on slowly. The French well knew the imminent danger that
+threatened their own country, yet they could not possibly
+withdraw. Mad enthusiasts always!</p>
+
+<p>It must be war to the death, they decided. The conflict
+could not be averted. So Britons unsheathed their steel, and
+held themselves in readiness for a fierce and desperate fray.</p>
+
+<p>The invasion had indeed been planned by our enemies with
+marvellous forethought and cunning. There was treachery in
+the Intelligence Department of the British Admiralty, foul
+treachery which placed our country at the mercy of the
+invader, and sacrificed thousands of lives. On the morning
+following the sudden Declaration of War, the officer in charge
+of the telegraph bureau at Whitehall, whose duty it had been
+to send the telegrams ordering the naval mobilisation, was
+found lying dead beside the telegraph instrument&mdash;stabbed to
+the heart! Inquiries were made, and it was found that one
+of the clerks, a young Frenchman who had been taken on
+temporarily at a low salary, was missing. It was further
+discovered that the murder had been committed hours before,
+immediately the Mobilisation Orders had been sent; further,
+that fictitious telegrams had been despatched cancelling them,
+and ordering the Channel Fleet away to the Mediterranean,
+the Coastguard Squadron to Land's End, and the first-class
+Reserve ships to proceed to the North of Scotland in search of
+the enemy! Thus, owing to these orders sent by the murderer,
+England was left unprotected.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately the truth was known efforts were made to
+cancel the forged orders. But, alas! it was too late. Our
+Fleets had already sailed!</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+<h3>COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc064.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="K" title="K" /></div><p>arl von Beilstein sat in his own comfortable
+saddlebag-chair, in his chambers in
+the Albany, lazily twisting a cigarette.</p>
+
+<p>On a table at his elbow was spread sheet
+319 of the Ordnance Survey Map of England,
+which embraced that part of Sussex where the
+enemy were encamped. With red and blue pencils he had
+been making mystic marks upon it, and had at last laid it aside
+with a smile of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"She thought she had me in her power," he muttered
+ominously to himself. "The wolf! If she knew everything,
+she could make me crave again at her feet for mercy.
+Happily she is in ignorance; therefore that trip to a more
+salubrious climate that I anticipated is for the present
+postponed. I have silenced her, and am still master of the
+situation&mdash;still the agent of the Tsar!" Uttering a low
+laugh, he gave his cigarette a final twist, and then regarded
+it critically.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened to admit his valet, Grevel.</p>
+
+<p>"A message from the Embassy. The man is waiting," he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>His master opened the note which was handed to him, read
+it with contracted brows, and said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Tell him that the matter shall be arranged as quickly as
+possible."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nothing else?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. I am leaving London, and shall not be back
+for a week&mdash;perhaps longer."</p>
+
+<p>With a slight yawn he rose and passed into his dressing-room,
+while his servant went to deliver his message to the
+man in waiting. The note had produced a marked effect upon
+the spy. It was an order from his taskmasters in St. Petersburg.
+He knew it must be obeyed. Every moment was of
+vital consequence in carrying out the very delicate mission
+intrusted to him, a mission which it would require all his tact
+and cunning to execute.</p>
+
+<p>In a quarter of an hour he emerged into his sitting-room
+again, so completely disguised that even his most intimate
+acquaintances would have failed to recognise him. Attired in
+rusty black, with clean shaven face and walking with a
+scholarly stoop, he had transformed himself from the foppish
+man-about-town to a needy country parson, whose cheap boots
+were down at heel, and in the lappel of whose coat was displayed
+a piece of worn and faded blue.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Pierre," he said to his man, who entered at his
+summons. "While I am away keep your eyes and ears open.
+If there is a shadow of suspicion in any quarter, burn all my
+papers, send me warning through the Embassy, and clear out
+yourself without delay. Should matters assume a really
+dangerous aspect, you must get down to the Russian lines,
+where they will pass you through, and put you on board one
+of our ships."</p>
+
+<p>"Has the Ministry at Petersburg promised us protection at
+last?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we have nothing to fear. When the game is up
+among these lambs, we shall calmly go over to the other side
+and witness the fun."</p>
+
+<p>"In what direction are you now going?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," replied the spy, as he unlocked a drawer
+in a small cabinet in a niche by the fireplace and took from
+it a long Circassian knife. Drawing the bright blade from its
+leathern sheath, he felt its keen double edge with his fingers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was like a razor.</p>
+
+<p>"A desperate errand&mdash;eh?" queried the valet, with a grin,
+noticing how carefully the Count placed the murderous weapon
+in his inner pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he answered. "Desperate. A word sometimes
+means death."</p>
+
+<p>And the simple rural vicar strode out and down the stairs,
+leaving the crafty Pierre in wonderment.</p>
+
+<p>"Bah!" the latter exclaimed in disgust, when the receding
+footsteps had died away. "So you vainly imagine, my dear
+Karl, that you have your heel upon my neck, do you? It is
+good for me that you don't give me credit for being a little
+more wideawake, otherwise you would see that you are raking
+the chestnuts from the fire for me. <i>Bien!</i> I am silent, docile,
+obedient; I merely wait for you to burn your fingers, then the
+whole of the money will be mine to enjoy, while you will be in
+the only land where the Tsar does not require secret agents.
+Vain, avaricious fool! <i>You'll be in your grave!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Von Beilstein meanwhile sped along down the Haymarket
+and Pall Mall to Whitehall. The clock on the stone tower of
+the Horse Guards showed it was one o'clock, and, with apparently
+aimless purpose, he lounged about on the broad pavement
+outside Old Scotland Yard, immediately opposite the
+dark fa�ade of the Admiralty. His hawk's eye carefully
+scrutinised every single person of the busy throng entering or
+leaving the building. There was great activity at the naval
+headquarters, and the courtyard was crowded with persons hurrying
+in and out. Presently, after a short but vigilant watch, he
+turned quickly so as to be unobserved, and moved slowly away.</p>
+
+<p>The cause of this sudden man&oelig;uvre was the appearance of
+a well-dressed, dark-bearded man of about forty, having the
+appearance of a naval officer in mufti, who emerged hastily
+from the building with a handbag in his hand, and crossed the
+courtyard to the kerb, where he stood looking up and down
+the thoroughfare.</p>
+
+<p>"My man!" exclaimed von Beilstein, under his breath.
+"He wants a cab. I wonder where he's going?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later the naval officer was in a hansom,
+driving towards Westminster Bridge, while, at a little distance
+behind, the Tsar's agent was following in another conveyance.
+Once on the trail, the Count never left his quarry. Crossing
+the bridge, they drove on rapidly through the crowded,
+turbulent streets of South London to the Elephant and Castle,
+and thence down the Old Kent Road to the New Cross Station
+of the South-Eastern Railway.</p>
+
+<p>As a protest against the action of the Government, and in
+order to prevent the enemy from establishing direct communication
+with London in case of British reverses, the lines
+from the metropolis to the south had been wrecked by the
+Anarchists. On the Chatham and Dover Railway, Penge
+tunnel had been blown up, on the Brighton line two bridges
+near Croydon had been similarly treated, and on the South-Eastern
+four bridges in Rotherhithe and Bermondsey had been
+broken up and rendered impassable by dynamite, while at
+Haysden, outside Tunbridge, the rails had also been torn up
+for a considerable distance. Therefore traffic to the south
+from London termini had been suspended, and the few persons
+travelling were compelled to take train at the stations in
+the remoter southern suburbs.</p>
+
+<p>As the unsuspecting officer stepped into the booking-office,
+his attention was not attracted by the quiet and seedy clergyman
+who lounged near enough to overhear him purchase a
+first-class ticket for Deal. When he had descended to the
+platform the spy obtained a third-class ticket to the same
+destination, and leisurely followed him. Travelling by the
+same train, they were compelled to alight at Haysden and
+walk over the wrecked permanent way into Tunbridge, from
+which place they journeyed to Deal, arriving there about six
+o'clock. Throughout, it was apparent to the crafty watcher
+that the man he was following was doing his utmost to escape
+observation, and this surmise was strengthened by his actions
+on arriving at the quaint old town, now half ruined; for,
+instead of going to a first-class hotel, he walked on until he
+came to Middle Street,&mdash;a narrow little thoroughfare, redolent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+of fish, running parallel with the sea,&mdash;and took up quarters at
+the Mariners' Rest Inn. It was a low, old-fashioned little
+place, with sanded floors, a smoke-blackened taproom, a rickety
+time-mellowed bar, with a comfortable little parlour beyond.</p>
+
+<p>In this latter room, used in common by the guests, on the
+following day the visitor from London first met the shabby
+parson from Canterbury. The man from the Admiralty
+seemed in no mood for conversation; nevertheless, after a
+preliminary chat upon the prospect of the invasion, they exchanged
+cards, and the vicar gradually became confidential.
+With a pious air he related how he had been to Canterbury to
+conduct a revival mission which had turned out marvellously
+successful, crowds having to be turned away at every service,
+and how he was now enjoying a week's vacation before returning
+to his poor but extensive parish in Hertfordshire.</p>
+
+<p>"I came to this inn, because I am bound to practise a most
+rigid economy," he added. "I am charmed with it. One sees
+so much character here in these rough toilers of the sea."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied his friend, whose card bore the words
+"Commander Yerbery, R.N." "Being a sailor myself, I prefer
+this homely little inn, with its fisher folk as customers, to a
+more pretentious and less comfortable establishment."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you remaining here long?" asked his clerical friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I really don't know," answered the officer hesitatingly.
+"Possibly a day or so."</p>
+
+<p>The spy did not pursue the subject further, but conducted
+himself with an amiability which caused his fellow-traveller to
+regard him as "a real good fellow for a parson." Together
+they smoked the long clays of the hostelry, they sat in the taproom
+of an evening and conversed with the fishermen who
+congregated there, and frequently strolled along by the shore
+to Walmer, or through the fields to Cottingham Court Farm,
+or Sholden. Constantly, however, Commander Yerbery kept
+his eyes seaward. Was he apprehensive lest Russian ironclads
+should return, and again bombard the little town; or was he
+expecting some mysterious signal from some ship in the
+Downs?</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+<h3>A DEATH DRAUGHT.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc069.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="O" title="O" /></div><p>n several occasions the spy had, with artful
+ingenuity, endeavoured to discover the object
+of Commander Yerbery's sojourn, but upon
+that point he preserved a silence that was
+impenetrable. In their wanderings about the
+town they saw on every side the havoc caused
+by the bombardment which had taken place three days previously.
+Whole rows of houses facing the sea had been carried
+away by the enemy's shells, and the once handsome church spire
+was now a mere heap of smouldering d�bris. The barracks,
+which had been one of the objects of attack, had suffered most
+severely. M�linite had been projected into them, exploding
+with devastating effect, and demolishing the buildings, which
+fell like packs of cards. Afterwards, the enemy had sailed
+away, apparently thinking the strategical position of the place
+worthless.</p>
+
+<p>And all this had been brought about by this despicable
+villain&mdash;the man who had now wrapped himself in the cloak
+of sanctity, and who, beaming with well-feigned good fellowship,
+walked arm-in-arm with the man upon whom he was
+keeping the most vigilant observation! By night sleep
+scarcely came to his eyes, but in his little room, with its clean
+old-fashioned dimity blinds and hangings, he lay awake,&mdash;scheming,
+planning, plotting, preparing for the master-stroke.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, after they had been there three days, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+stood alone in his bedroom with the door closed. From his
+inner pocket he drew forth the keen Circassian blade that
+reposed there, and gazed thoughtfully upon it.</p>
+
+<p>"No," he muttered, suddenly rousing himself, as if a
+thought had suddenly occurred to him. "He is strong. He
+might shout, and then I should be caught like a rat in a trap."</p>
+
+<p>Replacing the knife in his pocket, he took from his vest a
+tiny phial he always carried; then, after noiselessly locking
+the door, he took from the same pocket a small cube of lump
+sugar. Standing by the window he uncorked the little bottle,
+and with steady hand allowed one single drop of the colourless
+liquid to escape and fall upon the sugar, which quickly
+absorbed it, leaving a small darkened stain. This sugar he
+placed in a locked drawer to dry, and, putting away the phial,
+descended to join his companion.</p>
+
+<p>That night they were sitting together in the private parlour
+behind the bar, smoking and chatting. It was an old-fashioned,
+smoke-begrimed room, with low oak ceiling and high wainscot,&mdash;a
+room in which many a seafarer had found rest and comfort
+after the toils and perils of the deep, a room in which many a
+stirring tale of the sea has been related, and in which one of
+our best-known nautical writers has gathered materials for
+his stirring ocean romances.</p>
+
+<p>Although next the bar, there is no entrance on that side,
+neither is there any glass, therefore the apartment is entirely
+secluded from the public portion of the inn. At midnight the
+hearty Boniface and his wife and servant had retired, and the
+place was silent, but the officer and his fellow-guest still sat
+with their pipes. The parson, as became one who exhibited
+the blue pledge of temperance in his coat, sipped his coffee,
+while the other had whisky, lemon, and a small jug of hot
+water beside him. The spy had been using the sugar, and the
+basin was close to his hand.</p>
+
+<p>His companion presently made a movement to reach it,
+when the pleasant-spoken vicar took up the tongs quickly,
+saying&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to assist you. One lump?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, thanks," replied the other, holding his glass for the
+small cube to be thrown in. Then he added the lemon, whisky,
+and hot water. Beilstein, betraying no excitement, continued
+the conversation, calmly refilled his pipe, and watched his
+companion sip the deadly potion.</p>
+
+<p>Karl von Beilstein had reduced poisoning to a fine art.</p>
+
+<p>Not a muscle of his face contracted, though his keen eyes
+never left the other's countenance.</p>
+
+<p>They talked on, the Commander apparently unaffected by
+the draught; his friend smilingly complacent and confident.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, without warning, the officer's face grew ashen
+pale and serious. A violent tremor shook his stalwart frame.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I feel very strange," he cried, with difficulty. "A
+most curious sensation has come over me&mdash;a sensation as if&mdash;as
+if&mdash;ah! heavens! Help, help!&mdash;I&mdash;I can't breathe!"</p>
+
+<p>The mild-mannered parson jumped to his feet, and stood
+before his friend, watching the hideous contortions of his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Assistance!" his victim gasped, sinking inertly back in
+the high-backed Windsor arm-chair. "Fetch me a doctor&mdash;quick."</p>
+
+<p>But the man addressed took no heed of the appeal. He
+stood calmly by, contemplating with satisfaction his villainous
+work.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you see&mdash;I'm ill?" the dying man cried in a feeble,
+piteous voice. "My throat and head are burning. Give me
+water&mdash;<i>water</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Still the spy remained motionless.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you refuse to assist me&mdash;you scoundrel! Ah!" he
+cried hoarsely, in dismay. "Ah! I see it all now! <i>God!
+You've poisoned me!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>With a frantic effort he half-raised himself in his chair, but
+fell back in a heap; his arms hanging helplessly at his side.
+His breath came and went in short hard gasps; the death-rattle
+was already in his throat, and with one long deep-drawn sigh
+the last breath left the body, and the light gradually died out
+of the agonised face.</p>
+
+<p>Quick as thought the Count unbuttoned the dead man's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+coat, and searching his pockets took out a large white official
+envelope bearing in the corner the blue stamp of the Admiralty.
+It was addressed to "Sir Michael Culme-Seymour,
+Admiral commanding the Channel Squadron," and was
+marked "Private."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" ejaculated the spy, as he tore open the envelope.
+"I was not mistaken, after all! He was waiting until the
+flagship came into the Downs to deliver it."</p>
+
+<p>The envelope contained a letter accompanied by a chart of
+the South Coast, upon which were certain marks at intervals
+in red with minute directions, as well as a copy of the code of
+secret signals in which some slight alterations had lately been
+made.</p>
+
+<p>"What fortune!" cried the Count gleefully, after reading
+the note. "Their plans and the secret of their signals, too, are
+now ours! The Embassy were correct in their surmise.
+With these the French and Russian ships will be able to act
+swiftly, and sweep the British from the sea. Now for London
+as quickly as possible, for the information will be absolutely
+invaluable."</p>
+
+<p>Without a final glance at the corpse, huddled up in its
+chair, he put on his hat, and stealing noiselessly from the
+house, set out in the moonlight to walk swiftly by way
+of Great Mongeham and Waldershare to Shepherd's Well
+station, whence he could get by train to London.</p>
+
+<p>The immense importance of these secret documents he had
+not overrated. Their possession would enable the Russian
+ships to decipher many of the hitherto mysterious British
+signals.</p>
+
+<p>The spy had accomplished his mission!</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+<h3>THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc073.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="H" title="H" /></div><p>ourly the most alarming reports were being
+received at the War Office, and at newspaper
+offices throughout the country, of the rapidly-increasing
+forces of the invaders, who were still
+landing in enormous numbers. Vague rumours
+were also afloat of desperate encounters at sea
+between our Coastguard Squadron that had returned and the
+French and Russian ironclads.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing definite, however, was known. News travelled
+slowly, and was always unreliable.</p>
+
+<p>Mobilisation was being hurried forward with all possible
+speed. Nevertheless, so sudden had been the descent of the
+enemy, that Eastbourne, Newhaven, and Seaford had already
+fallen into their hands. Into the half-wrecked town of Eastbourne
+regiment after regiment of Russian infantry had been poured
+by the transports <i>Samojed</i> and <i>Artelscik</i>, while two regiments
+of dragoons, one of Cossacks, and many machine-gun sections
+had also been landed, in addition to a quantity of French
+infantry from the other vessels. The streets of the usually
+clean, well-ordered town were strewn with the d�bris of fallen
+houses and shops that had been wrecked by Russian shells.
+The Queen's Hotel at Splash Point, with its tiers of verandahs
+and central spire, stood out a great gaunt blackened ruin.</p>
+
+<p>Along Terminus Road the grey-coated hordes of the Great
+White Tsar looted the shops, and showed no quarter to those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+who fell into their hands. The Grand Hotel, the Burlington,
+the Cavendish, and others, were quickly transformed into
+barracks, as well as the half-ruined Town Hall, and the Floral
+Hall at Devonshire Park.</p>
+
+<p>Robbery, outrage, and murder ran riot in the town, which
+only a few days before had been a fashionable health resort,
+crowded by aristocratic idlers. Hundreds of unoffending
+persons had been killed by the merciless fire from the enemy's
+battleships, and hundreds more were being shot down in the
+streets for attempting a feeble resistance. The inhabitants,
+surrounded on all sides by the enemy, were powerless.</p>
+
+<p>The huge guns of the <i>Pamyat Azova</i>, the <i>Imperator Nicolai I.</i>,
+the <i>Pjotr Velikij</i>, the <i>Krejser</i>, the <i>Najezdnik</i>, and others, had
+belched forth their death-dealing missiles with an effect that
+was appalling.</p>
+
+<p>The thunder of cannon had ceased, but was now succeeded
+by the sharp cracking of Russian rifles, as those who, desperately
+guarding their homes and their loved ones, and making a
+stand against the invaders, were shot down like dogs. A
+crowd of townspeople collected in the open space outside
+the railway station, prepared to bar the advance of the
+Russians towards the Old Town and Upperton. Alas! it was
+a forlorn hope for an unarmed mob to attempt any such
+resistance.</p>
+
+<p>A Russian officer suddenly shouted a word of command that
+brought a company of infantry to the halt, facing the crowd.
+Another word and a hundred rifles were discharged. Again
+and again they flashed, and the volley was repeated until the
+streets were covered with dead and dying, and the few who
+were not struck turned and fled, leaving the invaders to
+advance unopposed.</p>
+
+<p>Horrible were the deeds committed that night. English
+homes were desecrated, ruined, and burned. Babes were
+murdered before the eyes of their parents, many being impaled
+by gleaming Russian bayonets; fathers were shot down in the
+presence of their wives and children, and sons were treated in
+a similar manner.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 428px;">
+<a href="images/i075-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i075-lo.jpg" width="428" height="600" alt="LANDING OF RUSSIANS, AND MASSACRE IN TERMINUS ROAD, EASTBOURNE." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">LANDING OF RUSSIANS, AND MASSACRE IN TERMINUS ROAD, EASTBOURNE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+The massacre was frightful. Ruin and desolation were on
+every hand.</p>
+
+<p>The soldiers of the Tsar, savage and inhuman, showed no
+mercy to the weak and unprotected. They jeered and laughed
+at piteous appeal, and with fiendish brutality enjoyed the
+destruction which everywhere they wrought.</p>
+
+<p>Many a cold-blooded murder was committed, many a brave
+Englishman fell beneath the heavy whirling sabres of Circassian
+Cossacks, the bayonets of French infantry, or the
+deadly hail of machine guns. Battalion after battalion of the
+enemy, fierce and ruthless, clambered on over the d�bris in
+Terminus Road, enthusiastic at finding their feet upon English
+soil. The flames of the burning buildings in various parts
+of the town illuminated the place with a bright red glare that
+fell upon dark bearded faces, in every line of which was
+marked determination and fierce hostility. Landing near
+Langney Point, many of the battalions entered the town from
+the east, destroying all the property they came across on their
+line of advance, and, turning into Terminus Road, then continued
+through Upperton and out upon the road leading to
+Willingdon.</p>
+
+<p>The French forces, who came ashore close to Holywell, on
+the other side of the town, advanced direct over Warren Hill,
+and struck due north towards Sheep Lands.</p>
+
+<p>At about a mile from the point where the road from Eastdean
+crosses that to Jevington, the force encamped in a most
+advantageous position upon Willingdon Hill, while the Russians
+who advanced direct over St. Anthony's Hill, and those who
+marched through Eastbourne, united at a point on the Lewes
+Road near Park Farm, and after occupying Willingdon village,
+took up a position on the high ground that lies between it and
+Jevington.</p>
+
+<p>From a strategic point of view the positions of both forces
+were carefully chosen. The commanding officers were evidently
+well acquainted with the district, for while the French commanded
+Eastbourne and a wide stretch of the Downs, the
+Russians also had before them an extensive tract of country<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+extending in the north to Polegate, in the west to the Fore
+Down and Lillington, and in the east beyond Willingdon over
+Pevensey Levels to the sea.</p>
+
+<p>During the night powerful search-lights from the French
+and Russian ships swept the coast continually, illuminating the
+surrounding hills and lending additional light to the ruined and
+burning town. Before the sun rose, however, the majority of
+the invading vessels had rounded Beachy Head, and had
+steamed away at full speed down Channel.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i078-hi.png"><img src="images/i078-lo.png" width="600" height="290" alt="MAP SHOWING THE POINTS WHERE THE INVADERS LANDED." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">MAP SHOWING THE POINTS WHERE THE INVADERS LANDED.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Daylight revealed the grim realities of war. It showed
+Eastbourne with its handsome buildings scorched and ruined,
+its streets blocked by fallen walls, and trees which had once
+formed shady boulevards torn up and broken, its shops looted,
+its tall church steeples blown away, its railway station wrecked,
+and its people massacred. Alas! their life-blood was wet upon
+the pavements.</p>
+
+<p>The French and Russian legions, ever increasing, covered the
+hills. The heavy guns of the French artillery and the lighter
+but more deadly machine guns of the Russians had already been
+placed in position, and were awaiting the order to move north
+and commence the assault on London.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was too late! Nothing could now be done to improve the
+rotten state of our defences. The invasion had begun, and
+Britain, handicapped alike on land and on sea, must arm and
+fight to the death.</p>
+
+<p>By Tuesday night, three days after the Declaration of War,
+two French and half a Russian army corps, amounting to 90,000
+officers and men, with 10,000 horses and 1500 guns and
+waggons, had landed, in addition to which reinforcements constantly
+arrived from the French Channel and Russian Baltic
+ports, until the number of the enemy on English soil was
+estimated at over 300,000.</p>
+
+<p>The overwhelming descent on our shores had been secretly
+planned by the enemy with great forethought, every detail
+having been most carefully arranged. The steam tonnage in
+the French harbours was ample and to spare, for many of the
+vessels, being British, had been at once seized on the outbreak
+of hostilities. The sudden interruption of the mail and telegraphic
+services between the two countries left us in total
+ignorance of the true state of affairs. Nevertheless, for weeks
+an army of carpenters and engineers had been at work
+preparing the necessary fittings, which were afterwards placed
+in position on board the ships destined to convey horses and
+men to England.</p>
+
+<p>In order to deceive the other Powers, a large number of
+military transport vessels had been fitted out at Brest for a
+bogus expedition to Dahomey. These ships actually put to
+sea on the day previous to the Declaration of War, and on
+Saturday night, at the hour when the news reached Britain,
+they had already embarked guns, horses, and waggons at the
+Channel ports. Immediately after the Tsar's manifesto had
+been issued the Russian Volunteer Fleet was mobilised, and
+transports which had long been held in readiness in the Baltic
+harbours embarked men and guns, and, one after another,
+steamed away for England without the slightest confusion or
+any undue haste.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+<h3>IN THE EAGLE'S TALONS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc080.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="M" title="M" /></div><p>any British military and naval writers had
+ridiculed the idea of a surprise invasion without
+any attempt on the part of the enemy to gain
+more than a partial and temporary control of
+the Channel. Although an attack on territory
+without having previously command of the sea
+had generally been foredoomed to failure, it had been long ago
+suggested by certain military officers in the course of lectures
+at the United Service Institution, that under certain conditions
+such invasion was possible, and that France might ere long
+be ruled by some ambitious soldier who might be tempted to
+try a sudden dash on <i>le perfide Albion</i>. They pointed out
+that at worst it would entail on France the loss of three
+or four army corps, a loss no greater than she would suffer in
+one short land campaign. But alas! at that time very little
+notice was taken of such criticisms and illustrations, for Britons
+had always been prone to cast doubts upon the power of other
+nations to convey troops by sea, to embark them, or to land
+them. Thus the many suggestions directed towards increasing
+the mobility and efficiency of the Army were, like other warnings,
+cast aside, the prevailing opinion in the country being
+that sudden invasion was an absolute impossibility.</p>
+
+<p>Predictions of prophets that had so long been scorned,
+derided, and disregarded by an apathetic British public were
+rapidly being fulfilled. Coming events had cast dark shadows<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+that had been unheeded, and now the unexpected bursting of
+the war cloud produced panic through our land.</p>
+
+<p>General Sir Archibald Alison struck an alarming note of
+warning when he wrote in <i>Blackwood</i> in December 1893: "No
+one can look carefully into the present state of Europe without
+feeling convinced that it cannot continue long in its present
+condition. Every country is maintaining an armed force out
+of all proportion to its resources and population, and the consequent
+strain upon its monetary system and its industrial
+population is ever increasing, and must sooner or later become
+unbearable."</p>
+
+<p>It had never been sufficiently impressed upon the British
+public, that when mobilised for war, and with all the Reserves
+called out, Russia had at her command 2,722,000 officers and
+men, while France could put 2,715,000 into the field, making
+a total force of the Franco-Russian Armies of 5,437,000 men,
+with 9920 field guns and 1,480,000 horses.</p>
+
+<p>This well-equipped force was almost equal to the combined
+Armies of the Triple Alliance, Germany possessing 2,441,000,
+Austria 1,590,000, and Italy 1,909,000, a total of 5,940,000
+officers and men, with 8184 field guns and 813,996 horses.</p>
+
+<p>Beside these enormous totals, how ridiculously small appeared
+the British Army, with its Regular forces at home
+and abroad amounting to only 211,600 of all ranks, 225,400
+Volunteers, and 74,000 Reserves, or 511,000 fighting men! Of
+these, only 63,000 Regulars remained in England and Wales,
+therefore our Reserves and Volunteers were the chief defenders
+of our homes.</p>
+
+<p>What a mere handful they appeared side by side with these
+huge European Armies!</p>
+
+<p>Was it not surprising that in such circumstances the
+constant warnings regarding the weakness of our Navy&mdash;the
+force upon which the very life of our Empire depended&mdash;should
+have been unheeded by the too confident public?</p>
+
+<p>When we were told plainly by a well-known authority that
+the number of our war vessels was miserably inadequate, that
+we were 10,000 men and 1000 officers short, and, among other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+things, that a French cruiser had, for all practical purposes,
+three times the fighting efficiency of an English cruiser, no one
+troubled. Nor was any one aroused from his foolishly apathetic
+confidence in British supremacy at sea. True, our Navy was
+strengthened to a certain extent in 1894, but hard facts, solemn
+warnings, gloomy forebodings, all were, alas! cast aside among
+the "scares" which crop up periodically in the press during a
+Parliamentary recess, and which, on the hearing of a murder
+trial, or a Society scandal, at once fizzle out and are dismissed
+for ever.</p>
+
+<p>On this rude awakening to the seriousness of the situation,
+Service men now remembered distinctly the prophetic words
+of the few students of probable invasion. Once they had
+regarded them as based on wild improbabilities, but now they
+admitted that the facts were as represented, and that critics
+had foreseen catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>Already active steps had been taken towards the defence of
+London.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the serious defects in the mobilisation
+scheme, the 1st Army Corps, formed at Aldershot under Sir
+Evelyn Wood, and three cavalry brigades, were now in the
+field, while the other army corps were being rapidly conveyed
+southwards.</p>
+
+<p>Independently of the Field Army, the Volunteers had
+mobilised, and were occupying the lines north and south of
+the metropolis. This force of Volunteer infantry consisted of
+108,300 officers and men, of whom 73,000, with 212 guns, were
+placed on the line south of the Thames.</p>
+
+<p>It stretched along the hills from Guildford in Surrey to
+Halstead in Kent, with intermediate concentration points at
+Box Hill and Caterham. At the latter place an efficient
+garrison had been established, consisting of 4603 of all ranks
+of the North London Brigade, 4521 of the West London, 5965
+of the South London, 5439 of the Surrey, and 6132 of the
+Lancashire and Cheshire. This force was backed by eleven
+16-pounder batteries of the 1st Norfolk from Yarmouth, the
+1st Sussex from Brighton, the 1st Newcastle and the 2nd<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+Durham from Seaham, and ten 40-pounder batteries of the 3rd
+and 6th Lancashire from Liverpool, the 9th Lancashire from
+Bolton, the 1st Cheshire from Chester, the 1st Cinque Ports
+from Dover, and the 2nd Cinque Ports from St. Leonards. At
+Halstead, on the left flank, there were massed about 20,470
+Volunteer infantry, these being made up of the South Wales
+Brigade 4182, Welsh Border 5192, the North Midland 5225,
+and the South Midland 5970. The eleven 16-pounder batteries
+came from the Woolwich Arsenal, Monmouth, Shropshire, and
+Stafford Corps, and five 40-pounder batteries from the Preston
+Corps.</p>
+
+<p>To Guildford 4471 infantry in the Home Counties Brigade
+and 4097 in the Western Counties were assigned, while the
+guns consisted of four 40-pounder batteries from the York and
+Leeds Corps, the 16-pounder batteries of the Fife, Highland,
+and Midlothian Corps being unable, as yet, to get south on
+account of the congested state of all the northern railways.</p>
+
+<p>For this same reason, too, the force at Box Hill, the remaining
+post in the south line of defence, was a very weak one. To
+this the Volunteers assigned were mostly Scottish.</p>
+
+<p>Of the Glasgow Brigade 8000 of all ranks arrived, with
+4000 from the South of Scotland Brigade; but the Highland
+Brigade of 4400 men, all enthusiastically patriotic, and the
+16-pounder batteries from Ayr and Lanark, were compelled, to
+their chagrin, to wait at their headquarters for several days
+before the railways&mdash;every resource of which was strained to
+their utmost limits&mdash;could move them forward to the seat of
+war.</p>
+
+<p>The five heavy batteries of the Aberdeen and North
+York Corps succeeded in getting down to their place of concentration
+early, as likewise did the 16-pounder battery from
+Galloway. Volunteers also undertook the defences north of
+the metropolis, and a strong line, consisting of a number of
+provincial brigades, stretched from Tilbury to Brentwood and
+Epping.</p>
+
+<p>The British Volunteer holds no romantic notions of "death
+or glory," but is none the less prepared to do his duty, and is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+always ready "to do anything, and to go anywhere." Every
+officer and every man of this great force which had mounted
+guard north and south of the Thames was resolved to act
+his part bravely, and, if necessary, lay down his life for his
+country's honour.</p>
+
+<p>At their posts on the Surrey Hills, ready at any moment to
+go into action, and firmly determined that no invader should
+enter the vast Capital of the World, they impatiently awaited
+the development of the situation, eager to face and annihilate
+their foreign foe.</p>
+
+<p>Britannia had always been justly proud of her Volunteer
+forces, although their actual strength in time of invasion had
+never before been demonstrated. Now, however, the test
+which had been applied showed that, with an exception of
+rarest occurrence, every man had responded to this hasty call
+to arms, and that on active service they were as fearless and
+courageous as any body of Regulars ever put in the field.</p>
+
+<p>Every man was alive to Britain's danger; every man knew
+well how terrible would be the combat&mdash;the struggle that must
+result in either victory or death.</p>
+
+<p>The double-headed Eagle had set his talons in British soil!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+<h3>FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc085.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I" title="I" /></div><p>n the Channel disastrous events of a most
+exciting character were now rapidly occurring.</p>
+
+<p>Outside Seaford Bay, Pevensey Bay, and off
+Brighton and the Mares at Cuckmere Haven,
+the enemy's transports, having landed troops
+and stores, rode at anchor, forming a line of
+retreat in case of reverses, while many fast French cruisers
+steamed up and down, keeping a sharp lookout for any
+British merchant or mail steamers which, ignorant of the
+hostilities, entered the Channel.</p>
+
+<p>The officers and crews of these steamers were in most
+cases so utterly surprised that they fell an easy prey to the
+marauding vessels, many being captured and taken to French
+ports without a shot being fired. Other vessels, on endeavouring
+to escape, were either overhauled or sunk by the heavy
+fire of pursuing cruisers. One instance was that of the fast
+mail steamer <i>Carpathian</i>, belonging to the Union Steamship
+Company, which, entering the Channel on a voyage from Cape
+Town to Southampton, was attacked off the Eddystone by the
+Russian armoured cruiser <i>Gerzog Edinburskij</i>. The panic on
+board was indescribable, over a hundred steerage passengers
+being killed or mutilated by the shells from the bow guns of
+the cruiser, and the captain himself being blown to atoms by
+an explosion which occurred when a shot struck and carried
+away the forward funnel. After an exciting chase, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+<i>Carpathian</i> was sunk near Start Point, and of the five hundred
+passengers and crew scarcely a single person survived.</p>
+
+<p>This terrible work of destruction accomplished, the Russian
+cruiser turned westward again to await further prey. As she
+steamed away, however, another ship rounded the Start following
+at full speed in her wake. This vessel, which was flying
+the British flag, was the barbette-ship <i>Centurion</i>. Already
+her captain had witnessed the attack and sinking of the
+<i>Carpathian</i>, but from a distance too great to enable him to
+assist the defenceless liner, and he was now on his way to
+attack the Tsar's cruiser. Almost immediately she was noticed
+by the enemy. Half an hour later she drew within range, and
+soon the two ships were engaged in a most desperate encounter.
+The gunners on the <i>Centurion</i>, seeing the Russian cross flying
+defiantly, and knowing the frightful havoc already wrought on
+land by the enemy, worked with that pluck and indomitable
+energy characteristic of the Britisher. Shot after shot was
+exchanged, but hissed and splashed without effect until the
+ships drew nearer, and then nearly every shell struck home.
+The rush of flame from the quick-firing guns of the <i>Centurion</i>
+was continuous, and the firing was much more accurate than
+that of her opponent, nevertheless the latter was manipulated
+with remarkable skill.</p>
+
+<p>The roar of the guns was deafening. Clouds of smoke
+rose so thickly that the vessels could scarcely distinguish
+each other. But the firing was almost continuous, until
+suddenly a shell struck the <i>Centurion</i> abaft the funnel, and
+for a moment stilled her guns.</p>
+
+<p>This, however, was not for long, for in a few moments she
+recovered from the shock, and her guns were again sending
+forth shells with regularity and precision. Again a shell
+struck the <i>Centurion</i>, this time carrying away one of her funnels
+and killing a large number of men.</p>
+
+<p>The British captain, still as cool as if standing on the
+hearthrug of the smoking-room of the United Service Club,
+took his vessel closer, continuing the fire, heedless of the fact
+that the Russian shells striking his ship were playing such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+fearful havoc with it. Every preparation had been made for
+a desperate fight to the death, when suddenly a shot struck the
+vessel, causing her to reel and shiver.</p>
+
+<p>So well had the Russians directed their fire that the British
+vessel could not reply. One of her 29-tonners had been blown
+completely off its carriage, and lay shattered with men dead
+all around, while two of her quick-firing broadside guns had
+been rendered useless, and she had sustained other injuries of
+a very serious character, besides losing nearly half her men.</p>
+
+<p>She was silent, riding to the swell, when wild exultant
+shouts in Russian went up from the enemy's ship, mingling
+with the heavy fire they still kept up.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, however, even while the victorious shouts
+resounded, the captain of the <i>Centurion</i>, still cool and collected,
+swung round his vessel, and turning, touched one of the
+electric knobs at his hand. As he did so a long silvery object
+shot noiselessly from the side of the ship, and plunged with
+a splash into the rising waves.</p>
+
+<p>Seconds seemed hours. For a whole three minutes the
+captain waited; then, disappointed, he turned away with an
+expression of impatience. The torpedo had missed its mark,
+and every moment lost might determine their fate. With
+guns still silent he again adroitly man&oelig;uvred his ship. Once
+again he touched the electric knob, and again a torpedo,
+released from its tube, sped rapidly through the water.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a dull and muffled explosion from the Russian
+cruiser sounded. Above the dense smoke a flame shot high,
+with great columns of spray, as the guns suddenly ceased their
+thunder.</p>
+
+<p>There was a dead stillness, broken only by the wash of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Then the smoke clearing showed the d�bris of the <i>Gerzog
+Edinburskij</i> fast sinking beneath the restless waters. Some
+splinters precipitated into the air had fallen with loud
+splashes in every direction, and amid the victorious shouts
+of the British bluejackets the disabled ship, with its fluttering
+Russian cross, slowly disappeared for ever, carrying down
+every soul on board.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The torpedo, striking her amidships, had blown an enormous
+hole right through her double bottom, and torn her transverse
+bulkheads away so much that her watertight doors were useless
+for keeping her afloat, even for a few minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Partially crippled as she was, the <i>Centurion</i> steamed slowly
+westward, until at noon on the following day she fell in with
+a division of the Coastguard Squadron, which, acting under
+the fictitious telegraphic orders of the French spy, had been
+to Land's End, but which, now the enemy had landed, had
+received genuine orders from the Admiralty.</p>
+
+<p>Compared with the number and strength of the French
+and Russian vessels mustered in the Channel, this force was
+so small as to appear ludicrous. To send this weak defending
+division against the mighty power of the invaders was sheer
+madness, and everybody on board knew it. The vessels were
+weaker in every detail than those of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>At full speed the British vessels steamed on throughout
+that day, until at 8 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>, when about twenty miles south
+of Selsey Bill, they were joined by forces from the Solent.
+These consisted of the turret-ship <i>Monarch</i>, the turret-ram
+<i>Rupert</i>, the barbette-ship <i>Rodney</i>, the belted cruiser <i>Aurora</i>,
+and the coast defence armour-clads <i>Cyclops</i> and <i>Gorgon</i>, together
+with a number of torpedo boats. The night was calm,
+but moonless, and without delay the vessels all continued the
+voyage up Channel silently, with lights extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>Two hours later the officers noticed that away on the
+horizon a light suddenly flashed twice and then disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>One of the enemy's ships had signalled the approach of the
+defenders!</p>
+
+<p>This caused the British Admiral to alter his course
+slightly, and the vessels steamed along in the direction the
+light had shown.</p>
+
+<p>In turrets and in broadside batteries there was a deep
+hush of expectation. Officers and men standing at their
+quarters scarcely spoke. All felt the fight must be most
+desperate.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, in the far distance a small patch of light in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+sky showed the direction of Brighton, and almost immediately
+the Admiral signalled to the cruisers <i>Aurora</i>, <i>Galatea</i>, and
+<i>Narcissus</i>, and the new battleship <i>Hannibal</i>, built under
+the 1894 programme, to detach themselves with six torpedo
+boats, and take an easterly course, in order to carry out
+instructions which he gave. These tactics caused considerable
+comment.</p>
+
+<p>The orders were to make straight for Eastbourne, and to
+suddenly attack and destroy any of the hostile transports that
+were lying there, the object being twofold&mdash;firstly, to cut off
+the enemy's line of retreat, and secondly, to prevent the vessels
+from being used for the purpose of landing further reinforcements.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after 2 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span> this gallant little division had, by careful
+manoeuvring, and assisted by a slight mist which now hung
+over the sea, rounded Beachy Head without being discovered,
+and had got outside Pevensey Bay about eight miles from
+land. Here a number of Russian transports and service
+steamers were lying, among them being the <i>Samojed</i> and <i>Olaf</i>,
+<i>Krasnaya Gorka</i> and <i>Vladimir</i>, with two smaller ones&mdash;the
+<i>Dnepr</i> and the <i>Artelscik</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Silently, and without showing any lights, a British torpedo
+boat sped quickly along to where the dark outline of a ship
+loomed through the mist, and, having ascertained that it was
+the <i>Olaf</i>, drew up quickly.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes elapsed, all being quiet. Then suddenly a
+bright flash was followed by a fearful explosion, and the
+bottom of the Tsar's vessel being completely ripped up by
+the torpedo, she commenced to settle down immediately,
+before any of those on board could save themselves. The
+enemy had scarcely recovered from their surprise and confusion
+when three other loud explosions occurred, and in
+each case transport vessels were blown up. British torpedo
+boats, darting hither and thither between the Russian ships,
+were dealing terrible blows from which no vessel could recover.
+So active were they, indeed, that within the space of fifteen
+minutes six transports had been blown up, as well as the first-class
+torpedo boat <i>Abo</i>. The loss of life was terrible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Simultaneously with the first explosion, the guns of the
+<i>Aurora</i>, <i>Galatea</i>, and <i>Narcissus</i> thundered out a terrible salute.
+The bright search-lights of the Russian cruisers and of the
+battleship <i>Navarin</i> immediately swept the sea, and through
+the mist discerned the British ships. The lights served only
+to show the latter the exact position of the enemy, and again
+our guns belched forth shot and shell with disastrous effect.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly, however, the Russian vessels replied. Flame
+flashed continuously from the turret of the <i>Navarin</i> and the
+port guns of the <i>Opricnik</i> and the <i>Najezdnik</i>, while the search-lights
+were at the same time shut off.</p>
+
+<p>At first the fire was very ineffectual, but gradually as the
+vessels crept closer to each other the encounter became more
+and more desperate.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian torpedo boats <i>Vzryv</i>, <i>Vindava</i>, and <i>Kotlinj</i>
+were immediately active, and the <i>Narcissus</i> had a very narrow
+escape, a Whitehead torpedo passing right under her bows,
+while one British torpedo boat, which at the same moment
+was endeavouring to launch its deadly projectile at the <i>Navarin</i>,
+was sent to the bottom by a single shot from the <i>Najezdnik</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The combat was desperate and terrible. That the British
+had been already successful in surprising and sinking a torpedo
+boat and six of the hostile transports was true; nevertheless
+the number of Russian ships lying there was much greater
+than the British Admiral had anticipated, and, to say the
+least, the four vessels now found themselves in a most critical
+position.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Navarin</i> alone was one of the most powerful of the
+Tsar's battleships, and, in addition to the seven cruisers and
+nine torpedo boats, comprised an overwhelming force.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the English warships held their own, pouring forth an
+incessant fire. Each gun's crew knew they were face to face
+with death, but, inspired by the coolness of their officers, they
+worked on calmly and indefatigably. Many of their shots
+went home with frightful effect. One shell which burst over
+the magazine of the <i>Lieut. Iljin</i> ripped up her deck and caused
+severe loss of life, while in the course of half an hour one of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>the heavy turret guns of the <i>Navarin</i> had been disabled, and
+two more Russian torpedo boats sunk. Our torpedo boat
+destroyers operating on the Channel seaboard were performing
+excellent work, the <i>Havock</i>, <i>Shark</i>, <i>Hornet</i>, <i>Dart</i>, <i>Bruiser</i>, <i>Hasty</i>,
+<i>Teaser</i>, <i>Janus</i>, <i>Surly</i>, and <i>Porcupine</i> all being man&oelig;uvred with
+splendid success. Several, however, were lost while sweeping
+out the enemy's torpedo boat shelters, including the <i>Ardent</i>,
+<i>Charger</i>, <i>Boxer</i>, and <i>Rocket</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i091-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i091-lo.jpg" width="600" height="391" alt="SINKING OF H.M.S. &quot;AURORA&quot; BY A TORPEDO: &quot;THE CRUISER ROSE AS IF SHE HAD RIDDEN OVER A VOLCANO.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">SINKING OF H.M.S. &quot;AURORA&quot; BY A TORPEDO: &quot;THE CRUISER ROSE AS IF SHE HAD RIDDEN OVER A VOLCANO.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>But the British vessels were now suffering terribly, hemmed
+in as they were by the enemy, with shells falling upon them
+every moment, and their decks swept by the withering fire of
+machine guns. Suddenly, after a shell had burst in the stern
+of the <i>Aurora</i>, she ceased firing and swung round, almost
+colliding with the <i>Narcissus</i>. Her steam steering-gear had,
+alas! been broken by the shot, and for a few moments her
+officers lost control over her.</p>
+
+<p>A Russian torpedo boat in shelter behind the <i>Navarin</i>,
+now seeing its chance, darted out and launched its projectile.</p>
+
+<p>The officers of the <i>Aurora</i>, aware of their danger, seemed
+utterly powerless to avert it. It was a terrible moment. A
+few seconds later the torpedo struck, the cruiser rose as if she
+had ridden over a volcano, and then, as she gradually settled
+down, the dark sea rolled over as gallant a crew as ever sailed
+beneath the White Ensign.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately afterwards the <i>Navarin</i> exchanged rapid
+signals with a number of ships which were approaching with
+all speed from the direction of Hastings, and the captains of
+the three remaining British vessels saw that they had fallen
+into a trap.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Narcissus</i> had been drawn between two fires. Both
+her funnels had been shot away, two of her broadside guns
+were useless, and she had sustained damage to her engines;
+nevertheless, her captain, with the dogged perseverance of a
+British sailor, continued the desperate combat. With the first
+flush of dawn the fog had lifted, but there was scarcely sufficient
+wind to spread out the British ensign, which still waved
+with lazy defiance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On one side of her was the ponderous <i>Navarin</i>, from the
+turret of which shells were projected with monotonous regularity,
+while on the other the British cruiser was attacked
+vigorously by the <i>Najezdnik</i>. The <i>Narcissus</i>, however, quickly
+showed the Russians what she could do against such overwhelming
+odds, for presently she sent a shot from one of her
+20-ton guns right under the turret of the <i>Navarin</i>, causing
+a most disastrous explosion on board that vessel, while, at the
+same time, her 6-inch breechloaders pounded away at her
+second antagonist, and sank a torpedo boat man&oelig;uvring near.</p>
+
+<p>Both the <i>Galatea</i> and the <i>Hannibal</i> were in an equally
+serious predicament. The enemy's torpedo boats swarmed
+around them, while the cruisers <i>Opricnik</i>, <i>Admiral Korniloff</i>,
+<i>Rynda</i>, and several other vessels, kept up a hot, incessant
+fire, which was returned energetically by the British
+vessels.</p>
+
+<p>The sight was magnificent, appalling! In the spreading
+dawn, the great ships man&oelig;uvring smartly, each strove to
+obtain points of vantage, and vied with each other in their
+awful work of destruction. The activity of the British
+torpedo boats, darting here and there, showed that those who
+manned them were utterly reckless of their lives. As they
+sped about, it was indeed marvellous how they escaped
+destruction, for the Russians had more than double the
+number of boats, and their speed was quite equal to our own.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless the British boats followed up their successes
+by other brilliant deeds of daring, for one of them, with a
+sudden dash, took the <i>Rynda</i> off her guard, and sent a torpedo
+at her with awful result, while a few moments later two
+terrific explosions sounded almost simultaneously above the
+thunder of the guns, and it was then seen that the unprotected
+cruiser <i>Asia</i>, and the last remaining transport the <i>Krasnaya
+Gorka</i>, were both sinking.</p>
+
+<p>It was a ghastly spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>Hoarse despairing shrieks went up from hundreds of
+Russian sailors who fought and struggled for life in the dark
+rolling waters, and three British torpedo boats humanely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+rescued a great number of them. Many, however, sank immediately
+with their vessels, while some strong swimmers struck
+out for the distant shore. Yet, without exception, all these
+succumbed to exhaustion ere they could reach the land, and
+the long waves closed over them as they threw up their arms
+and sank into the deep.</p>
+
+<p>During the first few minutes following this sudden disaster
+to the enemy the firing ceased, and the <i>Navarin</i> ran up signals.
+This action attracted the attention of the officers of the British
+vessels to the approaching ships, and to their amazement and
+dismay they discovered that they were a squadron of the
+enemy who had returned unexpectedly from the direction of
+Dover.</p>
+
+<p>The British ships, in their half-crippled condition, could
+not possibly withstand such an onslaught as they knew was
+about to be made upon them, for the enemy's reinforcements
+consisted of the steel barbette-ships <i>Gangut</i>, <i>Alexander II.</i>, and
+<i>Nicolai I.</i>, of the Baltic Fleet, the great turret-ship <i>Petr Veliky</i>,
+the <i>Rurik</i>, a very powerful central-battery belted cruiser of
+over ten thousand tons, two new cruisers of the same type
+that had been recently completed, the <i>Enara</i> and <i>Ischma</i>, with
+three other cruisers and a large flotilla of torpedo boats. Accompanying
+them were the French 10,000-ton armoured
+barbette-ship <i>Magenta</i>, the central-battery ship <i>Richelieu</i>, the
+armoured turret-ship <i>Tonnerre</i>, and the <i>Hoche</i>, one of the finest
+vessels of our Gallic neighbour's Navy, as well as the torpedo
+cruisers <i>Hirondelle</i> and <i>Fleurus</i>, and a number of swift torpedo
+boats and "catchers."</p>
+
+<p>The captains of the British vessels saw that in the face of
+such a force defeat was a foregone conclusion; therefore they
+could do nothing but retreat hastily towards Newhaven, in the
+hope of finding the division of the British Coastguard
+Squadron which had gone there for the same purpose as they
+had rounded Beachy Head, namely, to destroy the enemy's
+transports.</p>
+
+<p>Without delay the three vessels swung round with all
+speed and were quickly headed down Channel, while the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+remaining attendant torpedo boats, noticing this sudden retreat,
+also darted away. This man&oelig;uvre did not, of course, proceed
+unchecked, the enemy being determined they should not escape.
+Signals were immediately made by the <i>Alexander II.</i>, the flagship,
+and the <i>Petr Veliky</i> and <i>Enara</i>, being within range, blazed
+forth a storm of shell upon the fugitives. The shots, however,
+fell wide, and ricochetted over the water, sending up huge
+columns of spray; whereupon the <i>Narcissus</i> and <i>Galatea</i>
+replied steadily with their 6-inch guns, while the heavy guns
+of the <i>Hannibal</i> were also quickly brought into play.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the <i>Magenta</i> and <i>Tonnerre</i> with the
+<i>Alger</i>, <i>C�cille</i>, and <i>Sfax</i>, started in pursuit, and an intensely
+exciting chase commenced. The engines of the British
+vessels were run at the highest possible pressure, but
+the French ships proved several knots swifter. As they
+steamed at full speed around Beachy Head towards Seaford
+Bay the enemy gradually overhauled them. The brisk fire
+which was being kept up soon began to tell, for all three
+retreating ships had lost many men, and the scenes of bloodshed
+on board were frightful.</p>
+
+<p>Eagerly the officers swept the horizon with their glasses to
+discover signs of friendly aid, but none hove in sight. All
+three ships were weak, their guns disabled, with whole guns'
+crews lying dead around, and many of the officers had fallen.
+In strength, in speed, in armaments&mdash;in fact, in everything&mdash;they
+were inferior to their opponents, and they saw it was a
+question of sheer force, not one of courage.</p>
+
+<p>They would either be compelled to surrender to the Tricolor,
+or deliberately seek the grave. With such a force bearing down
+upon them, escape seemed absolutely impossible.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+<h3>BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc097.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he sun at last broke forth brilliantly, betokoning
+another blazing day.</p>
+
+<p>Having regard to the fact that both the
+Channel Fleet and the reserve had been sent
+on futile errands by our enemy's secret agent,
+and the superior forces against which the
+British had all along had to fight, they had most assuredly
+shown what tact and courage could effect.</p>
+
+<p>Opposite the Belle Tout lighthouse a disaster occurred to
+the <i>Narcissus</i>. During the fight one of her engines had been
+injured, and this being now strained to its utmost limit had
+suddenly broken down altogether, with the result that the
+vessel gradually slackened speed, and the <i>Sfax</i> and <i>Alger</i> bore
+down quickly upon her, pouring into her a heavy fire from
+their 5-tonners. The reply was a weak one from her quick-firing
+guns, her heavy arms having nearly all been disabled.</p>
+
+<p>Onward steamed the <i>Galatea</i> and <i>Hannibal</i>, keeping up a
+running fire with the four vessels pursuing them, while the two
+cruisers engaging the <i>Narcissus</i> continued their strenuous
+endeavours to silence her guns. The British sailors, however,
+still undaunted, quickly showed their opponents that all the
+arms workable would be brought into play by directing a most
+vigorous fire upon their pursuers, blowing away one of the
+funnels of the <i>Alger</i>, and disabling one of her large bow guns.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Just then, however, while the <i>Narcissus</i> was discharging a
+broadside, a torpedo boat crept under her stern and sent forth
+its submerged projectile. For a moment there was a hush
+of expectation, then a dull explosion sounded as the cruiser,
+apparently rent in twain, plunged stern foremost into the
+sea, and with her ensign still flying gradually disappeared
+without a soul on board being able to save himself.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the <i>Galatea</i> and <i>Hannibal</i>, with their torpedo
+boats, were sustaining serious injuries from the heavy bow
+fire, and there seemed every possibility that they too would
+share the same terrible fate as the <i>Narcissus</i>, when suddenly
+one of the officers of the <i>Galatea</i> discovered three vessels
+approaching. The "demand" was immediately hoisted, and
+responded to by both vessels running up private signals. With
+an expression of satisfaction he directed the attention of the
+captain to the fact, for the flags of the first-named vessel
+showed her to be the British turret-ship <i>Monarch</i>, and those
+of the second the great barbette-ship <i>Rodney</i>, while a
+moment later it was discerned that the third vessel was the
+<i>Gorgon</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Even as they looked, other masts appeared upon the horizon,
+and then they knew relief was at hand. Both vessels ran
+up signals, while the men, encouraged by the knowledge
+that some powerful British ironclads were bearing down
+to their aid in indented line ahead, worked with increased
+vigour to keep the enemy at bay.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fierce, sanguinary fight. Fire vomited from all the
+vessels' battered works, and the scuppers ran with blood. The
+French vessels, having apparently also noticed the relief approaching,
+did not seem inclined to fight, but were nevertheless
+compelled, and not for a single instant did the firing from the
+attacked vessels cease. Their guns showed constant bursts of
+flame.</p>
+
+<p>Soon, however, the <i>Rodney</i> drew within range. A puff of
+white smoke from her barbette, and the <i>C�cille</i> received a taste
+of her quick-firing guns, the shots from which struck her
+amidships, killing a large number of her men, and tearing up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+her deck. This was followed by deafening discharges from the
+four 25-ton guns of the <i>Monarch</i>, while the <i>Gorgon</i> and a
+number of other vessels as they approached all took part
+in the conflict, the engagement quickly becoming general.
+With great precision the British directed their fire, and the
+French vessels soon prepared to beat a retreat, when, without
+warning, a frightful explosion occurred on board the <i>Hirondelle</i>,
+and wreckage mingled with human limbs shot into the air
+amid a great sheet of flame.</p>
+
+<p>The magazine had exploded! The scene on board the
+doomed vessel, even as witnessed from the British ships, was
+awful. Terrified men left their guns, and, rushing hither and
+thither, sought means of escape. But the boats had already
+been smashed by shots from the British cruisers, and all knew
+that death was inevitable.</p>
+
+<p>The burning ship slowly foundered beneath them, and as
+they rushed about in despair they fell back into the roaring
+flames. A British torpedo boat rescued about a dozen; but
+presently, with a heavy list, the warship suddenly swung
+round, and, bow first, disappeared into the green sunlit sea,
+leaving only a few poor wretches, who, after struggling vainly
+on the surface for a few moments, also went down to the
+unknown.</p>
+
+<p>The carnage was frightful. Hundreds of men were being
+launched into eternity, while upon the horizon both east and
+west dozens of ships of both invaders and defenders were
+rapidly approaching, and all would, ere long, try conclusions.</p>
+
+<p>Before half an hour had passed, a fierce battle, as sanguinary
+as any in the world's history, had commenced. The cruisers,
+acting as satellites to the battleships forming the two opposing
+fighting lines, had quickly commenced a series of fierce skirmishes
+and duels, all the most destructive engines of modern
+warfare being brought into play.</p>
+
+<p>The division of our Channel Fleet that had at last returned
+consisted of the powerful battleship <i>Royal Sovereign</i>, flying the
+Admiral's flag; the barbette-ships <i>Anson</i>, <i>Howe</i>, <i>Camperdown</i>,
+and <i>Benbow</i>; the turret-ships <i>Thunderer</i> and <i>Conqueror</i>; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+cruisers <i>Mersey</i>, <i>Terpsichore</i>, <i>Melampus</i>, <i>Tribune</i>, <i>Latona</i>, <i>Immortalit�</i>,
+and <i>Barham</i>; with the torpedo gunboats <i>Spanker</i> and
+<i>Speedwell</i>, and nineteen torpedo boats.</p>
+
+<p>The forces of the invaders were more than double that of the
+British, for, in addition to the vessels already enumerated, the
+reinforcements consisted of the French battleships <i>Amiral
+Baudin</i>, <i>Formidable</i>, <i>Amiral Duperr�</i>, <i>Brennus</i>, <i>Tr�houart</i>,
+<i>Jemappes</i>, <i>Terrible</i>, <i>Requin</i>, <i>Indomptable</i>, <i>Ca�man</i>, <i>Courbet</i>,
+<i>D�vastation</i>, <i>Redoubtable</i>, and <i>Furieux</i>, together with nine
+cruisers, and thirty-eight <i>torpilleurs de haute mer</i>.</p>
+
+<p>From the very commencement the fighting was at close
+quarters, and the storm of shot and shell caused death on every
+hand. With such an overwhelming force at his disposal,
+Admiral Maigret, the French commander, had been enabled to
+take up a position which boded ill for the defenders, nevertheless
+the British Admiral on board the <i>Royal Sovereign</i> was
+determined to exert every effort to repulse the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>In the thick of the fight the great flagship steamed along,
+her compartments closed, her stokeholds screwed down, her
+four 67-ton guns hurling great shots from her barbettes, and her
+smaller arms pouring out a continuous deadly fire upon the
+French ship <i>Indomptable</i> on the one side, and the great Russian
+armoured cruiser <i>Nicolai I.</i> on the other. Upon the latter the
+British vessel's shells played with a terribly devastating effect,
+bringing down the large forward mast and the machine guns
+in her fighting tops, and then, while the crew worked to get
+the wreckage clear, the Maxim, Nordenfelt, and Hotchkiss
+guns of the <i>Royal Sovereign</i> suddenly rattled out, sweeping
+with their metal hail her opponent's deck, and mowing down
+those who were cutting adrift the fallen rigging. A moment
+later a shell struck one of the pair of guns in the <i>Nicolai's</i>
+turret, rendering it useless, and then the captain of the <i>Royal
+Sovereign</i>, who had been standing in the conning-tower calmly
+awaiting his chance, touched three electric knobs in rapid
+succession. The engines throbbed, the great ship moved along
+at increasing speed through dense clouds of stifling smoke,
+and as she did so the captain shouted an order which had
+the effect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> of suddenly turning the vessel, and while her great
+barbette guns roared, the ram of the British vessel crashed
+into the broadside of the Tsar's ship with a terrific impact
+which caused her to shiver from stem to stern.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i101-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i101-lo.jpg" width="600" height="426" alt="Nicolai I.    Royal Sovereign.
+BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD: H.M.S. &quot;ROYAL SOVEREIGN&quot; RAMMING THE &quot;NICOLAI I.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption"><i>Nicolai I.</i>  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  <i>Royal Sovereign.</i><br />
+BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD: H.M.S. &quot;ROYAL SOVEREIGN&quot; RAMMING THE &quot;NICOLAI I.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Then, as the big guns in her rear barbette thundered out
+upon the <i>Indomptable</i>, whose engines had broken down, she
+drew gradually back from the terrible breach her ram had
+made under the water-line of her opponent, and the latter at
+once commenced to sink. The force of the impact had been
+so great that the Russian's hull was absolutely broken in two,
+and as the iron stretched and rent like paper, she heaved
+slowly over, "turning turtle," and carrying down with her over
+three hundred officers and men.</p>
+
+<p>The British captain now turned his attention to the French
+ship, which had been joined in the attack by the <i>Brennus</i>, the
+fire from whose 58-ton guns at close quarters played great
+havoc with the British flagship's superstructure. A second
+later, however, the captain of the <i>Royal Sovereign</i> caught the
+<i>Indomptable</i> in an unguarded moment, and, springing towards
+one of the electric knobs before him, pressed it. This had the
+effect of ejecting a torpedo from one of the bow tubes, and so
+well directed was it that a few seconds later there was a
+deafening report, as part of the stern portion of the French
+ship was blown away, raising great columns of spray.</p>
+
+<p>The situation was awful, and the loss of life everywhere
+enormous. Dense, blinding smoke, and the choking fumes of
+m�linite, obscured the sun, and in the darkness thus caused
+the flames from the guns shed a lurid light upon decks strewn
+with dead and dying. The cruisers and scouts by which our
+battleships were surrounded cut off many of the French
+torpedo boats, but a large number got right in among the
+fleet, and some terrible disasters were thus caused. Once
+inside the circle of British cruisers, all fire directed at the
+boats was as dangerous to our own ships as to the enemy's
+boats.</p>
+
+<p>The superiority of the French torpedo boats was, alas!
+keenly felt by the British, for in the course of the first hour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+five of our cruisers&mdash;the <i>Terpsichore</i>, <i>Galatea</i>, <i>Melampus</i>,
+<i>Tribune</i>, <i>Mersey</i>, the turret-ship <i>Conqueror</i>, and the battleships
+<i>Hannibal</i> and <i>Rodney</i>, had been blown up. As compared
+with these losses, those of the enemy were at this stage by no
+means small. The French had lost two cruisers and four
+torpedo boats, and the Russians one battleship, three cruisers,
+and six torpedo boats.</p>
+
+<p>The British, with all these fearful odds against them, still
+continued a galling fire. The <i>Camperdown</i>, <i>Anson</i>, and <i>Benbow</i>,
+steaming together in line, belched a storm of shell from their
+barbettes, which caused wholesale destruction among the
+crowd of ships engaging them. Yet the withering fire of the
+enemy was telling terribly upon the comparatively small force
+of the defenders. Upon all three battleships the casualties
+were frightful, and on board each one or more of the heavy
+guns had been disabled. Suddenly a shot, penetrating a weak
+point in the armour of the <i>Anson</i>, entered her engine-room,
+disabling a portion of her machinery, while a moment later a
+shell from the <i>Amiral Duperr�</i> fell close to her broadside
+torpedo discharge, and a fragment of the shell coming into contact
+with the striker of a torpedo, just as it was about to leave
+its tube, caused a terrific and disastrous explosion between the
+decks. The effect was horrifying. The torpedo contained
+over 70 lb. of gun-cotton, therefore the devastating nature of
+the explosion may be readily imagined. Over a hundred men
+were blown to atoms, and the whole six of the broadside guns
+were more or less disabled.</p>
+
+<p>A second later, however, a shell from the <i>Benbow</i> struck
+the <i>Amiral Duperr�</i>, carrying away the greater portion of
+her conning-tower, and killing her captain instantly, while
+almost at the same moment a torpedo from one of the British
+boats struck her bows with a frightful detonation, blowing an
+enormous hole in them. The catastrophe was complete. The
+crew of the doomed ship, panic-stricken, left their guns and
+commenced to launch the only two boats that remained uninjured;
+but ere this could be accomplished, the <i>Tr�houart</i>,
+which suddenly went astern, apparently to avoid a torpedo,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+crashed into her, with the result that she heeled right over
+and quickly disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Camperdown</i>, fighting fiercely with the <i>Requin</i>, the
+<i>Terrible</i>, and the <i>Courbet</i>, was suffering terrible damage from
+bow to stern; nevertheless her guns kept up an incessant
+torrent of shot, until suddenly, just after one of her shells had
+struck right under the turret of the <i>Terrible</i>, there was a
+deafening report, the air was filled with dense smoke, and the
+French ship, with her engines disabled, commenced to fill and
+sink.</p>
+
+<p>A portion of the shell had penetrated to her magazine, and
+she had blown up, nearly half her crew being killed by the
+terrific force of the explosion. Many of the remaining men,
+however, scrambled on board the <i>Ca�man</i>, which by some
+means had come into slight collision with her; but scarcely
+had the last terrified man left the sinking vessel, when the
+<i>Camperdown's</i> powerful ram entered the <i>Ca�man's</i> bows,
+breaking her hull, and she also foundered, carrying down with
+her not only her own crew, but also the survivors of the <i>Terrible</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This success was witnessed with satisfaction by the British
+Admiral, who nevertheless saw how seriously weakened was
+his force, and how critical was the position of his few remaining
+ships. Yet he remained quite cool, for the heavy guns of
+the steel monster in whose conning-tower he stood continued
+thundering forth their projectiles, and the White Ensign still
+loomed defiantly through the dense black smoke, fluttering in
+the freshening breeze that was now springing up.</p>
+
+<p>Although a number of the enemy's vessels had been sunk,
+he knew the issue must be fatal to his force, for they were
+now surrounded by a number of ships so vastly superior to
+them in armament and speed, that to die fighting was their
+only course.</p>
+
+<p>Though the cockpits were full, true British indomitable
+courage was showing itself everywhere on board our ships.
+Officers by words of encouragement incited their men to
+splendid heroic deeds, and guns' crews, with dark determined
+faces, seeing only death ahead, resolved to fight and struggle to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+the last for the honour of the Union Jack, which should never
+be surmounted by the Tricolor.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later, the captain, standing with the Admiral,
+who had just entered the conning-tower of the <i>Royal Sovereign</i>,
+suddenly uttered a cry of dismay, and with transfixed, horrified
+gaze pointed with his finger to the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Breathlessly the Admiral looked in the direction indicated.</p>
+
+<p>Though one of the bravest men in the Navy, and on his
+breast he wore the Victoria Cross, his eyes fell upon a sight
+that appalled him.</p>
+
+<p>It was a critical moment.</p>
+
+<p>A small French vessel, the unarmoured cruiser <i>Faucon</i>, had
+crept up unnoticed. The attention of the British officers had
+been, until that moment, concentrated upon the three powerful
+battleships, the <i>Requin</i>, the <i>D�vastation</i>, and the <i>Jemappes</i>,
+which kept up their hot fire upon the flagship, causing terrible
+destruction. Now, however, the British Admiral saw himself
+surrounded by the enemy, and the sight which caused his
+heart to beat quickly was a distinct line of bubbles upon the
+water, advancing with terrific speed, showing that a torpedo
+had been ejected from the <i>Faucon</i> directly at his ship!</p>
+
+<p>In the conning-tower all knew their danger, but not a man
+spoke. Both the Admiral and the captain at the same instant
+saw the death-dealing projectile advancing, and both retained
+their coolness and presence of mind. The captain, shouting an
+order, sprang back and touched one of the electric signals,
+which was instantly responded to.</p>
+
+<p>It was the work of a second. The great engines roared
+and throbbed, and the huge vessel, propelled backwards by its
+13,000 horse-power, swung steadily round just as the torpedo
+glanced off her bow obliquely. The crew of the <i>Royal
+Sovereign</i> had never been nearer death than at that instant.
+Had the ironclad not halted in her course, the striker of the
+torpedo would have come square upon her bows, and one of
+the finest vessels of the British Navy would have probably
+gone to the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Faucon</i> was not given an opportunity to make a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+second attempt. The captain of the <i>Anson</i> had witnessed how
+narrowly the British flagship had escaped, and immediately
+turned his great guns upon the little vessel, with the result
+that her quick-firing guns were quickly rendered useless, her
+hull was torn up like paper, and she slowly sank without
+offering resistance.</p>
+
+<p>Shots came from the frowning barbettes of the <i>Camperdown</i>,
+<i>Benbow</i>, and the turrets of the <i>Monarch</i> rapidly, the damage
+and loss of life suffered by the enemy now being enormous.
+The three French battleships engaging the <i>Royal Sovereign</i> at
+close quarters received terrible punishment. One of the
+75-ton guns of the <i>Requin</i> had been rendered useless, her deck
+had been torn up, and her bulwarks had been carried away,
+together with her funnel and forward mast. The rear barbette
+gun of the <i>Jemappes</i> had been thrown off its mounting, and a
+shell striking the port side battery, had burst against the
+forward bulkhead, and wrought horrible destruction among
+the guns' crews.</p>
+
+<p>The three powerful French vessels pouring their fire upon
+the British flagship, and finding themselves being raked by
+the heavy fire of their adversary, signalled the <i>Tonnerre</i> and
+<i>Furieux</i> to assist them. Both vessels drew nearer, and soon
+afterwards commenced pounding at the <i>Royal Sovereign</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Anson</i>, however, noticed the dangerous position of the
+British flagship, and, having manoeuvred adroitly, succeeded in
+getting under way, and with her great forward guns thundering,
+she crashed her ram into the <i>Furieux</i>, and sank her,
+while almost at the same moment a torpedo, discharged from
+one of the British boats, struck the <i>Tonnerre</i> right amidships,
+dealing her a blow from which she could never recover. Five
+minutes later, the <i>Gangut</i>, fighting desperately at close quarters
+with the <i>Camperdown</i>, had part of her armoured casemate
+blown away, and the British battleship followed up this
+success by directing a torpedo at her in such a manner that,
+although she drew back quickly to avoid it, she nevertheless
+received it right under her stern. Some ammunition on board
+that vessel also exploded, and the effect was frightful, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+fragments of wood, iron, and human bodies were precipitated
+in all directions.</p>
+
+<p>The loss of life, although heavy on the British side, was
+nevertheless far greater on board the enemy's ships. The
+continuity and precision of the British fire wrought awful
+destruction. Between the decks of many of the French and
+Russian ships the carnage was frightful. Among wrecked
+guns and mountings lay headless and armless bodies; human
+limbs shattered by shells were strewn in all directions upon
+decks slippery with blood. The shrieks of the dying were
+drowned by the roar and crash of the guns, the deafening
+explosion of shells, and the rending of iron and steel as the
+projectiles pierced armourplates, destroying everything with
+which they came in contact.</p>
+
+<p>The noon had passed, and as the day wore on other
+catastrophes occurred involving further loss of life. One of
+these was the accidental ramming of the <i>Sfax</i> by the French
+battleship <i>Redoubtable</i>, which managed, however, to save the
+greater portion of the crew, although her engines broke down.</p>
+
+<p>During the afternoon the fire from the British ships seemed
+to increase rather than diminish, notwithstanding each vessel
+flying the White Ensign fought more than one of the enemy's
+ships, and in doing so constantly received shots that spread
+death and destruction between the decks. Still, amid the
+blinding smoke, the din of battle, and the constant roaring of
+the guns, British bluejackets with smoke-begrimed faces worked
+enthusiastically for the defence of Old England. Many heroic
+deeds were performed that memorable afternoon, and many a
+gallant hero was sent to an untimely grave.</p>
+
+<p>On board the <i>Royal Sovereign</i> the destruction was frightful.
+By four o'clock many of the guns had been disabled, half the
+crew had perished, and the decks ran with the life-blood of
+Britain's gallant defenders. The captain had been struck upon
+the forehead by a flying fragment of shell, causing a fearful
+wound; yet, with his head enveloped in a hastily improvised
+bandage, he stuck to his post. He was engaging the <i>Redoubtable</i>
+and getting the worst of it, when suddenly, having man&oelig;uvred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+once or twice, he turned to his lieutenant, saying, "Lay guns,
+ahead full speed, and prepare to ram." The officer addressed
+transmitted the order, and a few moments later, as her guns
+thundered forth, the bows of the <i>Royal Sovereign</i> entered the
+broadside of the French ship with a loud crash, ripping her
+almost in half.</p>
+
+<p>Backing again quickly as the <i>Redoubtable</i> sank, she suddenly
+received a shock which made her reel and shiver. A shell from
+the Russian flagship had struck under her stern barbette, but,
+failing to penetrate the armour, glanced off into the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Fiercer and more fierce became the fight. A well-directed
+shot from one of the 67-ton guns on the <i>Anson's</i> rear barbette
+struck the conning-tower of the <i>Magenta</i>, blowing it away,
+killing the captain and those who were directing the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was sinking, but the battle still raged with unabated
+fury. Each side struggled desperately for the mastery. The
+British, fighting nobly against what had all along been overwhelming
+odds, had succeeded in sinking some of the enemy's
+finest ships, and inflicting terrible loss upon the crews of the
+others; yet the British Admiral, on viewing the situation,
+was compelled to admit that he was outnumbered, and that a
+continuance of the struggle would inevitably result in the loss
+of other of his ships. There still remained three of the enemy's
+vessels to each one of the British. His ships were all more or
+less crippled, therefore a successful stand against the still overwhelming
+force would be sheer madness. He was not the sort
+of man to show the white feather; nevertheless a retreat upon
+Portsmouth had now become a matter of policy, and the <i>Royal
+Sovereign</i> a few minutes later ran up signals intimating to the
+other vessels her intention.</p>
+
+<p>As the British Squadron moved away down Channel the
+hoarse exultant shouts of the enemy filled the air. But the fighting
+became even more desperate, and for over an hour there was
+a most exciting chase. The running fire did little harm to the
+retreating ships, but their stern guns played terrible havoc with
+the French and Russian torpedo boats, which were picked off
+one after another with remarkable rapidity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Off Littlehampton one of the Russian ships ran up signals,
+and immediately the enemy's ships slackened. Apparently
+they had no desire to follow further west, for after a few parting
+shots they turned and stood away up Channel again, while the
+surviving ships of the British Squadron steamed onward in the
+blood-red track of the dying day.</p>
+
+<p>At their head was the <i>Royal Sovereign</i>, battered, and bearing
+marks of the deadly strife; but bright against the clear, calm
+evening sky, the British flag, half of which had been shot away,
+still fluttered out in the cool breeze of sunset.</p>
+
+<p>The British Lion had shown his teeth. Alas, that our Navy
+should have been so weak! Several of the ships had had their
+engines severely damaged or broken, but our margin of additional
+strength was so small that we had no vessels wherewith
+to replace those compelled to return to port.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle in this, the first naval battle in the defence of
+our Empire, had been desperate, and the loss of life appalling.</p>
+
+<p>The First Act of the most sanguinary drama of modern
+nations had closed.</p>
+
+<p>What would be its <i>d�nouement</i>?</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p>
+<h1><i>BOOK II</i></h1>
+<h2><i>THE STRUGGLE</i></h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+<h3>THE DOOM OF HULL.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc113.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I" title="I" /></div><p>n Hull forty-eight long weary hours of anxious
+suspense and breathless excitement had passed.
+The night was dark, the sky overcast, and there
+was in the air that oppressive sultry stillness
+precursory of a storm.</p>
+
+<p>Church clocks had chimed ten, yet most of
+the shops were still open, and the well-lighted streets of the
+drab old Yorkshire town were filled by a pale-faced, terror-stricken
+crowd surging down the thoroughfares towards the
+Victoria Pier. A panic had suddenly been created an hour
+before by the issue of an extra-special edition of the Hull
+evening paper, the <i>Daily News</i>, containing a brief telegram
+in large type, as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+The Coastguard at Donna Nook report that a strong force of Russian war
+vessels, including the turret-ship <i>Sevastopol</i> and the barbette-ships <i>Sinope</i> and
+<i>Cizoi Veliky</i>, have just hove in sight and are making for the Humber. Lloyd's
+signal station on Spurn Point has also intimated that hostile ships coming
+from the south are lying-to just beyond the Lightship.
+</div>
+
+<p>The papers sold more quickly than they could be printed,
+a shilling each being given for copies by the excited
+townspeople, who now, for the first time, suddenly realised
+that the enemy was upon them. Men and boys with
+bundles of limp papers, damp from the press, rushed
+along Whitefriargate, away in every direction into the
+suburbs, shouting the appalling intelligence in hoarse,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+strident tones that awoke the echoes of the quieter thoroughfares.</p>
+
+<p>Now, even as purchasers of papers read the few lines of
+print under the dim uncertain light of street lamps, the dull
+booming of distant guns fell upon their ears, and the populace,
+wildly excited, made their way with one accord towards the
+Victoria Pier, to glean the latest news, and ascertain the true
+significance of the repeated firing.</p>
+
+<p>Was Hull in danger? Would the enemy advance up the
+river and bombard the town? These all-important questions
+were on every one's tongue, and as the thousands of all classes
+rushed hither and thither, wild rumours of the enemy's intentions
+spread and increased the horror.</p>
+
+<p>Within an hour of the publication of the first intimation
+of the presence of the invaders the excitement had become
+intense, and the narrow streets and narrower bridges had
+become congested by a terror-stricken multitude. Time after
+time the thunder of heavy guns shook the town, causing
+windows to clatter, and the people standing on the pier and
+along the riverside strained their eyes into the cavernous
+darkness towards the sea. But they could discern nothing.
+Across at New Holland, two miles away, lamps twinkled, but
+the many lights&mdash;red, white, and green&mdash;that stud the broad
+river for the guidance of the mariner had, since the Declaration
+of War, been extinguished. The familiar distant lights that
+had never failed to shine seaward at Salt End and Thorngumbald
+no longer shed their radiance, and from the revolving
+lights at Spurn no stream of brilliancy now flashed away upon
+the rolling waters of the North Sea. The buoys had been cut
+adrift, the Bull Lightship taken from her moorings, and the
+entrance to Grimsby harbour was unillumined. Not a star
+appeared in the sky, for all was dark, black, and threatening.
+Through the hot, heavy atmosphere the roar of cannon came
+from the direction of Spurn Point, and as the sounds of the
+shots fell upon the ears of the anxious watchers, they stood
+aghast, wondering what would be their destiny.</p>
+
+<p>The suspense was awful. Men, women, and children, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+scared faces, stood in groups in the market-place, in Queen
+Street, and in High Street, discussing the situation. This
+question, however, was already engaging the attention of the
+municipal and military authorities, for on hearing the alarming
+news the Mayor, with shrewd promptitude, walked quickly
+to the Town Hall, and held a hurried informal consultation
+with Mr. Charles Wilson, Mr. Arthur Wilson, Mr. Richardson,
+Major Wellsted, Alderman Woodhouse, and a number of aldermen
+and councillors. All knew the town was in peril. The
+enemy could have but one object in entering the Humber.
+Yet it was agreed that no steps could be taken at such brief
+notice to defend the place. The guardship <i>Edinburgh</i> had
+been withdrawn to form part of the squadron upon which they
+would be compelled to rely, with the batteries at Paull and the
+submarine mines.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident by the firing that an attack upon the British
+Squadron had commenced. The shadow of impending disaster
+had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>Working men, hurrying towards the pier, stopped their
+leader, Mr. Millington, and tried to learn what was being
+done, while many of the leading townsfolk were thronged
+around for information, and were centres of excited groups
+in Whitefriargate. The boatmen, sharply questioned on every
+hand, were as ignorant of the state of affairs as those seeking
+information, so nothing could be done except to wait.</p>
+
+<p>Women and children of the middle and upper classes,
+regardless of their destination, were being hurried away by
+anxious fathers. Every train leaving Hull was filled to overflowing
+by those fleeing from the advance of the Russians, and
+on the roads inland to Beverley, Selby, and Market Weighton
+crowds of every class hurried away to seek some place of
+safety.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, just before eleven o'clock, the thousands
+anxiously peering over the wide, dark waters saw away on
+the bank, three miles distant, two beams of white light,
+which slowly swept both reaches of the river.</p>
+
+<p>They were the search-lights of the battery at Paull.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+Scarcely had the bright streaks shone out and disappeared
+when they were followed by a terrific cannonade from the
+forts, and then, for the first time, those standing on the
+Victoria Pier could discern the enemy's ships. How many
+there were it was impossible at that moment to tell, but
+instantly their guns flashed and thundered at the forts in
+reply. Far away seaward could also be heard low booming.
+The enemy's vessels were creeping carefully up the Humber,
+being compelled to take constant soundings on account of the
+removal of the buoys, and evidently guided by foreign pilots
+who had for years been permitted to take vessels up and down
+the river.</p>
+
+<p>Moments dragged on like hours, each bringing the town of
+Hull nearer its fate. The people knew it, but were powerless.
+They stood awaiting the unknown.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian force, besides the three vessels already mentioned,
+included the armoured cruiser <i>Dimitri Donskoi</i>, the
+central-battery ship <i>Kniaz Pojarski</i>, the cruiser <i>Pamyat
+Merkuriya</i>, two of the new armoured cruisers, <i>Mezen</i> and
+<i>Syzran</i>, of the <i>Rurik</i> type, the corvette <i>Razboynik</i>, the
+torpedo gunboats <i>Griden</i> and <i>Gaidamak</i>, and the armoured
+gunboat <i>Gremyastchy</i>, with several torpedo boats.</p>
+
+<p>The manner in which they had man&oelig;uvred to pass Spurn
+Point and ascend the river was remarkable, and astounded the
+officers in the forts at Paull. They, however, were not aware
+that each captain of those vessels possessed a copy of the
+British secret code and other important information compiled
+from the documents filched from the body of the Admiralty
+messenger by the Count von Beilstein at the Mariners' Rest
+at Deal!</p>
+
+<p>The possession of this secret knowledge, which was, of
+course, unknown to our Admiralty, enabled the captains of the
+Russian vessels to evade sunken hulks and other obstructions,
+and take some of their ships slowly up the river, bearing well
+on the Lincolnshire coast, so as to keep, until the last moment,
+out of the range of the search-lights at Paull. Then, on the
+first attack from the batteries, they suddenly replied with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+such a hail of shell, that from the first moment it was clear
+that the strength of the fort with its obsolete guns was totally
+inadequate.</p>
+
+<p>The roar of the cannonade was incessant. Amid the deafening
+explosions the townspeople of Hull rushed up and down
+the streets screaming and terrified. Suddenly a great shell
+fell with a dull thud in Citadel Street, close to a crowd of
+excited women, and exploding a second later, blew a number
+of them to atoms, and wrecked the fronts of several houses.</p>
+
+<p>This served to increase the panic. The people were on the
+verge of madness with fright and despair. Thousands seized
+their money and jewellery and fled away upon the roads
+leading to the country. Others hid away their valuables, and
+preferred to remain; the crisis had come, and as Britons they
+determined to face it.</p>
+
+<p>While the Russian ships, lying broadside-on in positions
+carefully selected to avoid the electro-contact mines, poured
+their terrible fire upon the land battery at Paull, their torpedo
+boats darted hither and thither with extraordinary rapidity.
+Several were sunk by shots from the battery, but four piquet
+boats in the darkness at last managed to creep up, and after
+searching, seized the cable connecting the mines with the
+Submarine Mining Station at Paull.</p>
+
+<p>This was discovered just at the critical moment by means
+of one of the British search-lights, and upon the hostile boats
+a frightful cascade of projectiles was poured by the quick-firing
+guns of the battery.</p>
+
+<p>But it was, alas, too late! The cable had been cut. To
+the whole of the wires a small electric battery had in a moment
+been attached, and as the guns of the fort crashed out there
+were a series of dull explosions under the bed of the river
+across the channel from Foul Holme Sand to Killingholme
+Haven, and from Paull Coastguard Station to the Skitter.</p>
+
+<p>The dark water rose here and there. The whole of the
+mines had been simultaneously fired!</p>
+
+<p>Cheers rang out from the Russian vessels, sounding above
+the heavy cannonade. The destruction of this most important<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+portion of the defences of the Humber had been accomplished
+by the boats just at the very instant when they were shattered
+by British shells, and ere the waters grew calm again the
+last vestige of the boats had disappeared. The officers at Paull
+worked on with undaunted courage, striving by every means
+in their power to combat with the superior forces. In a
+measure, too, they were successful, for such havoc did the
+shells play with the gunboat <i>Gremyastchy</i> that she slowly
+foundered, and her crew were compelled to abandon her. A
+portion of the men were rescued by the <i>Syzran</i>, but two boatloads
+were precipitated into the water, and nearly all were
+drowned. Two of the big guns of the <i>Dimitri Donskoi</i> were
+disabled, and the loss of life on several of the ships was
+considerable. Nevertheless the firing was still incessant.
+Time after time the 9-ton guns of the <i>Kniaz Pojarski</i> and the
+four 13&frac12;-tonners of the <i>Mezen</i> threw their terrible missiles
+upon the defences at Paull with frightful effect, until at length,
+after a most desperate, stubborn resistance on the part of the
+British commander of the battery, and after half the defending
+force had been killed, the guns suddenly ceased.</p>
+
+<p>Both land and sea defences had been broken down! The
+Russians were now free to advance upon Hull!</p>
+
+<p>Not a moment was lost. Ten minutes after the guns of
+Paull had been silenced, the enemy's ships, moving very
+cautiously forward, opened a withering fire upon the town.</p>
+
+<p>The horrors of that bombardment were frightful. At the
+moment of the first shots, fired almost simultaneously from the
+two big guns of the <i>Syzran</i>, the panic became indescribable.
+Both shells burst with loud detonations and frightfully devastating
+effect. The first, striking one of the domes of the
+Dock Office, carried it bodily away, at the same time killing
+several persons; while the other, crashing upon the Exchange,
+unroofed it, and blew away the colossal statue of Britannia
+which surmounted the parapet on the corner. Surely this was
+an omen of impending disaster!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+<a href="images/i119-hi.png"><img src="images/i119-lo.png" width="600" height="365" alt="MAP OF HULL AND THE HUMBER." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">MAP OF HULL AND THE HUMBER.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Ere the horrified inhabitants could again draw breath, the
+air was rent by a terrific crash, as simultaneously flame rushed
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>from the guns of the <i>Kniaz Pojarski</i>, the <i>Pamyat Merkuriya</i>,
+and the <i>Mezen</i>, and great shells were hurled into the town in
+every direction. The place trembled and shook as if struck
+by an earthquake, and everywhere walls fell and buildings
+collapsed.</p>
+
+
+<p>Long bright beams of the search-lights swept the town
+and neighbouring country, lighting up the turbulent streets
+like day, and as the crowds rushed headlong from the river,
+shot and shell struck in their midst, killing hundreds of
+starving toilers and unoffending men, women, and children.</p>
+
+<p>Lying off Salt End, the <i>Cizoi Veliky</i>, which had now come
+up the river in company with two torpedo boats, poured from
+her barbette a heavy fire upon the Alexandra Dock and Earle's
+shipbuilding yard, while the other vessels, approaching nearer,
+wrought terrible destruction with every shot in various other
+parts of the town. In the course of a quarter of an hour
+many streets were impassable, owing to the fallen buildings,
+and in dozens of places the explosion of the m�linite shells had
+set on fire the ruined houses.</p>
+
+<p>Missiles hurled from such close quarters by such heavy
+guns wrought the most fearful havoc. Naturally, the Russian
+gunners, discovering the most prominent buildings with their
+search-lights, aimed at them and destroyed many of the public
+edifices.</p>
+
+<p>Among the first prominent structures to topple and fall
+was the Wilberforce Monument, and then, in rapid succession,
+shots carried away another dome of the Dock Office, and
+the great square towers of St. John's and Holy Trinity
+Churches. The gaudily gilded equestrian statue of King
+William III. was flung from its pedestal and smashed by a
+heavy shot, which entered a shop opposite, completely wrecking
+it; and two shells, striking the handsome offices of the
+Hull Banking Company at the corner of Silver Street, reduced
+the building to a heap of ruins. Deadly shells fell in quick
+succession in Paragon Street, and at the North-Eastern Railway
+Station, where the lines and platforms were torn up, and the
+Station Hotel, being set on fire, was soon burning fiercely, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>
+the flames spread unchecked here, as in every other quarter.
+Church spires fell crashing into neighbouring houses, whole
+rows of shops were demolished in Whitefriargate, High Street,
+and Saville Street, and roads were everywhere torn up by the
+enemy's exploding missiles.</p>
+
+<p>Not for a moment was there a pause in this awful work of
+destruction; not for a moment was the frightful massacre of
+the inhabitants suspended. The enemy's sole object was
+apparently to weaken the northern defences of London by
+drawing back the Volunteer battalions to the north. There
+was no reason to bombard after the fort had been silenced,
+yet they had decided to destroy the town and cause the most
+widespread desolation possible.</p>
+
+<p>Flame flashed from the muzzles of those great desolating
+guns so quickly as to appear like one brilliant, incessant light.
+Shells from the <i>Cizoi Veliky</i> fell into the warehouses around
+the Alexandra Dock, and these, with the fine new grain warehouses
+on each side of the river Hull, were blazing furiously
+with a terrible roar. High into the air great tongues of flame
+leaped, their volume increased by the crowd of ships in the
+dock also igniting in rapid succession, shedding a lurid glare
+over the terrible scene, and lighting up the red, angry sky.
+The long range of warehouses, filled with inflammable goods,
+at the edge of the Albert and William Wright Docks, were on
+fire, while the warehouses of the Railway Dock, together with
+a large number of Messrs. Thomas Wilson's fine steamers, were
+also in flames. Such a hold had the flames obtained that no
+power could arrest them, and as the glare increased it was seen
+by those flying for their lives that the whole of the port was
+now involved.</p>
+
+<p>The great petroleum stores of the Anglo-American Company,
+struck by a shell, exploded a few moments later with a
+most terrific and frightful detonation which shook the town.
+For a moment it seemed as if both town and river were
+enveloped in one great sheet of flame, then, as blazing oil ran
+down the gutters on every side, fierce fires showed, and whole
+streets were alight from end to end.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Hundreds of persons perished in the flames, hundreds were
+shot down by the fragments of flying missiles, and hundreds
+more were buried under falling ruins. Everywhere the roar
+of flames mingled with the shrieks of the dying. Shells
+striking the Royal Infirmary burst in the wards, killing many
+patients in their beds, and setting fire to the building, while
+others, crashing through the roof of the Theatre Royal, carried
+away one of the walls and caused the place to ignite. One
+shot from the 13-ton gun of the <i>Syzran</i> tore its way into
+the nave of Holy Trinity Church, and, exploding, blew out the
+three beautiful windows and wrecked the interior, while
+another from the same gun demolished one of the corner
+buildings of the new Market Hall. The handsome tower of
+the Town Hall, struck by a shell just under the dial, came
+down with a frightful crash, completely blocking Lowgate with
+its d�bris, and almost at the same instant a shot came through
+the dome of the Council Chamber, totally destroying the
+apartment.</p>
+
+<p>The Mariners' Hospital and Trinity House suffered terribly,
+many of the inmates of the former being blown to pieces.
+One shot completely demolished the Savings Bank at the
+corner of George Street, and a shell exploding under the portico
+of the Great Thornton Street Chapel blew out the whole of its
+dark fa�ade. Another, striking the extensive premises of a
+firm of lead merchants at the corner of Brook and Paragon
+Streets, swept away the range of buildings like grass before
+the scythe.</p>
+
+<p>In the Queen's, Humber, Victoria, and Prince's Docks the
+congested crowd of idle merchant ships were enveloped in
+flames that wrapped themselves about the rigging, and, crackling,
+leaped skyward. The Orphanage at Spring Bank, the
+Artillery Barracks, and Wilberforce House were all burning;
+in fact, in the course of the two hours during which the bombardment
+lasted hardly a building of note escaped.</p>
+
+<p>The houses of the wealthy residents far away up Spring
+Bank, Anlaby and Beverley Roads, and around Pearson's Park,
+had been shattered and demolished; the shops in Saville Street<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+had without exception been destroyed, and both the Cannon
+Street and Pier Stations had been completely wrecked and
+unroofed.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after two o'clock in the morning, when the Russian
+war vessels ceased their thunder, the whole town was as one
+huge furnace, the intense heat and suffocating smoke from
+which caused the Russian Admiral to move his vessels towards
+the sea as quickly as the necessary soundings allowed.</p>
+
+<p>The glare lit the sky for many miles around. The immense
+area of great burning buildings presented a magnificent, appalling
+spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>It was a terrible national disaster&mdash;a frightful holocaust,
+in which thousands of lives, with property worth millions, had
+been wantonly destroyed by a ruthless enemy which Britain's
+defective and obsolete defences were too weak to keep at bay&mdash;a
+devastating catastrophe, swift, complete, awful.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>TERROR ON THE TYNE.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc124.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="E" title="E" /></div><p>ngland was thrilled, dismayed, petrified. The
+wholesale massacre at Eastbourne and the
+terrible details of the bombardment of Hull had
+spread increased horror everywhere throughout
+the land.</p>
+
+<p>Terror reigned on the Tyneside. Hospitals,
+asylums, and public institutions, crowded with affrighted
+inmates, had no food to distribute. In Newcastle, in Shields,
+in Jarrow, and in Gateshead the poor were idle and hungry,
+while the wealthy were feverishly apprehensive. A Sabbath
+quiet had fallen on the great silent highway of the Tyne. In
+those blazing days and breathless nights there was an unbroken
+stillness that portended dire disaster.</p>
+
+<p>In the enormous crowded districts on each side of the
+river the gaunt spectre Starvation stalked through the cheerless
+homes of once industrious toilers, and the inmates pined
+and died. So terrible was the distress already, that domestic
+pets were being killed and eaten, dogs and cats being no uncommon
+dish, the very offal thrown aside being greedily
+devoured by those slowly succumbing to a horrible death.
+Awful scenes of suffering and blank despair were being
+witnessed on every side.</p>
+
+<p>Three days after the enemy had ascended the Humber and
+dealt such a decisive blow at Hull, the port of South Shields
+was suddenly alarmed by information telegraphed from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+Coastguard on Harton Down Hill, about a mile south of the
+town, to the effect that they had sighted a number of French
+and Russian ships.</p>
+
+<p>Panic at once ensued. The broad market-place was filled
+by a terror-stricken crowd of townspeople, while the seafaring
+population surged down King Street and Ocean Road, across
+the park to the long South Pier at the entrance to the Tyne,
+eager to reassure themselves that the enemy had no designs
+upon their town.</p>
+
+<p>In the dull red afterglow that lit up the broad bay of
+golden sand between Trow Point and the pier, a huge vessel
+suddenly loomed dark upon the sky line, and, as she approached,
+those watching anxiously through glasses made her out as the
+great steel turret-ship <i>Lazare Carnot</i>, flying the French Tricolor.
+Immediately following her came a number of cruisers, gunboats,
+and torpedo boats. They included the <i>Dimitri Donskoi</i>,
+the <i>Kniaz Pojarski</i>, the <i>Pamyat Merkuriya</i>, the <i>Mezen</i>, the
+<i>Syzran</i>, the <i>Griden</i>, and the <i>Gaidamak</i>, all of which had taken
+part in the attack on Hull, while they had now been joined by
+the French battleships <i>Mass�na</i> and <i>Neptune</i>, the small cruisers
+<i>Cosamo</i>, <i>Desaix</i>, <i>D'Estaing</i>, <i>Coetlogon</i>, and <i>Lalande</i>, the torpedo
+gunboats <i>Iberville</i>, <i>Lance</i>, <i>L�ger</i>, and <i>Fl�che</i>, and the gun-vessels
+<i>Etoile</i>, <i>Fulton</i>, <i>Gabes</i>, <i>Sagittaire</i>, and <i>Vip�re</i>, with a large
+number of torpedo boats and "catchers," in addition to those
+which were at Hull.</p>
+
+<p>As the vessels steamed onward at full speed, the people
+rushed from the pier back again into the town in wild disorder,
+while the Coastguard at Spanish Battery on the north
+shore of the estuary, having now discovered the presence of
+the menacing ships, at once telegraphed the intelligence up to
+Newcastle, where the most profound sensation was immediately
+caused. The news spread everywhere, and the people on the
+Tyneside knew that the hand of the oppressor was upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, without warning, smoke tumbled over the bows
+of the <i>Lazare Carnot</i>. There was a low boom, and one of the
+ponderous guns in her turret sent forth an enormous shell,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+which struck the battery at Trow Point, blowing away a
+portion of a wall.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later the battery replied with their 9-tonners,
+sending forth shot after shot, most of which, however, ricochetted
+away over the glassy sea. It was the signal for a fight which
+quickly became desperate.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments half a dozen of the ships lay broadside
+on, and the great guns of the <i>Mass�na</i> and <i>Neptune</i>, with those
+of four other vessels, opened a terrible fire upon the fort, casting
+their shells upon the British gunners with frightful effect.</p>
+
+<p>In the battery the Armstrong disappearing guns were
+worked to their utmost capacity, and the shots of the defenders
+played havoc with the smaller craft, three torpedo boats and
+a "catcher" being sunk in as many minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the <i>Active</i>, <i>Bonaventure</i>, <i>Cambrian</i>, <i>Canada</i>, and
+<i>Archer</i> of the Reserve Squadron, now on its way from the north
+of Scotland in consequence of orders from the Admiralty
+having reached it, rounded Sharpness Point, and steamed full
+upon the enemy's ships.</p>
+
+<p>The conflict was fierce, but quickly ended.</p>
+
+<p>Heavy fire was kept up from the fort at Tynemouth, from
+Spanish Battery, from Trow Battery, and from several new
+batteries with disappearing guns between the Groyne and the
+quarry at Trow, that had been constructed and manned since
+the mobilisation by Volunteers, consisting of the 1st Newcastle
+Volunteer Engineers, the 3rd Durham Volunteer
+Artillery, and the 4th Durham Light Infantry from Newcastle.
+Nevertheless the assistance received by the British ships from
+the land was of but little avail, for a Russian torpedo boat
+sent forth its messenger of death at the third-class cruiser
+<i>Canada</i>, blowing her up, while the engines of both the <i>Active</i>
+and <i>Bonaventure</i> were so seriously damaged as to be practically
+useless. Rapid signalling by the semaphore at Spanish
+Battery had placed the defenders on the alert, and although
+the British were suffering so heavily on account of their
+minority, still the enemy were everywhere feeling the effect
+of the hot and unexpected reception.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Before half an hour had passed two Russian gunboats had
+been torpedoed, and the French cruiser <i>D'Estaing</i>, having
+caught fire, was burning furiously, many of her crew perishing
+at their guns.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i127-hi.png"><img src="images/i127-lo.png" width="600" height="339" alt="MAP OF THE TYNE DISTRICT." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">MAP OF THE TYNE DISTRICT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The <i>Lazare Carnot</i> and the <i>Mass�na</i>, heedless of the fire
+from the shore, steamed at half speed across the estuary until
+they were opposite the Tynemouth Battery, when they suddenly
+opened fire, being quickly joined by six French and Russian
+cruisers. In the meantime the contact mines were being
+blown up by piquet boats, who, although suffering heavily
+from the fire from the shore, nevertheless continued their task.
+It was then seen how utterly inadequate were the defences of
+the Tyne, and what negligence had been displayed on the part
+of the War Office in not providing at Tynemouth adequate
+means of warding off or successfully coping with an attack.</p>
+
+<p>From behind the tall grey lighthouse a few guns were
+thundering, but in face of the overwhelming force at sea it
+was but a sorry attempt. One shot from the battery severely
+damaged the superstructure of the <i>Lazare Carnot</i>, another cut<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+through the funnel of the <i>Neptune</i>, carrying it away, and a
+third entering the magazine of one of the small cruisers caused
+it to explode with serious loss of life. Yet the devastating
+effect of the enemy's shells on the obsolete defences of Tynemouth
+was appalling.</p>
+
+<p>Enclosed in the fortifications were the crumbling ruins of
+the ancient Priory, with its restored chapel, a graveyard, and
+an old Castle that had been converted into artillery barracks.
+As flame and smoke rushed continuously from the barbettes,
+turrets, and broadsides of the hostile ships, the shots brought
+down the bare, dark old walls of the Priory, and, crashing into
+the Castle, played havoc with the building. The lantern of
+the lighthouse, too, was carried away, probably by a shot flying
+accidentally wide, and every moment death and desolation was
+being spread throughout the fort. Such a magnificent natural
+position, commanding as it did the whole estuary of the Tyne,
+should have been rendered impregnable, yet, as it remained in
+1894, so it stood on this fatal day, a typical example of War
+Office apathy and shortsightedness.</p>
+
+<p>Its guns were a mere make-believe, that gave the place an
+appearance of strength that it did not possess. In the North
+Battery, on the left side, commanding a broad sweep of sea
+beyond Sharpness, only one gun, a 64-pounder, was mounted,
+the remaining five rotting platforms being unoccupied! At the
+extreme point, to command the mouth of the river, a single
+5-tonner was placed well forward with great ostentation, its
+weight, calibre, and other details having been painted up in
+conspicuous white letters, for the delectation of an admiring
+public admitted to view the Priory. The South Battery, a trifle
+stronger, was, nevertheless, a sheer burlesque, its weakness
+being a disgrace to the British nation. In fact, in the whole
+of the battery the upper defences had long been known to
+experts to be obsolete, and the lower ones totally inadequate
+for the resistance they should have been able to offer.</p>
+
+<p>Was it any wonder, then, that the shells of the enemy
+should cause such frightful destruction? Among the British
+artillerymen there was no lack of courage, for they exerted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+every muscle in their gallant efforts to repulse the foe. Yet,
+handicapped as they were by lack of efficient arms and properly
+constructed fortifications, their heroic struggles were
+futile, and they sacrificed their lives to no purpose. The
+deadly hail from the floating monsters swept away the whole
+of the ancient Priory walls, demolishing the old red brick
+barracks, blowing up the Castle gateway, wrecking the guardroom,
+and igniting the Priory Chapel. The loss of life was
+terrible, the whole of the men manning the 5-ton gun pointing
+seaward having been killed by a single shell that burst
+among them, while everywhere else men of the Royal Artillery,
+and those of the Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery, who were
+assisting, were killed or maimed by the incessant rain of
+projectiles.</p>
+
+<p>Night clouds gathered black and threatening, and it appeared
+as if the enemy were carrying all before them. The
+French battleship <i>Neptune</i>, seeing the guns of all three batteries
+had been considerably weakened, was steaming slowly into the
+mouth of the Tyne, followed by the Russian cruiser <i>Syzran</i>,
+when suddenly two terrific explosions occurred, shaking both
+North and South Shields to their very foundations. High into
+the air the water rose, and it was then seen that two submarine
+mines had been exploded simultaneously by electric
+current from the Tynemouth Battery, and that both vessels
+had been completely blown up. Such was the force of the
+explosion, that the hull of the <i>Neptune</i>, a great armour-clad of
+over ten thousand tons, had been ripped up like paper, and of her
+crew scarcely a man escaped, while the cruiser had been completely
+broken in half, and many of her crew blown to atoms.
+Scarcely had this success of the defenders been realised when
+it was followed by another, for a second later a British torpedo
+boat succeeded in blowing up with all hands the French
+torpedo gunboat <i>Lance</i>.</p>
+
+<p>These reverses, however, caused but little dismay among
+the invaders, for ere long the British cruisers had been driven
+off, the guns at Trow had been silenced, while those at Spanish
+Battery and Tynemouth could only keep up a desultory fire.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+Then, in the falling gloom, ship after ship, guided by foreign
+pilots, and carefully evading a number of hulks that had been
+placed near the estuary, entered the Tyne, pouring forth their
+heavy monotonous fire into North Shields and South Shields.
+Skilfully as the despairing defenders managed their submarine
+mines, they only succeeded in destroying three more of the
+enemy's ships, the French torpedo gunboats <i>Iberville</i> and
+<i>Cassini</i> and the cruiser <i>Desaix</i>, the crews perishing.</p>
+
+<p>Not for a moment was there a cessation of the cannonade
+as the smaller ships of the enemy advanced up the river, and
+the damage wrought by their shells was enormous. Tynemouth
+had already suffered heavily, many of the streets being in
+flames. The tower of St. Saviour's Church had fallen, the
+conspicuous spire of the Congregational Chapel had been shot
+away, the Piers Office had been reduced to ruins, and the long
+building of the Royal Hotel completely wrecked. The houses
+facing Percy Park had in many cases been shattered, a shell
+exploding under the archway of the Bath Hotel had demolished
+it, and the handsome clock tower at the end of the road had
+been hurled down and scattered.</p>
+
+<p>Slackening opposite the Scarp, the gunboats and cruisers
+belched forth shot and shell upon North Shields, aiming first
+at the more conspicuous objects, such as the Sailors' Home, the
+Custom House, the tall tower of Christ Church, and the Harbour
+Master's office, either totally destroying them or injuring them
+irreparably, while the houses on Union Quay and those in
+Dockway Square and in adjoining streets, from the gasometers
+down to the Town Hall, were also swept by shells. Resistance
+was made from Fort Clifford on the one side of the town, from
+a position occupied by a battery of the Durham Volunteer
+Artillery, who had mounted guns on the hill behind Smith's
+Yard, and also by the submarine mines of the Tyne Division
+Volunteer Miners; but it was most ineffectual, and, when
+night fell, hundreds of terror-stricken persons had been killed,
+and the town was on fire in dozens of places, the flames
+illuminating the sky with their lurid brilliancy.</p>
+
+<p>In South Shields tragic scenes were being enacted. Shells<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+flying about the town from the river on the one side and the
+sea on the other exploded in the streets, blowing unfortunate
+men, women, and children into atoms, wrecking public buildings,
+and setting fire to the cherished homes of the toilers. The
+congested blocks of buildings around Panash Point were one
+huge furnace; the Custom House, the River Police Station,
+and the Plate Glass Works were wrecked, while a shell exploding
+in one of the petroleum tanks on the Commissioners'
+Wharf caused it to burst with fearful effect. The queer old
+turret of St. Hilda's fell with a crash, the Church of St. Stephen
+was practically demolished, and the school in the vicinity
+unroofed. The dome of the Marine School was carried bodily
+away; nothing remained standing of the Wouldhave Memorial
+Clock but a few feet of the square lower structure, and the
+Ingham Infirmary being set on fire, several of the patients
+lost their lives. Amid this frightful panic, Lieut.-Col.
+Gowans and Major Carr of the 3rd Durham Artillery, the
+Mayor, Mr. Readhead, Alderman Rennoldson, Councillors Lisle,
+Marshall, and Stainton, the Town Clerk, Mr. Hayton, and the
+Rev. H. E. Savage, were all conspicuous for the coolness they
+displayed. Courage, however, was unavailing, for South Shields
+was at the mercy of the invaders, and all defence was feeble
+and futile. Hundreds of the townspeople were killed by flying
+fragments of shells, hundreds more were buried in the d�bris
+of tottering buildings, while those who survived fled horror-stricken
+with their valuables away into the country, beyond the
+range of the enemy's fire.</p>
+
+<p>The horrors of Hull were being repeated. The streets ran
+with the life-blood of unoffending British citizens.</p>
+
+<p>As evening wore on, the invaders came slowly up the Tyne,
+heedless of the strenuous opposition with which they were met
+by Volunteer Artillery, who, having established batteries on
+various positions between Shields and Newcastle, poured a hot
+fire upon them. Advancing, their terrible guns spread death
+and destruction on either bank.</p>
+
+<p>The crowds of idle shipping in the great Tyne Dock at
+South Shields, and those in the Albert Edward and Northumberland<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+Docks on the north bank, together with the staiths,
+warehouses, and offices, were blazing furiously, while the Tyne
+Commissioners' great workshops, Edwards' Shipbuilding Yard,
+and many other factories and shipbuilding yards, were either
+set on fire or seriously damaged.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the affrighted inhabitants of North Shields sought
+refuge in the railway tunnel, and so escaped, but hundreds lost
+their lives in the neighbourhood of Wallsend and Percy Main.</p>
+
+<p>Shells fell in Swinburne's brass foundry at Carville,
+destroying the buildings, together with the Carville Hotel
+and the railway viaduct between that place and Howdon.</p>
+
+<p>The Wallsend Railway Station and the Theatre of Varieties
+were blown to atoms, and the houses both at High and Low
+Walker suffered severely, while opposite at Jarrow enormous
+damage was everywhere caused. At the latter place the 1st
+Durham Volunteer Engineers rendered excellent defensive
+service under Lieut.-Col. Price and Major Forneaux, and the
+Mayor was most energetic in his efforts to insure the safety of
+the people. A submarine mine had been laid opposite
+Hebburn, and, being successfully exploded, blew to atoms the
+French gunboat <i>Gabes</i>, and at the same time seriously injured
+the propeller of the cruiser <i>Cosamo</i>. This vessel subsequently
+broke down, and a second mine fired from the shore destroyed
+her also. Nevertheless the invaders steadily advanced up the
+broad river, blowing up obstacles, dealing decisive blows, and
+destroying human life and valuable property with every shot
+from their merciless weapons.</p>
+
+<p>The panic that night in Newcastle was terrible. The
+streets were in a turmoil of excitement, for the reports from
+Tynemouth had produced the most intense alarm and dismay.
+On receipt of the first intelligence the Free Library Committee
+of the City Council happened to be sitting, and the chairman,
+Alderman H. W. Newton, the popular representative of All
+Saints' North, formally announced it to his colleagues, among
+whom was the Mayor. The committee broke up in confusion,
+and an excited consultation followed, in which Councillors
+Durnford, Fitzgerald, and Flowers, with Alderman Sutton, took<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+part. Capt. Nicholls, the Chief Constable, Major A. M. Potter
+of the 1st Northumberland Artillery, Lieut.-Col. Angus of
+the 1st Newcastle Volunteer Artillery, Lieut.-Col. Palmer and
+Major Emley of the Volunteer Engineers, Mr. Hill Motum,
+and Mr. Joseph Cowen also entered the room and engaged in
+the discussion.</p>
+
+<p>At such a hasty informal meeting, nothing, however, could
+be done. The Mayor and Councillors were assured by the
+Volunteer officers that everything possible under the circumstances
+had been arranged for the defence of the Tyne.
+Property worth millions was at stake, and now that the news
+had spread from mouth to mouth the streets around the Town
+Hall were filled with crowds of excited, breathless citizens,
+anxious to know what steps were being taken to insure their
+protection.</p>
+
+<p>So loudly did they demand information, that the Mayor
+was compelled to appear for a moment and address a few
+words to them, assuring them that arrangements had been
+made which he hoped would be found adequate to repel the foe.
+This appeased them in a measure, and the crowd dispersed;
+but in the other thoroughfares the excitement was intensified,
+and famished thousands rushed aimlessly about, many going
+out upon the High Level and Low Level Bridges and straining
+their eyes down the river in endeavour to catch a glimpse of
+the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Heavy and continuous firing could be heard as the dark
+evening dragged on, and presently, just before nine o'clock, the
+anxious ones upon the bridges saw the flash of guns as the
+invading vessels rounded the sharp bend of the river at the
+ferry beyond Rotterdam Wharf.</p>
+
+<p>The sight caused the people to rush panic-stricken up into
+the higher parts of Newcastle or across the bridges into Gateshead,
+and from both towns a rapid exodus was taking place,
+thousands fleeing into the country. From gun-vessels, torpedo
+gunboats, and cruisers, shot and shell poured in continuous
+streams into the wharves, shipping, and congested masses of
+houses on either bank.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The houses along City Road, St. Lawrence Road, Quality
+Row, and Byker Bank, on the outskirts of Newcastle, suffered
+severely, while shots damaged the great Ouseburn Viaduct,
+wrecked St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Chapel, and blew away
+the roof of the new Board School, a prominent feature of the
+landscape.</p>
+
+<p>Several shells fell and exploded in Jesmond Vale. One
+burst and set fire to the Sandyford Brewery, and one or two falling
+in Portland Road caused widespread destruction and terrible
+loss of life. The London and Hamburg Wharves, with the
+shipping lying near, were soon blazing furiously, and all along
+Quay Side, right up to the Guildhall, shops and offices were
+every moment being destroyed and swept away. New Greenwich
+and South Shore on the Gateshead side were vigorously
+attacked, and many shots fired over the Salt Marshes fell in
+the narrow thoroughfares that lie between Sunderland Road
+and Brunswick Street.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the enemy's ships the Volunteer batteries on the
+commanding positions on either side of the high banks poured
+a galling fire, one battery at the foot of the Swing Bridge on
+the Gateshead side effecting terrible execution. Their guns
+had been well laid, and the salvoes of shell played about the
+French gun-vessels and torpedo boats, causing frightful destruction
+among the crews. Both Newcastle and Gateshead,
+lying so much higher than the river, were in a certain measure
+protected, and the high banks afforded a wide command over
+the waterway. At various points, including the entrances to
+the High Level Bridge, at the Side, the Close, New Chatham,
+and the Rabbit Banks, the Volunteers had opened fire, and
+were keeping up a terrible cannonade. The dark river reflected
+the red light which flashed forth every moment from gun
+muzzles, while search-lights from both ships and shore were
+constantly streaming forth, and the thunder of war shook the
+tall factory chimneys to their very foundations.</p>
+
+<p>Heedless of the strenuous opposition, the invading ships
+kept up a vigorous fire, which, aimed high, fell in the centre of
+Newcastle with most appalling effect. In the midst of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>
+crowds in Newgate and Pilgrim Streets shells exploded, blowing
+dozens of British citizens to atoms and tearing out the
+fronts of shops. One projectile, aimed at the strangely shaped
+tower of St. Nicholas' Cathedral, struck it, and swept away
+the thin upper portion, and another, crashing into the sloping
+roof of the grim, time-mellowed relic Black Gate, shattered it,
+and tore away part of the walls.</p>
+
+<p>The old castle and the railway bridge were also blown up
+in the earlier stages of the bombardment, and the square tower
+of St. John's fell with a sudden crash right across the street,
+completely blocking it. From end to end Grainger Street was
+swept by French m�linite shells, which, bursting in rapid
+succession, filled the air with tiny flying fragments, each as
+fatal as a bullet fired from a rifle. The French shell is much
+more formidable than ours, for, while the latter breaks into
+large pieces, the former is broken up into tiny and exceedingly
+destructive fragments.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of this terrible panic a shot cut its way
+through the Earl Grey Monument, causing it to fall, many
+persons being crushed to death beneath the stones, while both
+the Central Exchange and the Theatre Royal were now alight,
+shedding a brilliant glare skyward.</p>
+
+<p>At this time, too, the whole of Quay Side was a mass of
+roaring, crackling flames, the thin spire of St. Mary's Roman
+Catholic Cathedral had been shot away, Bainbridge's great
+emporium was blazing furiously, and the Art Club premises
+had taken fire. One shot had fallen at the back of the Town
+Hall, and torn an enormous hole in the wall, while another,
+entering the first floor of the County Hotel, had burst with
+awful force, and carried away the greater part of its gloomy
+fa�ade.</p>
+
+<p>In the Central Station opposite, dozens of shells had
+exploded, and it was now on fire, hopelessly involved together
+with the adjoining Station Hotel. The grey front of the
+imposing <i>Chronicle</i> building had been wrecked by a shell that
+had descended upon the roof, and a row of dark old-fashioned
+houses in Eldon Square had been demolished.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The same fate had been shared by the Co-operative Wholesale
+Society's warehouse, the Fish Market, the <i>Journal</i> office,
+and both the Crown and M�tropole Hotels at the bottom of
+Clayton Street.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the firing continued; the terrified citizens were granted
+no quarter. The Royal Arcade was blown to atoms, the new
+red brick buildings of the Prudential Assurance Company
+were set on fire, and were blazing with increasing fury. The
+building of the North British and Mercantile Assurance Company,
+the Savings Bank at the corner of Newgate Street, and
+the Empire Theatre were wrecked. Along New Bridge
+Street dozens of houses were blown to pieces, several fine
+residences in Ellison Place were utterly demolished and
+blocked the roadway with their d�bris, and the whole city,
+from the river up to Brandling Village, was swept time after
+time by salvoes of devastating shots. Rows of houses fell,
+and in hundreds the terrified people were massacred. Away
+over the Nun's Moor shells were hurled and burst, and
+others were precipitated into the great Armstrong works at
+Elswick.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, in the midst of the incessant thunder, a series of
+terrific explosions occurred, and the great High Level Bridge
+collapsed, and fell with an awful crash into the Tyne. The
+enemy had placed dynamite under the huge brick supports,
+and blown them up simultaneously. A few moments later the
+Swing Bridge was treated in similar manner; but the enemy,
+under the galling fire from the Volunteer batteries, were now
+losing frightfully. Many of the new guns at the Elswick
+works were brought into action, and several ironclads in the
+course of construction afforded cover to those desperately
+defending their homes.</p>
+
+<p>But this blow of the invaders had been struck at a most
+inopportune moment, and was evidently the result of an order
+that had been imperfectly understood. It caused them to suffer
+a greater disaster than they had anticipated. Six torpedo boats
+and two gun-vessels had passed under the bridge, and, lying off
+the Haughs, were firing into the Elswick works at the moment
+when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> the bridges were demolished, and the d�bris, falling across
+the stream, cut off all means of escape.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i137-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i137-lo.jpg" width="600" height="373" alt="NEWCASTLE BOMBARDED: BLOWING UP OF THE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">NEWCASTLE BOMBARDED: BLOWING UP OF THE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The defenders, noticing this, worked on, pounding away at
+the hostile craft with merciless monotony, until one after
+another the French and Russians were blown to atoms, and
+their vessels sank beneath them into the dark, swirling
+waters.</p>
+
+<p>While this was proceeding, two mines, one opposite Hill
+Gate, at Gateshead, and the other near the Rotterdam Wharf,
+on the Newcastle side, were fired by the Volunteer Engineers,
+who thus succeeded in blowing up two more French gunboats,
+while the battery at the foot of the Swing Bridge sank two
+more torpedo boats, and that in front of the Chemical Works at
+Gateshead sent a shell into the "vitals" of one of the most
+powerful torpedo gunboats, with the result that she blew up.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere the enemy were being cut to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing the trap into which their vessels had fallen above
+the ruined bridges, and feeling that they had caused sufficient
+damage, they turned, and with their guns still belching forth
+flame, steamed at half speed back again towards the sea.</p>
+
+<p>But they were not allowed to escape so easily, for the mines
+recently laid by the Volunteers were now brought into vigorous
+play, and in the long reach of the river between High Walker
+and Wallsend no fewer than six more of the enemy's gun and
+torpedo boats had their bottoms blown out, and their crews torn
+limb from limb.</p>
+
+<p>Flashed throughout the land, the news of the enemy's
+repulse, though gained at such enormous loss, excited a feeling
+of profound satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>The injury inflicted on the invaders had been terrible, and
+from that attack upon the Tyne they had been hurled reeling
+back the poorer by the loss of a whole fleet of torpedo and gun
+boats, one of the most effective arms of their squadrons, while
+the sea had closed over one of France's proudest battleships,
+the <i>Neptune</i>, and no fewer than four of her cruisers.</p>
+
+<p>The surviving vessels, which retreated round the Black
+Middens and gained the open sea, all more or less had their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+engines crippled, and not half the men that had manned
+them escaped alive.</p>
+
+<p>They had wrought incalculable damage, it is true, for part of
+Newcastle was burning, and the loss of life had been terrible;
+yet they were driven back by the Volunteers' desperately
+vigorous fire, and the lives of many thousands in Newcastle
+and Gateshead had thus been saved at the eleventh hour by
+British patriots.</p>
+
+<p>Alas, it was a black day in England's history!</p>
+
+<p>Was this to be a turning-point in the wave of disaster
+which had swept so suddenly upon our land?</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>HELP FROM OUR COLONIES.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc141.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="D" title="D" /></div><p>ays passed&mdash;dark, dismal, dispiriting. Grim-visaged
+War had crushed all joy and gaiety from
+British hearts, and fierce patriotism and determination
+to fight on until the bitter end mingled
+everywhere with hunger, sadness, and despair.
+British homes had been desecrated, British lives
+had been sacrificed, and through the land the invaders rushed
+ravaging with fire and sword.</p>
+
+<p>Whole towns had been overwhelmed and shattered, great
+tracts of rich land in Sussex and Hampshire had been laid
+waste, and the people, powerless against the enormous forces
+sweeping down upon them, had been mercilessly mowed down
+and butchered by Cossacks, whose brutality was fiendish.
+Everywhere there were reports of horrible atrocities, of
+heartless murders, and wholesale slaughter of the helpless and
+unoffending.</p>
+
+<p>The situation, both in Great Britain and on the Continent,
+was most critical. The sudden declaration of hostilities by
+France and Russia had resulted in a great war in which nearly
+all European nations were involved. Germany had sent her
+enormous land forces over her frontiers east and west, successfully
+driving back the French along the Vosges, and occupying
+Dijon, Chalons-sur-Sa�ne, and Lyons. Valmy, Nancy, and
+Metz had again been the scenes of sanguinary encounters, and
+Chaumont and Troyes had both fallen into the hands of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+Kaiser's legions. In Poland, however, neither Germans nor
+Austrians had met with such success. A fierce battle had
+been fought at Thorn between the Tsar's forces and the
+Germans, and the former, after a desperate stand, were defeated,
+and the Uhlans, dragoons, and infantry of the Fatherland had
+swept onward up the valley of the Vistula to Warsaw. Here
+the resistance offered by General Bodisco was very formidable,
+but the city was besieged, while fierce fighting was taking place
+all across the level country that lay between the Polish capital
+and the Prussian frontier. Austrians and Hungarians fought
+fiercely, the Tyrolese J�gers displaying conspicuous bravery at
+Brody, Cracow, Jaroslav, and along the banks of the San, and
+they had succeeded up to the present in preventing the Cossacks
+and Russian infantry from reaching the Carpathians, although
+an Austrian army corps advancing into Russia along the Styr
+had been severely cut up and forced to retreat back to
+Lemberg.</p>
+
+<p>Italy had burst her bonds. Her Bersaglieri, cuirassiers,
+Piedmontese cavalry, and carabiniers had marched along the
+Corniche road into Provence, and, having occupied Nice, Cannes,
+and Draguigan, were on their way to attack Marseilles, while
+the Alpine infantry, taking the road over Mont Cenis, had,
+after very severe fighting in the beautiful valley between Susa
+and Bardonnechia, at last occupied Modane and Chamb�ry,
+and now intended joining hands with the Germans at
+Lyons.</p>
+
+<p>France was now receiving greater punishment than she
+had anticipated, and even those members of the Cabinet and
+Deputies who were responsible for the sudden invasion of
+England were compelled to admit that they had made a false
+move. The frontiers were being ravaged, and although the
+territorial regiments remaining were considered sufficient to
+repel attack, yet the Army of the Sa�ne had already been cut
+to pieces. In these circumstances, France, knowing the great
+peril she ran in prolonging the invasion of Britain, was
+desperately anxious to make the British sue for peace, so that
+she could turn her attention to events at home, and therefore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+although in a measure contravening International Law, she
+had instructed her Admirals to bombard British seaports and
+partially-defended towns.</p>
+
+<p>Although the guns of the hostile fleet had wrought such
+appalling havoc on the Humber, on the Tyne, and along the
+coast of Kent and Sussex, nevertheless the enemy had only
+secured a qualified success. The cause of all the disasters that
+had befallen us, of the many catastrophes on land and sea, was
+due to the wretchedly inadequate state of our Navy, although
+the seven new battleships and six cruisers commenced in 1894
+were now complete and afloat.</p>
+
+<p>Had we possessed an efficient Navy the enemy could never
+have approached our shores. We had not a sufficient number
+of ships to replace casualties. Years behind in nearly every
+essential point, Britain had failed to give her cruisers either
+speed or guns equal in strength to those of other nations.
+Our guns were the worst in the world, no fewer than 47
+vessels still mounting 350 old muzzleloaders, weapons discarded
+by every other European Navy.</p>
+
+<p>For years it had been a race between the hare and the
+tortoise. We had remained in dreamy unconsciousness of
+danger, while other nations had quickly taken advantage of
+all the newly-discovered modes of destruction that make modern
+warfare so terrible.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the odds against us in nearly every
+particular, the British losses had been nothing as compared
+with those of the enemy. This spoke much for British pluck
+and pertinacity. With a force against them of treble their
+strength, British bluejackets had succeeded in sinking a number
+of the finest and most powerful ships of France and Russia.
+France had lost the <i>Amiral Duperr�</i>, a magnificent steel vessel
+of eleven thousand tons; the <i>Neptune</i> and <i>Redoutable</i>, a trifle
+smaller; the <i>Tonnerre</i>, the <i>Terrible</i>, the <i>Furieux</i>, the <i>Indomptable</i>,
+the <i>Ca�man</i>, all armoured ships, had been lost; while the
+cruisers <i>D'Estaing</i>, <i>Sfax</i>, <i>Desaix</i>, <i>Cosamo</i>, <i>Faucon</i>, the despatch-vessel
+<i>Hirondelle</i>, the gunboats <i>Iberville</i>, <i>Gabes</i>, and <i>Lance</i>, and
+eleven others, together with sixteen torpedo boats and numbers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+of transports, had been either blown up, burned, or otherwise
+destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>The losses the Russians had sustained, in addition to the
+many transports and general service steamers, included the
+great steel cruiser <i>Nicolai I.</i>, the vessels <i>Gerzog Edinburgskij</i>,
+<i>Syzran</i>, <i>Rynda</i>, <i>Asia</i>, <i>Gangut</i>, <i>Kranaya Gorka</i>, <i>Olaf</i>, and the
+torpedo boat <i>Abo</i>, with eight others.</p>
+
+<p>The destruction of this enormous force had, of course, not
+been effected without an infliction of loss upon the defenders,
+yet the British casualties bore no comparison to those of the
+enemy. True, the armoured turret-ship <i>Conqueror</i> had, alas!
+been sacrificed; the fine barbette-ships <i>Centurion</i> and <i>Rodney</i>
+had gone to the bottom; the splendid first-class cruiser <i>Aurora</i>
+and the cruiser <i>Narcissus</i> had been blown up; while the cruisers
+<i>Terpsichore</i>, <i>Melampus</i>, <i>Tribune</i>, <i>Galatea</i>, and <i>Canada</i>, with a
+number of torpedo boats and "catchers," had also been destroyed,
+yet not before every crew had performed heroic deeds worthy
+of record in the world's history, and every vessel had shown
+the French and Russians what genuine British courage could
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>Still the invaders were striking swift, terrible blows. On
+the Humber and the Tyne the loss of life had been appalling.
+The bombardment of Brighton, the sack of Eastbourne, and the
+occupation of the Downs by the land forces, had been effected
+only by wholesale rapine and awful bloodshed, and Britain
+waited breathlessly, wondering in what direction the next
+catastrophe would occur.</p>
+
+<p>Such newspapers as in these dark days continued to appear
+reported how great mass meetings were being held all over the
+United States, denouncing the action of the Franco-Russian
+forces.</p>
+
+<p>In New York, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston,
+San Francisco, and other cities, resolutions were passed at
+enormous demonstrations by the enthusiastic public, demanding
+that the United States Government should give an immediate
+ultimatum to France that unless she withdrew her troops from
+British soil, war would be declared against her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Special sittings of Congress were being held daily at
+Washington for the purpose of discussing the advisability of
+such a step; influential deputations waited upon the President,
+and all the prominent statesmen were interviewed by the
+various enterprising New York journals, the result showing a
+great preponderance of feeling that such a measure should be at
+once taken.</p>
+
+<p>In British colonies throughout the world the greatest indignation
+and most intense excitement prevailed. Already bodies
+of Volunteers were on their way from Australia and Cape Town,
+many of the latter, under Major Scott, having already been in
+England and shot as competitors at Bisley. From India a
+number of native regiments had embarked for Southampton,
+but the Northern frontier stations had been strengthened in
+anticipation of a movement south by Russia, and the French
+Indian possessions, Pondich�ry and Karikal, were occupied by
+British troops.</p>
+
+<p>An expedition from Burmah had crossed the Shan States
+into Tonquin, and with the assistance of the British Squadron
+on the China Station had, after hard fighting, occupied a portion
+of the country, while part of the force had gone farther south
+and commenced operations in French Cochin-China by a
+vigorous attack on Saigon.</p>
+
+<p>Armed British forces had also landed in Guadaloupe and
+Martinique, two of the most fertile of the West Indian Islands,
+and St. Bartholomew had also been occupied by West Indian
+regiments.</p>
+
+<p>On the outbreak of hostilities intense patriotism spread
+through Canada, and from the shores of Lake Superior away to
+far Vancouver a movement was at once made to assist the Mother
+Country. In Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Kingston
+mass meetings were held, urging the Dominion Government to
+allow a force of Volunteers to go to England without delay;
+and this universal demand was the more gratifying when it was
+remembered that more than a quarter of the population were
+themselves French. Nevertheless the knowledge that Britain
+was in danger was sufficient to arouse patriotism everywhere,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>
+and within a few days 20,000 Volunteers were enrolled, and these,
+before a fortnight had passed, were on their way to Liverpool.
+Great was the enthusiasm when, a few days later, to the strains
+of "Rule, Britannia," the first detachment landed in the Mersey,
+and as they marched through the crowded streets, the people,
+delighted at this practical demonstration of sympathy, wrung
+the hands of the patriots of the West. Vessel after vessel,
+escorted by British cruisers, arrived at the landing-stage, and
+discharged their regiments of men to whom the knowledge of
+Britain's danger had been sufficient incentive to induce them
+to act their part as Britons. Then, when the last vessel had
+arrived, they were formed into a brigade, and set out to march
+south in the direction of Birmingham.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile a great loan was being floated in Australia and
+the United States. The former colony had but recently passed
+through a serious financial crisis, but in America a sum of no less
+than �200,000,000 was taken up, although the issue only continued
+a few days. In Wall Street the excitement was intense,
+and the struggle to invest was desperate. No such scenes had
+ever been witnessed within the memory of the oldest member of
+the Stock Exchange, for financiers were determined to assist the
+greatest Power on earth; indeed, apart from the sound security
+offered, they felt it their duty to do so. Melbourne, Sydney,
+Brisbane, and Calcutta all contributed in more or less degree,
+and the loan immediately proved the most successful ever
+floated.</p>
+
+<p>To Britain on every side a helping hand was outstretched,
+and, irrespective of politics and party bickerings, assistance
+was rendered in order that she might crush her enemies.
+Britannia gathered her strength, and armed herself for the
+fierce combat which she knew must decide the destiny of her
+glorious Empire.</p>
+
+<p>London, starving, terror-stricken, and haunted continually
+by apprehensions of an unknown doom, was in a state of restlessness
+both night and day. Food supplies had failed, the
+cheapest bread was sold at 3s. 8d. a small loaf, and neither
+fish nor meat could be purchased.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the City the panic was frightful. Business was paralysed,
+hundreds were being ruined daily, and after the first sensation
+and headlong rush on the Stock Exchange, transactions remained
+at a standstill. Then suddenly, when the seriousness
+of the situation was fully understood, there was a run on the
+banks.</p>
+
+<p>Crowds, eager and clamouring, surrounded the Bank of
+England, and establishments in Lombard Street and elsewhere,
+with cheques in their hands, demanding their deposits in gold.
+Although weak and half-starved, they desired their money in
+order to flee and take with them all they possessed before the
+enemy swept down upon London.</p>
+
+<p>Day and night in all the City banks the cashiers were kept
+paying out thousands upon thousands in hard shining gold.
+The clink of coin, the jingle of scales, and the eager shouts of
+those feverishly anxious for their turn, and fearing the
+resources would not hold out, formed a loud incessant din.</p>
+
+<p>As the days passed, and the run on the banks continued,
+one after another of the establishments, both in the City and
+the West End, unable to withstand the heavy withdrawals,
+were compelled to close their doors. Many were banks of
+such high reputation that the very fact of being a depositor
+was a hall-mark of a man's prosperity, while others were
+minor establishments, whose business was mainly with small
+accounts and middle-class customers. One by one they failed
+to fulfil their obligations, and closed; and the unfortunate ones,
+including many women who had not been able to struggle
+successfully to get inside, turned away absolutely ruined!</p>
+
+<p>In the West End the starving poor had formed processions,
+and marched through Mayfair and Belgravia demanding
+bread, while Anarchists held council in front of the blackened
+ruins of the National Gallery, and the Unemployed continued
+their declamatory oratory on Tower Hill. The starving
+thousands from the East End ran riot in the aristocratic
+thoroughfares of Kensington, and, heedless of the police,&mdash;who
+were, in fact, powerless before such superior numbers,&mdash;residences
+of the rich were entered and searched for food,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+and various acts of violence ensued. The cellars of clubs,
+hotels, and private houses were broken open and sacked,
+granaries were emptied, wholesale grocery warehouses were
+looted, and flour mills searched from roof to basement. If
+they could not obtain food, they said, they would drink. A
+desperate starving crowd then forced an entry to the wine
+vaults at the Docks, and swallowed priceless vintages from
+pewter pots. Hogsheads of port and sherry were carried up into
+the streets, and amid scenes of wild disorder were tapped and
+drunk by the excited and already half-intoxicated multitude.</p>
+
+<p>For days London remained at the mercy of a drunken,
+frenzied rabble. Murder and incendiarism were committed in
+every quarter, and many serious and desperate conflicts occurred
+between the rioters and the law-abiding patriotic citizens.</p>
+
+<p>Enthusiasm was displayed by even the latter, when an
+infuriated mob one night surrounded Albert Gate House, the
+French Embassy, and, breaking open the door, entered it, and
+flung the handsome furniture from the windows.</p>
+
+<p>Those below made a huge pile in the street, and when the
+whole of the movable effects had been got out, the crowd set
+fire to them, and also to the great mansion, at the same time
+cheering lustily, and singing "Rule, Britannia," as they
+watched the flames leap up and consume both house and
+furniture.</p>
+
+<p>The servants of the Embassy had fortunately escaped, otherwise
+they would no doubt have fared badly at the hands of the
+lawless assembly.</p>
+
+<p>When the fire had burned itself out, however, a suggestion
+was spread, and the mob with one accord rushed to the
+Russian Embassy in Chesham Place.</p>
+
+<p>This house was also entered, and the furniture flung pell-mell
+from the windows, that too large to pass through being
+broken up in the rooms, and the fragments thrown to the
+shouting crowd below.</p>
+
+<p>Chairs, tables, ornaments, mirrors, bedding, kitchen utensils,
+and crockery were thrown out, carpets were taken up, and
+curtains and cornices torn down by ruthless denizens of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+Whitechapel and Shoreditch, who, maddened by drink, were
+determined to destroy everything belonging to the countries
+which had brought disaster upon them.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, when nearly all the furniture had been removed,
+some man, wild-haired and excited, emerged into the street,
+with a great flag he had discovered in one of the attics. With
+a shout of delight he unfurled it. It was a large yellow one,
+upon which was depicted a huge black double eagle; the
+flag that had been hoisted at the Embassy on various State
+occasions.</p>
+
+<p>Its appearance was greeted by a fearful howl of rage, and
+the infuriated people, falling upon the man who waved it, tore
+it into shreds, which they afterwards cast into the bonfire they
+had made for the Ambassador's furniture.</p>
+
+<p>From the archives the secret papers and reports of spies
+were taken, and, being torn into fragments, were scattered
+from an upper window to the winds, until at last, men, snatching
+up flaring brands from the huge bonfire, rushed into the
+dismantled mansion, and, having poured petroleum in many of
+the apartments, ignited them.</p>
+
+<p>Flames quickly spread through the house, belching forth
+from the windows, and, ascending, had soon burst through the
+roof, illuminating the neighbourhood with a bright, fitful glare.
+The mob, as the flames leaped up and crackled, screamed with
+fiendish delight. From thousands of hoarse throats there went
+up loud cries of "Down with the Tsar! Down with Russia!"
+And as the great bonfire died down, and the roof of the
+Embassy collapsed with a crash, causing the flames to shoot
+higher and roar more vigorously, they sang with one accord,
+led by a man who had mounted some railings, the stirring
+British song, "The Union Jack of Old England."</p>
+
+<p>Although the colonies had shown how zealously they were
+prepared to guard the interests of the Mother Country, their
+public spirit was eclipsed by the spontaneous outburst of
+patriotism which occurred in Ireland. Mass meetings were
+being held in Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick,
+Londonderry, Sligo, Armagh, Dundalk, Newry, and dozens of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+other places, at which men of all grades of society unanimously
+decided by resolution to raise Volunteer regiments to take arms
+against the foe.</p>
+
+<p>The knowledge of Britain's danger had aroused the patriotic
+feelings of the people, and they were determined to give their
+sovereign a proof of their allegiance, cost what it might.</p>
+
+<p>The movement was a general one. Nationalists and
+Unionists vied in their eagerness to demonstrate their love
+for the Empire, and that part of it which was now in danger.</p>
+
+<p>Already the Irish Reserve forces had been mobilised and
+sent to their allotted stations. The 3rd Irish Rifles from
+Newtownards, the 5th Battalion from Downpatrick, and the
+6th from Dundalk, were at Belfast under arms; the Donegal
+Artillery from Letterkenny had already gone to Harwich to
+assist in the defence of the east coast; and both the Londonderry
+and Sligo Artillery had gone to Portsmouth; while the
+3rd Irish Fusiliers from Armagh were at Plymouth, and the
+4th Battalion from Cavan had left to assist in the defence of
+the Severn.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever differences of political opinion had previously
+existed between them on the question of Home Rule, were
+forgotten by the people in the face of the great danger which
+threatened the Empire to which they belonged. The national
+peril welded the people together, and shoulder to shoulder
+they marched to lay down their lives, if necessary, in the work
+of driving back the invader.</p>
+
+<p>Within six days of this spontaneous outburst of patriotism,
+25,000 Irishmen of all creeds and political opinions were on
+their way to assist their English comrades. As might have
+been expected, the greater number of these Volunteers came
+from the North of Ireland, but every district sent its sons,
+eager to take part in the great struggle. At the great meetings
+held at Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Wexford, Waterford,
+Strabane, Newtown-Stewart, Downpatrick, Ballymena, and
+dozens of other places all over the country, from the Giant's
+Causeway to Cape Clear, and from Dublin to Galway Bay,
+the most intense enthusiasm was shown, and men signed their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+names to the roll in hundreds, many subscribing large sums
+to defray the cost of equipment and other expenses. Each
+passenger or mail boat from Larne to Stranraer, from Dublin
+to Holyhead, every steamer from Belfast to Whitehaven and
+Liverpool, brought over well-armed contingents of stalwart
+men, who, after receiving hearty receptions of the most
+enthusiastic and flattering description, were moved south to
+Stamford in Lincolnshire as quickly as the disorganised
+railway service would allow.</p>
+
+<p>The object of the military authorities in concentrating
+them at this point was to strengthen the great force of
+defenders now marching south. Detraining at Stamford, the
+commanding officer had orders to march to Oundle, by way
+of King's Cliffe and Fotheringhay, and there remain until
+joined by a brigade of infantry with the Canadians coming
+from Leicestershire. The great body of men at length
+mustered, answered the roll, and marched through the quiet
+old-world streets of Stamford, and out upon the broad highway
+to King's Cliffe on the first stage of their journey.</p>
+
+<p>It was early morning. In the sunlight the dew still
+glistened like diamonds on the wayside, as regiment after
+regiment, with firm, steady step, and shouldering their rifles,
+bravely passed away through the fields of ripe uncut corn,
+eager to unite with a force of Regulars, and strike their first
+blow for their country's liberty.</p>
+
+<p>Sturdy fishermen from the rough shores of Donegal marched
+side by side with townsmen and artisans from Dublin, Belfast,
+and Limerick; sons of wealthy manufacturers in Antrim and
+Down bore arms with stalwart peasantry from Kerry and
+Tipperary; while men whose poor but cherished cabins overlooked
+Carlingford Lough, united with fearless patriots from
+Carlow, Wexford, and Waterford.</p>
+
+<p>Since they landed on English soil, they had met with a
+boundless welcome.</p>
+
+<p>In the rural districts the distress was not yet so great as in
+the larger towns; consequently at King's Cliffe, when the first
+detachment halted for rest in the long straggling street of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+typical English village, the bells of the quaint old church were
+rung, and villagers gave their defenders bread, cheese, and
+draughts of ale. While the men were standing at ease and
+eating heartily, two officers entered Bailey's, the village grocery
+store, which served as post office, and received a cipher telegraphic
+despatch. They emerged into the roadway immediately,
+and their faces showed that some unforeseen event had
+occurred. A third officer was summoned, and a hurried and
+secret consultation took place as they stood together opposite
+the Cross Keys Inn.</p>
+
+<p>"But can we do it?" queried the youngest of the trio,
+aloud, pulling on his gloves, and settling the hang of his
+sword.</p>
+
+<p>The grave elder man, commander of the brigade, glanced
+quickly at his watch, with knit brows.</p>
+
+<p>"Do it?" he replied, with a marked Irish accent. "We
+must. It'll be a dash for life; but the boys are fresh, and as
+duty calls, we must push onward, even though we may be
+marching to our doom. Go," he said to the youngest of his
+two companions, "tell them we are moving, and that our advance
+guard will reach them at the earliest possible moment."</p>
+
+<p>The young lieutenant hurried over to the little shop, and
+as he did so the colonel gave an order, and a bugle awoke the
+echoes of the village.</p>
+
+<p>Quick words of command sounded down the quaint, ancient
+street, followed by the sharp click of arms. Again officers'
+voices sounded loud and brief, and at the word "March!"
+the great body of stern loyalists moved onward over the
+bridge, and up the School Hill on to the long winding road
+which led away through Apesthorpe and historic Fotheringhay
+to Oundle.</p>
+
+<p>The message from the front had been immediately responded
+to, for a few minutes later the excited villagers stood watching
+the rearguard disappearing in the cloud of dust raised by the
+heavy tread of the thousand feet upon the white highway.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 398px;">
+<a href="images/i153-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i153-lo.jpg" width="398" height="600" alt="IRISH VOLUNTEERS HALTING IN KING&#39;S CLIFFE." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">IRISH VOLUNTEERS HALTING IN KING&#39;S CLIFFE.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+<h3>RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc155.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>hrough the land the grey-coated hordes of
+the White Tsar spread like locusts&mdash;their
+track marked by death and desolation.</p>
+
+<p>Both French and Russian troops had taken
+up carefully selected positions on the Downs,
+and, backed by the enormous reinforcements
+now landed, were slowly advancing. Every detail of the
+surprise invasion had apparently been carefully considered,
+for immediately after the fierce battle off Beachy Head a
+number of French and Russian cruisers were despatched to
+the Channel ports in order to threaten them, so as to prevent
+many of the troops in Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon from
+moving to their place of assembly. Consequently large
+bodies of British troops were compelled to remain inactive,
+awaiting probable local attacks.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the invaders lost no time in extending their
+flanks preparatory to a general advance, and very quickly
+they were in possession of all the high ground from Polegate
+to Steyning Down, while Cossack patrols were out on the
+roads towards Cuckfield and West Grinstead, and demonstrations
+were made in the direction of Horsham, where a
+strong force of British troops had hastily collected.</p>
+
+<p>As the long hot days passed, the Volunteers forming the
+line of defence south of London had not been idle. A brigade
+of infantry had been pushed forward to Balcombe, and with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>
+this the British were now watching the high ground that
+stretched across to Horsham.</p>
+
+<p>The advance of the enemy had not, of course, been accomplished
+without terrible bloodshed. A division of the Regulars
+from Parkhurst, Portsmouth, and Winchester, which had been
+hurried down to Arundel to occupy a strong defensive position
+near that town, had come into contact with the enemy, and
+some desperate fighting ensued. Outposts had been thrown
+across the river Arun, and about midnight a patrol of the
+2nd Cavalry Brigade from Petersfield, supported by infantry,
+had been suddenly attacked close to Ashington village.
+Under a vigorous fire they were unfortunately compelled
+to fall back fighting, and were almost annihilated, for it
+was only then ascertained that the enemy were moving in
+great force, evidently with the intention of obtaining possession
+of the heights as far as Cocking, West Dean, and
+Chichester, and so threaten Portsmouth from the land.</p>
+
+<p>The survivors of this cavalry patrol succeeded in recrossing
+the Arun, but their losses were exceedingly heavy.</p>
+
+<p>At daybreak the enemy were visible from Arundel, and
+shot and shell were poured into them from the batteries
+established along the hills to Houghton. So heavy was the
+British fire that the Russians were compelled to seek cover,
+and their advance in this direction was, for this time,
+checked.</p>
+
+<p>The defenders, although occupying an excellent position,
+were, however, not sufficiently strong to successfully cope with
+the onward rush of invaders, and could do little else beyond
+watching them.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the Russians, displaying great tactical
+skill, and led by men who had thoroughly studied the
+geography of the South of England, had gained a distinct
+advantage, for they had secured their left flank from attack,
+so that they could now advance northward to Horsham and
+Balcombe practically unmolested.</p>
+
+<p>The first general movement commenced at noon, when an
+advance was made by two enormous columns of the enemy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+one of which proceeded by way of Henfield and Partridge
+Green and the other by Cooksbridge and Keynes, the third
+column remaining in Sussex to protect the base of operations.
+Meanwhile, Horsham had been occupied by a portion of the
+2nd division of the 1st Army Corps with a 12-pounder, a
+9-pounder field battery, and a field company of the Royal
+Engineers, and had been placed in a state of hasty defence.
+Walls had been loopholed, fences had been cut down, and
+various preparations made for holding the town.</p>
+
+<p>Our forces were, nevertheless, sadly lacking in numbers.
+A cavalry patrol of one of our flying columns was captured by
+Cossacks at Cowfold, and the neglect on the part of the
+commander of this column to send out his advance guard
+sufficiently far, resulted in it being hurled back upon the
+main body in great disorder. Then, seeing the success
+everywhere attending their operations, the invaders turned
+their attention to the British line of communication between
+Horsham and Arundel, and succeeded in breaking it at
+Billinghurst and at Petworth.</p>
+
+<p>Fierce fighting spread all over Sussex, and everywhere
+many lives were being sacrificed for Britain. The defenders,
+alas! with their weak and totally inadequate forces, could
+make but a sorry stand against the overwhelming masses
+of French and Russians, yet they acted with conspicuous
+bravery to sustain the honour of their native land. Villages
+and towns were devastated, rural homes were sacked and
+burned, and everywhere quiet, unoffending, but starving
+Britons were being put to the sword.</p>
+
+<p>Over Sussex the reign of terror was awful. The pastures
+were stained by Britons' life-blood, and in all directions our
+forces, though displaying their characteristic courage, were
+being routed. At Horsham they were utterly defeated after
+a fierce and bloody encounter, in which the enemy also lost
+very heavily; yet the cause of the British reverse was due
+solely to a defective administration. Hurriedly massed in the
+town from Aldershot by way of Guildford, they had, owing to
+the short-sighted policy of the War Office, arrived without a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>
+sufficient supply of either transport or ammunition. Night
+was falling as they detrained, and in the hopeless confusion
+battalion commanders could not find their brigade headquarters,
+and brigadiers could not find their staff.</p>
+
+<p>This extraordinary muddle resulted in the fresh troops,
+instead of being sent forward to reinforce the outposts, being
+kept in town, while the jaded, ill-fed men, who had already
+been on the alert many hours, were utterly unable to resist
+the organised attack which was made before daybreak.</p>
+
+<p>Though they made a gallant stand and fought on with
+desperate determination, yet at last the whole of them were
+driven back in confusion, and with appalling loss, upon their
+supports, and the latter, who held out bravely, were at last
+also compelled to fall back upon their reserves. The latter,
+which included half a battery of artillery stationed at Wood's
+Farm and Toll Bar, held the enemy in temporary check; but
+when the heavy French artillery was at length brought up,
+the invaders were enabled to cut the railway, destroy the
+half battery at Wood's Farm, turn the British right flank, and
+compel them to retreat hastily from Horsham and fly to
+defensive positions at Guildford and Dorking.</p>
+
+<p>By this adroit man&oelig;uvre the enemy succeeded in taking
+over two hundred prisoners, capturing the guns of the 12-pounder
+field battery,&mdash;which had not been brought into play
+for the simple reason that only ammunition for 9-pounders
+had been collected in the town,&mdash;and seizing a large quantity
+of stores and ammunition of various kinds.</p>
+
+<p>This success gave the enemy the key to the situation.</p>
+
+<p>As on sea, so on land, our blundering defensive policy had
+resulted in awful disaster. Sufficient attention had never been
+paid to detail, and the firm-rooted idea that Britain could never
+be invaded had caused careless indifference to minor matters of
+vital importance to the stability of our Empire.</p>
+
+<p>The contrast between the combined tactics of the enemy
+and those of our forces was especially noticeable when the
+cavalry patrol of the British flying column was captured on
+the Cowfield road and the column defeated. The commander<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+of the column, a well-known officer, unfortunately, like many
+others, had had very little experience of combined tactics, and
+looked upon cavalry not merely as "the eyes and ears of an
+army," but as the army itself. It was this defect that was
+disastrous. For many years past it had never appeared quite
+clear whether British cavalry were intended to act <i>en masse</i> in
+warfare, or simply as scouts or mounted infantry, therefore
+their training had been uncertain. The Home establishment
+of our cavalry was supposed to be about 12,000 men, but
+owing to a parsimonious administration only about half that
+number had horses, and in some corps less than a half.
+Another glaring defect was the division of many regiments
+into detachments stationed in various towns, the inevitable
+result of this being that many such detachments were without
+regimental practice for months, and there were many who had
+not man&oelig;uvred with a force of all arms <i>for years</i>!</p>
+
+<p>Army organisation proved a miserable failure.</p>
+
+<p>The supply of ammunition was totally inadequate, and
+a disgrace to a nation which held its head above all others.
+It was true that dep�ts had been established at various centres,
+yet with strange oversight no provision had been made for the
+work of ammunition trains.</p>
+
+<p>Originally it had been intended that men for this most
+important duty should be found by the Reserves, and that
+the horses should be those privately registered; nevertheless
+it was found necessary at the very last moment
+to weaken our artillery by detailing experienced men for
+duty with the ammunition column. Many of the horses
+which were registered for service were found to be totally
+unfit, and very few of the remainder had been previously
+trained. In the case of those which were required for the
+cavalry regiments&mdash;nearly six thousand&mdash;the best men in the
+regiments had to be told off at the very beginning of the invasion
+to hurriedly train and prepare these animals for service,
+when they should have been available to proceed to any part
+of the kingdom at twenty-four hours' notice. By such defects
+mobilisation was foredoomed to failure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The scheme, instead of being so arranged as to be carried out
+without confusion, resulted in muddle and farcical humiliation.</p>
+
+<p>Again, the infantry, owing to the recent departure of the
+Indian drafts, had been considerably weakened, many battalions
+being found on mobilisation very disorganised and inefficient.
+As an instance, out of one battalion at Aldershot, which was
+on paper 1000 strong, 200 had been sent away to India, while
+of the remainder more than half had only seen twelve months'
+service, and a large percentage were either under eighteen
+years of age or were "special enlistments," namely, below the
+minimum standard of height.</p>
+
+<p>Such a battalion compared very unfavourably with the
+majority of Volunteer regiments,&mdash;those of the Stafford
+Brigade, for instance,&mdash;the average service of the men in those
+regiments being over five years, and the average age twenty-seven
+years. British officers had long ago foreseen all these
+defects, and many others, yet they had preserved an enforced
+silence. They themselves were very inefficiently trained in
+man&oelig;uvring, for, with one or two exceptions, there were no
+stations in the kingdom where forces were sufficiently numerous
+to give the majority of the superior officers practice in handling
+combined bodies of troops.</p>
+
+<p>Thus in practical experience in the field they were far
+behind both French and Russians, and it was this very serious
+deficiency that now became everywhere apparent.</p>
+
+<p>British troops, fighting valiantly, struggled to protect their
+native land, which they determined should never fall under the
+thrall of the invader. But alas! their resistance, though
+stubborn and formidable, was nevertheless futile. Time after
+time the lines of defence were broken.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian Eagle spread his black wings to the sun, and
+with joyous shouts the dense grey white masses of the enemy
+marched on over the dusty Sussex roads northward towards
+the Thames.</p>
+
+<p>After the battle of Horsham, the gigantic right column of
+the invaders, consisting mostly of French troops, followed up
+the defenders to Guildford and Dorking, preparatory to an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+attack upon London; while the left column, numbering 150,000
+French and Russians of all arms, pushed on through Alfold
+to Haslemere, then through Farnham and Odiham to Swallowfield,
+all of which towns they sacked and burned, the terrified
+inhabitants being treated with scant mercy. As the majority
+of the defenders were massed in Kent, South Surrey, and
+Sussex, the enemy advanced practically unmolested, and at
+sunrise one morning a terrible panic was created in Reading
+by the sudden descent upon the town of a great advance
+guard of 10,000 Russians.</p>
+
+<p>The people were appalled. They could offer no resistance
+against the cavalry, who, tearing along the straight high road
+from Swallowfield, swept down upon them. Along this road
+the whole gigantic force was moving, and the Cossack skirmishers,
+spurring on across the town, passed away through the
+Railway Works, and halted at the bridge that spans the Thames
+at Caversham. They occupied it at once, in order to prevent it
+being blown up before the main body arrived, and a brisk
+fight ensued with the small body of defenders that had still
+remained at the Brigade dep�t on the Purley Road.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, as the French and Russian advance guard came
+along, they devastated the land with fire and sword. The
+farms along the road were searched, and afterwards set on
+fire, while not a house at Three Mile Cross escaped. Entering
+the town from Whitley Hill, the great mass of troops, working
+in extended order, came slowly on, and, followed by 140,000 of
+the main body and 1000 guns, carried everything before them.</p>
+
+<p>No power could stem the advancing tide of the Muscovite
+legions, and as they poured into the town in dense compact
+bodies, hundreds of townspeople were shot down ruthlessly,
+merely because they attempted to defend their homes. From
+the Avenue Works away to the Cemetery, and from the
+Railway Station to Leighton Park, the streets swarmed with
+soldiers of the Tsar, who entered almost every house in search
+of plunder, and fired out of sheer delight in bloodshed upon
+hundreds who were flying for their lives.</p>
+
+<p>Men, women, even children, were slaughtered. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+massacre was frightful. Neither life nor property was respected;
+in every thoroughfare brutal outrages and murders
+were committed, and English homes were rendered desolate.</p>
+
+<p>Almost the first buildings attacked were the great factories
+of Messrs. Huntley &amp; Palmer, whose 3000 hands were now,
+alas! idle owing to the famine. The stores were searched for
+biscuits, and afterwards the whole factory was promptly set on
+fire. The Great Western, Queen's, and George Hotels were
+searched from garret to cellar, and the wines and beer found
+in the latter were drunk in the streets. With the scant provisions
+found, several of the regiments made merry during the
+morning, while others pursued their devastating work. The
+banks were looted, St. Mary's, Greyfriars', and St. Lawrence's
+Churches were burned, and Sutton &amp; Sons' buildings and the
+Railway Works shared the same fate, while out in the direction
+of Prospect Hill Park all the houses were sacked, and those
+occupants who remained to guard their household treasures
+were put to the sword.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere the invaders displayed the most fiendish
+brutality, and the small force of British troops who had
+engaged the Russian advance guard were, after a most
+fiercely contested struggle, completely annihilated, not, however,
+before they had successfully placed charges of gun-cotton
+under the bridge and blown it up, together with a number of
+Cossacks who had taken possession of it.</p>
+
+<p>This, however, only checked the enemy's progress temporarily,
+for the right flank crossed at Sonning, and as the main
+body had with them several pontoon sections, by noon the
+pontoons were in position, and the long line of cavalry,
+infantry, artillery, and engineers, leaving behind Reading, now
+in flames, crossed the Thames and wound away along the road
+to Banbury, which quaint old town, immortalised in nursery
+rhyme, they sacked and burned, destroying the historic Cross,
+and regaling themselves upon the ale found in the cellars of
+the inns, the Red and White Lions. This done, they again
+continued their march, practically unmolested; while Oxford
+was also entered and sacked.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>True, scouts reported strong forces of the defenders advancing
+across from Market Harborough, Kettering, and Oundle,
+and once or twice British outposts had sharp encounters with
+the Russians along the hills between Ladbrooke and Daventry,
+resulting in serious losses on both sides; nevertheless the
+gigantic force of Russians still proceeded, sweeping away every
+obstacle from their path.</p>
+
+<p>On leaving Banbury, the enemy, marching in column of
+route, took the road through Stratford-on-Avon to Wootton
+Wawen, where a halt for twenty-four hours was made in order
+to mature plans for an organised attack on Birmingham.
+Wootton Hall, after being looted, was made the headquarters,
+and from thence was issued an order on the following day
+which caused Warwick and Leamington to be swept and
+burned by the invaders, who afterwards broke into two
+divisions. One body, consisting of 50,000 men, including an
+advance guard of 5000, took the right-hand road from
+Wootton to Birmingham, through Sparkbrook; while the
+remaining 100,000 bore away to the left through Ullenhall and
+Holt End to the extremity of the Hagley Hills, intending to
+occupy them. They had already been informed that strong
+defences had been established at King's Norton, in the immediate
+vicinity, and knew that severe fighting must inevitably
+ensue; therefore they lost no time in establishing themselves
+along the high ground between Redditch and Barnt Green, in
+a position commanding the two main roads south from Dudley
+and Birmingham.</p>
+
+<p>That a most desperate stand would be made for the defence
+of the Metropolis of the Midlands the Russian commander was
+well aware. After the long march his troops were jaded, so,
+bivouacing in Hewell Park, he awaited for nearly two days
+the reports of his spies. These were not so reassuring as he
+had anticipated, for it appeared that the high ground south of
+the city, notably at King's Norton, Northfield, Harborne,
+Edgbaston, and along the Hagley Road, was occupied by strong
+bodies of troops and a large number of guns, and that every
+preparation had been made for a stubborn resistance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It also appeared that at the entrance to the city at Sparkbrook,
+which road had been taken by the right column, very
+little resistance was likely to be offered.</p>
+
+<p>That the positions occupied by the defenders had been very
+carefully chosen as the most advantageous the Russian commander
+was bound to admit, and although he possessed such a
+large body of men it would require considerable tactical skill to
+dislodge the defenders in order to prevent them covering with
+their guns the country over which the Russian division, taking
+the right-hand roads, must travel.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i164-hi.png"><img src="images/i164-lo.png" width="600" height="310" alt="THE BATTLEFIELD OF BIRMINGHAM." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">THE BATTLEFIELD OF BIRMINGHAM.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>During that day an encounter of a most fierce description
+occurred between hostile reconnoitring parties on the road
+between Bromsgrove Lickey and Northfield. The road gradually
+ascended with a walled-in plantation on either side, and
+the enemy were proceeding at a comfortable pace when
+suddenly a number of rifles rattled out simultaneously, and
+then it was discovered that the wall had been loopholed, and
+that the British were pouring upon them a deadly hail from
+which there was no shelter. The walls bristled with rifles, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+from them came a storm of bullets that killed and wounded
+dozens of the invaders.</p>
+
+<p>The latter, however, showed considerable daring, for while
+the magazine rifles poured forth their deadly shower, they rallied
+and charged up the hill in the face of the fearful odds against
+them. For ten minutes or perhaps a quarter of an hour the fighting
+was a desperate hand-to-hand one, the enemy entering the
+plantation with a dash that surprised the defenders. Gradually,
+although outnumbered by the Russians, the British at length,
+by dint of the most strenuous effort and hard fighting,
+succeeded in inflicting frightful loss upon the invaders, and the
+latter, after a most desperate stand, eventually retreated in
+confusion down into the valley, leaving nearly two-thirds of
+the party dead or dying.</p>
+
+<p>The British, whose losses were very small, had shown the
+invaders that they meant to defend Birmingham, and that every
+inch of ground they gained would have to be won by sheer
+fighting. An hour later another fierce encounter occurred in
+the same neighbourhood, and of the 4000 Russians who had
+advanced along that road not 900 returned to the main body,
+such havoc the British Maxims caused; while at the same
+time a further disaster occurred to the enemy in another
+direction, for away at Tanworth their outposts had been
+completely annihilated, those who were not killed being
+taken prisoners by the 3rd South Staffordshire Volunteers,
+who, under Colonel E. Nayler, acted with conspicuous bravery.
+In every direction the enemy's outposts and advance guards
+were being harassed, cut up, and hurled back in disorder with
+heavy loss, therefore the Russian commander decided that a
+sudden and rapid movement forward in order to effect a
+junction with his right column was the only means by which
+the position could be carried.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime events were occurring rapidly all over the
+country south of the city. The commander of the Russian
+left column, deciding to commence the attack forthwith, moved
+on his forces just before midnight in order to commence
+the onslaught before daybreak, knowing the British forces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+always relieve their outposts at that time. Again, it was
+necessary to advance under cover of darkness in order to prevent
+the defenders' artillery, which now commanded the road
+between Alcester and Moseley, firing upon them.</p>
+
+<p>Having received a message from the right column stating
+that their advance guard had pushed on to Olton End with
+outposts at Sheldon and Yardley, and announcing their intention
+of advancing through Sparkbrook upon the city before
+dawn, the commanding officer, leaving some artillery at Barnt
+Green, and sending on cavalry to Stourbridge and Cradley to
+turn the English flank at Halesowen, man&oelig;uvred rapidly,
+bringing the main body of cavalry and infantry back to Alvechurch,
+thence across to Weatheroak, and then striking due
+north, again marched by the three roads leading to King's
+Norton.</p>
+
+<p>The high ground here he knew was strongly defended, and
+it was about a quarter to two o'clock when the British, by
+means of their search-lights, discovered the great dark masses
+advancing upon them. Quickly their guns opened fire, and the
+sullen booming of cannon was answered by the Russian battery
+near Barnt Green. Over Birmingham the noise was heard, and
+had volumes of terrible significance for the turbulent crowds
+who filled the broad thoroughfares. The search-lights used by
+both invaders and defenders turned night into day, and the
+battle proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy had carefully prepared their plans, for almost
+at the same moment that they assaulted the position at King's
+Norton, a battery of Russian artillery opened a terrible fire
+from the hill at Tanner's Green, while the attacking column
+extended their right across to Colebrook Hall, with intent to
+push across to Moseley Station, and thus gain the top of the
+ridge of the ground in the rear of the British positions, and so
+hem in the British force and allow the right column to advance
+through Small Heath and Sparkbrook unchecked.</p>
+
+<p>These simultaneous attacks met in the valley separating
+the parallel ridges held by the Russians and British, and the
+fighting became at once fierce and stubborn. A furious infantry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+fire raged for over an hour in the valley between the excellent
+position held by the defenders at King's Norton and the lower
+wooded ridge occupied by the Russians, who had succeeded in
+capturing half a British battery who held it. Owing to the
+bareness of the slope, the Russians went down into battle
+without cover, cut up terribly by the British infantry fire, and
+by the shell fire from the King's Norton batteries. From the
+British trenches between Broad Meadow and Moundsley Hall
+a galling fire was poured, and Russian infantry fell in hundreds
+over the undulating fields between the high road to Alcester
+and the Blithe River.</p>
+
+<p>From a ridge on the Stratford Road, near Monkspath Street,
+heavy Russian artillery opened fire just before dawn, and played
+terrible havoc with the British guns, which on the sky-line
+opposite afforded a mark. As time crept on there was no
+cessation in the thunder on either side, while away along the
+valleys a most bloody encounter was in progress. The whole
+stretch of country was one huge battlefield. British and
+Russians fell in hundreds, nay, in thousands.</p>
+
+<p>The losses on every side were appalling; the fortune of
+war trembled in the balance.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+<h3>FALL OF BIRMINGHAM.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc168.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he battle outside Birmingham was long, fierce,
+and furious. No more desperately contested
+engagement had ever occurred in the history of
+the British Empire. From the very first
+moment of the fight it was apparent that the
+struggle would be a fearful one, both sides
+possessing advantages; the British by reason of the magnificent
+defensive positions they occupied, and the Russians by reason
+of their overwhelming numbers. Against a defending force of
+50,000 of all arms, 150,000 invaders&mdash;the majority of whom
+were Russians&mdash;were now fighting, and the combat was
+necessarily long and deadly. British Volunteers were conspicuous
+everywhere by their bravery; the Canadians rendered
+most valuable assistance, firing from time to time with excellent
+precision, and holding their position with splendid courage;
+while the Irish Brigade, who had moved rapidly from King's
+Cliffe by train and road, and had arrived in time, now held
+their own in a position close to Kingsheath House.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the principal buildings in Birmingham had during
+the past day or two been converted into hospitals, amongst
+others the Post Office, where the trained nurses received very
+valuable assistance from the female clerks. A train full of
+British wounded was captured early in the evening at Barnt
+Green. It contained regular troops and civilians from the
+Stratford force which had fallen back to Alcester, and the train<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+had been sent on from there in the hope that it would get
+through before the enemy were able to cut the line. This,
+however, was not accomplished, for the Russians inhumanely
+turned out the wounded and filled the train with their own troops
+and ammunition. Then, under the guidance of a Birmingham
+railway man of French nationality who had been acting as
+spy, the train proceeded to New Street Station. It was impossible
+for the officials at the station to cope with the enemy,
+for they had only expected their own wounded, or they would,
+of course, have wrecked the train by altering the points before it
+arrived in the station. The Russians therefore detrained, and,
+led by their spy, made a dash along the subway leading to the
+lifts ascending to the Post Office. These were secured, and the
+Office was soon captured by the Russians, who not only thereby
+obtained a footing in the very centre of the town from which
+there was not much chance of dislodging them before Birmingham
+fell, but they had also obtained possession of the most
+important telegraph centre for the North and Midland districts
+of England.</p>
+
+<p>Before the first flush of dawn the whole of the country from
+Kings Norton right across to Solihull was one huge battlefield,
+and when the sun rose, bright and glorious, its rays were
+obscured by the clouds of smoke which hung like a funeral pall
+over hill and dale. For a long period the principal Russian
+battery on the Stratford Road was short of ammunition, and,
+seeing this, the strong British battery at Northfield moved
+quickly up into a commanding position at Drake's Cross, not,
+however, before it had been considerably weakened by the
+Russian fire from Bromsgrove Lickey. During this time, however,
+detachments of Canadian marksmen had been detailed
+with no other purpose than to sweep the Russian road at the
+exposed points of its course, and to fire at everything and
+everybody exposed on the ridge. This was most effective, and
+for quite half an hour prevented any supply of ammunition
+reaching the enemy, thus giving the British battery an opportunity
+to establish itself. At length, however, both batteries
+of defenders opened fire simultaneously upon the Russian guns,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>
+and so thickly fell the shots, that although ammunition had
+by this time been brought up, the enemy's power in that
+quarter was completely broken.</p>
+
+<p>From that time the fierce struggle was confined to cavalry
+and infantry. Troops of Cossacks, sweeping up the banks of
+the Arrow, encountered British Hussars and cut into them with
+frightful effect. The defenders, fighting hard as the day wore
+on, hindered the enemy from gaining any material advantage,
+though the latter forced the outer line of the British shelter
+trenches on the slopes below the position of King's Norton.
+The Canadians had laid mines in front of their trenches, which
+were exploded just as the head of the Russian assaulting parties
+were massed above them, and large numbers of the Tsar's
+infantry were blown into atoms.</p>
+
+<p>Bullets were singing along the valleys like swarms of
+angry wasps, and the Russian losses in every direction were
+enormous.</p>
+
+<p>Hour after hour the fighting continued. The British held
+good positions, with an inner line of defence across from Selly
+Oak, Harborne, and Edgbaston, to the high crest on the Hagley
+Road, close to the Fountain, while the Russians swarmed over
+the country in overwhelming numbers. The frightful losses
+the latter were sustaining by reason of the defenders' artillery
+fire did not, however, disconcert them. But for the huge right
+column of invaders advancing on Birmingham by way of
+Acock's Green, it seemed an even match, yet as afternoon
+passed the firing in the valley swelled in volume, and the
+mad clamour of battle still surged up into the blue cloudless
+heavens.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy could see on the sky-line the British reinforcements
+as they came up from Halesowen by the road close to
+their battery on the bare spot near the edge of their right
+flank, and it was decided at four o'clock to deliver a counter
+flank attack on the left edge of the British position, simultaneously
+with a renewed strenuous assault by the tirailleurs
+from below. Soon this desperate man&oelig;uvre was commenced,
+and although the marching ground was good, the British guns<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+swept them with their terrible fire, and hundreds of the Tsar's
+soldiers dyed the meadows with their blood.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fierce, mad dash. The British attacked vigorously
+on every side, fought bravely, straining every nerve to repulse
+their foe.</p>
+
+<p>The battle had been the most fiercely contested of any
+during the struggle, and in this desperate assault on King's
+Norton the Russians had suffered appalling losses. The valleys
+and slopes were strewn with dead and dying, and a bullet had
+struck the British commander, mortally wounding him. As he
+was borne away to the ambulance waggon, the last words on
+that noble soldier's lips were a fervent wish for good fortune
+to the arms of the Queen he had served so well.</p>
+
+<p>But the British were, alas! outnumbered, and at last retreating
+in disorder, were followed over the hills to Halesowen
+and utterly routed, while the main body of the enemy marching
+up the Bristol and Pershore Roads, extended their left across to
+Harborne and Edgbaston. Meanwhile, however, the guns
+placed on the edge of the city along the Hagley Road near the
+Fountain, and in Beech Lane close to the Talbot Inn, as well
+as the Volunteer batteries near St. Augustine's Church and
+Westfield Road, opened fire upon the advancing legions. The
+two lower roads taken by the enemy were well commanded by
+the British guns, and the Volunteers, with the Canadians and
+Irish, again rendered most valuable assistance, everywhere
+displaying cool and conspicuous courage. The walls of the
+new villas along the Hagley Road, Portland Road, and Beech
+Lane had been placed in a state of hasty defence, and rifles
+bristled everywhere, but as the sun sank behind the long range
+of purple hills the fight was in the balance. The British, as
+they stood, could almost keep back the foe, but, alas! not
+quite.</p>
+
+<p>There was soon a concentric rush for the hill, and as the
+cannons thundered and rifles rattled, hundreds of the grey-coats
+fell back and rolled down the steep slope dead and dying, but
+the others pushed on in face of the frowning defences, used
+their bayonets with desperate energy, and a few minutes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>
+later loud shouts in Russian told that the ridge had been
+cleared and the position won. The battle had been long and
+terrible; the carnage awful!</p>
+
+<p>The British, making a last desperate stand, fought a fierce
+hand-to-hand struggle, but ere long half their number lay
+helpless in the newly-made suburban roads, and the remainder
+were compelled to leave their guns in possession of the enemy
+and fly north to Sandwell to save themselves. Then, as they
+fled, the Russians turned the British guns near St. Augustine's
+upon them, causing havoc in their rear.</p>
+
+<p>The shattered left column of the enemy, having at length
+broken down the British defences, raised loud victorious yells,
+and, after reorganising, marched down the Hagley Road upon
+the city, fighting from house to house the whole way. The
+gardens in front of these houses, however, aided the defenders
+greatly in checking the advance.</p>
+
+<p>The sacrifice of human life during those hours from daybreak
+to sundown had been frightful. The whole country,
+from Great Packington to Halesowen, was strewn with blood-smeared
+corpses.</p>
+
+<p>Having regard to the fact that the defending force consisted
+of only 50,000 men against 100,000 Russians, the losses
+inflicted upon the latter spoke volumes for British pluck and
+military skill. Upon the field 10,000 Russians lay dead, 30,000
+were wounded, and 2000 were prisoners, while the defenders'
+total loss in killed and wounded only amounted to 20,000.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, had it not been for the reinforcements, numbering
+50,000, from the right column, which were by this time coming
+up with all speed from Acock's Green, the Russians, in their
+terribly jaded and demoralised state, could not have marched
+upon the city. As it was, however, the occupation commenced
+as night drew on; the fighting that followed being principally
+done by the reinforcements.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving no fewer than 42,000 men dead, wounded, and
+captured, the invaders pushed on into Birmingham. Though
+the citizens' losses had already been terrific, nevertheless they
+found that they were still determined to hold out. In all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+principal roads leading into the city barricades had been
+formed, and behind them were bands of desperate men, well
+equipped, and prepared to fight on to the bitter end.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these in the Hagley Road had been constructed
+at the junction of Monument Road, and as the skirmishers and
+advance guard approached, offered a most desperate resistance.
+In addition to a vigorous rifle fire that poured from the improvised
+defences, three Maxims were brought into play from
+the roofs of large houses, and these, commanding the whole
+road as far as its junction with Beech Lane, literally mowed
+down the enemy as they approached. Time after time the
+Russians rushed upon the defenders' position, only to be
+hurled back again by the leaden hail, which fell so thickly
+that it was impossible for any body of troops to withstand it.
+By this the invaders' advance was temporarily checked, but it
+was not long before they established a battery at the corner of
+Norfolk Road, and poured shell upon the barricade with frightful
+effect. Quickly the guns were silenced, and the Russians
+at last breaking down the barrier, engaged in a conflict at close
+quarters with the defenders.</p>
+
+<p>The road along to Five Ways was desperately contested.
+The slaughter on both sides was awful, for a detachment of
+Russians coming up the Harborne Road had been utterly
+annihilated and swept away by the rifle fire of defenders
+concealed behind loopholed walls. At Five Ways the entrance
+to each of the five broad converging thoroughfares had been
+strongly barricaded, and as the enemy pressed forward the
+British machine guns established there caused terrible havoc.
+Behind those barricades men of Birmingham of every class,
+armed with all sorts of guns, hastily obtained from Kynoch's
+and other factories, struggled for the defence of their homes
+and loved ones, working with a dash and energy that greatly
+disconcerted the enemy, who had imagined that, in view of
+their victory in the battle, little resistance would be offered.</p>
+
+<p>In the darkness that had now fallen the scenes in the
+streets were frightful. The only light was the flash from gun-muzzles
+and the glare of flames consuming private houses and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+public buildings. The civilian defenders, reinforced by Regular
+soldiers, Militia, and Volunteers, had made such excellent
+preparations for defence, and offered such strenuous
+opposition, that almost every foot the Russians gained in the
+direction of the centre of the city was fought for hand to hand.
+Both right and left Russian columns were now advancing up
+the Coventry, Stratford, Moseley, Pershore, and Bristol Roads,
+and in each of those thoroughfares the barricades were strongly
+constructed, and, being armed with Maxims, wrought frightful
+execution.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually, however, one after another of these defences fell
+by reason of the organised attacks by such superior numbers,
+and the Russians marched on, killing with bayonet and sword.</p>
+
+<p>In the city, as the night passed, the fighting in the streets
+everywhere was of the fiercest and most sanguinary description.
+In Corporation Street a huge barricade with machine guns had
+been constructed opposite the Victoria Law Courts, and,
+assisted by 200 Volunteers, who, inside the latter building,
+fired from the windows, the enemy were held in check for
+several hours.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time shells fell from the Russian guns in the
+midst of the defenders, and, bursting, decimated them in a
+horrible manner; yet through the long close night there
+was never a lack of brave men to step into the breach and
+take up the arms of their dead comrades. Indeed, it was only
+when the enemy succeeded in setting fire to the Courts, and
+compelling the defenders to cease their vigorous rifle fire from
+the windows, that the position was won; and not until
+hundreds of Russians lay dead or dying in the street.</p>
+
+<p>In New Street the Irish Volunteers distinguished themselves
+conspicuously. After the retreat they had been withdrawn
+with the Canadians into the city, and, waiting in the
+side thoroughfares at the opposite end of New Street, held
+themselves in readiness. Suddenly, as the enemy rushed along
+in their direction, an order was given, and they formed up,
+and stretching across the street, met them with volley after
+volley of steady firing; then, rushing onward with fixed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>
+bayonets, charged almost before the Russians were aware of
+their presence.</p>
+
+<p>Without a thought of his own personal safety, every Irishman
+cast himself into the thick of the fray, and, backed by a
+strong body of Canadians and fusiliers, they succeeded in
+cutting their way completely into the invaders, and driving
+them back into Corporation Street, where they were forced
+right under the fire of four Maxims that had just at that
+moment been brought into position outside the Exchange.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly these guns rattled out simultaneously, and the
+Russians, unable to advance, and standing at the head of the
+long broad thoroughfare, were swept down with awful swiftness
+and with scarcely any resistance. So sudden had been their
+fate, that of a force over two thousand strong, not more than a
+dozen escaped, although the defenders were taken in rear by
+the force of 500 Russians who had occupied the Post Office on
+the previous night.</p>
+
+<p>From Corporation Street a brilliant, ruddy glow suffused
+the sky, as both the Law Courts and the Grand Theatre were
+in flames, while St. Mary's Church and the Market Hall had
+also been fired by incendiaries.</p>
+
+<p>In the panic and confusion, conflagrations were breaking
+out everywhere, flames bursting forth from several fine shops
+in New Street which had already been sacked and wrecked.
+Maddened by their success, by the thirst for the blood of their
+enemies, and the rash deeds of incendiaries, the Muscovite
+legions spread over the whole city, and outrage and murder
+were common everywhere.</p>
+
+<p>Away up Great Hampton Street and Hockley Hill the
+jewellery factories were looted, and hundreds of thousands of
+pounds worth of gems and gold were carried off, while the
+Mint was entered, afterwards being burned because only
+copper coins were found there, and the pictures in the Art
+Gallery were wantonly slashed by sabres and bayonets.</p>
+
+<p>The scenes on that memorable night were awful. Birmingham,
+one of the most wealthy cities in the kingdom, fell at last,
+after a most stubborn resistance, for just before day broke the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+overwhelming forces of Russia occupying the streets commenced
+to drive out the defenders, and shoot down those who
+turned to resist. From Bordesley to Handsworth, and from
+Smethwick to Aston, the city was in the hands of the enemy.
+The banks in New Street were broken open, and the gold
+stuffed into the pockets of the uncouth dwellers on the Don
+and the Volga, Chamberlain's Memorial was wrecked, and
+Queen's College occupied by infantry. Cossack officers established
+themselves in the Grand and Queen's Hotels, and their
+men were billeted at the Midland, Union, Conservative, and
+other Clubs, and at many minor hotels and buildings.</p>
+
+<p>Before the dawn had spread, whole rows of shops were
+burning, their brilliant glare illuminating the streets that ran
+with blood. It was a fearful scene of death and desolation.</p>
+
+<p>The majority of the citizens had fled, leaving everything in
+the hands of the enemy, who still continued their work of
+pillage. In the streets the bodies of 10,000 Russians and 3000
+British lay unheeded, while no fewer than 9000 of the enemy's
+infantry had been wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The headquarters of the Russian army had at last been
+established in a British city, for over the great Council House
+there now lazily flapped in the fresh morning breeze the great
+yellow-and-black flag of the Tsar Alexander.</p>
+
+<p>And the Russian General, finding he had lost the enormous
+force of 61,000 men, spent the grey hours of dawn in nervous
+anxiousness, pacing the room in which he had installed himself,
+contemplating the frightful disaster, and undecided how next
+to act.</p>
+
+<p>An incident illustrative of the fierceness of the fight outside
+the city was published in the <i>Times</i> several days later.
+It was an extract from a private letter written by Lieut.
+J. G. Morris of the 3rd Battalion of the York and Lancaster
+Regiment, and was as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The sun that day was blazing and merciless. Throughout
+the morning our battalion had lost heavily in the valley, when
+suddenly at about twelve o'clock the enemy apparently received
+reinforcements, and we were then driven back upon Weatheroak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+by sheer force of numbers, and afterwards again fell
+further back towards our position on the high ground in
+Hagley Road.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 398px;">
+<a href="images/i177-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i177-lo.jpg" width="398" height="600" alt="BIRMINGHAM OCCUPIED BY THE RUSSIANS." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">BIRMINGHAM OCCUPIED BY THE RUSSIANS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"In this hasty retreat I found myself with a sergeant and
+eighteen men pursued by a large skirmishing party of Russians.
+All we could do was to fly before them. This we did, until at
+length, turning into Beech Lane, we found ourselves before a
+small, low-built ancient hostelry, the King's Head Inn, with a
+dilapidated and somewhat crude counterfeit presentment of King
+George II. outside. The place was unoccupied, and I decided
+immediately to enter it. I could count on every one of my men;
+therefore very soon we were inside, and had barricaded the little
+place. Scarcely had we accomplished this when the first shots
+rang out, and in a few moments the space outside where the
+cross-roads meet literally swarmed with Russians, who quickly
+extended, and, seeking cover at the junction of each of the five
+roads, commenced a terrific fusillade. The windows from
+which we fired were smashed, the woodwork splintered everywhere,
+and so thickly came the bullets that my men had to
+exercise the utmost caution in concealing themselves while firing.</p>
+
+<p>"In a quarter of an hour one man had been struck and
+lay dead by my side, while at the same time the terrible
+truth suddenly dawned upon me that our ammunition could
+not last out. Regulating the firing, I rushed to one of the
+back windows that commanded the valley down to Harborne,
+and saw advancing along the road in our direction, and
+raising a cloud of dust, about a thousand Russian cavalry
+and infantry.</p>
+
+<p>"Back again to the front room I dashed, just in time to
+witness the enemy make a wild rush towards us. Our
+slackened fire had deceived them, and as the storming party
+dashed forward, they were met by vigorous volleys from our
+magazine rifles, which knocked over dozens, and compelled the
+remainder to again retire.</p>
+
+<p>"Again the enemy made a desperate onslaught, and again
+we succeeded in hurling them back, and stretching dead a
+dozen or more. Meanwhile the great force of Russians was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+moving slowly up the hill, and I knew that to hold the place
+much longer would be impossible. From the rear of the
+building a vigorous attack had now commenced, and moving
+more men round to the rear, so that our fire would command
+the sloping approach to the house, I gave an order to fire
+steadily. A moment later my sergeant and two other men
+had been severely wounded, and although the former had had
+his arm broken, and was near fainting from loss of blood,
+nevertheless he kept up, resting his rifle-barrel upon the
+shattered window-ledge, and pouring out the deadly contents
+of his magazine.</p>
+
+<p>"A few minutes afterwards a bullet shattered my left hand,
+and the man who crouched next to me under the window was
+a second later shot through the heart, and fell back dead among
+the disordered furniture.</p>
+
+<p>"Still not a man hesitated, not a word of despair was
+uttered. We all knew that death stared us in the face, and
+that to face it bravely was a Briton's duty. Only once I
+shouted above the din: 'Do your best, boys! Remember we
+we are all Britons, and those vermin outside have wrecked
+our homes and killed those we love. Let's have our revenge,
+even if we die for it!'</p>
+
+<p>"'We'll stick to 'em till the very last, sir, never fear,'
+cheerily replied one young fellow as he reloaded his gun; but
+alas! ere he could raise it to fire, a bullet struck him in the
+throat. He staggered back, and a few moments later was a
+corpse.</p>
+
+<p>"Undaunted, however, my men determined to sell their
+lives as dearly as possible, and continued their fire, time after
+time repelling the attack, and sweeping away the grey-coats as
+they emerged from behind the low walls.</p>
+
+<p>"Three more men had fallen in as many seconds, and
+another, staggering back against the wall, held his hand to
+his breast, where he had received a terrible and mortal wound.
+Our situation at that moment was most critical. Only two
+rounds remained to each of my nine brave fellows, yet not a
+man wavered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Looking, I saw in the fading twilight the dark masses of
+the enemy moving up the steep road, and at that moment a
+round was fired with effect upon those who had surrounded us.
+One more round only remained. Then we meant to die
+fighting. Blinding smoke suddenly filled the half-wrecked
+room, and we knew that the enemy had succeeded in setting
+fire to the taproom underneath!</p>
+
+<p>"I stepped forward, and shouted for the last time the
+order to my brave comrades to fire. Nine rifles rang out
+simultaneously; but I had, I suppose, showed myself imprudently,
+for at the same second I felt a sharp twinge in
+the shoulder, and knew that I had been struck. The rest was
+all a blank.</p>
+
+<p>"When I regained my senses I found myself lying in
+Sandwell Hall, with doctors bandaging my wounds, and then
+I learned that we had been rescued just in time, and that my
+nine comrades had all escaped the fate they had faced with
+dogged disregard for their own safety, and such noble devotion
+to their Queen."</p>
+
+<p>It was a black day for Britain. During the long hours of
+that fierce, mad struggle many Victoria Crosses were earned,
+but the majority of those who performed deeds worthy of such
+decoration, alas! fell to the earth, dead.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>OUR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc182.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="M" title="M" /></div><p>any important events had occurred in the
+Mediterranean since the outbreak of hostilities.
+At the moment of the sudden Declaration of
+War, the ships forming the British Mediterranean
+Squadron were at Larnaka, Cyprus,
+and on receipt of the alarming intelligence,
+the Admiral sailed immediately for Malta. On arrival there,
+he heard that a strong force of French vessels had been
+despatched to Gibraltar for the purpose of preventing any
+British ships from getting out of the Mediterranean in order to
+strengthen the Channel Squadron. Nevertheless he waited for
+some days at Malta, in hourly expectation of instructions, which
+came at length about two o'clock one morning, and an hour later
+the Squadron sailed westward for an unknown destination.</p>
+
+<p>Our Fleet in those waters was notoriously inadequate in
+comparison with those of France and Russia. It consisted of
+three of the battleships constructed under the 1894 programme,
+the <i>Jupiter</i>, <i>C�sar</i>, and <i>Victorious</i>, with the cruisers <i>Diana</i> and
+<i>Dido</i>; the ironclads <i>Collingwood</i>, <i>Dreadnought</i>, <i>Hood</i>, <i>Inflexible</i>,
+<i>Nile</i>, <i>Ramillies</i>, <i>Repulse</i>, <i>Sans Pareil</i>, <i>Trafalgar</i>, <i>Magnificent</i>,
+<i>Empress of India</i>, and <i>Revenge</i>; the cruisers <i>Arethusa</i>, <i>Edgar</i>,
+<i>Fearless</i>, <i>Hawke</i>, <i>Scout</i>, <i>Orlando</i>, <i>Undaunted</i>; the torpedo ram
+<i>Polyphemus</i>; the torpedo gun-vessel <i>Sandfly</i>; the sloops <i>Dolphin</i>,
+<i>Gannet</i>, <i>Melita</i>, and <i>Bramble</i>; and the despatch vessel <i>Surprise</i>,
+with twenty-two torpedo boats and six destroyers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The information received by our Fleet at Malta was to
+the effect that the French force at Gibraltar was so strong
+that a successful attack was out of the question; while the
+Russian Mediterranean and Black Sea Fleets, the strength of
+which was considerable, were also known to be approaching
+for the purpose of co-operating with the French.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the addition of three new battleships and
+two new cruisers to our force in the Mediterranean, the utter
+inadequacy of our Navy was still very apparent. For years
+the British public had demanded that a dozen more new
+battleships should be constructed in case of casualties, but
+these demands were unheeded, and during the three years that
+had passed we had lost our naval supremacy, for France and
+Russia combined were now considerably stronger. France
+alone had 150 fighting pennants available along her southern
+shores, against our 59; and the Tsar's ships were all strong,
+well-equipped, and armed with guns of the latest type.</p>
+
+<p>As was feared from the outset, the Russian Black Sea
+Fleet had struck for the Suez Canal, England's highway to
+the East. Egypt, the Bosphorus, Gibraltar, and Tripoli in
+the grasp of the enemy, meant supremacy in the East, and a
+situation that would not be tolerated by either Italy or
+Austria. Therefore the British Admiral, recognising the
+seriousness of the situation, and having received instructions
+to return home and assist in the defence of Britain, mustered
+his forces and cleared for action. The events that occurred
+immediately afterwards are best related in the graphic and
+interesting narrative which was subsequently written to a
+friend by Captain Neville Reed of the great steel battleship
+<i>Ramillies</i>, and afterwards published, together with the accompanying
+sketch, in the <i>Illustrated London News</i>, as
+follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"After leaving Malta, we rounded the Adventure Bank off
+the Sicilian coast, and headed due north past Elba and on to the
+Gulf of Genoa. From Spezia we received despatches, and after
+anchoring for twelve hours,&mdash;during which time we were busy
+completing our preparations,&mdash;sailed at midnight westward. Off<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+St. Tropez, near the Hy�res Islands, in obedience to signals
+from the flagship, the <i>Empress of India</i>, the ironclads <i>Jupiter</i>,
+<i>Sans Pareil</i>, <i>Repulse</i>, with the cruisers <i>Edgar</i>, <i>Dido</i>, <i>Diana</i>,
+<i>Orlando</i>, <i>Undaunted</i>, and <i>Scout</i>, the sloop <i>Gannet</i>, and five torpedo
+boats, detached themselves from the Squadron, and after
+exchanging further signals, bore away due south. Giving the
+shore a wide offing, we steamed along throughout the afternoon.
+The Mediterranean had not yet been the scene of any bloody or
+fatal conflict, but as we cut our way through the calm sunlit
+waters with a brilliant cerulean sky above, the contrast between
+our bright and lovely surroundings and the terrible realities of
+the situation during those breathless hours of suspense still
+dwells distinctly in my memory.</p>
+
+<p>"It was our duty to fight the enemy, to beat him, and to pass
+through the Straits of Gibraltar and help our comrades at home.
+Every man, although totally unaware of his present destination,
+felt that at last the moment had come when the supreme
+ambition of his life was to be realised, and he was to strike a
+blow for his country's honour.</p>
+
+<p>"Apparently our Admiral was in no hurry. He no doubt
+was awaiting events, for at sunset we lay-to about thirty miles
+south of La Ciotat, and spent the calm bright night restlessly
+anxious and keeping a sharp lookout for the enemy. There
+was a hush of expectation over the ship, and scarcely a sound
+broke the quiet save the lapping of the water against the smooth
+sides of the ironclad, and no sign of force except the swish of
+the waves falling on either side of the formidable and deadly
+ram.</p>
+
+<p>"Just after seven bells in the morning watch, however, we
+resumed our voyage, and turning, went north again. Then, for
+the first time, we knew the Admiral's intentions. An ultimatum
+had already been given. <i>We were to bombard Marseilles!</i></p>
+
+<p>"Three hours later we came within view of the city. Seen
+from the sea it has a certain amount of picturesqueness. In
+the foreground there is the harbour, with a barren group of
+islands at its entrance, and behind masses of yellow houses
+covering an extensive valley, and white villas dotted over a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+semicircle of green hills stretching in the rear. Prominent in
+the landscape is the church of N�tre Dame de la Garde, perched
+on the eminence on the right; while on the left there stands on
+an island the Ch�teau d'If, rendered immortal by the adventures
+of Monte Cristo; and behind, on the broad Quai de la Joliette,
+rises the fine Cathedral, built in alternate courses of black and
+white stone. It is a handsome and wealthy city, with its fine
+shady boulevard, the Cannebi�re running through its centre
+from the Arc de Triomphe right down to the old port whence
+the mail steamers depart. This city, teeming with life, it was
+our duty to lay in ruins!</p>
+
+<p>"Knowing how strongly fortified it was, that upon each of
+those hills were great batteries ready at a given signal to pour
+out their deadly hail, and that under the blue waters were
+mines which might be exploded from the shore at any moment,
+we made preparations for counter-mining, and then cautiously
+approached within range. Suddenly, however, having got into
+position and laid our guns, we received the anxiously expected
+order, and a few moments later opened a terrific and almost
+simultaneous fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Through my glass I could clearly distinguish the terrible
+confusion being caused in the streets as our shells fell and burst
+on the Quai de la Joliette, in the Cannebi�re, and the Boulevard
+de l'Emp�reur.</p>
+
+<p>"The first taste of our guns had produced a terrible panic,
+for a shell from the <i>Dreadnought</i>, lying next to us, had struck
+the tower of the Cathedral and brought down a great quantity
+of masonry, while another shell from one of our 67-ton guns,
+bursting in the Palais de Justice with terrible effect, had
+ignited it.</p>
+
+<p>"It was our first shot, and the gun had been well sighted;
+but ere we fired again such a storm of shell burst upon us that I
+confess for a moment I stood in my conning-tower motionless
+in surprise. On all sides the French had apparently established
+batteries. From the great Fort St. Jean at the entrance to the
+port, and from the Batterie du Phare on the opposite side, flame
+and smoke belched from heavy guns continuously. From a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+battery in the Ch�teau d'If, from another on the rocky promontory
+on the right known as the Edoume, from a number of
+smaller ones established on the hills of l'Oriol and the Citadel,
+as well as from the great fortress of N�tre Dame de la Garde
+on the highest hill, a little to the right of the city, there came
+an incessant thunder, and dozens of shots ricochetted over the
+placid water towards us.</p>
+
+<p>"In a few moments, however, my 67-tonners were again
+adding to the deafening roar, my ten 6-inch quick-firing guns
+were sending out their messengers of death, and my smaller
+arms, consisting of 3 and 16-pounders, were acting their part in
+the sudden outburst. We had attacked the town without
+intention of investment, but simply to destroy it, and as the
+minutes slipped by, and I peered through my glass, I could see
+how devastating were our enormous modern shells.</p>
+
+<p>"All our guns were now trained upon the forts, and the
+bombardment was most vigorous. The six coast-defence ships,
+which endeavoured to drive us off, we quickly put out of action,
+capturing one, torpedoing two, and disabling the three others;
+while up to the present, although a number of shots from the
+land batteries had struck us, we sustained no serious damage.</p>
+
+<p>"We were avenging Hull and Newcastle. Into the panic-stricken
+town we were pouring an unceasing storm of shell,
+which swept away whole streets of handsome buildings, and
+killed hundreds of those flying for safety into the country.
+Watching, I saw one shot from one of my bow barbette guns
+crash into the roof of the fine new H�tel du Louvre, in the
+Cannebi�re. The French Tricolor on the flagstaff toppled over
+into the street, and a second later the clouds of smoke and the
+d�bris which shot up showed plainly the awful results of the
+bursting shell.</p>
+
+<p>"Time after time my 67-tonners crashed and roared, time
+after time I pressed my fingers upon the little knobs in the
+conning-tower, and huge projectiles were discharged right into
+the forts. In conjunction with the never-ceasing fire of companion
+ships, we rained iron in a continuous stream that
+wrought havoc in the defences and destroyed all the buildings<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+that offered targets. In an hour the Arsenal behind the Palais
+de Justice was laid in ruins, the fine H�tel de Ville was a mere
+heap of smouldering d�bris, the Bourse, and the great Library in
+the Boulevard du Mus�e were half wrecked by shells, and the
+Custom House, the Gendarmerie, and the Prefecture were
+burning furiously. The Ch�teau du Phare on the headland at
+the entrance to the fort was suffering frightfully, and the shells
+that had struck the Citadel and the fort of N�tre Dame had
+been terribly effective. Every part of the city from the
+Promenade du Prado to the Botanical Gardens was being swept
+continuously by our fire, and from the black smoke curling
+upward in the sunlight we knew that many broad handsome
+streets were in flames. Excited over their work of revenge, my
+guns' crews worked on with a contemptuous disregard for the
+withering fire being poured upon us from the land. They
+meant, they said, to teach the Frenchmen a lesson, and they
+certainly did. Around us shots from the batteries fell thickly,
+sending up huge columns of water. Suddenly a shell struck
+the <i>Ramillies</i> forward in front of the barbette, and burst like
+the rending of a thundercloud. The deck was torn up, a dozen
+men were maimed or killed, poor fellows! but the solid face of
+the barbette held its own, and the muzzles of our two great
+guns remained untouched.</p>
+
+<p>"Several shots from the N�tre Dame Fort and the Endoume
+Battery then struck us in quick succession. One was particularly
+disastrous, for, crashing into the battery on the port side,
+it burst, disabling one of the 6-inch guns, and killing the whole
+gun's crew in an instant. The effect was frightful, for the
+whole space around was wrecked, and not a man escaped.</p>
+
+<p>"Such are the fortunes of war! A few moments later we
+turned our heavy guns upon the Endoume Battery, perched up
+upon the rocky headland, and together with the <i>Empress of
+India</i> and the <i>Victorious</i> thundered forth our great projectiles
+upon it in a manner which must have been terribly disconcerting.
+The battery replied vigorously at first, but the <i>Nile</i>,
+noticing the direction in which we had turned our attention,
+trained her guns upon the same fort, and let loose a perfect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>
+hail of devastating shell. Without ceasing for a second, we
+played upon it, and could distinguish even with the naked
+eye how completely we were destroying it, until half an
+hour later we found that the Frenchmen had ceased to reply.
+We had silenced their guns, and, in fact, totally wrecked the
+fort.</p>
+
+<p>"Several of our vessels were, however, severely feeling the
+fire from the N�tre Dame Fortress and that of St. Jean.
+Nearly one hundred men on board the <i>Trafalgar</i> had been
+killed; while two shots, entering one of the broadside batteries
+of the flagship, had caused frightful havoc, and had blown to
+atoms over forty men and three officers. A torpedo boat that
+had approached the French coast-defence ship just before she
+was captured had been sunk by a shot, but the crew were
+fortunately all rescued, after much difficulty, by the sloop
+<i>Dolphin</i>, which had severely suffered herself from the vigorous
+fire from the Batterie du Phare. The funnel of the <i>Nile</i> had
+been carried away by a shot from the Citadel, while among the
+more conspicuous British losses was a serious catastrophe
+which had occurred on board the <i>Hood</i> by the premature
+explosion of a torpedo, by which a sub-lieutenant and thirty-three
+men were launched into eternity, and sixteen men very
+severely wounded. The engines of the <i>Arethusa</i> were also broken.</p>
+
+<p>"The smoke rising from the bombarded city increased every
+moment in density, and even in the daylight we could distinguish
+the flames. The centre of Marseilles was burning
+furiously, and the fire was now spreading unchecked. One of
+our objects had been to destroy the immense quantity of war
+stores, and in this we were entirely successful. We had
+turned our united efforts upon the Fort St. Jean down at
+the harbour entrance and that of N�tre Dame high on the
+hill. Pounding away at these, time slipped by until the
+sun sank in a blaze of crimson and gold. Both forts made a
+gallant defence, but each of our shots went home, and through
+my glasses I watched the awful result. Suddenly a terrific
+report caused the whole city to tremble. One of our shots had
+apparently entered the powder magazine in the Fort St. Jean,
+and it had blown up,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> producing an appalling catastrophe from
+which the fortress could never recover.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 650px;">
+<a href="images/i189-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i189-lo.jpg" width="600" height="372" alt="BOMBARDMENT OF MARSEILLES BY THE BRITISH:
+&quot;ONE OF OUR SHELLS HAD ENTERED THE POWDER MAGAZINE OF FORT ST. JEAN.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">BOMBARDMENT OF MARSEILLES BY THE BRITISH:
+&quot;ONE OF OUR SHELLS HAD ENTERED THE POWDER MAGAZINE OF FORT ST. JEAN.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"By this time the whole of the shipping in the docks was
+burning furiously, and the congested part of the city lying
+between the port and the Lyons Railway Station was like a
+huge furnace. The sight was one of terrible grandeur.</p>
+
+<p>"Presently, just as the sun sank behind the grey night
+clouds, we ceased fire, and then gazed with calm satisfaction
+upon the result of our bombardment. We had treated a
+French city in the same manner as the French and Russians
+had treated our own homes, and we could look upon this scene
+of destruction and death without a pang of remorse. But that
+was not all. When our guns were silent we could distinctly
+hear vigorous rifle firing at the back of the city. Then we
+knew the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"While we had been attacking Marseilles from the sea, the
+Italians, who a week before had crossed the frontier, and with
+the Germans occupied Lyons, had co-operated with us on land,
+and the terror-stricken Marseillais, hemmed in by fire and
+bullets on either side, had been swept away in thousands.</p>
+
+<p>"The scenes in the streets were, we afterwards learnt,
+awful; and although the garrison offered a desperate resistance
+to the Italians along the valley near the Ch�teau des Fleurs,
+most of them were killed, and nearly three thousand of their
+number taken prisoners. But the Italians were unable to
+enter Marseilles themselves, as, long before they had succeeded
+in breaking up the land defences, we had set the place on fire,
+and now, as night fell, the great city was one mass of flames,
+the lurid light from which illuminated sky and sea with a
+bright red glare."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The blazing African sun was fading, flooding the calm
+sapphire Mediterranean with its blood-red afterglow. The air
+was oppressive, the wind blew hot from the desert, and shoals
+of tiny green birds were chattering before roosting in the oasis
+of tall date palms that cast long shadows over the sun-baked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+stones of the Place du Gouvernement at Algiers. Everything
+was of a dazzling whiteness, relieved only by the blue sky and
+sea. The broad, handsome Square was almost deserted, the
+jalousies of the European houses were still closed, and although
+a few people were sipping absinthe at the caf�s, the siesta was
+not yet over.</p>
+
+<p>At one corner of the Square the Mosque of Djama-el-Djedid,
+with its dome and minarets, stood out intensely white
+against the bright, cloudless sky, its spotless cleanliness
+causing the white-washed houses of Europeans to appear
+yellow and dingy; and as the <i>mueddin</i> stood on one of the
+minarets with arms uplifted, calling the Faithful to prayer, idle
+Moors and Arabs, who had been lying asleep in the shadow
+during the afternoon, rose quickly, rearranged their burnouses,
+and entered the Mosque in order to render thanks to Allah.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness crept on after a brief twilight. Moorish women,
+wrapped in their white <i>haicks</i>, wearing their ugly baggy
+trousers, and veiled to the eyes, waddled along slowly and
+noiselessly among the palms, and gradually a gay cosmopolitan
+crowd assembled in the Place to enjoy the <i>bel fresco</i> after the
+terrible heat of the day, and to listen to the fine band of the
+1st Zouaves, which had already taken up its stand in the
+centre of the Square, and was now playing one of Strauss's
+dreamy waltzes.</p>
+
+<p>The night was bright and starlit, one of those calm, mystic
+evenings peculiar to North Africa. All was peaceful, but no
+moon had yet risen. The city wore its gay air of carelessness.
+White-robed Moors and red-fezzed Arabs, negroes from the
+Soudan, and Biskris in their blue burnouses, lounged, chattered,
+and promenaded, while the caf�s and bazaars around
+were full of life, and the warm, balmy air was laden with the
+scent of flowers.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, without warning, the whole place was illuminated
+by a brilliant light from the sea. Slowly it swept the
+town, and a few seconds later other bright beams shot forth,
+lighting up the quays, the terraces of white, flat-roofed houses,
+and the Moorish city on the hill. Then, before the promenaders<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+could realise the cause, a loud booming was heard at sea,
+and almost at the same moment a shell fell, and, exploding
+in the midst of them, blew a dozen Moors and Arabs into
+atoms.</p>
+
+<p>In a few seconds the cannonade increased, and the battery
+in the centre of the harbour replied. Then firing seemed to
+proceed from all quarters, and a storm of shell suddenly
+crashed upon the town with the most appalling effect.</p>
+
+<p>British war-vessels had crept up within range, and were
+pouring the vials of Britain's wrath upon the ancient city of
+the Deys!</p>
+
+<p>The detachment of vessels which, led by the new battleship
+<i>Jupiter</i>, went south from St. Tropez, had received instructions
+to destroy Algiers and return with all speed to Cagliari, in
+Sardinia, to await further instructions. The bombardment of
+the two cities simultaneously was in order to draw off the
+French Squadron from the position it had taken up near
+Gibraltar, so that the British could fight and then run past
+them into the Atlantic.</p>
+
+<p>How far the man&oelig;uvre succeeded is shown in the few
+interesting details of the bombardment given in the course of
+an interview which a reporter of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> had with
+Lieut. George Ingleton, of the first-class cruiser <i>Edgar</i>. The
+officer said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We arrived off Algiers two hours after sundown, and after
+an inspection with search-lights, began to let fly with our big
+guns. In a few minutes the Al-Djefna Battery in the centre of
+the harbour replied, and a moment later a very rigorous fire
+was poured forth from Fort Neuf on the right and Forts Bab-Azzoun
+and Conde on the left. All four were very strong, and
+in conjunction with coast-defence vessels offered a most
+vigorous resistance. So suddenly did we fire upon the town,
+that a frightful panic must have been caused. Before we had
+fired half a dozen times, a shot from one of our 22-tonners
+crashed into the dome of the Mosque and totally demolished it,
+while another particularly well-aimed shell struck the Mairie,
+a big handsome building on the Boulevard de la R�publique,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+facing the sea, tearing out a portion of the front. Then,
+turning our guns upon the long row of shops, banks, and
+hotels which formed the Boulevard, we pounded away most
+effectively, while several of our other vessels attended to the
+forts.</p>
+
+<p>"During the first half-hour the four warships of the enemy
+gave us considerable trouble, but very soon our torpedoes had
+sunk two of them, and the other two were quickly captured.</p>
+
+<p>"Meanwhile, under the hot fire from the forts, the bombardment
+grew exciting. Shells were ricochetting on the water
+all round us, but our search-lights being now shut off, we
+offered a very indistinct target to the enemy. On nearly all
+our ships, however, there were some slight casualties. A shell
+severely damaged the superstructure of the <i>Jupiter</i>, while
+others rendered useless several of her machine guns. A shell
+penetrated the <i>Gannet</i>, unfortunately killing fourteen bluejackets;
+and had it not been that the deck of the <i>Edgar</i> was
+protected throughout, the consequences to us would also have
+been very serious. Nevertheless, our two 22-ton guns rendered
+valuable service, and contributed in no small measure to the
+demolition of the town.</p>
+
+<p>"From the outset we could see that Algiers was totally
+unprepared for attack, and, continuing our fire calmly and
+regularly, we watched the flames bursting forth in every part
+of the town and leaping skyward. On shore the guns kept up
+their roaring thunder, although by aid of glasses we could
+detect how effectual were our shells in wrecking the fortifications
+and laying in ruins the European quarter. Every
+moment we were dealing terrible blows which shook the city
+to its foundations. The formidable city walls availed them
+nothing, for we could drop our shells anywhere we pleased,
+either on the hill at Mustapha or upon the pretty Moorish
+villas that lined the shore at St. Eug�ne.</p>
+
+<p>"Blazing away at long range upon the town, we spread
+destruction everywhere. Houses toppled like packs of cards,
+mosques were blown into the air, and public buildings swept
+away like grains of sand before the sirocco. Under such a fire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>
+thousands of natives and Europeans must have perished, for we
+were determined to carry out our intentions, and teach the invaders
+a lesson they were not likely to easily forget. Time after
+time our heavy guns crashed, while our 6-inch quick-firers kept
+up their roar, and our machine guns rattled continuously. As
+the hours went by, and we continued our work of merciless
+destruction, we were hit once or twice, but beyond the loss of
+two men and some unimportant damage we escaped further
+punishment.</p>
+
+<p>"The roar of our guns was deafening, and the smoke hung
+over the calm sea like a storm-cloud. Still we kept on in the
+face of the galling fire from the shore, and before midnight had
+the satisfaction of witnessing a magnificent spectacle, for the
+isolated conflagrations gradually united and the whole town
+was in flames.</p>
+
+<p>"We had accomplished our work, so with cheers for Old
+England we gave a parting shot, and turning were soon
+steaming away towards the Sicilian coast, leaving Algiers a
+mass of roaring flame.</p>
+
+<p>"The journey was uneventful until just before noon on the
+following day. I was at that time on duty, and suddenly, to
+my surprise, detected a number of ships. By the aid of our
+glasses, the captain and I found to our dismay that a number
+of the most powerful vessels of the Russian Fleet were bearing
+down upon us! All our other vessels had made the same
+discovery, and I must confess that the meeting was somewhat
+disconcerting. The strength of the Russian ironclads was such
+as to cause our hearts to beat more quickly. To engage that
+great force meant certain defeat, while it was necessary that
+our Admiral off Marseilles should know of the whereabouts of
+this hostile squadron, therefore we resolved to get away. But
+although we altered our course and put on all speed, we were,
+alas! unsuccessful. At last we determined at all hazards to
+stick to our guns so long as we were afloat, and as the first of
+the Tsar's ironclads drew within range, one of our 22-tonners
+thundered. The white smoke, driven forward, tumbled over
+our bows. We had spoken the first word of battle!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 110px;">
+<img src="images/dc196.jpg" width="110" height="100" alt='"T' title="T" /></div>
+<p>he great naval force of the Tsar, with which we
+were now face to face," continued Lieutenant
+Ingleton in his narrative, "consisted of the
+new battleship <i>Petropavlovsk</i> of 10,960 tons,
+with a speed of 17 knots; the great turret-ship
+<i>Dvenadsat Apostoloff</i> of 8076 tons; the
+two new barbette-ships <i>Kama</i> and <i>Vologda</i> of the <i>Cizoi Veliky</i>
+type; the <i>Tchesm�</i> of 10,181 tons, the <i>Gheorghy Pobyednosets</i>
+of 10,280 tons, and the powerful <i>Tria Sviatitelia</i> of 12,480
+tons; the two enormous new cruisers <i>Tiumen</i> and <i>Minsk</i>, both
+of 17,000 tons, and running at 20 knots; the <i>Vladimir Monomach</i>
+of 5754 tons; the armoured gunboat <i>Otvazny</i>, and the
+new rams <i>Admiral Seniavine</i> and <i>Admiral Uschakoff</i>, with
+thirty torpedo boats, including the <i>Kodor</i>, <i>Reni</i>, <i>Anakria</i>, and
+<i>Adler</i>, the latter being able to run at 27�4 knots.</p>
+
+<p>"Against such a gigantic force as this our small force of
+vessels and torpedo boats presented but a sorry appearance.
+Nevertheless we had fired the first shot, and were now determined
+to die rather than haul down our colours. As our
+guns thundered, those of the <i>Jupiter</i>, <i>Repulse</i>, <i>Sans Pareil</i>,
+<i>Undaunted</i>, <i>Orlando</i>, <i>Diana</i>, <i>Scout</i>, and <i>Gannet</i> joined in noisy
+chorus. The 12-inch guns in the turrets of the <i>Petropavlovsk</i>
+and the four big guns in the barbettes of the
+<i>Tria Sviatitelia</i> crashed out together, and almost immediately
+afterwards we found ourselves being swept from stem to stern<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>
+by the enemy's shells. The Russian battleships were all well
+armoured, and had a much heavier shell fire than the vessels
+of either France or Britain. We were both in columns of
+divisions in line ahead, but from the first moment of the engagement
+our position was critical.</p>
+
+<p>"A terrific and deadly storm burst upon us from the enemy's
+tops, while his heavy guns kept up an incessant thunder.
+With such an enormous force against us, it was apparent to
+every man on board that disaster was imminent. It had, alas!
+never been graven sufficiently deep upon the public mind how
+absurdly weak we were in the Mediterranean. Here, as in all
+other squadrons, every grade of officer from commander downwards
+was deficient in numbers, and the ships in commission
+had for years been so much below their complement that the
+work had only been carried on with great difficulty. Other
+ships at home had been obliged to wait until a sufficient
+number of merchant seamen and half-trained engine-room
+staff could be scraped together to provide the semblance of
+a crew. In fact, successive British Governments of both
+parties had subordinated national necessities to a desire to
+evade a material increase in taxation, and now at last our
+Mediterranean Squadron were compelled to face the inevitable.</p>
+
+<p>"The insidious cunning and patient methods to which the
+Russians resort in order to attain their aims and break their
+boundaries had once more been illustrated. They had, by dint
+of extraordinary chicanery, secured absolute possession of the
+small Turkish peninsula known as Mount Athos. Situated
+near the entrance of the Gulf of Salonica, it was a paramount
+strategical position, and its possessor was now enabled to keep
+watch upon Macedonia, and in the meantime be very near the
+Dardanelles, and also Asia Minor. The possession was accomplished
+in a curiously secret manner, showing to what extent
+Russian foresight and artifice is carried. For years past the
+<i>Soci�t� Slav de Bienfaisance</i> had been sending, through a bank
+in Salonica, large sums of money to further the aim. To the
+casual observer there was nothing extraordinary about this,
+for the Russians had established on the lofty heights several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>
+monasteries, converting the place into a clerical settlement.
+This fact was pointed out by the <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i> as far back
+as 1893, but the British public at that time failed to detect any
+Russian intrigue.</p>
+
+<p>"Gradually, however, Muscovite roubles purchased the
+surrounding property, and Greek convents were reduced to
+poverty while Russian institutions flourished and increased.
+But, strangely enough, the inmates of these monasteries were
+suddenly discovered to be mock clerics, and then it was disclosed
+that under the cover of monastic garments and robes were to
+be found the Tsar's soldiers, performing a three years' special
+and specific military service!</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, owing to the Sultan's weakness, to the almighty backsheesh,
+and to the shortsightedness of Turkish statesmen, the
+Russians were not dislodged, but the position was actually
+ceded to them, with the result that they had now firmly
+established themselves where they were enabled to counteract
+British action and influence. A naval station had been
+established for their Mediterranean Squadron at Poros, off the
+eastern coast of the Peloponnesus, some fifteen miles due south
+of the island of �gina. Here there were three miles of deep
+water safe from sea attack, with an arsenal and dockyard, on
+the very weakest point along the line of our highway between
+England and India! Such was the manner in which our power
+in the Mediterranean had been undermined!</p>
+
+<p>"There was, however, no time for reflection amid the
+deafening roar. This Black Sea Fleet that had burst its bonds
+and passed through the Dardanelles intended to sweep us from
+the sea. Yet, notwithstanding the terrible fire pouring upon us
+from these great and powerful ships, each fully equipped with
+the latest and most improved arms, fully manned by well-trained
+men, and fresh for the fray, we held our quarters,
+determined to show the forces of the Tsar defiance. Even
+though every man of us might be sent to an untimely grave,
+the Russian flag should never surmount the White Ensign of
+Britain. We were determined, so we set our teeth, and showed
+a firm and vigorous front to the foe.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Our two 22-tonners rendered admirable service, and the
+cannonade kept up from our 3 and 6-pounder quick-firing
+guns was playing havoc with the Russian belted cruiser
+<i>Vladimir Monomach</i> lying on our port quarter. The vessel
+was slightly larger than ourselves, carrying much heavier
+armaments, including four 13-ton guns, and twelve 4-tonners.
+She was indeed a very formidable opponent, nevertheless
+we did our best, and, blazing away at close quarters, soon
+succeeded in silencing the starboard 13-tonner nearest us.</p>
+
+<p>"Just at this moment I found we were being attacked on
+the port bow by the enormous new turret-ship <i>Petropavlovsk</i> and
+the <i>Dvenadsat Apostoloff</i>. Two of the heavy 12-inch guns of
+the former thundered almost simultaneously, and both shells
+striking us almost amidships, caused us such a shock that for a
+second I stood breathless.</p>
+
+<p>"In a few moments, however, it was reported that our
+'vitals' had fortunately escaped, and we continued firing as if
+no catastrophe had occurred. As a matter of fact, the damage
+caused by those two shells was appalling.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Jupiter</i>, steaming about two miles away on our starboard
+quarter, was apparently holding her own against the
+barbette-ships <i>Tchesm�</i> and <i>Gheorghy Pobyednosets</i>, the cruiser
+<i>Tiumen</i>, one of the largest in the world, and the new ram
+<i>Admiral Seniavine</i>. The four attacking vessels, as seen through
+the dense smoke, were pouring into the British ship a deadly fire;
+yet, judging from the fallen tops and disabled engines of the
+<i>Gheorghy Pobyednosets</i> and the wrecked superstructure of the
+<i>Tchesm�</i>, the <i>Jupiter's</i> heavy armaments were executing good
+work, notwithstanding the strength of the <i>Tchesm�'s</i> six 50-ton
+guns, admirably arranged in pairs in the centre of the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Diana</i> and <i>Sans Pareil</i>, lying near to one another, were
+desperately resisting the vigorous attack made by the <i>Admiral
+Uschakoff</i>, <i>Minsk</i>, <i>Otvazny</i>, <i>Kama</i>, and <i>Vologda</i>; and here again,
+amid smoke and flying d�bris, I could distinguish that the
+67-tonners of the <i>Repulse</i>, in co-operation with the lighter
+weapons of the <i>Undaunted</i>, were giving the enemy a taste of
+what British courage could accomplish.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The sea around us simply swarmed with Russian torpedo
+boats, and it required all our vigilance to evade their continued
+attacks. Before an hour had passed we had succeeded in sinking
+two by shots from our 6-inch guns, and several more were
+sent to the bottom by well-aimed projectiles from the <i>Dido</i>
+and <i>Jupiter</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"As for ourselves, projectiles were sweeping across our deck
+like hail, and under the incessant and fearful fire we were
+suffering frightfully. Over sixty of our men and a sub-lieutenant
+had been killed, while forty-nine were severely
+wounded. Once I had occasion to go below, and between decks
+the sight that met my gaze was awful.</p>
+
+<p>"Around two of the quick-firing guns on our port quarter
+lay the guns' crews, mutilated by shells from the <i>Vladimir
+Monomach</i>. They had been killed almost instantly while
+standing bravely at their posts. The scene was appalling. The
+mangled masses of humanity amid which the surgeons were at
+work were awful to look upon, and I rushed up again with the
+terrible scene photographed indelibly upon my memory.</p>
+
+<p>"Meanwhile the ship was in the greatest peril. The continual
+bursting of shells upon her shook and shattered her, and
+she trembled violently as, time after time, her own guns uttered
+their thundering reply to her enemies. Heeling now this way,
+now that, as the helm was put hard over to avoid a blow, the
+situation on board was intensely exciting.</p>
+
+<p>"Those were terrible moments. The captain suddenly
+noticed the movements of the <i>Vladimir Monomach</i>, and divined
+her intentions. She had ceased firing, and by a neatly executed
+man&oelig;uvre was preparing to ram us. In a moment our helm
+was put over again, and the <i>Edgar</i> answered to it immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ready bow tube!' I heard the captain shout hoarsely.
+He waited a few moments, allowing the Russian ironclad to
+partially perform her evolution, then just as she came almost
+into collision with us he shrieked 'Fire bow tube!' at the same
+time bringing us over further to port.</p>
+
+<p>"The seconds seemed hours. Suddenly there was a loud
+explosion, a great column of water rose under the Russian's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>
+bow, and we knew the torpedo had struck. At that moment,
+too, even while the water was still in the air, one of our torpedo
+boats which had crept up under the <i>Vladimir Monomach's</i>
+stern sent another torpedo at her, which also hit its mark and
+ripped her up. Turning our guns upon the armoured cruiser,
+we poured volley after volley into her, but she did not reply,
+for her men were panic-stricken, and she was sinking fast.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Petropavlovsk</i>, leaving us, endeavoured to rescue her
+crew, but ere a dozen men were saved, she settled down bow foremost,
+and disappeared into the deep, carrying down with her
+nearly five hundred officers and men.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Dvenadsat Apostoloff</i> kept up her fire upon us, and a
+few moments later I witnessed another disaster, for a shot from
+one of her bow guns struck the torpedo boat that had just
+assisted us, and sank it. A few minutes later a loud explosion
+in the direction of the <i>Sans Pareil</i> attracted my attention, and,
+turning, I saw amid the smoke-clouds d�bris precipitated high
+into the air. A shot from one of her 111-ton guns had penetrated
+to the magazine of the <i>Admiral Seniavine</i>, which had
+exploded, causing a frightful disaster on board that vessel, and
+just at the same moment a cheer from the crew of one of our
+6-inch guns prompted me to look for the cause, which I found
+in the fact that they had shot the Russian colours completely
+away from the <i>Dvenadsat Apostoloff</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Again another frightful explosion sounded loud above the
+incessant din, and to my satisfaction I saw a great column of
+water rise around the <i>Admiral Uschakoff</i>, which, fighting at close
+quarters with the <i>Dido</i>, had apparently been torpedoed. Not
+satisfied with this, the captain of the <i>Dido</i>, keeping his
+machine guns going, turned his vessel and discharged a second
+Whitehead, which also struck with such terrible effect that the
+Russian ship began at once to sink, and in a few minutes the
+blue waves closed for ever over her tops, ere a score or so out
+of her crew of 300 could be rescued.</p>
+
+<p>"It was nearly three bells, and the sun was setting. A
+galling fire from the machine guns in the foretop of the <i>Dvenadsat
+Apostoloff</i> suddenly swept our deck, killing a dozen poor fellows<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+who were at work clearing away some d�bris, and at the same
+moment a shot from one of her 52-ton guns crashed into our
+port quarter, and must have caused terrible havoc among the
+guns' crews. A moment later we were dismayed by the report
+that our steering-gear had been broken. For a few seconds we
+were helplessly swinging round under the awful fire which was
+now pouring from the great guns of the Russian ironclad, and
+our captain was making strenuous efforts to recover control of
+the ship, when I saw the torpedo boat <i>Anakria</i> shoot suddenly
+across our bows, then quickly slacken as she got to starboard
+of us.</p>
+
+<p>"A second later I realised her intention, and shouted frantically.
+A line of bubbles had appeared on the surface advancing
+swiftly towards us. She had ejected a torpedo straight at us,
+and I stood petrified, not daring to breathe.</p>
+
+<p>"A moment later there came a terrific explosion right
+underneath us, followed by a harsh tearing sound as iron plates
+were torn asunder like tinfoil, and the ship's side was ripped
+completely up. The <i>Edgar</i> heaved high and plunged heavily,
+a great column of water rose high above her masts, and
+the air seemed filled with flying fragments of iron and wood.
+The vessel rocked and swayed so that we could not keep our
+feet, and then gradually heeling over, causing her guns to
+shift, she went down before a soul on board could launch
+a boat.</p>
+
+<p>"At the moment of the explosion I felt a sharp twinge in
+the back, and found that I had been struck by a flying splinter
+of steel. The strain of those hours had been terrible, and of
+the events that followed I can only recollect two things. I
+remember finding myself struggling alone in the water with
+a shower of bullets from the <i>Dvenadsat Apostoloff's</i> tops sending
+up little splashes about me. Then I felt my strength failing,
+my limbs seemed paralysed, and I could no longer strike out
+to save myself. Abandoning all hope, I was sinking, when
+suddenly a rope was flung to me. I remember how frantically
+I clutched it, and that a few moments later I was hauled aboard
+a torpedo boat; but for days afterwards I lay hovering 'twixt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+life and death, oblivious to all. I was one of the thirteen only
+who were saved out of a crew of 327 brave officers and men."</p>
+
+<p>Such a ghastly disaster could only produce profound dismay
+among those who manned the remaining British vessels.
+Straining every nerve to uphold the honour of Britain, the
+guns' crews of the <i>Jupiter</i>, <i>Sans Pareil</i>, <i>Repulse</i>, and <i>Undaunted</i>,
+with smoke-begrimed hands and faces, worked on with that
+indomitable energy begotten of despair. Regardless of the
+awful rain of shot and shell, they reloaded and fired with calm,
+dogged self-possession, the officers on all four vessels inspiring
+their men by various deeds of valour, and preserving such discipline
+under fire as none but British sailors could. The
+British naval officer is full of undaunted defiance and contempt
+for his foes; but, above all, he is a strict disciplinarian,
+and to this our country in a great measure owes the supremacy
+our Navy has hitherto enjoyed upon the seas. During the fight
+the vessels had been moving in a north-easterly direction, and
+although the Russians were unaware of the fact, Her Majesty's
+ships had therefore continued in their course. Hence, just as
+a cool breeze sprang up at sundown, soon after the <i>Edgar</i> had
+sunk, a line of low dark cliffs was sighted ahead.</p>
+
+<p>The officers of the <i>Diana</i>, watching anxiously through their
+glasses, distinguished the distant crest of Mount Genargentu
+gradually appearing against the clear evening sky, and then
+they knew that they were off Sardinia, outside the Gulf of
+Oristano.</p>
+
+<p>Altering their course, they headed due north, still keeping
+up a running fire, but the Russians prevented them making
+headway.</p>
+
+<p>All our vessels were suffering frightfully, when there was
+a sudden explosion, and, to the Englishmen's dismay, it was
+seen that a torpedo had struck the <i>Undaunted</i> nearly amidships.
+Still the doomed vessel managed to evade a second attack,
+and by a desperate man&oelig;uvre the captain succeeded in turning
+and heading for land.</p>
+
+<p>The remaining ships, in their terribly crippled condition,
+would, the Russians anticipated, soon fall an easy prey.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>
+Nevertheless, with their crews decimated, their guns disabled,
+and their machinery damaged, the British vessels still continued
+firing, the men resolved to go down at their quarters. They
+knew that escape was hopeless, and every moment they saw
+their comrades being swept away by the great exploding projectiles
+of the Tsar's heavy guns. But they were not dismayed.
+To do their utmost for the defence of Britain, to keep afloat as
+long as possible, and to die like Britons with faces towards
+the foe, was their duty. Pale and desperate, they were fighting
+for their country and their Queen, knowing that only a grave
+in the deep and the honour of those at home would be the
+reward of their bravery&mdash;that at any moment they might be
+launched into the unknown.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a loud shouting on board the <i>Jupiter</i>,
+and signals were, a moment later, run up to her half-wrecked
+top. The captain of the <i>Dido</i>, noticing this, looked to ascertain
+the cause, and saw away on the horizon to the north, whence
+the dark night clouds were rising, a number of strange craft.
+Snatching up his glass, he directed it on the strangers, and
+discovered that they were Italian warships, and were exchanging
+rapid signals with the captain. They were promising assistance!</p>
+
+<p>Cheers rang loudly through the British vessels, when, a few
+minutes later, the truth became known, and the guns' crews
+worked with redoubled energy, while the Russians, noticing the
+approaching ships, were apparently undecided how to act.
+They were given but little time for reflection, however, for
+within half an hour the first of the great Italian ironclads, the
+<i>Lepanto</i>, opened fire upon the <i>Petropavlovsk</i>, and was quickly
+followed by others, until the action became general all round.</p>
+
+<p>Aid had arrived just in time, and the British vessels, with
+engines broken, stood away at some distance, leaving matters
+for the nonce to the powerful Italian Squadron. It was
+indeed a very formidable one, and its appearance caused the
+Russian Admiral such misgivings that he gave orders to retreat,
+a man&oelig;uvre attempted unsuccessfully. The Italian Fleet, as
+it loomed up in the falling gloom, included no fewer than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>
+twenty-six warships and forty-three torpedo boats. The
+vessels consisted of the barbette-ship <i>Lepanto</i> of 15,000
+tons; the <i>Sardegna</i>, <i>Sicilia</i>, and <i>Re Umberto</i> of 13,000
+tons; the <i>Andrea Doria</i>, <i>Francesca Morosini</i>, and <i>Ruggiero
+di Lauria</i> of 11,000 tons; the turret-ships <i>Dandolo</i> and
+<i>Duilio</i> of the same size; the <i>Ammeraglio di St. Bon</i> of 9800
+tons; the armoured cruisers <i>Ancona</i>, <i>Castelfidardo</i>, and <i>Maria
+Pia</i>, and the <i>San Martino</i>, each of about 4500 tons; the
+gun-vessels <i>Andrea Provana</i>, <i>Cariddi</i>, <i>Castore</i>, <i>Curtatone</i>; the
+torpedo gunboats <i>Aretusa</i>, <i>Atlante</i>, <i>Euridice</i>, <i>Iride</i>, <i>Montebello</i>,
+and <i>Monzambano</i>; the despatch vessels <i>Galileo</i> and <i>Vedetta</i>; and
+the first-class torpedo vessels <i>Aquila</i>, <i>Avvoltoio</i>, <i>Falco</i>, <i>Nibbio</i>,
+and <i>Sparviero</i>, and thirty-eight others.</p>
+
+<p>With such a force descending upon the Russian ships,
+which had already been very severely punished by the vigorous
+fire of the British, there was little wonder that the Tsar's
+vessels should endeavour to escape. The Italian Fleet had
+already bombarded and destroyed Ajaccio two days ago,
+and, steaming south from the Corsican capital, had anchored
+for twenty-four hours off Cape della Caccia, near Alghero,
+in the north of Sardinia. Then again taking a southerly
+course in the expectation of joining hands with the British
+Mediterranean Squadron, which was on its way from
+Marseilles to Cagliari, they had fallen in with the three
+crippled ships.</p>
+
+<p>Without hesitation the powerful Italian ironclads, several
+of which were among the finest in the world, opened a terrific
+fire upon the Russian ships, and as darkness fell the sight was
+one of appalling grandeur. From all sides flame rushed from
+turrets and barbettes in vivid flashes, while the Maxims in the
+tops poured out their deadly showers of bullets. The
+ponderous 105-ton guns of the <i>Andrea Doria</i>, <i>Francesca Morosini</i>,
+and <i>Ruggiero di Lauria</i> crashed and roared time after
+time, their great shots causing frightful havoc among the
+Russian ships, the four 100-tonners of the <i>Lepanto</i> and the
+67-tonners of the <i>Re Umberto</i>, <i>Sardegna</i>, and <i>Sicilia</i> simply
+knocking to pieces the <i>Petropavlovsk</i>. The Russian ships were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+receiving terrible blows on every hand. With their search-lights
+beaming forth in all directions, the ships were fighting
+fiercely, pounding away at each other with deafening din. It
+was not long, however, before this vigorous attack of the
+Italians began to tell, for within an hour of the first shot from
+the <i>Lepanto</i> the fine Russian battleship <i>Gheorghy Pobyednosets</i>
+and the great new cruiser <i>Minsk</i> of 17,000 tons had been
+rammed and sunk, the former by the <i>Duilio</i>, and the latter
+by the <i>Re Umberto</i>, while the <i>Tchesm�</i> and the gunboat
+<i>Otvazny</i> had been torpedoed, and scarcely a soul saved out of
+1500 men who were on board.</p>
+
+<p>Explosions were occurring in quick succession, and red
+glares flashed momentarily over the sea. Hither and thither
+as the Italian torpedo boats darted they ejected their missiles,
+and the rapid and terrible fire from the leviathans of Italy,
+pouring into every one of the remaining ships of the Tsar,
+killed hundreds who were striving to defend themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the <i>Sicilia</i>, which had been fighting the Russian
+flagship, the <i>Tria Sviatitelia</i>, at close quarters, and had blown
+away her conning-tower and greater portion of her superstructure,
+performed a neat evolution, and crashed her ram
+right into her opponent's broadside, breaking her almost in
+half.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later there was a terrific explosion on
+board, and then the doomed vessel sank into the dark rolling
+sea, carrying with her the Russian Admiral and all hands.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly this success was followed by others&mdash;the blowing
+up of the monster new cruiser <i>Tiumen</i>, the sinking of the
+<i>Adler</i> and four other Russian torpedo boats, occurring in rapid
+succession. Seeing with what rapidity and irresistible force
+they were being swept from the sea, the remainder of the
+Tsar's shattered fleet struck their flags and called for quarter,
+not, however, before the torpedo boat <i>Kodor</i> had been sunk.
+The Russians thus captured were the battleships <i>Petropavlovsk</i>
+of 10,960 tons, the <i>Dvenadsat Apostoloff</i> of 8076 tons, the
+two new barbette-ships, <i>Kama</i> and <i>Vologda</i>, both of whose
+engines had broken down, and fifteen torpedo boats.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;">
+<a href="images/i207-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i207-lo.jpg" width="600" height="372" alt="Ruggiero di Lauria.  Re Umberto. Duilio. Tchesm�.  Dvenadsat Apostoloff.
+H.M.S. Edgar.
+HELP FROM ITALY: &quot;WITH THEIR SEARCH-LIGHTS BEAMING FORTH IN ALL DIRECTIONS, THE SHIPS WERE FIGHTING
+FIERCELY, POUNDING AWAY AT EACH OTHER WITH DEAFENING DIN.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption"><br /><i>Ruggiero di Lauria. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+Re Umberto. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Duilio. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+Tchesm�. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dvenadsat Apostoloff.<br />
+H.M.S. Edgar.</i><br />
+HELP FROM ITALY: &quot;WITH THEIR SEARCH-LIGHTS BEAMING FORTH IN ALL DIRECTIONS, THE SHIPS WERE FIGHTING
+FIERCELY, POUNDING AWAY AT EACH OTHER WITH DEAFENING DIN.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>At<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+dawn most of the latter were manned by Italians, while
+the captured ships, with the Italian colours flying and bearing
+evidence of the terrible conflict, were on their way due north
+to Genoa, accompanied by the battered British vessels.</p>
+
+<p>The strongest division of Russia's Fleet had been totally
+destroyed, and the Tsar's power in the Mediterranean was
+broken.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>PANIC IN LANCASHIRE.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc210.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he Russians were within gunshot of Manchester!
+A profound sensation was caused in that city
+about eight o'clock on the evening of September
+6th, by an announcement made by the
+<i>Evening News</i>&mdash;which still appeared in fitful
+editions&mdash;that a Cossack patrol had been seen
+on the road between Macclesfield and Alderley, and that it
+was evident, from the manner of the Russian advance, that
+they meant to attack the city almost immediately.</p>
+
+<p>The utmost alarm was caused, and the streets were everywhere
+crowded by anxious, starving throngs, eager to ascertain
+fuller details, but unable to gather anything further beyond
+the wild conjectures of idle gossip.</p>
+
+<p>The great city which, on the outbreak of war, was one of
+the most prosperous in the world, was now but a sorry
+semblance of its former self. Heated, excited, turbulent,
+its streets echoed with the heartrending wails of despairing
+crowds, its factories were idle, its shops closed, and its people
+were succumbing to the horrible, lingering death which is the
+result of starvation.</p>
+
+<p>Wealth availed them naught. Long ago the last loaf had
+been devoured, the last sack of flour had been divided, and the
+rich living in the suburbs now felt the pinch of hunger quite
+as acutely as factory operatives, who lounged, hands in pockets,
+about the streets. Manchester, like most other towns in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+England, had come to the end of her supplies, and death
+and disease now decimated the more populous districts,
+while those who had left the city and tramped north had
+fared no better, and hundreds dropped and died by the
+roadside.</p>
+
+<p>The situation in Lancashire was terrible. At Liverpool
+a few vessels were arriving from America, under escort of
+British cruisers, bringing supplies, but these were mostly
+purchased at enormously high rates, and sent to London by
+way of Manchester and Sheffield, railway communication by
+that route being still open. This fact becoming known in
+Manchester caused the greatest indignation, and the people,
+rendered desperate by hunger, succeeded on several occasions
+in stopping the trains, and appropriating the food they carried.
+The situation in Manchester was one of constant excitement,
+and fear that the enemy should repeat the success they had
+achieved at Birmingham. The hundreds of thousands of
+hungry ones who flocked Manchester streets and the grimy
+thoroughfares of Stockport, Ashton, Oldham, Bolton, and
+other great towns in the vicinity, feared that they, like the
+people of Birmingham, would be put to the sword by the
+ruthless invaders.</p>
+
+<p>The week that had elapsed had been an eventful one,
+fraught with many horrors. After the success of the Russians
+at Birmingham, the British troops, both Regulars, Volunteers,
+and improvised, fell back and formed up north of the city,
+being practically nothing more than a strong line of outposts
+without reserves, extending from Dudley, through West
+Bromwich and Sutton Park, to Tamworth. This scheme,
+however, was ill-devised, for the defenders, in order to act
+successfully, should have fallen back much further, and concentrated
+their forces at one or two strategical points on the
+line to Manchester, as it had been ascertained from spies
+that a swift and vigorous attack on that city was meditated.</p>
+
+<p>The day following the taking of Birmingham was devoted
+by the enemy to the reorganisation of their forces, and the
+rearrangement of their transport and ammunition train.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>
+Large quantities of waggons and war stores of all kinds had
+been found in the town and annexed by the victors, and at
+Kynoch's Factory at Aston some hundreds of thousands of
+rounds of ammunition had been seized. These had been
+made for a foreign government, and fitted both rifles and
+machine guns of the Russians.</p>
+
+<p>Having thus reorganised, the Russians, leaving 10,000 men
+in Birmingham as a base, resumed their march north on the
+third day. The left flank, consisting of 2000 cavalry and
+12,000 infantry, took the road through West Bromwich to
+Wednesbury and Bilston, but quickly found themselves
+entrapped, for on account of the many canals their cavalry
+were unable to act, and their transport was cut off. The
+miners and factory men had armed themselves, and, acting
+in conjunction with the British troops from Dudley and
+Great Barr, succeeded, after some hard fighting around
+Tipton and Coseley, in completely annihilating the enemy,
+taking 5000 prisoners and killing the remaining 9000.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the right flank had passed out of Birmingham
+by way of Castle Bromwich, and had advanced without opposition
+through Wishaw and Tamworth to Lichfield, driving the
+defenders before them. The Russian main column, however,
+were not allowed to go north without a most desperate endeavour
+on the part of our men to hold them in check. Indeed, if ever
+British courage showed itself it was during those dark days.
+Advancing through Aston and Perry to Sutton along the
+ancient highway, Icknield Street, the Russians sent a large
+force through the woods to the high ground between Wild
+Green and Maney. Here the British had established strong
+batteries, but after some desperate fighting these were at
+length captured, the enemy losing heavily. At the same
+time, fierce fighting occurred in Sutton Park and across at
+Aldridge, the defenders making the most strenuous efforts
+to break the force of the invaders. All was, alas! to no
+purpose. The British, outnumbered as before, were compelled
+to fall back fighting, with the result that the enemy's
+main column, pushing on, effected a junction with its right<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+flank, which had bivouaced on Wittington Heath, near Lichfield,
+and occupied the barracks there.</p>
+
+<p>On the day following the invaders broke into two columns
+and marched again north, practically in battle formation, the
+right column continuing along Icknield Street, through Burton,
+Derby, Bakewell, and Marple, driving back the defenders,
+while the left column took a route that lay through the hilly
+and wooded country near Cannock Chase. Both columns,
+advancing in �chelon of division, with cavalry on their flanks,
+were constantly harassed in the rear by the British, and
+in their advance lost numbers of waggons and a large
+quantity of ammunition; but they succeeded in travelling
+so quickly north that they were actually marching on
+Manchester before the people in that city could realise it.
+Signal acts of bravery were being everywhere reported, but
+what could individual heroism effect against the fearful odds
+we had to face?</p>
+
+<p>Thousands of men in Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Wigan,
+Rochdale, and other neighbouring towns had already armed
+themselves, and, on hearing that Manchester was threatened,
+poured into the city to act their part bravely in its defence.</p>
+
+<p>It must be admitted that the British General commanding
+had, on gaining knowledge of the intentions of the Russians,
+taken every precaution in his power to prevent an advance on
+Manchester.</p>
+
+<p>Our troops which had been defeated and driven back from
+Birmingham, had at once retreated north to the Peak district,
+and about one-quarter of the number had taken up excellent
+defensive positions there, while the remainder, with small
+reinforcements of Regulars drawn from Lancaster, Warrington,
+Bury, Chester, Wrexham, Burnley, Ashton-under-Lyne, York,
+Halifax, and as far distant as Carlisle, had, in addition to those
+from Manchester, been massed along the north bank of the
+Mersey from Stockport to Flixton, with a line of communication
+stretching across to Woodley Junction, and thence over
+Glossop Dale to the Peak.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Manchester was defended by a force of 38,000 cavalry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span>
+infantry, Volunteers, and colonials, against the Russian army,
+consisting of the remaining 65,000 of the force which attacked
+Birmingham, and reinforcements of 10,000 infantry and 5000
+cavalry that had been pushed rapidly forward from Sussex
+over the ground that the main body had travelled. The total
+force of Russians was therefore 80,000.</p>
+
+<p>From Stockport, the north bank of the Mersey to its confluence
+with the Irwell past Flixton was well guarded.
+Earthworks had been raised, trenches dug, walls had been
+loopholed, and houses placed in a state of hasty defence.
+Among the reinforcements now under arms were several
+portions of battalions of Lancashire Volunteer Artillery who
+had not gone south to their allotted positions in the defence
+of London, and five companies of the 1st Cheshire and
+Carnarvonshire Artillery under Col. H. T. Brown, V.D.,
+together with the Cheshire Yeomanry under Col. P. E. Warburton.
+The Manchester Brigade was a strong one, consisting
+of six Volunteer battalions of the Manchester Regiment, the
+1st under the Earl of Crawford, V.D., the 2nd under Col.
+Bridgford, V.D., the 3rd under Col. Eaton, V.D., the 4th
+under Col. Lynde, V.D., the 5th under Col. Rocca, V.D., and
+the 6th under Col. Lees; the Cheshire and Lancashire
+Brigades included three Volunteer battalions of the Lancashire
+Fusiliers under Colonels Young, Philippi, and Haworth,
+and two battalions of the South Lancashire Regiment; while
+the Northern Counties Brigade, composed of one Volunteer
+battalion of the Royal Lancaster Regiment under Col.
+Strongitharm, two battalions of the East Lancashire Regiment
+under Col. A. I. Robinson, V.D., and Col. T. Mitchell, V.D.,
+and two of the Loyal North Lancashire under Col. Widdows
+and Col. Ormrod, also mustered their forces and performed
+excellent defensive work. It was here, too, that the Volunteer
+cyclists were found of the utmost value in scouting and carrying
+despatches.</p>
+
+<p>The excitement in Manchester on that memorable September
+night was intense. That a desperate and bloody fray was
+imminent, every one knew, and the people were trusting to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+defensive line on the river bank to protect them from the
+foreign destroyer. Would they be strong enough to effectively
+resist? Would they be able to drive back the Russians and
+defeat them?</p>
+
+<p>The people of Lancashire who condemned our military
+administration did not do so without cause. It had been
+claimed by many that England could never be invaded;
+nevertheless our course should have been to prepare for
+possible events. Our Army, being small, should have been
+better equipped and armed, as well as trained to balance
+weakness in numbers. Again, there had always existed a
+hideous hindrance to the efficiency of the Auxiliaries&mdash;the
+arms. Many of the Martini-Henrys carried by the Volunteers
+bore date of a quarter of a century ago, and their barrels were
+so worn they could not be fired accurately; while others
+possessed the Snider, which was practically a smoothbore from
+wear. What was the use of weapons surpassed in power by
+those of other nations? It was an unpalatable truth that had
+now at last dawned upon Britain, that in arming her soldiers
+she was far behind the rest of the world.</p>
+
+<p>While Manchester spent the sultry night in feverish
+excitement at the knowledge that the enemy had advanced
+almost to their doors, the British outposts were being harassed
+by the enemy, who, flushed with success, were advancing
+gradually onward towards the line of defence. The Russian
+front had been suddenly widely extended, evidently aiming
+at a concentric attack on Manchester, and an attempt to
+wholly envelop the defenders' position by cavalry operating
+on both flanks.</p>
+
+<p>Some terribly desperate encounters took place during a
+frightful thunderstorm which lasted a portion of the night,
+and many a brave Briton fell while performing valiant deeds
+for the honour of his country. The anxiety within the British
+lines that hot night was intense.</p>
+
+<p>Reports coming in told of fierce fighting all along the line.
+Soon after midnight a British patrol, supported by cavalry,
+that had been sent out from Northenden to Baguley, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>
+suddenly attacked by a party of Russians, who lay in ambush
+close to Wythenshaw Hall. A short but fierce fight ensued,
+but the British, knowing that part of the country well, succeeded
+in totally annihilating their antagonists. The firing,
+however, attracted attention in the Russian lines, with the
+result that a second attack was quickly made upon them,
+compelling them to retire up the hill at Lawton Moor, where
+they dashed into a small wood, closely pressed by the enemy.
+The attack was desperate. There is something terrible in a
+fight in a wood at night. The combatants could see nothing
+save an occasional flash in the impenetrable darkness, and
+hoarse cries went up from the mysterious inferno. Neither
+invader nor defender could distinguish each other, and in the
+half-hour that followed, many a Russian shot his comrade in
+mistake for his foe.</p>
+
+<p>At last the defenders, finding that the slightest rustling of
+boughs brought down a volley from magazine rifles, stood
+motionless, scarcely daring to breathe, and waited anxiously,
+until at last the enemy, seeing that their efforts to drive them
+out were useless, withdrew, and went off towards Baguley.</p>
+
+<p>In another direction, close to Henbury, near Macclesfield,
+a squadron of British cavalry surprised a small outpost camp
+of Russians, and cut it up terribly, killing half the number;
+but pushing on to Marthall, six miles across country, they
+came into collision with a body of Russian dragoons, and after
+a very fierce encounter were compelled to fall back again after
+considerable loss. On the outskirts of Northwich, and on the
+borders of Delamere Forest, skirmishes occurred, resulting in
+serious loss on both sides. A reconnoitring party of Russians
+was totally swept away and every man killed, by a British
+party who were concealed in an old farm building close to
+Alderley village; while another engaged in surveying the
+roads to Altrincham had been forced to retreat, leaving half
+their number dead or wounded on the edge of Tatton Park.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE EVE OF BATTLE.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc217.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="S" title="S" /></div><p>ome idea of the gallant conduct of our Volunteers
+during the night may be gathered from the
+following extract from a letter by Lieutenant
+John Rowling of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion
+of the East Lancashire Regiment, to a friend a
+few days afterwards. He wrote&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You will no doubt have heard something about the warm
+work we had on the night before the Battle of Manchester.
+The city, as you know, was covered on the south by a long
+straggling line of outposts, extending practically from Stockport
+to Altrincham. Late in the afternoon of September 6th
+we received an order to proceed to Mere, about four miles from
+Altrincham, having been detailed to form the section of the
+outposts from New Tatton to Goodier's Green, and on arrival
+at Mere half of our force of 600 was left in reserve there; the
+supports were moved about half a mile down Watling Street,
+and the remainder was divided into three piquets, No. 1 at
+Bentley Hurst Farm, No. 2 at Moss Cottage, and No. 3 near
+Mereplatt Farm, with four double sentry posts out in front of
+each piquet.</p>
+
+<p>"I was in command of No. 2 picket, with Anderson and
+Wishton as subs, and as soon as I returned to the piquet, after
+posting the sentries, I sent the former with two sections to
+form a detached post at Over Tabley, and instructed him to
+send a reconnoitring patrol as far down Watling Street as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+might consider consistent with safety. Anderson posted his
+men, and returned to me about ten o'clock with a corporal
+and two men, bringing in a man who had been pointed out to
+him at Over Tabley as a suspicious character&mdash;in fact, he was
+said to be a spy. He had been staying at an inn there for
+two or three days, and had very little luggage. Anderson had
+examined his portmanteau, but found nothing there; and as
+the man refused to give any account of himself, he made him
+a prisoner. Fresh fires were continually breaking out, therefore
+I thought it best to waste no time questioning him,
+but took him into a room at Moss Cottage, where he was
+thoroughly searched. Notes were found upon him from
+which it was evident that he had been obtaining information
+for the enemy for some time, and, better still, particulars of
+their proposed operations for the investment of Manchester,
+showing that they were advancing in our direction along the
+old Watling Street.</p>
+
+<p>"I sent the prisoner under escort to the commander of the
+outposts, and at the same time sent word to Nos. 1 and 3
+piquets, after which Anderson and I went down to Over
+Tabley, leaving Wishton in charge of No. 2. The machine
+gun that had been allotted to my piquet I also ordered to
+Over Tabley, and on arrival there we threw up barricades,
+hastily constructed of barrels, doors, and logs, banked with
+earth, across the road between the Vicarage and the church.
+A quantity of barbed wire was found in the village, and this
+came in very useful, for we stretched several lengths of it
+across the roads on the off-side of the barricade.</p>
+
+<p>"There were under thirty of us, but every man was
+determined to do his duty unflinchingly. By this time it was
+past eleven, and very dark, yet there was just light enough to
+train the gun on to the centre of the cross-roads by Dairyhouse
+Farm. Very soon we could hear the enemy approaching,
+and as their spy had not met them outside, they
+evidently concluded that the village was unoccupied, and
+advanced in comparatively close order, Cossacks leading, and
+the infantry so close that there was practically no division<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+between their vanguard and mainguard. The first section of
+Cossacks very soon found our first wire, and the whole of
+their horses came to grief. Those in the rear, thinking
+probably that there was no other obstruction in the way,
+spurred their horses and galloped over their friends, only to
+meet with a similar fate further on.</p>
+
+<p>"The pioneers doubled up, and began to cut the wires,
+and fearing that the infantry in the rear would soon deploy,
+I gave the order for independent firing. The Russians stood
+it for some minutes, and attempted to reply, but not a man
+of ours was visible, and they soon retreated to Tabley Hall,
+where I had no means of following them.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be remembered that we were all Volunteers, the
+Regulars being on the Stockport flank of the outpost line. My
+men behaved splendidly, and the firing was excellent from
+first to last."</p>
+
+<p>About the same time as the unsuccessful attack was made
+on the outposts at Mere, the British line was broken through
+at Heald Green and Appletree.</p>
+
+<p>A cavalry patrol, supported by infantry, was feeling its
+way along the road to Wilmslow, and had passed Willow
+Farm, at which point the road runs beside the railway
+embankment.</p>
+
+<p>The storm had burst, the thunder rolled incessantly, rain
+fell in torrents, and the lightning played about them, causing
+their arms to gleam in its vivid flashes.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly, and without undue noise, the patrol was wending
+its way up the hill towards Finney Green, when suddenly
+there was a terrific rattle of musketry, and they discovered to
+their surprise that the enemy, who were occupying the
+embankment of the North-Western Railway on their left,
+were pouring upon them a fire sufficient to blanch the cheek
+of the bravest among them.</p>
+
+<p>Along the embankment for a mile or more were stationed
+infantry with magazine rifles, and in addition they had
+brought two machine guns into play with appalling effect.
+So sudden did this galling fire open upon them, that men and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>
+horses fell without being able to fire a shot in return. British
+infantry, however, stood their ground, and as the lightning
+flashed, disclosing the position of the enemy, every Russian
+who dared to stand up or show himself was promptly picked
+off. But against the awful rain of deadly bullets ejected from
+the machine guns, at the rate of 600 a minute, no force could
+make a successful defence.</p>
+
+<p>Many British heroes fell pierced by a dozen bullets; still
+their comrades, seeking what shelter they could, continued the
+defensive.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile over the dismal muddy road the survivors of
+the cavalry galloped back, and quickly reported to the commander
+of the piquet at Appletree that the enemy were in
+strong force on the other side of the embankment between
+Oaklands and Wilmslow Park, and as they had heard a train
+run into Wilmslow Station and stop, it was evident that the
+enemy had reopened the line from Crewe, and intended concentrating
+part of their reinforcements to the general advance.
+The facts that the enemy had succeeded in cutting all the
+telegraph lines in the district, and had now obtained complete
+control over the railway, were most alarming, and the outlook
+of the defenders was rendered doubly serious by the large force
+they were compelled to keep east of Stockport, and in the Peak
+district, to prevent the invaders getting round to attack Manchester
+from the north.</p>
+
+<p>On receipt of the news of the disaster to the patrol, the
+commander of the piquet at Appletree immediately sent
+information to the commander of the piquet posted at the
+railway station at Cheadle Hulme; but by a strange oversight,
+due no doubt to the excitement of the moment, sent no report
+to the commander of the outposts. The infantry engaging the
+Russians on the embankment, though exhibiting most gallant
+courage, were so exposed that it was little wonder they were
+soon completely annihilated, only half a dozen escaping.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>
+<a href="images/i221-hi.png"><img src="images/i221-lo.png" width="600" height="446" alt="THE BATTLEFIELD OF MANCHESTER." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">THE BATTLEFIELD OF MANCHESTER.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The enemy must have detrained a large number of troops
+at Wilmslow, for the British cavalry scouts were quickly
+followed up by Cossacks and the Tsar's Dragoons. Quickly the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>sentries between Heald Green and Appletree were driven back
+on their piquets, the latter extending in skirmishing order.
+Such a man&oelig;uvre, however, proved fatal in the darkness and
+on the heavy ploughed land over which they were fighting.
+Alas! very few succeeded in reaching the supports, and
+when they did, they all fell back hurriedly on the reserves at
+Pimgate.</p>
+
+<p>Then the commander of the piquet at Cheadle Hulme
+Station, finding that he must inevitably be attacked by road
+and rail, set the station on fire, and with the assistance of the
+railway officials blew up a large portion of the permanent way
+with dynamite, thus cutting off the enemy's means of communication.
+This accomplished, he fell back upon his supports
+at Adswood, and they, at about 2 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, retreated with the
+reserves to the embankment of the North-Western Railway
+which carries the line from Stockport to Whaley Bridge, and
+took up a strong position to assist in the defence of Stockport.</p>
+
+<p>The latter town was defended on three sides by railway
+embankments, which were now occupied by strong bodies of
+Regulars, with several Maxims. One embankment ran from
+the west boundary of the town to Middlewood Junction,
+another from Middlewood to Marple, and a third from Marple
+to Mayercroft. Throughout the night the defenders were in
+hourly expectation that an attack would be made upon their
+positions, with the object of investing Stockport as a preliminary
+to the assault on the defensive lines north of the
+Mersey; but the enemy apparently had other objects, and
+the disaster to the British cavalry patrol on the Wilmslow
+road was, unfortunately, followed by a second and more serious
+one. The Cossacks and Dragoons that followed the British
+cavalry scouts overtook them just as they had joined their
+reserves, a short distance beyond Pimgate, about half-past two.
+A fierce fight ensued, and the force of British cavalry and
+infantry was gradually drawn into a cunningly-devised trap,
+and then there suddenly appeared a great force of Russians,
+who simply swept down upon them, slaughtering the whole of
+them with brutal ferocity, not, however, before they had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>
+fought desperately, and inflicted enormous loss upon the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Having totally annihilated that detachment of defenders,
+the Russians marched into Cheadle, and, after sacking the
+little town, burned it, together with the Grange, the Print
+Works, the railway station, St. Mary's Church, and a number
+of large mills.</p>
+
+<p>The great army of the Tsar had bivouaced, reserving its
+strength for a desperate dash upon Manchester. But the
+British outposts stood wakeful and vigilant, ready at any
+moment to sound the alarm. To those entrenched beyond the
+winding Mersey, soaked by the heavy rain, and spending the
+dark hours in anxiety, there came over the dismal country
+the sound of distant rifle-firing mingling with the roll of the
+thunder. Ere long they knew that every man would be fighting
+for his life against the great hordes of invaders who would
+descend upon them swiftly and mercilessly. Across the country
+from the Peak away to Chester, the Briton bravely faced his
+foe, anxious and vigilant, awaiting breathlessly the progress
+of events.</p>
+
+<p>Thus passed the stormy, oppressive night, till the grey
+dawn of a fateful day.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc224.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="W" title="W" /></div><p>ith the first streak of daylight the anxious,
+excited crowds of men and women, surging up
+and down the principal streets of Manchester,
+were alarmed by the sounds of heavy firing.
+A terrible panic instantly ensued. The battle
+had actually commenced!</p>
+
+<p>Half-starved operatives, with pale, wan faces, stood in
+groups in Deansgate, Market Street, Piccadilly, and London
+Road, while men, armed with any weapons they could obtain,
+rushed out along the main roads to the south of the city to
+assist in its defence. Lancashire men exhibited commendable
+patriotism, even though they had not hesitated to criticise the
+administration of our War Department; for now at the critical
+hour not a man flinched from his duty, both old and young
+taking up arms for their country's honour.</p>
+
+<p>During the eventful night at all approaches to the city
+from the south the roads had been thrown into a state of
+hasty defence. A formidable barricade had been constructed
+at a point in the Stretford Road close to the Botanical Gardens
+to prevent the enemy from advancing up the Chester or Stretford
+New Roads; another was thrown up at the junction of
+Chorlton Road, Withington Road, Upper Chorlton Road, and
+Moss Lane West; a third opposite Rusholme Hall prevented
+any march up the Wilmslow Road; while others of minor
+strength blocked the Anson Road close to the Elms, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>
+London Road at Longsight, the Hyde Road opposite Belle Vue
+Prison, and at Ivy Place in the Ashton Old Road.</p>
+
+<p>These had all been raised out of any materials that came to
+hand. Barrels, brick rubbish, planks, doors, flooring of houses
+hastily torn up, and scaffold poles lashed together; in fact,
+the barriers were huge piles of miscellaneous and portable
+articles, even furniture from neighbouring houses being utilised,
+while lengths of iron railings and wire torn from fences played
+an important part in these hastily-built defences. Behind them,
+armed with rifles, shot-guns, pistols, knives, and any other
+weapon that came handiest, the men of Manchester waited,
+breathlessly impatient in the expectation of attack.</p>
+
+<p>As dawn spread bright and rosy, and the mist cleared
+from the low meadows beside the Mersey, the distant firing
+was continuous, and the one or two shells that fell and burst
+in the centre of the city were precursory of an awful sanguinary
+struggle. Scarcely a person in that densely populated
+area had slept that night, and the streets were everywhere
+full, the most exciting and heartrending scenes being witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>A great crowd that assembled in Albert Square was
+addressed by the Mayor from the steps of the Town Hall, and
+urged to strain every muscle to drive back the invaders, in
+order that the disaster at Birmingham should not be repeated.
+Even as he spoke, in the interval of wild cheering and the
+energetic singing of the National Anthem and "Rule, Britannia,"
+the distant crackling of rifles and the low booming of field guns
+could be heard.</p>
+
+<p>It was the din of battle&mdash;the catastrophe caused by the
+cunning spy Von Beilstein, who was still living in luxury in
+London, and who still posed as the friend of Geoffrey Engleheart
+and Violet Vayne!</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey was still with the Volunteers assisting in the
+defence of London, but the French spy who had sent the forged
+orders to our Navy had apparently made good his escape.</p>
+
+<p>Here, in Manchester, the sound of the guns aroused that
+patriotic enthusiasm latent in the heart of every Briton. True,
+they were weary, famished, ill from lack of food, yet they were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+fiercely determined that the invader should never tread their
+streets, nor should incendiaries burn or Russian artillery destroy
+their handsome buildings&mdash;monuments of England's wealth and
+greatness. In St. Peter's Square, at a mass meeting attended
+by nearly twelve thousand people, a demonstration was made
+against the enemy, and it was resolved that every man should
+act his part in the struggle, and that no quarter should be shown
+the legions of the Tsar; while at another impromptu meeting
+held in Piccadilly, in the open space opposite the Infirmary,
+the conduct of the Russians before Birmingham was denounced;
+and some speakers, using violent language, lashed their hearers
+into a frenzy of mad excitement, causing an eager rush to the
+barricades in readiness for the terrible fray.</p>
+
+<p>As the sun shone out pale and yellow in the stormy sky,
+the fighting spread quickly down the Mersey banks from
+Haughton away to Flixton. It became fiercest around Stockport,
+and over the level pastures the white smoke of rifles puffed from
+every bush, wall, and fence.</p>
+
+<p>The Russians were the superior force, for, while all were
+trained soldiers, not more than a third of the defenders had
+taken the Queen's shilling, and not more than half of them had
+ever had an hour's drill in their lives. They were simply
+volunteers who had found their own arms and banded for the
+defence of their homes.</p>
+
+<p>The soldiers of the Tsar, trained under the most rigorous
+discipline, had considerably improved in tactics, in drill, and in
+munitions of war since the Crimea,&mdash;a fact overlooked by the
+majority of Britons,&mdash;and they had now taken possession of
+every strategical position where batteries might be established.
+After fierce fighting over Lyme Park across to Norbury Hall,
+in which the Russians lost very heavily owing to the British
+gun fire from the railway embankment, a great charge was
+made by an enormous body of infantry, who succeeded, after
+several futile attempts, in carrying the position, and driving the
+British artillerymen back to the road which runs from Stockport
+to Marple.</p>
+
+<p>The embankment which thus fell into the hands of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+Muscovite infantry formed one of the strongest defences of
+Stockport, therefore they at once moved the guns up towards
+Davenport Station, and commenced shelling the city with the
+defenders' own guns!</p>
+
+<p>The panic caused in Stockport was awful, when without
+warning shells commenced to explode in the crowded barricaded
+streets, but the Russians were not allowed to have things their
+own way for long. The British batteries on the opposite railway
+embankment between Heaton Norris and New Mills formed up
+at the junction almost opposite Davenport, and opened a terrific
+fire upon the captured guns.</p>
+
+<p>For half an hour this continued, and the Russians, standing
+in an exposed position right on the sky-line, were being swept
+away by British shells, when suddenly the enemy were joined
+by reinforcements, whereupon a small force of British infantry,
+who had been brought quickly along, unperceived by the enemy
+from Marple, suddenly swarmed up the embankment at Norbury,
+and, charging along to the Russian position, added a strong rifle
+fire to that of their artillery.</p>
+
+<p>The officer commanding the British batteries watched the
+infantry advance through his field glass, and in a few minutes
+suddenly ceased his fire, so as to allow the infantry to make the
+dash for which they were preparing. A heliograph signal was
+flashed from the batteries, and then, without hesitation, the
+order was given to charge.</p>
+
+<p>It was a terribly exciting moment. If they succeeded they
+would in all probability save Stockport. If they were driven
+back the town was doomed.</p>
+
+<p>With admirable pluck the British rushed upon the guns,
+and for a few minutes there was a fierce struggle hand to
+hand. Russians, although making a most desperate stand,
+were every moment being impaled on British bayonets, or,
+pierced by bullets, they rolled down the slopes into ditches
+covered in stagnant slime. Hacked to pieces by the small but
+gallant force of Britons, the enemy were forced at last to give
+in and retire, leaving more than half their number killed; but
+with admirable tact, the fugitives were forced down the bank<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>
+nearest the British batteries. Thus they fell into a trap, for
+as soon as they attempted to recover themselves, and make a
+dash to reorganise their line of communications, two British
+Maxims uttered their sharp rattle, and the whole force were
+simply mowed down where they stood.</p>
+
+<p>The fight had been a most desperate one, but, thanks to the
+heroic charge of the British infantry, Stockport was again
+safe, and the guns once more in the hands of her defenders.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, fighting of the fiercest possible description was
+taking place across the meadows lying between Norbury and
+Bramhall, and the Russians, unable to withstand the withering
+British fire, were gradually forced back to Cheadle Hulme,
+where they were surprised by the defenders and utterly
+routed. So great was the slaughter, that it is estimated that
+in this engagement alone, after the recapture of the guns by
+the British, over 4000 Russians were shot down and 3000
+taken prisoners!</p>
+
+<p>The Russians, finding how desperate was the resistance, and
+how heavily they were losing, quickly brought up strong
+reinforcements upon Cheadle, and, after a fiercely-contested
+conflict, succeeded in driving back the small British force, they
+being compelled to retreat back over the Mersey to Parr's
+Wood and Didsbury, afterwards blowing up the bridges, and
+keeping up a hot fire from the bank, where a large body of
+Volunteers were already entrenched. By this means, although
+they were unable to save Cheadle from being burned, they
+succeeded, by reason of the excellence of their position and the
+admirable tactics they displayed, in mowing down another
+2000 of the Tsar's soldiers. In this instance the laurels
+remained with a portion of the Manchester Volunteer Brigade,
+the effect of whose rifle fire was appalling.</p>
+
+<p>It was now about ten o'clock, and the sky had cleared for
+a brilliant day. At Chapel-en-le-Frith a large detachment of
+Cossacks had been swept away by a body of British Hussars
+who had suddenly descended upon Whitehough, while almost
+at the same moment a British battery that had been hastily
+established on Chinley Churn succeeded in wiping out a body<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>
+of infantry that was advancing with all speed in the neighbourhood
+of Yeardsley Hall. But one of the most sanguinary
+portions of the battle was the conflict which spread westward
+from Cheadle across to Altrincham, Lymm, and Warrington.
+Already Altrincham had fallen. The fine villas of wealthy
+Manchester tradesmen and manufacturers, deserted by their
+owners, had been entered by the uncouth Muscovites and
+sacked. Every nook and corner had been searched for plate,
+jewellery, and money, paintings had been ruthlessly torn
+down, furniture broken and burned, and Russian troopers had
+made merry in many a handsome drawing-room. Old Field
+Hall and Timperly Hall had both been ransacked and set on
+fire with petroleum, while every house at Dunham Massey had
+been destroyed by incendiaries.</p>
+
+<p>Elated over their successes, the Russians were collecting
+their forces preparatory to a decisive rush over the Mersey to
+Stretford, intending to take that place, and advance by that
+route upon Manchester. The defenders, who had been warned
+of this through spies, awaited their chance, and suddenly,
+when the Russians least expected an attack, a body of British
+cavalry, backed by infantry, crossed the Mersey, and sweeping
+down the level turnpike road to Sale, came upon their
+opponents before they were aware of their presence. The
+effect of this was frightful. A small body of British Hussars,
+with some Lancashire Yeomanry, made a splendid charge,
+exhibiting magnificent courage, and cut their way clean through
+the Russian lines with irresistible force; while the infantry,
+advancing cautiously, and taking every advantage of the small
+cover afforded on that level country, poured forth a deadly rifle
+fire. Indeed, so gallant was this charge, that the Tsar's forces
+were almost annihilated. They endeavoured to make a stand
+near the cross-roads leading from Carrington Moss, but the
+rifle fire of the defenders was so heavy that they dropped by
+hundreds under the deadly rain of British bullets.</p>
+
+<p>The disaster to the Russians being signalled back by them
+to their reserves at Tatton Park and around Knutsford, had
+the effect of bringing up an enormous force of infantry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+Signallers were at work in all directions, and those who
+watched the progress of the action found the next two hours
+full of exciting moments. It was apparent at once that the
+Russians had marked out Stretford as the gate by which they
+intended to enter Manchester, but they must have been misled
+by their spies as to the strength of the defenders in this
+direction.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, if they had surveyed the whole of the southern
+line defending the city, they could not have discovered a point
+more strongly fortified; therefore it was a somewhat curious
+fact that they should have concentrated their forces upon that
+part. Possibly it was because they had formed an opinion by
+studying their Ordnance Maps&mdash;so generously provided for
+them by the British Department of Agriculture at a cost of
+one shilling each&mdash;that, if they succeeded in breaking the
+defence at Stretford, they would also secure the road running
+in a circular direction up to Barton, by which means they
+could enter Manchester by way of Eccles, Pendleton, and
+Salford at the same time as the march through Trafford. Such
+a design was, of course, cleverly planned. It must be admitted
+that, from a strategical point of view, the taking of Stretford
+would mean the fall of Manchester, a fact which the Russian
+commanding officer had not overlooked.</p>
+
+<p>But the soldiers of the Tsar had reckoned without their
+hosts. They only saw along the Mersey a thin and apparently
+weak line of defence, a massing of defenders without undue
+ostentation and without any particular show of strength. A
+balloon sent up by the Russians to reconnoitre from Sale had
+been fired at and brought down by the defenders, but with
+this exception scarcely a shot had been fired north of the
+Mersey. Britons were watching and waiting. Their foe,
+ridiculing the idea that a town like Manchester, almost utterly
+devoid of positions whereon batteries might be established,
+could be successfully defended, therefore kept up a desultory
+fire upon the British detachment that had swept away their
+advance guard, in the meantime covering the massing of their
+enormous force. This latter consisted of Cossacks, guards,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>
+infantry, artillery, and two companies of engineers, with
+pontoon sections, as well as a ballooning party and two field
+hospitals.</p>
+
+<p>The British detachment that had crossed the river were,
+however, unaware of the enemy's intention until too late.
+The man&oelig;uvres of the Russians were being watched by a
+British balloon sent up from Old Trafford, but the signals made
+by the a�ronaut were unfortunately unobserved by the party,
+so desperately were they fighting; otherwise a disaster which
+befell them on the sudden rush of the enemy towards the river
+might possibly have been averted. However, no blame could
+be attached to the officer in charge of the detachment. The
+men acted their part bravely, and displayed that courage of
+which the Briton speaks with justifiable pride, even though,
+alas! they fell, every one of them fighting till the last, their
+bodies being afterwards frightfully mangled by horses' hoofs,
+as hundreds of Cossacks rode over them. Not a man of that
+party escaped, but each one had once more shown the world
+what pluck and courage could accomplish, and had gone to his
+grave as a sacrifice for his country and his Queen.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc232.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="N" title="N" /></div><p>oon came and went. The fighting grew fiercer
+around Manchester, and the excitement more
+intense within the barricaded, starving city.
+Through the wildly agitated crowds of women
+of all classes, from manufacturers' wives to
+factory girls, who moved up and down Deansgate,
+Market Street, and many other principal thoroughfares,
+feverishly anxious for the safety of their husbands and brothers
+manning the improvised defences, rumours of terrible disaster
+spread like wildfire, and caused loud wailing and lamentation.</p>
+
+<p>Now rumour told of huge British successes away beyond
+the Mersey, a report which elated the pale-faced hungry ones,
+but this being followed quickly by a further report that a force
+of the defenders had been cut up and utterly annihilated outside
+Eccles, the cheering died away, and give place to deep,
+long-drawn sighs and murmurings of despair.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the dusty, perspiring throngs the hot noonday sun
+beat down mercilessly, the low rumbling of artillery sounded
+gradually closer and more distinct, and the smoke of burning
+buildings in Sale and Altrincham slowly ascending hung in
+the clear sky a black ominous cloud.</p>
+
+<p>By about two o'clock the line of defence south of the
+Mersey had been nearly all withdrawn, leaving, however, the
+defending line running south-east of Stockport to Buxton and
+the Peak. Although Cheadle had fallen into the enemy's
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>hands, an English battery, established near the railway at
+Bamford, commanded the road from Cheadle to Stockport, and
+British infantry, supported by artillery, were strongly entrenched
+from Bramhall Moor through Norbury, Poynton,
+Wardsend, Booth Green, and Bollington, then turning east
+through Macclesfield Forest to Buxton. This line was being
+hourly strengthened, and although not strong enough to take
+the offensive, it was too strong for the Russians to attack.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<a href="images/i233-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i233-lo.jpg" width="404" height="600" alt="GALLANT STAND BY CYCLISTS IN PARR WOOD." title="" /></a>
+<br /><span class="caption">GALLANT STAND BY CYCLISTS IN PARR WOOD.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>All the bridges over the Mersey, from Glazebrook to Stockport,
+had been prepared for demolition, but it was not intended
+to carry this out except as a last resource. Cavalry and
+cyclist scouts who were left on the south of the Mersey had
+withdrawn across the bridges, after exchanging shots with the
+skirmishers of the advance guards of the enemy who quickly
+lined the banks. The bridges north of Cheadle were then
+blown up, and the defenders were well posted in Parr Wood,
+near where it was believed the enemy would attempt to ford
+the river. The Russians contented themselves with exchanging
+a few shots with the defenders until half an hour later,
+when some of their batteries had been established, and then
+the passage of the Mersey at Northenden was commenced,
+under cover of the guns of the Russians near the Convalescent
+Hospital, north of Cheadle.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the Russian scouts approached the river three
+British outposts could be seen in the wood. They were, however,
+driven in by some Cossacks, who forded the river and
+attempted to enter the wood, but were all immediately killed
+by hidden skirmishers. The Russian engineers were meanwhile
+busy building a pontoon bridge, which they soon completed,
+and they then crossed after a short opposition, rapidly
+deploying to right and left in order to surround Didsbury.</p>
+
+<p>This, the first force to cross the Mersey, consisted of two
+battalions of the Kazan Regiment and two battalions of the
+Vladimir, with two 9-pounder and one 6-pounder field
+batteries and 100 cavalry. Didsbury had been put in a state
+of hasty defence, and was held by two battalions of the defenders,
+who also established a Volunteer battery at Bank<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>
+Hall, and lined the railway embankment in force as far as
+Chorlton-with-Hardy.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy's battery at the Convalescent Home had
+rendered the wood almost untenable, but it was soon silenced
+by the well-directed fire of the British Volunteer battery, and
+the wood was then re-entered by the defenders. By this
+time, however, a large number of the enemy had taken up
+positions in it, and the British were once more gradually driven
+back.</p>
+
+<p>One section, consisting of six cyclists, with a light machine
+gun mounted on a double cycle, was told off under Sergeant
+Irons of the Royal Lancaster, to defend a junction of two
+paths about half-way through the dense wood, and as the
+latter was still occupied by the defenders, the enemy could
+only make slow progress, and the cavalry could only move by
+the paths.</p>
+
+<p>Irons, taking advantage of a bend in the path, dismounted
+his men, who, having drawn up their cycles under cover, were
+formed up each side of the road to support the gun. About
+thirty Russian dragoons, with their infantry, who were working
+through the wood, were soon upon them, and, seeing such
+a small force barring the way, the cavalry charged.</p>
+
+<p>They, however, met with such a terribly hot reception that
+only two reached the guns, and these were immediately shot.
+The stand made by these seven men was a most noteworthy
+instance of the indomitable courage of the defenders. In
+those critical moments they remained calm and collected,
+obeying the orders of their sergeant as coolly as if they had
+been drilling in the barrack square. But their position was
+one of momentarily increasing peril, for bullets whistled about
+them, and the force against them was an overwhelming one.
+The Russian horses and men who had fallen blocked the road,
+and Irons therefore gave the order to fall in, as the sound of
+firing had now drawn many of the enemy's skirmishers towards
+the spot.</p>
+
+<p>Irons then re-formed his squad, one of whom had been shot
+and another wounded, and, taking the wounded man with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>
+them, retired. Just as they were moving off the corporal was
+wounded in the shoulder, and Irons himself received a bullet
+in the left arm. About two hundred yards nearer Didsbury
+there was a clearing, with farm buildings on both sides of the
+road, and these had been loopholed and occupied by a small
+force of Volunteers. Irons, sending the wounded man on to
+Didsbury, remained here with his gun, and a few minutes
+later the position was vigorously attacked.</p>
+
+<p>The conflict which ensued was of the fiercest description.
+The mere handful of defenders fought with such desperate
+courage that the great body of Russians which surrounded
+them were from the first moment gradually swept away by the
+steady and precise fire from the farm. Around the buildings
+the enemy swarmed in overwhelming numbers, but every man
+who showed himself was promptly picked off by Britons shooting
+almost as coolly as if they were competing for prizes at Bisley.</p>
+
+<p>Sergeant Irons' small machine gun, with its single barrel,
+rattled out continuously, shedding its rain of lead in all
+directions, while from muzzles of Martini rifles peeping over
+walls and from windows there came a continuous stream of
+bullets, which played frightful havoc with the foe. Within the
+first ten minutes two men of the defending force had been
+shot dead and one wounded; still, their comrades never lost
+heart, for they were determined that their position should
+never fall into the enemy's hands. The Russian officer who
+was directing the operations of the attacking party rose and
+shouted in Russian to encourage his men, but in a moment an
+English bullet struck him, and, with a loud cry, he fell forward
+over the body of a dragoon, shot through the heart.</p>
+
+<p>The stand the cyclists and their companions made was unparalleled.
+They fought on heroically, knowing the importance
+of the position they held, and how, if it were taken, other and
+more serious British casualties must follow. Firing steadily
+and with caution, they displayed such bravery that even the
+Russians themselves were compelled to secretly admire them;
+and at last, after nearly half an hour's desperate fighting, the
+Tsar's soldiers found themselves so terribly cut up that they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>
+were forced to retire, leaving more than half their number dead
+and many wounded.</p>
+
+<p>While this had been in progress, the British battery had
+totally destroyed the Russian pontoon, and thus all means of
+retreat for this portion of the invading force were cut off.
+About ten thousand men had crossed the river at this point,
+and although they had deployed at first, they had all been
+gradually driven into the wood by the fire from the railway
+embankment.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the pontoon was destroyed, the British commenced
+to advance through the wood, slowly driving back the
+Russians, who then endeavoured to make for Stretford along
+the north bank of the river; but on seeing their intention a
+brigade of defenders was immediately pushed along the railway,
+and two regiments of cavalry were hurried down the road to
+Chorlton.</p>
+
+<p>These succeeded in heading the enemy, and, suddenly
+swooping down, they destroyed the rest of the Cossacks who
+had escaped from the wood, as well as the remainder of the
+force who had attacked the farm.</p>
+
+<p>Another British battery was then hurried forward, and
+after a stubborn fight the remainder of the invaders who had
+crossed surrendered.</p>
+
+<p>In this attack alone the Russians lost in killed and wounded
+200 cavalry and nearly 2000 infantry and artillery, while
+Stretford and Stockport still remained safe. But along the
+long line east and west the battle raged with increasing
+fierceness. The conflict was a terrible one on every hand.</p>
+
+<p>The town of Lymm had been sacked, and was now burning,
+while hundreds of unoffending men, women, and children living
+in the quiet Cheshire villages had been wantonly massacred
+by the Muscovites. The latter were, however, now suffering
+well-merited punishment, for in this bloody battle they were
+falling dead in hundreds.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian Eagle was at last being forced to bite the
+dust!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc239.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he long blazing day was one of many battles and
+much toilsome combat.</p>
+
+<p>Fighting spread over a front of nearly nine
+miles, and during the engagement one wing of
+the Russians was swung across three miles.
+Hour after hour the tremendous warfare raged
+between the armies of Queen Victoria and the Tsar, and the
+bloodshed was everywhere terrible.</p>
+
+<p>Small parties of the Russian Telegraph Corps had ferried
+over the Ship Canal and the Mersey near Latchford, and wires
+were run out, and posts established connecting the headquarters
+at Altrincham, on the south of the river, with the well-advanced
+guard stations on the Liverpool Road towards Manchester at
+Woolstone, Hollinfare, and Lower Irlam.</p>
+
+<p>Sending forth a huge division of infantry upon his left, and
+three brigades of cavalry in the centre, the Russian General
+struck hard at the British line between Stretford and Chorlton-with-Hardy.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, beyond Ashton-on-Mersey the battle was also
+growing in intensity, and rifle and cannon were noisily engaged.
+A strong force of Russian infantry was at once pushed across
+to Partington, where they succeeded in crossing the Ship Canal
+and the Mersey, subsequently joining their advance guard at
+Lower Irlam.</p>
+
+<p>The British reserves at Newton-in-Makerfield, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>
+swept down upon them, and a terrible fight quickly ensued.
+The defenders advanced very steadily by section rushes, keeping
+under good firing discipline as they went, and the enemy were
+driven on towards Flixton, where they were simply swept away
+by the 12-pounder batteries established there, while at the
+same time their wires crossing the Mersey were cut, and communication
+with their headquarters thus interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>While this was in progress, another and more important
+attack was being made on Stretford. The heavy artillery fire
+and the affairs of outposts in the earlier stages of the battle
+had been followed by a carefully-regulated long-range fire of
+infantry on both sides.</p>
+
+<p>The tactics the Russians had displayed were as follows:&mdash;They
+had gradually developed their infantry in front of the
+Stretford position, and brought their pontoons in readiness for
+a dash over the river. Then, after some tentative movements,
+designed to feel the strength of our forces massed at this
+important point, they apparently determined to carry it at any
+cost.</p>
+
+<p>On their right flank the enemy were losing very heavily.
+A telegraphic message received at Altrincham gave the headquarters
+alarming news of constant reverses. A strong force
+of infantry marching along the banks of the Etherow from
+Compstall, intending to get to Hyde by way of Mottram and
+Godley Junction, had been attacked by British infantry and a
+couple of 9-pounders, and totally annihilated; while at the
+same time, about a thousand men attacking a British battery
+on the hill at Charlesworth had been cut up and forced to
+retreat, being followed by some Lancers right down to Ludworth
+Houses, where they were nearly all killed or wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, times without number during that memorable day
+the Russians made fierce attacks upon our positions on the edge
+of the Peak district, but on each occasion they were hurled
+back with fearful loss by the thin line of defenders holding the
+high ground.</p>
+
+<p>A battery we had established on the crown of the hill at
+Werneth was charged again and again by Cossacks and Dragoons,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>
+but our men, displaying cool courage at the critical moments,
+fought desperately, and mowed down the foe in a manner that
+was remarkable.</p>
+
+<p>The Russians, having decided to carry Stretford, were
+making vigorous demonstrations towards the Peak, and in the
+direction of Flixton, in order to distract our attention. They
+occupied us at many points in the vast semicircle, and by thus
+engaging us all along the line, endeavoured apparently to
+prevent us from reinforcing the point at Stretford which they
+intended gaining. Both invaders and defenders gradually
+extended in order to meet outflanking movements, and this was
+the cause of another sudden British success. It was a foregone
+conclusion that such an extension would exceed the limits of
+defensive power on one side or the other, and then blows would
+be struck with the object of breaking the too extended line.</p>
+
+<p>What occurred is, perhaps, best related by one of the special
+correspondents of the <i>Daily News</i>, who, in his account of the
+battle, published two days later, said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"About three o'clock I was at Barton with the force of
+infantry who were holding the road to Warrington, when we
+unexpectedly received telegraphic information from headquarters
+of a rapid extension of the enemy's left flank. A
+brigade which I accompanied was pushed on at once down to
+Hollinfare, where we reinforced those who had been so successful
+in cutting up the enemy at Lower Irlam half an hour before.
+We then extended along the Liverpool Road, past Warrington,
+as far as Widnes. I remained with a small detachment at
+Hollinfare awaiting developments, when suddenly we were
+informed that the enemy had thrown a pontoon bridge over the
+Mersey at its confluence with the Bollin, and that a great body
+of infantry, with machine guns, had left Lymm, where they
+had been lying inactive, and were already crossing. There
+were not more than one hundred of us, mostly men of the
+Loyal Lancashire from Preston and a few of the Manchester
+Regiment; but at the word of command we dashed down the
+road for nearly a mile, and then leaving it, doubled across the
+fields to Rixton Old Hall, where we obtained cover.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The Russians had chosen the most advantageous spot
+they could find to cross, for on the opposite bank there was a
+small thick wood, and in this they remained quite concealed
+until they suddenly dashed out and got across. Numbers had
+already reached our side and were deploying, when our rifles
+spoke out sharply, and, judging from the manner in which the
+enemy were exposed, our fire was quite unexpected. About
+thirty of our men, kneeling behind a wall, kept up a vigorous
+fire, emptying their magazines with excellent effect upon the
+grey-coats swarming over the improvised bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Still it was impossible to keep them back, for the force
+effecting a passage was very much larger than we had anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>"A few minutes later, having ascertained the extent of the
+attack, our signallers opened communication with Higher Irlam,
+and the information was conveyed on to Barton, whence the
+heliograph flashed the news down to Stretford.</p>
+
+<p>"Suddenly, however, in the midst of a shady clump of trees
+there was a loud rattle and continuous flashing. The enemy
+had brought a 10-barrelled Nordenfelt into play, and it was
+raining bullets upon us at the rate of a thousand a minute!</p>
+
+<p>"The wall behind which I was crouching was struck by a
+perfect hail of lead, and there was a loud whistling about
+my ears that was particularly disconcerting. Nevertheless
+our men had in their sudden dash for the defence secured an
+excellent position, and only three were killed and five wounded
+by this sudden outburst.</p>
+
+<p>"The struggle during the next few minutes was the most
+desperate I have ever witnessed. At the moment of peril our
+men displayed magnificent pluck. They seemed utterly unconcerned
+at their imminent danger, and lay or crouched, firing
+independently with calm precision. A dozen or so fell
+wounded, however, and a sergeant who knelt next to me, and
+who was shooting through a hole in the wall, was shot through
+the heart, and fell dead while in the act of making an observation
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>"The men who had attacked us were a fierce-looking set,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+mostly composed of Tchuwakes and Mordwa from the central
+district of the Volga, and renowned as among the best infantry
+that the Tsar can command.</p>
+
+<p>"Rifles bristled from every bit of cover around us, and it
+was really marvellous that we scored such success. Indeed, it
+was only by reason of the courageous conduct of every individual
+man that the successful stand was made against such
+overwhelming numbers. We knew that if the enemy forced
+the passage and annihilated us, they would then be enabled to
+outflank our force, and get round to Eccles and Pendlebury&mdash;a
+disaster which might result in the rapid investment of Manchester.
+Therefore we fought on, determined to do our very
+utmost to stem the advancing tide of destroyers.</p>
+
+<p>"Time after time our rifles rattled, and time after time the
+deadly Nordenfelt sent its hail of bullets around us. Presently,
+however, we heard increased firing on our right, and then welcome
+signals reached us from Martinscroft Green. We greeted
+them with loud cheering, for a force of our infantry and cavalry
+had returned along the road from Warrington, and, working in
+extended order, were bearing down upon the foe.</p>
+
+<p>"We ceased firing in that direction, and ere long we had
+the satisfaction of seeing the enemy's pontoon blown up, and
+then, with their retreat cut off, they became demoralised, and
+were driven into the open, where we picked them off so rapidly
+that scarcely one man of the 1500 who had set his foot upon
+the Lancashire bank survived.</p>
+
+<p>"From first to last our men fought magnificently. The
+whole engagement was a brilliant and almost unequalled display
+of genuine British bravery, and all I can hope is that the
+defenders of London will act their part with equal courage
+when the decisive struggle comes."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc244.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="W" title="W" /></div><p>hile this vigorous attack on the right flank was
+in progress, the enemy made a sudden dash
+upon Stretford.</p>
+
+<p>The edge of the town itself&mdash;or rather
+suburb&mdash;lies but a short distance from the
+Mersey, and the turnpike road runs straight
+away over the river through Sale and Altrincham to Northwich.
+At the end of the town nearest the river a road leading down
+from Barton joins the main road, and at the junction is a large
+red-brick modern hotel, the Old Cock, while adjoining is the
+Manchester Tramway Company's stable and terminus. At a
+little distance behind lies a high embankment, which carries the
+railway from Manchester to Liverpool, while the Mersey itself,
+though not wide, has steep banks with earthworks thrown up
+to prevent floods. Hence the force holding this position found
+ready-made defences which were now of the utmost value.</p>
+
+<p>The defenders here included three batteries of Royal
+Artillery, one battalion of the Manchester Regiment, the 2nd
+Volunteer Battalion of the same regiment, and one of the
+Lancashire Fusiliers, a field company of Engineers, half the
+14th (King's) Hussars with their machine gun section, and a
+company of signallers. Trenches had been dug at various
+points, and earthworks thrown up all along the line from
+Chorlton over to Flixton. Across the junction of the two roads
+opposite the Old Cock a great barricade had been constructed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span>
+and behind this was a powerful battery that commanded the
+level country away towards Altrincham. The bridges carrying
+the road and railway over the river had both been demolished
+by engineers, and many other precautions had been taken to
+prevent the enemy forcing a passage across.</p>
+
+<p>At last, with a swiftness that was surprising, the expected
+assault was made. Its strength was terrific, and the carnage
+on both sides appalling.</p>
+
+<p>The first dash across was effected by the Russians from the
+rifle range near Old Hall, and this was rapidly followed by
+another from the bank opposite the battery at Stretford, while
+further down a third attack was made near Mersey House,
+close to Ashton.</p>
+
+<p>Of the three, the strongest, of course, was that upon Stretford.
+The enemy had, by a good deal of neat man&oelig;uvring,
+brought their main body within the triangle bounded on the
+one side by the road from Cheadle to Altrincham, on the second
+by the road from the latter place to the river, and the third by
+the river itself.</p>
+
+<p>Pontoons were floated at many points, and while some
+cavalry forded the river, infantry and artillery rapidly crossed
+in the face of a terrific fire which was pouring upon them.</p>
+
+<p>Smokeless powder being used, the positions of the invaders
+were not obscured, and it could be seen that the British were
+effecting terrible execution. Hundreds of the foe who were in
+the act of crossing were picked off, and shells falling upon the
+pontoons destroyed them. The latter, however, were quickly
+replaced, and the force of the Tsar, by reason of the overwhelming
+numbers that had hurled themselves upon Stretford,
+succeeded, after a desperately-contested fight, in breaking the
+line of defence between Chorlton-with-Hardy and Fallowfield,
+and advancing by short rushes upon Manchester.</p>
+
+<p>But the British infantry in their trenches behaved
+splendidly, and made the roads from Old Hall at Sale right
+along to Partington quite untenable, so the continuous advance
+of the enemy cost them very dearly.</p>
+
+<p>Russian shells bursting in Stretford killed and injured large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>
+numbers of the defenders. Two of them struck the Old Cock
+in rapid succession, almost completely demolishing it, but the
+d�bris was quickly manned, and rifles soon spoke from its
+ruined walls. Again, a shell exploding in the large tram
+stables, set a hay store on fire, and this burned furiously, while
+away in the centre of the town the Public Library and a
+number of shops in the vicinity had also been ignited in a
+similar manner.</p>
+
+<p>At last the thousands of grey-coats swarming over the
+country fell in such enormous numbers upon the British rifle
+pits on the Mersey bank, that the first line of defence was at
+length utterly broken down; but in doing this the enemy's front
+had become much exposed, whereupon the Maxims on the railway
+embankment between the river and Barton suddenly burst
+forth a perfect hail of bullets, and in a short time a whole
+division of Russian infantry, cavalry, and artillery had been
+literally swept out of existence.</p>
+
+<p>The batteries down in the Stretford Road, combined with
+those on the embankment, had up to this moment played
+greater havoc with the foe than any other. The men of the
+Manchester Regiment, both Regulars and Volunteers, were displaying
+the greatest coolness; but unfortunately the Lancashire
+Fusiliers and the Loyal North Lancashire, who had
+manned the trenches, had been partially annihilated, the
+majority lying dead, their bodies scattered over the level fields
+and roads. Yet, notwithstanding the strenuous opposition of
+the British batteries at this point, the Russians were bringing
+up huge reinforcements from Altrincham, Cheadle, and
+Northenden, and by establishing strong batteries commanding
+Stretford, they at last, about five o'clock, succeeded in killing
+nearly half the gallant defenders, and driving back the survivors
+up the Barton Road.</p>
+
+<p>The tide of grey-coats rushing onward, captured the British
+guns, and although the batteries on the railway embankment
+still held out, and the enemy suffered heavily from their
+Maxims, yet they pressed on into Stretford town, and commenced
+to sack it. Messrs. Williams, Deacon's Bank, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>
+entered, the safes blown open, and large sums in gold and
+notes abstracted, shops were entered and looted, and houses
+ransacked for jewellery.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Stretford fell.</p>
+
+<p>Its streets ran with blood; and on, over the bodies of its
+brave defenders, the hordes of the Great White Tsar marched
+towards Manchester.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the British batteries on the railway embankment
+had also fallen into the hands of the Russians, who were
+now driving the survivors over towards Barton. They did not,
+however, retreat without a most desperate resistance. A row
+of thatched and white-washed cottages at the bend of the road
+they held for a long time, emptying their magazine rifles with
+deadly effect upon their pursuers, but at last they were driven
+north, and half an hour later joined their comrades who had
+massed at Barton, but who had been attacked in great force
+and fallen back in good order to Pendleton.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the enemy, having pierced the line of outposts,
+had occupied Barton and Eccles. At the former place they
+had set on fire a number of factories, and out of mere desire
+to cause as much damage to property as possible, they had
+blown up both the bridge that carried the road over the
+Ship Canal, and also destroyed the magnificent swinging
+aqueduct which carried the Bridgewater Canal over the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>This great triumph of engineering&mdash;one of the most successful
+feats of the decade&mdash;was blown into the air by charges
+of gun-cotton, and now lay across the Ship Canal a heap of
+fallen masonry and twisted iron cantilevers, while the
+water from the Bridgewater Canal was pouring out in
+thousands of tons, threatening to flood the surrounding
+district, and the church opposite had been wrecked by the
+terrific force of the explosion.</p>
+
+<p>A frightful panic had been caused in Manchester by these
+reverses. The scenes in the streets were indescribable. At
+the barricades, however, the enemy met with a desperate
+resistance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Three great columns were marching on Manchester at that
+moment. The first, having broken the line of defence near
+Fallowfield, divided into two divisions; one, advancing up the
+Wilmslow Road, stormed the great barricade opposite Rusholme
+Hall, while the other appeared on the Withington Road, and
+commenced to engage the defences that had been thrown across
+Moss Lane and Chorlton Road. The second column advanced
+to where Eccles Old Road joins Broad Street at Pendleton;
+and the third, sweeping along up the Stretford Road, met with
+a terrific resistance at the Botanic Gardens at Trafford, the
+walls of which, on either side of the road, were loopholed and
+manned by infantry and artillery; while opposite, the Blind
+Asylum was held by a regiment of infantry, and a strong
+barricade, with a battery of 12-pounders, had been established
+a little further towards the city, at the junction of the Chester
+and Stretford New Roads.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy advanced here in enormous force; but, seeing
+the formidable defences, a number of cavalry and infantry
+turned off along the Trafford Road, blew up the bridge of the
+Ship Canal in order to prevent a pursuing force of British
+cavalry from following, and after setting fire to the great
+dock warehouses and crowd of idle ships, continued along
+to Eccles New Road, where, however, they were met by
+another force of our Hussars, and totally routed and cut
+up.</p>
+
+<p>From this point the tide of battle turned. It was already
+half-past five, and the sun was sinking when the Russian
+forces prepared for their final onslaught. Cossacks and
+Dragoons charged again and again, and infantry with bayonets
+fixed rushed onward to the barricades in huge grey legions,
+only to be met by a sweeping rain of British bullets,
+which filled the roads with great heaps of dead. In these
+defences, rendered doubly strong by the patriotic action
+of the stalwart civilians of Manchester, the invaders could
+make no breach, and before every one of them they fell in
+thousands.</p>
+
+<p>The men in the entrenchments saw the foe were falling
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>back, and found the attack growing weaker. Then signals
+were made, and they raised a long hearty cheer when the
+truth was flashed to them.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i249-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i249-lo.jpg" width="600" height="394" alt="RUSSIANS ATTACKING THE BARRICADE IN STRETFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">RUSSIANS ATTACKING THE BARRICADE IN STRETFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The news was inspiriting, and they fought on with redoubled
+energy, for they knew that the great body of reserves from
+Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde, and Compstall, as well as those
+who had been occupying the hills on the edge of the Peak,
+had been pushed right past Stretford to Barton, and were
+now advancing like a huge fan, outflanking the Russians and
+attacking them in their rear.</p>
+
+<p>The British tactics were excellent, for while the invaders
+were attacked by cavalry and infantry on the one side, the
+defenders manning the barricades made a sudden sortie,
+cutting their way into them with bayonet rushes which
+they could not withstand, and which had a terribly fatal effect.</p>
+
+<p>The Tsar's forces, unable to advance or retreat, and being
+thus completely surrounded, still fought on, and as they
+refused to surrender, were literally massacred by thousands
+by British troops, while many guns and horses were captured,
+thousands of rounds of ammunition seized, and many men
+taken prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>The fight in that evening hour was the most fiercely contested
+of any during that day. The fate of Manchester was in
+the hands of our gallant soldiers, who, although necessarily
+losing heavily before such an enormous army, behaved with a
+courage that was magnificent, and which was deserving the
+highest commendation that could be bestowed.</p>
+
+<p>As dusk gathered into darkness, the enemy were being
+forced back towards the Mersey over the roads they had so
+recently travelled, but still fighting, selling their lives dearly.
+The highways and fields were strewn with their dead and
+dying, for while infantry fired into their front from the cover
+of houses and walls, our cavalry, with whirling sabres, fell
+upon them and hacked them to pieces. Neither Cossacks
+nor Dragoons proved a match for our Hussars, Lancers, and
+Yeomanry, and even in face of the machine guns which the
+Russians brought into play in an endeavour to break the line<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>
+and escape, our infantry dashed on with grand and magnificent
+charges, quickly seizing the Nordenfelts, turning their own
+guns against them, and letting loose a fire that mowed down
+hundreds.</p>
+
+<p>Across the neighbouring country our forces swept in good
+attack formation, and all along that great line, nearly six miles
+in length, the slaughter of Russians was frightful.</p>
+
+<p>In the falling gloom fire flashed from the muzzles of rifles,
+cannon, and machine guns, and far above the terrible din
+sounded shrill cries of pain and hoarse shouts of despair as
+the great Army that had devastated our beloved country with
+fire and sword was gradually annihilated. In those roads in
+the south of the city the scenes of bloodshed were awful, as a
+force of over 20,000 Russians were slaughtered because they
+would not yield up their arms.</p>
+
+<p>Outside Stretford a last desperate stand was made, but
+ere long some British cavalry came thundering along, and
+cut them down in a frightful manner, while about the same
+time a Russian flying column was annihilated over at Davy-Hulme;
+away at Carrington a retreating brigade of infantry
+which had escaped over the river was suddenly pounced upon
+by the defenders and slaughtered; and at Altrincham the
+enemy's headquarters were occupied, and the staff taken
+prisoners. Ere the Russian General could be forced to
+surrender, however, he placed a revolver to his head, and
+in full view of a number of his officers, blew his brains
+out.</p>
+
+<p>Then, when the moon shone out from behind a dark bank
+of cloud just before midnight, she shed her pale light upon
+the wide battlefield on both sides of the Mersey, whereon lay
+the bodies of no fewer than 30,000 Russians and 12,000
+British, while 40,000 Russians and 16,000 British lay wounded,
+nearly 10,000 Russians having been disarmed and marched
+into the centre of the city as prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>The victory had only been achieved at the eleventh hour
+by dint of great courage and forethought, and being so swift
+and effectual it was magnificent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Manchester was safe, and the public rejoicings throughout
+that night were unbounded.</p>
+
+<p>The loss of life was too awful for reflection, for 12,000
+of Britain's heroes&mdash;men who had won the battle&mdash;were lying
+with their white lifeless faces upturned to the twinkling
+stars.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>
+</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p>
+<h1><i>BOOK III</i></h1>
+<h2><i>THE VICTORY</i></h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+<h3>A SHABBY WAYFARER.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc257.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I" title="I" /></div><p>n Sussex the situation was now most critical.
+The struggle between the French invaders and
+the line of Volunteers defending London was
+long and desperate, but our civilian soldiers
+were bearing their part bravely, showing how
+Britons could fight, and day after day repelling
+the repeated assaults with a vigour that at once proved their
+efficiency.</p>
+
+<p>Three days after the battle at Manchester had been fought
+and won, a man with slouching gait and woeful countenance,
+attired in a cheap suit of shabby grey, stood on the steps of
+the Granton Hotel, at Granton, and with his hands thrust into
+his pockets gazed thoughtfully out over the broad waters of
+the Firth of Forth, to where the Fifeshire hills loomed dark
+upon the horizon. Slowly his keen eyes wandered away eastward
+to the open sea, an extensive view of which he obtained
+from the flight of steps whereon he stood, and then with a sigh
+of disappointment he buttoned his coat, and, grasping his stick,
+descended, and walked at a leisurely pace along the road
+through Newhaven to Leith.</p>
+
+<p>"To-night. To-night at sundown!" he muttered to himself,
+as he bent his head to the wind.</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily he placed his hand to his hip to reassure
+himself that a letter he carried was still safe.</p>
+
+<p>"Bah!" he continued, "I declare I feel quite timid to-night.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>
+Everything is so quiet here; the houses look deserted, and
+everybody seems to have left the place. Surely they can have
+no suspicion, and&mdash;and if they had? What does it matter?&mdash;eh,
+what?"</p>
+
+<p>Quickening his pace, he passed down the long, quaint
+street of Newhaven, lined on each side by ancient fishermen's
+cottages, and then, crossing the railway, passed under the wall
+of Leith Fort, whereon a couple of sentries were pacing.
+Glancing up at the two artillerymen, with the half-dozen
+obsolete guns behind them, and their background of grass-grown
+mounds and buildings, the wayfarer smiled. He was
+thinking how different would be the scene at this spot ere
+long.</p>
+
+<p>Leith Fort was a sort of fortified back-garden. The railway
+ran close to the sea, parallel with which was the highway, and
+upon higher ground at the back was a block of buildings,
+before which a few black old cannon were placed in formidable
+array, and in such a position as to be fully exposed to any
+destructive projectiles fired from the sea.</p>
+
+<p>On went the down-at-heel wayfarer, his shifty eyes ever on
+the alert, viewing with suspicion the one or two persons he
+met. Apparently he was expecting the arrival of some craft,
+for his gaze was constantly turned towards the wide expanse
+of grey water, eager to detect the smallest speck upon the
+horizon. Any one who regarded him critically might have
+noticed something remarkable about his appearance, yet not
+even his most intimate friends would have recognised in this
+broken-down, half-starved clerk, who had arrived at Granton
+that morning, after tramping over from Glasgow, the popular
+man-about-town, the Count von Beilstein!</p>
+
+<p>"Those fools will soon be swept away into eternity," he
+muttered to himself, as he glanced back in the direction of
+the fort. "They will have an opportunity of tasting Russian
+lead, and of practising with their guns, which are only fit for
+a museum. They mount guard to defend an attack! Bah!
+They seek their own destruction, for no force can withstand
+that which will presently appear to give them a sudden<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>
+rousing. They will be elevated&mdash;blown into the air, together
+with their miserable guns, their barracks, and the whole of
+their antiquated paraphernalia. And to me the world owes
+this national catastrophe! I am the looker-on. These British
+have a proverb that the looker-on sees most of the game.
+<i>Bien! that is full of truth.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>And he chuckled to himself, pursuing his way at the same
+pace, now and then glancing back as if to assure himself that
+no one dogged his footsteps. Darkness had crept on quickly
+as he passed along through the open country at Fillyside and
+entered Portobello, the little watering-place so popular with
+holiday makers from Edinburgh during the summer. Along
+the deserted promenade he strolled leisurely from end to end,
+and passing out of the town through Joppa, came at length to
+that rugged shore between the Salt Pans and Eastfield. The
+tide was out, so, leaving the road, he walked on in the darkness
+over the shingles until he came to a small cove, and a moment
+later two men confronted him.</p>
+
+<p>A few sentences in Russian were rapidly exchanged between
+the spy and the men, and then the latter at once guided him
+to where a boat lay in readiness, but concealed. Five minutes
+later the Count was being rowed swiftly but silently away into
+the darkness by six stalwart men belonging to one of the Tsar's
+battleships.</p>
+
+<p>The oars dipped regularly as the boat glided onwards, but
+no word was exchanged, until about twenty minutes later the
+men suddenly stopped pulling, a rope thrown by a mysterious
+but vigilant hand whistled over their heads and fell across
+them, and then they found themselves under the dark side
+of a huge ironclad. It was the new battleship, <i>Admiral
+Orlovski</i>, which had only just left the Baltic for the first time.
+Without delay the spy climbed on board, and was conducted
+at once by a young officer into the Admiral's private
+cabin.</p>
+
+<p>A bearded, middle-aged man, in handsome naval uniform,
+who was poring over a chart, rose as he entered. The spy,
+bowing, said briefly in Russian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I desire to see Prince Feodor Mazaroff, Admiral of the
+Fleet."</p>
+
+<p>"I am at your service, m'sieur," the other replied in French,
+motioning him to a chair.</p>
+
+<p>The Count, seating himself, tossed his hat carelessly upon
+the table, explaining that he had been sent by the Russian
+Intelligence Department as bearer of certain important documents
+which would materially assist him in his operations.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," observed the Prince, "I received a telegram from
+the Ministry at Petersburg before I left Christiansand, telling
+me to await you here, and that you would furnish various
+information."</p>
+
+<p>"That I am ready to do as far as lies in my power," replied
+the Count, taking from his hip pocket a bulky packet, sealed
+with three great daubs of black wax. This he handed to the
+Prince, saying, "It contains maps of the country between
+Edinburgh and Glasgow, specially prepared by our Secret
+Service, together with a marked chart of the Firth of Forth,
+and full detailed information regarding the troops remaining
+to defend this district."</p>
+
+<p>The Admiral broke the seals, and glanced eagerly through
+the contents, with evident satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what is the general condition of the south of Scotland?"
+the Prince asked, lounging back, twirling his moustache
+with a self-satisfied air.</p>
+
+<p>"Totally unprepared. It is not believed that any attack
+will be made. The military left north of the Cheviots after
+mobilisation were sent south to assist in the defence of
+Manchester."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hope our expedition to-night will meet with
+success. We are now one mile east of Craig Waugh, and in
+an hour our big guns will arouse Leith from its lethargy.
+You will be able to watch the fun from deck, and give us the
+benefit of your knowledge of the district. Is the fort at Leith
+likely to offer any formidable resistance?" continued the
+Admiral. "I see the information here is somewhat vague
+upon that point."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The place is useless," replied the spy, as he stretched out
+his hand and took a pencil and paper from the Prince's writing-table.
+"See! I will sketch it for you. In the character of a
+starving workman who desired to volunteer I called there, and
+succeeded in obtaining a good view of the interior. They have
+a few modern guns, but the remainder are old muzzleloaders,
+which against such guns as you have on board here will be
+worse than useless." And as he spoke he rapidly sketched a
+plan of the defences in a neat and accurate manner, acquired by
+long practice. "The most serious resistance will, however, be
+offered from Inchkeith Island, four miles off Leith. There has
+lately been established there a new fort, containing guns of the
+latest type. A plan of the place, which I succeeded in obtaining
+a few days ago, is, you will find, pinned to the chart of the
+Firth of Forth."</p>
+
+<p>The Admiral opened out the document indicated, and
+closely examined the little sketch plan appended. On the
+chart were a number of small squares marked in scarlet,
+surrounded by a blue circle to distinguish them more readily
+from the dots of red which pointed out the position of the
+lights. These squares, prepared with the utmost care by von
+Beilstein, showed the position of certain submarine mines, a
+plan of which he had succeeded in obtaining by one of his
+marvellous master-strokes of finesse.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to you, Count, our preparations are now complete,"
+observed the Prince, offering the spy a cigarette from his silver
+case, and taking one himself. "Our transports, with three
+army corps, numbering nearly 60,000 men and 200 guns,
+are at the present moment lying 12 miles north of the Bass
+Rock, awaiting orders to enter the Firth, therefore I think
+when we land we shall"&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>A ray of brilliant white light streamed for a moment
+through the port of the cabin, and then disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince, jumping to his feet, looked out into the darkness,
+and saw the long beam sweeping slowly round over
+the water, lighting up the ships of his squadron in rapid
+succession.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The search-lights of Inchkeith!" he gasped, with an
+imprecation. "I had no idea we were within their range, but
+now they have discovered us there's no time to be lost. For
+the present I must leave you. You will, of course, remain on
+board, and land with us"; and a moment later he rushed on
+deck, and shouted an order which was promptly obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a low booming, and in another second
+a column of dark water rose as the first shot ricochetted about
+five hundred yards from their bows. Orders shouted in
+Russian echoed through the ship, numbers of signals were
+exchanged rapidly with the other vessels, and the sea suddenly
+became alive with torpedo boats.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time the British guns sounded like distant
+thunder, and shots fell in the vicinity of the Russian ships.
+Suddenly, as soon as the men were at their quarters, electric
+signals rang from the conning-tower of the <i>Admiral Orlovski</i>,
+and one of her 56-tonners crashed and roared from her turret,
+and a shot sped away towards where the light showed. The
+noise immediately became deafening as the guns from nine
+other ships thundered almost simultaneously, sending a perfect
+hail of shell upon the island fort. In the darkness the scene
+was one of most intense excitement.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time the spy found himself amidst the din of
+battle, and perhaps for the first time in his life his nerves were
+somewhat shaken as he stood in a convenient corner watching
+the working of one of the great guns in the turret, which
+regularly ran out and added its voice to the incessant thunder.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc263.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="A" title="A" /></div><p>ll the vessels were now under steam and
+approaching Inchkeith, when suddenly two
+shells struck the <i>Admiral Orlovski</i> amidships,
+carrying away a portion of her superstructure.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the other vessels were also hit
+almost at the same moment, and shortly afterwards
+a torpedo boat under the stern of the flagship was
+struck by a shell, and sank with all hands. Time after time
+the Russian vessels poured out their storm of shell upon the
+fort, now only about a mile and a half distant; but the British
+fire still continued as vigorous and more effective than at first.</p>
+
+<p>Again the flagship was struck, this time on the port
+quarter, but the shot glanced off her armour into the sea;
+while a moment later another shell struck one of her fighting
+tops, and, bursting, wrecked two of the machine guns, and
+killed half a dozen unfortunate fellows who had manned them.
+The d�bris fell heavily upon the deck, and the disaster, being
+witnessed by the spy, caused him considerable anxiety for his
+own safety.</p>
+
+<p>Even as he looked he suddenly noticed a brilliant flash
+from one of the cruisers lying a little distance away. There
+was a terrific report, and amid flame and smoke wreckage shot
+high into the air. An explosion had occurred in the magazine,
+and it was apparent the ship was doomed! Other disasters to
+the Russians followed in quick succession. A cruiser which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>
+was lying near the Herwit light-buoy blazing away upon the
+fort, suddenly rolled heavily and gradually heeled over, the
+water around her being thrown into the air by an explosion
+beneath the surface. A contact mine had been fired, and the
+bottom of the ship had been practically blown out, for a few
+minutes later she went down with nearly every soul on board.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment this disaster occurred, the <i>Admiral Orlovski</i>,
+still discharging her heavy guns, was about half-way between
+the Briggs and the Pallas Rock, when a search-light illuminated
+her from the land, and a heavy fire was suddenly opened
+upon her from Leith Fort.</p>
+
+<p>This was at once replied to, and while five of the vessels
+kept up their fire upon Inchkeith, the three others turned
+their attention towards Leith, and commenced to bombard it
+with common shell.</p>
+
+<p>How effectual were their efforts the spy could at once see,
+for in the course of a quarter of an hour, notwithstanding the
+defence offered by Leith Fort and several batteries on Arthur's
+Seat, at Granton Point, Wardie Bush, and at Seaside Meadows,
+near Portobello, fires were breaking out in various quarters of
+the town, and factories and buildings were now burning with
+increasing fury. The great paraffin refinery had been set on
+fire, and the flames, leaping high into the air, shed a lurid glare
+far away over the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Shells, striking the Corn Exchange, wrecked it, and one,
+flying away over the fort, burst in the Leith Distillery, with
+the result that the place was set on fire, and soon burned with
+almost equal fierceness with the paraffin works. The shipping
+in the Edinburgh, Albert, and Victoria Docks was ablaze, and
+the drill vessel H.M.S. <i>Durham</i> had been shattered and
+was burning. A great row of houses in Lindsay Road had
+fallen prey to the flames, while among the other large
+buildings on fire were the Baltic Hotel, the great goods station
+of the North British Railway, and the National Bank of
+Scotland.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to being attacked from the forts on the island,
+and on land, the Russians were now being vigorously fired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+upon by the British Coastguard ship <i>Imp�rieuse</i>, which, with
+the cruiser <i>Active</i>, and the gunboat cruisers <i>Cockchafer</i>, <i>Firm</i>,
+and <i>Watchful</i>, had now come within range. Soon, however,
+the enemy were reinforced by several powerful vessels, and in
+the fierce battle that ensued the British ships were driven off.
+Then by reason of the reinforcements which the Russians<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>
+brought up, and the great number of transports which were
+now arriving, the defence, desperate though it had been, alas!
+broke down, and before midnight the invader set his foot upon
+Scottish soil.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 455px;">
+<a href="images/i265-hi.png"><img src="images/i265-lo.png" width="455" height="500" alt="POSITIONS FOR THE DEFENCE OF EDINBURGH." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">POSITIONS FOR THE DEFENCE OF EDINBURGH.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Ere the sun rose, a huge force of 60,000 men had commenced
+a march upon Edinburgh and Glasgow!</p>
+
+<p>Events on shore during that never-to-be-forgotten night
+were well described by Captain Tiller of the Royal Artillery,
+stationed at Leith Fort, who, in a letter written to his young
+wife at Carlisle, on the following day, gave the following
+narrative:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Disaster has fallen upon us. The Russians have landed
+in Scotland, and the remnant of our force which was at Leith
+has fallen back inland. On Friday, just after nightfall,
+we were first apprised of our danger by hearing heavy firing
+from the sea in the direction of Inchkeith Fort, and all
+civilians were sent on inland, while we prepared for the fight.</p>
+
+<p>"Very soon a number of ships were visible, some of them
+being evidently transports, and as they were observed taking
+soundings, it was clear that an immediate landing was intended.
+Fortunately it was a light night, and while two
+Volunteer field batteries were sent out along the coast west to
+Cramond and east to Fisherrow, we completed our arrangements
+in the fort. With such antiquated weapons as were at
+our disposal defeat was a foregone conclusion, and we knew
+that to annoy the enemy and delay their landing would be the
+extent of our resistance. Some of our guns were, of course,
+of comparatively recent date, and our supply of ammunition
+was fair, but the Volunteer guns were antiquated 40-pounder
+muzzleloaders, which ought to have been withdrawn years ago,
+and the gunners had had very little field training. The
+arrangements for horsing the guns were also very inefficient,
+and they had no waggons or transport. Most of our forces
+having been drawn south, the only infantry available was a
+battalion and a half&mdash;really a provisional battalion, for it was
+composed of portions of two Volunteer rifle regiments, with a
+detachment of Regulars. Our Regular artillery detachment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>
+was, unfortunately, very inadequate, for although the armament
+of the fort had been recently strengthened, the force had
+been weakened just before the outbreak of war by the despatch
+of an Indian draft.</p>
+
+<p>"It was apparent that the enemy would not attempt to
+destroy our position, but land and carry it by assault; therefore,
+while the Inchkeith guns kept them at bay, we undermined
+our fort, opened our magazines, and got ready for a
+little target practice.</p>
+
+<p>"The Volunteer batteries sent eastward had been ordered to
+do what execution they could, and then, in the case of a reverse,
+to retire through Portobello and Duddingston to Edinburgh,
+and those on the west were to go inland to Ratho; while we
+were resolved to hold the fort as long as possible, and if at last
+we were compelled to retire we intended to blow up the place
+before leaving.</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as we found the Russian flagship within range,
+we opened fire upon her, and this action caused a perfect
+storm of projectiles to be directed upon us. The town was soon
+in flames, the shipping in the harbour sank, and the martello
+tower was blown to pieces. Our search-light was very soon
+brought into requisition, and by its aid some of the boats of
+the enemy's transports were sunk, while others came to grief
+on the Black Rocks.</p>
+
+<p>"By this time the enemy had turned their search-lights
+in every direction where they could see firing, and very soon
+our Volunteer batteries were silenced, and then Granton
+harbour fell into the hands of the enemy's landing parties.
+Having first rendered their guns useless, the survivors fell
+back to Corstorphine Hill, outside Edinburgh, and we soon
+afterwards received intelligence that the Russians were landing
+at Granton in thousands. Meanwhile, although our
+garrison was so weak and inexperienced, we nevertheless kept
+up a vigorous fire.</p>
+
+<p>"We saw how Inchkeith Fort had been silenced, and how
+our Volunteer batteries had been destroyed, and knew that
+sooner or later we must share the same fate, and abandon our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+position. As boatload after boatload of Russians attempted to
+land, we either sank them by shots from our guns or swept
+them with a salvo of bullets from our Maxims; yet as soon
+as we had hurled back one landing party others took its
+place.</p>
+
+<p>"Many were the heroic deeds our gunners performed that
+night, as hand to hand they fought, and annihilated the
+Russians who succeeded in landing; but in this frightful
+struggle we lost heavily, and at length, when all hope of an
+effective defence had been abandoned, we placed electric wires
+in the magazine, and the order was given to retire. This we
+did, leaving our search-light in position in order to deceive the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>"Half our number had been killed, and we sped across to
+Bonnington, running out a wire along the ground as we went.
+The Russians, now landing rapidly in great force, swarmed into
+the fort and captured the guns and ammunition, while a party
+of infantry pursued us. But we kept them back for fully
+a quarter of an hour, until we knew that the fort would
+be well garrisoned by the invaders; then we sent a current
+through the wire.</p>
+
+<p>"The explosion that ensued was deafening, and its effect
+appalling. Never have I witnessed a more awful sight.
+Hundreds of tons of all sorts of explosives and ammunition
+were fired simultaneously by the electric spark, and the whole
+fort, with nearly six hundred of the enemy, who were busy
+establishing their headquarters, were in an instant blown into
+the air. For several moments the space around us where we
+stood seemed filled with flying d�bris, and the mangled remains
+of those who a second before had been elated beyond measure
+by their success.</p>
+
+<p>"Those were terribly exciting moments, and for a few
+seconds there was a cessation of the firing. Quickly, however,
+the bombardment was resumed, and although we totally
+annihilated the force pursuing us, we fell back to Restalrig,
+and at length gained the battery that had been established on
+Arthur's Seat, and which was now keeping up a heavy fire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+upon the Russian transports lying out in the Narrow Deep.
+Subsequently we went on to Dalkeith. Our situation is most
+critical in every respect, but we are expecting reinforcements,
+and a terrible battle is imminent."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Thus the Russians landed three corps of 20,000 each
+where they were least expected, and at once prepared to invest
+Edinburgh and Glasgow. Three of the boats which came
+ashore at Leith that night, after the blowing up of the fort,
+brought several large mysterious-looking black boxes, which
+were handled with infinite care by the specially selected
+detachment of men who had been told off to take charge of
+them. Upon the locks were the official seals of the Russian
+War Office; and even the men themselves, unaware of their
+contents, looked upon them with a certain amount of suspicion,
+handling them very gingerly, and placing them in waggons
+which they seized from a builder's yard on the outskirts of the
+town.</p>
+
+<p>The officers alone knew the character of these mysterious
+consignments, and as they superintended the landing,
+whispered together excitedly. The news of the invasion,
+already telegraphed throughout Scotland from end to end,
+caused the utmost alarm; but had the people known what
+those black boxes, the secret of which was so carefully
+guarded, contained, they would have been dismayed and
+appalled.</p>
+
+<p>Truth to tell, the Russians were about to try a method
+of wholesale and awful destruction, which, although vaguely
+suggested in time of peace, had never yet been tested in the
+field.</p>
+
+<p>If successful, they knew it would cause death and desolation
+over an inconceivably wide area, and prove at once a
+most extraordinary and startling development of modern warfare.
+The faces of a whole army, however brave, would blanch
+before its terrific power, and war in every branch, on land and
+on sea, would become revolutionised.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But the boxes remained locked and guarded. The secret
+was to be kept until the morrow, when the first trial was
+ordered to be made, and the officers in charge expressed an
+opinion between themselves that a blow would then be struck
+that would at once startle and terrify the whole world.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>ATTACK ON EDINBURGH.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc271.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I" title="I" /></div><p>n attacking Edinburgh the besiegers at once
+discovered they had a much more difficult
+task than they had anticipated. The Russian
+onslaught had been carefully planned. Landing
+just before dawn, the 1st Corps, consisting
+of about twenty thousand men, marched
+direct to Glasgow by way of South Queensferry and Kirkliston,
+and through Linlithgow, sacking and burning all three
+towns in the advance.</p>
+
+<p>The 3rd Army Corps succeeded, after some very sharp
+skirmishing, in occupying the Pentland Hills, in order to protect
+the flanks of the first force, while a strong detachment
+was left behind to guard the base at Leith. The 2nd Corps
+meanwhile marched direct upon Edinburgh.</p>
+
+<p>The defenders, consisting of Militia, Infantry, Artillery,
+the local Volunteers left behind during the mobilisation, and a
+large number of civilians from the neighbouring towns, who
+had hastily armed on hearing the alarming news, were quickly
+massed in three divisions on the Lammermuir Hills, along the
+hills near Peebles, and on Tinto Hill, near Lanark.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian army corps which marched from Leith upon
+Edinburgh about seven o'clock on the following morning met
+with a most desperate resistance. On Arthur's Seat a strong
+battery had been established by the City of Edinburgh
+Artillery, under Col. J. F. Mackay, and the 1st Berwickshire,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>
+under Col. A. Johnston; and on the higher parts of the
+Queen's Drive, overlooking the crooked little village of Duddingston,
+guns of the 1st Forfarshire, under Col. Stewart-Sandeman,
+V.D., flashed and shed forth torrents of bullets and shell,
+which played havoc with the enemy's infantry coming up the
+Portobello and Musselburgh roads. Batteries on the Braid
+and Blackford Hills commanded the southern portion of the
+city; while to the west, the battery on Corstorphine Hill prevented
+the enemy from pushing along up the high road from
+Granton.</p>
+
+<p>Between Jock's Lodge and Duddingston Mills the Russians,
+finding cover, commenced a sharp attack about nine o'clock;
+but discovering, after an hour's hard fighting, that to attempt
+to carry the defenders' position was futile, they made a sudden
+retreat towards Niddry House.</p>
+
+<p>The British commander, observing this, and suspecting
+their intention to make a circuit and enter the city by way of
+Newington, immediately set his field telegraph to work, and
+sent news on to the infantry brigade at Blackford.</p>
+
+<p>This consisted mainly of the Queen's Volunteer Rifle
+Brigade (Royal Scots), under Col. T. W. Jones, V.D.; the 4th,
+5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Volunteer Battalions of the Royal Scots,
+under Col. W. U. Martin, V.D., Col. W. I. Macadam, Col. Sir
+G. D. Clerk, Col. P. Dods, and Col. G. F. Melville respectively,
+with a company of engineers. The intelligence they received
+placed them on the alert, and ere long the enemy extended his
+flank in an endeavour to enter Newington. The bridges
+already prepared for demolition by the defenders were now
+promptly blown up, and in the sharp fight that ensued the
+enemy were repulsed with heavy loss.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the formidable division of the 3rd Russian
+Army Corps guarding the base at Leith had attacked the Corstorphine
+position, finding their headquarters untenable under
+its fire, and although losing several guns and a large number
+of men, they succeeded, after about an hour's hard fighting, in
+storming the hill and sweeping away the small but gallant
+band of defenders.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The fight was long. It was a struggle to the death.
+Over the whole historic battle-ground from the Tweed to the
+Forth, fighting spread, and everywhere the loss of life was
+terrible.</p>
+
+<p>The long autumn day passed slowly, yet hostilities continued
+as vigorous and sanguinary as they had begun. Before
+the sun sank many a brave Briton lay dead or dying, but many
+more Muscovites had been sent to that bourne whence none
+return.</p>
+
+<p>As it was, the British line of communications was broken
+between Temple and Eddleston, the outposts at the latter
+place having been surprised and slaughtered. But although
+the enemy strove hard to break down the lines of defence and
+invest Edinburgh, yet time after time they were hurled back
+with fearful loss. Colinton and Liberton were sacked and
+burned by the Tsar's forces. On every hand the Russians
+spread death and destruction; still the defenders held their
+own, and when the fighting ceased after nightfall Edinburgh
+was still safe. Strong barricades manned by civilians had
+been hastily thrown up near the station in Leith Walk, in
+London Road opposite the Abbey Church, in Inverleith Row,
+in Clerk Street and Montague Street, while all the bridges
+over the Water of Leith had been blown up with gun-cotton;
+quick-firing guns had been posted on Calton Hill and at the
+Castle, while in St. Andrew's Square a battery had been established
+by the 1st Haddington Volunteer Artillery, under Major
+J. J. Kelly, who had arrived in haste from Dunbar, and this
+excellent position commanded a wide stretch of country away
+towards Granton.</p>
+
+<p>At dead of night, under the calm, bright stars, a strange
+scene might have been witnessed. In the deep shadow cast
+by the wall of an old and tumble-down barn near the cross-roads
+at Niddry, about three miles from Edinburgh, two
+Russian infantry officers were in earnest conversation. They
+stood leaning upon a broken fence, talking in a half-whisper
+in French, so that the half-dozen privates might not understand
+what they said. The six men were busy unpacking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span>
+several strange black cases, handling the contents with infinite
+care. Apparently three of the boxes contained a quantity of
+fine silk, carefully folded, while another contained a number
+of square, dark-looking packages, which, when taken out, were
+packed in order upon a strong net which was first spread upon
+the grass. Ropes were strewn over the ground in various
+directions, the silk was unfolded, and presently, when all the
+contents had been minutely inspected by the two officers with
+lanterns, a small tube was taken from a box that had remained
+undisturbed, and fastened into an object shaped like a bellows.</p>
+
+<p>Then, when all preparations were satisfactorily completed,
+the six men threw themselves upon the grass to snatch an
+hour's repose, while the officers returned to their previous
+positions, leaning against the broken fence, and gravely discussing
+their proposals for the morrow's gigantic sensation.
+The elder of the two was explaining to his companion the
+nature of the <i>coup</i> which they intended to deliver, and the
+mode in which it would be made. So engrossed were they in
+the contemplation of the appalling results that would accrue,
+they did not observe that they were standing beneath a small
+square hole in the wall of the barn; neither did they notice
+that from this aperture a dark head protruded for a second and
+then quick as lightning withdrew. It was only like a shadow,
+and disappeared instantly!</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later a mysterious figure was creeping cautiously
+along under the hedge of the high road to Newington in the
+direction of the British lines. Crawling along the grass, and
+pausing now and then with his ear to the ground, listening, he
+advanced by short, silent stages, exercising the greatest caution,
+well aware that death would be his fate should he be discovered.
+In wading the Braid Burn he almost betrayed himself
+to a Russian sentry; but at last, after travelling for over an
+hour, risking discovery at any moment, he at length passed the
+British outposts beyond Liberton, and ascended the Braid Hills
+to the headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>The story he told the General commanding was at first
+looked upon as ludicrous. In the dim candlelight in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+General's tent he certainly looked a disreputable derelict, his
+old and tattered clothes wet through, his hands cut by stones
+and bleeding, and his face half covered with mud. The three
+officers who were with the General laughed when he dashed in
+excitedly, and related the conversation he had overheard; yet
+when he subsequently went on to describe in detail what he
+had witnessed, and when they remembered that this tramp was
+an artilleryman who had long ago been conspicuous by his
+bravery at El Teb, and an ingenious inventor, their expression
+of amusement gave way to one of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The General, who had been writing, thoughtfully tapped
+the little camp table before him with his pen. "So they
+intend to destroy us and wreck the city by that means, now
+that their legitimate tactics have failed! I can scarcely credit
+that such is their intention; yet if they should be successful&mdash;if"&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But they will not be successful, sir. If you will send
+some one to assist me, and allow me to act as I think fit, I will
+frustrate their dastardly design, and the city shall be saved."</p>
+
+<p>"You are at liberty to act as you please. You know their
+plans, and I have perfect confidence in you, Mackenzie," replied
+the officer. "Do not, however, mention a word of the enemy's
+intention to any one. It would terrify the men; and although
+I do not doubt their bravery, yet the knowledge of such a
+horrible fate hanging over them must necessarily increase their
+anxiety, and thus prevent them from doing their best. We are
+weak, but remember we are all Britons. Now come," he added,
+"sit there, upon that box, and explain at once what is your
+scheme of defence against this extraordinary attack."</p>
+
+<p>And the fearless man to whom the General had entrusted
+the defence of Edinburgh obeyed, and commenced to explain
+what means he intended to take&mdash;a desperate but well-devised
+plan, which drew forth words of the highest commendation
+from the commanding officer and those with him. They knew
+that the fate of Edinburgh hung in the balance, and that if the
+city were taken it would be the first step towards their downfall.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>"THE DEMON OF WAR."</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc276.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>wo hours later, just before the break of day,
+British bugles sounded, and the camp on the
+Braid Hills was immediately astir. That the
+enemy were about to test the efficiency of a
+new gigantic engine of war was unknown
+except to the officers and the brave man who
+had risked his life in order to obtain the secret of the foeman's
+plans.</p>
+
+<p>To him the British General was trusting, and as with knit
+brows and anxious face the grey-haired officer stood at the door
+of his tent gazing across the burn to Blackford Hill, he was
+wondering whether he had yet obtained his coign of vantage.
+From the case slung round his shoulder he drew his field
+glasses and turned them upon a clump of trees near the top of
+the hill, straining his eyes to discover any movement.</p>
+
+<p>On the crest of the hill two Volunteer artillery batteries
+were actively preparing for the coming fray, but as yet it was
+too dark to discern anything among the distant clump of trees;
+so, replacing his glasses, the commanding officer re-entered his
+tent and bent for a long time over the Ordnance Map under the
+glimmering, uncertain light of a guttering candle.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Russians were busily completing their arrangements
+for striking an appalling blow.</p>
+
+<p>Concealed by a line of trees and a number of farm buildings,
+the little section of the enemy had worked indefatigably for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+the past two hours, and now in the grey dawn the contents
+of the mysterious boxes, a long dark monster, lay upon the
+grass, moving restlessly, trying to free itself from its trammels.</p>
+
+<p>It was a huge and curiously-shaped air-ship, and was to be
+used for dropping great charges of m�linite and steel bombs
+filled with picric acid into the handsome historic city of
+Edinburgh! Some of the shells were filled with sulphurous
+acid, carbon dioxide, and other deadly compounds, the intent
+being to cause suffocation over wide areas by the volatilisation
+of liquid gases!</p>
+
+<p>This controllable electric balloon, a perfection of M. Gaston
+Tissandier's invention a few years before, was, as it lay upon
+the grass, nearly inflated and ready to ascend, elongated in
+form, and filled with hydrogen.</p>
+
+<p>It was about 140 feet long, 63 feet in diameter through the
+middle, and the envelope was of fine cloth coated with an
+impermeable varnish. On either side were horizontal shafts of
+flexible walnut laths, fastened with silk belts along the centre,
+and over the balloon a netting of ribbons was placed, and to
+this the car was connected. On each of the four sides was a
+screw propeller 12 feet in diameter, driven by bichromate of
+potassium batteries and a dynamo-electric motor. The propellers
+were so arranged that the balloon could keep head to
+a hurricane, and when proceeding with the wind would deviate
+immediately from its course by the mere pulling of a lever by
+the a�ronaut.</p>
+
+<p>Carefully packed in the car were large numbers of the most
+powerful infernal machines, ingeniously designed to effect the
+most awful destruction if hurled into a thickly-populated
+centre. Piled in the smallest possible compass were square
+steel boxes, some filled with m�linite, dynamite, and an
+explosive strongly resembling cordite, only possessing twice its
+strength, each with fulminating compounds, while others contained
+picric acid fitted with glass detonating tubes. Indeed,
+this gigantic engine, which might totally wreck a city
+and kill every inhabitant in half an hour while at an
+altitude of 6&frac12; miles, had rightly been named by the Pole<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+who had perfected Tissandier's invention&mdash;"The Demon of
+War."</p>
+
+<p>While the two officers of the Russian balloon section, both
+experienced a�ronauts, were finally examining minutely every
+rope, ascertaining that all was ready for the ascent, away on
+Blackford Hill one man, pale and determined, with coat and
+vest thrown aside, was preparing a counterblast to the forthcoming
+attack. Under cover of the clump of trees, but with
+its muzzle pointing towards Bridgend, a long, thin gun of an
+altogether strange type had been brought into position. It
+was about four times the size of a Maxim, which it resembled
+somewhat in shape, only the barrel was much longer, the store
+of ammunition being contained in a large steel receptacle at
+the side, wherein also was some marvellously-contrived
+mechanism. The six gunners who were assisting Mackenzie
+at length completed their work, and the gun having been
+carefully examined by the gallant man in charge and two
+of the officers who had been in the tent with the General
+during the midnight consultation, Mackenzie, with a glance
+in the yet hazy distance where the enemy had bivouaced,
+pulled over a small lever, which immediately started a
+dynamo.</p>
+
+<p>"In three minutes we shall be ready for action," he said,
+glancing at his watch; and then, turning a small wheel which
+raised the muzzle of the gun so as to point it at a higher angle
+in the direction of the sky, he waited until the space of time he
+had mentioned had elapsed.</p>
+
+<p>The officers stood aside conversing in an undertone. This
+man Mackenzie had invented this strange-looking weapon, and
+only one had been made. It had some months before been
+submitted to the War Office, but they had declined to take it
+up, believing that a patent they already possessed was superior
+to it; yet Mackenzie had nevertheless thrown his whole soul
+into his work, and meant now to show his superiors its penetrative
+powers, and put its capabilities to practical test. Again
+he glanced at his watch, and quickly pulled back another lever,
+which caused the motor to revolve at twice the speed, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>
+gun to emit a low hissing sound, like escaping steam. Then
+he stepped back to the officers, saying&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am now prepared. It will go up as straight and quickly
+as a rocket, but we must catch it before it ascends two miles,
+for the clouds hang low, and we may lose it more quickly than
+we imagine."</p>
+
+<p>The gunners stood in readiness, and the two officers looked
+away over Craigmillar towards the grey distant sea. Dawn
+was spreading now, and the haze was gradually clearing.
+They all knew the attempt would be made ere long, before it
+grew much lighter, so they stood at their posts in readiness,
+Mackenzie with his hand upon the lever which would regulate
+the discharge.</p>
+
+<p>They were moments of breathless expectancy. Minute after
+minute went by, but not a word was spoken, for every eye was
+turned upon the crest of a certain ridge nearly three miles
+away, at a point where the country was well wooded.</p>
+
+<p>A quarter of an hour had thus elapsed, when Mackenzie
+suddenly shouted, "Look, lads! <i>There she goes!</i> Now, let's
+teach 'em what Scots can do."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke there rose from behind the ridge a great dark
+mass, looking almost spectral in the thin morning mist. For a
+moment it seemed to poise and swing as if uncertain in its
+flight, then quickly it shot straight up towards the sky.</p>
+
+<p>"Ready?" shouted Mackenzie, his momentary excitement
+having given place to great coolness. The men at their posts
+all answered in the affirmative. Mackenzie bent and waited
+for a few seconds sighting the gun, while the motor hummed
+with terrific speed. Then shouting "Fire!" he drew back
+the lever.</p>
+
+<p>The gun discharged, but there was no report, only a sharp
+hiss as the compressed air released commenced to send charge
+after charge of dynamite automatically away into space in
+rapid succession!</p>
+
+<p>None dared to breathe. The excitement was intense.
+They watched the effect upon the Russian balloon, but to
+their dismay saw it still rapidly ascending and unharmed!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It had altered its course, and instead of drifting away
+seaward was now travelling towards Duddingston, and making
+straight for Edinburgh, passing above the Russian camp.</p>
+
+<p>"Missed! <i>missed!</i>" Mackenzie shrieked, turning back the
+lever and arresting the discharge. "It's four miles off now,
+and we can carry seven and three-quarters to hit a fixed
+object. Remember, lads, the fate of Auld Reekie is now in
+your hands! Ready?"</p>
+
+<p>Again he bent and sighted the gun, raising the muzzle
+higher than the balloon so as to catch it on the ascent. The
+motor hummed louder and louder, the escaping air hissed and
+turned into liquid by the enormous pressure, then with a
+glance at the gauge he yelled "Fire!" and pulled back the
+lever.</p>
+
+<p>Dynamite shells, ejected at the rate of 50 a minute,
+rushed from the muzzle, and sped away.</p>
+
+<p>But the Demon of War, with its whirling propellers, continued
+on its swift, silent mission of destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"Missed again!" cried one of the men, in despair. "See!
+it's gone! We've&mdash;good heavens!&mdash;<i>why, we've lost it&mdash;lost it!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Mackenzie, who had been glancing that moment at the
+gauges, gazed eagerly up, and staggered back as if he had
+received a blow. "It's disappeared!" he gasped. "<i>They've
+outwitted us, the brutes, and nothing now can save Edinburgh
+from destruction!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Officers and men stood aghast, with blanched faces,
+scarce knowing how to act. The destructive forces in that
+controllable balloon were more than sufficient to lay the whole
+of Edinburgh in ruins; and then, no doubt, the enemy would
+attempt by the same means to destroy the British batteries on
+the neighbouring hills. Already, along the valleys fighting
+had begun, for rapid firing could be heard in the direction of
+Gilmerton, and now and then the British guns on the Braid
+Hills behind spoke out sharply to the Russians who had
+occupied Loanhead, and the distant booming of cannon could
+be heard incessantly from Corstorphine.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a loud, exultant cry from Mackenzie caused his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+companions to strain their eyes away to Duddingston, and
+there they saw high in the air the monster a�rial machine
+gradually looming through the mist, a vague and shadowy
+outline. It had passed through a bank of cloud, and was
+gradually reappearing.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick! There's not a moment to lose!" shrieked
+Mackenzie, springing to the lever with redoubled enthusiasm,
+an example followed by the others.</p>
+
+<p>The motor revolved so rapidly that it roared, the gauges
+ran high, the escaping air hissed so loudly that Mackenzie was
+compelled to shout at the top of his voice "Ready?" as for a
+third time he took careful aim at the misty object now six
+miles distant.</p>
+
+<p>The War Demon was still over the Russian camp, and in
+a few moments, travelling at that high rate of speed, it would
+pass over Arthur's Seat, and be enabled to drop its deadly
+compounds in Princes Street. But Mackenzie set his teeth,
+and muttered something under his breath.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Now!</i>" he ejaculated, as he suddenly pulled the lever, and
+for the last time sent forth the automatic shower of destructive
+shells.</p>
+
+<p>A second later there was a bright flash from above as if the
+sun itself had burst, and then came a most terrific explosion,
+which caused the earth to tremble where they stood. The
+clouds were rent asunder by the frightful detonation, and
+down upon the Russian camp the d�bris of their ingenious
+invention fell in a terrible death-dealing shower. The
+annihilation of the dastardly plot to wreck the city was
+complete. Small dynamite shells from Mackenzie's pneumatic
+gun had struck the car of the balloon, and by the firing of
+half a ton of explosives the enemy was in an instant hoist with
+his own petard.</p>
+
+<p>As the d�bris fell within the Russian lines, some fifty or
+sixty picric-acid bombs&mdash;awful engines of destruction&mdash;which
+had not been exploded in mid-air, crashed into the Muscovite
+ranks, and, bursting, killed and wounded hundreds of infantrymen
+and half a regiment of Cossacks. One, bursting in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>
+enemy's headquarters, seriously injured several members of
+the staff; while another, falling among the Engineers' transport,
+exploded a great quantity of gun-cotton, which in its
+turn killed a number of men and horses.</p>
+
+<p>The disaster was awful in its suddenness, appalling in its
+completeness. The a�ronauts, totally unprepared for such an
+attack, had been blown to atoms just when within an ace of
+success.</p>
+
+<p>Fortune had favoured Britain, and, thanks to Mackenzie's
+vigilance and his pneumatic dynamite gun, which the Government
+had rejected as a worthless weapon, the grey old city of
+Edinburgh was still safe.</p>
+
+<p>But both Russians and Britons had now mustered their
+forces, and this, the first note sounded of a second terrific and
+desperately-fought battle, portended success for Britain's
+gallant army.</p>
+
+<p>Yet notwithstanding the disaster the enemy sustained
+by the blowing up of their balloon, their 2nd Army
+Corps, together with the portion of the 3rd Army Corps
+operating from their base at Leith, succeeded, after terribly
+hard fighting and heavy losses, in at length forcing back the
+defenders from the Braid and Blackford Hills, and the Corstorphine
+position having already been occupied, they were then
+enabled to invest Edinburgh. That evening fierce sanguinary
+fights took place in the streets, for the people held the barricades
+until the last moment, and the batteries on Calton Hill,
+in St. Andrew's Square, and at the Castle effected terrible
+execution in conjunction with those on Arthur's Seat. Still
+the enemy by their overwhelming numbers gradually broke
+down these defences, and, after appalling slaughter on both
+sides, occupied the city. The fighting was fiercest along
+Princes Street, Lothian Road, and in the neighbourhood of
+Scotland Street Station, while along Cumberland and Great
+King Streets the enemy were swept away in hundreds by
+British Maxims brought to bear from Drummond Place.
+Along Canongate from Holyrood to Moray House, and in
+Lauriston Place and the Grassmarket, hand-to-hand struggles
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span>took place between the patriotic civilians and the foe. From
+behind their barricades men of Edinburgh fought valiantly,
+and everywhere inflicted heavy loss; still the enemy, pressing
+onward, set fire to a number of public buildings, including the
+Register Office, the Royal Exchange, the University, the Liberal
+and New Clubs, and Palace Hotel, with many other buildings
+in Princes Street. The fires, which broke out rapidly in succession,
+were caused for the purpose of producing a panic, and
+in this the enemy were successful, for the city was quickly
+looted, and the scenes of ruin, death, and desolation that
+occurred in its streets that night were awful.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 406px;">
+<a href="images/i283-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i283-lo.jpg" width="406" height="600" alt="&quot;IN EDINBURGH THE FIGHTING WAS FIERCEST ALONG PRINCES STREET.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">&quot;IN EDINBURGH THE FIGHTING WAS FIERCEST ALONG PRINCES STREET.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In every quarter the homes of loyal Scotsmen were entered
+by the ruthless invader, who wrecked the cherished household
+gods, and carried away all the valuables that were
+portable. Outrage and murder were rife everywhere, and
+no quarter was shown the weak or unprotected. Through
+the streets the invader rushed with sword and firebrand,
+causing destruction, suffering, and death.</p>
+
+<p>The defenders, though straining every nerve to stem the
+advancing tide, had, alas! been unsuccessful, and ere midnight
+Edinburgh, one of the proudest and most historic cities
+in the world, had fallen, and the British standard floating
+over the Castle was, alas! replaced by the Eagle of the Russian
+Autocrat.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc286.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="I" title="I" /></div><p>t was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet
+our troops did not lose heart. Commanded as
+they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fearless,
+they, after fighting hard, fell back from
+Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force
+for the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves
+severely attacked. Exultant over their success, they had,
+while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inadequately
+protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping
+suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assistance
+of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats,
+in blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their
+ammunition and provisions.</p>
+
+<p>Such an attack was, of course, very vigorously defended,
+but it was a smart man&oelig;uvre on the part of the British
+General, and enabled him, after cutting off the enemy's line
+of retreat, to turn suddenly and attack the Russians who
+were continuing their destructive campaign through the
+streets of Edinburgh. This bold move on the part of the
+defenders was totally unexpected by the foe, which accounted
+for the frightful loss of life that was sustained on the Russian
+side, and the subsequent clever tactics which resulted in the
+driving out of the invaders from Edinburgh, and British troops
+reoccupying that city.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i287-hi.png"><img src="images/i287-lo.png" width="600" height="600" alt="MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD OUTSIDE GLASGOW." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD OUTSIDE GLASGOW.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Meanwhile<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> the 1st Russian Army Corps, which on landing
+had at once set out towards Glasgow, had marched on in a
+great extended line, sacking the various towns through which
+they passed. As they advanced from Linlithgow, Airdrie, and
+Coatbridge were looted and burned, while further south,
+Motherwell, Hamilton, and Bothwell shared the same fate.
+About 20,000 men, together with 11,000 who had been forced
+to evacuate Edinburgh, had at length advanced a little beyond<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>
+Coatbridge, and, in preparation for a vigorous siege of Glasgow,
+halted within seven miles of the city, with flanks extended
+away south to Motherwell and on to Wishaw, and north as far
+as Chryston and Kirkintilloch.</p>
+
+<p>In Glasgow the excitement was intense, and surging crowds
+filled the streets night and day. The fall of Edinburgh had
+produced the greatest sensation, and the meagre news of the
+disaster telegraphed had scarcely been supplemented when the
+report of the retaking of "Auld Reekie" came to hand, causing
+great rejoicing. Nevertheless, it was known that over thirty
+thousand trained soldiers were on their way to the banks of the
+Clyde, and Glasgow was fevered and turbulent. The scanty
+business that had lately been done was now at a standstill,
+and the meagre supplies that reached there from America not
+being half sufficient for the enormous population, the city was
+already starving. But, as in other towns, great barricades had
+been thrown up, and those in Gallowgate and Duke Street,
+thoroughfares by which Glasgow might be entered by way of
+Parkhead and Dennistoun, were soon manned by loyal and
+patriotic bands of civilians. Other barriers were constructed at
+St. Rollox Station, in Canning Street, in Monteith Row, and in
+Great Western, Dumbarton, and Govan Roads.</p>
+
+<p>South of the river, Eglinton Street and the roads at Crosshill
+were barricaded, and in New City and Garscube Roads in
+the north there were also strong defences. All were held by
+enthusiastic bodies of men who had hastily armed themselves,
+confident in the belief that our Volunteers and the small body
+of Regulars would not allow the invader to march in force
+upon their city without a most determined resistance.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, the alarming news reached Glasgow that
+the enemy had actually sacked and burned Coatbridge. In
+an hour they could commence looting the shops in Gallowgate,
+and their heavy tramp would be heard on the granite of Trongate
+and Argyle Street! Throughout the city the feeling of
+insecurity increased, and hourly the panic assumed greater
+proportions.</p>
+
+<p>The sun that day was obscured by dark thunder-clouds, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>
+swirling Clyde flowed on black beneath its many bridges, and
+the outlook was everywhere gloomy and ominous.</p>
+
+<p>Still, away on the hills to southward, our small force of
+soldiers and Volunteers had narrowly watched the onward
+tide of destroyers, and carefully laid their plans. The manner
+in which the defensive operations were conducted is perhaps
+best related in a letter written by Captain Boyd Drummond of
+the 1st Battalion Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland)
+Highlanders, to a friend in London, and which was published
+with the accompanying sketch in the <i>Daily Graphic</i>.</p>
+
+<p>He wrote as follows:&mdash;"On the second day after the
+Russians had landed, Colonel Cumberland of 'Ours' received
+orders to move us from Lanark, and reconnoitre as far as
+possible along the Carluke road, with a view to taking up
+a position to cover the advance of the division, which had
+during the morning been considerably reinforced by nearly
+half the centre division from Peebles. In addition to our
+battalion with two machine guns, Colonel Cumberland was in
+command of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions
+from Greenock, Paisley, Pollokshaws, and Stirling respectively,
+the 1st Dumbarton from Helensburgh, the Highland
+Borderers, and the Renfrew Militia, together with a section
+of field artillery, a field company of Royal Engineers, and
+about forty cavalry and cyclists. Arriving at Carluke early
+in the afternoon, we awaited the return of scouts, who had
+been pushed on in advance to beyond Wishaw, in the direction
+of the enemy. They having reported that the Russians had
+withdrawn from Wishaw, we at once moved on to Law
+Junction, about a mile from that town, and finally took up a
+position for the night near Waterloo, commanding Wishaw and
+Overtown.</p>
+
+<p>"Beyond the junction, towards Glasgow, the railway,
+which the enemy evidently did not intend to use, had been
+destroyed, but scouts from Morningside reported that the line
+to Edinburgh had not been cut, and that the permanent way
+remained uninjured. Colonel Cumberland therefore told off
+the right half battalion, with a machine gun, a section of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+Engineers, and six cyclists, to take up a position near the road
+between Newmains and Morningside, with instructions to form
+piquets and patrol the roads north and east. I was with No. 1
+Company, but, being senior captain present, the chief gave me
+command of this detachment. It was the first time such a
+responsibility had been conferred upon me; therefore I was
+determined not to be caught napping.</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as we arrived at our ground, I sent two cyclists
+out to Newmains and two to Morningside, with orders to glean
+what information they could, and to wait in the villages until
+further orders, unless they sighted the enemy's outposts, or
+discovered anything important. As soon as I had sent out
+my piquets, I took my own company and six of the Engineers
+down to Morningside. Some of the villagers, who had escaped
+when a portion of the invaders passed through on the
+previous night, had returned, and the cyclists gathered from
+them that we were close upon the heels of the Russian
+rearguard.</p>
+
+<p>"As the railway had not been destroyed, I thought that
+possibly the invaders intended to use the line <i>vi�</i> Mid-Calder,
+and therefore examined the station closely. While engaged
+in this, one of the Engineers suddenly discovered a wire very
+carefully concealed along the line, and as we followed it up
+500 yards each way, and could find no connection with the
+instrument at the station office, I at once concluded that it was
+the enemy's field telegraph, forming means of communication
+between their headquarters at Airdrie and the division that
+still remained in the Pentlands.</p>
+
+<p>"Cutting the wire, and attaching the ends to the instrument
+in the station, I left three Engineers, all expert telegraphists,
+to tap the wire, and they, with the right half
+company, under Lieutenant Compton, formed a detached post
+at this point. I also left the cyclists to convey to me any
+messages which might be received on the instrument, and then
+proceeded to Newmains. The place was now a mere heap of
+smouldering ruins; but, as at Morningside, some of the terrified
+villagers had returned, and they stated that early in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>
+morning they had seen small detachments of Russian cavalry
+pass through from Bankle, and proceed north along the Cleland
+road.</p>
+
+<p>"Leaving the left half company here with the other
+Engineers and the two cyclists, under Lieutenant Planck, with
+orders to block the road and railway bridge, I returned to my
+piquet line. A few minutes later, however, a cyclist rode up
+with a copy of a message which had been sent from the
+Russian headquarters on the Pentlands to the Glasgow investing
+force. The message was in cipher, but, thanks to the
+information furnished by the spy who was captured near
+Manchester, we were now aware of some of the codes used
+by the invaders, and I sent the messenger on to the Colonel
+at once. One of his staff was able to transcribe it sufficiently
+to show that some disaster had occurred to the enemy on the
+Pentlands, for it concluded with an order withdrawing the
+troops from Glasgow, in order to reinforce the 3rd Army
+Corps in the fierce battle that was now proceeding. It was
+also stated in the message that despatches followed, so at once
+we were all on the alert.</p>
+
+<p>"Almost immediately afterwards news was received over
+our own telegraph from Carstairs, stating that a terrific
+battle had been fought along the valleys between Leadburn,
+Linton, and Dolphinton, in which we had suffered very
+severely, but we had nevertheless gained a decisive victory,
+for from dawn until the time of telegraphing it was estimated
+that no fewer than 12,000 Russians had been killed or
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>"It appeared that our forces on the Lammermuirs had
+moved quickly, and, extending along the ridges, through
+Tynehead, and thence to Heriot, and on to Peebles, joined
+hands with the division at that place before dawn, and, when
+it grew light, had made a sudden and desperate attack. The
+enemy, who had imagined himself in a safe position, was
+unprepared, and from the first moment of the attack the
+slaughter was awful. As noon wore on the battle had
+increased, until now the invaders had been outflanked, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>
+mowed down in such a frightful manner, that the survivors,
+numbering nearly six thousand of all ranks, had, finding their
+urgent appeal to their forces at Airdrie met with no response,
+and imagining that they too had been defeated, at last surrendered,
+and were taken prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>"On receipt of this intelligence, Colonel Cumberland
+executed a man&oelig;uvre that was a marvel of forethought and
+smartness. The appeal to Airdrie for help had, of course, not
+been received, but in its place he ordered a message in Russian
+to be sent along the enemy's field telegraph to the force
+advancing on Glasgow in the following words: 'Remain at
+Airdrie. Do not advance on Glasgow before we join you.
+The defenders are defeated with heavy losses everywhere.
+Our advance guard will be with you in twenty-four hours.
+Signed&mdash;Drukovitch.'</p>
+
+<p>"This having been despatched, he reported by telegraph
+to the headquarters at Carstairs what he had done, and then
+our whole force immediately moved as far as Bellshill, in the
+direction of Glasgow. Here we came across the Russian outposts,
+and a sharp fight ensued. After half an hour, however,
+we succeeded in cutting them off and totally annihilating
+them, afterwards establishing ourselves in Bellshill until
+reinforcements could arrive. We were now only six miles
+from the Russian headquarters at Airdrie, and they, on
+receipt of our fictitious message, had withdrawn from the
+Clyde bank, and extended farther north over the hills as far
+as Milngavie.</p>
+
+<p>"We were thus enabled to watch and wait in Bellshill
+undisturbed throughout the night; and while the enemy were
+eagerly expecting their legions of infantry who were to swoop
+down and conquer Glasgow, we remained content in the knowledge
+that the hour of conquest was close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>"A short, hasty rest, and we were astir again long before
+the dawn. Just at daybreak, however, the advance guard of
+our force from Carstairs, which had been on the march during
+the night, came into touch with us, and in an hour the combined
+right and centre divisions of the British had opened the battle.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Our fighting front extended from Wishaw right across to
+Condorrat, with batteries on Torrance and the hill at New
+Monkland, while another strong line was pushed across from
+Cambuslang to Parkhead, and thence to Millerston, for the
+protection of Glasgow.</p>
+
+<p>"Thus, almost before our guns uttered their voice of
+defiance, we had surrounded the enemy, and throughout the
+morning the fighting was most sanguinary and desperate.
+Our batteries did excellent service; still, it must be remembered
+we had attacked a well-trained force of over thirty
+thousand men, and they had many more guns than we
+possessed. No doubt the fictitious despatch we had sent had
+prevented the Russian commander from advancing on Glasgow
+during the night, as he had intended; and now, finding himself
+so vigorously attacked by two divisions which he believed
+had been cut up and annihilated, all his calculations were
+completely upset.</p>
+
+<p>"It was well for us that this was so, otherwise we might
+have fared much worse than we did. As it was, Cossacks and
+Dragoons wrought frightful havoc among our infantry; while,
+on the other hand, the fire discipline of the latter was magnificent.
+Every bit of cover on the hills seem to bristle with
+hidden rifles, that emptied their magazines without smoke
+and with fatal effect. Many a gallant dash was made by
+our men, the Volunteers especially displaying conspicuous
+courage. The 1st Dumbartonshire Volunteers, under Col.
+Thomson, V.D., the 1st Renfrewshire, under Col. Lamont,
+V.D., and the 4th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
+under Col. D. M'Fayden, V.D., operated together with
+magnificent success, for they completely cut up a strong
+Russian detachment on the Glasgow road beyond Uddingston,
+driving them out of the wood near Daldowie, and
+there annihilating them, and afterwards holding their own
+on the banks of the North Calder without suffering very
+much loss. They handled their Maxims as smartly as
+any body of Regulars; and indeed, throughout the day their
+performances everywhere were marked by steady discipline<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>
+and cool courage that was in the highest degree commendable.</p>
+
+<p>"About two o'clock in the afternoon the battle was at its
+height. Under the blazing sun that beat down upon us mercilessly,
+my battalion fought on, feeling confident that the enemy
+were gradually being defeated. The slaughter everywhere was
+frightful, and the green hillsides and fields were covered with
+dead and dying soldiers of the Tsar. The grey coats were
+soaked with blood, and dark, ugly stains dyed the grass of the
+fertile meadows beside the winding Clyde. Since their sudden
+landing in Scotland, the enemy's early successes had been
+followed by defeat after defeat. Their transports had been
+destroyed, their ammunition and stores seized, both their
+2nd and 3rd Army Corps had been totally annihilated,
+leaving nearly twelve thousand men in our hands as prisoners,
+and now the defeat of this force of picked regiments, who had,
+on landing, immediately marched straight across Scotland,
+would effect a crushing and decisive blow.</p>
+
+<p>"But the struggle was terrific, the din deafening, the
+wholesale butchery appalling. Our men knew they were
+fighting for Caledonia and their Queen, and their conduct, from
+the first moment of hostilities, until stray bullets laid them low
+one after another, was magnificent; they were splendid
+examples of the true, loyal, and fearless Briton, who will fight
+on even while his life-blood ebbs.</p>
+
+<p>"Evening fell, but the continuous firing did not cease.
+The sun sank red and angry into dark storm-clouds behind the
+long range of purple hills beyond the Clyde, but the clash of
+arms continued over hill and dale on the east of Glasgow, and
+we, exerting every effort in our successful attempt to hold the
+five converging roads near Broomhouse, knew not which side
+were victors.</p>
+
+<p>"Suddenly I received orders to send over a small detachment
+to block the two roads at Baillieston, the one a main
+road leading up from Coatbridge, and the other from the hilly
+country around Old Monkland, where the struggle was fiercest.
+Sending Lieutenant Planck over immediately with a detachment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>
+and several cyclists, I followed as soon as possible, and found
+he had blocked both roads in the centre of the little Scotch
+village, and had occupied the inn situated between the two
+roads, leaving just sufficient space for his cyclists to pass.
+Looking towards the city we could see that the hills on our
+left were occupied by British redcoats. In the village the
+quaint little low-built cottages, with their stairs outside, were
+all closed and deserted, and the place seemed strangely quiet
+after the exciting scenes and ceaseless deafening din.</p>
+
+<p>"Taking six of Planck's men and the cyclists about a mile
+towards Coatbridge, I posted them at the cross-roads beyond
+Rhind House, sending the cyclists out along the valley to
+Dikehead. All was quiet in our immediate vicinity for some
+time, until suddenly we discerned the cyclists coming back.
+They reported that they had seen cavalry. This, then, must be
+a detachment of the enemy, who in all probability were
+retreating. I at once sent the cyclists back to inform Planck,
+and to tell him we should not take a hand in the game until
+we had allowed them to pass and they had discovered his
+barricade. In a few minutes we could distinctly hear them
+approaching. We were all well under cover, but I was surprised
+to find that it was only an escort.</p>
+
+<p>"They were galloping, and had evidently come a long
+distance by some circuitous route, and had not taken part in
+the fighting. I counted five&mdash;two Cossacks in advance, then
+about forty yards behind a shabbily-dressed civilian on horseback,
+and about forty yards behind him two more Cossacks. They
+appeared to expect no interruption, and it occurred to me that
+the Cossacks were escorting the civilian over to the Russian
+position away beyond Hogganfield Loch. As soon as they
+were clear, I formed my men up on each side of the road to
+await events.</p>
+
+<p>"We had no occasion to remain long in expectation, for
+soon afterwards the stillness was broken by shouts and a few
+rapid shots, and then we could hear two horses galloping back.
+One was riderless, and a corporal who attempted to stop it was
+knocked down and seriously injured; but the other had a rider,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span>
+and as he neared us I could see he was the civilian. I knew I
+must stop him at all costs.</p>
+
+<p>"So, ordering the men on the opposite side of the road to
+lie down, we gave him a section volley from one side as he
+rushed past. The horse was badly hit, and stumbled, throwing
+its rider, who was at once secured. To prevent him from
+disposing of anything, we bound him securely. Two of the
+Cossacks had been shot and the other two captured. Upon
+the civilian, and in his saddle-bags, we found a number of
+cipher despatches, elaborate plans showing how Glasgow was
+defended, and an autograph letter from the Russian General
+Drukovitch, giving him instructions to enter Glasgow alone by
+way of Partick, and to await him there until the city fell.</p>
+
+<p>"But the city was never invested. An hour after we had
+sent this mysterious civilian&mdash;who spoke English with a foreign
+accent&mdash;over to the Colonel, our onslaught became doubly
+desperate. In the dusk, regiment after regiment of Russians
+were simply swept away by the cool and deliberate fire of the
+British, who, being reinforced by my battalion and others,
+wrought splendid execution in the enemy's main body, forced
+back upon us at Baillieston.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, as night fell, a report was spread that General
+Drukovitch had surrendered. This proved true. With his
+2nd and 3rd Army Corps annihilated, and his transports
+and base in our hands, he was compelled to acknowledge himself
+vanquished; therefore, by nine o'clock hostilities had
+ceased, and during that night nearly six thousand survivors of
+the 1st Russian Army Corps were taken prisoners, and
+marched in triumph into Glasgow amid the wildest excitement
+of the populace. This desperate attempt to invest Glasgow
+had cost the Russians no fewer than 25,000 men in killed and
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>"The capture we effected near Baillieston turned out to be
+of a most important character. When searched at headquarters,
+a visiting-card was found concealed upon the man, and this
+gave our Colonel a clue. The man has since been identified by
+one of his intimate friends as a person well known in London
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>society, who poses as a wealthy German, the Count von
+Beilstein! It is alleged that he has for several years been
+living in the metropolis and acting as an expert spy in the
+Secret Service of the Tsar. He was sent handcuffed, under a
+strong escort, to London a few days after the battle, and if all
+I hear be true, some highly sensational disclosures will be made
+regarding his adventurous career.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i297-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i297-lo.jpg" width="600" height="394" alt="DEFEAT OF THE RUSSIANS AT BAILLIESTON, NEAR GLASGOW." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">DEFEAT OF THE RUSSIANS AT BAILLIESTON, NEAR GLASGOW.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"But throughout Caledonia there is now unbounded joy.
+Our beloved country is safe; for, thanks to the gallant heroism
+of our Volunteers, the Muscovite invaders have been completely
+wiped out, and Scotland again proudly rears her head."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc300.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="S" title="S" /></div><p>outh of the Thames, where the gigantic force
+of French and Russians, numbering nearly
+two hundred thousand of all arms, had been
+prevented from attacking London by our
+Volunteers and Regulars massed along the
+Surrey Hills, the slaughter on both sides had
+been frightful. The struggle was indeed not for a dynasty, but
+for the very existence of Britain as an independent nation.</p>
+
+<p>Sussex had been devastated, but Kent still held out, and
+Chatham remained in the possession of the defenders.</p>
+
+<p>The rout of the British at Horsham prior to the march of
+the left column of invaders to Birmingham was succeeded by
+defeat after defeat, the engagements each day illustrating painfully
+that by force of overwhelming numbers the invaders
+were gradually nearing their goal&mdash;the mighty Capital of our
+Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Gallant stands were made by our Regulars at East Grinstead,
+Crawley, Alfold, and from Haslemere across Hind
+Head Common to Frensham. At each of these places, long,
+desperately-fought battles with the French had taken place
+through the hot September days,&mdash;our Regular forces confident
+in the stubborn resistance that would be offered by the long
+unbroken line of Volunteers occupying the range of hills
+behind. Our signallers had formed a long line of stations
+from Reculvers and Star Hill, south of the Medway Fortress,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>
+to Blue Bell Hill, between Chatham and Maidstone, thence
+through Snodland, Wrotham, Westerham, and Limpsfield to
+Caterham, and from there on through Reigate Park, Boxhill,
+St. Martha's, and over the Hog's Back to Aldershot. With
+flags in day and lamps by night messages constantly passed,
+and communication was thus maintained by this means as
+well as by the field telegraph, which, however, on several
+occasions had been cut by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Yet although our soldiers fought day after day with that
+pluck characteristic of the true Briton, fortune nevertheless
+seemed to have forsaken us, and even although we inflicted
+frightful losses upon the French all round, still they gradually
+forced back the defenders over the Surrey border. Terror,
+ruin, and death had been spread by the invading Gauls.
+English homes were sacked, French soldiers bivouaced in
+Sussex pastures, and the ripening corn was trodden down
+and stained with blood. The white dusty highways leading
+from London to the sea were piled with unheeded corpses
+that were fearful to gaze upon, yet Britannia toiled on
+undaunted in this desperate struggle for the retention of
+her Empire.</p>
+
+<p>After our defeat at Horsham, the Russians had contented
+themselves by merely driving back the defenders to a
+line of resistance from Aldershot to the north of Bagshot,
+and then they had marched onward to Birmingham. From
+Horsham, however, two columns of the invaders, mostly French,
+and numbering over twenty thousand each, had advanced on
+Guildford and Dorking. At the same time, a strong demonstration
+was made by the enemy in the country north of
+Eastbourne and Hailsham, by which the whole of the district
+in the triangle from Bexhill to Heathfield, and thence to
+Cuckfield and Steyning, fell into their hands. The British,
+however, had massed a strong force to prevent the enemy
+making their way into West Kent, and still held their own
+along the hills stretching from Crowborough to Ticehurst,
+and from Etchingham, through Brightling and Ashburnham,
+down to Battle and Hastings.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The north of London had during the weeks of hostilities
+been strongly guarded by Volunteers and Regulars, for information
+of a contemplated landing in Essex had been
+received; and although the defenders had not yet fired a
+shot, they were eagerly looking forward to a chance of
+proving their worth, as their comrades in other parts of
+England had already done.</p>
+
+<p>At first the tactics of the invaders could not be understood,
+for it had been concluded that they would naturally
+follow up their successes on landing with a rapid advance on
+London.</p>
+
+<p>It was, of course, evident that the vigorous demonstrations
+made in the North and other parts of Britain were intended
+with a view to drawing as many troops as possible from the
+defence of London, and dispose of them in detail before surrounding
+the capital. Yet, to the dismay of the enemy, no
+blow they delivered in other parts of our country had had the
+desired effect of weakening the defensive lines around London.
+At the opening of the campaign it had been the enemy's
+intention to reduce London by a blockade, which could perhaps
+have been successfully carried out had they landed a strong
+force in Essex. The troops who were intended to land there
+were, however, sent to Scotland instead, and the fact that they
+had been annihilated outside Glasgow resulted in a decision to
+march at once upon the metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing from Horsham, the French right column, numbering
+20,000 men with about 70 guns, had, after desperate
+fighting, at last reached Leatherhead, having left a battalion
+in support at Dorking. The British had resolutely contested
+every step the French had advanced, and the slaughter around
+Dorking had been awful, while the fighting across Fetcham
+Downs and around Ockley and Bear Green had resulted in
+frightful loss on both sides.</p>
+
+<p>Our Regulars and Volunteers, notwithstanding their gallantry,
+were, alas! gradually driven back by the enormous
+numbers that had commenced the onslaught, and were at last
+thrown back westward in disorder, halting at Ripley. Here<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>
+the survivors snatched a hasty rest, and they were during the
+night reinforced by a contingent of Regulars who had come
+over from Windsor and Hounslow. On the arrival of these
+reinforcements, the Colonel, well knowing how serious was the
+situation now our first line of defence had been broken, sent
+out a flying column from Ripley, while the main body marched
+to Great Bookham, with the result that Leatherhead, now in
+the occupation of the French, was from both sides vigorously
+attacked. The British flying column threatening the enemy
+from the north was, however, quickly checked by the French
+guns, and in the transmission of an order a most serious
+blunder occurred, leading to the impossibility of a retreat
+upon Ripley, for unfortunately the order, wrongly given,
+resulted in the blowing up by mistake of the bridges over
+the river Mole by which they had crossed, and which they
+wanted to use again.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that for a time this force was compelled to
+remain, at terrible cost, right under the fire of the French
+entrenched position at Leatherhead; but the enemy were
+fortunately not strong enough to follow up this advantage,
+and as they occupied a strong strategical position they were
+content to await the arrival of their huge main body, now on
+the move, and which they expected would reach Leatherhead
+during that night. After more fierce fighting, lasting one
+whole breathless day, the defenders were annihilated, while
+their main body approaching from the south also fell into a
+trap. For several hours a fierce battle also raged between
+Dorking and Mickleham. The British battery on Box Hill
+wrought awful havoc in the French lines, yet gradually the
+enemy silenced our guns and cut up our forces.</p>
+
+<p>The invaders were now advancing in open order over the
+whole of Sussex and the west of Kent, and on the same day
+as the battle was fought at Leatherhead, the high ground south
+of Sevenoaks, extending from Wimlet Hill to Chart Common,
+fell into their hands, the British suffering severely; while
+two of our Volunteer batteries in the vicinity were surprised
+and seized by a French flying column.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, another French column, numbering
+nearly twenty thousand infantry and cavalry, had advanced
+from Alfold, burning Ewhurst and Cranley, and after a
+desperately-contested engagement they captured the British
+batteries on the hills at Hascombe and Hambledon.</p>
+
+<p>On the same day the French advance guard, though suffering
+terrible loss, successfully attacked the battery of Regulars
+on the hill at Wonersh, and Godalming having been invested,
+they commenced another vigorous attack upon the strong line
+of British Regulars and Volunteers at Guildford, where about
+fourteen thousand men were massed.</p>
+
+<p>On the hills from Gomshall to Seale our brave civilian
+defenders had remained throughout the hostilities ready to
+repel any attack. Indeed, as the days passed, and no
+demonstration had been made in their direction, they had
+grown impatient, until at length this sudden and ferocious
+onslaught had been made, and they found themselves face to
+face with an advancing army of almost thrice their strength.
+Among the Volunteer battalions holding the position were the
+1st Bucks, under Lord Addington, V.D.; the 2nd Oxfordshire
+Light Infantry, under Col. H. S. Hall; the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
+Bedfordshire Regiment, under Col. A. M. Blake, Lieut.-Col.
+Rumball, and Col. J. T. Green, V.D.; the 1st Royal Berkshire,
+under Col. J. C. Carter; the 1st Somersetshire Light Infantry,
+under Col. H. M. Skrine, V.D.; and the 1st and 2nd Wiltshire,
+under the Earl of Pembroke, V.D., and Col. E. B. Merriman,
+V.D. Strong batteries had been established between Guildford
+and Seale by the 1st Fifeshire Artillery, under Col. J. W.
+Johnston, V.D., and the Highland Artillery, under Col. W.
+Fraser, V.D.; while batteries on the left were held by the
+1st Midlothian, under Col. Kinnear, V.D.; the 1st East Riding,
+under Col. R. G. Smith, V.D.; and the 1st West Riding,
+under Col. T. W. Harding, V.D.</p>
+
+<p>Commencing before dawn, the battle was fierce and
+sanguinary almost from the time the first shots were exchanged.
+The eight 60-pounder guns in the new fort at
+the top of Pewley Hill, manned by the Royal Artillery,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span>
+commanded the valleys lying away to the south, and effected
+splendid defensive work.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i305-hi.png"><img src="images/i305-lo.png" width="600" height="398" alt="BRITISH VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ON THE SURREY HILLS." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">BRITISH VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ON THE SURREY HILLS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Indeed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> it was this redoubt, with three new ones between
+Guildford and Gomshall, and another on the Hog's Back, which
+held the enemy in check for a considerable time; and had there
+been a larger number of a similar strength, it is doubtful
+whether the French would ever have accomplished their design
+upon Guildford.</p>
+
+<p>The Pewley Fort, built in the solid chalk, and surrounded
+by a wide ditch, kept up a continuous fire upon the dense
+masses of the enemy, and swept away hundreds of unfortunate
+fellows as they rushed madly onward; while the Volunteer
+batteries and the Maxims of the infantry battalions poured
+upon the invaders a devastating hail of lead.</p>
+
+<p>From Farnham, the line through Odiham and Aldershot
+was held by a force increasing hourly in strength; therefore
+the enemy were unable to get over to Farnborough to outflank
+the defenders. Through that brilliant, sunny September day
+the slaughter was terrible in every part of the enemy's column,
+and it was about noon believed that they would find their
+positions at Wonersh and Godalming untenable.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, with a dogged persistency unusual to our
+Gallic neighbours, they continued to fight with unquelled
+vigour. The 2nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry and the 1st and
+2nd Wiltshire, holding very important ground over against
+Puttenham, bore their part with magnificent courage, but were
+at length cut up in a most horrible manner; while the 1st
+Bedfordshire, who, with a body of Regulars valiantly held the
+road running over the hills from Gomshall to Merrow, fought
+splendidly; but they too were, alas! subsequently annihilated.</p>
+
+<p>Over hill and dale, stretching away to the Sussex border,
+the rattle and din of war sounded incessantly, and as hour
+after hour passed, hundreds of Britons and Frenchmen dyed
+the brown, sun-baked grass with their blood. The struggle
+was frightful. Volunteer battalions who had man&oelig;uvred over
+that ground at many an Eastertide had little dreamed that they
+would have one day to raise their rifles in earnest for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>
+defence of their home and Queen. Yet the practice they had
+had now served them well, for in one instance the 1st Berkshire
+succeeded by a very smart man&oelig;uvre in totally sweeping
+away several troops of Cuirassiers, while a quarter of an hour
+later half an infantry battalion of Regulars attacked a large
+force of Zouaves on the Compton Road, and fought them
+successfully almost hand to hand.</p>
+
+<p>Through the long, toilsome day the battle continued with
+unabated fury, and as the sun went down there was no cessation
+of hostilities. A force of our Regulars, extending from
+Farnham over Hind Head Common, fell suddenly upon a large
+body of French infantry, and, outflanking them, managed&mdash;after
+a most frightful encounter, in which they lost nearly half
+their men&mdash;to totally annihilate them.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with this incident, a squadron of the 5th
+Dragoon Guards made a magnificent charge up a steep hill
+literally to the muzzles of the guns of a French battery, and
+by their magnificent pluck captured it. Still, notwithstanding
+the bravery of our defenders, and their fierce determination to
+sweep away their foe, it seemed when the sun finally disappeared
+that the fortunes of war were once more against us,
+for the French had now received huge reinforcements, and
+Dorking and Leatherhead having already passed into their
+hands two days previously, they were enabled to make their
+final assault a most savage and terrific one.</p>
+
+<p>It was frightful; it crushed us! In the falling gloom our
+men fought desperately for their lives, but, alas! one after
+another our positions were carried by the invaders literally at
+the point of the bayonet, and ere the moon rose Guildford had
+fallen into the enemy's hands, and our depleted battalions had
+been compelled to retire in disorder east to Effingham and west
+to Farnham. Those who went to Effingham joined at midnight
+the column who had made an unsuccessful effort to recover
+Leatherhead, and then bivouaced in Oldlands Copse. The
+number of wounded in the battles of Guildford and Leatherhead
+was enormous. At Mickleham the British hospital flag
+floated over St. Michael's Church, the Priory at Cherkley,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>
+Chapel Farm, and on Mickleham Hall, a portion of which still
+remained intact, although the building had been looted by
+Zouaves. In Leatherhead the French had established hospitals
+at Givons Grove, Vale Lodge, Elmbank, and in the Church of
+St. Mary and the parish church at Fetcham. At Guildford,
+in addition to the field hospitals on Albury Downs and behind
+St. Catherine's Hill, Holden, Warren, and Tyting Farms, Sutton
+Place and Loseley were filled with wounded French infantrymen
+and British prisoners, and many schools and buildings,
+including the Guildhall in Guildford town, bore the red
+cross.</p>
+
+<p>At two most important strategic points the first line
+defending London had now been broken, and the British
+officers knew that it would require every effort on our part to
+recover our lost advantages. The metropolis was now seriously
+threatened; for soon after dawn on the following day two great
+French columns, one from Guildford and the other from
+Leatherhead, were advancing north towards the Thames! The
+enemy had established telegraphic communication between the
+two towns, and balloons that had been sent up from Guildford
+and Ashstead to reconnoitre had reported that the second line
+of the British defence had been formed from Kingston, through
+Wimbledon, Tooting, Streatham, and Upper Norwood, and
+thence across <i>vi�</i> Sydenham to Lewisham and Greenwich.</p>
+
+<p>It was upon this second line of defence that the French,
+with their enormous force of artillery, now marched. The
+Leatherhead column, with their main body about one day's
+march behind, took the route through Epsom to Mitcham,
+while the troops from Guildford pushed on through Ripley,
+Cobham, and Esher.</p>
+
+<p>This advance occupied a day, and when a halt was made
+for the night the enemy's front extended from Walton to
+Thames Ditton, thence across Kingston Common and Malden
+to Mitcham. Bivouacing, they faced the British second line of
+defence, and waited for the morrow to commence their onslaught.
+In London the alarming news of the enemy's success caused a
+panic such as had never before been experienced in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>
+metropolis. During the long anxious weeks that the enemy
+had been held within bounds by our Volunteers, London had
+never fully realised what bombardment would mean. While
+the French were beyond the Surrey Hills, Londoners felt secure;
+and the intelligence received of the enemy's utter rout at
+Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow added considerably
+to this sense of security.</p>
+
+<p>London, alas! was starving. Business was suspended;
+trains no longer left the termini; omnibuses, trams, and cabs
+had ceased running, the horses having been pressed into
+military service, and those which had not had been killed and
+eaten. The outlook everywhere, even during those blazing
+sunny days and clear moonlit nights, was cheerless and
+dispiriting. The bright sun seemed strangely incongruous
+with the black war-clouds that overhung the gigantic city,
+with its helpless, starving, breathless millions.</p>
+
+<p>In the sun-baked, dusty streets the roar of traffic no longer
+sounded, but up and down the principal thoroughfares of the
+City and the West End the people prowled, lean and hungry&mdash;emaciated
+victims of this awful struggle between nations&mdash;seeking
+vainly for food to satisfy the terrible pangs consuming
+them. The hollow cheek, the thin, sharp nose, the dark-ringed
+glassy eye of one and all, told too plainly of the widespread
+suffering, and little surprise was felt at the great mortality in
+every quarter.</p>
+
+<p>In Kensington and Belgravia the distress was quite as keen
+as in Whitechapel and Hackney, and both rich and poor
+mingled in the gloomy, dismal streets, wandering aimlessly
+over the great Modern Babylon, which the enemy were now
+plotting to destroy.</p>
+
+<p>The horrors of those intensely anxious days of terror
+were unspeakable. The whole machinery of life in the Great
+City had been disorganised, and now London lay like an
+octopus, with her long arms extended in every direction, north
+and south of the Thames, inert, helpless, trembling. Over the
+gigantic Capital of the World hung the dark Shadow of Death.
+By day and by night its ghastly presence could be felt; its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>
+hideous realities crushed the heart from those who would face
+the situation with smiling countenance. London's wealth
+availed her not in this critical hour.</p>
+
+<p>Grim, spectral, unseen, the Destroying Angel held the
+sword over her, ready to strike!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc311.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="W" title="W" /></div><p>hile famished men crept into Hyde Park and
+Kensington Gardens and there expired under
+the trees of absolute hunger, and starving
+women with babes at their breasts sank upon
+doorsteps and died, the more robust Londoners
+had, on hearing of the enemy's march on the
+metropolis, gone south to augment the second line of defence.
+For several weeks huge barricades had been thrown up in the
+principal roads approaching London from the south. The
+strongest of these were opposite the Convalescent Home on
+Kingston Hill, in Coombe Lane close to Raynes Park Station,
+in the Morden Road at Merton Abbey, opposite Lynwood in
+the Tooting Road; while nearer London, on the same road,
+there was a strong one with machine guns on the crest of
+Balham Hill, and another in Clapham Road. At Streatham
+Hill, about one hundred yards from the hospital, earthworks
+had been thrown up, and several guns brought into position;
+while at Beulah Hill, Norwood, opposite the Post Office at
+Upper Sydenham, at the Half Moon at Herne Hill, and in
+many of the roads between Honor Oak and Denmark Hill,
+barricades had been constructed and banked up with bags and
+baskets filled with earth.</p>
+
+<p>Though these defences were held by enthusiastic civilians
+of all classes,&mdash;professional men, artisans, and tradesmen,&mdash;yet
+our second line of defence, distinct, of course, from the local<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span>
+barricades, was a very weak one. We had relied upon our
+magnificent strategic positions on the Surrey Hills, and had not
+made sufficient provision in case of a sudden reverse. Our
+second line, stretching from Croydon up to South Norwood,
+thence to Streatham and along the railway line to Wimbledon
+and Kingston, was composed of a few battalions of Volunteers,
+detachments of Metropolitan police, Berks and Bucks constabulary,
+London firemen and postmen, the Corps of Commissionaires&mdash;in
+fact, every body of drilled men who could be
+requisitioned to handle revolver or rifle. These were backed
+by great bodies of civilians, and behind stood the barricades
+with their insignificant-looking but terribly deadly machine
+guns.</p>
+
+<p>The railways had, on the first news of the enemy's success
+at Leatherhead and Guildford, all been cut up, and in each of
+the many bridges spanning the Thames between Kingston
+and the Tower great charges of gun-cotton had been placed,
+so that they might be blown up at any instant, and thus
+prevent the enemy from investing the city.</p>
+
+<p>Day dawned again at last&mdash;dull and grey. It had rained
+during the night, and the roads, wet and muddy, were unutterably
+gloomy as our civilian defenders looked out upon
+them, well knowing that ere long a fierce attack would be
+made. In the night the enemy had been busy laying a field
+telegraph from Mitcham to Kingston, through which messages
+were now being continually flashed.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, just as the British outposts were being relieved,
+the French commenced a vigorous attack, and in a quarter of
+an hour fighting extended along the whole line. Volunteers,
+firemen, policemen, Commissionaires, and civilians all fought
+bravely, trusting to one hope, namely, that before they were
+defeated the enemy would be outflanked and attacked in their
+rear by a British force from the Surrey Hills. They well knew
+that to effectually bar the advance of this great body of French
+was out of all question, yet they fought on with creditable
+tact, and in many instances inflicted serious loss upon the
+enemy's infantry.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Soon, however, French field guns were trained upon them,
+and amid the roar of artillery line after line of heroic Britons
+fell shattered to earth. Amid the rattle of musketry, the
+crackling of the machine guns, and the booming of 16-pounders,
+brave Londoners struggled valiantly against the masses of
+wildly excited Frenchmen; yet every moment the line became
+slowly weakened, and the defenders were gradually forced
+back upon their barricades. The resistance which the French
+met with was much more determined than they had anticipated;
+in fact, a small force of Volunteers holding the Mitcham
+Road, at Streatham, fought with such splendid bravery, that
+they succeeded alone and unaided in completely wiping out a
+battalion of French infantry, and capturing two field guns and
+a quantity of ammunition. For this success, however, they,
+alas! paid dearly, for a quarter of an hour later a large body
+of cavalry and infantry coming over from Woodlands descended
+upon them and totally annihilated them, with the result that
+Streatham fell into the hands of the French, and a few guns
+placed in the high road soon made short work of the earthworks
+near the hospital. Under the thick hail of bursting
+shells the brave band who manned the guns were at last compelled
+to abandon them, and the enemy were soon marching
+unchecked into Stockwell and Brixton, extending their right,
+with the majority of their artillery, across Herne Hill, Dulwich,
+and Honor Oak.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime a desperate battle was being fought
+around Kingston. The barricade on Kingston Hill held out
+for nearly three hours, but was at last captured by the invaders,
+and of those who had manned it not a man survived.
+Mitcham and Tooting had fallen in the first hour of the
+engagement, the barricade at Lynwood had been taken, and
+hundreds of the houses in Balham had been looted by the
+enemy in their advance into Clapham.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly the whole morning it rained in torrents, and both
+invaders and defenders were wet to the skin, and covered with
+blood and mud. Everywhere British pluck showed itself in
+this desperate resistance on the part of these partially-trained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>
+defenders. At the smaller barricades in the suburban jerry-built
+streets, Britons held their own and checked the advance
+with remarkable coolness; yet, as the dark, stormy day wore
+on, the street defences were one after another broken down
+and destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, by three o'clock that afternoon the enemy ran riot
+through the whole district, from Lower Sydenham to Kingston.
+Around the larger houses on Sydenham Hill one of the fiercest
+fights occurred, but at length the defenders were driven down
+into Lordship Lane, and the houses on the hill were sacked,
+and some of them burned. While this was proceeding, a great
+force of French artillery came over from Streatham, and before
+dusk five great batteries had been established along the Parade
+in front of the Crystal Palace, and on Sydenham Hill and
+One Tree Hill; while other smaller batteries were brought into
+position at Forest Hill, Gipsy Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill,
+and Herne Hill; and further towards London about twenty
+French 12-pounders and a number of new quick-firing weapons
+of long range and a very destructive character were placed
+along the top of Camberwell Grove and Denmark Hill.</p>
+
+<p>The defences of London had been broken. The track of
+the invaders was marked by ruined homes and heaps of corpses,
+and London's millions knew on this eventful night that the
+enemy were now actually at their doors. In Fleet Street, in
+the Strand, in Piccadilly, the news spread from mouth to
+mouth as darkness fell that the enemy were preparing to
+launch their deadly shells into the City. This increased the
+panic. The people were in a mad frenzy of excitement, and
+the scenes everywhere were terrible. Women wept and
+wailed, men uttered words of blank despair, and children
+screamed at an unknown terror.</p>
+
+<p>The situation was terrible. From the Embankment away
+on the Surrey side could be seen a lurid glare in the sky. It
+was the reflection of a great fire in Vassall Road, Brixton, the
+whole street being burned by the enemy, together with the
+great block of houses lying between the Cowley and Brixton
+Roads.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>London waited. Dark storm-clouds scudded across the
+moon. The chill wind swept up the river, and moaned mournfully
+in doors and chimneys.</p>
+
+<p>At last, without warning, just as Big Ben had boomed
+forth one o'clock, the thunder of artillery shook the windows,
+and startled the excited crowds. Great shells crashed into the
+streets, remained for a second, and then burst with deafening
+report and appalling effect.</p>
+
+<p>In Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, and the Strand the
+deadly projectiles commenced to fall thickly, wrecking the
+shops, playing havoc with the public buildings, and sweeping
+hundreds of men and women into eternity. Nothing could
+withstand their awful force, and the people, rushing madly
+about like frightened sheep, felt that this was indeed their
+last hour.</p>
+
+<p>In Ludgate Hill the scene was awful. Shots fell with
+monotonous regularity, bursting everywhere, and blowing
+buildings and men into atoms. The French shells were
+terribly devastating; the reek of m�linite poisoned the air.
+Shells striking St. Paul's Cathedral brought down the right-hand
+tower, and crashed into the dome; while others set on fire
+a long range of huge drapery warehouses behind it, the glare of
+the roaring flames causing the great black Cathedral to stand
+out in bold relief.</p>
+
+<p>The bombardment had actually commenced! London, the
+proud Capital of the World, was threatened with destruction!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>LONDON BOMBARDED.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc316.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he Hand of the Destroyer had reached England's
+mighty metropolis. The lurid scene was
+appalling.</p>
+
+<p>In the stormy sky the red glare from
+hundreds of burning buildings grew brighter,
+and in every quarter flames leaped up and
+black smoke curled slowly away in increasing volume.</p>
+
+<p>The people were unaware of the events that had occurred
+in Surrey that day. Exhausted, emaciated, and ashen pale, the
+hungry people had endured every torture. Panic-stricken,
+they rushed hither and thither in thousands up and down the
+principal thoroughfares, and as they tore headlong away in
+this <i>sauve qui peut</i> to the northern suburbs, the weaker fell and
+were trodden under foot.</p>
+
+<p>Men fought for their wives and families, dragging them
+away out of the range of the enemy's fire, which apparently
+did not extend beyond the line formed by the Hackney Road,
+City Road, Pentonville Road, Euston Road, and Westbourne
+Park. But in that terrible rush to escape many delicate ladies
+were crushed to death, and numbers of others, with their
+children, sank exhausted, and perished beneath the feet of
+the fleeing millions.</p>
+
+<p>Never before had such alarm been spread through
+London; never before had such awful scenes of destruction
+been witnessed. The French Commander-in-chief, who was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>
+senior to his Russian colleague, had been killed, and his successor
+being unwilling to act in concert with the Muscovite
+staff, a quarrel ensued. It was this quarrel which caused the
+bombardment of London, totally against the instructions of
+their respective Governments. The bombardment was, in
+fact, wholly unnecessary, and was in a great measure due to
+some confused orders received by the French General from
+his Commander-in-chief. Into the midst of the surging,
+terrified crowds that congested the streets on each side of
+the Thames, shells filled with m�linite dropped, and, bursting,
+blew hundreds of despairing Londoners to atoms. Houses
+were shattered and fell, public buildings were demolished,
+factories were set alight, and the powerful exploding projectiles
+caused the Great City to reel and quake. Above
+the constant crash of bursting shells, the dull roar of
+the flames, and the crackling of burning timbers, terrific
+detonations now and then were heard, as buildings, filled
+with combustibles, were struck by shots, and, exploding,
+spread death and ruin over wide areas. The centre of commerce,
+of wealth, of intellectual and moral life was being
+ruthlessly wrecked, and its inhabitants massacred. Apparently
+it was not the intention of the enemy to invest the
+city at present, fearing perhaps that the force that had
+penetrated the defences was not sufficiently large to accomplish
+such a gigantic task; therefore they had commenced
+this terrible bombardment as a preliminary measure.</p>
+
+<p>Through the streets of South London the people rushed
+along, all footsteps being bent towards the bridges; but on
+every one of them the crush was frightful&mdash;indeed, so great
+was it that in several instances the stone balustrades were
+broken, and many helpless, shrieking persons were forced
+over into the dark swirling waters below. The booming of
+the batteries was continuous, the bursting of the shells was
+deafening, and every moment was one of increasing horror.
+Men saw their homes swept away, and trembling women
+clung to their husbands, speechless with fear. In the
+City, in the Strand, in Westminster, and West End streets<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>
+the ruin was even greater, and the destruction of property
+enormous.</p>
+
+<p>Westward, both great stations at Victoria, with the adjoining
+furniture repositories and the Grosvenor Hotel, were
+burning fiercely; while the Wellington Barracks had been
+partially demolished, and the roof of St. Peter's Church
+blown away. Two shells falling in the quadrangle of Buckingham
+Palace had smashed every window and wrecked some
+of the ground-floor apartments, but nevertheless upon the
+flagstaff, amidst the dense smoke and showers of sparks flying
+upward, there still floated the Royal Standard. St. James's
+Palace, Marlborough House, Stafford House, and Clarence
+House, standing in exposed positions, were being all more
+or less damaged; several houses in Carlton House Terrace
+had been partially demolished, and a shell striking the Duke
+of York's Column soon after the commencement of the bombardment,
+caused it to fall, blocking Waterloo Place.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time shells whistled above and fell with a crash
+and explosion, some in the centre of the road, tearing up the
+paving, and others striking the clubs in Pall Mall, blowing
+out many of those noble time-mellowed walls. The portico of
+the Athen�um had been torn away like pasteboard, the rear
+premises of the War Office had been pulverised, and the
+Carlton, Reform, and United Service Clubs suffered terrible
+damage. Two shells striking the Junior Carlton crashed
+through the roof, and exploding almost simultaneously,
+brought down an enormous heap of masonry, which fell
+across the roadway, making an effectual barricade; while at
+the same moment shells began to fall thickly in Grosvenor
+Place and Belgrave Square, igniting many houses, and killing
+some of those who remained in their homes petrified by fear.</p>
+
+<p>Up Regent Street shells were sweeping with frightful
+effect. The Caf� Monico and the whole block of buildings
+surrounding it was burning, and the flames leaping high,
+presented a magnificent though appalling spectacle. The
+front of the London Pavilion had been partially blown away,
+and of the two uniform rows of shops forming the Quadrant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span>
+many had been wrecked. From Air Street to Oxford Circus,
+and along Piccadilly to Knightsbridge, there fell a perfect hail
+of shell and bullets. Devonshire House had been wrecked,
+and the Burlington Arcade destroyed. The thin pointed
+spire of St. James's Church had fallen, every window in the
+Albany was shattered, several houses in Grosvenor Place had
+suffered considerably, and a shell that struck the southern side
+of St. George's Hospital had ignited it, and now at 2 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, in
+the midst of this awful scene of destruction and disaster, the
+helpless sick were being removed into the open streets, where
+bullets whistled about them and fragments of explosive shells
+whizzed past.</p>
+
+<p>As the night wore on London trembled and fell. Once
+Mistress of the World, she was now, alas! sinking under the
+iron hand of the invader. Upon her there poured a rain of
+deadly missiles that caused appalling slaughter and desolation.
+The newly introduced long-range guns, and the terrific power
+of the explosives with which the French shells were charged,
+added to the horrors of the bombardment; for although the
+batteries were so far away as to be out of sight, yet the
+unfortunate people, overtaken by their doom, were torn limb
+from limb by the bursting bombs.</p>
+
+<p>Over the roads lay men of London, poor and rich, weltering
+in their blood, their lower limbs shattered or blown completely
+away. With wide-open haggard eyes, in their death agony
+they gazed around at the burning buildings, at the falling
+d�bris, and upward at the brilliantly-illumined sky. With
+their last breath they gasped prayers for those they loved,
+and sank to the grave, hapless victims of Babylon's downfall.</p>
+
+<p>Every moment the Great City was being devastated, every
+moment the catastrophe was more complete, more awful. In
+the poorer quarters of South London whole streets were swept
+away, and families overwhelmed by their own demolished
+homes. Along the principal thoroughfares shop fronts were
+shivered, and the goods displayed in the windows strewn
+about the roadway.</p>
+
+<p>About half-past three a frightful disaster occurred at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>
+Battersea. Very few shells had dropped in that district,
+when suddenly one fell right in the very centre of a great
+petroleum store. The effect was frightful. With a noise
+that was heard for twenty miles around, the whole of the
+great store of oil exploded, blowing the stores themselves
+high into the air, and levelling all the buildings in the
+vicinity. In every direction burning oil was projected over
+the roofs of neighbouring houses, dozens of which at once
+caught fire, while down the streets there ran great streams of
+blazing oil, which spread the conflagration in every direction.
+Showers of sparks flew upwards, the flames roared and
+crackled, and soon fires were breaking out in all quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the clocks were striking a quarter to four, a great
+shell struck the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament,
+bringing it down with a terrific crash. This disaster was
+quickly followed by a series of others. A shell fell through
+the roof of Westminster Abbey, setting the grand old historic
+building on fire; another tore away the columns from the
+front of the Royal Exchange; and a third carried away one of
+the square twin towers of St. Mary Woolnoth, at the corner of
+Lombard Street.</p>
+
+<p>Along this latter thoroughfare banks were wrecked, and
+offices set on fire; while opposite, in the thick walls of the
+Bank of England, great breaches were being made. The
+Mansion House escaped any very serious injury, but the dome
+of the Stock Exchange was carried away; and in Queen Victoria
+Street, from end to end, enormous damage was caused to the
+rows of fine business premises; while further east the Monument,
+broken in half, came down with a noise like thunder,
+demolishing many houses on Fish Street Hill.</p>
+
+<p>The great drapery warehouses in Wood Street, Bread Street,
+Friday Street, Foster Lane, and St. Paul's Churchyard suffered
+more or less. Ryland's, Morley's, and Cook's were all alight
+and burning fiercely; while others were wrecked and shattered,
+and their contents blown out into the streets. The quaint
+spire of St. Bride's had fallen, and its bells lay among the
+d�bris in the adjoining courts; both the half-wrecked offices<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span>
+of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> and the <i>Daily Chronicle</i> were being
+consumed.</p>
+
+<p>The great clock-tower of the Law Courts fell about four
+o'clock with a terrific crash, completely blocking the Strand
+at Temple Bar, and demolishing the much-abused Griffin
+Memorial; while at the same moment two large holes were
+torn in the roof of the Great Hall, the small black turret above
+fell, and the whole of the glass in the building was shivered
+into fragments.</p>
+
+<p>It was amazing how widespread was the ruin caused
+by each of the explosive missiles. Considering the number
+of guns employed by the French in this cruel and wanton
+destruction of property, the desolation they were causing was
+enormous. This was owing to the rapid extension of their
+batteries over the high ground from One Tree Hill through
+Peckham to Greenwich, and more especially to the wide ranges
+of their guns and the terrific power of their shells. In addition
+to the ordinary projectiles filled with m�linite, charges of that
+extremely powerful substance lignine dynamite were hurled
+into the city, and, exploded by a detonator, swept away whole
+streets, and laid many great public buildings in ruins; while
+steel shells, filled with some arrangement of liquid oxygen and
+blasting gelatine, produced frightful effects, for nothing could
+withstand them.</p>
+
+<p>One of these, discharged from the battery on Denmark
+Hill, fell in the quadrangle behind Burlington House, and
+levelled the Royal Academy and the surrounding buildings.
+Again a terrific explosion sounded, and as the smoke cleared
+it was seen that a gelatine shell had fallen among the many
+turrets of the Natural History Museum, and the front of the
+building fell out with a deafening crash, completely blocking
+the Cromwell Road.</p>
+
+<p>London lay at the mercy of the invaders. So swiftly had
+the enemy cut their way through the defences and opened their
+hail of destroying missiles, that the excited, starving populace
+were unaware of what had occurred until dynamite began to
+rain upon them. Newspapers had ceased to appear; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>
+although telegraphic communication was kept up with the
+defenders on the Surrey Hills by the War Office, yet no details
+of the events occurring there had been made public for fear of
+spies. Londoners had remained in ignorance, and, alas! had
+awaited their doom. Through the long sultry night the situation
+was one of indescribable panic and disaster.</p>
+
+<p>The sky had grown a brighter red, and the streets within
+the range of the enemy's guns, now deserted, were in most
+cases blocked by burning ruins and fallen telegraph wires;
+while about the roadways lay the shattered corpses of men,
+women, and children, upon whom the shells had wrought their
+frightful work.</p>
+
+<p>The bodies, mutilated, torn limb from limb, were sickening
+to gaze upon.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>BABYLON BURNING.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc323.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="D" title="D" /></div><p>ynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station
+and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed fa�ade
+had been torn out, and the station yard was
+filled with a huge pile of smouldering d�bris.
+On either side of the Strand from Villiers
+Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had
+been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable,
+for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and
+what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps
+of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders. The rain of fire
+continued. Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from
+St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that
+noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli
+Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also
+falling a prey to the flames.</p>
+
+<p>The burning of Babylon was a sight of awful, appalling
+grandeur.</p>
+
+<p>The few people remaining in the vicinity of the Strand
+who escaped the flying missiles and falling buildings, sought
+what shelter they could, and stood petrified by terror, knowing
+that every moment might be their last, not daring to fly into
+the streets leading to Holborn, where they could see the
+enemy's shells were still falling with unabated regularity and
+frightful result, their courses marked by crashing buildings and
+blazing ruins.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Looking from Charing Cross, the Strand seemed one huge
+glaring furnace. Flames belched from windows on either side,
+and, bursting through roofs, great tongues of fire shot upwards;
+blazing timbers fell into the street; and as the buildings became
+gutted, and the fury of the devouring element was spent,
+shattered walls tottered and fell into the roadway. The terrific
+heat, the roar of the flames, the blinding smoke, the stifling
+fumes of dynamite, the pungent, poisonous odour of m�linite,
+the clouds of dust, the splinters of stone and steel, and the
+constant bursting of shells, combined to render the scene the
+most awful ever witnessed in a single thoroughfare during the
+history of the world.</p>
+
+<p>From Kensington to Bow, from Camberwell to Somers
+Town, from Clapham to Deptford, the vast area of congested
+houses and tortuous streets was being swept continually.
+South of the Thames the loss of life was enormous, for
+thousands were unable to get beyond the zone of fire, and
+many in Brixton, Clapham, Camberwell, and Kennington were
+either maimed by flying fragments of shell, buried in the d�bris
+of their homes, or burned to death. The disasters wrought by
+the Frenchmen's improved long-range weapons were frightful.</p>
+
+<p>London, the all-powerful metropolis, which had egotistically
+considered herself the impregnable Citadel of the World, fell
+to pieces and was consumed. She was frozen by terror, and
+lifeless. Her ancient monuments were swept away, her wealth
+melted in her coffers, her priceless objects of art were torn up
+and broken, and her streets ran with the blood of her starving
+toilers.</p>
+
+<p>Day dawned grey, with stormlight gloom. Rain-clouds
+scudded swiftly across the leaden sky. Along the road in
+front of the Crystal Palace, where the French batteries were
+established, the deafening discharges that had continued
+incessantly during the night, and had smashed nearly all the
+glass in the sides and roof of the Palace, suddenly ceased.</p>
+
+<p>The officers were holding a consultation over despatches
+received from the batteries at Tulse Hill, Streatham, Red Post
+Hill, One Tree Hill, and Greenwich, all of which stated that
+ammunition had run short, and they were therefore unable to
+continue the bombardment.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;">
+<a href="images/i325-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i325-lo.jpg" width="600" height="409" alt="THE FRENCH BOMBARDING LONDON FROM THE CRYSTAL PALACE PARADE." title="" /></a>
+<br /><span class="caption">THE FRENCH BOMBARDING LONDON FROM THE CRYSTAL PALACE PARADE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Neither<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> of the ammunition trains of the two columns of the
+enemy had arrived, for, although the bombarding batteries were
+unaware of it, both had been captured and blown up by British
+Volunteers.</p>
+
+<p>It was owing to this that the hostile guns were at last
+compelled to cease their thunder, and to this fact also was
+due the fortunes of the defenders in the events immediately
+following.</p>
+
+<p>Our Volunteers occupying the line of defence north of
+London, through Epping and Brentwood to Tilbury, had for
+the past three weeks been in daily expectation of an attempt
+on the part of the invaders to land in Essex, and were amazed
+at witnessing this sudden bombardment. From their positions
+on the northern heights they could distinctly see how disastrous
+was the enemy's fire, and although they had been informed by
+telegraph of the reverses we had sustained at Guildford and
+Leatherhead, yet they had no idea that the actual attack on the
+metropolis would be made so swiftly. However, they lost not
+a moment. It was evident that the enemy had no intention of
+effecting a landing in Essex; therefore, with commendable
+promptitude, they decided to move across the Thames immediately,
+to reinforce their comrades in Surrey. Leaving the 2nd
+and 4th West Riding Artillery, under Col. Hoffmann and Col.
+N. Creswick, V.D., at Tilbury, and the Lincolnshire, Essex, and
+Worcestershire Volunteer Artillery, under Col. G. M. Hutton,
+V.D., Col. S. L. Howard, V.D., and Col. W. Ottley, the greater part
+of the Norfolk, Staffordshire, Tay, Aberdeen, Manchester, and
+Northern Counties Field Brigades moved south with all possible
+speed. From Brentwood, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer
+Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment, under Col. A. C. Dawson,
+Col. E. H. H. Combe, Col. H. E. Hyde, V.D., and Col. C. W.
+J. Unthank, V.D.; the 1st and 2nd North Staffordshire, under
+Col. W. H. Dutton, V.D., and Col. F. D. Mort, V.D.; and the
+1st, 2nd, and 3rd South Staffordshire, under Col. J. B. Cochrane,
+V.D., Col. T. T. Fisher, V.D., and Col. E. Nayler, V.D.; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span>
+2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Royal Highlanders, under Col. W. A.
+Gordon, V.D., Col. Sir R. D. Moncreiffe, Col. Sir R. Menzies,
+V.D., and Col. Erskine; the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
+under Col. J. Porteous, V.D.; the 3rd, 4th, and 5th
+Gordon Highlanders, under Col. A. D. Fordyce, Col. G. Jackson,
+V.D., and Col. J. Johnston&mdash;were, as early as 2 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, on their
+way to London.</p>
+
+<p>At this critical hour the Engineer and Railway Volunteer
+Staff Corps rendered invaluable services. Under the direction
+of Col. William Birt, trains held in readiness by the Great
+Eastern Railway brought the brigades rapidly to Liverpool
+Street, whence they marched by a circuitous route beyond the
+zone of fire by way of Marylebone, Paddington, Kensington
+Gardens, Walham Green, and across Wandsworth Bridge, thence
+to Upper Tooting, where they fell in with a large force of our
+Regular infantry and cavalry, who were on their way to outflank
+the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Attacking a detachment of the French at Tooting, they
+captured several guns, destroyed the enemy's field telegraph,
+and proceeded at once to Streatham, where the most desperate
+resistance was offered. A fierce fight occurred across Streatham
+Common, and over to Lower Norwood and Gipsy Hill, in
+which both sides lost very heavily. Nevertheless our Volunteers
+from Essex, although they had been on the march the greater
+part of the night, fought bravely, and inflicted terrible punishment
+upon their foe. The 3rd and 4th Volunteer Battalions of
+the Gordon Highlanders and the 1st Norfolk, attacking a French
+position near the mouth of the railway tunnel, displayed conspicuous
+bravery, and succeeded in completely annihilating
+their opponents; while in an opposite direction, towards Tooting,
+several troops of French cavalry were cut up and taken
+prisoners by two battalions of Royal Highlanders.</p>
+
+<p>The batteries on Streatham Hill having been assaulted and
+taken, the force of defenders pushed quickly onward to Upper
+Norwood, where our cavalry, sweeping along Westow Hill and
+Church Street, fell upon the battery in front of the Crystal
+Palace. The enemy, owing to the interruption of their field<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span>
+telegraph, were unaware of their presence, and were completely
+surprised. Nevertheless French infantrymen rushed into the
+Crystal Palace Hotel, the White Swan, Stanton Harcourt,
+the Knoll, Rocklands, and other houses at both ends of the
+Parade, and from the windows poured forth withering volleys
+from their Lebels. Our cavalry, riding down the broad Parade,
+used their sabres upon the artillerymen, and the whole of the
+French troops were quickly in a confused mass, unable to act
+with effect, and suffering appallingly from the steady fire of our
+Volunteers, who very soon cleared the enemy from the White
+Swan, and, having been drawn up outside, poured forth a
+galling rifle fire right along the enemy's position. Suddenly
+there was loud shouting, and the British "Cease fire" sounded.
+The French, though fighting hard, were falling back gradually
+down the hill towards Sydenham Station, when suddenly shots
+were heard, and turbaned cavalry came riding into them at a
+terrific pace from the rear.</p>
+
+<p>The British officers recognised the new-comers as a squadron
+of Bengal Lancers! At last India had sent us help, and our
+men sent up a loud cheer. A large force of cavalry and
+infantry, together with two regiments of Goorkas, had, it
+appeared, been landed at Sheerness. They had contemplated
+landing in Hampshire, but, more unfortunate than some of
+their compatriots who had effected a landing near Southampton,
+they were driven through the Straits of Dover by the
+enemy's cruisers. Marching north in company with a force
+from Chatham, they had earlier that morning attacked and
+routed the enemy's right flank at Blackheath, and, after
+capturing the battery of the foe at Greenwich, greater part of
+the escort of which had been sent over to Lewisham an hour
+before, they slaughtered a battalion of Zouaves, and had then
+extended across to Denmark Hill, where a sanguinary struggle
+occurred.</p>
+
+<p>The French on Dog Kennel, Red Post, Herne, and Tulse
+Hills turned their deadly machine guns upon them, and for a
+long time all the positions held out. At length, however, by
+reason of a splendid charge made by the Bengal Lancers, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span>
+battery at Red Post Hill was taken and the enemy slaughtered.
+During the next half-hour a fierce hand-to-hand struggle took
+place up Dog Kennel Hill from St. Saviour's Infirmary, and
+presently, when the defenders gained the spur of the hill, they
+fought the enemy gallantly in Grove Lane, Private Road,
+Bromar Road, Camberwell Grove, and adjoining roads. Time
+after time the Indian cavalry charged, and the Goorkas, with
+their keen knives, hacked their way into those of the enemy
+who rallied. For nearly an hour the struggle continued
+desperately, showers of bullets from magazine rifles sweeping
+along the usually quiet suburban thoroughfares, until the
+roads were heaped with dead and dying, and the houses on
+either side bore evidence of the bloody fray. Then at last
+the guns placed along the hills all fell into our hands,
+and the French were almost completely swept out of
+existence.</p>
+
+<p>Many were the terrible scenes witnessed in the gardens of
+the quaint last-century houses on Denmark Hill. Around
+those old-world residences, standing along the road leading
+down to Half Moon Lane, time-mellowed relics of an age
+bygone, Indians fought with Zouaves, and British Volunteers
+struggled fiercely hand to hand with French infantrymen.
+The quiet old-fashioned quarter, that was an aristocratic
+retreat when Camberwell was but a sylvan village with an
+old toll gate, when cows chewed the cud upon Walworth
+Common, and when the Walworth Road had not a house in
+the whole of it, was now the scene of a frightful massacre.
+The deafening explosions of cordite from magazine rifles, the
+exultant shouts of the victors and the hoarse shrieks of the
+dying, awakened the echoes in those quaint old gardens, with
+their Dutch-cut zigzag walks, enclosed by ancient red brick
+walls, moss-grown, lichen covered, and half hidden by ivy,
+honeysuckle, and creepers. Those spacious grounds, where
+men were now being mercilessly slaughtered, had been the
+scene of many a brilliant <i>f�te champ�tre</i>, where splendid satin-coated
+<i>beaux</i>, all smiles and <i>ailes de pigeon</i>, whispered scandal
+behind the fans of dainty dames in high-dressed wigs and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span>patches, or, clad as Watteau shepherds, had danced the <i>al fresco</i>
+minuet with similarly attired shepherdesses, and later on
+played <i>piquet</i> and drank champagne till dawn.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i331-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i331-lo.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="GOORKAS SLAUGHTERING THE FRENCH ARTILLERY AT GREENWICH OBSERVATORY." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">GOORKAS SLAUGHTERING THE FRENCH ARTILLERY AT GREENWICH OBSERVATORY.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In the good old Georgian days, when Johnson walked daily
+under the trees in Gough Square, when Macklin was playing
+the "Man of the World," and when traitors' heads blackened
+on Temple Bar, this colony was one of the most rural, exclusive,
+and gay in the vicinity of London. Alas, how it has decayed!
+Cheap "desirable residences" have sprung up around it, the
+hand of the jerry-building Vandal has touched it, the sound of
+traffic roars about it; yet still there is a charm in those quaint
+old gardens of a forgotten era. From under the dark yew
+hedges the jonquils still peep out early&mdash;the flowers themselves
+are those old-fashioned sweet ones beloved of our grandmothers&mdash;and
+the tea roses still blossom on the crumbling
+walls and fill the air with their fragrance. But in this
+terrible struggle the walls were used as defences, the bushes
+were torn down and trampled under foot, and the flowers hung
+broken on their stalks, bespattered with men's blood!</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding south again, the defenders successfully attacked
+the strong batteries on One Tree Hill at Honor Oak, and on
+Sydenham Hill and Forest Hill, and then extending across to
+the Crystal Palace, had joined hands with our Volunteers from
+Essex, where they were now wreaking vengeance for the ruthless
+destruction caused in London.</p>
+
+<p>The bloodshed along the Crystal Palace Parade was fearful.
+The French infantry and artillery, overwhelmed by the
+onward rush of the defenders, and now under the British crossfire,
+fell in hundreds. Dark-faced Bengal Lancers and
+Goorkas, with British Hussars and Volunteers, descended upon
+them with appalling swiftness; and so complete was the
+slaughter, that of the whole force that had effected that terribly
+effectual bombardment from Sydenham, not more than a dozen
+survived.</p>
+
+<p>By noon many of the shops on Westow Hill and private
+residences on College Hill and Sydenham Hill had been
+wantonly ignited by the enemy; but when the firing ceased<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span>
+some hours later, the roads were heaped with the corpses of
+those whose mission it had been to destroy London.</p>
+
+<p>Of all those batteries which had caused such frightful
+desolation and loss of life during the night, not one now
+remained. The two French columns had been swiftly wiped
+out of existence; and although our forces had suffered very
+considerably, they nevertheless were able to go south to
+Croydon later that afternoon, in order to take part in resisting
+the vigorous and desperate attack which they knew would
+sooner or later be made by the whole French army massed
+beyond the Surrey Hills. The sun was on the horizon, and
+the shadows were already deepening.</p>
+
+<p>Assistance had arrived tardily, for the damage to property
+in London during the night had been enormous; nevertheless
+at this the eleventh hour we had inflicted upon the French a
+crushing defeat, and now England waited, trembling and
+breathless, wondering what would be the final outcome of this
+fierce, bloody struggle for our national existence.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc335.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="O" title="O" /></div><p>ur valiant defenders were striking swift, decisive
+blows for England's honour. The French,
+demoralised by their severe defeat in the south
+of London, and suffering considerable loss in
+every other direction, fought desperately during
+the two days following the disastrous bombardment.</p>
+
+<p>In darkness and sunlight fierce contests took place along
+the Surrey Hills, where our Volunteers, under Major-Gen.
+Lord Methuen, were still entrenched. Every copse bristled
+with rifles; red coats gleamed among the foliage, and winding
+highways were, alas! strewn with corpses. Guildford had
+again been reoccupied by our Regulars, who were reorganising;
+and Leatherhead, holding out for another day, was
+retaken, after a terribly hard-fought battle, by the Highland,
+South of Scotland, and Glasgow Brigades, with the 1st Ayrshire
+and Galloway Artillery, under Col. J. G. Sturrock, V.D.;
+1st Lanarkshire, under Col. R. J. Bennett, V.D.; 1st Aberdeenshire,
+under Col. J. Ogston, V.D.; and 1st North
+Riding Yorkshire Volunteer Artillery, under Major C. L. Bell.
+In such a splendid and gallant manner had our comparatively
+small force man&oelig;uvred, that on the second night following
+the bombardment the whole of the invaders who had penetrated
+beyond our line of defence towards the metropolis had
+been completely wiped out, in addition to which the breach in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span>
+our line had been filled up by strong reinforcements, and the
+enemy driven from the high ground between Box Hill and
+Guildford.</p>
+
+<p>The invaders, finding how vigorously we repelled any attack,
+made terrific onslaughts on our position at various points they
+believed were vulnerable, but everywhere they were hurled
+back with appalling slaughter. Volunteers from Australia
+and the Cape, in addition to the other contingent of 10,000
+Indian native troops, had been landed near Southampton, and
+had advanced to assist in this terrific struggle, upon the result
+of which the future of our Empire depended. Among these
+Colonials were 500 Victorian Rangers, 900 Victoria Mounted
+Rifles, and seven companies of Queensland Mounted Infantry,
+with two ambulance corps.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians landed in splendid form, having brought their
+full war equipment with them without any contribution whatever
+from the Home Government, as it will be remembered
+they did when they landed at Malta during Lord Beaconsfield's
+administration. Having received intelligence of the movements
+of the two columns of the enemy that had gone to
+London after taking Leatherhead and Guildford, they pushed
+on to Petworth. By the time they arrived there, however,
+both towns had been recaptured by the British, who were then
+being severely harassed by the enemy massed along the south
+side of our defensive line. Although numerically inferior to
+the enemy occupying that part of the country, the Indians
+were already well accustomed to actual warfare, the
+majority having been engaged in operations against the hill
+tribes; therefore the commander decided to push on at once,
+and endeavour to outflank the large French force who with
+some Russian infantry had again attacked Guildford, and the
+manner in which this was accomplished was a single illustration
+of the valuable assistance the Indians rendered us in
+these days of bloodshed and despair.</p>
+
+<p>One of the native officers of a Sikh regiment, the Subadar
+Banerji Singh, having served with Sir Peter Lumsden's
+expeditionary force some years before, had frequently come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span>
+into contact with the Russians, and could speak Russian
+better than some of the soldiers of the Tsar's Asiatic corps.
+The commander of the Indian force, determined that his men
+should strike their blow and sustain their reputation, advanced
+with great caution from Petworth, and late in the afternoon of
+the second evening after the bombardment of London, two
+Sikhs scouting in front of the advance guard sighted a Russian
+bivouac on the road on the other side of the Wye Canal
+beyond Loxwood Bridge, which latter had been demolished.
+The Indians were thereupon halted on the road which runs
+through the wood near Plaistow, and the officers held council.
+Their information was unfortunately very meagre and their
+knowledge of the country necessarily vague; but the Subadar
+Banerji Singh, who was of unusually fair complexion, volunteered
+to don a Russian uniform, which had been taken with
+other property from a dead officer found upon the road, and
+endeavour in that disguise to penetrate the enemy's lines.</p>
+
+<p>Towards dusk he set out on his perilous journey, and, on
+arriving at the wrecked bridge, shouted over to two Russian
+sentries, explaining that he had been wounded and left behind
+after the fight at Haslemere, and requesting their assistance to
+enable him to cross. Believing him to be one of their infantry
+officers, they told him there were no means of crossing unless
+he could swim, as their engineers had sounded the canal before
+blowing up the bridge, and had found it twenty feet deep.</p>
+
+<p>Banerji Singh questioned them artfully as to the position
+of their column, which they said intended, in co-operation
+with a great force of French cavalry and infantry, to again
+attack Guildford at dawn; and further, they told him in
+confidence that the rearguard to which they belonged only
+numbered about two thousand men, who had halted for the
+night with the transport waggons on the Guildford road, about
+two miles north of Alfold.</p>
+
+<p>Then, after further confidences, they suggested that he
+should continue along the canal bank for about a mile and a
+half, where there was a bridge still intact, and near which he
+would find the rearguard.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thanking them, he withdrew into the falling gloom, and a
+quarter of an hour later entered the presence of his commanding
+officer, who, of course, was delighted with the information
+thus elicited. The Subadar had carefully noted all the
+features of the canal bank and broken bridge, and the valuable
+knowledge he had obtained was at once put to account, and the
+General at once formed his force into two divisions. Then,
+after issuing instructions for the following day, he gave orders
+for a bivouac for the night.</p>
+
+<p>The pioneers, however, were far from idle. During the
+night they worked with unflagging energy, quietly preparing a
+position for the guns to cover the contemplated passage at
+Loxwood Bridge, and before day broke the guns were mounted,
+and the Engineers were ready for action. As soon as there
+was sufficient light the laying of the pontoon commenced, but
+was at once noticed by the Russians, who opened fire, and very
+soon it was evident that information had been conveyed to the
+enemy's rearguard, and that they were returning to contest the
+passage.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime one division of the Indians, setting out
+before daybreak, had been cautiously working round to the
+main road crossing the canal north of Alfold, and succeeded in
+getting over soon after the majority of the Russian rearguard
+had left for the assistance of the detachment at Loxwood
+Bridge, and, after a sharp, decisive fight, succeeded in capturing
+the whole of the transport waggons. The Engineers, with the
+Indians, had in the meantime succeeded in completing their
+pontoon under cover of the guns, and the second division
+of the Indians, dark-faced, daring fellows, rushed across to the
+opposite bank, and descended upon the enemy with frightful
+effect. In the hot engagement that followed, the Russians,
+now attacked in both front and rear, were totally annihilated,
+and thus the whole of the reserve ammunition of the force
+assaulting Guildford fell into our hands.</p>
+
+<p>This victory on the enemy's left flank caused the tide of
+events to turn in our favour, for the huge Russian and French
+columns that intended to again carry the hills from Dorking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>
+to Guildford were hampered by want of ammunition, and so
+vigorously did our Volunteers along the hills defend the repeated
+attacks, that the invaders were again driven back.
+Then, as they drew south to recover themselves, they were
+attacked on their left by a large body of our Regulars, and in
+the rear by the Indians and Australians. Over the country
+stretching across from Cranley through Ewhurst, Ockley,
+Capel, and Newdigate to Horley, the fighting spread, as each
+side struggled desperately for the mastery.</p>
+
+<p>The fate of England, nay, of our vast British Empire, was
+in the hands of those of her stalwart sons of many races who
+were now wielding valiantly the rifle and the sword. Through
+that blazing September day, while the people of London
+wailed among the ruins of their homes, and, breathlessly
+anxious, awaited news of their victory or their doom, the
+whole of East Kent, the southern portion of Surrey and
+northern Sussex, became one huge battlefield. Of the vast
+bodies of troops massed over hill and dale every regiment
+became engaged.</p>
+
+<p>The butchery was awful.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc340.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="O" title="O" /></div><p>n sea England was now showing the world how
+she still could fight. Following the desperate
+struggle off Sardinia, in which Italy had rendered
+us such valuable help, our Mediterranean
+Squadron attacked the French Fleet off Cape
+Tresforcas, on the coast of Morocco, and after a
+terrific battle, extending over two days, defeated them with
+heavy loss, several of the enemy's vessels being torpedoed and
+sunk, two of them rammed, and one so badly damaged that
+her captain ran her ashore on Alboran Island.</p>
+
+<p>After this hard-earned victory, our Squadron passed out of
+the Mediterranean, and, returning home, had joined hands with
+the battered remnant of our Channel Fleet, now reinforced by
+several vessels recalled from foreign stations. Therefore, while
+the enemy marched upon London, we had collected our naval
+strength on the south coast, and at length made a final descent
+upon the enemy in British waters. The British vessels that
+passed Beachy Head coming up Channel on the night of the
+bombardment of London included the <i>Empress of India</i>,
+<i>Inflexible</i>, <i>Nile</i>, <i>Trafalgar</i>, <i>Magnificent</i>, <i>Hood</i>, <i>Warspite</i>, <i>Dreadnought</i>,
+<i>Camperdown</i>, <i>Blenheim</i>, <i>Barham</i>, <i>Benbow</i>, <i>Monarch</i>,
+<i>Anson</i>, <i>Immortalit�</i>, and <i>Royal Sovereign</i>, with four of the new
+cruisers built under the Spencer programme, viz. the <i>Terrible</i>,
+<i>Powerful</i>, <i>Doris</i>, and <i>Isis</i>, and a number of smaller vessels,
+torpedo boats, and "destroyers."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At the same hour that our vessels were passing Beachy
+Head, the Coastguard at Sandwich Battery were suddenly
+alarmed by electric signals being flashed from a number of
+warships that were slowly passing the Gull Stream revolving
+light towards the Downs. The sensation these lights caused
+among the Coastguard and Artillery was immediately dispelled
+when it was discovered that the warships were not hostile, but
+friendly; that the Kaiser had sent a German Squadron, in two
+divisions, to assist us, and that these vessels were on their
+way to unite with our own Fleet. The first division, it was
+ascertained, consisted of the <i>Baden</i>, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral
+Koester; the <i>Sachen</i>, commanded by Prince Henry
+of Prussia; the <i>W�rtemberg</i>, and the <i>Bayern</i>&mdash;all of 7400 tons,
+and each carrying 18 guns and nearly 400 men; while the
+despatch boat <i>Pfeil</i>, the new dynamite cruiser <i>Trier</i>, and a
+number of torpedo boats, accompanied them. The second
+division, under Rear-Admiral von Diederichs on board the
+<i>K�nig Wilhelm</i>, consisted of the <i>Brandenburg</i>, <i>K�rfurst
+Friedrich Wilhelm</i>, and <i>W&oelig;rth</i>, each of 10,300 tons, and
+carrying 32 guns; the <i>Deutschland</i> and the <i>Friedrich der Grosse</i>,
+with the despatch vessel <i>Wacht</i>, and several torpedo gunboats
+and other craft.</p>
+
+<p>Before dawn, the British and German Fleets united near
+South Sand Head light, off the South Foreland, and it was
+decided to commence the attack without delay. Turning west
+again, the British ships, accompanied by those of the Emperor
+William, proceeded slowly down Channel in search of the
+enemy, which they were informed by signal had been sighted
+by the Coastguard at East Wear, near Folkestone, earlier in
+the night. Just as day broke, however, when the defenders
+were opposite Dymchurch, about eight miles from land, the
+enemy were discovered in force. Apparently the French and
+Russian Fleets had combined, and were preparing for a final
+descent upon Dover, or an assault upon the Thames defences;
+and it could be seen that, with both forces so strong, the fight
+would inevitably be one to the death.</p>
+
+<p>Little time was occupied in preliminaries. Soon our ships<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span>
+were within range in fighting formation in single column in
+line abreast, while the French, under Admiral le Bourgeois,
+advanced in single column in line ahead. The French flagship,
+leading, was within 2000 yards of the British line,
+and had not disclosed the nature of her attack. The enemy's
+Admiral had signalled to the ships astern of him to follow his
+motions together, as nearly as possible to concentrate their
+guns at point blank, right ahead, and to pour their shot on the
+instant of passing our ships. He had but three minutes to
+decide upon the attack, and as he apparently elected to pierce
+the centre of our line, the British had no time to counteract
+him. The French Admiral therefore continued his course,
+and as he passed between the <i>Camperdown</i> and <i>Blenheim</i>, he
+discharged his guns, receiving the British broadsides and bow
+fire at the same time. In a few minutes, however, it was seen
+that the French attack had been frustrated, and as dawn
+spread the fighting increased, and the lines became broken.
+The ponderous guns of the battleships thundered, and ere long
+the whole of the great naval force was engaged in this final
+struggle for England's freedom. The three powerful French
+battleships, <i>Jaur�guiberry</i>, <i>Jemappes</i>, and <i>D�vastation</i>, and the
+submarine torpedo boat <i>Gustave Z�d�</i>, fiercely attacked the
+<i>Brandenburg</i> and the <i>K�nig Wilhelm</i>; while the <i>Camperdown</i>,
+<i>Anson</i>, <i>Dreadnought</i>, and <i>Warspite</i> fought desperately with
+half a dozen of the enemy's battleships, all of which suffered
+considerably. Our torpedo boats, darting swiftly hither and
+thither, performed much effective service, and many smart
+man&oelig;uvres were carried out by astute officers in command of
+those wasps of the sea. In one instance a torpedo boat, which
+had designs upon a Russian ironclad, obtained cover by sending
+in front of her a gunboat which emitted an immense quantity
+of dense smoke. This of course obscured from view the
+torpedo boat under the gunboat's stern, and those on board the
+Tsar's battleship pounded away at the gunboat, unconscious of
+the presence of the dangerous little craft. Just as the gunboat
+got level with the battleship, however, the torpedo boat
+emerged from the cloud of smoke, and, darting along, ejected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span>
+its Whitehead with such precision that five minutes later the
+Russian leviathan sank beneath the dark green waters.
+Almost at the same moment, the new German dynamite
+cruiser destroyed a French cruiser, and a fierce and sanguinary
+encounter took place between the <i>Immortalit�</i> and the <i>Tr�houart</i>.
+The former's pair of 22-tonners, in combination with
+her ten 6-inch guns, wrought awful havoc on board the French
+vessel; nevertheless, from the turret of her opponent there
+came a deadly fire which spread death and destruction through
+the ship. Suddenly the Frenchman swung round, and with
+her quick-firing guns shedding a deadly storm of projectiles,
+came full upon the British vessel. The impact and the angle
+at which she was struck was not, however, sufficient to ram
+her, consequently the two vessels became entangled, and amid
+the rain of bullets the Frenchmen made a desperate attempt
+to board our ship. A few who managed to spring upon the
+<i>Immortalit�'s</i> deck were cut down instantly, but a couple of
+hundred fully armed men were preparing to make a rush to
+overpower our bluejackets. On board the British cruiser,
+however, the enemy's intentions had been divined, and certain
+precautions taken. The <i>Fusiliers Marins</i>, armed with Lebels
+and cutlasses, suddenly made a desperate, headlong rush upon
+the British cruiser's deck, but just as fifty of them gained their
+goal, a great hose attached to one of the boilers was brought
+into play, and scalding water poured upon the enemy. This,
+in addition to some hand charges at that moment thrown,
+proved successful in repelling the attack; but just as the
+survivors retreated in disorder there was a dull explosion, and
+then it was evident, from the confusion on board the French
+ship, that she had been torpedoed by a German boat, and was
+sinking.</p>
+
+<p>Humanely, our vessel, the <i>Immortalit�</i> rescued the whole
+of her opponent's men ere she sank; but it was found that in
+the engagement her captain and half her crew had been
+killed. On every hand the fight continued with unabated
+fierceness; every gun was worked to its utmost capacity, and
+amid the smoke and din every vessel was swept from stem to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span>
+stern. As morning wore on, the enemy met with one or two
+successes. Our two new cruisers <i>Terrible</i> and <i>Powerful</i> had
+been sunk by French torpedoes; the <i>Hood</i> had been rammed
+by the <i>Amiral Baudin</i>, and gone to the bottom with nearly
+every soul on board; while the German despatch boat <i>Wacht</i>
+had been captured, and seven of our torpedo boats had been
+destroyed. During the progress of the fight, the vessels came
+gradually nearer Dungeness, and at eleven o'clock they were
+still firing at each other, with appalling results on either side.
+At such close quarters did this great battle occur, that the loss
+of life was awful, and throughout the ships the destruction
+was widespread and frightful. About noon the enemy
+experienced two reverses. The French battleship <i>Formidable</i>
+blew up with a terrific report, filling the air with d�bris, her
+magazine having exploded; while just at that moment the
+<i>Courbet</i>, whose 48-tonners had caused serious damage to the
+<i>Warspite</i>, was suddenly rammed and sunk by the <i>Empress of
+India</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This, the decisive battle, was the most vigorously contested
+naval fight during the whole of the hostilities. The scene was
+terrible. The steel leviathans of the sea were being rent
+asunder and pulverised by the terribly destructive modern
+arms, and amid the roar and crashing of the guns, shells were
+bursting everywhere, carrying away funnels, fighting tops, and
+superstructures, and wrecking the crowded spaces between the
+decks. Turrets and barbettes were torn away, guns dismounted
+by the enormous shells from heavy guns; steel
+armour was torn up and thrown aside like paper, and many
+shots entering broadsides, passed clean through and out at the
+other side. Whitehead torpedoes, carrying heavy charges of
+gun-cotton, exploded now and then under the enemy's ships;
+while both British and French torpedo boat "destroyers,"
+running at the speed of an ordinary train, were sinking or
+capturing where they could.</p>
+
+<p>Through the dull, gloomy afternoon the battle continued.
+Time after time our ships met with serious reverses, for the
+<i>Anson</i> was sunk by the Russian flagship <i>Alexander II.</i>,
+assisted by two French cruisers, and this catastrophe was
+followed almost immediately by the torpedoing of the new
+British cruiser <i>Doris</i>, and the capture of the new German
+dynamite cruiser <i>Trier</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<a href="images/i345-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i345-lo.jpg" width="600" height="462" alt="H.M.S. Royal Sovereign.      H.M.S. Camperdown.      Amiral Baudin.      Russian flagship blown up.
+H.M.S. Warspite.      C�cille.
+FINAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS: &quot;THE SCENE OF DESTRUCTION WAS APPALLING.&quot;" title="" /></a>
+<br /><span class="caption"><i>H.M.S. Royal Sovereign. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+H.M.S. Camperdown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;     Amiral Baudin.    &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+Russian flagship blown up.<br />
+H.M.S. Warspite.  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;    C�cille.</i><br />
+FINAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS: &quot;THE SCENE OF DESTRUCTION WAS APPALLING.&quot;</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span></p>
+<p>By this time, however, the vessels had approached within
+three miles of Dungeness, and the <i>Camperdown</i>, <i>Empress of
+India</i>, <i>Royal Sovereign</i>, <i>Inflexible</i>, and <i>Warspite</i>, lying near one
+another, fought nine of the enemy's vessels, inflicting upon
+them terrible punishment. Shots from the 67-tonners of the
+<i>Empress of India</i>, <i>Royal Sovereign</i>, and <i>Camperdown</i>, combined
+with those from the 22-tonners of the <i>Warspite</i>, swept the
+enemy's vessels with devastating effect, and during the three-quarters
+of an hour that the fight between these vessels lasted,
+the scene of destruction was appalling. Suddenly, with a
+brilliant flash and deafening detonation, the Russian flagship
+<i>Alexander II.</i>, one of the vessels now engaging the five British
+ships, blew up and sank, and ere the enemy could recover
+from the surprise this disaster caused them, the <i>Camperdown</i>
+rammed the <i>Amiral Baudin</i>, while the <i>Warspite</i> sank the
+French cruiser <i>C�cille</i>, the submarine boat <i>Gustave Z�d�</i>, and
+afterwards captured the torpedo gunboat <i>Bombe</i>.</p>
+
+<p>This rapid series of terrible disasters apparently demoralised
+the enemy. They fought recklessly, and amid the din and
+confusion two Russian vessels collided, and were so seriously
+damaged that both settled down, their crews being rescued by
+British torpedo boats. Immediately afterwards, however, a
+frightful explosion rent the air with a deafening sound that
+dwarfed into insignificance the roar of the heavy guns, and the
+French battleship <i>Jaur�guiberry</i> was completely broken into
+fragments, scarcely any of her hull remaining. The enemy
+were amazed. A few moments later another explosion
+occurred, even louder than the first. For a second the French
+battleship <i>D�vastation</i>, which had been engaging the <i>Royal
+Sovereign</i>, was obscured by a brilliant flash, then, as fragments
+of steel and human limbs were precipitated on every side, it
+was seen that that vessel also had been completely blown out
+of the water!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The enemy stood appalled. The defenders themselves were
+at first dumfounded. A few moments later, however, it
+became known throughout the British ships that the battery
+at Dungeness, two miles and a half distant, were rendering
+assistance with the new pneumatic gun, the secret of which
+the Government had guarded so long and so well. Five
+years before, this frightfully deadly weapon had been tested,
+and proved so successful that the one gun made was broken
+up and the plans preserved with the utmost secrecy in a safe
+at the War Office. Now, however, several of the weapons had
+been constructed, and one of them had been placed in the
+battery at Dungeness. The British vessels drew off to watch
+the awful effect of the fire from these marvellous and
+terribly destructive engines of modern warfare. The enemy
+would not surrender, so time after time the deafening explosions
+sounded, and time after time the hostile ships were shattered
+into fragments.</p>
+
+<p>Each shot fired by this new pneumatic gun contained 900
+lbs. of dynamite, which could strike effectively at four miles!
+The result of such a charge exploding on a ship was appalling;
+the force was terrific, and could not be withstood by the
+strongest vessel ever constructed. Indeed, the great armoured
+vessels were being pulverised as easily as glass balls struck by
+bullets, and every moment hundreds of poor fellows were being
+hurled into eternity. At last the enemy discovered the distant
+source of the fire, and prepared to escape beyond range; but in
+this they were unsuccessful, for, after a renewed and terrific
+fight, in which three French ironclads were sunk and two of
+our cruisers were torpedoed, our force and our allies the
+Germans succeeded in capturing the remainder of the hostile
+ships and torpedo boats.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle had been frightful, but the victory was
+magnificent.</p>
+
+<p>That same night the British ships steamed along the Sussex
+coast and captured the whole of the French and Russian
+transports, the majority of which were British vessels that had
+been seized while lying in French and Russian ports at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span>
+time war was declared. The vessels were lying between
+Beachy Head and Selsey Bill, and by their capture the enemy's
+means of retreat were at once totally cut off.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, at the eleventh hour, the British Navy had shown
+itself worthy of its reputation, and England regained the
+supremacy of the seas.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DAY OF RECKONING.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc350.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>he Day of Reckoning dawned.</p>
+
+<p>On land the battle was terrific; the struggle
+was the most fierce and bloody of any during
+the invasion. The British Regulars holding
+the high ground along from Crowborough to
+Ticehurst, and from Etchingham, through
+Brightling and Ashburnham, down to Battle, advanced in a
+huge fighting line upon the enemy's base around Eastbourne.
+The onslaught was vigorously repelled, and the battle across
+the Sussex Downs quickly became a most wild and sanguinary
+one; but as the day passed, although the defenders were
+numerically very weak, they nevertheless gradually effected
+terrible slaughter, capturing the whole of the enemy's stores,
+and taking nearly five thousand prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>In Kent the French had advanced from East Grinstead
+through Edenbridge, extending along the hills south of
+Westerham, and in consequence of these rapid successes the
+dep�t of stores and ammunition which had been maintained at
+Sevenoaks was being removed to Bromley by rail; but as the
+officer commanding the British troops at Eynsford could see
+that it would most probably be impossible to get them all
+away before Sevenoaks was attacked, orders were issued that
+at a certain hour the remainder should be destroyed. The
+force covering the removal only consisted of two battalions of
+the Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex) Regiment and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span>
+half a squadron of the 9th Lancers; but the hills north of
+Sevenoaks from Luddesdown through Stanstead, Otford, Shoreham,
+Halstead, Farnborough, and Keston were still held by
+our Volunteers. These infantry battalions included the 1st
+and 2nd Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters), under
+Col. A. Buchanan, V.D., and Col. E. Hall, V.D.; the 1st Nottinghamshire,
+under Col. A. Cantrell-Hubbersty; the 4th
+Derbyshire, under Lord Newark; the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire,
+under Col. J. G. Williams, V.D., and Col. R. G. Ellison;
+the 1st Leicestershire, under Col. S. Davis, V.D.; the 1st Northamptonshire,
+under Col. T. J. Walker, V.D.; the 1st and 2nd
+Shropshire Light Infantry, under Col. J. A. Anstice, V.D., and
+Col. R. T. Masefield; the 1st Herefordshire, under Col. T.
+H. Purser, V.D.; the 1st, 3rd, and 4th South Wales Borderers,
+under Col. T. Wood, Col. J. A. Bradney, and Col. H. Burton,
+V.D.; the 1st and 2nd Warwickshire, under Col. W. S. Jervis
+and Col. L. V. Loyd; the 1st and 2nd Welsh Fusiliers, under
+Col. C. S. Mainwaring and Col. B. G. D. Cooke, V.D.; the
+2nd Welsh Regiment, under Col. A. P. Vivian, V.D.; the
+3rd Glamorganshire, under Col. J. C. Richardson, V.D.; and
+the 1st Worcestershire, under Col. W. H. Talbot, V.D.; while
+the artillery consisted of the 3rd Kent, under Col. Hozier; the
+1st Monmouthshire, under Col. C. T. Wallis; the 1st Shropshire
+and Staffordshire, under Col. J. Strick, V.D.; and the
+5th Lancashire, under Col. W. H. Hunt.</p>
+
+<p>The events which occurred outside Sevenoaks are perhaps
+best described by Capt. A. E. Brown, of the 4th V.B. West
+Surrey Regiment, who was acting as one of the special
+correspondents of the <i>Standard</i>. He wrote&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I was in command of a piquet consisting of fifty men of
+my regiment at Turvan's Farm, and about three hours before
+the time to destroy the remainder of the stores at Sevenoaks
+my sentries were suddenly driven in by the enemy, who were
+advancing from the direction of Froghall. As I had orders to
+hold the farm at any cost, we immediately prepared for action.
+Fortunately we had a fair supply of provisions and plenty of
+ammunition, for since War had broken out the place had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span>
+been utilised as a kind of outlying fort, although at this time
+only my force occupied it. Our equipment included two
+machine guns, and it was mainly by the aid of these we
+were saved.</p>
+
+<p>"The strength of the attacking force appeared to be about
+four battalions of French infantry and a battalion of Zouaves,
+with two squadrons of Cuirassiers. Their intention was, no
+doubt, to cut the railway line near Twitton, and thus prevent
+the removal of the Sevenoaks stores. As soon as the cavalry
+scouts came within range we gave them a few sharp volleys,
+and those who were able immediately retired in disorder.
+Soon afterwards, however, the farm was surrounded, but I
+had previously sent information to our reserves, and suggested
+that a sharp watch should be kept upon the line from Twitton
+to Sevenoaks, for of course I could do nothing with my small
+force. Dusk was now creeping on, and as the enemy remained
+quiet for a short time it seemed as though they intended to
+assault our position when it grew dark.</p>
+
+<p>"Before night set in, however, my messenger, who had
+managed to elude the vigilance of the enemy, returned, with a
+letter from a brother officer stating that a great naval battle
+had been fought in the Channel; and further, that the enemy's
+retreat had been cut off, and that the Kentish defenders had
+already retaken the invaders' base at Eastbourne. If we could,
+therefore, still hold the Surrey Hills, there was yet a chance of
+thoroughly defeating the French and Russians, even though
+one strong body was reported as having taken Guildford and
+Leatherhead, and was now marching upon London.</p>
+
+<p>"As evening drew on we could hear heavy firing in the
+direction of Sevenoaks, but as we also heard a train running it
+became evident that we still held the station. Nevertheless,
+soon after dark there was a brilliant flash which for a second
+lit up the country around like day, and a terrific report
+followed. We knew the remainder of our stores and ammunition
+had been demolished in order that it should not fall into
+the enemy's hands!</p>
+
+<p>"Shortly afterwards we were vigorously attacked, and our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span>
+position quickly became almost untenable by the dozens of
+bullets projected in every direction where the flash of our
+rifles could be seen. Very soon some of the farm outbuildings
+fell into the hands of the Frenchmen, and they set them on
+fire, together with a number of haystacks, in order to burn us
+out. This move, however, proved pretty disastrous to them,
+for the leaping flames quickly rendered it light as day, and
+showed them up, while at the same time flashes from our
+muzzles were almost invisible to them. Thus we were
+enabled to bring our two machine guns into action, and
+break up every party of Frenchmen who showed themselves.
+Away over Sevenoaks there was a glare in the sky, for the
+enemy were looting and burning the town. Meanwhile, however,
+our men who had been defending the place had retreated
+to Dunton Green after blowing up the stores, and there they
+re-formed and were quickly moving off in the direction of
+Twitton. Fortunately they had heard the commencement of
+the attack on us, and the commander, halting his force, had
+sent out scouts towards Chevening, and it appeared they
+reached us just at the moment the enemy had fired the
+stacks. They worked splendidly, and, after going nearly all
+round the enemy's position, returned and reported to their
+Colonel, who at once resolved to relieve us.</p>
+
+<p>"As may be imagined, we were in a most critical position
+by this time, especially as we were unaware that assistance
+was so near. We had been ordered to hold the farm, and we
+meant to do it as long as breath remained in our bodies. All
+my men worked magnificently, and displayed remarkable coolness,
+even at the moment when death stared us in the face.
+The reports of the scouts enabled their Colonel to make his
+disposition very carefully, and it was not long before the
+enemy were almost completely surrounded. We afterwards
+learnt that our reserves at Stockholm Wood had sent out a
+battalion, which fortunately came in touch with the survivors
+of the Sevenoaks force just as they opened a desperate
+onslaught upon the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>"With the fierce flames and blinding smoke from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span>
+burning stacks belching in our faces, we fought on with fire
+around us on every side. As the fire drew nearer to us the
+heat became intense, the showers of sparks galled us almost
+as much as the enemy's bullets, and some of us had our eyebrows
+and hair singed by the fierce flames. Indeed, it was as
+much as we could do to keep our ammunition from exploding;
+nevertheless we kept up our stream of lead, pouring volley
+after volley upon those who had attacked us. Nevertheless,
+with such a barrier of flame and obscuring smoke between us
+we could see but little in the darkness beyond, and we all
+knew that if we emerged from cover we should be picked off
+easily and not a man would survive. The odds were against
+us. More than twenty of my brave fellows had fired their last
+shot, and now lay with their dead upturned faces looking
+ghastly in the brilliant glare, while a number of others had
+sunk back wounded. The heat was frightful, the smoke
+stifling, and I had just given up all hope of relief, and had
+set my teeth, determined to die like an Englishman should,
+when we heard a terrific volley of musketry at close quarters,
+and immediately afterwards a dozen British bugles sounded
+the charge. The scene of carnage that followed was terrible.
+Our comrades gave one volley from their magazines rifles, and
+then charged with the bayonet, taking the enemy completely
+by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"The Frenchmen tried to rally, but in vain, and among
+those huge burning barns and blazing ricks they all fell or
+were captured. Dozens of them struggled valiantly till the
+last; but, refusing to surrender, they were slaughtered amid a
+most frightful scene of blood and fire. The events of that
+night were horrible, and the true extent of the losses on both
+sides was only revealed when the flames died down and the
+parting clouds above heralded another grey and toilsome day."</p>
+
+<p>Late on the previous evening the advance guard of the
+enemy proceeding north towards Caterham came in touch with
+the defenders north of Godstone. The French cavalry had
+seized Red Hill Junction Station at sundown, and some of
+their scouts suddenly came upon a detached post of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span>
+17th Middlesex Volunteers at Tyler's Green, close to Godstone.
+A very sharp skirmish ensued, but the Volunteers,
+although suffering severe losses, held their own, and the
+cavalry went off along the Oxted Road. This being reported
+to the British General, special orders were at once sent to Col.
+Trotter, the commander of this section of the outpost line.</p>
+
+<p>From the reports of the inhabitants and of scouts sent
+out in plain clothes, it was believed that the French intended
+massing near Tandridge, and that they would therefore wait for
+supports before attempting to break through our outpost line,
+which still remained intact from the high ground east of
+Leatherhead to the hills north of Sevenoaks. During the
+night Oxted and Godstone were occupied by the enemy, and
+early in the morning their advance guard, consisting of four
+battalions of infantry, a squadron of cavalry, a battalion of
+Zouaves, and a section of field artillery, proceeded north in
+two columns, one along the Roman road leading past Rook's
+Nest, and the other past Flinthall Farm.</p>
+
+<p>At the latter place the sentries of the 17th Middlesex fell
+back upon their piquets, and both columns of the enemy came
+into action simultaneously. The French infantry on the high
+road soon succeeded in driving back the Volunteer piquet upon
+the supports, under Lieut. Michaelis, stationed at the junction
+of the Roman road with that leading to Godstone Quarry. A
+strong barricade with two deep trenches in front had here been
+constructed, and as soon as the survivors of the piquet got
+under cover, two of the defenders' machine guns opened fire
+from behind the barricade, assisted at the same moment by a
+battery on Gravelly Hill.</p>
+
+<p>The French artillery had gone on towards Flinthall Farm,
+but in passing the north edge of Rook's Nest Park their horses
+were shot by some Inniskilling Fusiliers lying in ambush, and
+by these two reverses, combined with the deadly fire from
+the two machine guns at the farm, the column was very
+quickly thrown into confusion. It was then decided to make
+a counter attack, and the available companies at this section
+of the outpost line, under Col. Brown and Col. Roche, succeeded,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span>
+after nearly two hours' hard fighting, in retaking
+Godstone and Oxted, compelling the few survivors of the
+enemy's advance guard to fall back to Blindley Heath.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 587px;">
+<a href="images/i356-hi.png"><img src="images/i356-lo.png" width="587" height="600" alt="THE BATTLE OF CATERHAM: PLAN OF THE BRITISH POSITIONS." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">THE BATTLE OF CATERHAM: PLAN OF THE BRITISH POSITIONS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In the meantime our troops occupying the line from
+Halstead to Chatham and Maidstone went down into battle,
+attacking the French right wing at the same time as the
+Indians were attacking their left, while the Volunteers from
+the Surrey Hills engaged the main body. The day was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span>
+blazing hot, the roads dusty, and there was scarce a breath of
+wind. So hot, indeed, was it, that many on both sides fell
+from hunger, thirst, and sheer starvation. Yet, although the
+force of the invaders was nearly twice the numerical strength
+of the defenders, the latter fought on with undaunted courage,
+striking their swift, decisive blows for England and their
+Queen.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy, now driven into a triangle, fought with
+demoniacal strength, and that frenzied courage begotten of
+despair. On the hills around Sevenoaks and across to the
+valley at Otford, the slaughter of the French was fearful.
+Britons fighting for their homes and their country were
+determined that Britannia should still be Ruler of the World.</p>
+
+<p>From Wimlet Hill the enemy were by noon totally cut up
+and routed by the 12th Middlesex (Civil Service), under Lord
+Bury; the 25th (Bank), under Capt. W. J. Coe, V.D.; the
+13th (Queen's), under Col. J. W. Comerford; the 21st
+Middlesex, under Col. H. B. Deane, V.D.; and the 22nd,
+under Col. W. J. Alt, V.D. Over at Oxted, however, they
+rallied, and some brilliant charges by Cossacks, the slaughter
+of a portion of our advance guard, and the capture of one of
+our Volunteer batteries on Botley Hill, checked our advance.</p>
+
+<p>The French, finding their right flank being so terribly cut up,
+had suddenly altered their tactics, and were now concentrating
+their forces upon the Volunteer position at Caterham in an
+endeavour to break through our defensive line.</p>
+
+<p>But the hills about that position held by the North London,
+West London, South London, Surrey, and Cheshire Brigades
+were well defended, and the General had his finger upon the
+pulse of his command. Most of the positions had been
+excellently chosen. Strong batteries were established at
+Gravelly Hill by the 9th Lancashire Volunteer Artillery,
+under Col. F. Ainsworth, V.D.; at Harestone Farm by the
+1st Cinque Ports, under Col. P. S. Court, V.D.; at White
+Hill by the 1st Northumberland and the 1st Norfolk, under
+Col. P. Watts and Col. T. Wilson, V.D.; at Botley Hill
+by the 6th Lancashire, under Col. H. J. Robinson, V.D.; at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span>
+Tandridge Hill by the 3rd Lancashire, under Col. R. W.
+Thom, V.D.; at Chaldon by the 1st Newcastle, under Col.
+W. M. Angus, V.D., who had come south after the victory at
+the Tyneside; at Warlingham village by the 1st Cheshire,
+commanded by Col. H. T. Brown, V.D.; at Warlingham Court
+by the 2nd Durham, under Col. J. B. Eminson, V.D.; on
+the Sanderstead road, near King's Wood, by the 2nd Cinque
+Ports, under Col. W. Taylor, V.D.; and on the railway near
+Woldingham the 1st Sussex had stationed their armoured train
+with 40-pounder breech-loading Armstrongs, which they fired
+very effectively from the permanent way.</p>
+
+<p>Through Limpsfield, Oxted, Godstone, Bletchingley, and
+Nutsfield, towards Reigate, Frenchmen and Britons fought
+almost hand to hand. The defenders suffered severely,
+owing to the repeated charges of the French Dragoons along
+the highway between Oxted and Godstone, nevertheless the
+batteries of the 6th Lancashire on Tandridge Hill, which
+commanded a wide area of country occupied by the enemy,
+wrought frightful execution in their ranks. In this they
+were assisted by the 17th Middlesex, under Col. W. J.
+Brown, V.D., who with four Maxims at one period of the
+fight surprised and practically annihilated a whole battalion
+of French infantry. But into this attack on Caterham
+the enemy put his whole strength, and from noon until four
+o'clock the fighting along the valley was a fierce combat to
+the death.</p>
+
+<p>With every bit of cover bristling with magazine rifles, and
+every available artillery position shedding forth a storm of
+bullets and shell, the loss of life was awful. Invaders and
+defenders fell in hundreds, and with burning brow and dry
+parched throat expired in agony. The London Irish, under
+Col. J. Ward, V.D.; the Post Office Corps, under Col. J. Du
+Plat Taylor, V.D., and Col. S. R. Thompson, V.D.; the Inns of
+Court, under Col. C. H. Russell, V.D.; and the Cyclists, led
+by Major T. De B. Holmes, performed many gallant deeds,
+and served their country well. The long, dusty highways
+were quickly covered with the bodies of the unfortunate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span>
+victims, who lay with blanched, bloodless faces and sightless
+eyes turned upward to the burning sun. On over them rode
+madly French cavalry and Cossacks, cutting their way into
+the British infantry, never to return.</p>
+
+<p>Just, however, as they prepared for another terrific onslaught,
+the guns of the 1st Cheshire battery at Warlingham
+village thundered, and with smart section volleys added by
+detachments of the London Scottish, under Major W. Brodie,
+V.D., and the Artists, under Capt. W. L. Duffield and Lieut.
+Pott, the road was in a few minutes strewn with horses and
+men dead and dying.</p>
+
+<p>Still onward there rushed along the valley great masses of
+French infantry, but the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Volunteer Battalions
+of the Royal Fusiliers, under Col. G. C. Clark, V.D., Col.
+A. L. Keller, and Col. L. Whewell respectively; the 2nd
+V. B. Middlesex Regiment, under Col. G. Brodie Clark, V.D.;
+the 3rd Middlesex, under Col. R Hennell, D.S.O., late of the
+Indian Army; and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th West Surrey,
+under Col. J. Freeland, V.D., Col. G. Drewitt, V.D., Col. S. B.
+Bevington, V.D., and Col. F. W. Haddan, V.D., engaged
+them, and by dint of desperate effort, losing heavily all the
+time, they defeated them, drove them back, and slaughtered
+them in a manner that to a non-combatant was horrible and
+appalling. Time after time, the enemy, still being harassed by
+the British Regulars on their right, charged up the valley, in
+order to take the battery at Harestone Farm; but on each
+occasion few of those who dashed forward survived. The
+dusty roads, the grassy slopes, and the ploughed lands were
+covered with corpses, and blood draining into the springs
+and rivulets tinged their crystal waters.</p>
+
+<p>As afternoon passed and the battle continued, it was by no
+means certain that success in this fierce final struggle would
+lie with us. Having regard to the enormous body of invaders
+now concentrated on the Surrey border, and striving by every
+device to force a passage through our lines, our forces, spread
+over such a wide area and outflanking them, were necessarily
+weak. It was therefore only by the excellent tactics displayed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span>
+by our officers, and the magnificent courage of the men
+themselves, that we had been enabled to hold back these overwhelming
+masses, which had already desolated Sussex with fire
+and sword.</p>
+
+<p>Our Regulars operating along the old Roman highway
+through Blindley Heath&mdash;where the invaders were making a
+desperate stand&mdash;and over to Lingfield, succeeded, after very
+hard fighting, in clearing the enemy off the railway embankment
+from Crowhurst along to South Park Farm, and following
+them up, annihilated them.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually, just at sundown, a strong division of the enemy
+were outflanked at Godstone, and, refusing to lay down their
+arms, were simply swept out of existence, scarcely a single
+man escaping. Thus forced back from, perhaps, the most
+vulnerable point in our defences, the main body of the enemy
+were then driven away upon Redhill, still fighting fiercely.
+Over Redstone Hill, through Mead Vale, and across Reigate
+Park to the Heath, the enemy were shot down in hundreds
+by our Regulars; while our Volunteers, whose courage never
+deserted them, engaged the French in hand-to-hand encounters
+through the streets of Redhill and Reigate, as far as Underhill
+Park.</p>
+
+<p>In Hartswood a company of the 4th East Surrey Rifles,
+under Major S. B. Wheaton, V.D., were lying in ambush, when
+suddenly among the trees they caught glimpses of red, baggy
+trousers, and scarlet, black-tasselled fezes, and a few seconds
+later they found that a large force of Zouaves were working
+through the wood. A few moments elapsed, and the combat
+commenced. The Algerians fought like demons, and with
+bullet and bayonet inflicted terrible punishment upon us; but
+as they emerged into the road preparatory to firing a volley
+into the thickets, they were surprised by a company of the
+2nd Volunteer Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, under
+Capt. Pott, who killed and wounded half their number, and
+took the remainder prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually our Volunteer brigades occupying the long range
+of hills united with our Regulars still on the enemy's right<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span>
+from Reigate to Crawley, and closed down upon the foe,
+slowly narrowing the sphere of their operations, and by degrees
+forcing them back due westward. Russians and French, who
+had attacked Dorking, had by this time been defeated with
+heavy loss, and by dusk the main body had been thrown back
+to Newdigate, where in Reffold's Copse one or two very sanguinary
+encounters occurred. These, however, were not always in
+our favour, for the Civil Service Volunteers here sustained very
+heavy losses. On the railway embankment, and on the road
+running along the crest of the hill to Dorking, the French
+made a stand, and there wrought frightful execution among our
+men with their machine guns. Around Beare Green, Trout's
+Farm, and behind the "White Hart" at Holmwood, the enemy
+rapidly brought their guns into play, and occupied such strong
+strategic positions that as night drew on it became evident that
+they intended to remain there until the morrow.</p>
+
+<p>The defenders had but little cover, and consequently felt
+the withering fire of the French very severely. The latter had
+entrenched themselves, and now in the darkness it was difficult
+for our men to discern their exact position. Indeed, the
+situation of our forces became very serious and unsafe as night
+proceeded; but at length, about ten o'clock, a strong force of
+British Regulars, including the Sikhs and a detachment of
+Australians, swept along the road from Dorking, and came
+suddenly upon the French patrols. These were slaughtered
+with little resistance, and almost before the enemy were aware
+of it, the whole position was completely surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>Our men then used their field search-lights with very great
+advantage; for, as the enemy were driven out into the open,
+they were blinded by the glare, and fell an easy prey to British
+rifles; while the Frenchmen's own machine guns were turned
+upon them with frightful effect, their battalions being literally
+mowed down by the awful hail of bullets.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XL.</h2>
+
+<h3>"FOR ENGLAND!"</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc362.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="T" title="T" /></div><p>hrough the whole night the battle still raged
+furiously. The enemy fought on with reckless,
+unparalleled daring. Chasseurs and Zouaves,
+Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and infantry from the
+Loire and the Rhone struggled desperately,
+contesting every step, and confident of
+ultimate victory.</p>
+
+<p>But the enemy had at last, by the splendid tactics of
+the defenders, been forced into a gradually contracting square,
+bounded by Dorking and Guildford in the north, and Horsham
+and Billinghurst in the south, and soon after midnight, with a
+concentric movement from each of the four corners, British
+Regulars and Volunteers advanced steadily upon the foe,
+surrounding and slaughtering them.</p>
+
+<p>The horrors of that night were frightful; the loss of life
+on every hand enormous. Britannia had husbanded her full
+strength until this critical moment; for now, when the fate of
+her Empire hung upon a single thread, she sent forth her
+valiant sons, who fell upon those who had desecrated and
+destroyed their homes, and wreaked a terrible vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>Through the dark, sultry hours this awful destruction of
+life continued with unabated fury, and many a Briton closed
+with his foe in death embrace, or fell forward mortally
+wounded. Of British heroes there were many that night, for
+true pluck showed itself everywhere, and Englishmen performed
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span>many deeds worthy their traditions as the most
+courageous and undaunted among nations.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<a href="images/i363-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i363-lo.jpg" width="403" height="600" alt="BRITISH BLUEJACKETS MARCHING THROUGH THE STRAND AFTER THE VICTORY." title="" /></a>
+<br /><span class="caption">BRITISH BLUEJACKETS MARCHING THROUGH THE STRAND AFTER THE VICTORY.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Although the French Commander-in-chief had been killed,
+yet the enemy still fought on tenaciously, holding their ground
+on Leith Hill and through Pasture Wood to Wotton and
+Abinger, until at length, when the saffron streak in the sky
+heralded another blazing day, the straggling, exhausted remnant
+of the once-powerful legions of France and Russia, perspiring,
+dust-covered, and bloodstained, finding they stood alone, and
+that the whole of Sussex and Surrey had been swept and their
+comrades slaughtered, laid down their arms and eventually
+surrendered.</p>
+
+<p>After these three breathless days of butchery and bloodshed
+England was at last victorious!</p>
+
+<p>In this final struggle for Britain's freedom the invader had
+been crushed and his power broken; for, thanks to our gallant
+citizen soldiers, the enemy that had for weeks overrun our
+smiling land like packs of hungry wolves, wantonly burning
+our homes and massacring the innocent and unprotected, had
+at length met with their well-merited deserts, and now lay
+spread over the miles of pastures, cornfields, and forests, stark,
+cold, and dead.</p>
+
+<p>Britain had at last vanquished the two powerful nations
+that had sought by ingenious conspiracy to accomplish her
+downfall.</p>
+
+<p>Thousands of her brave sons had, alas! fallen while fighting
+under the British flag. Many of the principal streets of
+her gigantic capital were only parallel lines of gaunt, blackened
+ruins, and many of her finest cities lay wrecked, shattered, and
+desolate; yet this terrible ordeal had happily not weakened
+her power one iota, nor had she been ousted from her proud
+position as chief among the mighty Empires of the world.</p>
+
+<p>Three days after the great and decisive battle of Caterham,
+the British troops, with their compatriots from the Cape,
+Australia, Canada, and India, entered London triumphantly,
+bringing with them some thousands of French and Russian
+prisoners. In the streets, as, ragged and dusty, Britain's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span>
+defenders passed through on their way to a great Open-Air
+Thanksgiving Service in Hyde Park, there were scenes of the
+wildest enthusiasm. With heartfelt gratitude, the people,
+scrambling over the d�bris heaped each side of the streets,
+cheered themselves hoarse; the men grasping the hands of
+Volunteers and veterans, and the women, weeping for joy,
+raising the soldiers' hands to their lips. The glad tidings of
+victory caused rejoicings everywhere. England, feeling herself
+free, breathed again. In every church and chapel through the
+United Kingdom special Services of Thanksgiving for deliverance
+from the invaders' thrall were held, while in every town
+popular f�tes were organised, and delighted Britons gaily
+celebrated their magnificent and overwhelming triumph.</p>
+
+<p>In this disastrous struggle between nations France had
+suffered frightfully. Paris, bombarded and burning, capitulated
+on the day following the battle of Caterham, and the legions of
+the Kaiser marched up the Boulevards with their brilliant cavalry
+uniforms flashing in the sun. Over the Hotel de Ville, the
+Government buildings on the Quai d'Orsay, and the Ministries
+of War and Marine, the German flag was hoisted, and waved
+lazily in the autumn breeze, while the Emperor William himself
+had an interview with the French President at the Elys�e.</p>
+
+<p>That evening all France knew that Paris had fallen. In a
+few days England was already shipping back to Dieppe and
+Riga her prisoners of war, and negotiations for peace had
+commenced. As security against any further attempts on
+England, Italian troops were occupying the whole of Southern
+France from Grenoble to Bordeaux; and the Germans, in
+addition to occupying Paris, had established their headquarters
+in Moghilev, and driven back the Army of the Tsar far beyond
+the Dnieper.</p>
+
+<p>From both France and Russia, Germany demanded huge
+indemnities, as well as a large tract of territory in Poland, and
+the whole of the vast Champagne country from Givet, on the
+Belgian frontier, down to the S�one.</p>
+
+<p>Ten days later France was forced to accept the preliminaries
+of a treaty which we proposed. This included the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span>
+cession to us of Algiers, with its docks and harbour, so that we
+might establish another naval station in the Mediterranean,
+and the payment of an indemnity of �250,000,000. Our
+demands upon Russia at the same time were that she should
+withdraw all her troops from Bokhara, and should cede to us
+the whole of that portion of the Trans-Caspian territory lying
+between the mouths of the Oxus and Kizil Arvat, thence along
+the Persian frontier to Zulfikai, along the Afghan frontier to
+Karki, and from there up the bank of the Oxus to the Aral
+Sea. This vast area of land included the cities of Khiva and
+Merv, the many towns around Kara Khum, the country of the
+Kara Turkomans, the Tekeh and the Yomuts, and the annexation
+of it by Britain would effectually prevent the Russians
+ever advancing upon India.</p>
+
+<p>Upon these huge demands, in addition to the smaller ones
+by Italy and Austria, a Peace Conference was opened at
+Brussels without delay, and at length France and her Muscovite
+ally, both vanquished and ruined, were compelled to
+accept the proposals of Britain and Germany.</p>
+
+<p>Hence, on November 16th, 1897, the Treaty of Peace was
+signed, and eight days later was ratified. Then the huge forces
+of the Kaiser gradually withdrew into Germany, and the
+soldiers of King Humbert recrossed the Alps, while we shipped
+back the remainder of our prisoners, reopened our trade routes,
+and commenced rebuilding our shattered cities.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XLI.</h2>
+
+<h3>DAWN.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/dc368.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="A" title="A" /></div><p> raw, cold December morning in London.
+With the exception of a statuesque sentry on
+the Horse Guards' Parade, the wide open space
+was deserted. It had not long been light, and
+a heavy yellow mist still hung over the grass
+in St. James's Park.</p>
+
+<p>A bell clanged mournfully. Big Ben chimed the hour, and
+then boomed forth eight o'clock. An icy wind swept across
+the gravelled square. The bare, black branches of the stunted
+trees creaked and groaned, and the lonely sentry standing at
+ease before his box rubbed his hands and shivered.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a side door opened, and there emerged a small
+procession. Slowly there walked in front a clergyman bare-headed,
+reciting with solemn intonation the Burial Service.
+Behind him, with unsteady step and bent shoulders, a trembling
+man with blanched, haggard face, and a wild look of terror
+in his dark, deep-sunken eyes. He wore a shabby morning-coat
+tightly buttoned, and his hands in bracelets of steel were
+behind his back.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing furtively around at the grey dismal landscape, he
+shuddered. Beside and behind him soldiers tramped on in silence.</p>
+
+<p>The officer's sword grated along the gravel.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a word of command caused them to halt against
+a wall, and a sergeant, stepping forward, took a handkerchief
+and tied it over the eyes of the quivering culprit, who now
+stood with his back against the wall. Another word from the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span>officer, and the party receded some distance, leaving the man
+alone. The monotonous nasal utterances of the chaplain still
+sounded as four privates advanced, and, halting, stood in single
+rank before the prisoner.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 401px;">
+<a href="images/i369-hi.jpg"><img src="images/i369-lo.jpg" width="401" height="600" alt="EXECUTION OF VON BEILSTEIN ON THE HORSE GUARDS&#39; PARADE." title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">EXECUTION OF VON BEILSTEIN ON THE HORSE GUARDS&#39; PARADE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>They raised their rifles. There was a momentary pause.
+In the distance a dog howled dismally.</p>
+
+<p>A sharp word of command broke the quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Then, a second later, as four rifles rang out simultaneously,
+the condemned man tottered forward and fell heavily on the
+gravel, shot through the heart.</p>
+
+<p>It was the spy and murderer, Karl von Beilstein!</p>
+
+<p>He had been brought from Glasgow to London in order
+that certain information might be elicited from him, and after
+his actions had been thoroughly investigated by a military
+court, he had been sentenced to death. The whole of his past
+was revealed by his valet Grevel, and it was proved that, in
+addition to bringing the great disaster upon England, he had
+also betrayed the country whose roubles purchased his
+cunningly-obtained secrets.</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey Engleheart, although gallantly assisting in the
+fight outside Leatherhead, and subsequently showing conspicuous
+bravery during the Battle of Caterham, fortunately
+escaped with nothing more severe than a bullet wound in the
+arm. During the searching private inquiry held at the Foreign
+Office after peace was restored, he explained the whole of the
+circumstances, and was severely reprimanded for his indiscretion;
+but as no suspicion of von Beilstein's real motive
+had been aroused prior to the Declaration of War, and as it
+was proved that Geoffrey was entirely innocent of any complicity
+in the affair, he was, at the urgent request of Lord
+Stanbury, allowed to resume his duties. Shortly afterwards
+he was married to Violet Vayne, and Sir Joseph, having recovered
+those of his ships that had been seized by the Russian
+Government, was thereby enabled to give his daughter a handsome
+dowry.</p>
+
+<p>The young French clerk who had been engaged at the
+Admiralty, and who had committed murder for gold, escaped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span>
+to Spain, and, after being hunted by English and Spanish detectives
+for many weeks, he became apparently overwhelmed
+by remorse. Not daring to show himself by day, nor to claim
+the money that had been promised him, he had tramped on
+through the snow from village to village in the unfrequented
+valleys of Lerida, while his description was being circulated
+throughout the Continent. Cold, weary, and hungry, he one
+night entered the Posada de las Pijorras at the little town of
+Oliana, at the foot of the Sierra del Cadi. Calling for wine, he
+took up a dirty crumpled copy of the Madrid <i>Globo</i>, three days
+old. A paragraph, headed "The Missing Spy," caught his
+eyes, and, reading eagerly, he found to his dismay that the
+police were aware that he had been in Huesca a week before,
+and were now using bloodhounds to track him!</p>
+
+<p>The paper fell from his nerveless grasp. The wine at his
+elbow he swallowed at one gulp, and, tossing down his last real
+upon the table, he rose and stumbled away blindly into the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>When the wintry dawn spread in that silent, distant valley,
+it showed a corpse lying in the snow with face upturned. In
+the white wrinkled brow was a small dark-blue hole from
+which blood had oozed over the pallid cheek, leaving an ugly
+stain. The staring eyes were wide open, with a look of unutterable
+horror in them, and beside the thin clenched hand
+lay a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged!</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The dreary gloom of winter passed, and there dawned a
+new era of prosperity for England.</p>
+
+<p>Dark days were succeeded by a period of happiness and
+rejoicing, and Britannia, grasping her trident again, seated
+herself on her shield beside the sea, Ruler of the Waves, Queen
+of Nations, and Empress of the World.</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+THE END.<br />
+<br />
+MORRISON AND GIBB, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH.
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>Ready shortly, price 6s.</i><br />
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.
+</div>
+
+<h2>ZORAIDA.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>A ROMANCE OF THE HAREM AND THE DESERT.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">By WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.</span>,<br />
+AUTHOR OF "THE GREAT WAR IN 1897."<br />
+<i>PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED BY H. PIFFARD.</i>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>Ready shortly, price 6s.</i><br />
+THE TOWER ROMANCE LIBRARY. VOL. I.
+</div>
+
+<h2>A TORQUAY MARRIAGE.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+A NEW MODERN NOVEL OF TO-DAY.<br />
+<span class="smcap">By G. RAYLEIGH VICARS and EDITH VICARS.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>Ready shortly, price 6s.</i><br />
+VOL. II.
+</div>
+
+<h2>IN QUEST OF A NAME.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<span class="smcap">By MRS. HENRY WYLDE.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>Ready shortly.</i>
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s.<br />
+<i>With numerous Illustrations by E. S. Hope.</i>
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<span class="smcap">By GEORGE GRIFFITH,</span><br />
+AUTHOR OF "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "OLGA ROMANOFF," ETC.
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>Now ready. Picture Cover. Price 1s.</i>
+</div>
+
+<h2>BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>A POLITICAL DREAM.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">By GEOFFREY DANYERS.</span><br />
+A Vision of the Reunited Anglo-Saxondom asserting the
+Dominion of the Sea.
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="center">
+<i>Now ready. Eleventh Edition. Price 6s.</i>
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<span class="smcap">By</span> WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.<br />
+<i>With Numerous Illustrations by T. S. Crowther and Captain C. Field, and
+Nine Military Maps.</i>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+The Opinions of some Great Authorities.
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p><span class="smcap">The Duke of Cambridge</span>, writing to the Author, says: "Such books cannot fail to have a
+good effect in inducing people to think more seriously of the necessity which lies upon the
+whole country to always be prepared, and to be more openhanded in giving money for the
+means of defence."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Field Marshal Lord Wolseley</span> says: "A pleasure to peruse it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Marquis of Salisbury</span> says: "It is very realistic and interesting."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Lord George Hamilton</span> says: "It is very striking and original."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir C. Dilke</span> says: "I think it is most valuable as tending to make people realise how
+little we are prepared for war."</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+Opinions of the London Press.
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p><i>The Times</i> says: "Everything that can spice a sensational volume."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Morning Post</i> says: "Few works can compare in stirring incidents or careful elaboration
+of detail.... A great deal of what he forecasts would be very likely to occur if once
+England were in the clutches of a strong enemy, and in the matter of description wherein
+the tumult and carnage is brought vividly before the reader.... A clever and exciting
+book."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Standard</i> says: "Full of excitement and realism."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Globe</i> says: "It is vigorous and rousing.... Will do a public service."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Sun</i> says: "Mr. Le Queux' narrative is well and spiritedly written."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Evening News</i> says: "Mr. Le Queux has succeeded in a very difficult task. He has
+brought home to us the dangers we expose ourselves if we neglect to maintain our Army
+and Navy in an adequate state of efficiency."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Daily Graphic</i> says: "Various essays have been made to forecast the next great
+European war, but Mr. William Le Queux' volume is certainly the most comprehensive
+and thrilling of anything yet attempted. Regarded simply as a work of fiction, it is exciting
+enough to satisfy the most enthusiastic lover of 'blood and thunder' literature. In
+its more serious aspect&mdash;and it is this aspect, of course, which the author desires for it&mdash;this
+book certainly evidences serious thought.... It is all very graphic and very thrilling,
+especially the bombardment of London by the Russians, and the author has not scrupled
+to avail himself of the latest, even of the future, resources of science."</p>
+
+<p><i>Naval and Military Record</i> says: "Mr. Le Queux has special qualifications for the task.
+He knows a great deal of our Army and Navy, and he is familiar with continental systems
+and sentiment. The narrative is lively and spirited, and the author writes with an air of
+conviction which is calculated to carry the reader on from beginning to end."</p>
+
+<p><i>Admiralty and Horse Guards Gazette</i> says: "Mr. Le Queux is a vivid writer, and his
+work gives evidence of care and thoroughness. The chapter dealing with the march of the
+French on London is particularly fine. The author's production is the best of the kind
+we have come across for some time. It should emphasise our old contention as to the
+unreadiness for active service on a prolonged campaign of the sea and land forces of the
+Empire."</p>
+
+<p><i>Army and Navy Gazette</i> says: "The story is a capital one, full of interest and incident,
+well sustained and well told."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Idler</i> says: "Mr. Le Queux writes brilliantly, sensibly, and with a thorough mastery
+of his subject."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Sketch</i> says: "No novel of the day comes up to Mr. Le Queux' 'Great War in
+England in 1897' for excitement. From the preface to the last paragraph he has kept up
+his prophetic heroics in magnificent style, and if his patriotism does not scatter our
+indifference to our insular defences, why, then, nothing will. It is really a terrifying book.
+Mr. Le Queux has power to shake one's nerves as he foretells fights and slaughters in
+peaceful suburbs."</p>
+
+<p><i>The World</i> says: "It serves to bring home in a very realistic fashion the horrors of a war
+brought into our very midst."</p>
+
+<p><i>To-Day</i> says: "A mastery of military and naval details is displayed with conception and
+execution."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Review of Reviews</i> says: "The story is useful as a warning, and is worked out with
+much knowledge."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Gentlewoman</i> says: "Once having started, I couldn't lay it down till I had made an
+end thereto."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Literary World</i> says: "It is undoubtedly one of the books of the year. It is so
+ingenious and so exciting, it is at once extremely technical and extremely readable. The
+book is a great book, and one that no Englishman could read without a thrill."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Publishers' Circular</i> says: "Mr. Le Queux shows us what will happen if we do not
+better prepare ourselves."</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+Read what the Country Press say.
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p><i>Manchester Evening News</i> says: "Lovers of exciting literature will be satisfied to the full
+with the graphic story."</p>
+
+<p><i>Liverpool Daily Mercury</i> says: "Extremely interesting, and well worth reading."</p>
+
+<p><i>Liverpool Daily Chronicle</i> says:&mdash;"The story is full of stirring episode."</p>
+
+<p><i>Birmingham Daily Post</i> says: "The scenes are marked with real and affecting power."</p>
+
+<p><i>Sheffield Daily Telegraph</i> says: "We offer criticism in no carping spirit, but as part of
+our grateful acknowledgment for a brilliant, patriotic, and useful work."</p>
+
+<p><i>Yorkshire Post</i> says: "Well calculated to make the nervous tremble at every rumour of
+foreign complications."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Scotsman</i> says: "Strategical and other problems are elaborately worked out....
+Amusing, entertaining, and exciting."</p>
+
+<p><i>The North British Mail</i> says: "It is a very powerful work."</p>
+
+<p><i>Glasgow Herald</i> says: "One of the best books we have read on a subject on which it is
+only too easy to be tiresome."</p>
+
+<p><i>Glasgow Evening News</i> says: "Whether as a romance or as a prophecy it is highly
+interesting."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Western Morning News</i> says: "Very exciting reading. Of real literary merit."</p>
+
+<p><i>Bradford Daily Argus</i> says: "Full of interesting and exciting reading."</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+Read what the Foreign and Colonial Press say.
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Sydney Daily Telegraph</i> says: "The writer's capability to speak regarding his subject is
+displayed on every page of the book. It is splendidly written."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Belgian News</i> says: "The book is a remarkable and a phenomenal success."</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Palladium</i> (Newhaven, Conn.) says: "One of the most successful books of the
+season."</p>
+
+<p>"Il Capitano Nemo," the well-known Italian naval writer, in <i>L'Opinione</i> of Rome, says
+that the problems put forward by Mr. Le Queux should secure the serious consideration of
+European Governments. "It is unquestionably a most important book," he says; "it is of
+interest to everyone, and the minuteness of its detail is astonishing. I can recommend it
+to the Italian public as a very startling yet highly instructive book."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Italia Marinara</i> says: "It is not a mere fantastic romance; it is a book to study
+seriously, and we recommend it to the Army and Navy of Italy, for it contains many
+valuable hints."</p>
+
+<p><i>Il Secolo</i> says: "A very remarkable and important work. There is genius in every line.
+The descriptions are most realistic, and it is of interest to everybody."</p>
+
+<p><i>The China Telegraph</i> says it is "of really intense and thrilling interest."</p></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="center">
+<i>Now ready. Sixth Edition. Price 6s.</i><br />
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.<br />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE CAPTAIN OF THE MARY ROSE.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>A TALE OF TO-MORROW.</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">By W. LAIRD CLOWES</span>,<br />
+U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE.<br />
+With 60 Illustrations by the Chevalier de Martino and Fred. T. Jane.
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>This work has been truly described by the public press as an intensely
+realistic and stirring romance of the near future. It describes the
+wonderful adventures of an armour-clad cruiser, built on the Tyne,
+which takes part in a great Naval War that suddenly breaks out
+between France and Great Britain. The dashing way in which the
+vessel is handled, her narrow escapes, the boldness of her successful
+attacks upon the enemy, and the heroic conduct of her commander and
+crew, form altogether a narrative of most absorbing interest, and full of
+exciting scenes and situations.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<div class="center">
+THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW PRESS OPINIONS.
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"Deserves something more than a mere passing notice."&mdash;<i>The Times.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Full of exciting situations.... Has manifold attractions for all
+sorts of readers."&mdash;<i>Army and Navy Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The most notable book of the season."&mdash;<i>The Standard.</i></p>
+
+<p>"A clever book. Mr. Clowes is pre-eminent for literary touch and
+practical knowledge of naval affairs."&mdash;<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. W. Laird Clowes' exciting story."&mdash;<i>Daily Telegraph.</i></p>
+
+<p>"We read 'The Captain of the Mary Rose' at a sitting."&mdash;<i>The
+Pall Mall Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Written with no little spirit and imagination.... A stirring
+romance of the future."&mdash;<i>Manchester Guardian.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Is of a realistic and exciting character.... Designed to show
+what the naval warfare of the future may be."&mdash;<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p>
+
+<p>"One of the most interesting volumes of the year."&mdash;<i>Liverpool
+Journal of Commerce.</i></p>
+
+<p>"It is well told and magnificently illustrated."&mdash;<i>United Service
+Magazine.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Full of absorbing interest."&mdash;<i>Engineers Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Is intensely realistic, so much so that after commencing the story
+every one will be anxious to read to the end."&mdash;<i>Dundee Advertiser.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The book is splendidly illustrated."&mdash;<i>Northern Whig.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="center">
+<i>Ninth Edition, Price 6s.</i><br />
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.<br />
+<i>Uniform with "The Captain of the Mary Rose," with numerous Illustrations by
+Fred T. Jane and Edwin S. Hope.</i>
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+A TALE OF THE COMING TERROR.<br />
+<span class="smcap">By GEORGE GRIFFITH.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>In this Romance of Love, War, and Revolution, the action takes place
+ten years hence, and turns upon the solution of the problem of aerial
+navigation, which enables a vast Secret Society to decide the issue of the
+coming world-war, for which the great nations of the earth are now preparing.
+Battles such as have hitherto only been vaguely dreamed of are fought on
+land and sea and in the air. Aerial navies engage armies and fleets and
+fortresses, and fight with each other in an unsparing warfare, which has for
+its prize the empire of the world. Unlike all other essays in prophetic
+fiction, it deals with the events of to-morrow, and with characters familiar
+in the eyes of living men. It marks an entirely new departure in fiction,
+and opens up possibilities which may become stupendous and appalling
+realities before the present generation of men has passed away.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<i>A FEW PRESS OPINIONS.</i>
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"Since the days of the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, we know of no writer
+who 'takes the cake' like Mr. George Griffith."&mdash;<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p>
+
+<p>"A really exciting and sensational romance."&mdash;<i>Literary World.</i></p>
+
+<p>"As a work of imagination it takes high rank."&mdash;<i>Belfast News Letter.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Full of absorbing interest."&mdash;<i>Barrow Herald.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This powerful story."&mdash;<i>Liverpool Mercury.</i></p>
+
+<p>"An entirely new departure in fiction."&mdash;<i>Reynolds' Newspaper.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Of exceptional brilliancy and power."&mdash;<i>Western Figaro.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This remarkable story."&mdash;<i>Weekly Times and Echo.</i></p>
+
+<p>"There is a fascination about his book that few will be able to resist."&mdash;<i>Birmingham
+Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This exciting romance."&mdash;<i>Licensing World.</i></p>
+
+<p>"A work of strong imaginative power."&mdash;<i>Dundee Courier.</i></p>
+
+<p>"We must congratulate the author upon the vividness and reality with
+which he draws his unprecedented pictures."&mdash;<i>Bristol Mercury.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Is quite enthralling."&mdash;<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p>
+
+<p>"A striking and fascinating novel."&mdash;<i>Hampshire Telegraph.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="center">
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s.<br />
+<i>With Frontispiece by Edwin S. Hope.</i>
+</div>
+
+<h2>OLGA ROMANOFF;</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+Or, The Syren of the Skies.<br />
+<span class="smcap">By GEORGE GRIFFITH</span>,<br />
+AUTHOR OF "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR."
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+Dedicated to Mr. HIRAM S. MAXIM.
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A sequel to the author's striking and successful romance. <i>The
+Angel of the Revolution</i>, describing the efforts of a beautiful daughter
+of the House of Romanoff to restore the throne of her ancestors
+destroyed in the World-War of 1904, and presenting to the reader
+the spectacle of a world transformed into a wonderland of art and
+science, yet trembling on the brink of a catastrophe, in comparison
+with which even the tremendous climax of <i>The Angel</i> sinks almost
+into insignificance.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+SOME PRESS OPINIONS.
+</div>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"Mr. George Griffith has made himself a high reputation as an imaginative
+novelist by his brilliant romances, <i>The Angel of the Revolution</i> and <i>The Syren of
+the Skies</i>."&mdash;<i>Sketch.</i></p>
+
+<p>"This is quite as imaginative, as clever, and as enthralling a book as its
+predecessor."&mdash;<i>Glasgow Herald.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The book is a wild one, but its wildness and imaginative boldness make it
+uncommonly interesting."&mdash;<i>Scotsman.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The flights of fancy and imagination displayed by the author show a most
+marvellous power and conception."&mdash;<i>Aberdeen Free Press.</i></p>
+
+<p>"An entrancing book."&mdash;<i>Birmingham Post.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Full of originality in its rendition.... A marvel of imaginative strength
+and picturesque pen painting."&mdash;<i>European Mail.</i></p>
+
+<p>"On the whole Mr. Griffith has published a work which to our mind is the
+most suggestive of its kind that has been published for many years."&mdash;<i>Admiralty
+and Horse Guards Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>"The work hardly lends itself to critical remark other than the expression of
+one's appreciation of an imaginative and glowing style likely to add to the pleasure
+of those who enjoy purely speculative fiction. These pictures have a weird
+splendour in keeping with the theme, but it is natural to desire a better future
+for the human race than the one here prophesied."&mdash;<i>Morning Post.</i></p>
+
+<p>"His theme is a more tremendous one, and the incidents of his story tenfold
+more terrible than even those awful battles in the former volume. There is the
+same swift succession of awful calamities, the same sustained interest from title
+page to cover, and the same thread of human love running through the narrative
+which lent its chief charm to the 'Angel of the Revolution.'"&mdash;<i>Weekly Times
+and Echo.</i></p>
+
+<p>"By lovers of sensational writing, in which the scientific discoveries of the
+future are forecast, and intrigue and warfare related in realistic manner under
+conditions which now exist but in prophetic imagination, it will be warmly
+welcomed.... The book must be read to be appreciated. Description is
+impossible."&mdash;<i>Bradford Daily Argus.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3>
+
+<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p>
+
+<p>Click on the drawings and maps to see high-resolution images.</p>
+
+<p>Hyphens removed: muzzle[-]loaders (p. 127), look[-]out (p. 164),
+short[-]sightedness (p. 176), blood[-]stained (p. 325).</p>
+
+<p>p. 67: "Termius" changed to "Terminus" (over the d�bris in Terminus Road).</p>
+
+<p>p. 72: "Halsted" changed to "Halstead" (Surrey to Halstead in Kent).</p>
+
+<p>p. 92: "crusier" changed to "cruiser" (the unarmoured cruiser <i>Faucon</i>).</p>
+
+<p>p. 119: "thousand" changed to "thousands" (thousands fleeing into the country).</p>
+
+<p>p. 159: "fusilade" changed to "fusillade" (commenced a terrific fusillade).</p>
+
+<p>p. 160: "momemt" changed to "moment" (Our situation at that moment).</p>
+
+<p>p. 240: "Hundred" changed to "Hundreds" (Hundreds of tons).</p>
+
+<p>p. 257: "evacute" changed to "evacuate" (to evacuate Edinburgh).</p>
+
+<p>p. 316: "detatched" changed to "detached" (came upon a detached post).</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great War in England in 1897, by 
+William Le Queux
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg's The Great War in England in 1897, by William Le Queux
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Great War in England in 1897
+
+Author: William Le Queux
+
+Illustrator: Cyril Field
+
+Release Date: September 18, 2011 [EBook #37470]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897
+
+
+
+
+    _First Edition_         _July 1894._
+    _Second Edition_        _July 1894._
+    _Edition de Luxe_       _July 1894._
+    _Third Edition_         _August 1894._
+    _Fourth Edition_        _August 1894._
+    _Fifth Edition_         _September 1894._
+    _Sixth Edition_         _October 1894._
+    _Seventh Edition_       _November 1894._
+    _Eighth Edition_        _December 1894._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BOMBARDMENT OF LONDON: "IN LUDGATE HILL THE SCENE
+WAS AWFUL."]
+
+
+
+
+    THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897
+
+    BY
+    WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.
+
+    AUTHOR OF
+    "GUILTY BONDS" "STRANGE TALES OF A NIHILIST" "CONDEMNED TO SILENCE"
+    "THE STOLEN SOUL" ETC.
+
+    _ILLUSTRATED BY CAPTAIN CYRIL FIELD, R.M.L.I.
+    AND T. S. C. CROWTHER_
+
+    ELEVENTH EDITION
+
+    LONDON
+    TOWER PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED
+    95, MINORIES, E.C.
+    1895
+
+    [_All Rights Reserved_]
+
+
+
+
+    TO
+    MY FRIEND
+    ALFRED CHARLES HARMSWORTH
+    A GENEROUS EDITOR AND PATRIOTIC ENGLISHMAN
+    I INSCRIBE THIS FORECAST
+    OF
+    THE COMING WAR
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO NINTH EDITION
+
+
+In writing this book it was my endeavour to bring vividly before the
+public the national dangers by which we are surrounded, and the absolute
+necessity which lies upon England to maintain her defences in an
+adequate state of efficiency. That my effort has been successful, is
+proved alike by the fact that eight editions of the work have already
+been exhausted, and by the commendatory and highly gratifying terms in
+which it has been criticised by prominent statesmen and leading naval
+and military experts, including the Commander-in-Chief of the British
+Army. Some professional critics have, it is true, questioned certain
+prophetic details concerning naval warfare, but I think the best
+possible answer to them is furnished by the results of recent battles in
+Chinese waters, which, it is admitted, present to us very serious
+object-lessons. A few passages I have revised in order to bring the
+events more thoroughly up to date, and in sending my forecast forth
+again it is accompanied by a devout hope that ere it be too late our
+present insecurity will be remedied, that a national disaster may thus
+be prevented, and that England may ever retain her supremacy upon the
+sea.
+
+    WILLIAM LE QUEUX.
+    LONDON, _March_ 1895.
+
+
+
+
+CRITICISM BY LORD ROBERTS
+
+
+    UNITED SERVICE CLUB,
+    PALL MALL, W.
+
+DEAR SIR,--I have read with considerable interest your vivid account of
+the dangers to which the loss of our naval supremacy may be expected to
+expose us, and the means by which you think we should be able to
+extricate ourselves from those dangers. I hardly like to criticise a
+work which, to be effective, must to a great extent be imaginative, but
+on one or two points I would venture to offer a few remarks:--
+
+_First_, You refer to the assistance the Home Army might receive from
+India and the Colonies. I feel confident that in such an emergency as
+you portray, the Colonies and Dependencies of the Empire would be most
+anxious to assist the Mother Country; but unless our sea power were
+assured, it appears to me that they would be unable to do so. Until our
+command of the sea had been regained, we should be powerless to move a
+soldier either from or to the United Kingdom.
+
+_Secondly_, You very properly lay stress on the part which might be
+taken by the Volunteers in the defence of the United Kingdom. No one can
+appreciate more fully than I do the gallant and patriotic spirit which
+animates the Volunteer Force, and I most thoroughly agree with you as to
+the value it might be under such serious circumstances as you depict. In
+fact, the _raison d'etre_ of the Force is to be able to defend the
+country in the event of an invasion. But to enable our Volunteers to do
+all that is expected of them, they must be made thoroughly efficient.
+Much has been done of late years to this end, but much more is required
+before our citizen soldiers can be depended upon to hold their own
+against foreign troops whose training is continually being carried on,
+and whose organisation is believed to be nearly perfect. It is very
+penny-wise and pound-foolish of us not to do all in our power to render
+the Volunteers the serviceable body they might be.
+
+_Thirdly_, You take but little account of the Militia, which the Duke of
+Wellington considered to be our mainstay in the event of a threatened
+invasion. The Militia would seem to be rather out of fashion at present,
+but still it is a very useful force, which only needs encouragement and
+development to convert it into a reliable fighting body, capable of
+reinforcing and co-operating with our small regular Army.
+
+You will gather from what I have said that, under the conditions
+specified by you, I should be inclined to regard your forecast of the
+result of the supposed conflict as being unduly favourable. I can only
+add that I trust such conditions may never arise, and that your estimate
+of the means immediately available for repelling foreign attack may be
+more correct than my own.--Believe me, yours very truly,
+
+    ROBERTS.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.
+
+
+GENERAL LORD ROBERTS, V.C., on reading this forecast of the Coming War,
+wrote as follows:--
+
+    Grove Park, Kingsbury,
+    Middlesex, March 26, 1894.
+
+    DEAR SIR,--I entirely concur with you in thinking it most
+    desirable to bring home to the British public in every possible
+    way the dangers to which the nation is exposed, unless it
+    maintains a Navy and Army sufficiently strong and well organised
+    to meet the defensive requirements of the Empire.--Believe me,
+    yours faithfully,
+
+[Illustration: Signature of Roberts]
+
+Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, K.P., in his _Life of Marlborough_,
+speaks plainly when he says--
+
+    The last battle fought in England was fought to secure James his
+    crown. If through the folly and parsimony of our people we
+    should ever see another, it will be fought in defence of London.
+    The struggle will be, not for a dynasty, but for our own very
+    existence as an independent nation. Are we prepared to meet it?
+    The politician says Yes; the soldier and the sailor say No.
+
+Such outspoken expressions of opinion from two of our chief military
+authorities should cause the British public to pause and reflect. On all
+hands it is admitted by both naval and military experts, that,
+notwithstanding the increase of our Navy by the Spencer programme, our
+country is inadequately defended and totally unprepared for war. The
+extraordinary preparations now going forward in France and Russia are
+being made in view of an attack upon England, and it is ominous that the
+downfall of our Empire is a perpetual subject of discussion in the Paris
+press. Although a Briton, I have lived long enough in France to know
+that the French, while hating the Germans, despise the English, and are
+looking forward to a day not far hence when their battleships will
+bombard our south coast towns, and their legions advance over the Surrey
+Hills to London. When the Great War does come, it will come swiftly, and
+without warning. We are accustomed to scoff at the idea of an invasion
+of Britain. We feel secure in our sea-girt island home; we have
+confidence in our brave sailor defenders, in our gallant Army, and our
+enthusiastic Volunteers, and we entertain a supreme contempt for "mere
+foreigners." It is this national egotism, this insular conviction that
+foreign engines of war are inferior to our own, that may cause our ruin.
+Everything we possess, everything we hold dear, our position among
+nations, our very life, depends for its safety, firstly, upon the
+undoubted predominance of our Navy over any likely or possible
+combination of the Navies of Continental Powers; and, secondly, upon an
+Army properly equipped and ready to take the field on receipt of the
+momentous word "Mobilise"!
+
+Is our Navy, even strengthened by the recent programme, in a
+sufficiently efficient state to retain the supremacy of the seas? Let us
+face the situation boldly, and allow a well-known and distinguished
+officer to reply to that question. Admiral of the Fleet Sir Thomas
+Symonds, G.C.B., writing to me, says--
+
+    Our weak Navy, with its inefficient _personnel_, has now to
+    perform an enormously increased duty, such as defending
+    increased commerce, food, and coals. Our guns are the worst in
+    the world in forty-seven vessels, mounting 350 muzzleloaders,
+    where the French and all foreign Navies use _only
+    breechloaders_. Dimensions, expense, and very many other reasons
+    are given for this ruinous custom, but all other Navies mount
+    breechloaders on vessels of the same dimensions as our own. As
+    to expenses, such economy (so-called) means the most execrable
+    parsimony--to ruthlessly murder men and disgrace our flag and
+    Navy. Our forty-seven feeble vessels, weak in armament, and all
+    composing them, reduce our Navy to comparative insignificance,
+    and are a preparation for disgrace and ruin when at war.
+
+Yet we are content to sit idly by, confident in a strength which two
+foreign Powers are slowly but surely undermining! Russia and France,
+both barely able to sustain their gigantic Armies, are to-day straining
+every nerve to enlarge their naval forces, preparatory to a swift
+descent upon our shores. This alarming fact we wilfully disregard,
+affecting to find humour in the Franco-Muscovite preparations. Thus,
+unless we maintain a Navy of sufficient strength to prevent invasion,
+War, with its attendant horrors, is inevitable, and the scene of battle
+will be England's smiling fields.
+
+Turning to our Army, what do we find? Even the civilian writer who
+studies it is amazed at the muddle of insufficiency in which it is
+steeped. Our Home Defence Scheme is a very elaborate paper problem, but
+as our forces have never been mobilised, its many glaring defects must,
+alas! remain unremedied until our highways echo to the tramp of an
+enemy. Upon this point a volume might be written, but a few plain facts
+must suffice. Military experts will, I think, agree when I assert that
+the 2nd Corps, as planned by this grotesque scheme, does not and cannot
+exist; and while the 3rd Corps may possibly stand as regards infantry,
+because its infantry are all Militia, yet it will have neither Regular
+cavalry nor guns. Every one of the staffs is a myth, and the equipment
+and commissariat arrangements are a complete guarantee of collapse at
+the outset of mobilisation. What, for instance, can be said of a system
+in which one unit of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade "mobilises," and obtains
+its "personal" and part of its "regimental" equipment at Plymouth; the
+other part of its regimental paraphernalia, including munitions, at
+Aldershot; and its horses--at Dublin? Practically, half our cavalry at
+home are to-day, however, incapable of mobilisation, for, according to
+the latest return available, I find that over six thousand cavalry men
+have no horses! Again, the Volunteers, upon whom we must depend for the
+defence of London, have no transport, and the ammunition columns for
+the 3rd Army Corps and the Regular cavalry do not exist. Such staggering
+deficits as these are in themselves sufficient to show how critical
+would be our position if England were invaded, and in order to give an
+adequate idea of what we may expect during that reign of terror, I have
+penned the narrative which follows. Some, no doubt, believe that our
+enemies will treat us with more mercy than I have shown, but I firmly
+anticipate that in the desperate struggle for the supremacy of the
+world, towns will be bombarded and international law set at naught where
+our invaders see a chance of success. Consequently, the ruin must be
+widespread, and the loss of life enormous.
+
+In the various strategical and tactical problems involved, I have
+received assistance from a number of well-known naval and military
+officers on the active list, whose names I am, however, not at liberty
+to divulge. Suffice it to say that, in addition to personally going over
+the whole of the ground where battles are fought, I have also obtained
+information from certain official documents not made public, and have
+endeavoured to bring this forecast up to date by introducing the latest
+inventions in guns, and showing the relative strength of Navies as they
+will appear in 1897. In this latter I have been compelled to bestow
+names upon many ships now building.
+
+To Lieut. J. G. Stevens, 17th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, who supplied
+me with many details regarding the Volunteers; to Mr. Alfred C.
+Harmsworth, F.R.G.S., whose suggestion prompted me to write this
+narrative; and to Mr. Harold Harmsworth, who on several occasions
+assisted me, I hereby acknowledge my thanks. While many readers will no
+doubt regard this book chiefly as an exciting piece of fiction, I trust
+that no small proportion will perceive the important lesson underlying
+it, for the French are laughing at us, the Russians presume to imitate
+us, and the Day of Reckoning is hourly advancing.
+
+    WILLIAM LE QUEUX.
+
+    PRINCE OF WALES'S CLUB,
+    COVENTRY STREET, W.
+
+
+
+
+    CONTENTS
+
+
+    _BOOK I_
+    THE INVASION
+
+    CHAP.                                        PAGE
+          I. THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH                  13
+         II. A TOTTERING EMPIRE                    19
+        III. ARMING FOR THE STRUGGLE               23
+         IV. THE SPY                               28
+          V. BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN               35
+         VI. LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX       40
+        VII. BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON               44
+       VIII. FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG         49
+         IX. COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME           56
+          X. A DEATH DRAUGHT                       61
+         XI. THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE            65
+        XII. IN THE EAGLE'S TALONS                 70
+       XIII. FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL        75
+        XIV. BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD                85
+
+    _BOOK II_
+    THE STRUGGLE
+
+         XV. THE DOOM OF HULL                      99
+        XVI. TERROR ON THE TYNE                   110
+       XVII. HELP FROM OUR COLONIES               125
+      XVIII. RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS      137
+        XIX. FALL OF BIRMINGHAM                   150
+         XX. OUR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN     162
+        XXI. A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES   174
+       XXII. PANIC IN LANCASHIRE                  186
+      XXIII. THE EVE OF BATTLE                    193
+       XXIV. MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS      200
+        XXV. GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS            208
+       XXVI. GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY           213
+      XXVII. THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED           218
+
+    _BOOK III_
+    THE VICTORY
+
+     XXVIII. A SHABBY WAYFARER                    229
+       XXIX. LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH        235
+        XXX. ATTACK ON EDINBURGH                  243
+       XXXI. "THE DEMON OF WAR"                   248
+      XXXII. FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW  256
+     XXXIII. MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON        268
+      XXXIV. LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS               279
+       XXXV. LONDON BOMBARDED                     284
+      XXXVI. BABYLON BURNING                      291
+     XXXVII. FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS         299
+    XXXVIII. NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS           304
+      XXXIX. THE DAY OF RECKONING                 312
+         XL. "FOR ENGLAND!"                       324
+        XLI. DAWN                                 328
+
+
+
+
+_BOOK I_
+
+_THE INVASION_
+
+
+
+
+    THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND
+    IN 1897.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH.
+
+
+War! _War in England!_
+
+Growled by thoughtful, stern-visaged men, gasped with bated breath by
+pale-faced, terrified women, the startling news passed quickly round the
+Avenue Theatre from gallery to boxes. The crisis was swift, complete,
+crushing. Actors and audience were appalled.
+
+Though it was a gay comic opera that was being performed for the first
+time, entertainers and entertained lost all interest in each other. They
+were amazed, dismayed, awestricken. Amusement was nauseating; War, with
+all its attendant horrors, was actually upon them! The popular tenor,
+one of the idols of the hour, blundered over his lines and sang terribly
+out of tune, but the hypercritical first-night audience passed the
+defect unnoticed. They only thought of what might happen; of the dark
+cavernous future that lay before.
+
+War had been declared against Britain--Britain, the Empire that had so
+long rested in placid sea-girt security, confident of immunity from
+attack, was to be invaded! The assertion seemed preposterous.
+
+Some, after reading eagerly the newspapers still damp from the press,
+smiled incredulously, half inclined to regard the startling intelligence
+as a mere fabrication by alarmists, or a perfected phase of the
+periodical war-scare which sensational journalists annually launch upon
+the world during what is technically known as the "gooseberry" season.
+
+Other readers, however, recollecting the grave political crises on the
+Continent, set their teeth firmly, silent and dumfounded. Upon many
+merchants and City men the news fell like a thunderbolt, for financial
+ruin stared them in the face.
+
+Evidently a desperate attempt would be made by the enemy to land on
+English soil. Already the startled playgoers could hear in their excited
+imagination the clash of arms mingling with the triumphant yell of the
+victor, and the stifled, despairing cry of the hapless victim. But who,
+they wondered, would be the victim? Would Britannia ever fall to the
+dust with broken trident and shattered shield? Would her neck ever lie
+under the heel of the foreign invader? No, never--while Britons could
+fight.
+
+The theatre, in its garish blaze of electricity, and crowded with
+well-dressed men and women, presented a brilliant appearance, which had
+suddenly become strangely incongruous with the feelings of the audience.
+In the boxes, where youth and beauty smiled, the bouquets which had been
+provided by the management gave to the theatre a bright, artistic touch
+of colour. Yet the pungent odour they diffused had become sickening.
+Intermingled with other flowers there were many tuberoses. They are
+funereal blossoms, ineffably emblematic of the grave. There is death in
+their breath.
+
+When the astounding news fell upon the house the performance was drawing
+to a close. A moment before, every one had been silent and motionless,
+listening with rapt attention to the tenor's plaintive love song, and
+admiring the grace of the fair heroine, but as the terrible truth dawned
+upon them they rose, amid a scene of the wildest excitement. The few
+papers that had been purchased at fabulous prices at the doors were
+eagerly scanned, many of the sheets being torn into shreds in the mad
+struggle to catch a glimpse of the alarming telegrams they contained.
+For a few moments the agitation nearly approached a panic, while above
+the hum and din the hoarse, strident voices of running newsmen could be
+heard outside, yelling, "War declared against England! Expected landing
+of the enemy! Extrur-speshal!"
+
+There was a hidden terror in the word "War" that at first held the
+amazed playgoers breathless and thoughtful. Never before had its
+significance appeared so grim, so fatal, so fraught with appalling
+consequences.
+
+War had been actually declared! There was no averting it! It was a stern
+reality.
+
+No adroit diplomatic negotiations could stem the advancing hordes of
+foreign invaders; Ministers and ambassadors were as useless pawns, for
+two great nations had had the audacity to combine in the projected
+attack upon Great Britain.
+
+It seemed incredible, impossible. True, a Great War had long been
+predicted, forecasts had been given of coming conflicts, and European
+nations had for years been gradually strengthening their armies and
+perfecting their engines of war, in the expectation of being plunged
+into hostilities. Modern improvements in arms and ammunition had so
+altered the conditions of war, that there had long been a feeling of
+insecurity even among those Powers who, a few years before, had felt
+themselves strong enough to resist any attack, however violent.
+War-scares had been plentiful, crises in France, Germany, and Russia of
+frequent occurrence; still, no one dreamed that Moloch was in their
+midst--that the Great War, so long foreshadowed, had in reality
+commenced.
+
+Yet on this hot, oppressive Saturday night in August the extra-special
+editions of the papers contained news that startled the world. It ran as
+follows:--
+
+    INVASION OF ENGLAND.
+    WAR DECLARED BY FRANCE AND RUSSIA.
+    HOSTILE FLEETS ADVANCING.
+    EXTRAORDINARY MANIFESTO BY THE TSAR.
+    [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]
+
+    St. Petersburg, _August 14th_, 4 P.M.
+
+    The most intense excitement has been caused here by a totally
+    unexpected and amazing announcement made this afternoon by the
+    Minister of Foreign Affairs to the French Ambassador. It appears
+    that the Minister has addressed to the French representative a
+    short note in which the following extraordinary passage
+    occurs:--
+
+    "The earnest negotiations between the Imperial Government and
+    Great Britain for a durable pacification of Bosnia not having
+    led to the desired accord, His Majesty the Tsar, my august
+    master, sees himself compelled, to his regret, to have recourse
+    to force of arms. Be therefore so kind as to inform your
+    Government that from to-day Russia considers herself in a state
+    of war with Great Britain, and requests that France will
+    immediately comply with the obligations of the alliance signed
+    by President Carnot on February 23rd, 1892."
+
+    A circular note has also been addressed by the Russian Foreign
+    Office to its ambassadors at the principal Courts of Europe,
+    stating that, for reasons assigned, the Tsar has resolved to
+    commence hostilities against Great Britain, and has given his
+    Armies and Navy orders to commence the invasion.
+
+    This declaration has, no doubt, been contemplated by the Russian
+    Government for several days. During the past week the French
+    Ambassador has twice had private audience of the Tsar, and soon
+    after 11 A.M. to-day he had a long interview at the Ministry of
+    Foreign Affairs. It is understood that the Minister of War was
+    also present.
+
+    No official notification of the Declaration of War has been
+    given to the British Ambassador. This has created considerable
+    surprise.
+
+    5.30 P.M.
+
+    Large posters, headed "A Manifesto of His Majesty the Emperor of
+    Russia," and addressed to his subjects, are being posted up in
+    the Nevski Prospekt. In this document the Tsar says--
+
+    "Our faithful and beloved subjects know the strong interest
+    which we have constantly felt in the destinies of our Empire.
+    Our desire for the pacification of our western frontier has been
+    shared by the whole Russian nation, which now shows itself ready
+    to bear fresh sacrifices to alleviate the position of those
+    oppressed by British rule. The blood and property of our
+    faithful subjects have always been dear to us, and our whole
+    reign attests our constant solicitude to preserve to Russia the
+    benefits of peace. This solicitude never failed to actuate my
+    father during events which occurred recently in Bulgaria,
+    Austro-Hungary, and Bosnia. Our object, before all, was to
+    effect an amelioration in the position of our people on the
+    frontier by means of pacific negotiations, and in concert with
+    the great European Powers, our allies and friends. Having,
+    however, exhausted our pacific efforts, we are compelled by the
+    haughty obstinacy of Great Britain to proceed to more decisive
+    acts. A feeling of equity and of our own dignity enjoins it. By
+    her recent acts Great Britain places us under the necessity of
+    having recourse to arms. Profoundly convinced of the justice of
+    our cause, we make known to our faithful subjects that we
+    declare war against Great Britain. In now invoking a blessing
+    upon our valiant armies, we give the order for an invasion of
+    England."
+
+    This manifesto has excited the greatest enthusiasm. The news has
+    spread rapidly, and dense crowds have assembled in the Nevski,
+    the Izak Platz, and on the English Quay, where the posters are
+    being exhibited.
+
+    The British Ambassador has not yet received any communication
+    from the Imperial Government.
+
+    Fontainebleau, _Aug. 14th_, 4.30 P.M.
+
+    President Felix Faure has received a telegram from the French
+    representative at St. Petersburg, stating that Russia has
+    declared war against Great Britain. The President left
+    immediately for Paris by special train.
+
+    Paris, _Aug. 14th_, 4.50 P.M.
+
+    An astounding piece of intelligence has this afternoon been
+    received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is no less than
+    a Declaration of War by Russia against Britain. The telegram
+    containing the announcement was received at the Ministry from
+    the French Ambassador at St. Petersburg soon after three
+    o'clock. The President was at once informed, and the Cabinet
+    immediately summoned. A meeting is now being held for the
+    purpose of deciding upon the course to be pursued with regard to
+    the obligations of France contracted by the Treaty of Alliance
+    made after the Cronstadt incident in 1891. The news of impending
+    hostilities has just been published in a special edition of the
+    _Soir_, and has created the wildest excitement on the
+    Boulevards. Little doubt is entertained that France will join
+    the invading forces, and the result of the deliberations of the
+    Cabinet is anxiously awaited. President Felix Faure has returned
+    from Fountainebleau.
+
+    [BY TELEPHONE THROUGH DALZIEL'S AGENCY.]
+
+    6 P.M.
+
+    The meeting of the Cabinet has just concluded. It has been
+    resolved that France shall unreservedly render assistance to
+    Russia. There is great activity at the War Office, and troops
+    are already being ordered on active service. The excitement in
+    the streets is increasing.
+
+    [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]
+
+    Berlin, _Aug. 14th_, 5.30 P.M.
+
+    Telegrams received here from St. Petersburg report that Russia
+    has unexpectedly declared war against Great Britain, and called
+    upon France to aid her in a combined attack. The report is
+    scarcely credited here, and further details are being eagerly
+    awaited. The Emperor, who was to have left for Bremen this
+    afternoon, has abandoned his journey, and is now in consultation
+    with the Chancellor.
+
+    Christiansand, _Aug. 14th_, 7.30 P.M.
+
+    The French Channel Squadron, which has been manoeuvring for the
+    past fortnight off the western coast of Norway, anchored outside
+    the fjord here last night. This morning, according to rumour,
+    the Russian Squadron arrived suddenly, and lay about thirty
+    miles off land. Secret telegraphic orders were received at 6
+    P.M. by the Admirals of both fleets almost simultaneously, and
+    the whole of the vessels left in company half an hour later.
+    They sailed in a southerly direction, but their destination is
+    unknown.
+
+    Dieppe, _Aug. 14th_, 8 P.M.
+
+    Ten transport vessels are embarking troops for England. Four
+    regiments of cavalry, including the 4th Chasseurs and 16th
+    Guards, are--[1]
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[1] The conclusion of this message has not reached us, all the wires
+connecting this country with France having been cut.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A TOTTERING EMPIRE.
+
+
+The excitement in the theatre had increased, and the curtain had been
+rung down. Death shadows, grimly apparent, had fallen upon the house,
+and the scene was an extraordinary and unprecedented one. No such wild
+restlessness and impetuous agitation had ever before been witnessed
+within those walls. Some enthusiast of the pit, springing to his feet,
+and drawing a large red handkerchief from his pocket, waved it,
+shouting--
+
+"Three cheers for good Old England!" to which, after a moment's silence,
+the audience responded lustily.
+
+Then, almost before the last sound had died away, another patriot of the
+people mounted upon his seat, crying--
+
+"No one need fear. The British Lion will quickly hold the French Eagle
+and the Russian Bear within his jaws. Let the enemy come; we will mow
+them down like hay."
+
+This raised a combined laugh and cheer, though it sounded forced and
+hollow. Immediately, however, some buoyant spirits in the gallery
+commenced singing "Rule, Britannia," the chorus of which was taken up
+vigorously, the orchestra assisting by playing the last verse.
+
+Outside, the scene in the streets was one of momentarily increasing
+excitement. The news had spread with marvellous rapidity, and the whole
+city was agog. An elbowing, waving, stormy crowd surged down the Strand
+to Trafalgar Square, where an impromptu demonstration was being held,
+the Government being denounced by its opponents, and spoken of with
+confidence by its supporters. The Radical, the Socialist, the Anarchist,
+each aired his views, and through the throng a hoarse threatening murmur
+condensed into three words, "Down with Russia! Down with France!" The
+cry, echoed by a thousand throats, mingled weirdly with the shouts of
+the newsmen and the snatches of patriotic songs.
+
+London was anxious, fevered, and turbulent, that hot, moonless August
+night. At that hour all the shops were closed, and the streets only
+lighted by the lamps. From the unlighted windows the indistinct shapes
+of heads looking out on the scene could be distinguished.
+
+On the pavements of Piccadilly and Knightsbridge knots of people stood
+arguing and wrangling over the probable turn of events. From uncouth
+Whitechapel to artistic Kensington, from sylvan Highgate to the villadom
+of Dulwich, the amazing intelligence had been conveyed by the presses of
+Fleet Street, which were still belching forth tons of damp news-sheets.
+At first there was confidence among the people; nevertheless little by
+little this confidence diminished, and curiosity gave place to surprise.
+But what could it be? All was shrouded in the darkest gloom. In the
+atmosphere was a strange and terrible oppression that seemed to weigh
+down men and crush them. London was, it appeared, walled in by the
+unknown and the unexpected.
+
+But, after all, England was strong; it was the mighty British Empire; it
+was the world. What was there to fear? Nothing. So the people continued
+to shout, "Down with France! Down with the Autocrat! Down with the
+Tsar!"
+
+A young man, who had been sitting alone in the stalls, had risen,
+electrified at the alarming news, and rushing out, hailed a passing cab,
+and drove rapidly away up Northumberland Avenue. This conduct was
+remarkable, for Geoffrey Engleheart was scarcely the man to flinch when
+danger threatened. He was a tall, athletic young fellow of twenty-six,
+with wavy brown hair, a dark, smartly-trimmed moustache, and handsome,
+well-cut features. He was happy and easy-going, always overflowing with
+genuine _bonhomie_. As the younger son of a very distinguished officer,
+he contrived to employ himself for a couple of hours a day at the
+Foreign Office, where, although a clerk, he held a very responsible
+position. Belonging to a rather good set, he was a member of several
+fashionable clubs, and lived in cosy, well-furnished chambers in St.
+James's Street.
+
+Driving first to the house of his _fiancee_, Violet Vayne, at Rutland
+Gate, he informed her family of the startling intelligence; then,
+re-entering the conveyance, he subsequently alighted before the door of
+his chambers. As he paid the cabman, an ill-clad man pushed a newspaper
+into his face, crying, "'Ere y'are, sir. Extrur-special edition o' the
+_People_. Latest details. Serious scandal at the Forrin' Office."
+
+Geoffrey started. He staggered, his heart gave a bound, and his face
+blanched. Thrusting half a crown into the man's dirty palm, he grasped
+the paper, and rushing upstairs to his sitting-room, cast himself into a
+chair. In breathless eagerness he glanced at the front page of the
+journal, and read the following:--
+
+    SCANDAL AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE.
+    A STATE SECRET DIVULGED.
+
+    An extraordinary rumour is going the round of the Service clubs
+    to-night. It is alleged that the present Declaration of War
+    would have been impossible but for the treachery of some person
+    through whose hands the transcript of a secret treaty between
+    England and Germany passed to-day.
+
+    A prominent Cabinet Minister, on being questioned by our
+    reporter on the subject, admitted that he had heard the rumour,
+    but declined to make any definite statement whether or not it
+    was true.
+
+    There must be a good deal behind the rumour of treachery,
+    inasmuch as none of the prominent men who have already been
+    interviewed gave a denial to the statement.
+
+Geoffrey sat pale and motionless, with eyes fixed upon the printed
+words. He read and re-read them until the lines danced before his gaze,
+and he crushed the paper in his hands, and cast it from him.
+
+The little French clock on the mantelshelf chimed the hour of one upon
+its silvery bell; the lamp spluttered and burned dim. Still he did not
+move; he was dumfounded, rooted to the spot.
+
+Blacker and blacker grew the crowd outside. The density of the cloud
+that hung over all portended some direful tragedy. The impending
+disaster made itself felt. An alarming sense of calmness filled the
+streets. A silence had suddenly fallen, and was becoming complete and
+threatening. What was it that was about to issue from these black
+storm-clouds? Who could tell?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+ARMING FOR THE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+London was amazed.
+
+The provinces were awestricken, paralysed by the startling suddenness
+with which the appalling news of the invasion had been flashed to them.
+Bewildered, the people could not believe it.
+
+Only slowly did the vivid and terrible truth dawn individually upon the
+millions north and south, and then, during the Day of Rest, they crowded
+to the newspaper and telegraph offices, loudly clamouring for further
+details of the overwhelming catastrophe that threatened. They sought for
+information from London; they expected London, the mighty, all-powerful
+capital, to act.
+
+Through the blazing Sunday the dust rose from the impatient, perspiring
+crowds in towns and cities, and the cool night brought no rest from a
+turmoil now incessant. Never before were such scenes of intense
+enthusiasm witnessed in England, Wales, and Scotland, for this was the
+first occasion on which the public felt the presence of invaders at
+their very doors.
+
+A mighty force was on its way to ruin their homes, to sweep from them
+their hard-earned savings, to crush, to conquer--to kill them!
+
+Fierce antagonism rose spontaneously in every Briton's heart, and during
+that never-to-be-forgotten day, at every barracks throughout the
+country, recruiting-sergeants were besieged by all sorts and conditions
+of men eager to accept the Queen's shilling, and strike for their
+country's honour. Heedless of danger, of hardship, of the fickle fortune
+of the fight, the determination to assist in the struggle rose instantly
+within them.
+
+At York, Chester, Edinburgh, and Portsmouth, volunteers came forward by
+hundreds. All were enthusiastic, undrilled, but ready to use their
+guns--genuinely heroic patriots of our land, such as are included in no
+other nation than the British. Pluck, zeal for the public safety, and an
+intense partisanship towards their fellows induced thousands to join the
+colours--many, alas! to sink later beneath a foeman's bullet, unknown,
+unhonoured heroes!
+
+Already the Cabinet had held a hurried meeting, at which it had been
+decided to call out the whole of the Reserves. Of this the War Office
+and Admiralty had been notified, and the Queen had given her sanction to
+the necessary proclamations, with the result that telegraphic orders had
+been issued to general officers commanding and to officers commanding
+Reservists to mobilise instantly.
+
+The posters containing the proclamation, which are always kept in
+readiness in the hands of officers commanding Regimental Districts, were
+issued immediately, and exhibited on all public places throughout the
+kingdom. On the doors of town halls, churches, chapels, police stations,
+military barracks, and in the windows of post offices, these notices
+were posted within a few hours. Crowds everywhere collected to read
+them, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed. Militia, Yeomanry,
+Volunteers, all were called out, and men on reading the Mobilisation
+Order lost no time in obtaining their accoutrements and joining their
+depots. The national danger was imminent, and towards their "places of
+concentration" all categories of Her Majesty's forces were already
+moving. In every Regimental District the greatest activity was
+displayed. No country maintains in peace the full complement, or
+anything approaching the full complement of transport which its Armies
+require; hence vehicles and horses to complete the Army Service Corps
+companies, and for the supplemental service, were being immediately
+requisitioned from far and near.
+
+One of the many anomalies discovered during this critical period was,
+that while transport could thus be rapidly requisitioned, yet the
+impressment of civilians as drivers and caretakers of the animals was
+not permitted by the law; therefore on all hands the organisation of
+this requisitioned transport was fraught with the utmost difficulty, the
+majority of owners and employees refusing to come forward voluntarily.
+Registered horses were quickly collected, but they were far from
+sufficient for the requirements, and the want of animals caused loud
+outcries from every Regimental District.
+
+The general scheme was the constitution of a Field Army of four cavalry
+brigades and three army corps, with behind them a semi-mobile force made
+up of thirty-three Volunteer infantry brigades and eighty-four Volunteer
+batteries of position. The garrisons having been provided for, the four
+cavalry brigades and the 1st and 2nd Army Corps were to be composed
+entirely of Regulars, the 3rd Army Corps being made up of Regulars,
+Militia, and Volunteers. Organised in brigades, the Yeomanry were
+attached to the various infantry brigades or divisions of the Field
+Army, and the Regular Medical Staff Corps being much too weak, was
+strengthened from companies of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps. In
+brief, the scheme was the formation of a composite Field Army, backed by
+a second line of partially trained Auxiliaries.
+
+Such a general scheme to set in battle order our land forces for home
+defence was, no doubt, well devised. Nevertheless, from the first moment
+the most glaring defects in the working out of details were everywhere
+manifested. Stores were badly disposed, there was a sad want of
+clothing, camp equipment, and arms, and the arrangements for the joining
+of Reservists were throughout defective. Again, the whole Reserve had
+been left totally untrained from the day the men left the colours; and
+having in view the fact that all leading authorities in Europe had,
+times without number, told us that the efficiency of an Army depended
+on drill, discipline, and shooting, what could be expected from a system
+which relied in great part for the safety of the country on a Reserve,
+the members of which were undisciplined, undrilled, and unpractised in
+shooting for periods ranging from nine years in the Guards to five years
+in the case of the Line?
+
+On the day of mobilisation not a single regiment in the United Kingdom
+was ready to move forward to the front as it stood on parade! Not an
+officer, not a man, was prepared. England had calmly slept for years,
+while military reforms had been effected in every other European
+country. Now she had been suddenly and rudely awakened!
+
+Everywhere it was commented upon that no practical peace trial of the
+mobilisation scheme had ever been made. Little wonder was there, then,
+that incomplete details hampered rapid movements, or that the carrying
+out of the definite and distinct programme was prevented by gaps
+occurring which could not be discovered until the working of the system
+had been tested by actual experiment.
+
+It was this past apathy of the authorities, amounting to little less
+than criminal negligence, that formed the text of the vehement
+outpourings of Anarchists, Socialists, and "No War" partisans. A
+practical test of the efficiency of the scheme to concentrate our forces
+should have taken place even at the risk of public expenditure, instead
+of making the experiment when the enemy were actually at our doors.
+
+Another anomaly which, in the opinion of the public, ought long ago to
+have been removed, was the fact that the billeting of troops on the
+march on the inhabitants of the United Kingdom, other than owners of
+hotels, inns, livery stables, and public-houses, is illegal, while
+troops when not on the march cannot be billeted at all! At many points
+of concentration this absurd and antiquated regulation, laid down by the
+Army Act in 1881, was severely felt. Public buildings, churches, and
+schools had to be hired for the accommodation of the troops, and those
+others who could not find private persons hospitable enough to take them
+in were compelled to bivouac where they could. Of tents they had
+scarcely any, and many regiments were thus kept homeless and badly fed
+several days before moving forward!
+
+Was there any wonder, then, that some men should lose heart? Did not
+such defects portend--nay, invite disaster?
+
+Strange though it may seem, Geoffrey Engleheart was one of but two
+persons in England who had on that Saturday anticipated this sudden
+Declaration of War.
+
+Through the hot night, without heed of the wild turbulence outside,
+regardless of the songs of patriots, of gleeful shouts of Anarchists,
+that, mingling into a dull roar, penetrated the heavy curtains before
+the window of his room, he sat with brows knit and gaze transfixed.
+
+Words now and then escaped his compressed lips. They were low and
+ominous; utterances of blank despair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE SPY.
+
+
+Count von Beilstein was a polished cosmopolitan. He was in many ways a
+very remarkable man.
+
+In London society he was as popular as he had previously been in Paris
+and in Berlin. Well-preserved and military-looking, he retained the
+vigour, high spirits, and spruce step of youth, spent his money freely,
+and led the almost idyllic life of a careless bachelor in the Albany.
+
+Since his partnership with Sir Joseph Vayne, the well-known shipowner,
+father of Geoffrey's _fiancee_, he had taken up a prominent position in
+commercial circles, was a member of the London Chamber of Commerce, took
+an active part in the various deliberations of that body, and in the
+City was considered a man of considerable importance.
+
+How we of the world, however shrewd, are deceived by outward
+appearances!
+
+Of the millions in London there were but two men who knew the truth; who
+were aware of the actual position held by this German landed proprietor.
+Indeed, the Count's friends little dreamed that under the outward cloak
+of careless ease induced by wealth there was a mind endowed with a
+cunning that was extraordinary, and an ingenuity that was marvellous.
+Truth to tell, Karl von Beilstein, who posed as the owner of the great
+Beilstein estates, extending along the beautiful valley of the
+Moselle, between Alf and Cochem, was not an aristocrat at all, and
+possessed no estate more tangible than the proverbial chateau in Spain.
+
+[Illustration: "COUNT VON BEILSTEIN WAS A SPY!"]
+
+Count von Beilstein was a _spy_!
+
+His life had been a strangely varied one; few men perhaps had seen more
+of the world. His biography was recorded in certain police registers.
+Born in the Jews' quarter at Frankfort, he had, at an early age, turned
+adventurer, and for some years was well known at Monte Carlo as a
+successful gamester. But the Fickle Goddess at last forsook him, and
+under another name he started a bogus loan office in Brussels. This,
+however, did not last long, for the police one night made a raid on the
+place, only to discover that Monsieur had flown. An extensive robbery of
+diamonds in Amsterdam, a theft of bonds while in transit between Hanover
+and Berlin, and the forgery of a large quantity of Russian rouble notes,
+were events which followed in quick succession, and in each of them the
+police detected the adroit hand of the man who now called himself the
+Count von Beilstein. At last, by sheer ill-luck, he fell into the grip
+of the law.
+
+He was in St. Petersburg, where he had opened an office in the Bolshaia,
+and started as a diamond dealer. After a few genuine transactions he
+obtained possession of gems worth nearly L20,000, and decamped.
+
+But the Russian police were quickly at his heels, and he was arrested in
+Riga, being subsequently tried and condemned by the Assize Court at St.
+Petersburg to twelve years' exile in Siberia. In chains, with a convoy
+of convicts he crossed the Urals, and tramped for weeks on the
+snow-covered Siberian Post Road.
+
+His name still appears on the register at the forwarding prison of
+Tomsk, with a note stating that he was sent on to the silver mines of
+Nertchinsk, the most dreaded in Asiatic Russia.
+
+Yet, strangely enough, within twelve months of his sentence he appeared
+at Royat-les-Bains, in Auvergne, posing as a Count, and living
+expensively at one of the best hotels.
+
+There was a reason for all this. The Russian Government, when he was
+sentenced, were well aware of his perfect training as a cosmopolitan
+adventurer, of his acquaintance with persons of rank, and of his cool
+unscrupulousness. Hence it was that one night while on the march along
+the Great Post Road to that bourne whence few convicts return, it was
+hinted to him by the captain of Cossacks, that he might obtain his
+liberty, and a good income in addition, if he consented to become a
+secret agent of the Tsar.
+
+The authorities desired him to perform a special duty; would he consent?
+He could exchange a life of heavy toil in the Nertchinsk mines for one
+of comparative idleness and ease. The offer was tempting, and he
+accepted.
+
+That same night it was announced to his fellow-convicts that the Tsar
+had pardoned him; his leg-fetters were thereupon struck off, and he
+started upon his return to St. Petersburg to receive instructions as to
+the delicate mission he was to perform.
+
+It was then, for the first time, that he became the Count von Beilstein,
+and his subsequent actions all betrayed the most remarkable daring,
+forethought, and tact. With one object in view he exercised an amount of
+patience that was almost incredible. One or two minor missions were
+entrusted to him by his official taskmasters on the banks of the Neva,
+and in each he acquitted himself satisfactorily. Apparently he was a
+thoroughly patriotic subject of the Kaiser, with tastes strongly
+anti-Muscovite, and after his partnership with Sir Joseph Vayne he
+resided in London, and mixed a good deal with military men, because he
+had, he said, held a commission in a Hussar regiment in the Fatherland,
+and took the liveliest interest in all military matters.
+
+Little did those officers dream that the information he gained about
+improvements in England's defences was forwarded in regular and
+carefully-written reports to the Russian War Office, or that the Tsar's
+messenger who carried weekly despatches between the Russian Ambassador
+in London and his Government frequently took with him a packet
+containing plans and tracings which bore marginal notes in the angular
+handwriting of the popular Count von Beilstein!
+
+Early in the morning of this memorable day when the startling news of
+the Declaration of War had reached England, a telegram had been handed
+to the Tsar's secret agent while he was still in bed.
+
+He read it through; then stared thoughtfully up at the ceiling.
+
+The message, in code, from Berlin, stated that a draft of a most
+important treaty between Germany and England had been despatched from
+the German Foreign Office, and would arrive in London that day. The
+message concluded with the words, "It is imperative that we should have
+a copy of this document, or at least a summary of its contents,
+immediately."
+
+Although sent from Berlin, the Count was well aware that it was an order
+from the Foreign Minister in St. Petersburg, the message being
+transmitted to Berlin first, and then retransmitted to London, in order
+to avoid any suspicion that might arise in the case of messages
+exchanged direct with the Russian capital. Having read the telegram
+through several times, he whistled to himself, rose quickly, dressed,
+and breakfasted. While having his meal, he gave some instructions to
+Grevel, his valet, and sent him out upon an errand, at the same time
+expressing his intention of waiting in until his return.
+
+"Remember," the Count said, as his man was going out, "be careful to
+arouse no suspicion. Simply make your inquiries in the proper quarter,
+and come back immediately."
+
+At half-past twelve o'clock, as Geoffrey Engleheart was busy writing
+alone in his room at the Foreign Office, he was interrupted by the
+opening of the door.
+
+"Hulloa, dear boy! I've found my way up here by myself. Busy, as usual,
+I see!" cried a cheery voice as the door slowly opened, and Geoffrey
+looking up saw it was his friend the Count, well groomed and fashionably
+attired in glossy silk hat, perfect-fitting frock coat, and varnished
+boots. He called very frequently upon Engleheart, and had long ago
+placed himself on excellent terms with the messengers and doorkeepers,
+who looked upon him as a most generous visitor.
+
+"Oh, how are you?" Engleheart exclaimed, rising and shaking his hand.
+"You must really forgive me, Count, but I quite forgot my appointment
+with you to-day."
+
+"Oh, don't let me disturb you, pray. I'll have a glance at the paper
+till you've finished," and casting himself into a chair near the window
+he took up the _Times_ and was soon absorbed in it.
+
+A quarter of an hour went by in silence, while Engleheart wrote on,
+calmly unconscious that there was a small rent in the newspaper the
+Count was reading, and that through it he could plainly see each word of
+the treaty as it was transcribed from the secret code and written down
+in plain English.
+
+"Will you excuse me for ten minutes?" Geoffrey exclaimed presently. "The
+Cabinet Council is sitting, and I have to run over to see Lord Stanbury
+for a moment. After I return I must make another copy of this paper, and
+then I shall be free."
+
+The Count, casting the newspaper wearily aside, glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past one," he said. "You'll be another half-hour, if not
+more. After all, I really think, old fellow, I'll go on down to
+Hurlingham. I arranged to meet the Vaynes at two o'clock."
+
+"All right. I'll run down in a cab as soon as I can get away," answered
+Engleheart.
+
+"Good. Come on as soon as you can. Violet will be expecting you, you
+know."
+
+"Of course I shall," replied his unsuspicious friend, and they shook
+hands, after which the Count put on his hat and sauntered jauntily out.
+
+In Parliament Street he jumped into his phaeton, but instead of driving
+to Hurlingham gave his man orders to proceed with all speed to the
+General Post Office, St. Martin's-le-Grand. Within half an hour from the
+time he had shaken the hand of his unsuspecting friend, a message in
+code--to all intents and purposes a commercial despatch--was on its way
+to "Herr Brandt, 116 Friedrich Strasse, Berlin."
+
+That message contained an exact transcript of the secret treaty!
+
+[Illustration: THE RUSSIAN SPY'S TELEGRAM.]
+
+Almost immediately after the Count had left, Geoffrey made a discovery.
+From the floor he picked up a small gold pencil-case which he knew
+belonged to von Beilstein.
+
+Engleheart was sorely puzzled to know why the Count should require a
+pencil if not to write, and it momentarily flashed across his mind that
+he might have copied portions of the treaty. But the next minute he
+dismissed the suspicion as ungrounded and preposterous, and placing the
+pencil in his pocket went in search of Lord Stanbury.
+
+It was only the statement he read in the _People_ later, alleging
+treachery at the Foreign Office, that recalled the incident to his mind.
+Then the horrible truth dawned upon him. He saw how probable it was that
+he had been tricked.
+
+He knew that the mine was already laid; that the only thing that had
+prevented an explosion that would shake the whole world had been the
+absence of definite knowledge as to the exact terms of the alliance
+between England, Germany, Italy, and Austria.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN.
+
+
+At sea the night was dark and moonless. A thick mist hung near the land.
+The Coastguard and Artillery on our southern and eastern shores spent a
+terribly anxious time, peering from their points of vantage out into the
+cavernous darkness where no light glimmered. The Harbour Defence
+Flotilla was in readiness, and under the black cliffs sentinels kept
+watch with every nerve strained to its highest tension, for the safety
+of England now depended upon their alertness. The great waves crashed
+and roared, and the mist, obscuring the light of vessels passing up and
+down the Channel, seemed to grow more dense as the hours wore on.
+
+In the midst of the feverish excitement that had spread everywhere
+throughout the length and breadth of the land, the troops were, a couple
+of hours after the receipt of the alarming news in London, already being
+mobilised and on their way south and east by special trains. Men, arms,
+ammunition, and stores were hurried forward to repel attack, and in the
+War Office and Admiralty, where the staffs had been suddenly called
+together, the greatest activity prevailed. Messages had been flashed
+along the wires in every direction giving orders to mobilise and
+concentrate at certain points, and these instructions were being obeyed
+with that promptness for which British soldiers and sailors are
+proverbial.
+
+Yet the high officials at the War Office looked grave, and although
+affecting unconcern, now and then whispered ominously together. They
+knew that the situation was critical. An immediate and adequate naval
+defence was just possible, but the Channel Squadron was manoeuvring off
+the Irish coast, and both the Coastguard Squadron and the Steam Reserve
+at the home ports were very weak. It was to our land army that we had to
+trust, and they were divided in opinion as to the possibility to
+mobilise a sufficient force in time to bar the advance.
+
+Military experts did not overlook the fact that to Dunkirk, Calais,
+Boulogne, Dieppe, Fecamp, Havre, Honfleur, and Cherbourg ran excellent
+lines of railway, with ample rolling-stock, all Government property, and
+at the beck and call of the French War Minister. In the various ports
+there was adequate wharf accommodation and plenty of steam tonnage. From
+the brief official despatches received from Paris before the cutting of
+the wires, it was apparent that the French War Office had laid its plans
+with much forethought and cunning, and had provided against any
+_contretemps_. An army of carpenters and engineers had been put to work
+in the ports to alter the fittings of such of the merchant steamers as
+were destined to convey horses, and these fittings, prepared beforehand,
+were already in position. Four army corps had for several weeks been
+manoeuvring in Normandy, so that the Reservists had become accustomed to
+their work, and in excellent condition for war; therefore these facts,
+coupled with the strong support certain to be rendered by the warships
+of the Tsar, led experts to regard the outlook as exceedingly gloomy.
+
+For years military and naval men had discussed the possibilities of
+invasion, haggled over controversial points, but had never arrived at
+any definite opinion as to the possibility of an enemy's success. Now,
+however, the defences of the country were to be tested.
+
+Our great Empire was at stake.
+
+The power of steam to cause rapid transit by land and sea, the
+uncertainty of the place of disembarkment, and the great weight of
+modern naval artillery, combined to render the defences of England on
+the coast itself most uncertain and hazardous, and to cause grave doubts
+to arise in the minds of those who at that critical moment were
+directing the forward movement of the forces.
+
+The British public, whose national patriotism found vent in expressions
+of confidence in the Regular Army and Volunteers, were ignorant of the
+facts. They knew that two great Powers had combined to crush our island
+stronghold, and were eager that hostilities should commence in order
+that the enemy should be taught a severe lesson for their presumption.
+
+They, however, knew nothing of the plain truth, that although the 1st
+Army Corps at Aldershot would be ready to move at a few hours' notice,
+yet it was hopeless to try and prevent the disembarkation of the French
+army corps along a long line of unprotected coast by the action of a
+land force only one-third of their strength.
+
+So, by the water's edge, the lonely posts were kept through the night by
+patient, keen-sighted sentinels, ready at any moment to raise the alarm.
+But the dense mist that overhung everything was tantalising, hiding
+friend and foe alike, and no sound could be heard above the heavy roar
+of the waters as they rolled in over the rocks.
+
+London, infuriated, enthusiastic, turbulent, knew no sleep that night.
+The excitement was at fever-heat. At last, soon after daybreak, there
+came the first news of the enemy. A number of warships had suddenly
+appeared through the fog off the Sussex coast, and had lost no time in
+asserting their presence and demanding a large sum from the Mayor of
+Newhaven.
+
+The French first-class battery cruiser _Tage_, the _Devastation_, the
+_Pothuau_, the _Arethuse_ and others, finding that their demand was
+unheeded, at once commenced shelling the town. Although our Coastguard
+Squadron and first-class Steam Reserve had mobilised, yet they had
+received orders and sailed away no one knew whither. The forts replied
+vigorously, but the fire of the enemy in half an hour had wrought
+terrible havoc both in the town and in the forts, where several of the
+guns had been rendered useless and a number of men had been killed.
+Hostilities had commenced.
+
+Never during the century had such scenes been witnessed in the streets
+of London as on that memorable Sunday morning. The metropolis was
+thrilled.
+
+Dawn was spreading, saffron tints were in the sky heralding the sun's
+coming. Yet Regent Street, Piccadilly, and the Strand, usually entirely
+deserted at that hour on a Sabbath morning, were crowded as if it were
+midday.
+
+Everywhere there was excitement. Crowds waited in front of the newspaper
+offices in Fleet Street, boys with strident voices sold the latest
+editions of the papers, men continued their snatches of patriotic
+ballads, while women were blanched and scared, and children clung to
+their mothers' skirts timidly, vaguely fearing an unknown terror.
+
+The shadow of coming events was black and dim, like a funeral pall. The
+fate of our Empire hung upon a thread.
+
+Twenty-four hours ago England was smiling, content in the confidence of
+its perfect safety and immunity from invasion; yet all the horrors of
+war had, with a startling, appalling suddenness, fallen and bewildered
+it. The booming of French cannon at Newhaven formed the last salute of
+many a brave Briton who fell shattered and lifeless.
+
+As the sun rose crimson from the grey misty sea, the work of destruction
+increased in vigour. From the turrets of the floating monsters smoke and
+flame poured forth in continuous volume, while shot and shell were
+hurled into the town of Newhaven, which, it was apparent, was the centre
+of the enemy's attack, and where, owing to the deepening of the harbour,
+troops could effect a landing under cover of the fire from the
+ironclads.
+
+Frightful havoc was wrought by the shells among the houses of the little
+town, and one falling on board the Brighton Railway Company's mail
+steamer _Paris_, lying alongside the station quay, set her on fire. In
+half an hour railway station and quays were blazing furiously, while the
+flames leaped up about the ship, wrapping themselves about the two
+white funnels and darting from every porthole.
+
+The Custom House opposite quickly ignited, and the inflammable nature of
+its contents caused the fire to assume enormous proportions. Meanwhile
+the bombardment was kept up, the forts on shore still replying with
+regularity, steadiness, and precision, and the armoured coast train of
+the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers, under Captain Brigden, rendering
+excellent service. In one of the forts a man was standing in front of a
+small camera-obscura, on the glass of which were a number of mysterious
+marks. This glass reflected the water and the ships; and as he stood by
+calmly with his hand upon a keyboard, he watched the reflections of the
+hostile vessels moving backwards and forwards over the glass. Suddenly
+he saw a French gunboat, after a series of smartly-executed manoeuvres,
+steaming straight over one of the marks, and, quick as lightning, his
+finger pressed one of the electric keys. A terrific explosion followed,
+and a column of green water shot up at the same instant. The gunboat
+_Lavel_ had been suddenly blown almost out of the water by a submarine
+mine! Broken portions of her black hull turned over and sank, and
+mangled remains of what a second before had been a crew of enthusiastic
+Frenchmen floated for a few moments on the surface, then disappeared.
+Not a soul on board escaped.
+
+Along the telegraph line from the signal-station on Beachy Head news of
+the blowing up of the enemy's gunboat was flashed to London, and when,
+an hour later, it appeared in the newspapers, the people went half mad
+with excitement. Alas, how they miscalculated the relative strength of
+the opposing forces!
+
+They were unaware that our Channel Fleet, our Coastguard Squadron, and
+our Reserve were steaming away, leaving our southern shores _practically
+unprotected_!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX.
+
+
+The Briton is, alas! too prone to underrate his adversary. It is this
+national egotism, this fatal over-confidence, that has led to most of
+the reverses we have sustained in recent wars.
+
+The popular belief that one Briton is as good as half a dozen
+foreigners, is a fallacy which ought to be at once expunged from the
+minds of every one. The improved and altered conditions under which
+international hostilities are carried on nowadays scarcely even admit of
+a hand-to-hand encounter, and the engines of destruction designed by
+other European Powers being quite as perfect as our own, tact and
+cunning have now taken the place of pluck and perseverance. The strong
+arm avails but little in modern warfare; strategy is everything.
+
+Into Brighton, an hour after dawn, the enemy's vessels were pouring
+volley after volley of deadly missiles. A party had landed from the
+French flagship, and, summoning the Mayor, had demanded a million
+pounds. This not being forthcoming, they had commenced shelling the
+town. The fire was, for the most part, directed against the long line of
+shops and private residences in King's Road and at Hove, and in half an
+hour over a hundred houses had been demolished. The palatial Hotel
+Metropole stood a great gaunt ruin. Shells had carried large portions of
+the noble building away, and a part of the ruin had caught fire and was
+burning unchecked, threatening to consume the whole. Church steeples
+had been knocked over like ninepins, and explosive missiles dropped in
+the centre of the town every moment, sweeping the streets with deadly
+effect. The enemy met with little or no opposition. Our first line of
+defence, our Navy, was missing! The Admiralty were unaware of the
+whereabouts of three whole Fleets that had mobilised, and the ships
+remaining in the Channel, exclusive of the Harbour Defence Flotilla,
+were practically useless.
+
+At Eastbourne, likewise, where a similar demand had been made, shot fell
+thick as hail, and shells played fearful havoc with the handsome
+boarding-houses and hotels that line the sea front. From the redoubt,
+the Wish Tower, and a battery on the higher ground towards Beachy Head,
+as well as a number of other hastily constructed earthworks, a reply was
+made to the enemy's fire, and the guns in the antiquated martello
+towers, placed at intervals along the beach, now and then sent a shot
+towards the vessels. But such an attempt to keep the great ironclads at
+bay was absurdly futile. One after another shells from the monster guns
+of the Russian ship _Pjotr Velikij_, and the armoured cruisers _Gerzog
+Edinburskij_, _Krejser_, and _Najezdnik_, crashed into these out-of-date
+coast defences, and effectually silenced them. In Eastbourne itself the
+damage wrought was enormous. Every moment shells fell and exploded in
+Terminus and Seaside Roads, while the aristocratic suburb of Upperton,
+built on the hill behind the town, was exposed to and bore the full
+brunt of the fray. The fine modern Queen Anne and Elizabethan residences
+were soon mere heaps of burning debris. Every moment houses fell,
+burying their occupants, and those people who rushed out into the roads
+for safety were, for the most part, either overwhelmed by debris, or had
+their limbs shattered by flying pieces of shell.
+
+The situation was awful. The incessant thunder of cannon, the screaming
+of shells whizzing through the air, to burst a moment later and send a
+dozen or more persons to an untimely grave, the crash of falling walls,
+the clouds of smoke and dust, and the blazing of ignited wreckage,
+combined to produce a scene more terrible than any witnessed in England
+during the present century.
+
+And all this was the outcome of one man's indiscretion and the cunning
+duplicity of two others!
+
+At high noon Newhaven fell into the hands of the enemy.
+
+The attack had been so entirely unexpected that the troops mobilised and
+sent there had arrived too late. The town was being sacked, and the
+harbour was in the possession of the French, who were landing their
+forces in great numbers. From Dieppe and Havre transports were arriving,
+and discharging their freights of fighting men and guns under cover of
+the fire from the French warships lying close in land.
+
+Notwithstanding all the steps taken during the last twenty years to
+improve the condition of our forces on land and sea, this outbreak of
+hostilities found us far from being in a state of preparedness for war.
+England, strangely enough, has never yet fully realised that the
+conditions of war have entirely changed. In days gone by, when troops
+and convoys could move but slowly, the difficulty of providing for
+armies engaged in operations necessarily limited their strength. It is
+now quite different. Improved communications have given to military
+operations astonishing rapidity, and the facilities with which large
+masses of troops, guns, and stores can now be transported to great
+distances has had the effect of proportionately increasing numbers. As a
+result of this, with the exception of our own island, Europe was armed
+to the teeth. Yet a mobilisation arrangement that was faulty and not
+clearly understood by officers or men, was the cause of the enemy being
+allowed to land. It is remarkable that the military authorities had not
+acted upon the one principle admitted on every side, namely, that the
+only effective defence consists of attack. The attack, to succeed,
+should have been sudden and opportune, and the Army should have been so
+organised that on the occurrence of war a force of adequate strength
+would have been at once available.
+
+In a word, we missed our chance to secure this inestimable advantage
+afforded by the power of striking the first blow.
+
+There was an old and true saying, that "England's best bulwarks were her
+wooden walls." They are no longer wooden, but it still remains an
+admitted fact that England's strongest bulwarks should be her Navy, and
+that any other nation may be possessed of an equally good one; also that
+our best bulwark should be equal to, or approach, the fighting power of
+the bulwarks owned by any two possible hostile nations.
+
+To be strong is to stave off war; to be weak is to invite attack. It was
+our policy of _laissez faire_, a weak Navy and an Army bound up with red
+tape, that caused this disastrous invasion of England. Had our Fleet
+been sufficient for its work, invasion would have remained a threat, and
+nothing more. Our Navy was not only our first, but our last line of
+defence from an Imperial point of view; for, as a writer in the _Army
+and Navy Gazette_ pointed out in 1893, it was equally manifest and
+unquestionable that without land forces to act as the spearhead to the
+Navy's over-sea shaft, the offensive tactics so essential to a thorough
+statesmanlike defensive policy could not be carried out. Again, the
+mobility and efficiency of our Regular Army should have been such that
+the victory of our Fleet could be speedily and vigorously followed by
+decisive blows on the enemy's territory.
+
+Already the news of the landing of the enemy had--besides causing a
+thrill such as had never before been known in our "tight little
+island"--produced its effect upon the price of food in London as
+elsewhere. In England we had only five days' bread-stuffs, and as the
+majority of our supplies came from Russia the price of bread trebled
+within twelve hours, and the ordinary necessaries of life were
+proportionately dearer.
+
+But the dice had been thrown, and the sixes lay with Moloch.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON.
+
+
+On that never-to-be-forgotten Sunday, scenes were witnessed in the
+metropolis which were of the most disgraceful character. The teeming
+city, from dawn till midnight, was in a feverish turmoil, the throngs in
+its streets discussing the probable turn of affairs, singing patriotic
+songs, and giving vent to utterances of heroic intentions interspersed
+with much horse play.
+
+In Trafalgar Square, the hub of London, a mass meeting of Anarchists and
+Socialists was held, at which the Government and military authorities
+were loudly denounced for what was termed their criminal apathy to the
+interests and welfare of the nation. The Government, it was contended,
+had betrayed the country by allowing the secret of the German alliance
+to fall into the hands of its enemies, and the Ministers, adjudged
+unworthy the confidence of the nation, were by the resolutions adopted
+called upon to resign immediately. The crisis was an excuse for
+Anarchism to vent its grievances against law and order, and, unshackled,
+it had spread with rapidity through the length and breadth of the land.
+In "The Square" the scarlet flag and the Cap of Liberty were everywhere
+in evidence, and, notwithstanding the presence of the police, the
+leaders of Anarchy openly advocated outrage, incendiarism, and murder.
+At length the police resolved to interfere, and this was the signal for
+a terrible uprising. The huge mob, which in the mellow sunset filled
+the great Square and blocked all its approaches, became a seething,
+surging mass of struggling humanity. The attack by the police, who were
+ordered to disperse them, only incensed them further against the
+authorities, whom they blamed for the catastrophe that had befallen our
+country. Angry and desperate they fought with the police, using both
+revolvers and knives.
+
+The scene was terrible. The scum of the metropolis had congregated to
+wage war against their own compatriots whom they classed among enemies,
+and for an hour in the precincts of the Square the struggle was for
+life. Dozens of constables were shot dead, hundreds of Anarchists and
+Socialists received wounds from batons, many succumbing to their
+injuries, or being trampled to death by the dense mob. It was a
+repetition of that historic day known as "Bloody Sunday," only the fight
+was more desperate and the consequences far worse, and such as would
+disgrace any civilised city.
+
+Before sundown the police had been vanquished; and as no soldiers could
+be spared, Anarchism ran riot in the Strand, Pall Mall, St. Martin's
+Lane, Northumberland Avenue, and Parliament Street. Pale, determined
+men, with faces covered with blood, and others with their clothes in
+shreds, shouted hoarse cries of victory, as, headed by a torn red flag,
+they rushed into Pall Mall and commenced breaking down the shutters of
+shops and looting them. Men were knocked down and murdered, and the
+rioters, freed from all restraint, commenced sacking all establishments
+where it was expected spoil could be obtained. At one bank in Pall Mall
+they succeeded, after some difficulty, in breaking open the strong room
+with explosives, and some forty or fifty of the rebels with eager
+greediness shared the gold and notes they stole.
+
+At the Strand corner of the Square a squad of police was being formed,
+in order to co-operate with some reinforcements which were arriving,
+when suddenly there was a terrific explosion.
+
+A bomb filled with picric acid had been thrown by an Anarchist, and when
+the smoke cleared, the shattered remains of thirty-four constables lay
+strewn upon the roadway!
+
+This was but the first of a series of dastardly outrages. The advice of
+the Anarchist leaders in their inflammatory speeches had been acted
+upon, and in half an hour a number of bomb explosions had occurred in
+the vicinity, each doing enormous damage, and killing numbers of
+innocent persons. After the petard had been thrown in Trafalgar Square a
+loud explosion was almost immediately afterwards heard in Parliament
+Street, and it was soon known that a too successful attempt had been
+made to blow up the Premier's official residence in Downing Street. The
+programme of the outrages had apparently been organised, for almost
+before the truth was known another even more disastrous explosion
+occurred in the vestibule of the War Office in Pall Mall, which wrecked
+the lower part of the building, and blew to atoms the sentry on duty,
+and killed a number of clerks who were busy at their important duties in
+the apartments on the ground floor.
+
+Through Pall Mall and along Whitehall the mob ran, crying "Down with the
+Government! Kill the traitors! Kill them!" About three thousand of the
+more lawless, having looted a number of shops, rushed to the Houses of
+Parliament, arriving there just in time to witness the frightful havoc
+caused by the explosion of two terribly powerful bombs that had been
+placed in St. Stephen's Hall and in Westminster Abbey.
+
+A section of the exultant rioters had gained access to the National
+Gallery, where they carried on ruthless destruction among the priceless
+paintings there. Dozens of beautiful works were slashed with knives,
+others were torn down, and many, cut from their frames, were flung to
+the howling crowd outside. Suddenly some one screamed, "What do we want
+with Art? Burn down the useless palace! Burn it! Burn it!"
+
+This cry was taken up by thousands of throats, and on every hand the
+rebels inside the building were urged to set fire to it. Intoxicated
+with success, maddened by anger at the action of the police, and
+confident that they had gained a signal victory over the law, they piled
+together a number of historic paintings in one of the rooms, and then
+ignited them. The flames leaped to the ceiling, spread to the woodwork,
+and thence, with appalling rapidity, to the other apartments. The
+windows cracked, and clouds of smoke and tongues of fire belched forth
+from them.
+
+It had now grown dusk. The furious, demoniacal rabble surging in the
+Square set up loud, prolonged cheering when they saw the long dark
+building burning. In delight they paused in their work of destruction,
+watching the flames growing brighter as they burst through the roof,
+licking the central dome; and while the timber crackled and the fire
+roared, casting a lurid glare upon the tall buildings round and lighting
+up the imposing facade of the Grand Hotel, they cheered vociferously and
+sang the "Marseillaise" until the smoke half choked them and their
+throats grew hoarse.
+
+These denizens of the slums, these criminal crusaders against the law,
+were not yet satiated by their wild reckless orgies. Unchecked, they had
+run riot up and down the Strand, and there was scarcely a man among them
+who had not in his pocket some of the spoils from jewellers' or from
+banks. In the glare of the flames the white bloodstained faces wore a
+determined expression as they stood collecting their energies for some
+other atrocious outrage against their so-called enemies, the rich.
+
+At the first menace of excesses, dwellers in the locality had left their
+houses and fled headlong for safety to other parts of the city. The
+majority escaped, but many fell into the hands of the rioters, and were
+treated with scant humanity. Men and women were struck down and robbed,
+even strangled or shot if they resisted. The scene was frightful--a
+terrible realisation of Anarchist prophecies that had rendered the
+authorities absolutely helpless. On the one hand, an enemy had landed on
+our shores with every chance of a successful march to London, while on
+the other the revolutionary spirit had broken out unmistakably among the
+criminal class, and lawlessness and murder were everywhere rife.
+
+The homes of the people were threatened by double disaster--by the
+attack of both enemy and "friend." The terrible bomb outrages and their
+appalling results had completely disorganised the police, and although
+reinforcements had been telegraphed for from every division in London,
+the number of men mustered at Scotland Yard was not yet sufficient to
+deal effectually with the irate and rapidly increasing mob.
+
+As evening wore on the scenes in the streets around the Square were
+terrible. Pall Mall was congested by the angry mob who were wrecking the
+clubs, when suddenly the exultant cries were succeeded by terrified
+shrieks mingled with fierce oaths. Each man fought with his neighbour,
+and many men and women, crushed against iron railings, stood half
+suffocated and helpless. The National Gallery was burning fiercely,
+flames from the great burning pile shot high in the air, illuminating
+everything with their flood of crimson light, and the wind, blowing down
+the crowded thoroughfare, carried smoke, sparks, and heat with it.
+
+Distant shrieks were heard in the direction of the Square, and suddenly
+the crowd surged wildly forward. Gaol-birds from the purlieus of Drury
+Lane robbed those who had valuables or money upon them, and committed
+brutal assaults upon the unprotected. A moment later, however, there was
+a flash, and the deafening sound of firearms at close quarters was
+followed by the horrified shrieks of the yelling mob. Again and again
+the sound was repeated. Around them bullets whistled, and men and women
+fell forward dead and wounded with terrible curses upon their lips.
+
+The 10th Hussars had just arrived from Hounslow, and having received
+hurried orders to clear away the rioters, were shooting them down like
+dogs, without mercy. On every hand cries of agony and despair rose above
+the tumult. Then a silence followed, for the street was thickly strewn
+with corpses.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG.
+
+
+A cloudy moonless night, with a gusty wind which now and then swept the
+tops of the forest trees, causing the leaves to surge like a summer sea.
+
+Withered branches creaked and groaned, and a dog howled dismally down in
+Flimwell village, half a mile away. Leaning with his back against the
+gnarled trunk of a giant oak on the edge of the forest, his ears alert
+for the slightest sound, his hand upon his loaded magazine rifle,
+Geoffrey Engleheart stood on outpost duty. Dressed in a rough shooting
+suit, with a deerstalker hat and an improvised kit strapped upon his
+back, he was half hidden by the tall bracken. Standing motionless in the
+deep shadow, with his eyes fixed upon the wide stretch of sloping
+meadows, he waited, ready, at the slightest appearance of the enemy's
+scouts, to raise the alarm and call to arms those who were sleeping in
+the forest after their day's march.
+
+The City Civilian Volunteer Battalion which he had joined was on its way
+to take part in the conflict, which every one knew would be desperate.
+Under the command of Major Mansford, an experienced elderly officer who
+had long since retired from the Lancashire Regiment, but who had at once
+volunteered to lead the battalion of young patriots, they had left
+London by train for Maidstone, whence they marched by way of Linton,
+Marden, and Goudhurst to Frith Wood, where they had bivouacked for the
+night on the Sussex border.
+
+It was known that Russian scouts had succeeded in getting as far as
+Wadhurst, and it was expected that one of the French reconnoitring
+parties must, in their circuitous survey, pass the border of the wood on
+their way back to their own lines. Up to the present they had been
+practically unmolested. The British army was now mobilised, and Kent,
+Sussex, and Hampshire were overrun with soldiers. Every household gave
+men accommodation voluntarily, every hostelry, from the aristocratic
+hotels of the watering-places to the unassuming Red Lions of the
+villages, was full of Britain's brave defenders. The echoes of old-world
+village streets of thatched houses with quaint gables were awakened
+night and day by the rumbling of heavy artillery, the shouts of the
+drivers as they urged along their teams, and the rattle of ammunition
+carts and of ambulance waggons, while on every high road leading south
+battalions were on the march, and eager to come within fighting range of
+the audacious foreigners.
+
+At first the peaceful people of the villages gazed, wondered, and
+admired, thinking some manoeuvres were about to take place--for military
+manoeuvres always improve village trade. But they were very quickly
+disillusioned. When they knew the truth--that the enemy was actually at
+their doors, that the grey-coated masses of the Russian legions were
+lying like packs of wolves in the undulating country between Heathfield,
+Etchingham, and the sea--they were panic-stricken and appalled. They
+watched the stream of redcoats passing their doors, cheering them, while
+those who were their guests were treated to the best fare their hosts
+could provide.
+
+Tommy Atkins was now the idol of the hour.
+
+Apparently the enemy, having established themselves, were by no means
+anxious to advance with undue haste. Having landed, they were, it was
+ascertained, awaiting the arrival of further reinforcements and
+armaments from both Powers; but nothing definite was known of this,
+except some meagre details that had filtered through the American
+cables, all direct telegraphic communication with the Continent having
+now been cut off.
+
+Alas! Moloch had grinned. He had sharpened his sickle for the terrible
+carnage that was to spread through Albion's peaceful land.
+
+Terrible was the panic that the invasion had produced in the North.
+
+Food had risen to exorbitant prices. In the great manufacturing centres
+the toiling millions were already feeling the pinch of starvation, for
+with bread at ninepence a small loaf, meat at a prohibitive figure, and
+the factories stopped, they were compelled to remain with empty stomachs
+and idle hands.
+
+Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and the larger towns
+presented a gloomy, sorry aspect. Business was suspended, the majority
+of the shops were closed, the banks barred and bolted, and the only
+establishments where any trade flourished were the taverns and music
+halls. These were crowded. Drink flowed, gold jingled, and the laughter
+at wild jest or the thunder of applause which greeted dancing girls and
+comic vocalists was still as hearty as of old. Everywhere there was a
+sordid craving for amusement which was a reflex of the war fever. The
+people made merry, for ere long they might be cut down by a foeman's
+steel.
+
+Restless impatience thrilled the community from castle to cottage,
+intensified by the vain clamourings of Anarchist mobs in the greater
+towns. As in London, these shock-headed agitators held high revel,
+protesting against everything and everybody--now railing, now
+threatening, but always mustering converts to their harebrained
+doctrines. In Manchester they were particularly strong. A number of
+serious riots had occurred in Deansgate and in Market Street. The mob
+wrecked the Queen's Hotel, smashed numbers of windows in Lewis's great
+emporium, looted the _Guardian_ office, and set fire to the Town Hall. A
+portion of the latter only was burned, the fire brigade managing to
+subdue the flames before any very serious damage was occasioned.
+Although the police made hundreds of arrests, and the stipendiary sat
+from early morning until late at night, Anarchist demonstrations were
+held every evening in the city and suburbs, always resulting in
+pillage, incendiarism, and not unfrequently in murder. In grey,
+money-making Stockport, in grimy Salford, in smoky Pendleton, and even
+in aristocratic Eccles, these demonstrations were held, and the
+self-styled "soldiers of the social revolution" marched over the granite
+roads, headed by a dirty scarlet flag, hounding down the Government, and
+crying shame upon them for the apathy with which they had regarded the
+presence of the bearded Caucasian Tcherkesses of the White Tsar.
+
+The kingdom was in wild turmoil, for horror heaped upon horror. Outrages
+that commenced in London were repeated with appalling frequency in the
+great towns in the provinces. An attempt had been made to assassinate
+the Premier while speaking in the Town Hall, Birmingham, the bomb which
+was thrown having killed two hard-working reporters who were writing
+near; but the Prime Minister, who seemed to lead a charmed existence,
+escaped without a scratch.
+
+In Liverpool, where feeling against the War Office ran high, there were
+several explosions, two of which occurred in Bold Street, and were
+attended by loss of life, while a number of incendiary fires occurred at
+the docks. At Bradford the Town Hall was blown up, and the troops were
+compelled to fire on a huge mob of rioters, who, having assembled at
+Manningham, were advancing to loot the town.
+
+The cavalry barracks at York was the scene of a terrific explosion,
+which killed three sentries and maimed twenty other soldiers; while at
+Warwick Assizes, during the hearing of a murder trial, some unknown
+scoundrel threw a petard at the judge, killing him instantly on the
+bench.
+
+These, however, were but few instances of the wild lawlessness and
+terrible anarchy that prevailed in Britain, for only the most flagrant
+cases of outrage were reported in the newspapers, their columns being
+filled with the latest intelligence from the seat of war.
+
+It must be said that over the border the people were more law-abiding.
+The Scotch, too canny to listen to the fiery declamations of hoarse and
+shabby agitators, preferred to trust to British pluck and the strong arm
+of their brawny Highlanders. In Caledonia the seeds of Anarchy fell on
+stony ground.
+
+In Northern and Midland towns, however, the excitement increased hourly.
+It extended everywhere. From Ventnor to the Pentlands, from Holyhead to
+the Humber, from Scilly to the Nore, every man and every woman existed
+in fearfulness of the crash that was impending.
+
+It was now known throughout the breadth of our land that the Government
+policy was faulty, that War Office and Admiralty organisation was a
+rotten make-believe, and, worst of all, that what critics had long ago
+said as to the inadequacy of our naval defence, even with the ships
+built under the programme of 1894, had now, alas! proved to be true.
+
+The suspense was awful. Those who were now living in the peaceful
+atmospheres of their homes, surrounded by neighbours and friends in the
+centre of a great town, and feeling a sense of security, might within a
+few days be shot down by French rifles, or mowed down brutally by
+gleaming Cossack _shushkas_. The advance of the enemy was expected
+daily, hourly; and the people in the North waited, staggered,
+breathless, and terrified. Men eagerly scanned the newspapers; women
+pressed their children to their breasts.
+
+In the mining districts the shock had not inspired the same amount of
+fear as at the ports and in the manufacturing centres. Possibly it was
+because work was still proceeding in the pits, and constant work
+prevents men from becoming restless, or troubling themselves about a
+nation's woes. Toilers who worked below knew that foreign invaders had
+landed, and that the Militia and Volunteers had been called out, but
+they vaguely believed that, the seat of war being away down south--a
+very long distance in the imagination of most of them--everything would
+be over before they could be called upon to take part in the struggle.
+In any case coal and iron must be got, they argued, and while they had
+work they had little time for uneasiness. Nevertheless, great numbers of
+stalwart young miners enrolled themselves in the local Volunteer corps,
+and burned to avenge the affront to their country and their sovereign.
+
+Those were indeed fateful, ever-to-be-remembered days.
+
+Amid this weary, anxious watching, this constant dread of what might
+next occur, an item of news was circulated which caused the greatest
+rejoicing everywhere. Intelligence reached New York, by cable from
+France, that Germany had combined with England against the
+Franco-Russian alliance, that her vast army had been mobilised, and that
+already the brave, well-drilled legions of the Emperor William had
+crossed the Vosges, and passed the frontier into France. A sharp battle
+had been fought near Givet, and that, as well as several other French
+frontier towns which fell in 1870, were again in the hands of the
+Germans.
+
+How different were German methods to those of the British!
+
+With a perfect scheme of attack, every detail of which had been long
+thought out, and which worked without a hitch, the Kaiser's forces were
+awaiting the word of command to march onward--to Paris. For years--ever
+since they taught France that severe lesson in the last disastrous
+war--it had been the ambition of every German cavalryman to clink his
+spurs on the asphalte of the Boulevards. Now they were actually on their
+way towards their goal!
+
+The papers were full of these latest unexpected developments, the
+details of which, necessarily meagre owing to the lack of direct
+communication, were eagerly discussed. It was believed that Germany
+would, in addition to defending her Polish frontier and attacking
+France, also send a naval squadron from Kiel to England.
+
+The Tsar's spy had been foiled, and Russia and France now knew they had
+made a false move! Russia's rapid and decisive movement was intended to
+prevent the signing of the secret alliance, and to bar England and
+Germany from joining hands. But happily the sly machinations of the
+Count von Beilstein, the released convict and adventurer, had in a
+measure failed, for Germany had considered it diplomatic to throw in
+her fortune with Great Britain in this desperate encounter.
+
+A feeling of thankfulness spread through the land. Nevertheless, it was
+plain that if Germany intended to wield the double-handled sword of
+conquest in France, she would have few troops to spare to send to
+England.
+
+But those dark days, full of agonising suspense, dragged on slowly. The
+French well knew the imminent danger that threatened their own country,
+yet they could not possibly withdraw. Mad enthusiasts always!
+
+It must be war to the death, they decided. The conflict could not be
+averted. So Britons unsheathed their steel, and held themselves in
+readiness for a fierce and desperate fray.
+
+The invasion had indeed been planned by our enemies with marvellous
+forethought and cunning. There was treachery in the Intelligence
+Department of the British Admiralty, foul treachery which placed our
+country at the mercy of the invader, and sacrificed thousands of lives.
+On the morning following the sudden Declaration of War, the officer in
+charge of the telegraph bureau at Whitehall, whose duty it had been to
+send the telegrams ordering the naval mobilisation, was found lying dead
+beside the telegraph instrument--stabbed to the heart! Inquiries were
+made, and it was found that one of the clerks, a young Frenchman who had
+been taken on temporarily at a low salary, was missing. It was further
+discovered that the murder had been committed hours before, immediately
+the Mobilisation Orders had been sent; further, that fictitious
+telegrams had been despatched cancelling them, and ordering the Channel
+Fleet away to the Mediterranean, the Coastguard Squadron to Land's End,
+and the first-class Reserve ships to proceed to the North of Scotland in
+search of the enemy! Thus, owing to these orders sent by the murderer,
+England was left unprotected.
+
+Immediately the truth was known efforts were made to cancel the forged
+orders. But, alas! it was too late. Our Fleets had already sailed!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME.
+
+
+Karl von Beilstein sat in his own comfortable saddlebag-chair, in his
+chambers in the Albany, lazily twisting a cigarette.
+
+On a table at his elbow was spread sheet 319 of the Ordnance Survey Map
+of England, which embraced that part of Sussex where the enemy were
+encamped. With red and blue pencils he had been making mystic marks upon
+it, and had at last laid it aside with a smile of satisfaction.
+
+"She thought she had me in her power," he muttered ominously to himself.
+"The wolf! If she knew everything, she could make me crave again at her
+feet for mercy. Happily she is in ignorance; therefore that trip to a
+more salubrious climate that I anticipated is for the present postponed.
+I have silenced her, and am still master of the situation--still the
+agent of the Tsar!" Uttering a low laugh, he gave his cigarette a final
+twist, and then regarded it critically.
+
+The door opened to admit his valet, Grevel.
+
+"A message from the Embassy. The man is waiting," he said.
+
+His master opened the note which was handed to him, read it with
+contracted brows, and said--
+
+"Tell him that the matter shall be arranged as quickly as possible."
+
+"Nothing else?"
+
+"Nothing. I am leaving London, and shall not be back for a week--perhaps
+longer."
+
+With a slight yawn he rose and passed into his dressing-room, while his
+servant went to deliver his message to the man in waiting. The note had
+produced a marked effect upon the spy. It was an order from his
+taskmasters in St. Petersburg. He knew it must be obeyed. Every moment
+was of vital consequence in carrying out the very delicate mission
+intrusted to him, a mission which it would require all his tact and
+cunning to execute.
+
+In a quarter of an hour he emerged into his sitting-room again, so
+completely disguised that even his most intimate acquaintances would
+have failed to recognise him. Attired in rusty black, with clean shaven
+face and walking with a scholarly stoop, he had transformed himself from
+the foppish man-about-town to a needy country parson, whose cheap boots
+were down at heel, and in the lappel of whose coat was displayed a piece
+of worn and faded blue.
+
+"Listen, Pierre," he said to his man, who entered at his summons. "While
+I am away keep your eyes and ears open. If there is a shadow of
+suspicion in any quarter, burn all my papers, send me warning through
+the Embassy, and clear out yourself without delay. Should matters assume
+a really dangerous aspect, you must get down to the Russian lines, where
+they will pass you through, and put you on board one of our ships."
+
+"Has the Ministry at Petersburg promised us protection at last?"
+
+"Yes; we have nothing to fear. When the game is up among these lambs, we
+shall calmly go over to the other side and witness the fun."
+
+"In what direction are you now going?"
+
+"I don't know," replied the spy, as he unlocked a drawer in a small
+cabinet in a niche by the fireplace and took from it a long Circassian
+knife. Drawing the bright blade from its leathern sheath, he felt its
+keen double edge with his fingers.
+
+It was like a razor.
+
+"A desperate errand--eh?" queried the valet, with a grin, noticing how
+carefully the Count placed the murderous weapon in his inner pocket.
+
+"Yes," he answered. "Desperate. A word sometimes means death."
+
+And the simple rural vicar strode out and down the stairs, leaving the
+crafty Pierre in wonderment.
+
+"Bah!" the latter exclaimed in disgust, when the receding footsteps had
+died away. "So you vainly imagine, my dear Karl, that you have your heel
+upon my neck, do you? It is good for me that you don't give me credit
+for being a little more wideawake, otherwise you would see that you are
+raking the chestnuts from the fire for me. _Bien!_ I am silent, docile,
+obedient; I merely wait for you to burn your fingers, then the whole of
+the money will be mine to enjoy, while you will be in the only land
+where the Tsar does not require secret agents. Vain, avaricious fool!
+_You'll be in your grave!_"
+
+Von Beilstein meanwhile sped along down the Haymarket and Pall Mall to
+Whitehall. The clock on the stone tower of the Horse Guards showed it
+was one o'clock, and, with apparently aimless purpose, he lounged about
+on the broad pavement outside Old Scotland Yard, immediately opposite
+the dark facade of the Admiralty. His hawk's eye carefully scrutinised
+every single person of the busy throng entering or leaving the building.
+There was great activity at the naval headquarters, and the courtyard
+was crowded with persons hurrying in and out. Presently, after a short
+but vigilant watch, he turned quickly so as to be unobserved, and moved
+slowly away.
+
+The cause of this sudden manoeuvre was the appearance of a well-dressed,
+dark-bearded man of about forty, having the appearance of a naval
+officer in mufti, who emerged hastily from the building with a handbag
+in his hand, and crossed the courtyard to the kerb, where he stood
+looking up and down the thoroughfare.
+
+"My man!" exclaimed von Beilstein, under his breath. "He wants a cab. I
+wonder where he's going?"
+
+Five minutes later the naval officer was in a hansom, driving towards
+Westminster Bridge, while, at a little distance behind, the Tsar's agent
+was following in another conveyance. Once on the trail, the Count never
+left his quarry. Crossing the bridge, they drove on rapidly through the
+crowded, turbulent streets of South London to the Elephant and Castle,
+and thence down the Old Kent Road to the New Cross Station of the
+South-Eastern Railway.
+
+As a protest against the action of the Government, and in order to
+prevent the enemy from establishing direct communication with London in
+case of British reverses, the lines from the metropolis to the south had
+been wrecked by the Anarchists. On the Chatham and Dover Railway, Penge
+tunnel had been blown up, on the Brighton line two bridges near Croydon
+had been similarly treated, and on the South-Eastern four bridges in
+Rotherhithe and Bermondsey had been broken up and rendered impassable by
+dynamite, while at Haysden, outside Tunbridge, the rails had also been
+torn up for a considerable distance. Therefore traffic to the south from
+London termini had been suspended, and the few persons travelling were
+compelled to take train at the stations in the remoter southern suburbs.
+
+As the unsuspecting officer stepped into the booking-office, his
+attention was not attracted by the quiet and seedy clergyman who lounged
+near enough to overhear him purchase a first-class ticket for Deal. When
+he had descended to the platform the spy obtained a third-class ticket
+to the same destination, and leisurely followed him. Travelling by the
+same train, they were compelled to alight at Haysden and walk over the
+wrecked permanent way into Tunbridge, from which place they journeyed to
+Deal, arriving there about six o'clock. Throughout, it was apparent to
+the crafty watcher that the man he was following was doing his utmost to
+escape observation, and this surmise was strengthened by his actions on
+arriving at the quaint old town, now half ruined; for, instead of going
+to a first-class hotel, he walked on until he came to Middle Street,--a
+narrow little thoroughfare, redolent of fish, running parallel with the
+sea,--and took up quarters at the Mariners' Rest Inn. It was a low,
+old-fashioned little place, with sanded floors, a smoke-blackened
+taproom, a rickety time-mellowed bar, with a comfortable little parlour
+beyond.
+
+In this latter room, used in common by the guests, on the following day
+the visitor from London first met the shabby parson from Canterbury. The
+man from the Admiralty seemed in no mood for conversation; nevertheless,
+after a preliminary chat upon the prospect of the invasion, they
+exchanged cards, and the vicar gradually became confidential. With a
+pious air he related how he had been to Canterbury to conduct a revival
+mission which had turned out marvellously successful, crowds having to
+be turned away at every service, and how he was now enjoying a week's
+vacation before returning to his poor but extensive parish in
+Hertfordshire.
+
+"I came to this inn, because I am bound to practise a most rigid
+economy," he added. "I am charmed with it. One sees so much character
+here in these rough toilers of the sea."
+
+"Yes," replied his friend, whose card bore the words "Commander Yerbery,
+R.N." "Being a sailor myself, I prefer this homely little inn, with its
+fisher folk as customers, to a more pretentious and less comfortable
+establishment."
+
+"Are you remaining here long?" asked his clerical friend.
+
+"I--I really don't know," answered the officer hesitatingly. "Possibly a
+day or so."
+
+The spy did not pursue the subject further, but conducted himself with
+an amiability which caused his fellow-traveller to regard him as "a real
+good fellow for a parson." Together they smoked the long clays of the
+hostelry, they sat in the taproom of an evening and conversed with the
+fishermen who congregated there, and frequently strolled along by the
+shore to Walmer, or through the fields to Cottingham Court Farm, or
+Sholden. Constantly, however, Commander Yerbery kept his eyes seaward.
+Was he apprehensive lest Russian ironclads should return, and again
+bombard the little town; or was he expecting some mysterious signal from
+some ship in the Downs?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A DEATH DRAUGHT.
+
+
+On several occasions the spy had, with artful ingenuity, endeavoured to
+discover the object of Commander Yerbery's sojourn, but upon that point
+he preserved a silence that was impenetrable. In their wanderings about
+the town they saw on every side the havoc caused by the bombardment
+which had taken place three days previously. Whole rows of houses facing
+the sea had been carried away by the enemy's shells, and the once
+handsome church spire was now a mere heap of smouldering debris. The
+barracks, which had been one of the objects of attack, had suffered most
+severely. Melinite had been projected into them, exploding with
+devastating effect, and demolishing the buildings, which fell like packs
+of cards. Afterwards, the enemy had sailed away, apparently thinking the
+strategical position of the place worthless.
+
+And all this had been brought about by this despicable villain--the man
+who had now wrapped himself in the cloak of sanctity, and who, beaming
+with well-feigned good fellowship, walked arm-in-arm with the man upon
+whom he was keeping the most vigilant observation! By night sleep
+scarcely came to his eyes, but in his little room, with its clean
+old-fashioned dimity blinds and hangings, he lay awake,--scheming,
+planning, plotting, preparing for the master-stroke.
+
+One morning, after they had been there three days, he stood alone in
+his bedroom with the door closed. From his inner pocket he drew forth
+the keen Circassian blade that reposed there, and gazed thoughtfully
+upon it.
+
+"No," he muttered, suddenly rousing himself, as if a thought had
+suddenly occurred to him. "He is strong. He might shout, and then I
+should be caught like a rat in a trap."
+
+Replacing the knife in his pocket, he took from his vest a tiny phial he
+always carried; then, after noiselessly locking the door, he took from
+the same pocket a small cube of lump sugar. Standing by the window he
+uncorked the little bottle, and with steady hand allowed one single drop
+of the colourless liquid to escape and fall upon the sugar, which
+quickly absorbed it, leaving a small darkened stain. This sugar he
+placed in a locked drawer to dry, and, putting away the phial, descended
+to join his companion.
+
+That night they were sitting together in the private parlour behind the
+bar, smoking and chatting. It was an old-fashioned, smoke-begrimed room,
+with low oak ceiling and high wainscot,--a room in which many a seafarer
+had found rest and comfort after the toils and perils of the deep, a
+room in which many a stirring tale of the sea has been related, and in
+which one of our best-known nautical writers has gathered materials for
+his stirring ocean romances.
+
+Although next the bar, there is no entrance on that side, neither is
+there any glass, therefore the apartment is entirely secluded from the
+public portion of the inn. At midnight the hearty Boniface and his wife
+and servant had retired, and the place was silent, but the officer and
+his fellow-guest still sat with their pipes. The parson, as became one
+who exhibited the blue pledge of temperance in his coat, sipped his
+coffee, while the other had whisky, lemon, and a small jug of hot water
+beside him. The spy had been using the sugar, and the basin was close to
+his hand.
+
+His companion presently made a movement to reach it, when the
+pleasant-spoken vicar took up the tongs quickly, saying--
+
+"Allow me to assist you. One lump?"
+
+"Yes, thanks," replied the other, holding his glass for the small cube
+to be thrown in. Then he added the lemon, whisky, and hot water.
+Beilstein, betraying no excitement, continued the conversation, calmly
+refilled his pipe, and watched his companion sip the deadly potion.
+
+Karl von Beilstein had reduced poisoning to a fine art.
+
+Not a muscle of his face contracted, though his keen eyes never left the
+other's countenance.
+
+They talked on, the Commander apparently unaffected by the draught; his
+friend smilingly complacent and confident.
+
+Suddenly, without warning, the officer's face grew ashen pale and
+serious. A violent tremor shook his stalwart frame.
+
+"I--I feel very strange," he cried, with difficulty. "A most curious
+sensation has come over me--a sensation as if--as if--ah! heavens! Help,
+help!--I--I can't breathe!"
+
+The mild-mannered parson jumped to his feet, and stood before his
+friend, watching the hideous contortions of his face.
+
+"Assistance!" his victim gasped, sinking inertly back in the high-backed
+Windsor arm-chair. "Fetch me a doctor--quick."
+
+But the man addressed took no heed of the appeal. He stood calmly by,
+contemplating with satisfaction his villainous work.
+
+"Can't you see--I'm ill?" the dying man cried in a feeble, piteous
+voice. "My throat and head are burning. Give me water--_water_!"
+
+Still the spy remained motionless.
+
+"You--you refuse to assist me--you scoundrel! Ah!" he cried hoarsely, in
+dismay. "Ah! I see it all now! _God! You've poisoned me!_"
+
+With a frantic effort he half-raised himself in his chair, but fell back
+in a heap; his arms hanging helplessly at his side. His breath came and
+went in short hard gasps; the death-rattle was already in his throat,
+and with one long deep-drawn sigh the last breath left the body, and the
+light gradually died out of the agonised face.
+
+Quick as thought the Count unbuttoned the dead man's coat, and
+searching his pockets took out a large white official envelope bearing
+in the corner the blue stamp of the Admiralty. It was addressed to "Sir
+Michael Culme-Seymour, Admiral commanding the Channel Squadron," and was
+marked "Private."
+
+"Good!" ejaculated the spy, as he tore open the envelope. "I was not
+mistaken, after all! He was waiting until the flagship came into the
+Downs to deliver it."
+
+The envelope contained a letter accompanied by a chart of the South
+Coast, upon which were certain marks at intervals in red with minute
+directions, as well as a copy of the code of secret signals in which
+some slight alterations had lately been made.
+
+"What fortune!" cried the Count gleefully, after reading the note.
+"Their plans and the secret of their signals, too, are now ours! The
+Embassy were correct in their surmise. With these the French and Russian
+ships will be able to act swiftly, and sweep the British from the sea.
+Now for London as quickly as possible, for the information will be
+absolutely invaluable."
+
+Without a final glance at the corpse, huddled up in its chair, he put on
+his hat, and stealing noiselessly from the house, set out in the
+moonlight to walk swiftly by way of Great Mongeham and Waldershare to
+Shepherd's Well station, whence he could get by train to London.
+
+The immense importance of these secret documents he had not overrated.
+Their possession would enable the Russian ships to decipher many of the
+hitherto mysterious British signals.
+
+The spy had accomplished his mission!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE.
+
+
+Hourly the most alarming reports were being received at the War Office,
+and at newspaper offices throughout the country, of the
+rapidly-increasing forces of the invaders, who were still landing in
+enormous numbers. Vague rumours were also afloat of desperate encounters
+at sea between our Coastguard Squadron that had returned and the French
+and Russian ironclads.
+
+Nothing definite, however, was known. News travelled slowly, and was
+always unreliable.
+
+Mobilisation was being hurried forward with all possible speed.
+Nevertheless, so sudden had been the descent of the enemy, that
+Eastbourne, Newhaven, and Seaford had already fallen into their hands.
+Into the half-wrecked town of Eastbourne regiment after regiment of
+Russian infantry had been poured by the transports _Samojed_ and
+_Artelscik_, while two regiments of dragoons, one of Cossacks, and many
+machine-gun sections had also been landed, in addition to a quantity of
+French infantry from the other vessels. The streets of the usually
+clean, well-ordered town were strewn with the debris of fallen houses
+and shops that had been wrecked by Russian shells. The Queen's Hotel at
+Splash Point, with its tiers of verandahs and central spire, stood out a
+great gaunt blackened ruin.
+
+Along Terminus Road the grey-coated hordes of the Great White Tsar
+looted the shops, and showed no quarter to those who fell into their
+hands. The Grand Hotel, the Burlington, the Cavendish, and others, were
+quickly transformed into barracks, as well as the half-ruined Town Hall,
+and the Floral Hall at Devonshire Park.
+
+Robbery, outrage, and murder ran riot in the town, which only a few days
+before had been a fashionable health resort, crowded by aristocratic
+idlers. Hundreds of unoffending persons had been killed by the merciless
+fire from the enemy's battleships, and hundreds more were being shot
+down in the streets for attempting a feeble resistance. The inhabitants,
+surrounded on all sides by the enemy, were powerless.
+
+The huge guns of the _Pamyat Azova_, the _Imperator Nicolai I._, the
+_Pjotr Velikij_, the _Krejser_, the _Najezdnik_, and others, had belched
+forth their death-dealing missiles with an effect that was appalling.
+
+The thunder of cannon had ceased, but was now succeeded by the sharp
+cracking of Russian rifles, as those who, desperately guarding their
+homes and their loved ones, and making a stand against the invaders,
+were shot down like dogs. A crowd of townspeople collected in the open
+space outside the railway station, prepared to bar the advance of the
+Russians towards the Old Town and Upperton. Alas! it was a forlorn hope
+for an unarmed mob to attempt any such resistance.
+
+A Russian officer suddenly shouted a word of command that brought a
+company of infantry to the halt, facing the crowd. Another word and a
+hundred rifles were discharged. Again and again they flashed, and the
+volley was repeated until the streets were covered with dead and dying,
+and the few who were not struck turned and fled, leaving the invaders to
+advance unopposed.
+
+Horrible were the deeds committed that night. English homes were
+desecrated, ruined, and burned. Babes were murdered before the eyes of
+their parents, many being impaled by gleaming Russian bayonets; fathers
+were shot down in the presence of their wives and children, and sons
+were treated in a similar manner.
+
+[Illustration: LANDING OF RUSSIANS, AND MASSACRE IN TERMINUS ROAD,
+EASTBOURNE.]
+
+The massacre was frightful. Ruin and desolation were on every hand.
+
+The soldiers of the Tsar, savage and inhuman, showed no mercy to the
+weak and unprotected. They jeered and laughed at piteous appeal, and
+with fiendish brutality enjoyed the destruction which everywhere they
+wrought.
+
+Many a cold-blooded murder was committed, many a brave Englishman fell
+beneath the heavy whirling sabres of Circassian Cossacks, the bayonets
+of French infantry, or the deadly hail of machine guns. Battalion after
+battalion of the enemy, fierce and ruthless, clambered on over the
+debris in Terminus Road, enthusiastic at finding their feet upon English
+soil. The flames of the burning buildings in various parts of the town
+illuminated the place with a bright red glare that fell upon dark
+bearded faces, in every line of which was marked determination and
+fierce hostility. Landing near Langney Point, many of the battalions
+entered the town from the east, destroying all the property they came
+across on their line of advance, and, turning into Terminus Road, then
+continued through Upperton and out upon the road leading to Willingdon.
+
+The French forces, who came ashore close to Holywell, on the other side
+of the town, advanced direct over Warren Hill, and struck due north
+towards Sheep Lands.
+
+At about a mile from the point where the road from Eastdean crosses that
+to Jevington, the force encamped in a most advantageous position upon
+Willingdon Hill, while the Russians who advanced direct over St.
+Anthony's Hill, and those who marched through Eastbourne, united at a
+point on the Lewes Road near Park Farm, and after occupying Willingdon
+village, took up a position on the high ground that lies between it and
+Jevington.
+
+From a strategic point of view the positions of both forces were
+carefully chosen. The commanding officers were evidently well acquainted
+with the district, for while the French commanded Eastbourne and a wide
+stretch of the Downs, the Russians also had before them an extensive
+tract of country extending in the north to Polegate, in the west to the
+Fore Down and Lillington, and in the east beyond Willingdon over
+Pevensey Levels to the sea.
+
+During the night powerful search-lights from the French and Russian
+ships swept the coast continually, illuminating the surrounding hills
+and lending additional light to the ruined and burning town. Before the
+sun rose, however, the majority of the invading vessels had rounded
+Beachy Head, and had steamed away at full speed down Channel.
+
+[Illustration: MAP SHOWING THE POINTS WHERE THE INVADERS LANDED.]
+
+Daylight revealed the grim realities of war. It showed Eastbourne with
+its handsome buildings scorched and ruined, its streets blocked by
+fallen walls, and trees which had once formed shady boulevards torn up
+and broken, its shops looted, its tall church steeples blown away, its
+railway station wrecked, and its people massacred. Alas! their
+life-blood was wet upon the pavements.
+
+The French and Russian legions, ever increasing, covered the hills. The
+heavy guns of the French artillery and the lighter but more deadly
+machine guns of the Russians had already been placed in position, and
+were awaiting the order to move north and commence the assault on
+London.
+
+It was too late! Nothing could now be done to improve the rotten state
+of our defences. The invasion had begun, and Britain, handicapped alike
+on land and on sea, must arm and fight to the death.
+
+By Tuesday night, three days after the Declaration of War, two French
+and half a Russian army corps, amounting to 90,000 officers and men,
+with 10,000 horses and 1500 guns and waggons, had landed, in addition to
+which reinforcements constantly arrived from the French Channel and
+Russian Baltic ports, until the number of the enemy on English soil was
+estimated at over 300,000.
+
+The overwhelming descent on our shores had been secretly planned by the
+enemy with great forethought, every detail having been most carefully
+arranged. The steam tonnage in the French harbours was ample and to
+spare, for many of the vessels, being British, had been at once seized
+on the outbreak of hostilities. The sudden interruption of the mail and
+telegraphic services between the two countries left us in total
+ignorance of the true state of affairs. Nevertheless, for weeks an army
+of carpenters and engineers had been at work preparing the necessary
+fittings, which were afterwards placed in position on board the ships
+destined to convey horses and men to England.
+
+In order to deceive the other Powers, a large number of military
+transport vessels had been fitted out at Brest for a bogus expedition to
+Dahomey. These ships actually put to sea on the day previous to the
+Declaration of War, and on Saturday night, at the hour when the news
+reached Britain, they had already embarked guns, horses, and waggons at
+the Channel ports. Immediately after the Tsar's manifesto had been
+issued the Russian Volunteer Fleet was mobilised, and transports which
+had long been held in readiness in the Baltic harbours embarked men and
+guns, and, one after another, steamed away for England without the
+slightest confusion or any undue haste.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+IN THE EAGLE'S TALONS.
+
+
+Many British military and naval writers had ridiculed the idea of a
+surprise invasion without any attempt on the part of the enemy to gain
+more than a partial and temporary control of the Channel. Although an
+attack on territory without having previously command of the sea had
+generally been foredoomed to failure, it had been long ago suggested by
+certain military officers in the course of lectures at the United
+Service Institution, that under certain conditions such invasion was
+possible, and that France might ere long be ruled by some ambitious
+soldier who might be tempted to try a sudden dash on _le perfide
+Albion_. They pointed out that at worst it would entail on France the
+loss of three or four army corps, a loss no greater than she would
+suffer in one short land campaign. But alas! at that time very little
+notice was taken of such criticisms and illustrations, for Britons had
+always been prone to cast doubts upon the power of other nations to
+convey troops by sea, to embark them, or to land them. Thus the many
+suggestions directed towards increasing the mobility and efficiency of
+the Army were, like other warnings, cast aside, the prevailing opinion
+in the country being that sudden invasion was an absolute impossibility.
+
+Predictions of prophets that had so long been scorned, derided, and
+disregarded by an apathetic British public were rapidly being fulfilled.
+Coming events had cast dark shadows that had been unheeded, and now the
+unexpected bursting of the war cloud produced panic through our land.
+
+General Sir Archibald Alison struck an alarming note of warning when he
+wrote in _Blackwood_ in December 1893: "No one can look carefully into
+the present state of Europe without feeling convinced that it cannot
+continue long in its present condition. Every country is maintaining an
+armed force out of all proportion to its resources and population, and
+the consequent strain upon its monetary system and its industrial
+population is ever increasing, and must sooner or later become
+unbearable."
+
+It had never been sufficiently impressed upon the British public, that
+when mobilised for war, and with all the Reserves called out, Russia had
+at her command 2,722,000 officers and men, while France could put
+2,715,000 into the field, making a total force of the Franco-Russian
+Armies of 5,437,000 men, with 9920 field guns and 1,480,000 horses.
+
+This well-equipped force was almost equal to the combined Armies of the
+Triple Alliance, Germany possessing 2,441,000, Austria 1,590,000, and
+Italy 1,909,000, a total of 5,940,000 officers and men, with 8184 field
+guns and 813,996 horses.
+
+Beside these enormous totals, how ridiculously small appeared the
+British Army, with its Regular forces at home and abroad amounting to
+only 211,600 of all ranks, 225,400 Volunteers, and 74,000 Reserves, or
+511,000 fighting men! Of these, only 63,000 Regulars remained in England
+and Wales, therefore our Reserves and Volunteers were the chief
+defenders of our homes.
+
+What a mere handful they appeared side by side with these huge European
+Armies!
+
+Was it not surprising that in such circumstances the constant warnings
+regarding the weakness of our Navy--the force upon which the very life
+of our Empire depended--should have been unheeded by the too confident
+public?
+
+When we were told plainly by a well-known authority that the number of
+our war vessels was miserably inadequate, that we were 10,000 men and
+1000 officers short, and, among other things, that a French cruiser
+had, for all practical purposes, three times the fighting efficiency of
+an English cruiser, no one troubled. Nor was any one aroused from his
+foolishly apathetic confidence in British supremacy at sea. True, our
+Navy was strengthened to a certain extent in 1894, but hard facts,
+solemn warnings, gloomy forebodings, all were, alas! cast aside among
+the "scares" which crop up periodically in the press during a
+Parliamentary recess, and which, on the hearing of a murder trial, or a
+Society scandal, at once fizzle out and are dismissed for ever.
+
+On this rude awakening to the seriousness of the situation, Service men
+now remembered distinctly the prophetic words of the few students of
+probable invasion. Once they had regarded them as based on wild
+improbabilities, but now they admitted that the facts were as
+represented, and that critics had foreseen catastrophe.
+
+Already active steps had been taken towards the defence of London.
+
+Notwithstanding the serious defects in the mobilisation scheme, the 1st
+Army Corps, formed at Aldershot under Sir Evelyn Wood, and three cavalry
+brigades, were now in the field, while the other army corps were being
+rapidly conveyed southwards.
+
+Independently of the Field Army, the Volunteers had mobilised, and were
+occupying the lines north and south of the metropolis. This force of
+Volunteer infantry consisted of 108,300 officers and men, of whom
+73,000, with 212 guns, were placed on the line south of the Thames.
+
+It stretched along the hills from Guildford in Surrey to Halstead in
+Kent, with intermediate concentration points at Box Hill and Caterham.
+At the latter place an efficient garrison had been established,
+consisting of 4603 of all ranks of the North London Brigade, 4521 of the
+West London, 5965 of the South London, 5439 of the Surrey, and 6132 of
+the Lancashire and Cheshire. This force was backed by eleven 16-pounder
+batteries of the 1st Norfolk from Yarmouth, the 1st Sussex from
+Brighton, the 1st Newcastle and the 2nd Durham from Seaham, and ten
+40-pounder batteries of the 3rd and 6th Lancashire from Liverpool, the
+9th Lancashire from Bolton, the 1st Cheshire from Chester, the 1st
+Cinque Ports from Dover, and the 2nd Cinque Ports from St. Leonards. At
+Halstead, on the left flank, there were massed about 20,470 Volunteer
+infantry, these being made up of the South Wales Brigade 4182, Welsh
+Border 5192, the North Midland 5225, and the South Midland 5970. The
+eleven 16-pounder batteries came from the Woolwich Arsenal, Monmouth,
+Shropshire, and Stafford Corps, and five 40-pounder batteries from the
+Preston Corps.
+
+To Guildford 4471 infantry in the Home Counties Brigade and 4097 in the
+Western Counties were assigned, while the guns consisted of four
+40-pounder batteries from the York and Leeds Corps, the 16-pounder
+batteries of the Fife, Highland, and Midlothian Corps being unable, as
+yet, to get south on account of the congested state of all the northern
+railways.
+
+For this same reason, too, the force at Box Hill, the remaining post in
+the south line of defence, was a very weak one. To this the Volunteers
+assigned were mostly Scottish.
+
+Of the Glasgow Brigade 8000 of all ranks arrived, with 4000 from the
+South of Scotland Brigade; but the Highland Brigade of 4400 men, all
+enthusiastically patriotic, and the 16-pounder batteries from Ayr and
+Lanark, were compelled, to their chagrin, to wait at their headquarters
+for several days before the railways--every resource of which was
+strained to their utmost limits--could move them forward to the seat of
+war.
+
+The five heavy batteries of the Aberdeen and North York Corps succeeded
+in getting down to their place of concentration early, as likewise did
+the 16-pounder battery from Galloway. Volunteers also undertook the
+defences north of the metropolis, and a strong line, consisting of a
+number of provincial brigades, stretched from Tilbury to Brentwood and
+Epping.
+
+The British Volunteer holds no romantic notions of "death or glory," but
+is none the less prepared to do his duty, and is always ready "to do
+anything, and to go anywhere." Every officer and every man of this great
+force which had mounted guard north and south of the Thames was resolved
+to act his part bravely, and, if necessary, lay down his life for his
+country's honour.
+
+At their posts on the Surrey Hills, ready at any moment to go into
+action, and firmly determined that no invader should enter the vast
+Capital of the World, they impatiently awaited the development of the
+situation, eager to face and annihilate their foreign foe.
+
+Britannia had always been justly proud of her Volunteer forces, although
+their actual strength in time of invasion had never before been
+demonstrated. Now, however, the test which had been applied showed that,
+with an exception of rarest occurrence, every man had responded to this
+hasty call to arms, and that on active service they were as fearless and
+courageous as any body of Regulars ever put in the field.
+
+Every man was alive to Britain's danger; every man knew well how
+terrible would be the combat--the struggle that must result in either
+victory or death.
+
+The double-headed Eagle had set his talons in British soil!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL.
+
+
+In the Channel disastrous events of a most exciting character were now
+rapidly occurring.
+
+Outside Seaford Bay, Pevensey Bay, and off Brighton and the Mares at
+Cuckmere Haven, the enemy's transports, having landed troops and stores,
+rode at anchor, forming a line of retreat in case of reverses, while
+many fast French cruisers steamed up and down, keeping a sharp lookout
+for any British merchant or mail steamers which, ignorant of the
+hostilities, entered the Channel.
+
+The officers and crews of these steamers were in most cases so utterly
+surprised that they fell an easy prey to the marauding vessels, many
+being captured and taken to French ports without a shot being fired.
+Other vessels, on endeavouring to escape, were either overhauled or sunk
+by the heavy fire of pursuing cruisers. One instance was that of the
+fast mail steamer _Carpathian_, belonging to the Union Steamship
+Company, which, entering the Channel on a voyage from Cape Town to
+Southampton, was attacked off the Eddystone by the Russian armoured
+cruiser _Gerzog Edinburskij_. The panic on board was indescribable, over
+a hundred steerage passengers being killed or mutilated by the shells
+from the bow guns of the cruiser, and the captain himself being blown to
+atoms by an explosion which occurred when a shot struck and carried away
+the forward funnel. After an exciting chase, the _Carpathian_ was sunk
+near Start Point, and of the five hundred passengers and crew scarcely a
+single person survived.
+
+This terrible work of destruction accomplished, the Russian cruiser
+turned westward again to await further prey. As she steamed away,
+however, another ship rounded the Start following at full speed in her
+wake. This vessel, which was flying the British flag, was the
+barbette-ship _Centurion_. Already her captain had witnessed the attack
+and sinking of the _Carpathian_, but from a distance too great to enable
+him to assist the defenceless liner, and he was now on his way to attack
+the Tsar's cruiser. Almost immediately she was noticed by the enemy.
+Half an hour later she drew within range, and soon the two ships were
+engaged in a most desperate encounter. The gunners on the _Centurion_,
+seeing the Russian cross flying defiantly, and knowing the frightful
+havoc already wrought on land by the enemy, worked with that pluck and
+indomitable energy characteristic of the Britisher. Shot after shot was
+exchanged, but hissed and splashed without effect until the ships drew
+nearer, and then nearly every shell struck home. The rush of flame from
+the quick-firing guns of the _Centurion_ was continuous, and the firing
+was much more accurate than that of her opponent, nevertheless the
+latter was manipulated with remarkable skill.
+
+The roar of the guns was deafening. Clouds of smoke rose so thickly that
+the vessels could scarcely distinguish each other. But the firing was
+almost continuous, until suddenly a shell struck the _Centurion_ abaft
+the funnel, and for a moment stilled her guns.
+
+This, however, was not for long, for in a few moments she recovered from
+the shock, and her guns were again sending forth shells with regularity
+and precision. Again a shell struck the _Centurion_, this time carrying
+away one of her funnels and killing a large number of men.
+
+The British captain, still as cool as if standing on the hearthrug of
+the smoking-room of the United Service Club, took his vessel closer,
+continuing the fire, heedless of the fact that the Russian shells
+striking his ship were playing such fearful havoc with it. Every
+preparation had been made for a desperate fight to the death, when
+suddenly a shot struck the vessel, causing her to reel and shiver.
+
+So well had the Russians directed their fire that the British vessel
+could not reply. One of her 29-tonners had been blown completely off its
+carriage, and lay shattered with men dead all around, while two of her
+quick-firing broadside guns had been rendered useless, and she had
+sustained other injuries of a very serious character, besides losing
+nearly half her men.
+
+She was silent, riding to the swell, when wild exultant shouts in
+Russian went up from the enemy's ship, mingling with the heavy fire they
+still kept up.
+
+At that moment, however, even while the victorious shouts resounded, the
+captain of the _Centurion_, still cool and collected, swung round his
+vessel, and turning, touched one of the electric knobs at his hand. As
+he did so a long silvery object shot noiselessly from the side of the
+ship, and plunged with a splash into the rising waves.
+
+Seconds seemed hours. For a whole three minutes the captain waited;
+then, disappointed, he turned away with an expression of impatience. The
+torpedo had missed its mark, and every moment lost might determine their
+fate. With guns still silent he again adroitly manoeuvred his ship. Once
+again he touched the electric knob, and again a torpedo, released from
+its tube, sped rapidly through the water.
+
+Suddenly a dull and muffled explosion from the Russian cruiser sounded.
+Above the dense smoke a flame shot high, with great columns of spray, as
+the guns suddenly ceased their thunder.
+
+There was a dead stillness, broken only by the wash of the sea.
+
+Then the smoke clearing showed the debris of the _Gerzog Edinburskij_
+fast sinking beneath the restless waters. Some splinters precipitated
+into the air had fallen with loud splashes in every direction, and amid
+the victorious shouts of the British bluejackets the disabled ship, with
+its fluttering Russian cross, slowly disappeared for ever, carrying down
+every soul on board.
+
+The torpedo, striking her amidships, had blown an enormous hole right
+through her double bottom, and torn her transverse bulkheads away so
+much that her watertight doors were useless for keeping her afloat, even
+for a few minutes.
+
+Partially crippled as she was, the _Centurion_ steamed slowly westward,
+until at noon on the following day she fell in with a division of the
+Coastguard Squadron, which, acting under the fictitious telegraphic
+orders of the French spy, had been to Land's End, but which, now the
+enemy had landed, had received genuine orders from the Admiralty.
+
+Compared with the number and strength of the French and Russian vessels
+mustered in the Channel, this force was so small as to appear ludicrous.
+To send this weak defending division against the mighty power of the
+invaders was sheer madness, and everybody on board knew it. The vessels
+were weaker in every detail than those of the enemy.
+
+At full speed the British vessels steamed on throughout that day, until
+at 8 P.M., when about twenty miles south of Selsey Bill, they were
+joined by forces from the Solent. These consisted of the turret-ship
+_Monarch_, the turret-ram _Rupert_, the barbette-ship _Rodney_, the
+belted cruiser _Aurora_, and the coast defence armour-clads _Cyclops_
+and _Gorgon_, together with a number of torpedo boats. The night was
+calm, but moonless, and without delay the vessels all continued the
+voyage up Channel silently, with lights extinguished.
+
+Two hours later the officers noticed that away on the horizon a light
+suddenly flashed twice and then disappeared.
+
+One of the enemy's ships had signalled the approach of the defenders!
+
+This caused the British Admiral to alter his course slightly, and the
+vessels steamed along in the direction the light had shown.
+
+In turrets and in broadside batteries there was a deep hush of
+expectation. Officers and men standing at their quarters scarcely spoke.
+All felt the fight must be most desperate.
+
+Presently, in the far distance a small patch of light in the sky showed
+the direction of Brighton, and almost immediately the Admiral signalled
+to the cruisers _Aurora_, _Galatea_, and _Narcissus_, and the new
+battleship _Hannibal_, built under the 1894 programme, to detach
+themselves with six torpedo boats, and take an easterly course, in order
+to carry out instructions which he gave. These tactics caused
+considerable comment.
+
+The orders were to make straight for Eastbourne, and to suddenly attack
+and destroy any of the hostile transports that were lying there, the
+object being twofold--firstly, to cut off the enemy's line of retreat,
+and secondly, to prevent the vessels from being used for the purpose of
+landing further reinforcements.
+
+Soon after 2 A.M. this gallant little division had, by careful
+manoeuvring, and assisted by a slight mist which now hung over the sea,
+rounded Beachy Head without being discovered, and had got outside
+Pevensey Bay about eight miles from land. Here a number of Russian
+transports and service steamers were lying, among them being the
+_Samojed_ and _Olaf_, _Krasnaya Gorka_ and _Vladimir_, with two smaller
+ones--the _Dnepr_ and the _Artelscik_.
+
+Silently, and without showing any lights, a British torpedo boat sped
+quickly along to where the dark outline of a ship loomed through the
+mist, and, having ascertained that it was the _Olaf_, drew up quickly.
+
+A few minutes elapsed, all being quiet. Then suddenly a bright flash was
+followed by a fearful explosion, and the bottom of the Tsar's vessel
+being completely ripped up by the torpedo, she commenced to settle down
+immediately, before any of those on board could save themselves. The
+enemy had scarcely recovered from their surprise and confusion when
+three other loud explosions occurred, and in each case transport vessels
+were blown up. British torpedo boats, darting hither and thither between
+the Russian ships, were dealing terrible blows from which no vessel
+could recover. So active were they, indeed, that within the space of
+fifteen minutes six transports had been blown up, as well as the
+first-class torpedo boat _Abo_. The loss of life was terrible.
+
+Simultaneously with the first explosion, the guns of the _Aurora_,
+_Galatea_, and _Narcissus_ thundered out a terrible salute. The bright
+search-lights of the Russian cruisers and of the battleship _Navarin_
+immediately swept the sea, and through the mist discerned the British
+ships. The lights served only to show the latter the exact position of
+the enemy, and again our guns belched forth shot and shell with
+disastrous effect.
+
+Quickly, however, the Russian vessels replied. Flame flashed
+continuously from the turret of the _Navarin_ and the port guns of the
+_Opricnik_ and the _Najezdnik_, while the search-lights were at the same
+time shut off.
+
+At first the fire was very ineffectual, but gradually as the vessels
+crept closer to each other the encounter became more and more desperate.
+
+The Russian torpedo boats _Vzryv_, _Vindava_, and _Kotlinj_ were
+immediately active, and the _Narcissus_ had a very narrow escape, a
+Whitehead torpedo passing right under her bows, while one British
+torpedo boat, which at the same moment was endeavouring to launch its
+deadly projectile at the _Navarin_, was sent to the bottom by a single
+shot from the _Najezdnik_.
+
+The combat was desperate and terrible. That the British had been already
+successful in surprising and sinking a torpedo boat and six of the
+hostile transports was true; nevertheless the number of Russian ships
+lying there was much greater than the British Admiral had anticipated,
+and, to say the least, the four vessels now found themselves in a most
+critical position.
+
+The _Navarin_ alone was one of the most powerful of the Tsar's
+battleships, and, in addition to the seven cruisers and nine torpedo
+boats, comprised an overwhelming force.
+
+Yet the English warships held their own, pouring forth an incessant
+fire. Each gun's crew knew they were face to face with death, but,
+inspired by the coolness of their officers, they worked on calmly and
+indefatigably. Many of their shots went home with frightful effect. One
+shell which burst over the magazine of the _Lieut. Iljin_ ripped up her
+deck and caused severe loss of life, while in the course of half an hour
+one of the heavy turret guns of the _Navarin_ had been disabled, and
+two more Russian torpedo boats sunk. Our torpedo boat destroyers
+operating on the Channel seaboard were performing excellent work, the
+_Havock_, _Shark_, _Hornet_, _Dart_, _Bruiser_, _Hasty_, _Teaser_,
+_Janus_, _Surly_, and _Porcupine_ all being manoeuvred with splendid
+success. Several, however, were lost while sweeping out the enemy's
+torpedo boat shelters, including the _Ardent_, _Charger_, _Boxer_, and
+_Rocket_.
+
+[Illustration: SINKING OF H.M.S. "AURORA" BY A TORPEDO: "THE CRUISER
+ROSE AS IF SHE HAD RIDDEN OVER A VOLCANO."]
+
+But the British vessels were now suffering terribly, hemmed in as they
+were by the enemy, with shells falling upon them every moment, and their
+decks swept by the withering fire of machine guns. Suddenly, after a
+shell had burst in the stern of the _Aurora_, she ceased firing and
+swung round, almost colliding with the _Narcissus_. Her steam
+steering-gear had, alas! been broken by the shot, and for a few moments
+her officers lost control over her.
+
+A Russian torpedo boat in shelter behind the _Navarin_, now seeing its
+chance, darted out and launched its projectile.
+
+The officers of the _Aurora_, aware of their danger, seemed utterly
+powerless to avert it. It was a terrible moment. A few seconds later the
+torpedo struck, the cruiser rose as if she had ridden over a volcano,
+and then, as she gradually settled down, the dark sea rolled over as
+gallant a crew as ever sailed beneath the White Ensign.
+
+Immediately afterwards the _Navarin_ exchanged rapid signals with a
+number of ships which were approaching with all speed from the direction
+of Hastings, and the captains of the three remaining British vessels saw
+that they had fallen into a trap.
+
+The _Narcissus_ had been drawn between two fires. Both her funnels had
+been shot away, two of her broadside guns were useless, and she had
+sustained damage to her engines; nevertheless, her captain, with the
+dogged perseverance of a British sailor, continued the desperate combat.
+With the first flush of dawn the fog had lifted, but there was scarcely
+sufficient wind to spread out the British ensign, which still waved with
+lazy defiance.
+
+On one side of her was the ponderous _Navarin_, from the turret of which
+shells were projected with monotonous regularity, while on the other the
+British cruiser was attacked vigorously by the _Najezdnik_. The
+_Narcissus_, however, quickly showed the Russians what she could do
+against such overwhelming odds, for presently she sent a shot from one
+of her 20-ton guns right under the turret of the _Navarin_, causing a
+most disastrous explosion on board that vessel, while, at the same time,
+her 6-inch breechloaders pounded away at her second antagonist, and sank
+a torpedo boat manoeuvring near.
+
+Both the _Galatea_ and the _Hannibal_ were in an equally serious
+predicament. The enemy's torpedo boats swarmed around them, while the
+cruisers _Opricnik_, _Admiral Korniloff_, _Rynda_, and several other
+vessels, kept up a hot, incessant fire, which was returned energetically
+by the British vessels.
+
+The sight was magnificent, appalling! In the spreading dawn, the great
+ships manoeuvring smartly, each strove to obtain points of vantage, and
+vied with each other in their awful work of destruction. The activity of
+the British torpedo boats, darting here and there, showed that those who
+manned them were utterly reckless of their lives. As they sped about, it
+was indeed marvellous how they escaped destruction, for the Russians had
+more than double the number of boats, and their speed was quite equal to
+our own.
+
+Nevertheless the British boats followed up their successes by other
+brilliant deeds of daring, for one of them, with a sudden dash, took the
+_Rynda_ off her guard, and sent a torpedo at her with awful result,
+while a few moments later two terrific explosions sounded almost
+simultaneously above the thunder of the guns, and it was then seen that
+the unprotected cruiser _Asia_, and the last remaining transport the
+_Krasnaya Gorka_, were both sinking.
+
+It was a ghastly spectacle.
+
+Hoarse despairing shrieks went up from hundreds of Russian sailors who
+fought and struggled for life in the dark rolling waters, and three
+British torpedo boats humanely rescued a great number of them. Many,
+however, sank immediately with their vessels, while some strong swimmers
+struck out for the distant shore. Yet, without exception, all these
+succumbed to exhaustion ere they could reach the land, and the long
+waves closed over them as they threw up their arms and sank into the
+deep.
+
+During the first few minutes following this sudden disaster to the enemy
+the firing ceased, and the _Navarin_ ran up signals. This action
+attracted the attention of the officers of the British vessels to the
+approaching ships, and to their amazement and dismay they discovered
+that they were a squadron of the enemy who had returned unexpectedly
+from the direction of Dover.
+
+The British ships, in their half-crippled condition, could not possibly
+withstand such an onslaught as they knew was about to be made upon them,
+for the enemy's reinforcements consisted of the steel barbette-ships
+_Gangut_, _Alexander II._, and _Nicolai I._, of the Baltic Fleet, the
+great turret-ship _Petr Veliky_, the _Rurik_, a very powerful
+central-battery belted cruiser of over ten thousand tons, two new
+cruisers of the same type that had been recently completed, the _Enara_
+and _Ischma_, with three other cruisers and a large flotilla of torpedo
+boats. Accompanying them were the French 10,000-ton armoured
+barbette-ship _Magenta_, the central-battery ship _Richelieu_, the
+armoured turret-ship _Tonnerre_, and the _Hoche_, one of the finest
+vessels of our Gallic neighbour's Navy, as well as the torpedo cruisers
+_Hirondelle_ and _Fleurus_, and a number of swift torpedo boats and
+"catchers."
+
+The captains of the British vessels saw that in the face of such a force
+defeat was a foregone conclusion; therefore they could do nothing but
+retreat hastily towards Newhaven, in the hope of finding the division of
+the British Coastguard Squadron which had gone there for the same
+purpose as they had rounded Beachy Head, namely, to destroy the enemy's
+transports.
+
+Without delay the three vessels swung round with all speed and were
+quickly headed down Channel, while the remaining attendant torpedo
+boats, noticing this sudden retreat, also darted away. This manoeuvre
+did not, of course, proceed unchecked, the enemy being determined they
+should not escape. Signals were immediately made by the _Alexander II._,
+the flagship, and the _Petr Veliky_ and _Enara_, being within range,
+blazed forth a storm of shell upon the fugitives. The shots, however,
+fell wide, and ricochetted over the water, sending up huge columns of
+spray; whereupon the _Narcissus_ and _Galatea_ replied steadily with
+their 6-inch guns, while the heavy guns of the _Hannibal_ were also
+quickly brought into play.
+
+In a few minutes the _Magenta_ and _Tonnerre_ with the _Alger_,
+_Cecille_, and _Sfax_, started in pursuit, and an intensely exciting
+chase commenced. The engines of the British vessels were run at the
+highest possible pressure, but the French ships proved several knots
+swifter. As they steamed at full speed around Beachy Head towards
+Seaford Bay the enemy gradually overhauled them. The brisk fire which
+was being kept up soon began to tell, for all three retreating ships had
+lost many men, and the scenes of bloodshed on board were frightful.
+
+Eagerly the officers swept the horizon with their glasses to discover
+signs of friendly aid, but none hove in sight. All three ships were
+weak, their guns disabled, with whole guns' crews lying dead around, and
+many of the officers had fallen. In strength, in speed, in armaments--in
+fact, in everything--they were inferior to their opponents, and they saw
+it was a question of sheer force, not one of courage.
+
+They would either be compelled to surrender to the Tricolor, or
+deliberately seek the grave. With such a force bearing down upon them,
+escape seemed absolutely impossible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD.
+
+
+The sun at last broke forth brilliantly, betokoning another blazing day.
+
+Having regard to the fact that both the Channel Fleet and the reserve
+had been sent on futile errands by our enemy's secret agent, and the
+superior forces against which the British had all along had to fight,
+they had most assuredly shown what tact and courage could effect.
+
+Opposite the Belle Tout lighthouse a disaster occurred to the
+_Narcissus_. During the fight one of her engines had been injured, and
+this being now strained to its utmost limit had suddenly broken down
+altogether, with the result that the vessel gradually slackened speed,
+and the _Sfax_ and _Alger_ bore down quickly upon her, pouring into her
+a heavy fire from their 5-tonners. The reply was a weak one from her
+quick-firing guns, her heavy arms having nearly all been disabled.
+
+Onward steamed the _Galatea_ and _Hannibal_, keeping up a running fire
+with the four vessels pursuing them, while the two cruisers engaging the
+_Narcissus_ continued their strenuous endeavours to silence her guns.
+The British sailors, however, still undaunted, quickly showed their
+opponents that all the arms workable would be brought into play by
+directing a most vigorous fire upon their pursuers, blowing away one of
+the funnels of the _Alger_, and disabling one of her large bow guns.
+
+Just then, however, while the _Narcissus_ was discharging a broadside, a
+torpedo boat crept under her stern and sent forth its submerged
+projectile. For a moment there was a hush of expectation, then a dull
+explosion sounded as the cruiser, apparently rent in twain, plunged
+stern foremost into the sea, and with her ensign still flying gradually
+disappeared without a soul on board being able to save himself.
+
+Meanwhile the _Galatea_ and _Hannibal_, with their torpedo boats, were
+sustaining serious injuries from the heavy bow fire, and there seemed
+every possibility that they too would share the same terrible fate as
+the _Narcissus_, when suddenly one of the officers of the _Galatea_
+discovered three vessels approaching. The "demand" was immediately
+hoisted, and responded to by both vessels running up private signals.
+With an expression of satisfaction he directed the attention of the
+captain to the fact, for the flags of the first-named vessel showed her
+to be the British turret-ship _Monarch_, and those of the second the
+great barbette-ship _Rodney_, while a moment later it was discerned that
+the third vessel was the _Gorgon_.
+
+Even as they looked, other masts appeared upon the horizon, and then
+they knew relief was at hand. Both vessels ran up signals, while the
+men, encouraged by the knowledge that some powerful British ironclads
+were bearing down to their aid in indented line ahead, worked with
+increased vigour to keep the enemy at bay.
+
+It was a fierce, sanguinary fight. Fire vomited from all the vessels'
+battered works, and the scuppers ran with blood. The French vessels,
+having apparently also noticed the relief approaching, did not seem
+inclined to fight, but were nevertheless compelled, and not for a single
+instant did the firing from the attacked vessels cease. Their guns
+showed constant bursts of flame.
+
+Soon, however, the _Rodney_ drew within range. A puff of white smoke
+from her barbette, and the _Cecille_ received a taste of her
+quick-firing guns, the shots from which struck her amidships, killing a
+large number of her men, and tearing up her deck. This was followed by
+deafening discharges from the four 25-ton guns of the _Monarch_, while
+the _Gorgon_ and a number of other vessels as they approached all took
+part in the conflict, the engagement quickly becoming general. With
+great precision the British directed their fire, and the French vessels
+soon prepared to beat a retreat, when, without warning, a frightful
+explosion occurred on board the _Hirondelle_, and wreckage mingled with
+human limbs shot into the air amid a great sheet of flame.
+
+The magazine had exploded! The scene on board the doomed vessel, even as
+witnessed from the British ships, was awful. Terrified men left their
+guns, and, rushing hither and thither, sought means of escape. But the
+boats had already been smashed by shots from the British cruisers, and
+all knew that death was inevitable.
+
+The burning ship slowly foundered beneath them, and as they rushed about
+in despair they fell back into the roaring flames. A British torpedo
+boat rescued about a dozen; but presently, with a heavy list, the
+warship suddenly swung round, and, bow first, disappeared into the green
+sunlit sea, leaving only a few poor wretches, who, after struggling
+vainly on the surface for a few moments, also went down to the unknown.
+
+The carnage was frightful. Hundreds of men were being launched into
+eternity, while upon the horizon both east and west dozens of ships of
+both invaders and defenders were rapidly approaching, and all would, ere
+long, try conclusions.
+
+Before half an hour had passed, a fierce battle, as sanguinary as any in
+the world's history, had commenced. The cruisers, acting as satellites
+to the battleships forming the two opposing fighting lines, had quickly
+commenced a series of fierce skirmishes and duels, all the most
+destructive engines of modern warfare being brought into play.
+
+The division of our Channel Fleet that had at last returned consisted of
+the powerful battleship _Royal Sovereign_, flying the Admiral's flag;
+the barbette-ships _Anson_, _Howe_, _Camperdown_, and _Benbow_; the
+turret-ships _Thunderer_ and _Conqueror_; the cruisers _Mersey_,
+_Terpsichore_, _Melampus_, _Tribune_, _Latona_, _Immortalite_, and
+_Barham_; with the torpedo gunboats _Spanker_ and _Speedwell_, and
+nineteen torpedo boats.
+
+The forces of the invaders were more than double that of the British,
+for, in addition to the vessels already enumerated, the reinforcements
+consisted of the French battleships _Amiral Baudin_, _Formidable_,
+_Amiral Duperre_, _Brennus_, _Trehouart_, _Jemappes_, _Terrible_,
+_Requin_, _Indomptable_, _Caiman_, _Courbet_, _Devastation_,
+_Redoubtable_, and _Furieux_, together with nine cruisers, and
+thirty-eight _torpilleurs de haute mer_.
+
+From the very commencement the fighting was at close quarters, and the
+storm of shot and shell caused death on every hand. With such an
+overwhelming force at his disposal, Admiral Maigret, the French
+commander, had been enabled to take up a position which boded ill for
+the defenders, nevertheless the British Admiral on board the _Royal
+Sovereign_ was determined to exert every effort to repulse the enemy.
+
+In the thick of the fight the great flagship steamed along, her
+compartments closed, her stokeholds screwed down, her four 67-ton guns
+hurling great shots from her barbettes, and her smaller arms pouring out
+a continuous deadly fire upon the French ship _Indomptable_ on the one
+side, and the great Russian armoured cruiser _Nicolai I._ on the other.
+Upon the latter the British vessel's shells played with a terribly
+devastating effect, bringing down the large forward mast and the machine
+guns in her fighting tops, and then, while the crew worked to get the
+wreckage clear, the Maxim, Nordenfelt, and Hotchkiss guns of the _Royal
+Sovereign_ suddenly rattled out, sweeping with their metal hail her
+opponent's deck, and mowing down those who were cutting adrift the
+fallen rigging. A moment later a shell struck one of the pair of guns in
+the _Nicolai's_ turret, rendering it useless, and then the captain of
+the _Royal Sovereign_, who had been standing in the conning-tower calmly
+awaiting his chance, touched three electric knobs in rapid succession.
+The engines throbbed, the great ship moved along at increasing speed
+through dense clouds of stifling smoke, and as she did so the captain
+shouted an order which had the effect of suddenly turning the vessel,
+and while her great barbette guns roared, the ram of the British vessel
+crashed into the broadside of the Tsar's ship with a terrific impact
+which caused her to shiver from stem to stern.
+
+[Illustration:
+_Nicolai I._    _Royal Sovereign._
+BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD: H.M.S. "ROYAL SOVEREIGN" RAMMING THE
+"NICOLAI I."]
+
+Then, as the big guns in her rear barbette thundered out upon the
+_Indomptable_, whose engines had broken down, she drew gradually back
+from the terrible breach her ram had made under the water-line of her
+opponent, and the latter at once commenced to sink. The force of the
+impact had been so great that the Russian's hull was absolutely broken
+in two, and as the iron stretched and rent like paper, she heaved slowly
+over, "turning turtle," and carrying down with her over three hundred
+officers and men.
+
+The British captain now turned his attention to the French ship, which
+had been joined in the attack by the _Brennus_, the fire from whose
+58-ton guns at close quarters played great havoc with the British
+flagship's superstructure. A second later, however, the captain of the
+_Royal Sovereign_ caught the _Indomptable_ in an unguarded moment, and,
+springing towards one of the electric knobs before him, pressed it. This
+had the effect of ejecting a torpedo from one of the bow tubes, and so
+well directed was it that a few seconds later there was a deafening
+report, as part of the stern portion of the French ship was blown away,
+raising great columns of spray.
+
+The situation was awful, and the loss of life everywhere enormous.
+Dense, blinding smoke, and the choking fumes of melinite, obscured the
+sun, and in the darkness thus caused the flames from the guns shed a
+lurid light upon decks strewn with dead and dying. The cruisers and
+scouts by which our battleships were surrounded cut off many of the
+French torpedo boats, but a large number got right in among the fleet,
+and some terrible disasters were thus caused. Once inside the circle of
+British cruisers, all fire directed at the boats was as dangerous to our
+own ships as to the enemy's boats.
+
+The superiority of the French torpedo boats was, alas! keenly felt by
+the British, for in the course of the first hour five of our
+cruisers--the _Terpsichore_, _Galatea_, _Melampus_, _Tribune_, _Mersey_,
+the turret-ship _Conqueror_, and the battleships _Hannibal_ and
+_Rodney_, had been blown up. As compared with these losses, those of the
+enemy were at this stage by no means small. The French had lost two
+cruisers and four torpedo boats, and the Russians one battleship, three
+cruisers, and six torpedo boats.
+
+The British, with all these fearful odds against them, still continued a
+galling fire. The _Camperdown_, _Anson_, and _Benbow_, steaming together
+in line, belched a storm of shell from their barbettes, which caused
+wholesale destruction among the crowd of ships engaging them. Yet the
+withering fire of the enemy was telling terribly upon the comparatively
+small force of the defenders. Upon all three battleships the casualties
+were frightful, and on board each one or more of the heavy guns had been
+disabled. Suddenly a shot, penetrating a weak point in the armour of the
+_Anson_, entered her engine-room, disabling a portion of her machinery,
+while a moment later a shell from the _Amiral Duperre_ fell close to her
+broadside torpedo discharge, and a fragment of the shell coming into
+contact with the striker of a torpedo, just as it was about to leave its
+tube, caused a terrific and disastrous explosion between the decks. The
+effect was horrifying. The torpedo contained over 70 lb. of gun-cotton,
+therefore the devastating nature of the explosion may be readily
+imagined. Over a hundred men were blown to atoms, and the whole six of
+the broadside guns were more or less disabled.
+
+A second later, however, a shell from the _Benbow_ struck the _Amiral
+Duperre_, carrying away the greater portion of her conning-tower, and
+killing her captain instantly, while almost at the same moment a torpedo
+from one of the British boats struck her bows with a frightful
+detonation, blowing an enormous hole in them. The catastrophe was
+complete. The crew of the doomed ship, panic-stricken, left their guns
+and commenced to launch the only two boats that remained uninjured; but
+ere this could be accomplished, the _Trehouart_, which suddenly went
+astern, apparently to avoid a torpedo, crashed into her, with the
+result that she heeled right over and quickly disappeared.
+
+The _Camperdown_, fighting fiercely with the _Requin_, the _Terrible_,
+and the _Courbet_, was suffering terrible damage from bow to stern;
+nevertheless her guns kept up an incessant torrent of shot, until
+suddenly, just after one of her shells had struck right under the turret
+of the _Terrible_, there was a deafening report, the air was filled with
+dense smoke, and the French ship, with her engines disabled, commenced
+to fill and sink.
+
+A portion of the shell had penetrated to her magazine, and she had blown
+up, nearly half her crew being killed by the terrific force of the
+explosion. Many of the remaining men, however, scrambled on board the
+_Caiman_, which by some means had come into slight collision with her;
+but scarcely had the last terrified man left the sinking vessel, when
+the _Camperdown's_ powerful ram entered the _Caiman's_ bows, breaking
+her hull, and she also foundered, carrying down with her not only her
+own crew, but also the survivors of the _Terrible_.
+
+This success was witnessed with satisfaction by the British Admiral, who
+nevertheless saw how seriously weakened was his force, and how critical
+was the position of his few remaining ships. Yet he remained quite cool,
+for the heavy guns of the steel monster in whose conning-tower he stood
+continued thundering forth their projectiles, and the White Ensign still
+loomed defiantly through the dense black smoke, fluttering in the
+freshening breeze that was now springing up.
+
+Although a number of the enemy's vessels had been sunk, he knew the
+issue must be fatal to his force, for they were now surrounded by a
+number of ships so vastly superior to them in armament and speed, that
+to die fighting was their only course.
+
+Though the cockpits were full, true British indomitable courage was
+showing itself everywhere on board our ships. Officers by words of
+encouragement incited their men to splendid heroic deeds, and guns'
+crews, with dark determined faces, seeing only death ahead, resolved to
+fight and struggle to the last for the honour of the Union Jack, which
+should never be surmounted by the Tricolor.
+
+A moment later, the captain, standing with the Admiral, who had just
+entered the conning-tower of the _Royal Sovereign_, suddenly uttered a
+cry of dismay, and with transfixed, horrified gaze pointed with his
+finger to the sea.
+
+Breathlessly the Admiral looked in the direction indicated.
+
+Though one of the bravest men in the Navy, and on his breast he wore the
+Victoria Cross, his eyes fell upon a sight that appalled him.
+
+It was a critical moment.
+
+A small French vessel, the unarmoured cruiser _Faucon_, had crept up
+unnoticed. The attention of the British officers had been, until that
+moment, concentrated upon the three powerful battleships, the _Requin_,
+the _Devastation_, and the _Jemappes_, which kept up their hot fire upon
+the flagship, causing terrible destruction. Now, however, the British
+Admiral saw himself surrounded by the enemy, and the sight which caused
+his heart to beat quickly was a distinct line of bubbles upon the water,
+advancing with terrific speed, showing that a torpedo had been ejected
+from the _Faucon_ directly at his ship!
+
+In the conning-tower all knew their danger, but not a man spoke. Both
+the Admiral and the captain at the same instant saw the death-dealing
+projectile advancing, and both retained their coolness and presence of
+mind. The captain, shouting an order, sprang back and touched one of the
+electric signals, which was instantly responded to.
+
+It was the work of a second. The great engines roared and throbbed, and
+the huge vessel, propelled backwards by its 13,000 horse-power, swung
+steadily round just as the torpedo glanced off her bow obliquely. The
+crew of the _Royal Sovereign_ had never been nearer death than at that
+instant. Had the ironclad not halted in her course, the striker of the
+torpedo would have come square upon her bows, and one of the finest
+vessels of the British Navy would have probably gone to the bottom.
+
+The _Faucon_ was not given an opportunity to make a second attempt. The
+captain of the _Anson_ had witnessed how narrowly the British flagship
+had escaped, and immediately turned his great guns upon the little
+vessel, with the result that her quick-firing guns were quickly rendered
+useless, her hull was torn up like paper, and she slowly sank without
+offering resistance.
+
+Shots came from the frowning barbettes of the _Camperdown_, _Benbow_,
+and the turrets of the _Monarch_ rapidly, the damage and loss of life
+suffered by the enemy now being enormous. The three French battleships
+engaging the _Royal Sovereign_ at close quarters received terrible
+punishment. One of the 75-ton guns of the _Requin_ had been rendered
+useless, her deck had been torn up, and her bulwarks had been carried
+away, together with her funnel and forward mast. The rear barbette gun
+of the _Jemappes_ had been thrown off its mounting, and a shell striking
+the port side battery, had burst against the forward bulkhead, and
+wrought horrible destruction among the guns' crews.
+
+The three powerful French vessels pouring their fire upon the British
+flagship, and finding themselves being raked by the heavy fire of their
+adversary, signalled the _Tonnerre_ and _Furieux_ to assist them. Both
+vessels drew nearer, and soon afterwards commenced pounding at the
+_Royal Sovereign_.
+
+The _Anson_, however, noticed the dangerous position of the British
+flagship, and, having manoeuvred adroitly, succeeded in getting under
+way, and with her great forward guns thundering, she crashed her ram
+into the _Furieux_, and sank her, while almost at the same moment a
+torpedo, discharged from one of the British boats, struck the _Tonnerre_
+right amidships, dealing her a blow from which she could never recover.
+Five minutes later, the _Gangut_, fighting desperately at close quarters
+with the _Camperdown_, had part of her armoured casemate blown away, and
+the British battleship followed up this success by directing a torpedo
+at her in such a manner that, although she drew back quickly to avoid
+it, she nevertheless received it right under her stern. Some ammunition
+on board that vessel also exploded, and the effect was frightful, for
+fragments of wood, iron, and human bodies were precipitated in all
+directions.
+
+The loss of life, although heavy on the British side, was nevertheless
+far greater on board the enemy's ships. The continuity and precision of
+the British fire wrought awful destruction. Between the decks of many of
+the French and Russian ships the carnage was frightful. Among wrecked
+guns and mountings lay headless and armless bodies; human limbs
+shattered by shells were strewn in all directions upon decks slippery
+with blood. The shrieks of the dying were drowned by the roar and crash
+of the guns, the deafening explosion of shells, and the rending of iron
+and steel as the projectiles pierced armourplates, destroying everything
+with which they came in contact.
+
+The noon had passed, and as the day wore on other catastrophes occurred
+involving further loss of life. One of these was the accidental ramming
+of the _Sfax_ by the French battleship _Redoubtable_, which managed,
+however, to save the greater portion of the crew, although her engines
+broke down.
+
+During the afternoon the fire from the British ships seemed to increase
+rather than diminish, notwithstanding each vessel flying the White
+Ensign fought more than one of the enemy's ships, and in doing so
+constantly received shots that spread death and destruction between the
+decks. Still, amid the blinding smoke, the din of battle, and the
+constant roaring of the guns, British bluejackets with smoke-begrimed
+faces worked enthusiastically for the defence of Old England. Many
+heroic deeds were performed that memorable afternoon, and many a gallant
+hero was sent to an untimely grave.
+
+On board the _Royal Sovereign_ the destruction was frightful. By four
+o'clock many of the guns had been disabled, half the crew had perished,
+and the decks ran with the life-blood of Britain's gallant defenders.
+The captain had been struck upon the forehead by a flying fragment of
+shell, causing a fearful wound; yet, with his head enveloped in a
+hastily improvised bandage, he stuck to his post. He was engaging the
+_Redoubtable_ and getting the worst of it, when suddenly, having
+manoeuvred once or twice, he turned to his lieutenant, saying, "Lay
+guns, ahead full speed, and prepare to ram." The officer addressed
+transmitted the order, and a few moments later, as her guns thundered
+forth, the bows of the _Royal Sovereign_ entered the broadside of the
+French ship with a loud crash, ripping her almost in half.
+
+Backing again quickly as the _Redoubtable_ sank, she suddenly received a
+shock which made her reel and shiver. A shell from the Russian flagship
+had struck under her stern barbette, but, failing to penetrate the
+armour, glanced off into the sea.
+
+Fiercer and more fierce became the fight. A well-directed shot from one
+of the 67-ton guns on the _Anson's_ rear barbette struck the
+conning-tower of the _Magenta_, blowing it away, killing the captain and
+those who were directing the vessel.
+
+The sun was sinking, but the battle still raged with unabated fury. Each
+side struggled desperately for the mastery. The British, fighting nobly
+against what had all along been overwhelming odds, had succeeded in
+sinking some of the enemy's finest ships, and inflicting terrible loss
+upon the crews of the others; yet the British Admiral, on viewing the
+situation, was compelled to admit that he was outnumbered, and that a
+continuance of the struggle would inevitably result in the loss of other
+of his ships. There still remained three of the enemy's vessels to each
+one of the British. His ships were all more or less crippled, therefore
+a successful stand against the still overwhelming force would be sheer
+madness. He was not the sort of man to show the white feather;
+nevertheless a retreat upon Portsmouth had now become a matter of
+policy, and the _Royal Sovereign_ a few minutes later ran up signals
+intimating to the other vessels her intention.
+
+As the British Squadron moved away down Channel the hoarse exultant
+shouts of the enemy filled the air. But the fighting became even more
+desperate, and for over an hour there was a most exciting chase. The
+running fire did little harm to the retreating ships, but their stern
+guns played terrible havoc with the French and Russian torpedo boats,
+which were picked off one after another with remarkable rapidity.
+
+Off Littlehampton one of the Russian ships ran up signals, and
+immediately the enemy's ships slackened. Apparently they had no desire
+to follow further west, for after a few parting shots they turned and
+stood away up Channel again, while the surviving ships of the British
+Squadron steamed onward in the blood-red track of the dying day.
+
+At their head was the _Royal Sovereign_, battered, and bearing marks of
+the deadly strife; but bright against the clear, calm evening sky, the
+British flag, half of which had been shot away, still fluttered out in
+the cool breeze of sunset.
+
+The British Lion had shown his teeth. Alas, that our Navy should have
+been so weak! Several of the ships had had their engines severely
+damaged or broken, but our margin of additional strength was so small
+that we had no vessels wherewith to replace those compelled to return to
+port.
+
+The struggle in this, the first naval battle in the defence of our
+Empire, had been desperate, and the loss of life appalling.
+
+The First Act of the most sanguinary drama of modern nations had closed.
+
+What would be its _denouement_?
+
+
+
+
+_BOOK II_
+
+_THE STRUGGLE_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE DOOM OF HULL.
+
+
+In Hull forty-eight long weary hours of anxious suspense and breathless
+excitement had passed. The night was dark, the sky overcast, and there
+was in the air that oppressive sultry stillness precursory of a storm.
+
+Church clocks had chimed ten, yet most of the shops were still open, and
+the well-lighted streets of the drab old Yorkshire town were filled by a
+pale-faced, terror-stricken crowd surging down the thoroughfares towards
+the Victoria Pier. A panic had suddenly been created an hour before by
+the issue of an extra-special edition of the Hull evening paper, the
+_Daily News_, containing a brief telegram in large type, as follows:--
+
+    The Coastguard at Donna Nook report that a strong force of
+    Russian war vessels, including the turret-ship _Sevastopol_ and
+    the barbette-ships _Sinope_ and _Cizoi Veliky_, have just hove
+    in sight and are making for the Humber. Lloyd's signal station
+    on Spurn Point has also intimated that hostile ships coming from
+    the south are lying-to just beyond the Lightship.
+
+The papers sold more quickly than they could be printed, a shilling each
+being given for copies by the excited townspeople, who now, for the
+first time, suddenly realised that the enemy was upon them. Men and boys
+with bundles of limp papers, damp from the press, rushed along
+Whitefriargate, away in every direction into the suburbs, shouting the
+appalling intelligence in hoarse, strident tones that awoke the echoes
+of the quieter thoroughfares.
+
+Now, even as purchasers of papers read the few lines of print under the
+dim uncertain light of street lamps, the dull booming of distant guns
+fell upon their ears, and the populace, wildly excited, made their way
+with one accord towards the Victoria Pier, to glean the latest news, and
+ascertain the true significance of the repeated firing.
+
+Was Hull in danger? Would the enemy advance up the river and bombard the
+town? These all-important questions were on every one's tongue, and as
+the thousands of all classes rushed hither and thither, wild rumours of
+the enemy's intentions spread and increased the horror.
+
+Within an hour of the publication of the first intimation of the
+presence of the invaders the excitement had become intense, and the
+narrow streets and narrower bridges had become congested by a
+terror-stricken multitude. Time after time the thunder of heavy guns
+shook the town, causing windows to clatter, and the people standing on
+the pier and along the riverside strained their eyes into the cavernous
+darkness towards the sea. But they could discern nothing. Across at New
+Holland, two miles away, lamps twinkled, but the many lights--red,
+white, and green--that stud the broad river for the guidance of the
+mariner had, since the Declaration of War, been extinguished. The
+familiar distant lights that had never failed to shine seaward at Salt
+End and Thorngumbald no longer shed their radiance, and from the
+revolving lights at Spurn no stream of brilliancy now flashed away upon
+the rolling waters of the North Sea. The buoys had been cut adrift, the
+Bull Lightship taken from her moorings, and the entrance to Grimsby
+harbour was unillumined. Not a star appeared in the sky, for all was
+dark, black, and threatening. Through the hot, heavy atmosphere the roar
+of cannon came from the direction of Spurn Point, and as the sounds of
+the shots fell upon the ears of the anxious watchers, they stood aghast,
+wondering what would be their destiny.
+
+The suspense was awful. Men, women, and children, with scared faces,
+stood in groups in the market-place, in Queen Street, and in High
+Street, discussing the situation. This question, however, was already
+engaging the attention of the municipal and military authorities, for on
+hearing the alarming news the Mayor, with shrewd promptitude, walked
+quickly to the Town Hall, and held a hurried informal consultation with
+Mr. Charles Wilson, Mr. Arthur Wilson, Mr. Richardson, Major Wellsted,
+Alderman Woodhouse, and a number of aldermen and councillors. All knew
+the town was in peril. The enemy could have but one object in entering
+the Humber. Yet it was agreed that no steps could be taken at such brief
+notice to defend the place. The guardship _Edinburgh_ had been withdrawn
+to form part of the squadron upon which they would be compelled to rely,
+with the batteries at Paull and the submarine mines.
+
+It was evident by the firing that an attack upon the British Squadron
+had commenced. The shadow of impending disaster had fallen.
+
+Working men, hurrying towards the pier, stopped their leader, Mr.
+Millington, and tried to learn what was being done, while many of the
+leading townsfolk were thronged around for information, and were centres
+of excited groups in Whitefriargate. The boatmen, sharply questioned on
+every hand, were as ignorant of the state of affairs as those seeking
+information, so nothing could be done except to wait.
+
+Women and children of the middle and upper classes, regardless of their
+destination, were being hurried away by anxious fathers. Every train
+leaving Hull was filled to overflowing by those fleeing from the advance
+of the Russians, and on the roads inland to Beverley, Selby, and Market
+Weighton crowds of every class hurried away to seek some place of
+safety.
+
+Suddenly, just before eleven o'clock, the thousands anxiously peering
+over the wide, dark waters saw away on the bank, three miles distant,
+two beams of white light, which slowly swept both reaches of the river.
+
+They were the search-lights of the battery at Paull. Scarcely had the
+bright streaks shone out and disappeared when they were followed by a
+terrific cannonade from the forts, and then, for the first time, those
+standing on the Victoria Pier could discern the enemy's ships. How many
+there were it was impossible at that moment to tell, but instantly their
+guns flashed and thundered at the forts in reply. Far away seaward could
+also be heard low booming. The enemy's vessels were creeping carefully
+up the Humber, being compelled to take constant soundings on account of
+the removal of the buoys, and evidently guided by foreign pilots who had
+for years been permitted to take vessels up and down the river.
+
+Moments dragged on like hours, each bringing the town of Hull nearer its
+fate. The people knew it, but were powerless. They stood awaiting the
+unknown.
+
+The Russian force, besides the three vessels already mentioned, included
+the armoured cruiser _Dimitri Donskoi_, the central-battery ship _Kniaz
+Pojarski_, the cruiser _Pamyat Merkuriya_, two of the new armoured
+cruisers, _Mezen_ and _Syzran_, of the _Rurik_ type, the corvette
+_Razboynik_, the torpedo gunboats _Griden_ and _Gaidamak_, and the
+armoured gunboat _Gremyastchy_, with several torpedo boats.
+
+The manner in which they had manoeuvred to pass Spurn Point and ascend
+the river was remarkable, and astounded the officers in the forts at
+Paull. They, however, were not aware that each captain of those vessels
+possessed a copy of the British secret code and other important
+information compiled from the documents filched from the body of the
+Admiralty messenger by the Count von Beilstein at the Mariners' Rest at
+Deal!
+
+The possession of this secret knowledge, which was, of course, unknown
+to our Admiralty, enabled the captains of the Russian vessels to evade
+sunken hulks and other obstructions, and take some of their ships slowly
+up the river, bearing well on the Lincolnshire coast, so as to keep,
+until the last moment, out of the range of the search-lights at Paull.
+Then, on the first attack from the batteries, they suddenly replied
+with such a hail of shell, that from the first moment it was clear that
+the strength of the fort with its obsolete guns was totally inadequate.
+
+The roar of the cannonade was incessant. Amid the deafening explosions
+the townspeople of Hull rushed up and down the streets screaming and
+terrified. Suddenly a great shell fell with a dull thud in Citadel
+Street, close to a crowd of excited women, and exploding a second later,
+blew a number of them to atoms, and wrecked the fronts of several
+houses.
+
+This served to increase the panic. The people were on the verge of
+madness with fright and despair. Thousands seized their money and
+jewellery and fled away upon the roads leading to the country. Others
+hid away their valuables, and preferred to remain; the crisis had come,
+and as Britons they determined to face it.
+
+While the Russian ships, lying broadside-on in positions carefully
+selected to avoid the electro-contact mines, poured their terrible fire
+upon the land battery at Paull, their torpedo boats darted hither and
+thither with extraordinary rapidity. Several were sunk by shots from the
+battery, but four piquet boats in the darkness at last managed to creep
+up, and after searching, seized the cable connecting the mines with the
+Submarine Mining Station at Paull.
+
+This was discovered just at the critical moment by means of one of the
+British search-lights, and upon the hostile boats a frightful cascade of
+projectiles was poured by the quick-firing guns of the battery.
+
+But it was, alas, too late! The cable had been cut. To the whole of the
+wires a small electric battery had in a moment been attached, and as the
+guns of the fort crashed out there were a series of dull explosions
+under the bed of the river across the channel from Foul Holme Sand to
+Killingholme Haven, and from Paull Coastguard Station to the Skitter.
+
+The dark water rose here and there. The whole of the mines had been
+simultaneously fired!
+
+Cheers rang out from the Russian vessels, sounding above the heavy
+cannonade. The destruction of this most important portion of the
+defences of the Humber had been accomplished by the boats just at the
+very instant when they were shattered by British shells, and ere the
+waters grew calm again the last vestige of the boats had disappeared.
+The officers at Paull worked on with undaunted courage, striving by
+every means in their power to combat with the superior forces. In a
+measure, too, they were successful, for such havoc did the shells play
+with the gunboat _Gremyastchy_ that she slowly foundered, and her crew
+were compelled to abandon her. A portion of the men were rescued by the
+_Syzran_, but two boatloads were precipitated into the water, and nearly
+all were drowned. Two of the big guns of the _Dimitri Donskoi_ were
+disabled, and the loss of life on several of the ships was considerable.
+Nevertheless the firing was still incessant. Time after time the 9-ton
+guns of the _Kniaz Pojarski_ and the four 131/2-tonners of the _Mezen_
+threw their terrible missiles upon the defences at Paull with frightful
+effect, until at length, after a most desperate, stubborn resistance on
+the part of the British commander of the battery, and after half the
+defending force had been killed, the guns suddenly ceased.
+
+Both land and sea defences had been broken down! The Russians were now
+free to advance upon Hull!
+
+Not a moment was lost. Ten minutes after the guns of Paull had been
+silenced, the enemy's ships, moving very cautiously forward, opened a
+withering fire upon the town.
+
+The horrors of that bombardment were frightful. At the moment of the
+first shots, fired almost simultaneously from the two big guns of the
+_Syzran_, the panic became indescribable. Both shells burst with loud
+detonations and frightfully devastating effect. The first, striking one
+of the domes of the Dock Office, carried it bodily away, at the same
+time killing several persons; while the other, crashing upon the
+Exchange, unroofed it, and blew away the colossal statue of Britannia
+which surmounted the parapet on the corner. Surely this was an omen of
+impending disaster!
+
+Ere the horrified inhabitants could again draw breath, the air was rent
+by a terrific crash, as simultaneously flame rushed from the guns of
+the _Kniaz Pojarski_, the _Pamyat Merkuriya_, and the _Mezen_, and great
+shells were hurled into the town in every direction. The place trembled
+and shook as if struck by an earthquake, and everywhere walls fell and
+buildings collapsed.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF HULL AND THE HUMBER.]
+
+Long bright beams of the search-lights swept the town and neighbouring
+country, lighting up the turbulent streets like day, and as the crowds
+rushed headlong from the river, shot and shell struck in their midst,
+killing hundreds of starving toilers and unoffending men, women, and
+children.
+
+Lying off Salt End, the _Cizoi Veliky_, which had now come up the river
+in company with two torpedo boats, poured from her barbette a heavy fire
+upon the Alexandra Dock and Earle's shipbuilding yard, while the other
+vessels, approaching nearer, wrought terrible destruction with every
+shot in various other parts of the town. In the course of a quarter of
+an hour many streets were impassable, owing to the fallen buildings, and
+in dozens of places the explosion of the melinite shells had set on fire
+the ruined houses.
+
+Missiles hurled from such close quarters by such heavy guns wrought the
+most fearful havoc. Naturally, the Russian gunners, discovering the most
+prominent buildings with their search-lights, aimed at them and
+destroyed many of the public edifices.
+
+Among the first prominent structures to topple and fall was the
+Wilberforce Monument, and then, in rapid succession, shots carried away
+another dome of the Dock Office, and the great square towers of St.
+John's and Holy Trinity Churches. The gaudily gilded equestrian statue
+of King William III. was flung from its pedestal and smashed by a heavy
+shot, which entered a shop opposite, completely wrecking it; and two
+shells, striking the handsome offices of the Hull Banking Company at the
+corner of Silver Street, reduced the building to a heap of ruins. Deadly
+shells fell in quick succession in Paragon Street, and at the
+North-Eastern Railway Station, where the lines and platforms were torn
+up, and the Station Hotel, being set on fire, was soon burning fiercely,
+for the flames spread unchecked here, as in every other quarter. Church
+spires fell crashing into neighbouring houses, whole rows of shops were
+demolished in Whitefriargate, High Street, and Saville Street, and roads
+were everywhere torn up by the enemy's exploding missiles.
+
+Not for a moment was there a pause in this awful work of destruction;
+not for a moment was the frightful massacre of the inhabitants
+suspended. The enemy's sole object was apparently to weaken the northern
+defences of London by drawing back the Volunteer battalions to the
+north. There was no reason to bombard after the fort had been silenced,
+yet they had decided to destroy the town and cause the most widespread
+desolation possible.
+
+Flame flashed from the muzzles of those great desolating guns so quickly
+as to appear like one brilliant, incessant light. Shells from the _Cizoi
+Veliky_ fell into the warehouses around the Alexandra Dock, and these,
+with the fine new grain warehouses on each side of the river Hull, were
+blazing furiously with a terrible roar. High into the air great tongues
+of flame leaped, their volume increased by the crowd of ships in the
+dock also igniting in rapid succession, shedding a lurid glare over the
+terrible scene, and lighting up the red, angry sky. The long range of
+warehouses, filled with inflammable goods, at the edge of the Albert and
+William Wright Docks, were on fire, while the warehouses of the Railway
+Dock, together with a large number of Messrs. Thomas Wilson's fine
+steamers, were also in flames. Such a hold had the flames obtained that
+no power could arrest them, and as the glare increased it was seen by
+those flying for their lives that the whole of the port was now
+involved.
+
+The great petroleum stores of the Anglo-American Company, struck by a
+shell, exploded a few moments later with a most terrific and frightful
+detonation which shook the town. For a moment it seemed as if both town
+and river were enveloped in one great sheet of flame, then, as blazing
+oil ran down the gutters on every side, fierce fires showed, and whole
+streets were alight from end to end.
+
+Hundreds of persons perished in the flames, hundreds were shot down by
+the fragments of flying missiles, and hundreds more were buried under
+falling ruins. Everywhere the roar of flames mingled with the shrieks of
+the dying. Shells striking the Royal Infirmary burst in the wards,
+killing many patients in their beds, and setting fire to the building,
+while others, crashing through the roof of the Theatre Royal, carried
+away one of the walls and caused the place to ignite. One shot from the
+13-ton gun of the _Syzran_ tore its way into the nave of Holy Trinity
+Church, and, exploding, blew out the three beautiful windows and wrecked
+the interior, while another from the same gun demolished one of the
+corner buildings of the new Market Hall. The handsome tower of the Town
+Hall, struck by a shell just under the dial, came down with a frightful
+crash, completely blocking Lowgate with its debris, and almost at the
+same instant a shot came through the dome of the Council Chamber,
+totally destroying the apartment.
+
+The Mariners' Hospital and Trinity House suffered terribly, many of the
+inmates of the former being blown to pieces. One shot completely
+demolished the Savings Bank at the corner of George Street, and a shell
+exploding under the portico of the Great Thornton Street Chapel blew out
+the whole of its dark facade. Another, striking the extensive premises
+of a firm of lead merchants at the corner of Brook and Paragon Streets,
+swept away the range of buildings like grass before the scythe.
+
+In the Queen's, Humber, Victoria, and Prince's Docks the congested crowd
+of idle merchant ships were enveloped in flames that wrapped themselves
+about the rigging, and, crackling, leaped skyward. The Orphanage at
+Spring Bank, the Artillery Barracks, and Wilberforce House were all
+burning; in fact, in the course of the two hours during which the
+bombardment lasted hardly a building of note escaped.
+
+The houses of the wealthy residents far away up Spring Bank, Anlaby and
+Beverley Roads, and around Pearson's Park, had been shattered and
+demolished; the shops in Saville Street had without exception been
+destroyed, and both the Cannon Street and Pier Stations had been
+completely wrecked and unroofed.
+
+Soon after two o'clock in the morning, when the Russian war vessels
+ceased their thunder, the whole town was as one huge furnace, the
+intense heat and suffocating smoke from which caused the Russian Admiral
+to move his vessels towards the sea as quickly as the necessary
+soundings allowed.
+
+The glare lit the sky for many miles around. The immense area of great
+burning buildings presented a magnificent, appalling spectacle.
+
+It was a terrible national disaster--a frightful holocaust, in which
+thousands of lives, with property worth millions, had been wantonly
+destroyed by a ruthless enemy which Britain's defective and obsolete
+defences were too weak to keep at bay--a devastating catastrophe, swift,
+complete, awful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TERROR ON THE TYNE.
+
+
+England was thrilled, dismayed, petrified. The wholesale massacre at
+Eastbourne and the terrible details of the bombardment of Hull had
+spread increased horror everywhere throughout the land.
+
+Terror reigned on the Tyneside. Hospitals, asylums, and public
+institutions, crowded with affrighted inmates, had no food to
+distribute. In Newcastle, in Shields, in Jarrow, and in Gateshead the
+poor were idle and hungry, while the wealthy were feverishly
+apprehensive. A Sabbath quiet had fallen on the great silent highway of
+the Tyne. In those blazing days and breathless nights there was an
+unbroken stillness that portended dire disaster.
+
+In the enormous crowded districts on each side of the river the gaunt
+spectre Starvation stalked through the cheerless homes of once
+industrious toilers, and the inmates pined and died. So terrible was the
+distress already, that domestic pets were being killed and eaten, dogs
+and cats being no uncommon dish, the very offal thrown aside being
+greedily devoured by those slowly succumbing to a horrible death. Awful
+scenes of suffering and blank despair were being witnessed on every
+side.
+
+Three days after the enemy had ascended the Humber and dealt such a
+decisive blow at Hull, the port of South Shields was suddenly alarmed by
+information telegraphed from the Coastguard on Harton Down Hill, about
+a mile south of the town, to the effect that they had sighted a number
+of French and Russian ships.
+
+Panic at once ensued. The broad market-place was filled by a
+terror-stricken crowd of townspeople, while the seafaring population
+surged down King Street and Ocean Road, across the park to the long
+South Pier at the entrance to the Tyne, eager to reassure themselves
+that the enemy had no designs upon their town.
+
+In the dull red afterglow that lit up the broad bay of golden sand
+between Trow Point and the pier, a huge vessel suddenly loomed dark upon
+the sky line, and, as she approached, those watching anxiously through
+glasses made her out as the great steel turret-ship _Lazare Carnot_,
+flying the French Tricolor. Immediately following her came a number of
+cruisers, gunboats, and torpedo boats. They included the _Dimitri
+Donskoi_, the _Kniaz Pojarski_, the _Pamyat Merkuriya_, the _Mezen_, the
+_Syzran_, the _Griden_, and the _Gaidamak_, all of which had taken part
+in the attack on Hull, while they had now been joined by the French
+battleships _Massena_ and _Neptune_, the small cruisers _Cosamo_,
+_Desaix_, _D'Estaing_, _Coetlogon_, and _Lalande_, the torpedo gunboats
+_Iberville_, _Lance_, _Leger_, and _Fleche_, and the gun-vessels
+_Etoile_, _Fulton_, _Gabes_, _Sagittaire_, and _Vipere_, with a large
+number of torpedo boats and "catchers," in addition to those which were
+at Hull.
+
+As the vessels steamed onward at full speed, the people rushed from the
+pier back again into the town in wild disorder, while the Coastguard at
+Spanish Battery on the north shore of the estuary, having now discovered
+the presence of the menacing ships, at once telegraphed the intelligence
+up to Newcastle, where the most profound sensation was immediately
+caused. The news spread everywhere, and the people on the Tyneside knew
+that the hand of the oppressor was upon them.
+
+Suddenly, without warning, smoke tumbled over the bows of the _Lazare
+Carnot_. There was a low boom, and one of the ponderous guns in her
+turret sent forth an enormous shell, which struck the battery at Trow
+Point, blowing away a portion of a wall.
+
+A moment later the battery replied with their 9-tonners, sending forth
+shot after shot, most of which, however, ricochetted away over the
+glassy sea. It was the signal for a fight which quickly became
+desperate.
+
+In a few moments half a dozen of the ships lay broadside on, and the
+great guns of the _Massena_ and _Neptune_, with those of four other
+vessels, opened a terrible fire upon the fort, casting their shells upon
+the British gunners with frightful effect.
+
+In the battery the Armstrong disappearing guns were worked to their
+utmost capacity, and the shots of the defenders played havoc with the
+smaller craft, three torpedo boats and a "catcher" being sunk in as many
+minutes.
+
+Meanwhile the _Active_, _Bonaventure_, _Cambrian_, _Canada_, and
+_Archer_ of the Reserve Squadron, now on its way from the north of
+Scotland in consequence of orders from the Admiralty having reached it,
+rounded Sharpness Point, and steamed full upon the enemy's ships.
+
+The conflict was fierce, but quickly ended.
+
+Heavy fire was kept up from the fort at Tynemouth, from Spanish Battery,
+from Trow Battery, and from several new batteries with disappearing guns
+between the Groyne and the quarry at Trow, that had been constructed and
+manned since the mobilisation by Volunteers, consisting of the 1st
+Newcastle Volunteer Engineers, the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery, and
+the 4th Durham Light Infantry from Newcastle. Nevertheless the
+assistance received by the British ships from the land was of but little
+avail, for a Russian torpedo boat sent forth its messenger of death at
+the third-class cruiser _Canada_, blowing her up, while the engines of
+both the _Active_ and _Bonaventure_ were so seriously damaged as to be
+practically useless. Rapid signalling by the semaphore at Spanish
+Battery had placed the defenders on the alert, and although the British
+were suffering so heavily on account of their minority, still the enemy
+were everywhere feeling the effect of the hot and unexpected reception.
+
+Before half an hour had passed two Russian gunboats had been torpedoed,
+and the French cruiser _D'Estaing_, having caught fire, was burning
+furiously, many of her crew perishing at their guns.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE TYNE DISTRICT.]
+
+The _Lazare Carnot_ and the _Massena_, heedless of the fire from the
+shore, steamed at half speed across the estuary until they were opposite
+the Tynemouth Battery, when they suddenly opened fire, being quickly
+joined by six French and Russian cruisers. In the meantime the contact
+mines were being blown up by piquet boats, who, although suffering
+heavily from the fire from the shore, nevertheless continued their task.
+It was then seen how utterly inadequate were the defences of the Tyne,
+and what negligence had been displayed on the part of the War Office in
+not providing at Tynemouth adequate means of warding off or successfully
+coping with an attack.
+
+From behind the tall grey lighthouse a few guns were thundering, but in
+face of the overwhelming force at sea it was but a sorry attempt. One
+shot from the battery severely damaged the superstructure of the _Lazare
+Carnot_, another cut through the funnel of the _Neptune_, carrying it
+away, and a third entering the magazine of one of the small cruisers
+caused it to explode with serious loss of life. Yet the devastating
+effect of the enemy's shells on the obsolete defences of Tynemouth was
+appalling.
+
+Enclosed in the fortifications were the crumbling ruins of the ancient
+Priory, with its restored chapel, a graveyard, and an old Castle that
+had been converted into artillery barracks. As flame and smoke rushed
+continuously from the barbettes, turrets, and broadsides of the hostile
+ships, the shots brought down the bare, dark old walls of the Priory,
+and, crashing into the Castle, played havoc with the building. The
+lantern of the lighthouse, too, was carried away, probably by a shot
+flying accidentally wide, and every moment death and desolation was
+being spread throughout the fort. Such a magnificent natural position,
+commanding as it did the whole estuary of the Tyne, should have been
+rendered impregnable, yet, as it remained in 1894, so it stood on this
+fatal day, a typical example of War Office apathy and shortsightedness.
+
+Its guns were a mere make-believe, that gave the place an appearance of
+strength that it did not possess. In the North Battery, on the left
+side, commanding a broad sweep of sea beyond Sharpness, only one gun, a
+64-pounder, was mounted, the remaining five rotting platforms being
+unoccupied! At the extreme point, to command the mouth of the river, a
+single 5-tonner was placed well forward with great ostentation, its
+weight, calibre, and other details having been painted up in conspicuous
+white letters, for the delectation of an admiring public admitted to
+view the Priory. The South Battery, a trifle stronger, was,
+nevertheless, a sheer burlesque, its weakness being a disgrace to the
+British nation. In fact, in the whole of the battery the upper defences
+had long been known to experts to be obsolete, and the lower ones
+totally inadequate for the resistance they should have been able to
+offer.
+
+Was it any wonder, then, that the shells of the enemy should cause such
+frightful destruction? Among the British artillerymen there was no lack
+of courage, for they exerted every muscle in their gallant efforts to
+repulse the foe. Yet, handicapped as they were by lack of efficient arms
+and properly constructed fortifications, their heroic struggles were
+futile, and they sacrificed their lives to no purpose. The deadly hail
+from the floating monsters swept away the whole of the ancient Priory
+walls, demolishing the old red brick barracks, blowing up the Castle
+gateway, wrecking the guardroom, and igniting the Priory Chapel. The
+loss of life was terrible, the whole of the men manning the 5-ton gun
+pointing seaward having been killed by a single shell that burst among
+them, while everywhere else men of the Royal Artillery, and those of the
+Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery, who were assisting, were killed or maimed
+by the incessant rain of projectiles.
+
+Night clouds gathered black and threatening, and it appeared as if the
+enemy were carrying all before them. The French battleship _Neptune_,
+seeing the guns of all three batteries had been considerably weakened,
+was steaming slowly into the mouth of the Tyne, followed by the Russian
+cruiser _Syzran_, when suddenly two terrific explosions occurred,
+shaking both North and South Shields to their very foundations. High
+into the air the water rose, and it was then seen that two submarine
+mines had been exploded simultaneously by electric current from the
+Tynemouth Battery, and that both vessels had been completely blown up.
+Such was the force of the explosion, that the hull of the _Neptune_, a
+great armour-clad of over ten thousand tons, had been ripped up like
+paper, and of her crew scarcely a man escaped, while the cruiser had
+been completely broken in half, and many of her crew blown to atoms.
+Scarcely had this success of the defenders been realised when it was
+followed by another, for a second later a British torpedo boat succeeded
+in blowing up with all hands the French torpedo gunboat _Lance_.
+
+These reverses, however, caused but little dismay among the invaders,
+for ere long the British cruisers had been driven off, the guns at Trow
+had been silenced, while those at Spanish Battery and Tynemouth could
+only keep up a desultory fire. Then, in the falling gloom, ship after
+ship, guided by foreign pilots, and carefully evading a number of hulks
+that had been placed near the estuary, entered the Tyne, pouring forth
+their heavy monotonous fire into North Shields and South Shields.
+Skilfully as the despairing defenders managed their submarine mines,
+they only succeeded in destroying three more of the enemy's ships, the
+French torpedo gunboats _Iberville_ and _Cassini_ and the cruiser
+_Desaix_, the crews perishing.
+
+Not for a moment was there a cessation of the cannonade as the smaller
+ships of the enemy advanced up the river, and the damage wrought by
+their shells was enormous. Tynemouth had already suffered heavily, many
+of the streets being in flames. The tower of St. Saviour's Church had
+fallen, the conspicuous spire of the Congregational Chapel had been shot
+away, the Piers Office had been reduced to ruins, and the long building
+of the Royal Hotel completely wrecked. The houses facing Percy Park had
+in many cases been shattered, a shell exploding under the archway of the
+Bath Hotel had demolished it, and the handsome clock tower at the end of
+the road had been hurled down and scattered.
+
+Slackening opposite the Scarp, the gunboats and cruisers belched forth
+shot and shell upon North Shields, aiming first at the more conspicuous
+objects, such as the Sailors' Home, the Custom House, the tall tower of
+Christ Church, and the Harbour Master's office, either totally
+destroying them or injuring them irreparably, while the houses on Union
+Quay and those in Dockway Square and in adjoining streets, from the
+gasometers down to the Town Hall, were also swept by shells. Resistance
+was made from Fort Clifford on the one side of the town, from a position
+occupied by a battery of the Durham Volunteer Artillery, who had mounted
+guns on the hill behind Smith's Yard, and also by the submarine mines of
+the Tyne Division Volunteer Miners; but it was most ineffectual, and,
+when night fell, hundreds of terror-stricken persons had been killed,
+and the town was on fire in dozens of places, the flames illuminating
+the sky with their lurid brilliancy.
+
+In South Shields tragic scenes were being enacted. Shells flying about
+the town from the river on the one side and the sea on the other
+exploded in the streets, blowing unfortunate men, women, and children
+into atoms, wrecking public buildings, and setting fire to the cherished
+homes of the toilers. The congested blocks of buildings around Panash
+Point were one huge furnace; the Custom House, the River Police Station,
+and the Plate Glass Works were wrecked, while a shell exploding in one
+of the petroleum tanks on the Commissioners' Wharf caused it to burst
+with fearful effect. The queer old turret of St. Hilda's fell with a
+crash, the Church of St. Stephen was practically demolished, and the
+school in the vicinity unroofed. The dome of the Marine School was
+carried bodily away; nothing remained standing of the Wouldhave Memorial
+Clock but a few feet of the square lower structure, and the Ingham
+Infirmary being set on fire, several of the patients lost their lives.
+Amid this frightful panic, Lieut.-Col. Gowans and Major Carr of the 3rd
+Durham Artillery, the Mayor, Mr. Readhead, Alderman Rennoldson,
+Councillors Lisle, Marshall, and Stainton, the Town Clerk, Mr. Hayton,
+and the Rev. H. E. Savage, were all conspicuous for the coolness they
+displayed. Courage, however, was unavailing, for South Shields was at
+the mercy of the invaders, and all defence was feeble and futile.
+Hundreds of the townspeople were killed by flying fragments of shells,
+hundreds more were buried in the debris of tottering buildings, while
+those who survived fled horror-stricken with their valuables away into
+the country, beyond the range of the enemy's fire.
+
+The horrors of Hull were being repeated. The streets ran with the
+life-blood of unoffending British citizens.
+
+As evening wore on, the invaders came slowly up the Tyne, heedless of
+the strenuous opposition with which they were met by Volunteer
+Artillery, who, having established batteries on various positions
+between Shields and Newcastle, poured a hot fire upon them. Advancing,
+their terrible guns spread death and destruction on either bank.
+
+The crowds of idle shipping in the great Tyne Dock at South Shields, and
+those in the Albert Edward and Northumberland Docks on the north bank,
+together with the staiths, warehouses, and offices, were blazing
+furiously, while the Tyne Commissioners' great workshops, Edwards'
+Shipbuilding Yard, and many other factories and shipbuilding yards, were
+either set on fire or seriously damaged.
+
+Many of the affrighted inhabitants of North Shields sought refuge in the
+railway tunnel, and so escaped, but hundreds lost their lives in the
+neighbourhood of Wallsend and Percy Main.
+
+Shells fell in Swinburne's brass foundry at Carville, destroying the
+buildings, together with the Carville Hotel and the railway viaduct
+between that place and Howdon.
+
+The Wallsend Railway Station and the Theatre of Varieties were blown to
+atoms, and the houses both at High and Low Walker suffered severely,
+while opposite at Jarrow enormous damage was everywhere caused. At the
+latter place the 1st Durham Volunteer Engineers rendered excellent
+defensive service under Lieut.-Col. Price and Major Forneaux, and the
+Mayor was most energetic in his efforts to insure the safety of the
+people. A submarine mine had been laid opposite Hebburn, and, being
+successfully exploded, blew to atoms the French gunboat _Gabes_, and at
+the same time seriously injured the propeller of the cruiser _Cosamo_.
+This vessel subsequently broke down, and a second mine fired from the
+shore destroyed her also. Nevertheless the invaders steadily advanced up
+the broad river, blowing up obstacles, dealing decisive blows, and
+destroying human life and valuable property with every shot from their
+merciless weapons.
+
+The panic that night in Newcastle was terrible. The streets were in a
+turmoil of excitement, for the reports from Tynemouth had produced the
+most intense alarm and dismay. On receipt of the first intelligence the
+Free Library Committee of the City Council happened to be sitting, and
+the chairman, Alderman H. W. Newton, the popular representative of All
+Saints' North, formally announced it to his colleagues, among whom was
+the Mayor. The committee broke up in confusion, and an excited
+consultation followed, in which Councillors Durnford, Fitzgerald, and
+Flowers, with Alderman Sutton, took part. Capt. Nicholls, the Chief
+Constable, Major A. M. Potter of the 1st Northumberland Artillery,
+Lieut.-Col. Angus of the 1st Newcastle Volunteer Artillery, Lieut.-Col.
+Palmer and Major Emley of the Volunteer Engineers, Mr. Hill Motum, and
+Mr. Joseph Cowen also entered the room and engaged in the discussion.
+
+At such a hasty informal meeting, nothing, however, could be done. The
+Mayor and Councillors were assured by the Volunteer officers that
+everything possible under the circumstances had been arranged for the
+defence of the Tyne. Property worth millions was at stake, and now that
+the news had spread from mouth to mouth the streets around the Town Hall
+were filled with crowds of excited, breathless citizens, anxious to know
+what steps were being taken to insure their protection.
+
+So loudly did they demand information, that the Mayor was compelled to
+appear for a moment and address a few words to them, assuring them that
+arrangements had been made which he hoped would be found adequate to
+repel the foe. This appeased them in a measure, and the crowd dispersed;
+but in the other thoroughfares the excitement was intensified, and
+famished thousands rushed aimlessly about, many going out upon the High
+Level and Low Level Bridges and straining their eyes down the river in
+endeavour to catch a glimpse of the enemy.
+
+Heavy and continuous firing could be heard as the dark evening dragged
+on, and presently, just before nine o'clock, the anxious ones upon the
+bridges saw the flash of guns as the invading vessels rounded the sharp
+bend of the river at the ferry beyond Rotterdam Wharf.
+
+The sight caused the people to rush panic-stricken up into the higher
+parts of Newcastle or across the bridges into Gateshead, and from both
+towns a rapid exodus was taking place, thousands fleeing into the
+country. From gun-vessels, torpedo gunboats, and cruisers, shot and
+shell poured in continuous streams into the wharves, shipping, and
+congested masses of houses on either bank.
+
+The houses along City Road, St. Lawrence Road, Quality Row, and Byker
+Bank, on the outskirts of Newcastle, suffered severely, while shots
+damaged the great Ouseburn Viaduct, wrecked St. Dominic's Roman Catholic
+Chapel, and blew away the roof of the new Board School, a prominent
+feature of the landscape.
+
+Several shells fell and exploded in Jesmond Vale. One burst and set fire
+to the Sandyford Brewery, and one or two falling in Portland Road caused
+widespread destruction and terrible loss of life. The London and Hamburg
+Wharves, with the shipping lying near, were soon blazing furiously, and
+all along Quay Side, right up to the Guildhall, shops and offices were
+every moment being destroyed and swept away. New Greenwich and South
+Shore on the Gateshead side were vigorously attacked, and many shots
+fired over the Salt Marshes fell in the narrow thoroughfares that lie
+between Sunderland Road and Brunswick Street.
+
+Upon the enemy's ships the Volunteer batteries on the commanding
+positions on either side of the high banks poured a galling fire, one
+battery at the foot of the Swing Bridge on the Gateshead side effecting
+terrible execution. Their guns had been well laid, and the salvoes of
+shell played about the French gun-vessels and torpedo boats, causing
+frightful destruction among the crews. Both Newcastle and Gateshead,
+lying so much higher than the river, were in a certain measure
+protected, and the high banks afforded a wide command over the waterway.
+At various points, including the entrances to the High Level Bridge, at
+the Side, the Close, New Chatham, and the Rabbit Banks, the Volunteers
+had opened fire, and were keeping up a terrible cannonade. The dark
+river reflected the red light which flashed forth every moment from gun
+muzzles, while search-lights from both ships and shore were constantly
+streaming forth, and the thunder of war shook the tall factory chimneys
+to their very foundations.
+
+Heedless of the strenuous opposition, the invading ships kept up a
+vigorous fire, which, aimed high, fell in the centre of Newcastle with
+most appalling effect. In the midst of the crowds in Newgate and
+Pilgrim Streets shells exploded, blowing dozens of British citizens to
+atoms and tearing out the fronts of shops. One projectile, aimed at the
+strangely shaped tower of St. Nicholas' Cathedral, struck it, and swept
+away the thin upper portion, and another, crashing into the sloping roof
+of the grim, time-mellowed relic Black Gate, shattered it, and tore away
+part of the walls.
+
+The old castle and the railway bridge were also blown up in the earlier
+stages of the bombardment, and the square tower of St. John's fell with
+a sudden crash right across the street, completely blocking it. From end
+to end Grainger Street was swept by French melinite shells, which,
+bursting in rapid succession, filled the air with tiny flying fragments,
+each as fatal as a bullet fired from a rifle. The French shell is much
+more formidable than ours, for, while the latter breaks into large
+pieces, the former is broken up into tiny and exceedingly destructive
+fragments.
+
+In the midst of this terrible panic a shot cut its way through the Earl
+Grey Monument, causing it to fall, many persons being crushed to death
+beneath the stones, while both the Central Exchange and the Theatre
+Royal were now alight, shedding a brilliant glare skyward.
+
+At this time, too, the whole of Quay Side was a mass of roaring,
+crackling flames, the thin spire of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral
+had been shot away, Bainbridge's great emporium was blazing furiously,
+and the Art Club premises had taken fire. One shot had fallen at the
+back of the Town Hall, and torn an enormous hole in the wall, while
+another, entering the first floor of the County Hotel, had burst with
+awful force, and carried away the greater part of its gloomy facade.
+
+In the Central Station opposite, dozens of shells had exploded, and it
+was now on fire, hopelessly involved together with the adjoining Station
+Hotel. The grey front of the imposing _Chronicle_ building had been
+wrecked by a shell that had descended upon the roof, and a row of dark
+old-fashioned houses in Eldon Square had been demolished.
+
+The same fate had been shared by the Co-operative Wholesale Society's
+warehouse, the Fish Market, the _Journal_ office, and both the Crown and
+Metropole Hotels at the bottom of Clayton Street.
+
+Yet the firing continued; the terrified citizens were granted no
+quarter. The Royal Arcade was blown to atoms, the new red brick
+buildings of the Prudential Assurance Company were set on fire, and were
+blazing with increasing fury. The building of the North British and
+Mercantile Assurance Company, the Savings Bank at the corner of Newgate
+Street, and the Empire Theatre were wrecked. Along New Bridge Street
+dozens of houses were blown to pieces, several fine residences in
+Ellison Place were utterly demolished and blocked the roadway with their
+debris, and the whole city, from the river up to Brandling Village, was
+swept time after time by salvoes of devastating shots. Rows of houses
+fell, and in hundreds the terrified people were massacred. Away over the
+Nun's Moor shells were hurled and burst, and others were precipitated
+into the great Armstrong works at Elswick.
+
+Suddenly, in the midst of the incessant thunder, a series of terrific
+explosions occurred, and the great High Level Bridge collapsed, and fell
+with an awful crash into the Tyne. The enemy had placed dynamite under
+the huge brick supports, and blown them up simultaneously. A few moments
+later the Swing Bridge was treated in similar manner; but the enemy,
+under the galling fire from the Volunteer batteries, were now losing
+frightfully. Many of the new guns at the Elswick works were brought into
+action, and several ironclads in the course of construction afforded
+cover to those desperately defending their homes.
+
+But this blow of the invaders had been struck at a most inopportune
+moment, and was evidently the result of an order that had been
+imperfectly understood. It caused them to suffer a greater disaster than
+they had anticipated. Six torpedo boats and two gun-vessels had passed
+under the bridge, and, lying off the Haughs, were firing into the
+Elswick works at the moment when the bridges were demolished, and the
+debris, falling across the stream, cut off all means of escape.
+
+[Illustration: NEWCASTLE BOMBARDED: BLOWING UP OF THE HIGH LEVEL
+BRIDGE.]
+
+The defenders, noticing this, worked on, pounding away at the hostile
+craft with merciless monotony, until one after another the French and
+Russians were blown to atoms, and their vessels sank beneath them into
+the dark, swirling waters.
+
+While this was proceeding, two mines, one opposite Hill Gate, at
+Gateshead, and the other near the Rotterdam Wharf, on the Newcastle
+side, were fired by the Volunteer Engineers, who thus succeeded in
+blowing up two more French gunboats, while the battery at the foot of
+the Swing Bridge sank two more torpedo boats, and that in front of the
+Chemical Works at Gateshead sent a shell into the "vitals" of one of the
+most powerful torpedo gunboats, with the result that she blew up.
+
+Everywhere the enemy were being cut to pieces.
+
+Seeing the trap into which their vessels had fallen above the ruined
+bridges, and feeling that they had caused sufficient damage, they
+turned, and with their guns still belching forth flame, steamed at half
+speed back again towards the sea.
+
+But they were not allowed to escape so easily, for the mines recently
+laid by the Volunteers were now brought into vigorous play, and in the
+long reach of the river between High Walker and Wallsend no fewer than
+six more of the enemy's gun and torpedo boats had their bottoms blown
+out, and their crews torn limb from limb.
+
+Flashed throughout the land, the news of the enemy's repulse, though
+gained at such enormous loss, excited a feeling of profound
+satisfaction.
+
+The injury inflicted on the invaders had been terrible, and from that
+attack upon the Tyne they had been hurled reeling back the poorer by the
+loss of a whole fleet of torpedo and gun boats, one of the most
+effective arms of their squadrons, while the sea had closed over one of
+France's proudest battleships, the _Neptune_, and no fewer than four of
+her cruisers.
+
+The surviving vessels, which retreated round the Black Middens and
+gained the open sea, all more or less had their engines crippled, and
+not half the men that had manned them escaped alive.
+
+They had wrought incalculable damage, it is true, for part of Newcastle
+was burning, and the loss of life had been terrible; yet they were
+driven back by the Volunteers' desperately vigorous fire, and the lives
+of many thousands in Newcastle and Gateshead had thus been saved at the
+eleventh hour by British patriots.
+
+Alas, it was a black day in England's history!
+
+Was this to be a turning-point in the wave of disaster which had swept
+so suddenly upon our land?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+HELP FROM OUR COLONIES.
+
+
+Days passed--dark, dismal, dispiriting. Grim-visaged War had crushed all
+joy and gaiety from British hearts, and fierce patriotism and
+determination to fight on until the bitter end mingled everywhere with
+hunger, sadness, and despair. British homes had been desecrated, British
+lives had been sacrificed, and through the land the invaders rushed
+ravaging with fire and sword.
+
+Whole towns had been overwhelmed and shattered, great tracts of rich
+land in Sussex and Hampshire had been laid waste, and the people,
+powerless against the enormous forces sweeping down upon them, had been
+mercilessly mowed down and butchered by Cossacks, whose brutality was
+fiendish. Everywhere there were reports of horrible atrocities, of
+heartless murders, and wholesale slaughter of the helpless and
+unoffending.
+
+The situation, both in Great Britain and on the Continent, was most
+critical. The sudden declaration of hostilities by France and Russia had
+resulted in a great war in which nearly all European nations were
+involved. Germany had sent her enormous land forces over her frontiers
+east and west, successfully driving back the French along the Vosges,
+and occupying Dijon, Chalons-sur-Saone, and Lyons. Valmy, Nancy, and
+Metz had again been the scenes of sanguinary encounters, and Chaumont
+and Troyes had both fallen into the hands of the Kaiser's legions. In
+Poland, however, neither Germans nor Austrians had met with such
+success. A fierce battle had been fought at Thorn between the Tsar's
+forces and the Germans, and the former, after a desperate stand, were
+defeated, and the Uhlans, dragoons, and infantry of the Fatherland had
+swept onward up the valley of the Vistula to Warsaw. Here the resistance
+offered by General Bodisco was very formidable, but the city was
+besieged, while fierce fighting was taking place all across the level
+country that lay between the Polish capital and the Prussian frontier.
+Austrians and Hungarians fought fiercely, the Tyrolese Jaegers displaying
+conspicuous bravery at Brody, Cracow, Jaroslav, and along the banks of
+the San, and they had succeeded up to the present in preventing the
+Cossacks and Russian infantry from reaching the Carpathians, although an
+Austrian army corps advancing into Russia along the Styr had been
+severely cut up and forced to retreat back to Lemberg.
+
+Italy had burst her bonds. Her Bersaglieri, cuirassiers, Piedmontese
+cavalry, and carabiniers had marched along the Corniche road into
+Provence, and, having occupied Nice, Cannes, and Draguigan, were on
+their way to attack Marseilles, while the Alpine infantry, taking the
+road over Mont Cenis, had, after very severe fighting in the beautiful
+valley between Susa and Bardonnechia, at last occupied Modane and
+Chambery, and now intended joining hands with the Germans at Lyons.
+
+France was now receiving greater punishment than she had anticipated,
+and even those members of the Cabinet and Deputies who were responsible
+for the sudden invasion of England were compelled to admit that they had
+made a false move. The frontiers were being ravaged, and although the
+territorial regiments remaining were considered sufficient to repel
+attack, yet the Army of the Saone had already been cut to pieces. In
+these circumstances, France, knowing the great peril she ran in
+prolonging the invasion of Britain, was desperately anxious to make the
+British sue for peace, so that she could turn her attention to events at
+home, and therefore, although in a measure contravening International
+Law, she had instructed her Admirals to bombard British seaports and
+partially-defended towns.
+
+Although the guns of the hostile fleet had wrought such appalling havoc
+on the Humber, on the Tyne, and along the coast of Kent and Sussex,
+nevertheless the enemy had only secured a qualified success. The cause
+of all the disasters that had befallen us, of the many catastrophes on
+land and sea, was due to the wretchedly inadequate state of our Navy,
+although the seven new battleships and six cruisers commenced in 1894
+were now complete and afloat.
+
+Had we possessed an efficient Navy the enemy could never have approached
+our shores. We had not a sufficient number of ships to replace
+casualties. Years behind in nearly every essential point, Britain had
+failed to give her cruisers either speed or guns equal in strength to
+those of other nations. Our guns were the worst in the world, no fewer
+than 47 vessels still mounting 350 old muzzleloaders, weapons discarded
+by every other European Navy.
+
+For years it had been a race between the hare and the tortoise. We had
+remained in dreamy unconsciousness of danger, while other nations had
+quickly taken advantage of all the newly-discovered modes of destruction
+that make modern warfare so terrible.
+
+Notwithstanding the odds against us in nearly every particular, the
+British losses had been nothing as compared with those of the enemy.
+This spoke much for British pluck and pertinacity. With a force against
+them of treble their strength, British bluejackets had succeeded in
+sinking a number of the finest and most powerful ships of France and
+Russia. France had lost the _Amiral Duperre_, a magnificent steel vessel
+of eleven thousand tons; the _Neptune_ and _Redoutable_, a trifle
+smaller; the _Tonnerre_, the _Terrible_, the _Furieux_, the
+_Indomptable_, the _Caiman_, all armoured ships, had been lost; while
+the cruisers _D'Estaing_, _Sfax_, _Desaix_, _Cosamo_, _Faucon_, the
+despatch-vessel _Hirondelle_, the gunboats _Iberville_, _Gabes_, and
+_Lance_, and eleven others, together with sixteen torpedo boats and
+numbers of transports, had been either blown up, burned, or otherwise
+destroyed.
+
+The losses the Russians had sustained, in addition to the many
+transports and general service steamers, included the great steel
+cruiser _Nicolai I._, the vessels _Gerzog Edinburgskij_, _Syzran_,
+_Rynda_, _Asia_, _Gangut_, _Kranaya Gorka_, _Olaf_, and the torpedo boat
+_Abo_, with eight others.
+
+The destruction of this enormous force had, of course, not been effected
+without an infliction of loss upon the defenders, yet the British
+casualties bore no comparison to those of the enemy. True, the armoured
+turret-ship _Conqueror_ had, alas! been sacrificed; the fine
+barbette-ships _Centurion_ and _Rodney_ had gone to the bottom; the
+splendid first-class cruiser _Aurora_ and the cruiser _Narcissus_ had
+been blown up; while the cruisers _Terpsichore_, _Melampus_, _Tribune_,
+_Galatea_, and _Canada_, with a number of torpedo boats and "catchers,"
+had also been destroyed, yet not before every crew had performed heroic
+deeds worthy of record in the world's history, and every vessel had
+shown the French and Russians what genuine British courage could effect.
+
+Still the invaders were striking swift, terrible blows. On the Humber
+and the Tyne the loss of life had been appalling. The bombardment of
+Brighton, the sack of Eastbourne, and the occupation of the Downs by the
+land forces, had been effected only by wholesale rapine and awful
+bloodshed, and Britain waited breathlessly, wondering in what direction
+the next catastrophe would occur.
+
+Such newspapers as in these dark days continued to appear reported how
+great mass meetings were being held all over the United States,
+denouncing the action of the Franco-Russian forces.
+
+In New York, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco,
+and other cities, resolutions were passed at enormous demonstrations by
+the enthusiastic public, demanding that the United States Government
+should give an immediate ultimatum to France that unless she withdrew
+her troops from British soil, war would be declared against her.
+
+Special sittings of Congress were being held daily at Washington for the
+purpose of discussing the advisability of such a step; influential
+deputations waited upon the President, and all the prominent statesmen
+were interviewed by the various enterprising New York journals, the
+result showing a great preponderance of feeling that such a measure
+should be at once taken.
+
+In British colonies throughout the world the greatest indignation and
+most intense excitement prevailed. Already bodies of Volunteers were on
+their way from Australia and Cape Town, many of the latter, under Major
+Scott, having already been in England and shot as competitors at Bisley.
+From India a number of native regiments had embarked for Southampton,
+but the Northern frontier stations had been strengthened in anticipation
+of a movement south by Russia, and the French Indian possessions,
+Pondichery and Karikal, were occupied by British troops.
+
+An expedition from Burmah had crossed the Shan States into Tonquin, and
+with the assistance of the British Squadron on the China Station had,
+after hard fighting, occupied a portion of the country, while part of
+the force had gone farther south and commenced operations in French
+Cochin-China by a vigorous attack on Saigon.
+
+Armed British forces had also landed in Guadaloupe and Martinique, two
+of the most fertile of the West Indian Islands, and St. Bartholomew had
+also been occupied by West Indian regiments.
+
+On the outbreak of hostilities intense patriotism spread through Canada,
+and from the shores of Lake Superior away to far Vancouver a movement
+was at once made to assist the Mother Country. In Quebec, Montreal,
+Ottawa, Toronto, and Kingston mass meetings were held, urging the
+Dominion Government to allow a force of Volunteers to go to England
+without delay; and this universal demand was the more gratifying when it
+was remembered that more than a quarter of the population were
+themselves French. Nevertheless the knowledge that Britain was in danger
+was sufficient to arouse patriotism everywhere, and within a few days
+20,000 Volunteers were enrolled, and these, before a fortnight had
+passed, were on their way to Liverpool. Great was the enthusiasm when, a
+few days later, to the strains of "Rule, Britannia," the first
+detachment landed in the Mersey, and as they marched through the crowded
+streets, the people, delighted at this practical demonstration of
+sympathy, wrung the hands of the patriots of the West. Vessel after
+vessel, escorted by British cruisers, arrived at the landing-stage, and
+discharged their regiments of men to whom the knowledge of Britain's
+danger had been sufficient incentive to induce them to act their part as
+Britons. Then, when the last vessel had arrived, they were formed into a
+brigade, and set out to march south in the direction of Birmingham.
+
+Meanwhile a great loan was being floated in Australia and the United
+States. The former colony had but recently passed through a serious
+financial crisis, but in America a sum of no less than L200,000,000 was
+taken up, although the issue only continued a few days. In Wall Street
+the excitement was intense, and the struggle to invest was desperate. No
+such scenes had ever been witnessed within the memory of the oldest
+member of the Stock Exchange, for financiers were determined to assist
+the greatest Power on earth; indeed, apart from the sound security
+offered, they felt it their duty to do so. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane,
+and Calcutta all contributed in more or less degree, and the loan
+immediately proved the most successful ever floated.
+
+To Britain on every side a helping hand was outstretched, and,
+irrespective of politics and party bickerings, assistance was rendered
+in order that she might crush her enemies. Britannia gathered her
+strength, and armed herself for the fierce combat which she knew must
+decide the destiny of her glorious Empire.
+
+London, starving, terror-stricken, and haunted continually by
+apprehensions of an unknown doom, was in a state of restlessness both
+night and day. Food supplies had failed, the cheapest bread was sold at
+3s. 8d. a small loaf, and neither fish nor meat could be purchased.
+
+In the City the panic was frightful. Business was paralysed, hundreds
+were being ruined daily, and after the first sensation and headlong rush
+on the Stock Exchange, transactions remained at a standstill. Then
+suddenly, when the seriousness of the situation was fully understood,
+there was a run on the banks.
+
+Crowds, eager and clamouring, surrounded the Bank of England, and
+establishments in Lombard Street and elsewhere, with cheques in their
+hands, demanding their deposits in gold. Although weak and half-starved,
+they desired their money in order to flee and take with them all they
+possessed before the enemy swept down upon London.
+
+Day and night in all the City banks the cashiers were kept paying out
+thousands upon thousands in hard shining gold. The clink of coin, the
+jingle of scales, and the eager shouts of those feverishly anxious for
+their turn, and fearing the resources would not hold out, formed a loud
+incessant din.
+
+As the days passed, and the run on the banks continued, one after
+another of the establishments, both in the City and the West End, unable
+to withstand the heavy withdrawals, were compelled to close their doors.
+Many were banks of such high reputation that the very fact of being a
+depositor was a hall-mark of a man's prosperity, while others were minor
+establishments, whose business was mainly with small accounts and
+middle-class customers. One by one they failed to fulfil their
+obligations, and closed; and the unfortunate ones, including many women
+who had not been able to struggle successfully to get inside, turned
+away absolutely ruined!
+
+In the West End the starving poor had formed processions, and marched
+through Mayfair and Belgravia demanding bread, while Anarchists held
+council in front of the blackened ruins of the National Gallery, and the
+Unemployed continued their declamatory oratory on Tower Hill. The
+starving thousands from the East End ran riot in the aristocratic
+thoroughfares of Kensington, and, heedless of the police,--who were, in
+fact, powerless before such superior numbers,--residences of the rich
+were entered and searched for food, and various acts of violence
+ensued. The cellars of clubs, hotels, and private houses were broken
+open and sacked, granaries were emptied, wholesale grocery warehouses
+were looted, and flour mills searched from roof to basement. If they
+could not obtain food, they said, they would drink. A desperate starving
+crowd then forced an entry to the wine vaults at the Docks, and
+swallowed priceless vintages from pewter pots. Hogsheads of port and
+sherry were carried up into the streets, and amid scenes of wild
+disorder were tapped and drunk by the excited and already
+half-intoxicated multitude.
+
+For days London remained at the mercy of a drunken, frenzied rabble.
+Murder and incendiarism were committed in every quarter, and many
+serious and desperate conflicts occurred between the rioters and the
+law-abiding patriotic citizens.
+
+Enthusiasm was displayed by even the latter, when an infuriated mob one
+night surrounded Albert Gate House, the French Embassy, and, breaking
+open the door, entered it, and flung the handsome furniture from the
+windows.
+
+Those below made a huge pile in the street, and when the whole of the
+movable effects had been got out, the crowd set fire to them, and also
+to the great mansion, at the same time cheering lustily, and singing
+"Rule, Britannia," as they watched the flames leap up and consume both
+house and furniture.
+
+The servants of the Embassy had fortunately escaped, otherwise they
+would no doubt have fared badly at the hands of the lawless assembly.
+
+When the fire had burned itself out, however, a suggestion was spread,
+and the mob with one accord rushed to the Russian Embassy in Chesham
+Place.
+
+This house was also entered, and the furniture flung pell-mell from the
+windows, that too large to pass through being broken up in the rooms,
+and the fragments thrown to the shouting crowd below.
+
+Chairs, tables, ornaments, mirrors, bedding, kitchen utensils, and
+crockery were thrown out, carpets were taken up, and curtains and
+cornices torn down by ruthless denizens of Whitechapel and Shoreditch,
+who, maddened by drink, were determined to destroy everything belonging
+to the countries which had brought disaster upon them.
+
+Presently, when nearly all the furniture had been removed, some man,
+wild-haired and excited, emerged into the street, with a great flag he
+had discovered in one of the attics. With a shout of delight he unfurled
+it. It was a large yellow one, upon which was depicted a huge black
+double eagle; the flag that had been hoisted at the Embassy on various
+State occasions.
+
+Its appearance was greeted by a fearful howl of rage, and the infuriated
+people, falling upon the man who waved it, tore it into shreds, which
+they afterwards cast into the bonfire they had made for the Ambassador's
+furniture.
+
+From the archives the secret papers and reports of spies were taken,
+and, being torn into fragments, were scattered from an upper window to
+the winds, until at last, men, snatching up flaring brands from the huge
+bonfire, rushed into the dismantled mansion, and, having poured
+petroleum in many of the apartments, ignited them.
+
+Flames quickly spread through the house, belching forth from the
+windows, and, ascending, had soon burst through the roof, illuminating
+the neighbourhood with a bright, fitful glare. The mob, as the flames
+leaped up and crackled, screamed with fiendish delight. From thousands
+of hoarse throats there went up loud cries of "Down with the Tsar! Down
+with Russia!" And as the great bonfire died down, and the roof of the
+Embassy collapsed with a crash, causing the flames to shoot higher and
+roar more vigorously, they sang with one accord, led by a man who had
+mounted some railings, the stirring British song, "The Union Jack of Old
+England."
+
+Although the colonies had shown how zealously they were prepared to
+guard the interests of the Mother Country, their public spirit was
+eclipsed by the spontaneous outburst of patriotism which occurred in
+Ireland. Mass meetings were being held in Belfast, Dublin, Cork,
+Waterford, Limerick, Londonderry, Sligo, Armagh, Dundalk, Newry, and
+dozens of other places, at which men of all grades of society
+unanimously decided by resolution to raise Volunteer regiments to take
+arms against the foe.
+
+The knowledge of Britain's danger had aroused the patriotic feelings of
+the people, and they were determined to give their sovereign a proof of
+their allegiance, cost what it might.
+
+The movement was a general one. Nationalists and Unionists vied in their
+eagerness to demonstrate their love for the Empire, and that part of it
+which was now in danger.
+
+Already the Irish Reserve forces had been mobilised and sent to their
+allotted stations. The 3rd Irish Rifles from Newtownards, the 5th
+Battalion from Downpatrick, and the 6th from Dundalk, were at Belfast
+under arms; the Donegal Artillery from Letterkenny had already gone to
+Harwich to assist in the defence of the east coast; and both the
+Londonderry and Sligo Artillery had gone to Portsmouth; while the 3rd
+Irish Fusiliers from Armagh were at Plymouth, and the 4th Battalion from
+Cavan had left to assist in the defence of the Severn.
+
+Whatever differences of political opinion had previously existed between
+them on the question of Home Rule, were forgotten by the people in the
+face of the great danger which threatened the Empire to which they
+belonged. The national peril welded the people together, and shoulder to
+shoulder they marched to lay down their lives, if necessary, in the work
+of driving back the invader.
+
+Within six days of this spontaneous outburst of patriotism, 25,000
+Irishmen of all creeds and political opinions were on their way to
+assist their English comrades. As might have been expected, the greater
+number of these Volunteers came from the North of Ireland, but every
+district sent its sons, eager to take part in the great struggle. At the
+great meetings held at Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Wexford,
+Waterford, Strabane, Newtown-Stewart, Downpatrick, Ballymena, and dozens
+of other places all over the country, from the Giant's Causeway to Cape
+Clear, and from Dublin to Galway Bay, the most intense enthusiasm was
+shown, and men signed their names to the roll in hundreds, many
+subscribing large sums to defray the cost of equipment and other
+expenses. Each passenger or mail boat from Larne to Stranraer, from
+Dublin to Holyhead, every steamer from Belfast to Whitehaven and
+Liverpool, brought over well-armed contingents of stalwart men, who,
+after receiving hearty receptions of the most enthusiastic and
+flattering description, were moved south to Stamford in Lincolnshire as
+quickly as the disorganised railway service would allow.
+
+The object of the military authorities in concentrating them at this
+point was to strengthen the great force of defenders now marching south.
+Detraining at Stamford, the commanding officer had orders to march to
+Oundle, by way of King's Cliffe and Fotheringhay, and there remain until
+joined by a brigade of infantry with the Canadians coming from
+Leicestershire. The great body of men at length mustered, answered the
+roll, and marched through the quiet old-world streets of Stamford, and
+out upon the broad highway to King's Cliffe on the first stage of their
+journey.
+
+It was early morning. In the sunlight the dew still glistened like
+diamonds on the wayside, as regiment after regiment, with firm, steady
+step, and shouldering their rifles, bravely passed away through the
+fields of ripe uncut corn, eager to unite with a force of Regulars, and
+strike their first blow for their country's liberty.
+
+Sturdy fishermen from the rough shores of Donegal marched side by side
+with townsmen and artisans from Dublin, Belfast, and Limerick; sons of
+wealthy manufacturers in Antrim and Down bore arms with stalwart
+peasantry from Kerry and Tipperary; while men whose poor but cherished
+cabins overlooked Carlingford Lough, united with fearless patriots from
+Carlow, Wexford, and Waterford.
+
+Since they landed on English soil, they had met with a boundless
+welcome.
+
+In the rural districts the distress was not yet so great as in the
+larger towns; consequently at King's Cliffe, when the first detachment
+halted for rest in the long straggling street of the typical English
+village, the bells of the quaint old church were rung, and villagers
+gave their defenders bread, cheese, and draughts of ale. While the men
+were standing at ease and eating heartily, two officers entered
+Bailey's, the village grocery store, which served as post office, and
+received a cipher telegraphic despatch. They emerged into the roadway
+immediately, and their faces showed that some unforeseen event had
+occurred. A third officer was summoned, and a hurried and secret
+consultation took place as they stood together opposite the Cross Keys
+Inn.
+
+"But can we do it?" queried the youngest of the trio, aloud, pulling on
+his gloves, and settling the hang of his sword.
+
+The grave elder man, commander of the brigade, glanced quickly at his
+watch, with knit brows.
+
+"Do it?" he replied, with a marked Irish accent. "We must. It'll be a
+dash for life; but the boys are fresh, and as duty calls, we must push
+onward, even though we may be marching to our doom. Go," he said to the
+youngest of his two companions, "tell them we are moving, and that our
+advance guard will reach them at the earliest possible moment."
+
+The young lieutenant hurried over to the little shop, and as he did so
+the colonel gave an order, and a bugle awoke the echoes of the village.
+
+Quick words of command sounded down the quaint, ancient street, followed
+by the sharp click of arms. Again officers' voices sounded loud and
+brief, and at the word "March!" the great body of stern loyalists moved
+onward over the bridge, and up the School Hill on to the long winding
+road which led away through Apesthorpe and historic Fotheringhay to
+Oundle.
+
+The message from the front had been immediately responded to, for a few
+minutes later the excited villagers stood watching the rearguard
+disappearing in the cloud of dust raised by the heavy tread of the
+thousand feet upon the white highway.
+
+[Illustration: IRISH VOLUNTEERS HALTING IN KING'S CLIFFE.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS.
+
+
+Through the land the grey-coated hordes of the White Tsar spread like
+locusts--their track marked by death and desolation.
+
+Both French and Russian troops had taken up carefully selected positions
+on the Downs, and, backed by the enormous reinforcements now landed,
+were slowly advancing. Every detail of the surprise invasion had
+apparently been carefully considered, for immediately after the fierce
+battle off Beachy Head a number of French and Russian cruisers were
+despatched to the Channel ports in order to threaten them, so as to
+prevent many of the troops in Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon from moving
+to their place of assembly. Consequently large bodies of British troops
+were compelled to remain inactive, awaiting probable local attacks.
+
+Meanwhile the invaders lost no time in extending their flanks
+preparatory to a general advance, and very quickly they were in
+possession of all the high ground from Polegate to Steyning Down, while
+Cossack patrols were out on the roads towards Cuckfield and West
+Grinstead, and demonstrations were made in the direction of Horsham,
+where a strong force of British troops had hastily collected.
+
+As the long hot days passed, the Volunteers forming the line of defence
+south of London had not been idle. A brigade of infantry had been pushed
+forward to Balcombe, and with this the British were now watching the
+high ground that stretched across to Horsham.
+
+The advance of the enemy had not, of course, been accomplished without
+terrible bloodshed. A division of the Regulars from Parkhurst,
+Portsmouth, and Winchester, which had been hurried down to Arundel to
+occupy a strong defensive position near that town, had come into contact
+with the enemy, and some desperate fighting ensued. Outposts had been
+thrown across the river Arun, and about midnight a patrol of the 2nd
+Cavalry Brigade from Petersfield, supported by infantry, had been
+suddenly attacked close to Ashington village. Under a vigorous fire they
+were unfortunately compelled to fall back fighting, and were almost
+annihilated, for it was only then ascertained that the enemy were moving
+in great force, evidently with the intention of obtaining possession of
+the heights as far as Cocking, West Dean, and Chichester, and so
+threaten Portsmouth from the land.
+
+The survivors of this cavalry patrol succeeded in recrossing the Arun,
+but their losses were exceedingly heavy.
+
+At daybreak the enemy were visible from Arundel, and shot and shell were
+poured into them from the batteries established along the hills to
+Houghton. So heavy was the British fire that the Russians were compelled
+to seek cover, and their advance in this direction was, for this time,
+checked.
+
+The defenders, although occupying an excellent position, were, however,
+not sufficiently strong to successfully cope with the onward rush of
+invaders, and could do little else beyond watching them.
+
+On the other hand, the Russians, displaying great tactical skill, and
+led by men who had thoroughly studied the geography of the South of
+England, had gained a distinct advantage, for they had secured their
+left flank from attack, so that they could now advance northward to
+Horsham and Balcombe practically unmolested.
+
+The first general movement commenced at noon, when an advance was made
+by two enormous columns of the enemy, one of which proceeded by way of
+Henfield and Partridge Green and the other by Cooksbridge and Keynes,
+the third column remaining in Sussex to protect the base of operations.
+Meanwhile, Horsham had been occupied by a portion of the 2nd division of
+the 1st Army Corps with a 12-pounder, a 9-pounder field battery, and a
+field company of the Royal Engineers, and had been placed in a state of
+hasty defence. Walls had been loopholed, fences had been cut down, and
+various preparations made for holding the town.
+
+Our forces were, nevertheless, sadly lacking in numbers. A cavalry
+patrol of one of our flying columns was captured by Cossacks at Cowfold,
+and the neglect on the part of the commander of this column to send out
+his advance guard sufficiently far, resulted in it being hurled back
+upon the main body in great disorder. Then, seeing the success
+everywhere attending their operations, the invaders turned their
+attention to the British line of communication between Horsham and
+Arundel, and succeeded in breaking it at Billinghurst and at Petworth.
+
+Fierce fighting spread all over Sussex, and everywhere many lives were
+being sacrificed for Britain. The defenders, alas! with their weak and
+totally inadequate forces, could make but a sorry stand against the
+overwhelming masses of French and Russians, yet they acted with
+conspicuous bravery to sustain the honour of their native land. Villages
+and towns were devastated, rural homes were sacked and burned, and
+everywhere quiet, unoffending, but starving Britons were being put to
+the sword.
+
+Over Sussex the reign of terror was awful. The pastures were stained by
+Britons' life-blood, and in all directions our forces, though displaying
+their characteristic courage, were being routed. At Horsham they were
+utterly defeated after a fierce and bloody encounter, in which the enemy
+also lost very heavily; yet the cause of the British reverse was due
+solely to a defective administration. Hurriedly massed in the town from
+Aldershot by way of Guildford, they had, owing to the short-sighted
+policy of the War Office, arrived without a sufficient supply of either
+transport or ammunition. Night was falling as they detrained, and in the
+hopeless confusion battalion commanders could not find their brigade
+headquarters, and brigadiers could not find their staff.
+
+This extraordinary muddle resulted in the fresh troops, instead of being
+sent forward to reinforce the outposts, being kept in town, while the
+jaded, ill-fed men, who had already been on the alert many hours, were
+utterly unable to resist the organised attack which was made before
+daybreak.
+
+Though they made a gallant stand and fought on with desperate
+determination, yet at last the whole of them were driven back in
+confusion, and with appalling loss, upon their supports, and the latter,
+who held out bravely, were at last also compelled to fall back upon
+their reserves. The latter, which included half a battery of artillery
+stationed at Wood's Farm and Toll Bar, held the enemy in temporary
+check; but when the heavy French artillery was at length brought up, the
+invaders were enabled to cut the railway, destroy the half battery at
+Wood's Farm, turn the British right flank, and compel them to retreat
+hastily from Horsham and fly to defensive positions at Guildford and
+Dorking.
+
+By this adroit manoeuvre the enemy succeeded in taking over two hundred
+prisoners, capturing the guns of the 12-pounder field battery,--which
+had not been brought into play for the simple reason that only
+ammunition for 9-pounders had been collected in the town,--and seizing a
+large quantity of stores and ammunition of various kinds.
+
+This success gave the enemy the key to the situation.
+
+As on sea, so on land, our blundering defensive policy had resulted in
+awful disaster. Sufficient attention had never been paid to detail, and
+the firm-rooted idea that Britain could never be invaded had caused
+careless indifference to minor matters of vital importance to the
+stability of our Empire.
+
+The contrast between the combined tactics of the enemy and those of our
+forces was especially noticeable when the cavalry patrol of the British
+flying column was captured on the Cowfield road and the column defeated.
+The commander of the column, a well-known officer, unfortunately, like
+many others, had had very little experience of combined tactics, and
+looked upon cavalry not merely as "the eyes and ears of an army," but as
+the army itself. It was this defect that was disastrous. For many years
+past it had never appeared quite clear whether British cavalry were
+intended to act _en masse_ in warfare, or simply as scouts or mounted
+infantry, therefore their training had been uncertain. The Home
+establishment of our cavalry was supposed to be about 12,000 men, but
+owing to a parsimonious administration only about half that number had
+horses, and in some corps less than a half. Another glaring defect was
+the division of many regiments into detachments stationed in various
+towns, the inevitable result of this being that many such detachments
+were without regimental practice for months, and there were many who had
+not manoeuvred with a force of all arms _for years_!
+
+Army organisation proved a miserable failure.
+
+The supply of ammunition was totally inadequate, and a disgrace to a
+nation which held its head above all others. It was true that depots had
+been established at various centres, yet with strange oversight no
+provision had been made for the work of ammunition trains.
+
+Originally it had been intended that men for this most important duty
+should be found by the Reserves, and that the horses should be those
+privately registered; nevertheless it was found necessary at the very
+last moment to weaken our artillery by detailing experienced men for
+duty with the ammunition column. Many of the horses which were
+registered for service were found to be totally unfit, and very few of
+the remainder had been previously trained. In the case of those which
+were required for the cavalry regiments--nearly six thousand--the best
+men in the regiments had to be told off at the very beginning of the
+invasion to hurriedly train and prepare these animals for service, when
+they should have been available to proceed to any part of the kingdom at
+twenty-four hours' notice. By such defects mobilisation was foredoomed
+to failure.
+
+The scheme, instead of being so arranged as to be carried out without
+confusion, resulted in muddle and farcical humiliation.
+
+Again, the infantry, owing to the recent departure of the Indian drafts,
+had been considerably weakened, many battalions being found on
+mobilisation very disorganised and inefficient. As an instance, out of
+one battalion at Aldershot, which was on paper 1000 strong, 200 had been
+sent away to India, while of the remainder more than half had only seen
+twelve months' service, and a large percentage were either under
+eighteen years of age or were "special enlistments," namely, below the
+minimum standard of height.
+
+Such a battalion compared very unfavourably with the majority of
+Volunteer regiments,--those of the Stafford Brigade, for instance,--the
+average service of the men in those regiments being over five years, and
+the average age twenty-seven years. British officers had long ago
+foreseen all these defects, and many others, yet they had preserved an
+enforced silence. They themselves were very inefficiently trained in
+manoeuvring, for, with one or two exceptions, there were no stations in
+the kingdom where forces were sufficiently numerous to give the majority
+of the superior officers practice in handling combined bodies of troops.
+
+Thus in practical experience in the field they were far behind both
+French and Russians, and it was this very serious deficiency that now
+became everywhere apparent.
+
+British troops, fighting valiantly, struggled to protect their native
+land, which they determined should never fall under the thrall of the
+invader. But alas! their resistance, though stubborn and formidable, was
+nevertheless futile. Time after time the lines of defence were broken.
+
+The Russian Eagle spread his black wings to the sun, and with joyous
+shouts the dense grey white masses of the enemy marched on over the
+dusty Sussex roads northward towards the Thames.
+
+After the battle of Horsham, the gigantic right column of the invaders,
+consisting mostly of French troops, followed up the defenders to
+Guildford and Dorking, preparatory to an attack upon London; while the
+left column, numbering 150,000 French and Russians of all arms, pushed
+on through Alfold to Haslemere, then through Farnham and Odiham to
+Swallowfield, all of which towns they sacked and burned, the terrified
+inhabitants being treated with scant mercy. As the majority of the
+defenders were massed in Kent, South Surrey, and Sussex, the enemy
+advanced practically unmolested, and at sunrise one morning a terrible
+panic was created in Reading by the sudden descent upon the town of a
+great advance guard of 10,000 Russians.
+
+The people were appalled. They could offer no resistance against the
+cavalry, who, tearing along the straight high road from Swallowfield,
+swept down upon them. Along this road the whole gigantic force was
+moving, and the Cossack skirmishers, spurring on across the town, passed
+away through the Railway Works, and halted at the bridge that spans the
+Thames at Caversham. They occupied it at once, in order to prevent it
+being blown up before the main body arrived, and a brisk fight ensued
+with the small body of defenders that had still remained at the Brigade
+depot on the Purley Road.
+
+Meanwhile, as the French and Russian advance guard came along, they
+devastated the land with fire and sword. The farms along the road were
+searched, and afterwards set on fire, while not a house at Three Mile
+Cross escaped. Entering the town from Whitley Hill, the great mass of
+troops, working in extended order, came slowly on, and, followed by
+140,000 of the main body and 1000 guns, carried everything before them.
+
+No power could stem the advancing tide of the Muscovite legions, and as
+they poured into the town in dense compact bodies, hundreds of
+townspeople were shot down ruthlessly, merely because they attempted to
+defend their homes. From the Avenue Works away to the Cemetery, and from
+the Railway Station to Leighton Park, the streets swarmed with soldiers
+of the Tsar, who entered almost every house in search of plunder, and
+fired out of sheer delight in bloodshed upon hundreds who were flying
+for their lives.
+
+Men, women, even children, were slaughtered. The massacre was
+frightful. Neither life nor property was respected; in every
+thoroughfare brutal outrages and murders were committed, and English
+homes were rendered desolate.
+
+Almost the first buildings attacked were the great factories of Messrs.
+Huntley & Palmer, whose 3000 hands were now, alas! idle owing to the
+famine. The stores were searched for biscuits, and afterwards the whole
+factory was promptly set on fire. The Great Western, Queen's, and George
+Hotels were searched from garret to cellar, and the wines and beer found
+in the latter were drunk in the streets. With the scant provisions
+found, several of the regiments made merry during the morning, while
+others pursued their devastating work. The banks were looted, St.
+Mary's, Greyfriars', and St. Lawrence's Churches were burned, and Sutton
+& Sons' buildings and the Railway Works shared the same fate, while out
+in the direction of Prospect Hill Park all the houses were sacked, and
+those occupants who remained to guard their household treasures were put
+to the sword.
+
+Everywhere the invaders displayed the most fiendish brutality, and the
+small force of British troops who had engaged the Russian advance guard
+were, after a most fiercely contested struggle, completely annihilated,
+not, however, before they had successfully placed charges of gun-cotton
+under the bridge and blown it up, together with a number of Cossacks who
+had taken possession of it.
+
+This, however, only checked the enemy's progress temporarily, for the
+right flank crossed at Sonning, and as the main body had with them
+several pontoon sections, by noon the pontoons were in position, and the
+long line of cavalry, infantry, artillery, and engineers, leaving behind
+Reading, now in flames, crossed the Thames and wound away along the road
+to Banbury, which quaint old town, immortalised in nursery rhyme, they
+sacked and burned, destroying the historic Cross, and regaling
+themselves upon the ale found in the cellars of the inns, the Red and
+White Lions. This done, they again continued their march, practically
+unmolested; while Oxford was also entered and sacked.
+
+True, scouts reported strong forces of the defenders advancing across
+from Market Harborough, Kettering, and Oundle, and once or twice British
+outposts had sharp encounters with the Russians along the hills between
+Ladbrooke and Daventry, resulting in serious losses on both sides;
+nevertheless the gigantic force of Russians still proceeded, sweeping
+away every obstacle from their path.
+
+On leaving Banbury, the enemy, marching in column of route, took the
+road through Stratford-on-Avon to Wootton Wawen, where a halt for
+twenty-four hours was made in order to mature plans for an organised
+attack on Birmingham. Wootton Hall, after being looted, was made the
+headquarters, and from thence was issued an order on the following day
+which caused Warwick and Leamington to be swept and burned by the
+invaders, who afterwards broke into two divisions. One body, consisting
+of 50,000 men, including an advance guard of 5000, took the right-hand
+road from Wootton to Birmingham, through Sparkbrook; while the remaining
+100,000 bore away to the left through Ullenhall and Holt End to the
+extremity of the Hagley Hills, intending to occupy them. They had
+already been informed that strong defences had been established at
+King's Norton, in the immediate vicinity, and knew that severe fighting
+must inevitably ensue; therefore they lost no time in establishing
+themselves along the high ground between Redditch and Barnt Green, in a
+position commanding the two main roads south from Dudley and Birmingham.
+
+That a most desperate stand would be made for the defence of the
+Metropolis of the Midlands the Russian commander was well aware. After
+the long march his troops were jaded, so, bivouacing in Hewell Park, he
+awaited for nearly two days the reports of his spies. These were not so
+reassuring as he had anticipated, for it appeared that the high ground
+south of the city, notably at King's Norton, Northfield, Harborne,
+Edgbaston, and along the Hagley Road, was occupied by strong bodies of
+troops and a large number of guns, and that every preparation had been
+made for a stubborn resistance.
+
+It also appeared that at the entrance to the city at Sparkbrook, which
+road had been taken by the right column, very little resistance was
+likely to be offered.
+
+That the positions occupied by the defenders had been very carefully
+chosen as the most advantageous the Russian commander was bound to
+admit, and although he possessed such a large body of men it would
+require considerable tactical skill to dislodge the defenders in order
+to prevent them covering with their guns the country over which the
+Russian division, taking the right-hand roads, must travel.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLEFIELD OF BIRMINGHAM.]
+
+During that day an encounter of a most fierce description occurred
+between hostile reconnoitring parties on the road between Bromsgrove
+Lickey and Northfield. The road gradually ascended with a walled-in
+plantation on either side, and the enemy were proceeding at a
+comfortable pace when suddenly a number of rifles rattled out
+simultaneously, and then it was discovered that the wall had been
+loopholed, and that the British were pouring upon them a deadly hail
+from which there was no shelter. The walls bristled with rifles, and
+from them came a storm of bullets that killed and wounded dozens of the
+invaders.
+
+The latter, however, showed considerable daring, for while the magazine
+rifles poured forth their deadly shower, they rallied and charged up the
+hill in the face of the fearful odds against them. For ten minutes or
+perhaps a quarter of an hour the fighting was a desperate hand-to-hand
+one, the enemy entering the plantation with a dash that surprised the
+defenders. Gradually, although outnumbered by the Russians, the British
+at length, by dint of the most strenuous effort and hard fighting,
+succeeded in inflicting frightful loss upon the invaders, and the
+latter, after a most desperate stand, eventually retreated in confusion
+down into the valley, leaving nearly two-thirds of the party dead or
+dying.
+
+The British, whose losses were very small, had shown the invaders that
+they meant to defend Birmingham, and that every inch of ground they
+gained would have to be won by sheer fighting. An hour later another
+fierce encounter occurred in the same neighbourhood, and of the 4000
+Russians who had advanced along that road not 900 returned to the main
+body, such havoc the British Maxims caused; while at the same time a
+further disaster occurred to the enemy in another direction, for away at
+Tanworth their outposts had been completely annihilated, those who were
+not killed being taken prisoners by the 3rd South Staffordshire
+Volunteers, who, under Colonel E. Nayler, acted with conspicuous
+bravery. In every direction the enemy's outposts and advance guards were
+being harassed, cut up, and hurled back in disorder with heavy loss,
+therefore the Russian commander decided that a sudden and rapid movement
+forward in order to effect a junction with his right column was the only
+means by which the position could be carried.
+
+In the meantime events were occurring rapidly all over the country south
+of the city. The commander of the Russian left column, deciding to
+commence the attack forthwith, moved on his forces just before midnight
+in order to commence the onslaught before daybreak, knowing the British
+forces always relieve their outposts at that time. Again, it was
+necessary to advance under cover of darkness in order to prevent the
+defenders' artillery, which now commanded the road between Alcester and
+Moseley, firing upon them.
+
+Having received a message from the right column stating that their
+advance guard had pushed on to Olton End with outposts at Sheldon and
+Yardley, and announcing their intention of advancing through Sparkbrook
+upon the city before dawn, the commanding officer, leaving some
+artillery at Barnt Green, and sending on cavalry to Stourbridge and
+Cradley to turn the English flank at Halesowen, manoeuvred rapidly,
+bringing the main body of cavalry and infantry back to Alvechurch,
+thence across to Weatheroak, and then striking due north, again marched
+by the three roads leading to King's Norton.
+
+The high ground here he knew was strongly defended, and it was about a
+quarter to two o'clock when the British, by means of their
+search-lights, discovered the great dark masses advancing upon them.
+Quickly their guns opened fire, and the sullen booming of cannon was
+answered by the Russian battery near Barnt Green. Over Birmingham the
+noise was heard, and had volumes of terrible significance for the
+turbulent crowds who filled the broad thoroughfares. The search-lights
+used by both invaders and defenders turned night into day, and the
+battle proceeded.
+
+The enemy had carefully prepared their plans, for almost at the same
+moment that they assaulted the position at King's Norton, a battery of
+Russian artillery opened a terrible fire from the hill at Tanner's
+Green, while the attacking column extended their right across to
+Colebrook Hall, with intent to push across to Moseley Station, and thus
+gain the top of the ridge of the ground in the rear of the British
+positions, and so hem in the British force and allow the right column to
+advance through Small Heath and Sparkbrook unchecked.
+
+These simultaneous attacks met in the valley separating the parallel
+ridges held by the Russians and British, and the fighting became at once
+fierce and stubborn. A furious infantry fire raged for over an hour in
+the valley between the excellent position held by the defenders at
+King's Norton and the lower wooded ridge occupied by the Russians, who
+had succeeded in capturing half a British battery who held it. Owing to
+the bareness of the slope, the Russians went down into battle without
+cover, cut up terribly by the British infantry fire, and by the shell
+fire from the King's Norton batteries. From the British trenches between
+Broad Meadow and Moundsley Hall a galling fire was poured, and Russian
+infantry fell in hundreds over the undulating fields between the high
+road to Alcester and the Blithe River.
+
+From a ridge on the Stratford Road, near Monkspath Street, heavy Russian
+artillery opened fire just before dawn, and played terrible havoc with
+the British guns, which on the sky-line opposite afforded a mark. As
+time crept on there was no cessation in the thunder on either side,
+while away along the valleys a most bloody encounter was in progress.
+The whole stretch of country was one huge battlefield. British and
+Russians fell in hundreds, nay, in thousands.
+
+The losses on every side were appalling; the fortune of war trembled in
+the balance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+FALL OF BIRMINGHAM.
+
+
+The battle outside Birmingham was long, fierce, and furious. No more
+desperately contested engagement had ever occurred in the history of the
+British Empire. From the very first moment of the fight it was apparent
+that the struggle would be a fearful one, both sides possessing
+advantages; the British by reason of the magnificent defensive positions
+they occupied, and the Russians by reason of their overwhelming numbers.
+Against a defending force of 50,000 of all arms, 150,000 invaders--the
+majority of whom were Russians--were now fighting, and the combat was
+necessarily long and deadly. British Volunteers were conspicuous
+everywhere by their bravery; the Canadians rendered most valuable
+assistance, firing from time to time with excellent precision, and
+holding their position with splendid courage; while the Irish Brigade,
+who had moved rapidly from King's Cliffe by train and road, and had
+arrived in time, now held their own in a position close to Kingsheath
+House.
+
+Many of the principal buildings in Birmingham had during the past day or
+two been converted into hospitals, amongst others the Post Office, where
+the trained nurses received very valuable assistance from the female
+clerks. A train full of British wounded was captured early in the
+evening at Barnt Green. It contained regular troops and civilians from
+the Stratford force which had fallen back to Alcester, and the train
+had been sent on from there in the hope that it would get through before
+the enemy were able to cut the line. This, however, was not
+accomplished, for the Russians inhumanely turned out the wounded and
+filled the train with their own troops and ammunition. Then, under the
+guidance of a Birmingham railway man of French nationality who had been
+acting as spy, the train proceeded to New Street Station. It was
+impossible for the officials at the station to cope with the enemy, for
+they had only expected their own wounded, or they would, of course, have
+wrecked the train by altering the points before it arrived in the
+station. The Russians therefore detrained, and, led by their spy, made a
+dash along the subway leading to the lifts ascending to the Post Office.
+These were secured, and the Office was soon captured by the Russians,
+who not only thereby obtained a footing in the very centre of the town
+from which there was not much chance of dislodging them before
+Birmingham fell, but they had also obtained possession of the most
+important telegraph centre for the North and Midland districts of
+England.
+
+Before the first flush of dawn the whole of the country from Kings
+Norton right across to Solihull was one huge battlefield, and when the
+sun rose, bright and glorious, its rays were obscured by the clouds of
+smoke which hung like a funeral pall over hill and dale. For a long
+period the principal Russian battery on the Stratford Road was short of
+ammunition, and, seeing this, the strong British battery at Northfield
+moved quickly up into a commanding position at Drake's Cross, not,
+however, before it had been considerably weakened by the Russian fire
+from Bromsgrove Lickey. During this time, however, detachments of
+Canadian marksmen had been detailed with no other purpose than to sweep
+the Russian road at the exposed points of its course, and to fire at
+everything and everybody exposed on the ridge. This was most effective,
+and for quite half an hour prevented any supply of ammunition reaching
+the enemy, thus giving the British battery an opportunity to establish
+itself. At length, however, both batteries of defenders opened fire
+simultaneously upon the Russian guns, and so thickly fell the shots,
+that although ammunition had by this time been brought up, the enemy's
+power in that quarter was completely broken.
+
+From that time the fierce struggle was confined to cavalry and infantry.
+Troops of Cossacks, sweeping up the banks of the Arrow, encountered
+British Hussars and cut into them with frightful effect. The defenders,
+fighting hard as the day wore on, hindered the enemy from gaining any
+material advantage, though the latter forced the outer line of the
+British shelter trenches on the slopes below the position of King's
+Norton. The Canadians had laid mines in front of their trenches, which
+were exploded just as the head of the Russian assaulting parties were
+massed above them, and large numbers of the Tsar's infantry were blown
+into atoms.
+
+Bullets were singing along the valleys like swarms of angry wasps, and
+the Russian losses in every direction were enormous.
+
+Hour after hour the fighting continued. The British held good positions,
+with an inner line of defence across from Selly Oak, Harborne, and
+Edgbaston, to the high crest on the Hagley Road, close to the Fountain,
+while the Russians swarmed over the country in overwhelming numbers. The
+frightful losses the latter were sustaining by reason of the defenders'
+artillery fire did not, however, disconcert them. But for the huge right
+column of invaders advancing on Birmingham by way of Acock's Green, it
+seemed an even match, yet as afternoon passed the firing in the valley
+swelled in volume, and the mad clamour of battle still surged up into
+the blue cloudless heavens.
+
+The enemy could see on the sky-line the British reinforcements as they
+came up from Halesowen by the road close to their battery on the bare
+spot near the edge of their right flank, and it was decided at four
+o'clock to deliver a counter flank attack on the left edge of the
+British position, simultaneously with a renewed strenuous assault by the
+tirailleurs from below. Soon this desperate manoeuvre was commenced, and
+although the marching ground was good, the British guns swept them with
+their terrible fire, and hundreds of the Tsar's soldiers dyed the
+meadows with their blood.
+
+It was a fierce, mad dash. The British attacked vigorously on every
+side, fought bravely, straining every nerve to repulse their foe.
+
+The battle had been the most fiercely contested of any during the
+struggle, and in this desperate assault on King's Norton the Russians
+had suffered appalling losses. The valleys and slopes were strewn with
+dead and dying, and a bullet had struck the British commander, mortally
+wounding him. As he was borne away to the ambulance waggon, the last
+words on that noble soldier's lips were a fervent wish for good fortune
+to the arms of the Queen he had served so well.
+
+But the British were, alas! outnumbered, and at last retreating in
+disorder, were followed over the hills to Halesowen and utterly routed,
+while the main body of the enemy marching up the Bristol and Pershore
+Roads, extended their left across to Harborne and Edgbaston. Meanwhile,
+however, the guns placed on the edge of the city along the Hagley Road
+near the Fountain, and in Beech Lane close to the Talbot Inn, as well as
+the Volunteer batteries near St. Augustine's Church and Westfield Road,
+opened fire upon the advancing legions. The two lower roads taken by the
+enemy were well commanded by the British guns, and the Volunteers, with
+the Canadians and Irish, again rendered most valuable assistance,
+everywhere displaying cool and conspicuous courage. The walls of the new
+villas along the Hagley Road, Portland Road, and Beech Lane had been
+placed in a state of hasty defence, and rifles bristled everywhere, but
+as the sun sank behind the long range of purple hills the fight was in
+the balance. The British, as they stood, could almost keep back the foe,
+but, alas! not quite.
+
+There was soon a concentric rush for the hill, and as the cannons
+thundered and rifles rattled, hundreds of the grey-coats fell back and
+rolled down the steep slope dead and dying, but the others pushed on in
+face of the frowning defences, used their bayonets with desperate
+energy, and a few minutes later loud shouts in Russian told that the
+ridge had been cleared and the position won. The battle had been long
+and terrible; the carnage awful!
+
+The British, making a last desperate stand, fought a fierce hand-to-hand
+struggle, but ere long half their number lay helpless in the newly-made
+suburban roads, and the remainder were compelled to leave their guns in
+possession of the enemy and fly north to Sandwell to save themselves.
+Then, as they fled, the Russians turned the British guns near St.
+Augustine's upon them, causing havoc in their rear.
+
+The shattered left column of the enemy, having at length broken down the
+British defences, raised loud victorious yells, and, after reorganising,
+marched down the Hagley Road upon the city, fighting from house to house
+the whole way. The gardens in front of these houses, however, aided the
+defenders greatly in checking the advance.
+
+The sacrifice of human life during those hours from daybreak to sundown
+had been frightful. The whole country, from Great Packington to
+Halesowen, was strewn with blood-smeared corpses.
+
+Having regard to the fact that the defending force consisted of only
+50,000 men against 100,000 Russians, the losses inflicted upon the
+latter spoke volumes for British pluck and military skill. Upon the
+field 10,000 Russians lay dead, 30,000 were wounded, and 2000 were
+prisoners, while the defenders' total loss in killed and wounded only
+amounted to 20,000.
+
+Indeed, had it not been for the reinforcements, numbering 50,000, from
+the right column, which were by this time coming up with all speed from
+Acock's Green, the Russians, in their terribly jaded and demoralised
+state, could not have marched upon the city. As it was, however, the
+occupation commenced as night drew on; the fighting that followed being
+principally done by the reinforcements.
+
+Leaving no fewer than 42,000 men dead, wounded, and captured, the
+invaders pushed on into Birmingham. Though the citizens' losses had
+already been terrific, nevertheless they found that they were still
+determined to hold out. In all the principal roads leading into the
+city barricades had been formed, and behind them were bands of desperate
+men, well equipped, and prepared to fight on to the bitter end.
+
+The first of these in the Hagley Road had been constructed at the
+junction of Monument Road, and as the skirmishers and advance guard
+approached, offered a most desperate resistance. In addition to a
+vigorous rifle fire that poured from the improvised defences, three
+Maxims were brought into play from the roofs of large houses, and these,
+commanding the whole road as far as its junction with Beech Lane,
+literally mowed down the enemy as they approached. Time after time the
+Russians rushed upon the defenders' position, only to be hurled back
+again by the leaden hail, which fell so thickly that it was impossible
+for any body of troops to withstand it. By this the invaders' advance
+was temporarily checked, but it was not long before they established a
+battery at the corner of Norfolk Road, and poured shell upon the
+barricade with frightful effect. Quickly the guns were silenced, and the
+Russians at last breaking down the barrier, engaged in a conflict at
+close quarters with the defenders.
+
+The road along to Five Ways was desperately contested. The slaughter on
+both sides was awful, for a detachment of Russians coming up the
+Harborne Road had been utterly annihilated and swept away by the rifle
+fire of defenders concealed behind loopholed walls. At Five Ways the
+entrance to each of the five broad converging thoroughfares had been
+strongly barricaded, and as the enemy pressed forward the British
+machine guns established there caused terrible havoc. Behind those
+barricades men of Birmingham of every class, armed with all sorts of
+guns, hastily obtained from Kynoch's and other factories, struggled for
+the defence of their homes and loved ones, working with a dash and
+energy that greatly disconcerted the enemy, who had imagined that, in
+view of their victory in the battle, little resistance would be offered.
+
+In the darkness that had now fallen the scenes in the streets were
+frightful. The only light was the flash from gun-muzzles and the glare
+of flames consuming private houses and public buildings. The civilian
+defenders, reinforced by Regular soldiers, Militia, and Volunteers, had
+made such excellent preparations for defence, and offered such strenuous
+opposition, that almost every foot the Russians gained in the direction
+of the centre of the city was fought for hand to hand. Both right and
+left Russian columns were now advancing up the Coventry, Stratford,
+Moseley, Pershore, and Bristol Roads, and in each of those thoroughfares
+the barricades were strongly constructed, and, being armed with Maxims,
+wrought frightful execution.
+
+Gradually, however, one after another of these defences fell by reason
+of the organised attacks by such superior numbers, and the Russians
+marched on, killing with bayonet and sword.
+
+In the city, as the night passed, the fighting in the streets everywhere
+was of the fiercest and most sanguinary description. In Corporation
+Street a huge barricade with machine guns had been constructed opposite
+the Victoria Law Courts, and, assisted by 200 Volunteers, who, inside
+the latter building, fired from the windows, the enemy were held in
+check for several hours.
+
+Time after time shells fell from the Russian guns in the midst of the
+defenders, and, bursting, decimated them in a horrible manner; yet
+through the long close night there was never a lack of brave men to step
+into the breach and take up the arms of their dead comrades. Indeed, it
+was only when the enemy succeeded in setting fire to the Courts, and
+compelling the defenders to cease their vigorous rifle fire from the
+windows, that the position was won; and not until hundreds of Russians
+lay dead or dying in the street.
+
+In New Street the Irish Volunteers distinguished themselves
+conspicuously. After the retreat they had been withdrawn with the
+Canadians into the city, and, waiting in the side thoroughfares at the
+opposite end of New Street, held themselves in readiness. Suddenly, as
+the enemy rushed along in their direction, an order was given, and they
+formed up, and stretching across the street, met them with volley after
+volley of steady firing; then, rushing onward with fixed bayonets,
+charged almost before the Russians were aware of their presence.
+
+Without a thought of his own personal safety, every Irishman cast
+himself into the thick of the fray, and, backed by a strong body of
+Canadians and fusiliers, they succeeded in cutting their way completely
+into the invaders, and driving them back into Corporation Street, where
+they were forced right under the fire of four Maxims that had just at
+that moment been brought into position outside the Exchange.
+
+Suddenly these guns rattled out simultaneously, and the Russians, unable
+to advance, and standing at the head of the long broad thoroughfare,
+were swept down with awful swiftness and with scarcely any resistance.
+So sudden had been their fate, that of a force over two thousand strong,
+not more than a dozen escaped, although the defenders were taken in rear
+by the force of 500 Russians who had occupied the Post Office on the
+previous night.
+
+From Corporation Street a brilliant, ruddy glow suffused the sky, as
+both the Law Courts and the Grand Theatre were in flames, while St.
+Mary's Church and the Market Hall had also been fired by incendiaries.
+
+In the panic and confusion, conflagrations were breaking out everywhere,
+flames bursting forth from several fine shops in New Street which had
+already been sacked and wrecked. Maddened by their success, by the
+thirst for the blood of their enemies, and the rash deeds of
+incendiaries, the Muscovite legions spread over the whole city, and
+outrage and murder were common everywhere.
+
+Away up Great Hampton Street and Hockley Hill the jewellery factories
+were looted, and hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of gems and gold
+were carried off, while the Mint was entered, afterwards being burned
+because only copper coins were found there, and the pictures in the Art
+Gallery were wantonly slashed by sabres and bayonets.
+
+The scenes on that memorable night were awful. Birmingham, one of the
+most wealthy cities in the kingdom, fell at last, after a most stubborn
+resistance, for just before day broke the overwhelming forces of Russia
+occupying the streets commenced to drive out the defenders, and shoot
+down those who turned to resist. From Bordesley to Handsworth, and from
+Smethwick to Aston, the city was in the hands of the enemy. The banks in
+New Street were broken open, and the gold stuffed into the pockets of
+the uncouth dwellers on the Don and the Volga, Chamberlain's Memorial
+was wrecked, and Queen's College occupied by infantry. Cossack officers
+established themselves in the Grand and Queen's Hotels, and their men
+were billeted at the Midland, Union, Conservative, and other Clubs, and
+at many minor hotels and buildings.
+
+Before the dawn had spread, whole rows of shops were burning, their
+brilliant glare illuminating the streets that ran with blood. It was a
+fearful scene of death and desolation.
+
+The majority of the citizens had fled, leaving everything in the hands
+of the enemy, who still continued their work of pillage. In the streets
+the bodies of 10,000 Russians and 3000 British lay unheeded, while no
+fewer than 9000 of the enemy's infantry had been wounded.
+
+The headquarters of the Russian army had at last been established in a
+British city, for over the great Council House there now lazily flapped
+in the fresh morning breeze the great yellow-and-black flag of the Tsar
+Alexander.
+
+And the Russian General, finding he had lost the enormous force of
+61,000 men, spent the grey hours of dawn in nervous anxiousness, pacing
+the room in which he had installed himself, contemplating the frightful
+disaster, and undecided how next to act.
+
+An incident illustrative of the fierceness of the fight outside the city
+was published in the _Times_ several days later. It was an extract from
+a private letter written by Lieut. J. G. Morris of the 3rd Battalion of
+the York and Lancaster Regiment, and was as follows:--
+
+"The sun that day was blazing and merciless. Throughout the morning our
+battalion had lost heavily in the valley, when suddenly at about twelve
+o'clock the enemy apparently received reinforcements, and we were then
+driven back upon Weatheroak by sheer force of numbers, and afterwards
+again fell further back towards our position on the high ground in
+Hagley Road.
+
+[Illustration: BIRMINGHAM OCCUPIED BY THE RUSSIANS.]
+
+"In this hasty retreat I found myself with a sergeant and eighteen men
+pursued by a large skirmishing party of Russians. All we could do was to
+fly before them. This we did, until at length, turning into Beech Lane,
+we found ourselves before a small, low-built ancient hostelry, the
+King's Head Inn, with a dilapidated and somewhat crude counterfeit
+presentment of King George II. outside. The place was unoccupied, and I
+decided immediately to enter it. I could count on every one of my men;
+therefore very soon we were inside, and had barricaded the little place.
+Scarcely had we accomplished this when the first shots rang out, and in
+a few moments the space outside where the cross-roads meet literally
+swarmed with Russians, who quickly extended, and, seeking cover at the
+junction of each of the five roads, commenced a terrific fusillade. The
+windows from which we fired were smashed, the woodwork splintered
+everywhere, and so thickly came the bullets that my men had to exercise
+the utmost caution in concealing themselves while firing.
+
+"In a quarter of an hour one man had been struck and lay dead by my
+side, while at the same time the terrible truth suddenly dawned upon me
+that our ammunition could not last out. Regulating the firing, I rushed
+to one of the back windows that commanded the valley down to Harborne,
+and saw advancing along the road in our direction, and raising a cloud
+of dust, about a thousand Russian cavalry and infantry.
+
+"Back again to the front room I dashed, just in time to witness the
+enemy make a wild rush towards us. Our slackened fire had deceived them,
+and as the storming party dashed forward, they were met by vigorous
+volleys from our magazine rifles, which knocked over dozens, and
+compelled the remainder to again retire.
+
+"Again the enemy made a desperate onslaught, and again we succeeded in
+hurling them back, and stretching dead a dozen or more. Meanwhile the
+great force of Russians was moving slowly up the hill, and I knew that
+to hold the place much longer would be impossible. From the rear of the
+building a vigorous attack had now commenced, and moving more men round
+to the rear, so that our fire would command the sloping approach to the
+house, I gave an order to fire steadily. A moment later my sergeant and
+two other men had been severely wounded, and although the former had had
+his arm broken, and was near fainting from loss of blood, nevertheless
+he kept up, resting his rifle-barrel upon the shattered window-ledge,
+and pouring out the deadly contents of his magazine.
+
+"A few minutes afterwards a bullet shattered my left hand, and the man
+who crouched next to me under the window was a second later shot through
+the heart, and fell back dead among the disordered furniture.
+
+"Still not a man hesitated, not a word of despair was uttered. We all
+knew that death stared us in the face, and that to face it bravely was a
+Briton's duty. Only once I shouted above the din: 'Do your best, boys!
+Remember we we are all Britons, and those vermin outside have wrecked
+our homes and killed those we love. Let's have our revenge, even if we
+die for it!'
+
+"'We'll stick to 'em till the very last, sir, never fear,' cheerily
+replied one young fellow as he reloaded his gun; but alas! ere he could
+raise it to fire, a bullet struck him in the throat. He staggered back,
+and a few moments later was a corpse.
+
+"Undaunted, however, my men determined to sell their lives as dearly as
+possible, and continued their fire, time after time repelling the
+attack, and sweeping away the grey-coats as they emerged from behind the
+low walls.
+
+"Three more men had fallen in as many seconds, and another, staggering
+back against the wall, held his hand to his breast, where he had
+received a terrible and mortal wound. Our situation at that moment was
+most critical. Only two rounds remained to each of my nine brave
+fellows, yet not a man wavered.
+
+"Looking, I saw in the fading twilight the dark masses of the enemy
+moving up the steep road, and at that moment a round was fired with
+effect upon those who had surrounded us. One more round only remained.
+Then we meant to die fighting. Blinding smoke suddenly filled the
+half-wrecked room, and we knew that the enemy had succeeded in setting
+fire to the taproom underneath!
+
+"I stepped forward, and shouted for the last time the order to my brave
+comrades to fire. Nine rifles rang out simultaneously; but I had, I
+suppose, showed myself imprudently, for at the same second I felt a
+sharp twinge in the shoulder, and knew that I had been struck. The rest
+was all a blank.
+
+"When I regained my senses I found myself lying in Sandwell Hall, with
+doctors bandaging my wounds, and then I learned that we had been rescued
+just in time, and that my nine comrades had all escaped the fate they
+had faced with dogged disregard for their own safety, and such noble
+devotion to their Queen."
+
+It was a black day for Britain. During the long hours of that fierce,
+mad struggle many Victoria Crosses were earned, but the majority of
+those who performed deeds worthy of such decoration, alas! fell to the
+earth, dead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+OUR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
+
+
+Many important events had occurred in the Mediterranean since the
+outbreak of hostilities. At the moment of the sudden Declaration of War,
+the ships forming the British Mediterranean Squadron were at Larnaka,
+Cyprus, and on receipt of the alarming intelligence, the Admiral sailed
+immediately for Malta. On arrival there, he heard that a strong force of
+French vessels had been despatched to Gibraltar for the purpose of
+preventing any British ships from getting out of the Mediterranean in
+order to strengthen the Channel Squadron. Nevertheless he waited for
+some days at Malta, in hourly expectation of instructions, which came at
+length about two o'clock one morning, and an hour later the Squadron
+sailed westward for an unknown destination.
+
+Our Fleet in those waters was notoriously inadequate in comparison with
+those of France and Russia. It consisted of three of the battleships
+constructed under the 1894 programme, the _Jupiter_, _Caesar_, and
+_Victorious_, with the cruisers _Diana_ and _Dido_; the ironclads
+_Collingwood_, _Dreadnought_, _Hood_, _Inflexible_, _Nile_, _Ramillies_,
+_Repulse_, _Sans Pareil_, _Trafalgar_, _Magnificent_, _Empress of
+India_, and _Revenge_; the cruisers _Arethusa_, _Edgar_, _Fearless_,
+_Hawke_, _Scout_, _Orlando_, _Undaunted_; the torpedo ram _Polyphemus_;
+the torpedo gun-vessel _Sandfly_; the sloops _Dolphin_, _Gannet_,
+_Melita_, and _Bramble_; and the despatch vessel _Surprise_, with
+twenty-two torpedo boats and six destroyers.
+
+The information received by our Fleet at Malta was to the effect that
+the French force at Gibraltar was so strong that a successful attack was
+out of the question; while the Russian Mediterranean and Black Sea
+Fleets, the strength of which was considerable, were also known to be
+approaching for the purpose of co-operating with the French.
+
+Notwithstanding the addition of three new battleships and two new
+cruisers to our force in the Mediterranean, the utter inadequacy of our
+Navy was still very apparent. For years the British public had demanded
+that a dozen more new battleships should be constructed in case of
+casualties, but these demands were unheeded, and during the three years
+that had passed we had lost our naval supremacy, for France and Russia
+combined were now considerably stronger. France alone had 150 fighting
+pennants available along her southern shores, against our 59; and the
+Tsar's ships were all strong, well-equipped, and armed with guns of the
+latest type.
+
+As was feared from the outset, the Russian Black Sea Fleet had struck
+for the Suez Canal, England's highway to the East. Egypt, the Bosphorus,
+Gibraltar, and Tripoli in the grasp of the enemy, meant supremacy in the
+East, and a situation that would not be tolerated by either Italy or
+Austria. Therefore the British Admiral, recognising the seriousness of
+the situation, and having received instructions to return home and
+assist in the defence of Britain, mustered his forces and cleared for
+action. The events that occurred immediately afterwards are best related
+in the graphic and interesting narrative which was subsequently written
+to a friend by Captain Neville Reed of the great steel battleship
+_Ramillies_, and afterwards published, together with the accompanying
+sketch, in the _Illustrated London News_, as follows:--
+
+"After leaving Malta, we rounded the Adventure Bank off the Sicilian
+coast, and headed due north past Elba and on to the Gulf of Genoa.
+From Spezia we received despatches, and after anchoring for
+twelve hours,--during which time we were busy completing our
+preparations,--sailed at midnight westward. Off St. Tropez, near the
+Hyeres Islands, in obedience to signals from the flagship, the _Empress
+of India_, the ironclads _Jupiter_, _Sans Pareil_, _Repulse_, with the
+cruisers _Edgar_, _Dido_, _Diana_, _Orlando_, _Undaunted_, and _Scout_,
+the sloop _Gannet_, and five torpedo boats, detached themselves from the
+Squadron, and after exchanging further signals, bore away due south.
+Giving the shore a wide offing, we steamed along throughout the
+afternoon. The Mediterranean had not yet been the scene of any bloody or
+fatal conflict, but as we cut our way through the calm sunlit waters
+with a brilliant cerulean sky above, the contrast between our bright and
+lovely surroundings and the terrible realities of the situation during
+those breathless hours of suspense still dwells distinctly in my memory.
+
+"It was our duty to fight the enemy, to beat him, and to pass through
+the Straits of Gibraltar and help our comrades at home. Every man,
+although totally unaware of his present destination, felt that at last
+the moment had come when the supreme ambition of his life was to be
+realised, and he was to strike a blow for his country's honour.
+
+"Apparently our Admiral was in no hurry. He no doubt was awaiting
+events, for at sunset we lay-to about thirty miles south of La Ciotat,
+and spent the calm bright night restlessly anxious and keeping a sharp
+lookout for the enemy. There was a hush of expectation over the ship,
+and scarcely a sound broke the quiet save the lapping of the water
+against the smooth sides of the ironclad, and no sign of force except
+the swish of the waves falling on either side of the formidable and
+deadly ram.
+
+"Just after seven bells in the morning watch, however, we resumed our
+voyage, and turning, went north again. Then, for the first time, we knew
+the Admiral's intentions. An ultimatum had already been given. _We were
+to bombard Marseilles!_
+
+"Three hours later we came within view of the city. Seen from the sea it
+has a certain amount of picturesqueness. In the foreground there is the
+harbour, with a barren group of islands at its entrance, and behind
+masses of yellow houses covering an extensive valley, and white villas
+dotted over a semicircle of green hills stretching in the rear.
+Prominent in the landscape is the church of Notre Dame de la Garde,
+perched on the eminence on the right; while on the left there stands on
+an island the Chateau d'If, rendered immortal by the adventures of Monte
+Cristo; and behind, on the broad Quai de la Joliette, rises the fine
+Cathedral, built in alternate courses of black and white stone. It is a
+handsome and wealthy city, with its fine shady boulevard, the Cannebiere
+running through its centre from the Arc de Triomphe right down to the
+old port whence the mail steamers depart. This city, teeming with life,
+it was our duty to lay in ruins!
+
+"Knowing how strongly fortified it was, that upon each of those hills
+were great batteries ready at a given signal to pour out their deadly
+hail, and that under the blue waters were mines which might be exploded
+from the shore at any moment, we made preparations for counter-mining,
+and then cautiously approached within range. Suddenly, however, having
+got into position and laid our guns, we received the anxiously expected
+order, and a few moments later opened a terrific and almost simultaneous
+fire.
+
+"Through my glass I could clearly distinguish the terrible confusion
+being caused in the streets as our shells fell and burst on the Quai de
+la Joliette, in the Cannebiere, and the Boulevard de l'Empereur.
+
+"The first taste of our guns had produced a terrible panic, for a shell
+from the _Dreadnought_, lying next to us, had struck the tower of the
+Cathedral and brought down a great quantity of masonry, while another
+shell from one of our 67-ton guns, bursting in the Palais de Justice
+with terrible effect, had ignited it.
+
+"It was our first shot, and the gun had been well sighted; but ere we
+fired again such a storm of shell burst upon us that I confess for a
+moment I stood in my conning-tower motionless in surprise. On all sides
+the French had apparently established batteries. From the great Fort St.
+Jean at the entrance to the port, and from the Batterie du Phare on the
+opposite side, flame and smoke belched from heavy guns continuously.
+From a small battery in the Chateau d'If, from another on the rocky
+promontory on the right known as the Edoume, from a number of smaller
+ones established on the hills of l'Oriol and the Citadel, as well as
+from the great fortress of Notre Dame de la Garde on the highest hill, a
+little to the right of the city, there came an incessant thunder, and
+dozens of shots ricochetted over the placid water towards us.
+
+"In a few moments, however, my 67-tonners were again adding to the
+deafening roar, my ten 6-inch quick-firing guns were sending out their
+messengers of death, and my smaller arms, consisting of 3 and
+16-pounders, were acting their part in the sudden outburst. We had
+attacked the town without intention of investment, but simply to destroy
+it, and as the minutes slipped by, and I peered through my glass, I
+could see how devastating were our enormous modern shells.
+
+"All our guns were now trained upon the forts, and the bombardment was
+most vigorous. The six coast-defence ships, which endeavoured to drive
+us off, we quickly put out of action, capturing one, torpedoing two, and
+disabling the three others; while up to the present, although a number
+of shots from the land batteries had struck us, we sustained no serious
+damage.
+
+"We were avenging Hull and Newcastle. Into the panic-stricken town we
+were pouring an unceasing storm of shell, which swept away whole streets
+of handsome buildings, and killed hundreds of those flying for safety
+into the country. Watching, I saw one shot from one of my bow barbette
+guns crash into the roof of the fine new Hotel du Louvre, in the
+Cannebiere. The French Tricolor on the flagstaff toppled over into the
+street, and a second later the clouds of smoke and the debris which shot
+up showed plainly the awful results of the bursting shell.
+
+"Time after time my 67-tonners crashed and roared, time after time I
+pressed my fingers upon the little knobs in the conning-tower, and huge
+projectiles were discharged right into the forts. In conjunction with
+the never-ceasing fire of companion ships, we rained iron in a
+continuous stream that wrought havoc in the defences and destroyed all
+the buildings that offered targets. In an hour the Arsenal behind the
+Palais de Justice was laid in ruins, the fine Hotel de Ville was a mere
+heap of smouldering debris, the Bourse, and the great Library in the
+Boulevard du Musee were half wrecked by shells, and the Custom House,
+the Gendarmerie, and the Prefecture were burning furiously. The Chateau
+du Phare on the headland at the entrance to the fort was suffering
+frightfully, and the shells that had struck the Citadel and the fort of
+Notre Dame had been terribly effective. Every part of the city from the
+Promenade du Prado to the Botanical Gardens was being swept continuously
+by our fire, and from the black smoke curling upward in the sunlight we
+knew that many broad handsome streets were in flames. Excited over their
+work of revenge, my guns' crews worked on with a contemptuous disregard
+for the withering fire being poured upon us from the land. They meant,
+they said, to teach the Frenchmen a lesson, and they certainly did.
+Around us shots from the batteries fell thickly, sending up huge columns
+of water. Suddenly a shell struck the _Ramillies_ forward in front of
+the barbette, and burst like the rending of a thundercloud. The deck was
+torn up, a dozen men were maimed or killed, poor fellows! but the solid
+face of the barbette held its own, and the muzzles of our two great guns
+remained untouched.
+
+"Several shots from the Notre Dame Fort and the Endoume Battery then
+struck us in quick succession. One was particularly disastrous, for,
+crashing into the battery on the port side, it burst, disabling one of
+the 6-inch guns, and killing the whole gun's crew in an instant. The
+effect was frightful, for the whole space around was wrecked, and not a
+man escaped.
+
+"Such are the fortunes of war! A few moments later we turned our heavy
+guns upon the Endoume Battery, perched up upon the rocky headland, and
+together with the _Empress of India_ and the _Victorious_ thundered
+forth our great projectiles upon it in a manner which must have been
+terribly disconcerting. The battery replied vigorously at first, but the
+_Nile_, noticing the direction in which we had turned our attention,
+trained her guns upon the same fort, and let loose a perfect hail of
+devastating shell. Without ceasing for a second, we played upon it, and
+could distinguish even with the naked eye how completely we were
+destroying it, until half an hour later we found that the Frenchmen had
+ceased to reply. We had silenced their guns, and, in fact, totally
+wrecked the fort.
+
+"Several of our vessels were, however, severely feeling the fire from
+the Notre Dame Fortress and that of St. Jean. Nearly one hundred men on
+board the _Trafalgar_ had been killed; while two shots, entering one of
+the broadside batteries of the flagship, had caused frightful havoc, and
+had blown to atoms over forty men and three officers. A torpedo boat
+that had approached the French coast-defence ship just before she was
+captured had been sunk by a shot, but the crew were fortunately all
+rescued, after much difficulty, by the sloop _Dolphin_, which had
+severely suffered herself from the vigorous fire from the Batterie du
+Phare. The funnel of the _Nile_ had been carried away by a shot from the
+Citadel, while among the more conspicuous British losses was a serious
+catastrophe which had occurred on board the _Hood_ by the premature
+explosion of a torpedo, by which a sub-lieutenant and thirty-three men
+were launched into eternity, and sixteen men very severely wounded. The
+engines of the _Arethusa_ were also broken.
+
+"The smoke rising from the bombarded city increased every moment in
+density, and even in the daylight we could distinguish the flames. The
+centre of Marseilles was burning furiously, and the fire was now
+spreading unchecked. One of our objects had been to destroy the immense
+quantity of war stores, and in this we were entirely successful. We had
+turned our united efforts upon the Fort St. Jean down at the harbour
+entrance and that of Notre Dame high on the hill. Pounding away at
+these, time slipped by until the sun sank in a blaze of crimson and
+gold. Both forts made a gallant defence, but each of our shots went
+home, and through my glasses I watched the awful result. Suddenly a
+terrific report caused the whole city to tremble. One of our shots had
+apparently entered the powder magazine in the Fort St. Jean, and it had
+blown up, producing an appalling catastrophe from which the fortress
+could never recover.
+
+[Illustration: BOMBARDMENT OF MARSEILLES BY THE BRITISH:
+"ONE OF OUR SHELLS HAD ENTERED THE POWDER MAGAZINE OF FORT ST. JEAN."]
+
+"By this time the whole of the shipping in the docks was burning
+furiously, and the congested part of the city lying between the port and
+the Lyons Railway Station was like a huge furnace. The sight was one of
+terrible grandeur.
+
+"Presently, just as the sun sank behind the grey night clouds, we ceased
+fire, and then gazed with calm satisfaction upon the result of our
+bombardment. We had treated a French city in the same manner as the
+French and Russians had treated our own homes, and we could look upon
+this scene of destruction and death without a pang of remorse. But that
+was not all. When our guns were silent we could distinctly hear vigorous
+rifle firing at the back of the city. Then we knew the truth.
+
+"While we had been attacking Marseilles from the sea, the Italians, who
+a week before had crossed the frontier, and with the Germans occupied
+Lyons, had co-operated with us on land, and the terror-stricken
+Marseillais, hemmed in by fire and bullets on either side, had been
+swept away in thousands.
+
+"The scenes in the streets were, we afterwards learnt, awful; and
+although the garrison offered a desperate resistance to the Italians
+along the valley near the Chateau des Fleurs, most of them were killed,
+and nearly three thousand of their number taken prisoners. But the
+Italians were unable to enter Marseilles themselves, as, long before
+they had succeeded in breaking up the land defences, we had set the
+place on fire, and now, as night fell, the great city was one mass of
+flames, the lurid light from which illuminated sky and sea with a bright
+red glare."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The blazing African sun was fading, flooding the calm sapphire
+Mediterranean with its blood-red afterglow. The air was oppressive, the
+wind blew hot from the desert, and shoals of tiny green birds were
+chattering before roosting in the oasis of tall date palms that cast
+long shadows over the sun-baked stones of the Place du Gouvernement at
+Algiers. Everything was of a dazzling whiteness, relieved only by the
+blue sky and sea. The broad, handsome Square was almost deserted, the
+jalousies of the European houses were still closed, and although a few
+people were sipping absinthe at the cafes, the siesta was not yet over.
+
+At one corner of the Square the Mosque of Djama-el-Djedid, with its dome
+and minarets, stood out intensely white against the bright, cloudless
+sky, its spotless cleanliness causing the white-washed houses of
+Europeans to appear yellow and dingy; and as the _mueddin_ stood on one
+of the minarets with arms uplifted, calling the Faithful to prayer, idle
+Moors and Arabs, who had been lying asleep in the shadow during the
+afternoon, rose quickly, rearranged their burnouses, and entered the
+Mosque in order to render thanks to Allah.
+
+Darkness crept on after a brief twilight. Moorish women, wrapped in
+their white _haicks_, wearing their ugly baggy trousers, and veiled to
+the eyes, waddled along slowly and noiselessly among the palms, and
+gradually a gay cosmopolitan crowd assembled in the Place to enjoy the
+_bel fresco_ after the terrible heat of the day, and to listen to the
+fine band of the 1st Zouaves, which had already taken up its stand in
+the centre of the Square, and was now playing one of Strauss's dreamy
+waltzes.
+
+The night was bright and starlit, one of those calm, mystic evenings
+peculiar to North Africa. All was peaceful, but no moon had yet risen.
+The city wore its gay air of carelessness. White-robed Moors and
+red-fezzed Arabs, negroes from the Soudan, and Biskris in their blue
+burnouses, lounged, chattered, and promenaded, while the cafes and
+bazaars around were full of life, and the warm, balmy air was laden with
+the scent of flowers.
+
+Suddenly, without warning, the whole place was illuminated by a
+brilliant light from the sea. Slowly it swept the town, and a few
+seconds later other bright beams shot forth, lighting up the quays, the
+terraces of white, flat-roofed houses, and the Moorish city on the hill.
+Then, before the promenaders could realise the cause, a loud booming
+was heard at sea, and almost at the same moment a shell fell, and,
+exploding in the midst of them, blew a dozen Moors and Arabs into atoms.
+
+In a few seconds the cannonade increased, and the battery in the centre
+of the harbour replied. Then firing seemed to proceed from all quarters,
+and a storm of shell suddenly crashed upon the town with the most
+appalling effect.
+
+British war-vessels had crept up within range, and were pouring the
+vials of Britain's wrath upon the ancient city of the Deys!
+
+The detachment of vessels which, led by the new battleship _Jupiter_,
+went south from St. Tropez, had received instructions to destroy Algiers
+and return with all speed to Cagliari, in Sardinia, to await further
+instructions. The bombardment of the two cities simultaneously was in
+order to draw off the French Squadron from the position it had taken up
+near Gibraltar, so that the British could fight and then run past them
+into the Atlantic.
+
+How far the manoeuvre succeeded is shown in the few interesting details
+of the bombardment given in the course of an interview which a reporter
+of the _Daily Telegraph_ had with Lieut. George Ingleton, of the
+first-class cruiser _Edgar_. The officer said:--
+
+"We arrived off Algiers two hours after sundown, and after an inspection
+with search-lights, began to let fly with our big guns. In a few minutes
+the Al-Djefna Battery in the centre of the harbour replied, and a moment
+later a very rigorous fire was poured forth from Fort Neuf on the right
+and Forts Bab-Azzoun and Conde on the left. All four were very strong,
+and in conjunction with coast-defence vessels offered a most vigorous
+resistance. So suddenly did we fire upon the town, that a frightful
+panic must have been caused. Before we had fired half a dozen times, a
+shot from one of our 22-tonners crashed into the dome of the Mosque and
+totally demolished it, while another particularly well-aimed shell
+struck the Mairie, a big handsome building on the Boulevard de la
+Republique, facing the sea, tearing out a portion of the front. Then,
+turning our guns upon the long row of shops, banks, and hotels which
+formed the Boulevard, we pounded away most effectively, while several of
+our other vessels attended to the forts.
+
+"During the first half-hour the four warships of the enemy gave us
+considerable trouble, but very soon our torpedoes had sunk two of them,
+and the other two were quickly captured.
+
+"Meanwhile, under the hot fire from the forts, the bombardment grew
+exciting. Shells were ricochetting on the water all round us, but our
+search-lights being now shut off, we offered a very indistinct target to
+the enemy. On nearly all our ships, however, there were some slight
+casualties. A shell severely damaged the superstructure of the
+_Jupiter_, while others rendered useless several of her machine guns. A
+shell penetrated the _Gannet_, unfortunately killing fourteen
+bluejackets; and had it not been that the deck of the _Edgar_ was
+protected throughout, the consequences to us would also have been very
+serious. Nevertheless, our two 22-ton guns rendered valuable service,
+and contributed in no small measure to the demolition of the town.
+
+"From the outset we could see that Algiers was totally unprepared for
+attack, and, continuing our fire calmly and regularly, we watched the
+flames bursting forth in every part of the town and leaping skyward. On
+shore the guns kept up their roaring thunder, although by aid of glasses
+we could detect how effectual were our shells in wrecking the
+fortifications and laying in ruins the European quarter. Every moment we
+were dealing terrible blows which shook the city to its foundations. The
+formidable city walls availed them nothing, for we could drop our shells
+anywhere we pleased, either on the hill at Mustapha or upon the pretty
+Moorish villas that lined the shore at St. Eugene.
+
+"Blazing away at long range upon the town, we spread destruction
+everywhere. Houses toppled like packs of cards, mosques were blown into
+the air, and public buildings swept away like grains of sand before the
+sirocco. Under such a fire thousands of natives and Europeans must have
+perished, for we were determined to carry out our intentions, and teach
+the invaders a lesson they were not likely to easily forget. Time after
+time our heavy guns crashed, while our 6-inch quick-firers kept up their
+roar, and our machine guns rattled continuously. As the hours went by,
+and we continued our work of merciless destruction, we were hit once or
+twice, but beyond the loss of two men and some unimportant damage we
+escaped further punishment.
+
+"The roar of our guns was deafening, and the smoke hung over the calm
+sea like a storm-cloud. Still we kept on in the face of the galling fire
+from the shore, and before midnight had the satisfaction of witnessing a
+magnificent spectacle, for the isolated conflagrations gradually united
+and the whole town was in flames.
+
+"We had accomplished our work, so with cheers for Old England we gave a
+parting shot, and turning were soon steaming away towards the Sicilian
+coast, leaving Algiers a mass of roaring flame.
+
+"The journey was uneventful until just before noon on the following day.
+I was at that time on duty, and suddenly, to my surprise, detected a
+number of ships. By the aid of our glasses, the captain and I found to
+our dismay that a number of the most powerful vessels of the Russian
+Fleet were bearing down upon us! All our other vessels had made the same
+discovery, and I must confess that the meeting was somewhat
+disconcerting. The strength of the Russian ironclads was such as to
+cause our hearts to beat more quickly. To engage that great force meant
+certain defeat, while it was necessary that our Admiral off Marseilles
+should know of the whereabouts of this hostile squadron, therefore we
+resolved to get away. But although we altered our course and put on all
+speed, we were, alas! unsuccessful. At last we determined at all hazards
+to stick to our guns so long as we were afloat, and as the first of the
+Tsar's ironclads drew within range, one of our 22-tonners thundered. The
+white smoke, driven forward, tumbled over our bows. We had spoken the
+first word of battle!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
+
+
+"The great naval force of the Tsar, with which we were now face to
+face," continued Lieutenant Ingleton in his narrative, "consisted of the
+new battleship _Petropavlovsk_ of 10,960 tons, with a speed of 17 knots;
+the great turret-ship _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ of 8076 tons; the two new
+barbette-ships _Kama_ and _Vologda_ of the _Cizoi Veliky_ type; the
+_Tchesme_ of 10,181 tons, the _Gheorghy Pobyednosets_ of 10,280 tons,
+and the powerful _Tria Sviatitelia_ of 12,480 tons; the two enormous new
+cruisers _Tiumen_ and _Minsk_, both of 17,000 tons, and running at 20
+knots; the _Vladimir Monomach_ of 5754 tons; the armoured gunboat
+_Otvazny_, and the new rams _Admiral Seniavine_ and _Admiral Uschakoff_,
+with thirty torpedo boats, including the _Kodor_, _Reni_, _Anakria_, and
+_Adler_, the latter being able to run at 27.4 knots.
+
+"Against such a gigantic force as this our small force of vessels and
+torpedo boats presented but a sorry appearance. Nevertheless we had
+fired the first shot, and were now determined to die rather than haul
+down our colours. As our guns thundered, those of the _Jupiter_,
+_Repulse_, _Sans Pareil_, _Undaunted_, _Orlando_, _Diana_, _Scout_, and
+_Gannet_ joined in noisy chorus. The 12-inch guns in the turrets of the
+_Petropavlovsk_ and the four big guns in the barbettes of the _Tria
+Sviatitelia_ crashed out together, and almost immediately afterwards we
+found ourselves being swept from stem to stern by the enemy's shells.
+The Russian battleships were all well armoured, and had a much heavier
+shell fire than the vessels of either France or Britain. We were both in
+columns of divisions in line ahead, but from the first moment of the
+engagement our position was critical.
+
+"A terrific and deadly storm burst upon us from the enemy's tops, while
+his heavy guns kept up an incessant thunder. With such an enormous force
+against us, it was apparent to every man on board that disaster was
+imminent. It had, alas! never been graven sufficiently deep upon the
+public mind how absurdly weak we were in the Mediterranean. Here, as in
+all other squadrons, every grade of officer from commander downwards was
+deficient in numbers, and the ships in commission had for years been so
+much below their complement that the work had only been carried on with
+great difficulty. Other ships at home had been obliged to wait until a
+sufficient number of merchant seamen and half-trained engine-room staff
+could be scraped together to provide the semblance of a crew. In fact,
+successive British Governments of both parties had subordinated national
+necessities to a desire to evade a material increase in taxation, and
+now at last our Mediterranean Squadron were compelled to face the
+inevitable.
+
+"The insidious cunning and patient methods to which the Russians resort
+in order to attain their aims and break their boundaries had once more
+been illustrated. They had, by dint of extraordinary chicanery, secured
+absolute possession of the small Turkish peninsula known as Mount Athos.
+Situated near the entrance of the Gulf of Salonica, it was a paramount
+strategical position, and its possessor was now enabled to keep watch
+upon Macedonia, and in the meantime be very near the Dardanelles, and
+also Asia Minor. The possession was accomplished in a curiously secret
+manner, showing to what extent Russian foresight and artifice is
+carried. For years past the _Societe Slav de Bienfaisance_ had been
+sending, through a bank in Salonica, large sums of money to further the
+aim. To the casual observer there was nothing extraordinary about this,
+for the Russians had established on the lofty heights several
+monasteries, converting the place into a clerical settlement. This fact
+was pointed out by the _Pall Mall Gazette_ as far back as 1893, but the
+British public at that time failed to detect any Russian intrigue.
+
+"Gradually, however, Muscovite roubles purchased the surrounding
+property, and Greek convents were reduced to poverty while Russian
+institutions flourished and increased. But, strangely enough, the
+inmates of these monasteries were suddenly discovered to be mock
+clerics, and then it was disclosed that under the cover of monastic
+garments and robes were to be found the Tsar's soldiers, performing a
+three years' special and specific military service!
+
+"Yet, owing to the Sultan's weakness, to the almighty backsheesh, and to
+the shortsightedness of Turkish statesmen, the Russians were not
+dislodged, but the position was actually ceded to them, with the result
+that they had now firmly established themselves where they were enabled
+to counteract British action and influence. A naval station had been
+established for their Mediterranean Squadron at Poros, off the eastern
+coast of the Peloponnesus, some fifteen miles due south of the island of
+AEgina. Here there were three miles of deep water safe from sea attack,
+with an arsenal and dockyard, on the very weakest point along the line
+of our highway between England and India! Such was the manner in which
+our power in the Mediterranean had been undermined!
+
+"There was, however, no time for reflection amid the deafening roar.
+This Black Sea Fleet that had burst its bonds and passed through the
+Dardanelles intended to sweep us from the sea. Yet, notwithstanding the
+terrible fire pouring upon us from these great and powerful ships, each
+fully equipped with the latest and most improved arms, fully manned by
+well-trained men, and fresh for the fray, we held our quarters,
+determined to show the forces of the Tsar defiance. Even though every
+man of us might be sent to an untimely grave, the Russian flag should
+never surmount the White Ensign of Britain. We were determined, so we
+set our teeth, and showed a firm and vigorous front to the foe.
+
+"Our two 22-tonners rendered admirable service, and the cannonade kept
+up from our 3 and 6-pounder quick-firing guns was playing havoc with the
+Russian belted cruiser _Vladimir Monomach_ lying on our port quarter.
+The vessel was slightly larger than ourselves, carrying much heavier
+armaments, including four 13-ton guns, and twelve 4-tonners. She was
+indeed a very formidable opponent, nevertheless we did our best, and,
+blazing away at close quarters, soon succeeded in silencing the
+starboard 13-tonner nearest us.
+
+"Just at this moment I found we were being attacked on the port bow by
+the enormous new turret-ship _Petropavlovsk_ and the _Dvenadsat
+Apostoloff_. Two of the heavy 12-inch guns of the former thundered
+almost simultaneously, and both shells striking us almost amidships,
+caused us such a shock that for a second I stood breathless.
+
+"In a few moments, however, it was reported that our 'vitals' had
+fortunately escaped, and we continued firing as if no catastrophe had
+occurred. As a matter of fact, the damage caused by those two shells was
+appalling.
+
+"The _Jupiter_, steaming about two miles away on our starboard quarter,
+was apparently holding her own against the barbette-ships _Tchesme_ and
+_Gheorghy Pobyednosets_, the cruiser _Tiumen_, one of the largest in the
+world, and the new ram _Admiral Seniavine_. The four attacking vessels,
+as seen through the dense smoke, were pouring into the British ship a
+deadly fire; yet, judging from the fallen tops and disabled engines of
+the _Gheorghy Pobyednosets_ and the wrecked superstructure of the
+_Tchesme_, the _Jupiter's_ heavy armaments were executing good work,
+notwithstanding the strength of the _Tchesme's_ six 50-ton guns,
+admirably arranged in pairs in the centre of the vessel.
+
+"The _Diana_ and _Sans Pareil_, lying near to one another, were
+desperately resisting the vigorous attack made by the _Admiral
+Uschakoff_, _Minsk_, _Otvazny_, _Kama_, and _Vologda_; and here again,
+amid smoke and flying debris, I could distinguish that the 67-tonners of
+the _Repulse_, in co-operation with the lighter weapons of the
+_Undaunted_, were giving the enemy a taste of what British courage could
+accomplish.
+
+"The sea around us simply swarmed with Russian torpedo boats, and it
+required all our vigilance to evade their continued attacks. Before an
+hour had passed we had succeeded in sinking two by shots from our 6-inch
+guns, and several more were sent to the bottom by well-aimed projectiles
+from the _Dido_ and _Jupiter_.
+
+"As for ourselves, projectiles were sweeping across our deck like hail,
+and under the incessant and fearful fire we were suffering frightfully.
+Over sixty of our men and a sub-lieutenant had been killed, while
+forty-nine were severely wounded. Once I had occasion to go below, and
+between decks the sight that met my gaze was awful.
+
+"Around two of the quick-firing guns on our port quarter lay the guns'
+crews, mutilated by shells from the _Vladimir Monomach_. They had been
+killed almost instantly while standing bravely at their posts. The scene
+was appalling. The mangled masses of humanity amid which the surgeons
+were at work were awful to look upon, and I rushed up again with the
+terrible scene photographed indelibly upon my memory.
+
+"Meanwhile the ship was in the greatest peril. The continual bursting of
+shells upon her shook and shattered her, and she trembled violently as,
+time after time, her own guns uttered their thundering reply to her
+enemies. Heeling now this way, now that, as the helm was put hard over
+to avoid a blow, the situation on board was intensely exciting.
+
+"Those were terrible moments. The captain suddenly noticed the movements
+of the _Vladimir Monomach_, and divined her intentions. She had ceased
+firing, and by a neatly executed manoeuvre was preparing to ram us. In a
+moment our helm was put over again, and the _Edgar_ answered to it
+immediately.
+
+"'Ready bow tube!' I heard the captain shout hoarsely. He waited a few
+moments, allowing the Russian ironclad to partially perform her
+evolution, then just as she came almost into collision with us he
+shrieked 'Fire bow tube!' at the same time bringing us over further to
+port.
+
+"The seconds seemed hours. Suddenly there was a loud explosion, a great
+column of water rose under the Russian's bow, and we knew the torpedo
+had struck. At that moment, too, even while the water was still in the
+air, one of our torpedo boats which had crept up under the _Vladimir
+Monomach's_ stern sent another torpedo at her, which also hit its mark
+and ripped her up. Turning our guns upon the armoured cruiser, we poured
+volley after volley into her, but she did not reply, for her men were
+panic-stricken, and she was sinking fast.
+
+"The _Petropavlovsk_, leaving us, endeavoured to rescue her crew, but
+ere a dozen men were saved, she settled down bow foremost, and
+disappeared into the deep, carrying down with her nearly five hundred
+officers and men.
+
+"The _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ kept up her fire upon us, and a few moments
+later I witnessed another disaster, for a shot from one of her bow guns
+struck the torpedo boat that had just assisted us, and sank it. A few
+minutes later a loud explosion in the direction of the _Sans Pareil_
+attracted my attention, and, turning, I saw amid the smoke-clouds debris
+precipitated high into the air. A shot from one of her 111-ton guns had
+penetrated to the magazine of the _Admiral Seniavine_, which had
+exploded, causing a frightful disaster on board that vessel, and just at
+the same moment a cheer from the crew of one of our 6-inch guns prompted
+me to look for the cause, which I found in the fact that they had shot
+the Russian colours completely away from the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_.
+
+"Again another frightful explosion sounded loud above the incessant din,
+and to my satisfaction I saw a great column of water rise around the
+_Admiral Uschakoff_, which, fighting at close quarters with the _Dido_,
+had apparently been torpedoed. Not satisfied with this, the captain of
+the _Dido_, keeping his machine guns going, turned his vessel and
+discharged a second Whitehead, which also struck with such terrible
+effect that the Russian ship began at once to sink, and in a few minutes
+the blue waves closed for ever over her tops, ere a score or so out of
+her crew of 300 could be rescued.
+
+"It was nearly three bells, and the sun was setting. A galling fire from
+the machine guns in the foretop of the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ suddenly
+swept our deck, killing a dozen poor fellows who were at work clearing
+away some debris, and at the same moment a shot from one of her 52-ton
+guns crashed into our port quarter, and must have caused terrible havoc
+among the guns' crews. A moment later we were dismayed by the report
+that our steering-gear had been broken. For a few seconds we were
+helplessly swinging round under the awful fire which was now pouring
+from the great guns of the Russian ironclad, and our captain was making
+strenuous efforts to recover control of the ship, when I saw the torpedo
+boat _Anakria_ shoot suddenly across our bows, then quickly slacken as
+she got to starboard of us.
+
+"A second later I realised her intention, and shouted frantically. A
+line of bubbles had appeared on the surface advancing swiftly towards
+us. She had ejected a torpedo straight at us, and I stood petrified, not
+daring to breathe.
+
+"A moment later there came a terrific explosion right underneath us,
+followed by a harsh tearing sound as iron plates were torn asunder like
+tinfoil, and the ship's side was ripped completely up. The _Edgar_
+heaved high and plunged heavily, a great column of water rose high above
+her masts, and the air seemed filled with flying fragments of iron and
+wood. The vessel rocked and swayed so that we could not keep our feet,
+and then gradually heeling over, causing her guns to shift, she went
+down before a soul on board could launch a boat.
+
+"At the moment of the explosion I felt a sharp twinge in the back, and
+found that I had been struck by a flying splinter of steel. The strain
+of those hours had been terrible, and of the events that followed I can
+only recollect two things. I remember finding myself struggling alone in
+the water with a shower of bullets from the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff's_
+tops sending up little splashes about me. Then I felt my strength
+failing, my limbs seemed paralysed, and I could no longer strike out to
+save myself. Abandoning all hope, I was sinking, when suddenly a rope
+was flung to me. I remember how frantically I clutched it, and that a
+few moments later I was hauled aboard a torpedo boat; but for days
+afterwards I lay hovering 'twixt life and death, oblivious to all. I
+was one of the thirteen only who were saved out of a crew of 327 brave
+officers and men."
+
+Such a ghastly disaster could only produce profound dismay among those
+who manned the remaining British vessels. Straining every nerve to
+uphold the honour of Britain, the guns' crews of the _Jupiter_, _Sans
+Pareil_, _Repulse_, and _Undaunted_, with smoke-begrimed hands and
+faces, worked on with that indomitable energy begotten of despair.
+Regardless of the awful rain of shot and shell, they reloaded and fired
+with calm, dogged self-possession, the officers on all four vessels
+inspiring their men by various deeds of valour, and preserving such
+discipline under fire as none but British sailors could. The British
+naval officer is full of undaunted defiance and contempt for his foes;
+but, above all, he is a strict disciplinarian, and to this our country
+in a great measure owes the supremacy our Navy has hitherto enjoyed upon
+the seas. During the fight the vessels had been moving in a
+north-easterly direction, and although the Russians were unaware of the
+fact, Her Majesty's ships had therefore continued in their course.
+Hence, just as a cool breeze sprang up at sundown, soon after the
+_Edgar_ had sunk, a line of low dark cliffs was sighted ahead.
+
+The officers of the _Diana_, watching anxiously through their glasses,
+distinguished the distant crest of Mount Genargentu gradually appearing
+against the clear evening sky, and then they knew that they were off
+Sardinia, outside the Gulf of Oristano.
+
+Altering their course, they headed due north, still keeping up a running
+fire, but the Russians prevented them making headway.
+
+All our vessels were suffering frightfully, when there was a sudden
+explosion, and, to the Englishmen's dismay, it was seen that a torpedo
+had struck the _Undaunted_ nearly amidships. Still the doomed vessel
+managed to evade a second attack, and by a desperate manoeuvre the
+captain succeeded in turning and heading for land.
+
+The remaining ships, in their terribly crippled condition, would, the
+Russians anticipated, soon fall an easy prey. Nevertheless, with their
+crews decimated, their guns disabled, and their machinery damaged, the
+British vessels still continued firing, the men resolved to go down at
+their quarters. They knew that escape was hopeless, and every moment
+they saw their comrades being swept away by the great exploding
+projectiles of the Tsar's heavy guns. But they were not dismayed. To do
+their utmost for the defence of Britain, to keep afloat as long as
+possible, and to die like Britons with faces towards the foe, was their
+duty. Pale and desperate, they were fighting for their country and their
+Queen, knowing that only a grave in the deep and the honour of those at
+home would be the reward of their bravery--that at any moment they might
+be launched into the unknown.
+
+Suddenly there was a loud shouting on board the _Jupiter_, and signals
+were, a moment later, run up to her half-wrecked top. The captain of the
+_Dido_, noticing this, looked to ascertain the cause, and saw away on
+the horizon to the north, whence the dark night clouds were rising, a
+number of strange craft. Snatching up his glass, he directed it on the
+strangers, and discovered that they were Italian warships, and were
+exchanging rapid signals with the captain. They were promising
+assistance!
+
+Cheers rang loudly through the British vessels, when, a few minutes
+later, the truth became known, and the guns' crews worked with redoubled
+energy, while the Russians, noticing the approaching ships, were
+apparently undecided how to act. They were given but little time for
+reflection, however, for within half an hour the first of the great
+Italian ironclads, the _Lepanto_, opened fire upon the _Petropavlovsk_,
+and was quickly followed by others, until the action became general all
+round.
+
+Aid had arrived just in time, and the British vessels, with engines
+broken, stood away at some distance, leaving matters for the nonce to
+the powerful Italian Squadron. It was indeed a very formidable one, and
+its appearance caused the Russian Admiral such misgivings that he gave
+orders to retreat, a manoeuvre attempted unsuccessfully. The Italian
+Fleet, as it loomed up in the falling gloom, included no fewer than
+twenty-six warships and forty-three torpedo boats. The vessels consisted
+of the barbette-ship _Lepanto_ of 15,000 tons; the _Sardegna_,
+_Sicilia_, and _Re Umberto_ of 13,000 tons; the _Andrea Doria_,
+_Francesca Morosini_, and _Ruggiero di Lauria_ of 11,000 tons; the
+turret-ships _Dandolo_ and _Duilio_ of the same size; the _Ammeraglio di
+St. Bon_ of 9800 tons; the armoured cruisers _Ancona_, _Castelfidardo_,
+and _Maria Pia_, and the _San Martino_, each of about 4500 tons; the
+gun-vessels _Andrea Provana_, _Cariddi_, _Castore_, _Curtatone_; the
+torpedo gunboats _Aretusa_, _Atlante_, _Euridice_, _Iride_,
+_Montebello_, and _Monzambano_; the despatch vessels _Galileo_ and
+_Vedetta_; and the first-class torpedo vessels _Aquila_, _Avvoltoio_,
+_Falco_, _Nibbio_, and _Sparviero_, and thirty-eight others.
+
+With such a force descending upon the Russian ships, which had already
+been very severely punished by the vigorous fire of the British, there
+was little wonder that the Tsar's vessels should endeavour to escape.
+The Italian Fleet had already bombarded and destroyed Ajaccio two days
+ago, and, steaming south from the Corsican capital, had anchored for
+twenty-four hours off Cape della Caccia, near Alghero, in the north of
+Sardinia. Then again taking a southerly course in the expectation of
+joining hands with the British Mediterranean Squadron, which was on its
+way from Marseilles to Cagliari, they had fallen in with the three
+crippled ships.
+
+Without hesitation the powerful Italian ironclads, several of which were
+among the finest in the world, opened a terrific fire upon the Russian
+ships, and as darkness fell the sight was one of appalling grandeur.
+From all sides flame rushed from turrets and barbettes in vivid flashes,
+while the Maxims in the tops poured out their deadly showers of bullets.
+The ponderous 105-ton guns of the _Andrea Doria_, _Francesca Morosini_,
+and _Ruggiero di Lauria_ crashed and roared time after time, their great
+shots causing frightful havoc among the Russian ships, the four
+100-tonners of the _Lepanto_ and the 67-tonners of the _Re Umberto_,
+_Sardegna_, and _Sicilia_ simply knocking to pieces the _Petropavlovsk_.
+The Russian ships were receiving terrible blows on every hand. With
+their search-lights beaming forth in all directions, the ships were
+fighting fiercely, pounding away at each other with deafening din. It
+was not long, however, before this vigorous attack of the Italians began
+to tell, for within an hour of the first shot from the _Lepanto_ the
+fine Russian battleship _Gheorghy Pobyednosets_ and the great new
+cruiser _Minsk_ of 17,000 tons had been rammed and sunk, the former by
+the _Duilio_, and the latter by the _Re Umberto_, while the _Tchesme_
+and the gunboat _Otvazny_ had been torpedoed, and scarcely a soul saved
+out of 1500 men who were on board.
+
+Explosions were occurring in quick succession, and red glares flashed
+momentarily over the sea. Hither and thither as the Italian torpedo
+boats darted they ejected their missiles, and the rapid and terrible
+fire from the leviathans of Italy, pouring into every one of the
+remaining ships of the Tsar, killed hundreds who were striving to defend
+themselves.
+
+Suddenly the _Sicilia_, which had been fighting the Russian flagship,
+the _Tria Sviatitelia_, at close quarters, and had blown away her
+conning-tower and greater portion of her superstructure, performed a
+neat evolution, and crashed her ram right into her opponent's broadside,
+breaking her almost in half.
+
+A few moments later there was a terrific explosion on board, and then
+the doomed vessel sank into the dark rolling sea, carrying with her the
+Russian Admiral and all hands.
+
+Quickly this success was followed by others--the blowing up of the
+monster new cruiser _Tiumen_, the sinking of the _Adler_ and four other
+Russian torpedo boats, occurring in rapid succession. Seeing with what
+rapidity and irresistible force they were being swept from the sea, the
+remainder of the Tsar's shattered fleet struck their flags and called
+for quarter, not, however, before the torpedo boat _Kodor_ had been
+sunk. The Russians thus captured were the battleships _Petropavlovsk_ of
+10,960 tons, the _Dvenadsat Apostoloff_ of 8076 tons, the two new
+barbette-ships, _Kama_ and _Vologda_, both of whose engines had broken
+down, and fifteen torpedo boats.
+
+[Illustration:
+_Ruggiero di Lauria._  _Re Umberto._ _Duilio._ _Tchesme._
+_Dvenadsat Apostoloff._
+_H.M.S. Edgar._
+HELP FROM ITALY: "WITH THEIR SEARCH-LIGHTS BEAMING FORTH IN ALL
+DIRECTIONS, THE SHIPS WERE FIGHTING FIERCELY, POUNDING AWAY AT EACH
+OTHER WITH DEAFENING DIN."]
+
+At dawn most of the latter were manned by Italians, while the captured
+ships, with the Italian colours flying and bearing evidence of the
+terrible conflict, were on their way due north to Genoa, accompanied by
+the battered British vessels.
+
+The strongest division of Russia's Fleet had been totally destroyed, and
+the Tsar's power in the Mediterranean was broken.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+PANIC IN LANCASHIRE.
+
+
+The Russians were within gunshot of Manchester! A profound sensation was
+caused in that city about eight o'clock on the evening of September 6th,
+by an announcement made by the _Evening News_--which still appeared in
+fitful editions--that a Cossack patrol had been seen on the road between
+Macclesfield and Alderley, and that it was evident, from the manner of
+the Russian advance, that they meant to attack the city almost
+immediately.
+
+The utmost alarm was caused, and the streets were everywhere crowded by
+anxious, starving throngs, eager to ascertain fuller details, but unable
+to gather anything further beyond the wild conjectures of idle gossip.
+
+The great city which, on the outbreak of war, was one of the most
+prosperous in the world, was now but a sorry semblance of its former
+self. Heated, excited, turbulent, its streets echoed with the
+heartrending wails of despairing crowds, its factories were idle, its
+shops closed, and its people were succumbing to the horrible, lingering
+death which is the result of starvation.
+
+Wealth availed them naught. Long ago the last loaf had been devoured,
+the last sack of flour had been divided, and the rich living in the
+suburbs now felt the pinch of hunger quite as acutely as factory
+operatives, who lounged, hands in pockets, about the streets.
+Manchester, like most other towns in England, had come to the end of
+her supplies, and death and disease now decimated the more populous
+districts, while those who had left the city and tramped north had fared
+no better, and hundreds dropped and died by the roadside.
+
+The situation in Lancashire was terrible. At Liverpool a few vessels
+were arriving from America, under escort of British cruisers, bringing
+supplies, but these were mostly purchased at enormously high rates, and
+sent to London by way of Manchester and Sheffield, railway communication
+by that route being still open. This fact becoming known in Manchester
+caused the greatest indignation, and the people, rendered desperate by
+hunger, succeeded on several occasions in stopping the trains, and
+appropriating the food they carried. The situation in Manchester was one
+of constant excitement, and fear that the enemy should repeat the
+success they had achieved at Birmingham. The hundreds of thousands of
+hungry ones who flocked Manchester streets and the grimy thoroughfares
+of Stockport, Ashton, Oldham, Bolton, and other great towns in the
+vicinity, feared that they, like the people of Birmingham, would be put
+to the sword by the ruthless invaders.
+
+The week that had elapsed had been an eventful one, fraught with many
+horrors. After the success of the Russians at Birmingham, the British
+troops, both Regulars, Volunteers, and improvised, fell back and formed
+up north of the city, being practically nothing more than a strong line
+of outposts without reserves, extending from Dudley, through West
+Bromwich and Sutton Park, to Tamworth. This scheme, however, was
+ill-devised, for the defenders, in order to act successfully, should
+have fallen back much further, and concentrated their forces at one or
+two strategical points on the line to Manchester, as it had been
+ascertained from spies that a swift and vigorous attack on that city was
+meditated.
+
+The day following the taking of Birmingham was devoted by the enemy to
+the reorganisation of their forces, and the rearrangement of their
+transport and ammunition train. Large quantities of waggons and war
+stores of all kinds had been found in the town and annexed by the
+victors, and at Kynoch's Factory at Aston some hundreds of thousands of
+rounds of ammunition had been seized. These had been made for a foreign
+government, and fitted both rifles and machine guns of the Russians.
+
+Having thus reorganised, the Russians, leaving 10,000 men in Birmingham
+as a base, resumed their march north on the third day. The left flank,
+consisting of 2000 cavalry and 12,000 infantry, took the road through
+West Bromwich to Wednesbury and Bilston, but quickly found themselves
+entrapped, for on account of the many canals their cavalry were unable
+to act, and their transport was cut off. The miners and factory men had
+armed themselves, and, acting in conjunction with the British troops
+from Dudley and Great Barr, succeeded, after some hard fighting around
+Tipton and Coseley, in completely annihilating the enemy, taking 5000
+prisoners and killing the remaining 9000.
+
+Meanwhile the right flank had passed out of Birmingham by way of Castle
+Bromwich, and had advanced without opposition through Wishaw and
+Tamworth to Lichfield, driving the defenders before them. The Russian
+main column, however, were not allowed to go north without a most
+desperate endeavour on the part of our men to hold them in check.
+Indeed, if ever British courage showed itself it was during those dark
+days. Advancing through Aston and Perry to Sutton along the ancient
+highway, Icknield Street, the Russians sent a large force through the
+woods to the high ground between Wild Green and Maney. Here the British
+had established strong batteries, but after some desperate fighting
+these were at length captured, the enemy losing heavily. At the same
+time, fierce fighting occurred in Sutton Park and across at Aldridge,
+the defenders making the most strenuous efforts to break the force of
+the invaders. All was, alas! to no purpose. The British, outnumbered as
+before, were compelled to fall back fighting, with the result that the
+enemy's main column, pushing on, effected a junction with its right
+flank, which had bivouaced on Wittington Heath, near Lichfield, and
+occupied the barracks there.
+
+On the day following the invaders broke into two columns and marched
+again north, practically in battle formation, the right column
+continuing along Icknield Street, through Burton, Derby, Bakewell, and
+Marple, driving back the defenders, while the left column took a route
+that lay through the hilly and wooded country near Cannock Chase. Both
+columns, advancing in echelon of division, with cavalry on their flanks,
+were constantly harassed in the rear by the British, and in their
+advance lost numbers of waggons and a large quantity of ammunition; but
+they succeeded in travelling so quickly north that they were actually
+marching on Manchester before the people in that city could realise it.
+Signal acts of bravery were being everywhere reported, but what could
+individual heroism effect against the fearful odds we had to face?
+
+Thousands of men in Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Wigan, Rochdale, and other
+neighbouring towns had already armed themselves, and, on hearing that
+Manchester was threatened, poured into the city to act their part
+bravely in its defence.
+
+It must be admitted that the British General commanding had, on gaining
+knowledge of the intentions of the Russians, taken every precaution in
+his power to prevent an advance on Manchester.
+
+Our troops which had been defeated and driven back from Birmingham, had
+at once retreated north to the Peak district, and about one-quarter of
+the number had taken up excellent defensive positions there, while the
+remainder, with small reinforcements of Regulars drawn from Lancaster,
+Warrington, Bury, Chester, Wrexham, Burnley, Ashton-under-Lyne, York,
+Halifax, and as far distant as Carlisle, had, in addition to those from
+Manchester, been massed along the north bank of the Mersey from
+Stockport to Flixton, with a line of communication stretching across to
+Woodley Junction, and thence over Glossop Dale to the Peak.
+
+Thus Manchester was defended by a force of 38,000 cavalry, infantry,
+Volunteers, and colonials, against the Russian army, consisting of the
+remaining 65,000 of the force which attacked Birmingham, and
+reinforcements of 10,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry that had been pushed
+rapidly forward from Sussex over the ground that the main body had
+travelled. The total force of Russians was therefore 80,000.
+
+From Stockport, the north bank of the Mersey to its confluence with the
+Irwell past Flixton was well guarded. Earthworks had been raised,
+trenches dug, walls had been loopholed, and houses placed in a state of
+hasty defence. Among the reinforcements now under arms were several
+portions of battalions of Lancashire Volunteer Artillery who had not
+gone south to their allotted positions in the defence of London, and
+five companies of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Artillery under
+Col. H. T. Brown, V.D., together with the Cheshire Yeomanry under Col.
+P. E. Warburton. The Manchester Brigade was a strong one, consisting of
+six Volunteer battalions of the Manchester Regiment, the 1st under the
+Earl of Crawford, V.D., the 2nd under Col. Bridgford, V.D., the 3rd
+under Col. Eaton, V.D., the 4th under Col. Lynde, V.D., the 5th under
+Col. Rocca, V.D., and the 6th under Col. Lees; the Cheshire and
+Lancashire Brigades included three Volunteer battalions of the
+Lancashire Fusiliers under Colonels Young, Philippi, and Haworth, and
+two battalions of the South Lancashire Regiment; while the Northern
+Counties Brigade, composed of one Volunteer battalion of the Royal
+Lancaster Regiment under Col. Strongitharm, two battalions of the East
+Lancashire Regiment under Col. A. I. Robinson, V.D., and Col. T.
+Mitchell, V.D., and two of the Loyal North Lancashire under Col. Widdows
+and Col. Ormrod, also mustered their forces and performed excellent
+defensive work. It was here, too, that the Volunteer cyclists were found
+of the utmost value in scouting and carrying despatches.
+
+The excitement in Manchester on that memorable September night was
+intense. That a desperate and bloody fray was imminent, every one knew,
+and the people were trusting to the defensive line on the river bank to
+protect them from the foreign destroyer. Would they be strong enough to
+effectively resist? Would they be able to drive back the Russians and
+defeat them?
+
+The people of Lancashire who condemned our military administration did
+not do so without cause. It had been claimed by many that England could
+never be invaded; nevertheless our course should have been to prepare
+for possible events. Our Army, being small, should have been better
+equipped and armed, as well as trained to balance weakness in numbers.
+Again, there had always existed a hideous hindrance to the efficiency of
+the Auxiliaries--the arms. Many of the Martini-Henrys carried by the
+Volunteers bore date of a quarter of a century ago, and their barrels
+were so worn they could not be fired accurately; while others possessed
+the Snider, which was practically a smoothbore from wear. What was the
+use of weapons surpassed in power by those of other nations? It was an
+unpalatable truth that had now at last dawned upon Britain, that in
+arming her soldiers she was far behind the rest of the world.
+
+While Manchester spent the sultry night in feverish excitement at the
+knowledge that the enemy had advanced almost to their doors, the British
+outposts were being harassed by the enemy, who, flushed with success,
+were advancing gradually onward towards the line of defence. The Russian
+front had been suddenly widely extended, evidently aiming at a
+concentric attack on Manchester, and an attempt to wholly envelop the
+defenders' position by cavalry operating on both flanks.
+
+Some terribly desperate encounters took place during a frightful
+thunderstorm which lasted a portion of the night, and many a brave
+Briton fell while performing valiant deeds for the honour of his
+country. The anxiety within the British lines that hot night was
+intense.
+
+Reports coming in told of fierce fighting all along the line. Soon after
+midnight a British patrol, supported by cavalry, that had been sent out
+from Northenden to Baguley, was suddenly attacked by a party of
+Russians, who lay in ambush close to Wythenshaw Hall. A short but fierce
+fight ensued, but the British, knowing that part of the country well,
+succeeded in totally annihilating their antagonists. The firing,
+however, attracted attention in the Russian lines, with the result that
+a second attack was quickly made upon them, compelling them to retire up
+the hill at Lawton Moor, where they dashed into a small wood, closely
+pressed by the enemy. The attack was desperate. There is something
+terrible in a fight in a wood at night. The combatants could see nothing
+save an occasional flash in the impenetrable darkness, and hoarse cries
+went up from the mysterious inferno. Neither invader nor defender could
+distinguish each other, and in the half-hour that followed, many a
+Russian shot his comrade in mistake for his foe.
+
+At last the defenders, finding that the slightest rustling of boughs
+brought down a volley from magazine rifles, stood motionless, scarcely
+daring to breathe, and waited anxiously, until at last the enemy, seeing
+that their efforts to drive them out were useless, withdrew, and went
+off towards Baguley.
+
+In another direction, close to Henbury, near Macclesfield, a squadron of
+British cavalry surprised a small outpost camp of Russians, and cut it
+up terribly, killing half the number; but pushing on to Marthall, six
+miles across country, they came into collision with a body of Russian
+dragoons, and after a very fierce encounter were compelled to fall back
+again after considerable loss. On the outskirts of Northwich, and on the
+borders of Delamere Forest, skirmishes occurred, resulting in serious
+loss on both sides. A reconnoitring party of Russians was totally swept
+away and every man killed, by a British party who were concealed in an
+old farm building close to Alderley village; while another engaged in
+surveying the roads to Altrincham had been forced to retreat, leaving
+half their number dead or wounded on the edge of Tatton Park.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE EVE OF BATTLE.
+
+
+Some idea of the gallant conduct of our Volunteers during the night may
+be gathered from the following extract from a letter by Lieutenant John
+Rowling of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment,
+to a friend a few days afterwards. He wrote--
+
+"You will no doubt have heard something about the warm work we had on
+the night before the Battle of Manchester. The city, as you know, was
+covered on the south by a long straggling line of outposts, extending
+practically from Stockport to Altrincham. Late in the afternoon of
+September 6th we received an order to proceed to Mere, about four miles
+from Altrincham, having been detailed to form the section of the
+outposts from New Tatton to Goodier's Green, and on arrival at Mere half
+of our force of 600 was left in reserve there; the supports were moved
+about half a mile down Watling Street, and the remainder was divided
+into three piquets, No. 1 at Bentley Hurst Farm, No. 2 at Moss Cottage,
+and No. 3 near Mereplatt Farm, with four double sentry posts out in
+front of each piquet.
+
+"I was in command of No. 2 picket, with Anderson and Wishton as subs,
+and as soon as I returned to the piquet, after posting the sentries, I
+sent the former with two sections to form a detached post at Over
+Tabley, and instructed him to send a reconnoitring patrol as far down
+Watling Street as he might consider consistent with safety. Anderson
+posted his men, and returned to me about ten o'clock with a corporal and
+two men, bringing in a man who had been pointed out to him at Over
+Tabley as a suspicious character--in fact, he was said to be a spy. He
+had been staying at an inn there for two or three days, and had very
+little luggage. Anderson had examined his portmanteau, but found nothing
+there; and as the man refused to give any account of himself, he made
+him a prisoner. Fresh fires were continually breaking out, therefore I
+thought it best to waste no time questioning him, but took him into a
+room at Moss Cottage, where he was thoroughly searched. Notes were found
+upon him from which it was evident that he had been obtaining
+information for the enemy for some time, and, better still, particulars
+of their proposed operations for the investment of Manchester, showing
+that they were advancing in our direction along the old Watling Street.
+
+"I sent the prisoner under escort to the commander of the outposts, and
+at the same time sent word to Nos. 1 and 3 piquets, after which Anderson
+and I went down to Over Tabley, leaving Wishton in charge of No. 2. The
+machine gun that had been allotted to my piquet I also ordered to Over
+Tabley, and on arrival there we threw up barricades, hastily constructed
+of barrels, doors, and logs, banked with earth, across the road between
+the Vicarage and the church. A quantity of barbed wire was found in the
+village, and this came in very useful, for we stretched several lengths
+of it across the roads on the off-side of the barricade.
+
+"There were under thirty of us, but every man was determined to do his
+duty unflinchingly. By this time it was past eleven, and very dark, yet
+there was just light enough to train the gun on to the centre of the
+cross-roads by Dairyhouse Farm. Very soon we could hear the enemy
+approaching, and as their spy had not met them outside, they evidently
+concluded that the village was unoccupied, and advanced in comparatively
+close order, Cossacks leading, and the infantry so close that there was
+practically no division between their vanguard and mainguard. The first
+section of Cossacks very soon found our first wire, and the whole of
+their horses came to grief. Those in the rear, thinking probably that
+there was no other obstruction in the way, spurred their horses and
+galloped over their friends, only to meet with a similar fate further
+on.
+
+"The pioneers doubled up, and began to cut the wires, and fearing that
+the infantry in the rear would soon deploy, I gave the order for
+independent firing. The Russians stood it for some minutes, and
+attempted to reply, but not a man of ours was visible, and they soon
+retreated to Tabley Hall, where I had no means of following them.
+
+"It must be remembered that we were all Volunteers, the Regulars being
+on the Stockport flank of the outpost line. My men behaved splendidly,
+and the firing was excellent from first to last."
+
+About the same time as the unsuccessful attack was made on the outposts
+at Mere, the British line was broken through at Heald Green and
+Appletree.
+
+A cavalry patrol, supported by infantry, was feeling its way along the
+road to Wilmslow, and had passed Willow Farm, at which point the road
+runs beside the railway embankment.
+
+The storm had burst, the thunder rolled incessantly, rain fell in
+torrents, and the lightning played about them, causing their arms to
+gleam in its vivid flashes.
+
+Slowly, and without undue noise, the patrol was wending its way up the
+hill towards Finney Green, when suddenly there was a terrific rattle of
+musketry, and they discovered to their surprise that the enemy, who were
+occupying the embankment of the North-Western Railway on their left,
+were pouring upon them a fire sufficient to blanch the cheek of the
+bravest among them.
+
+Along the embankment for a mile or more were stationed infantry with
+magazine rifles, and in addition they had brought two machine guns into
+play with appalling effect. So sudden did this galling fire open upon
+them, that men and horses fell without being able to fire a shot in
+return. British infantry, however, stood their ground, and as the
+lightning flashed, disclosing the position of the enemy, every Russian
+who dared to stand up or show himself was promptly picked off. But
+against the awful rain of deadly bullets ejected from the machine guns,
+at the rate of 600 a minute, no force could make a successful defence.
+
+Many British heroes fell pierced by a dozen bullets; still their
+comrades, seeking what shelter they could, continued the defensive.
+
+Meanwhile over the dismal muddy road the survivors of the cavalry
+galloped back, and quickly reported to the commander of the piquet at
+Appletree that the enemy were in strong force on the other side of the
+embankment between Oaklands and Wilmslow Park, and as they had heard a
+train run into Wilmslow Station and stop, it was evident that the enemy
+had reopened the line from Crewe, and intended concentrating part of
+their reinforcements to the general advance. The facts that the enemy
+had succeeded in cutting all the telegraph lines in the district, and
+had now obtained complete control over the railway, were most alarming,
+and the outlook of the defenders was rendered doubly serious by the
+large force they were compelled to keep east of Stockport, and in the
+Peak district, to prevent the invaders getting round to attack
+Manchester from the north.
+
+On receipt of the news of the disaster to the patrol, the commander of
+the piquet at Appletree immediately sent information to the commander of
+the piquet posted at the railway station at Cheadle Hulme; but by a
+strange oversight, due no doubt to the excitement of the moment, sent no
+report to the commander of the outposts. The infantry engaging the
+Russians on the embankment, though exhibiting most gallant courage, were
+so exposed that it was little wonder they were soon completely
+annihilated, only half a dozen escaping.
+
+The enemy must have detrained a large number of troops at Wilmslow, for
+the British cavalry scouts were quickly followed up by Cossacks and the
+Tsar's Dragoons. Quickly the sentries between Heald Green and
+Appletree were driven back on their piquets, the latter extending in
+skirmishing order. Such a manoeuvre, however, proved fatal in the
+darkness and on the heavy ploughed land over which they were fighting.
+Alas! very few succeeded in reaching the supports, and when they did,
+they all fell back hurriedly on the reserves at Pimgate.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLEFIELD OF MANCHESTER.]
+
+Then the commander of the piquet at Cheadle Hulme Station, finding that
+he must inevitably be attacked by road and rail, set the station on
+fire, and with the assistance of the railway officials blew up a large
+portion of the permanent way with dynamite, thus cutting off the enemy's
+means of communication. This accomplished, he fell back upon his
+supports at Adswood, and they, at about 2 A.M., retreated with the
+reserves to the embankment of the North-Western Railway which carries
+the line from Stockport to Whaley Bridge, and took up a strong position
+to assist in the defence of Stockport.
+
+The latter town was defended on three sides by railway embankments,
+which were now occupied by strong bodies of Regulars, with several
+Maxims. One embankment ran from the west boundary of the town to
+Middlewood Junction, another from Middlewood to Marple, and a third from
+Marple to Mayercroft. Throughout the night the defenders were in hourly
+expectation that an attack would be made upon their positions, with the
+object of investing Stockport as a preliminary to the assault on the
+defensive lines north of the Mersey; but the enemy apparently had other
+objects, and the disaster to the British cavalry patrol on the Wilmslow
+road was, unfortunately, followed by a second and more serious one. The
+Cossacks and Dragoons that followed the British cavalry scouts overtook
+them just as they had joined their reserves, a short distance beyond
+Pimgate, about half-past two. A fierce fight ensued, and the force of
+British cavalry and infantry was gradually drawn into a
+cunningly-devised trap, and then there suddenly appeared a great force
+of Russians, who simply swept down upon them, slaughtering the whole of
+them with brutal ferocity, not, however, before they had fought
+desperately, and inflicted enormous loss upon the enemy.
+
+Having totally annihilated that detachment of defenders, the Russians
+marched into Cheadle, and, after sacking the little town, burned it,
+together with the Grange, the Print Works, the railway station, St.
+Mary's Church, and a number of large mills.
+
+The great army of the Tsar had bivouaced, reserving its strength for a
+desperate dash upon Manchester. But the British outposts stood wakeful
+and vigilant, ready at any moment to sound the alarm. To those
+entrenched beyond the winding Mersey, soaked by the heavy rain, and
+spending the dark hours in anxiety, there came over the dismal country
+the sound of distant rifle-firing mingling with the roll of the thunder.
+Ere long they knew that every man would be fighting for his life against
+the great hordes of invaders who would descend upon them swiftly and
+mercilessly. Across the country from the Peak away to Chester, the
+Briton bravely faced his foe, anxious and vigilant, awaiting
+breathlessly the progress of events.
+
+Thus passed the stormy, oppressive night, till the grey dawn of a
+fateful day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS.
+
+
+With the first streak of daylight the anxious, excited crowds of men and
+women, surging up and down the principal streets of Manchester, were
+alarmed by the sounds of heavy firing. A terrible panic instantly
+ensued. The battle had actually commenced!
+
+Half-starved operatives, with pale, wan faces, stood in groups in
+Deansgate, Market Street, Piccadilly, and London Road, while men, armed
+with any weapons they could obtain, rushed out along the main roads to
+the south of the city to assist in its defence. Lancashire men exhibited
+commendable patriotism, even though they had not hesitated to criticise
+the administration of our War Department; for now at the critical hour
+not a man flinched from his duty, both old and young taking up arms for
+their country's honour.
+
+During the eventful night at all approaches to the city from the south
+the roads had been thrown into a state of hasty defence. A formidable
+barricade had been constructed at a point in the Stretford Road close to
+the Botanical Gardens to prevent the enemy from advancing up the Chester
+or Stretford New Roads; another was thrown up at the junction of
+Chorlton Road, Withington Road, Upper Chorlton Road, and Moss Lane West;
+a third opposite Rusholme Hall prevented any march up the Wilmslow Road;
+while others of minor strength blocked the Anson Road close to the Elms,
+the London Road at Longsight, the Hyde Road opposite Belle Vue Prison,
+and at Ivy Place in the Ashton Old Road.
+
+These had all been raised out of any materials that came to hand.
+Barrels, brick rubbish, planks, doors, flooring of houses hastily torn
+up, and scaffold poles lashed together; in fact, the barriers were huge
+piles of miscellaneous and portable articles, even furniture from
+neighbouring houses being utilised, while lengths of iron railings and
+wire torn from fences played an important part in these hastily-built
+defences. Behind them, armed with rifles, shot-guns, pistols, knives,
+and any other weapon that came handiest, the men of Manchester waited,
+breathlessly impatient in the expectation of attack.
+
+As dawn spread bright and rosy, and the mist cleared from the low
+meadows beside the Mersey, the distant firing was continuous, and the
+one or two shells that fell and burst in the centre of the city were
+precursory of an awful sanguinary struggle. Scarcely a person in that
+densely populated area had slept that night, and the streets were
+everywhere full, the most exciting and heartrending scenes being
+witnessed.
+
+A great crowd that assembled in Albert Square was addressed by the Mayor
+from the steps of the Town Hall, and urged to strain every muscle to
+drive back the invaders, in order that the disaster at Birmingham should
+not be repeated. Even as he spoke, in the interval of wild cheering and
+the energetic singing of the National Anthem and "Rule, Britannia," the
+distant crackling of rifles and the low booming of field guns could be
+heard.
+
+It was the din of battle--the catastrophe caused by the cunning spy Von
+Beilstein, who was still living in luxury in London, and who still posed
+as the friend of Geoffrey Engleheart and Violet Vayne!
+
+Geoffrey was still with the Volunteers assisting in the defence of
+London, but the French spy who had sent the forged orders to our Navy
+had apparently made good his escape.
+
+Here, in Manchester, the sound of the guns aroused that patriotic
+enthusiasm latent in the heart of every Briton. True, they were weary,
+famished, ill from lack of food, yet they were fiercely determined that
+the invader should never tread their streets, nor should incendiaries
+burn or Russian artillery destroy their handsome buildings--monuments of
+England's wealth and greatness. In St. Peter's Square, at a mass meeting
+attended by nearly twelve thousand people, a demonstration was made
+against the enemy, and it was resolved that every man should act his
+part in the struggle, and that no quarter should be shown the legions of
+the Tsar; while at another impromptu meeting held in Piccadilly, in the
+open space opposite the Infirmary, the conduct of the Russians before
+Birmingham was denounced; and some speakers, using violent language,
+lashed their hearers into a frenzy of mad excitement, causing an eager
+rush to the barricades in readiness for the terrible fray.
+
+As the sun shone out pale and yellow in the stormy sky, the fighting
+spread quickly down the Mersey banks from Haughton away to Flixton. It
+became fiercest around Stockport, and over the level pastures the white
+smoke of rifles puffed from every bush, wall, and fence.
+
+The Russians were the superior force, for, while all were trained
+soldiers, not more than a third of the defenders had taken the Queen's
+shilling, and not more than half of them had ever had an hour's drill in
+their lives. They were simply volunteers who had found their own arms
+and banded for the defence of their homes.
+
+The soldiers of the Tsar, trained under the most rigorous discipline,
+had considerably improved in tactics, in drill, and in munitions of war
+since the Crimea,--a fact overlooked by the majority of Britons,--and
+they had now taken possession of every strategical position where
+batteries might be established. After fierce fighting over Lyme Park
+across to Norbury Hall, in which the Russians lost very heavily owing to
+the British gun fire from the railway embankment, a great charge was
+made by an enormous body of infantry, who succeeded, after several
+futile attempts, in carrying the position, and driving the British
+artillerymen back to the road which runs from Stockport to Marple.
+
+The embankment which thus fell into the hands of the Muscovite infantry
+formed one of the strongest defences of Stockport, therefore they at
+once moved the guns up towards Davenport Station, and commenced shelling
+the city with the defenders' own guns!
+
+The panic caused in Stockport was awful, when without warning shells
+commenced to explode in the crowded barricaded streets, but the Russians
+were not allowed to have things their own way for long. The British
+batteries on the opposite railway embankment between Heaton Norris and
+New Mills formed up at the junction almost opposite Davenport, and
+opened a terrific fire upon the captured guns.
+
+For half an hour this continued, and the Russians, standing in an
+exposed position right on the sky-line, were being swept away by British
+shells, when suddenly the enemy were joined by reinforcements, whereupon
+a small force of British infantry, who had been brought quickly along,
+unperceived by the enemy from Marple, suddenly swarmed up the embankment
+at Norbury, and, charging along to the Russian position, added a strong
+rifle fire to that of their artillery.
+
+The officer commanding the British batteries watched the infantry
+advance through his field glass, and in a few minutes suddenly ceased
+his fire, so as to allow the infantry to make the dash for which they
+were preparing. A heliograph signal was flashed from the batteries, and
+then, without hesitation, the order was given to charge.
+
+It was a terribly exciting moment. If they succeeded they would in all
+probability save Stockport. If they were driven back the town was
+doomed.
+
+With admirable pluck the British rushed upon the guns, and for a few
+minutes there was a fierce struggle hand to hand. Russians, although
+making a most desperate stand, were every moment being impaled on
+British bayonets, or, pierced by bullets, they rolled down the slopes
+into ditches covered in stagnant slime. Hacked to pieces by the small
+but gallant force of Britons, the enemy were forced at last to give in
+and retire, leaving more than half their number killed; but with
+admirable tact, the fugitives were forced down the bank nearest the
+British batteries. Thus they fell into a trap, for as soon as they
+attempted to recover themselves, and make a dash to reorganise their
+line of communications, two British Maxims uttered their sharp rattle,
+and the whole force were simply mowed down where they stood.
+
+The fight had been a most desperate one, but, thanks to the heroic
+charge of the British infantry, Stockport was again safe, and the guns
+once more in the hands of her defenders.
+
+Meanwhile, fighting of the fiercest possible description was taking
+place across the meadows lying between Norbury and Bramhall, and the
+Russians, unable to withstand the withering British fire, were gradually
+forced back to Cheadle Hulme, where they were surprised by the defenders
+and utterly routed. So great was the slaughter, that it is estimated
+that in this engagement alone, after the recapture of the guns by the
+British, over 4000 Russians were shot down and 3000 taken prisoners!
+
+The Russians, finding how desperate was the resistance, and how heavily
+they were losing, quickly brought up strong reinforcements upon Cheadle,
+and, after a fiercely-contested conflict, succeeded in driving back the
+small British force, they being compelled to retreat back over the
+Mersey to Parr's Wood and Didsbury, afterwards blowing up the bridges,
+and keeping up a hot fire from the bank, where a large body of
+Volunteers were already entrenched. By this means, although they were
+unable to save Cheadle from being burned, they succeeded, by reason of
+the excellence of their position and the admirable tactics they
+displayed, in mowing down another 2000 of the Tsar's soldiers. In this
+instance the laurels remained with a portion of the Manchester Volunteer
+Brigade, the effect of whose rifle fire was appalling.
+
+It was now about ten o'clock, and the sky had cleared for a brilliant
+day. At Chapel-en-le-Frith a large detachment of Cossacks had been swept
+away by a body of British Hussars who had suddenly descended upon
+Whitehough, while almost at the same moment a British battery that had
+been hastily established on Chinley Churn succeeded in wiping out a
+body of infantry that was advancing with all speed in the neighbourhood
+of Yeardsley Hall. But one of the most sanguinary portions of the battle
+was the conflict which spread westward from Cheadle across to
+Altrincham, Lymm, and Warrington. Already Altrincham had fallen. The
+fine villas of wealthy Manchester tradesmen and manufacturers, deserted
+by their owners, had been entered by the uncouth Muscovites and sacked.
+Every nook and corner had been searched for plate, jewellery, and money,
+paintings had been ruthlessly torn down, furniture broken and burned,
+and Russian troopers had made merry in many a handsome drawing-room. Old
+Field Hall and Timperly Hall had both been ransacked and set on fire
+with petroleum, while every house at Dunham Massey had been destroyed by
+incendiaries.
+
+Elated over their successes, the Russians were collecting their forces
+preparatory to a decisive rush over the Mersey to Stretford, intending
+to take that place, and advance by that route upon Manchester. The
+defenders, who had been warned of this through spies, awaited their
+chance, and suddenly, when the Russians least expected an attack, a body
+of British cavalry, backed by infantry, crossed the Mersey, and sweeping
+down the level turnpike road to Sale, came upon their opponents before
+they were aware of their presence. The effect of this was frightful. A
+small body of British Hussars, with some Lancashire Yeomanry, made a
+splendid charge, exhibiting magnificent courage, and cut their way clean
+through the Russian lines with irresistible force; while the infantry,
+advancing cautiously, and taking every advantage of the small cover
+afforded on that level country, poured forth a deadly rifle fire.
+Indeed, so gallant was this charge, that the Tsar's forces were almost
+annihilated. They endeavoured to make a stand near the cross-roads
+leading from Carrington Moss, but the rifle fire of the defenders was so
+heavy that they dropped by hundreds under the deadly rain of British
+bullets.
+
+The disaster to the Russians being signalled back by them to their
+reserves at Tatton Park and around Knutsford, had the effect of bringing
+up an enormous force of infantry. Signallers were at work in all
+directions, and those who watched the progress of the action found the
+next two hours full of exciting moments. It was apparent at once that
+the Russians had marked out Stretford as the gate by which they intended
+to enter Manchester, but they must have been misled by their spies as to
+the strength of the defenders in this direction.
+
+Indeed, if they had surveyed the whole of the southern line defending
+the city, they could not have discovered a point more strongly
+fortified; therefore it was a somewhat curious fact that they should
+have concentrated their forces upon that part. Possibly it was because
+they had formed an opinion by studying their Ordnance Maps--so
+generously provided for them by the British Department of Agriculture at
+a cost of one shilling each--that, if they succeeded in breaking the
+defence at Stretford, they would also secure the road running in a
+circular direction up to Barton, by which means they could enter
+Manchester by way of Eccles, Pendleton, and Salford at the same time as
+the march through Trafford. Such a design was, of course, cleverly
+planned. It must be admitted that, from a strategical point of view, the
+taking of Stretford would mean the fall of Manchester, a fact which the
+Russian commanding officer had not overlooked.
+
+But the soldiers of the Tsar had reckoned without their hosts. They only
+saw along the Mersey a thin and apparently weak line of defence, a
+massing of defenders without undue ostentation and without any
+particular show of strength. A balloon sent up by the Russians to
+reconnoitre from Sale had been fired at and brought down by the
+defenders, but with this exception scarcely a shot had been fired north
+of the Mersey. Britons were watching and waiting. Their foe, ridiculing
+the idea that a town like Manchester, almost utterly devoid of positions
+whereon batteries might be established, could be successfully defended,
+therefore kept up a desultory fire upon the British detachment that had
+swept away their advance guard, in the meantime covering the massing of
+their enormous force. This latter consisted of Cossacks, guards,
+infantry, artillery, and two companies of engineers, with pontoon
+sections, as well as a ballooning party and two field hospitals.
+
+The British detachment that had crossed the river were, however, unaware
+of the enemy's intention until too late. The manoeuvres of the Russians
+were being watched by a British balloon sent up from Old Trafford, but
+the signals made by the aeronaut were unfortunately unobserved by the
+party, so desperately were they fighting; otherwise a disaster which
+befell them on the sudden rush of the enemy towards the river might
+possibly have been averted. However, no blame could be attached to the
+officer in charge of the detachment. The men acted their part bravely,
+and displayed that courage of which the Briton speaks with justifiable
+pride, even though, alas! they fell, every one of them fighting till the
+last, their bodies being afterwards frightfully mangled by horses'
+hoofs, as hundreds of Cossacks rode over them. Not a man of that party
+escaped, but each one had once more shown the world what pluck and
+courage could accomplish, and had gone to his grave as a sacrifice for
+his country and his Queen.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS.
+
+
+Noon came and went. The fighting grew fiercer around Manchester, and the
+excitement more intense within the barricaded, starving city. Through
+the wildly agitated crowds of women of all classes, from manufacturers'
+wives to factory girls, who moved up and down Deansgate, Market Street,
+and many other principal thoroughfares, feverishly anxious for the
+safety of their husbands and brothers manning the improvised defences,
+rumours of terrible disaster spread like wildfire, and caused loud
+wailing and lamentation.
+
+Now rumour told of huge British successes away beyond the Mersey, a
+report which elated the pale-faced hungry ones, but this being followed
+quickly by a further report that a force of the defenders had been cut
+up and utterly annihilated outside Eccles, the cheering died away, and
+give place to deep, long-drawn sighs and murmurings of despair.
+
+Upon the dusty, perspiring throngs the hot noonday sun beat down
+mercilessly, the low rumbling of artillery sounded gradually closer and
+more distinct, and the smoke of burning buildings in Sale and Altrincham
+slowly ascending hung in the clear sky a black ominous cloud.
+
+By about two o'clock the line of defence south of the Mersey had been
+nearly all withdrawn, leaving, however, the defending line running
+south-east of Stockport to Buxton and the Peak. Although Cheadle had
+fallen into the enemy's hands, an English battery, established near
+the railway at Bamford, commanded the road from Cheadle to Stockport,
+and British infantry, supported by artillery, were strongly entrenched
+from Bramhall Moor through Norbury, Poynton, Wardsend, Booth Green, and
+Bollington, then turning east through Macclesfield Forest to Buxton.
+This line was being hourly strengthened, and although not strong enough
+to take the offensive, it was too strong for the Russians to attack.
+
+[Illustration: GALLANT STAND BY CYCLISTS IN PARR WOOD.]
+
+All the bridges over the Mersey, from Glazebrook to Stockport, had been
+prepared for demolition, but it was not intended to carry this out
+except as a last resource. Cavalry and cyclist scouts who were left on
+the south of the Mersey had withdrawn across the bridges, after
+exchanging shots with the skirmishers of the advance guards of the enemy
+who quickly lined the banks. The bridges north of Cheadle were then
+blown up, and the defenders were well posted in Parr Wood, near where it
+was believed the enemy would attempt to ford the river. The Russians
+contented themselves with exchanging a few shots with the defenders
+until half an hour later, when some of their batteries had been
+established, and then the passage of the Mersey at Northenden was
+commenced, under cover of the guns of the Russians near the Convalescent
+Hospital, north of Cheadle.
+
+As soon as the Russian scouts approached the river three British
+outposts could be seen in the wood. They were, however, driven in by
+some Cossacks, who forded the river and attempted to enter the wood, but
+were all immediately killed by hidden skirmishers. The Russian engineers
+were meanwhile busy building a pontoon bridge, which they soon
+completed, and they then crossed after a short opposition, rapidly
+deploying to right and left in order to surround Didsbury.
+
+This, the first force to cross the Mersey, consisted of two battalions
+of the Kazan Regiment and two battalions of the Vladimir, with two
+9-pounder and one 6-pounder field batteries and 100 cavalry. Didsbury
+had been put in a state of hasty defence, and was held by two battalions
+of the defenders, who also established a Volunteer battery at Bank
+Hall, and lined the railway embankment in force as far as
+Chorlton-with-Hardy.
+
+The enemy's battery at the Convalescent Home had rendered the wood
+almost untenable, but it was soon silenced by the well-directed fire of
+the British Volunteer battery, and the wood was then re-entered by the
+defenders. By this time, however, a large number of the enemy had taken
+up positions in it, and the British were once more gradually driven
+back.
+
+One section, consisting of six cyclists, with a light machine gun
+mounted on a double cycle, was told off under Sergeant Irons of the
+Royal Lancaster, to defend a junction of two paths about half-way
+through the dense wood, and as the latter was still occupied by the
+defenders, the enemy could only make slow progress, and the cavalry
+could only move by the paths.
+
+Irons, taking advantage of a bend in the path, dismounted his men, who,
+having drawn up their cycles under cover, were formed up each side of
+the road to support the gun. About thirty Russian dragoons, with their
+infantry, who were working through the wood, were soon upon them, and,
+seeing such a small force barring the way, the cavalry charged.
+
+They, however, met with such a terribly hot reception that only two
+reached the guns, and these were immediately shot. The stand made by
+these seven men was a most noteworthy instance of the indomitable
+courage of the defenders. In those critical moments they remained calm
+and collected, obeying the orders of their sergeant as coolly as if they
+had been drilling in the barrack square. But their position was one of
+momentarily increasing peril, for bullets whistled about them, and the
+force against them was an overwhelming one. The Russian horses and men
+who had fallen blocked the road, and Irons therefore gave the order to
+fall in, as the sound of firing had now drawn many of the enemy's
+skirmishers towards the spot.
+
+Irons then re-formed his squad, one of whom had been shot and another
+wounded, and, taking the wounded man with them, retired. Just as they
+were moving off the corporal was wounded in the shoulder, and Irons
+himself received a bullet in the left arm. About two hundred yards
+nearer Didsbury there was a clearing, with farm buildings on both sides
+of the road, and these had been loopholed and occupied by a small force
+of Volunteers. Irons, sending the wounded man on to Didsbury, remained
+here with his gun, and a few minutes later the position was vigorously
+attacked.
+
+The conflict which ensued was of the fiercest description. The mere
+handful of defenders fought with such desperate courage that the great
+body of Russians which surrounded them were from the first moment
+gradually swept away by the steady and precise fire from the farm.
+Around the buildings the enemy swarmed in overwhelming numbers, but
+every man who showed himself was promptly picked off by Britons shooting
+almost as coolly as if they were competing for prizes at Bisley.
+
+Sergeant Irons' small machine gun, with its single barrel, rattled out
+continuously, shedding its rain of lead in all directions, while from
+muzzles of Martini rifles peeping over walls and from windows there came
+a continuous stream of bullets, which played frightful havoc with the
+foe. Within the first ten minutes two men of the defending force had
+been shot dead and one wounded; still, their comrades never lost heart,
+for they were determined that their position should never fall into the
+enemy's hands. The Russian officer who was directing the operations of
+the attacking party rose and shouted in Russian to encourage his men,
+but in a moment an English bullet struck him, and, with a loud cry, he
+fell forward over the body of a dragoon, shot through the heart.
+
+The stand the cyclists and their companions made was unparalleled. They
+fought on heroically, knowing the importance of the position they held,
+and how, if it were taken, other and more serious British casualties
+must follow. Firing steadily and with caution, they displayed such
+bravery that even the Russians themselves were compelled to secretly
+admire them; and at last, after nearly half an hour's desperate
+fighting, the Tsar's soldiers found themselves so terribly cut up that
+they were forced to retire, leaving more than half their number dead
+and many wounded.
+
+While this had been in progress, the British battery had totally
+destroyed the Russian pontoon, and thus all means of retreat for this
+portion of the invading force were cut off. About ten thousand men had
+crossed the river at this point, and although they had deployed at
+first, they had all been gradually driven into the wood by the fire from
+the railway embankment.
+
+As soon as the pontoon was destroyed, the British commenced to advance
+through the wood, slowly driving back the Russians, who then endeavoured
+to make for Stretford along the north bank of the river; but on seeing
+their intention a brigade of defenders was immediately pushed along the
+railway, and two regiments of cavalry were hurried down the road to
+Chorlton.
+
+These succeeded in heading the enemy, and, suddenly swooping down, they
+destroyed the rest of the Cossacks who had escaped from the wood, as
+well as the remainder of the force who had attacked the farm.
+
+Another British battery was then hurried forward, and after a stubborn
+fight the remainder of the invaders who had crossed surrendered.
+
+In this attack alone the Russians lost in killed and wounded 200 cavalry
+and nearly 2000 infantry and artillery, while Stretford and Stockport
+still remained safe. But along the long line east and west the battle
+raged with increasing fierceness. The conflict was a terrible one on
+every hand.
+
+The town of Lymm had been sacked, and was now burning, while hundreds of
+unoffending men, women, and children living in the quiet Cheshire
+villages had been wantonly massacred by the Muscovites. The latter were,
+however, now suffering well-merited punishment, for in this bloody
+battle they were falling dead in hundreds.
+
+The Russian Eagle was at last being forced to bite the dust!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY.
+
+
+The long blazing day was one of many battles and much toilsome combat.
+
+Fighting spread over a front of nearly nine miles, and during the
+engagement one wing of the Russians was swung across three miles. Hour
+after hour the tremendous warfare raged between the armies of Queen
+Victoria and the Tsar, and the bloodshed was everywhere terrible.
+
+Small parties of the Russian Telegraph Corps had ferried over the Ship
+Canal and the Mersey near Latchford, and wires were run out, and posts
+established connecting the headquarters at Altrincham, on the south of
+the river, with the well-advanced guard stations on the Liverpool Road
+towards Manchester at Woolstone, Hollinfare, and Lower Irlam.
+
+Sending forth a huge division of infantry upon his left, and three
+brigades of cavalry in the centre, the Russian General struck hard at
+the British line between Stretford and Chorlton-with-Hardy.
+
+Meanwhile, beyond Ashton-on-Mersey the battle was also growing in
+intensity, and rifle and cannon were noisily engaged. A strong force of
+Russian infantry was at once pushed across to Partington, where they
+succeeded in crossing the Ship Canal and the Mersey, subsequently
+joining their advance guard at Lower Irlam.
+
+The British reserves at Newton-in-Makerfield, however, swept down upon
+them, and a terrible fight quickly ensued. The defenders advanced very
+steadily by section rushes, keeping under good firing discipline as they
+went, and the enemy were driven on towards Flixton, where they were
+simply swept away by the 12-pounder batteries established there, while
+at the same time their wires crossing the Mersey were cut, and
+communication with their headquarters thus interrupted.
+
+While this was in progress, another and more important attack was being
+made on Stretford. The heavy artillery fire and the affairs of outposts
+in the earlier stages of the battle had been followed by a
+carefully-regulated long-range fire of infantry on both sides.
+
+The tactics the Russians had displayed were as follows:--They had
+gradually developed their infantry in front of the Stretford position,
+and brought their pontoons in readiness for a dash over the river. Then,
+after some tentative movements, designed to feel the strength of our
+forces massed at this important point, they apparently determined to
+carry it at any cost.
+
+On their right flank the enemy were losing very heavily. A telegraphic
+message received at Altrincham gave the headquarters alarming news of
+constant reverses. A strong force of infantry marching along the banks
+of the Etherow from Compstall, intending to get to Hyde by way of
+Mottram and Godley Junction, had been attacked by British infantry and a
+couple of 9-pounders, and totally annihilated; while at the same time,
+about a thousand men attacking a British battery on the hill at
+Charlesworth had been cut up and forced to retreat, being followed by
+some Lancers right down to Ludworth Houses, where they were nearly all
+killed or wounded.
+
+Indeed, times without number during that memorable day the Russians made
+fierce attacks upon our positions on the edge of the Peak district, but
+on each occasion they were hurled back with fearful loss by the thin
+line of defenders holding the high ground.
+
+A battery we had established on the crown of the hill at Werneth was
+charged again and again by Cossacks and Dragoons, but our men,
+displaying cool courage at the critical moments, fought desperately, and
+mowed down the foe in a manner that was remarkable.
+
+The Russians, having decided to carry Stretford, were making vigorous
+demonstrations towards the Peak, and in the direction of Flixton, in
+order to distract our attention. They occupied us at many points in the
+vast semicircle, and by thus engaging us all along the line, endeavoured
+apparently to prevent us from reinforcing the point at Stretford which
+they intended gaining. Both invaders and defenders gradually extended in
+order to meet outflanking movements, and this was the cause of another
+sudden British success. It was a foregone conclusion that such an
+extension would exceed the limits of defensive power on one side or the
+other, and then blows would be struck with the object of breaking the
+too extended line.
+
+What occurred is, perhaps, best related by one of the special
+correspondents of the _Daily News_, who, in his account of the battle,
+published two days later, said--
+
+"About three o'clock I was at Barton with the force of infantry who were
+holding the road to Warrington, when we unexpectedly received
+telegraphic information from headquarters of a rapid extension of the
+enemy's left flank. A brigade which I accompanied was pushed on at once
+down to Hollinfare, where we reinforced those who had been so successful
+in cutting up the enemy at Lower Irlam half an hour before. We then
+extended along the Liverpool Road, past Warrington, as far as Widnes. I
+remained with a small detachment at Hollinfare awaiting developments,
+when suddenly we were informed that the enemy had thrown a pontoon
+bridge over the Mersey at its confluence with the Bollin, and that a
+great body of infantry, with machine guns, had left Lymm, where they had
+been lying inactive, and were already crossing. There were not more than
+one hundred of us, mostly men of the Loyal Lancashire from Preston and a
+few of the Manchester Regiment; but at the word of command we dashed
+down the road for nearly a mile, and then leaving it, doubled across the
+fields to Rixton Old Hall, where we obtained cover.
+
+"The Russians had chosen the most advantageous spot they could find to
+cross, for on the opposite bank there was a small thick wood, and in
+this they remained quite concealed until they suddenly dashed out and
+got across. Numbers had already reached our side and were deploying,
+when our rifles spoke out sharply, and, judging from the manner in which
+the enemy were exposed, our fire was quite unexpected. About thirty of
+our men, kneeling behind a wall, kept up a vigorous fire, emptying their
+magazines with excellent effect upon the grey-coats swarming over the
+improvised bridge.
+
+"Still it was impossible to keep them back, for the force effecting a
+passage was very much larger than we had anticipated.
+
+"A few minutes later, having ascertained the extent of the attack, our
+signallers opened communication with Higher Irlam, and the information
+was conveyed on to Barton, whence the heliograph flashed the news down
+to Stretford.
+
+"Suddenly, however, in the midst of a shady clump of trees there was a
+loud rattle and continuous flashing. The enemy had brought a
+10-barrelled Nordenfelt into play, and it was raining bullets upon us at
+the rate of a thousand a minute!
+
+"The wall behind which I was crouching was struck by a perfect hail of
+lead, and there was a loud whistling about my ears that was particularly
+disconcerting. Nevertheless our men had in their sudden dash for the
+defence secured an excellent position, and only three were killed and
+five wounded by this sudden outburst.
+
+"The struggle during the next few minutes was the most desperate I have
+ever witnessed. At the moment of peril our men displayed magnificent
+pluck. They seemed utterly unconcerned at their imminent danger, and lay
+or crouched, firing independently with calm precision. A dozen or so
+fell wounded, however, and a sergeant who knelt next to me, and who was
+shooting through a hole in the wall, was shot through the heart, and
+fell dead while in the act of making an observation to me.
+
+"The men who had attacked us were a fierce-looking set, mostly composed
+of Tchuwakes and Mordwa from the central district of the Volga, and
+renowned as among the best infantry that the Tsar can command.
+
+"Rifles bristled from every bit of cover around us, and it was really
+marvellous that we scored such success. Indeed, it was only by reason of
+the courageous conduct of every individual man that the successful stand
+was made against such overwhelming numbers. We knew that if the enemy
+forced the passage and annihilated us, they would then be enabled to
+outflank our force, and get round to Eccles and Pendlebury--a disaster
+which might result in the rapid investment of Manchester. Therefore we
+fought on, determined to do our very utmost to stem the advancing tide
+of destroyers.
+
+"Time after time our rifles rattled, and time after time the deadly
+Nordenfelt sent its hail of bullets around us. Presently, however, we
+heard increased firing on our right, and then welcome signals reached us
+from Martinscroft Green. We greeted them with loud cheering, for a force
+of our infantry and cavalry had returned along the road from Warrington,
+and, working in extended order, were bearing down upon the foe.
+
+"We ceased firing in that direction, and ere long we had the
+satisfaction of seeing the enemy's pontoon blown up, and then, with
+their retreat cut off, they became demoralised, and were driven into the
+open, where we picked them off so rapidly that scarcely one man of the
+1500 who had set his foot upon the Lancashire bank survived.
+
+"From first to last our men fought magnificently. The whole engagement
+was a brilliant and almost unequalled display of genuine British
+bravery, and all I can hope is that the defenders of London will act
+their part with equal courage when the decisive struggle comes."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED.
+
+
+While this vigorous attack on the right flank was in progress, the enemy
+made a sudden dash upon Stretford.
+
+The edge of the town itself--or rather suburb--lies but a short distance
+from the Mersey, and the turnpike road runs straight away over the river
+through Sale and Altrincham to Northwich. At the end of the town nearest
+the river a road leading down from Barton joins the main road, and at
+the junction is a large red-brick modern hotel, the Old Cock, while
+adjoining is the Manchester Tramway Company's stable and terminus. At a
+little distance behind lies a high embankment, which carries the railway
+from Manchester to Liverpool, while the Mersey itself, though not wide,
+has steep banks with earthworks thrown up to prevent floods. Hence the
+force holding this position found ready-made defences which were now of
+the utmost value.
+
+The defenders here included three batteries of Royal Artillery, one
+battalion of the Manchester Regiment, the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the
+same regiment, and one of the Lancashire Fusiliers, a field company of
+Engineers, half the 14th (King's) Hussars with their machine gun
+section, and a company of signallers. Trenches had been dug at various
+points, and earthworks thrown up all along the line from Chorlton over
+to Flixton. Across the junction of the two roads opposite the Old Cock a
+great barricade had been constructed, and behind this was a powerful
+battery that commanded the level country away towards Altrincham. The
+bridges carrying the road and railway over the river had both been
+demolished by engineers, and many other precautions had been taken to
+prevent the enemy forcing a passage across.
+
+At last, with a swiftness that was surprising, the expected assault was
+made. Its strength was terrific, and the carnage on both sides
+appalling.
+
+The first dash across was effected by the Russians from the rifle range
+near Old Hall, and this was rapidly followed by another from the bank
+opposite the battery at Stretford, while further down a third attack was
+made near Mersey House, close to Ashton.
+
+Of the three, the strongest, of course, was that upon Stretford. The
+enemy had, by a good deal of neat manoeuvring, brought their main body
+within the triangle bounded on the one side by the road from Cheadle to
+Altrincham, on the second by the road from the latter place to the
+river, and the third by the river itself.
+
+Pontoons were floated at many points, and while some cavalry forded the
+river, infantry and artillery rapidly crossed in the face of a terrific
+fire which was pouring upon them.
+
+Smokeless powder being used, the positions of the invaders were not
+obscured, and it could be seen that the British were effecting terrible
+execution. Hundreds of the foe who were in the act of crossing were
+picked off, and shells falling upon the pontoons destroyed them. The
+latter, however, were quickly replaced, and the force of the Tsar, by
+reason of the overwhelming numbers that had hurled themselves upon
+Stretford, succeeded, after a desperately-contested fight, in breaking
+the line of defence between Chorlton-with-Hardy and Fallowfield, and
+advancing by short rushes upon Manchester.
+
+But the British infantry in their trenches behaved splendidly, and made
+the roads from Old Hall at Sale right along to Partington quite
+untenable, so the continuous advance of the enemy cost them very dearly.
+
+Russian shells bursting in Stretford killed and injured large numbers
+of the defenders. Two of them struck the Old Cock in rapid succession,
+almost completely demolishing it, but the debris was quickly manned, and
+rifles soon spoke from its ruined walls. Again, a shell exploding in the
+large tram stables, set a hay store on fire, and this burned furiously,
+while away in the centre of the town the Public Library and a number of
+shops in the vicinity had also been ignited in a similar manner.
+
+At last the thousands of grey-coats swarming over the country fell in
+such enormous numbers upon the British rifle pits on the Mersey bank,
+that the first line of defence was at length utterly broken down; but in
+doing this the enemy's front had become much exposed, whereupon the
+Maxims on the railway embankment between the river and Barton suddenly
+burst forth a perfect hail of bullets, and in a short time a whole
+division of Russian infantry, cavalry, and artillery had been literally
+swept out of existence.
+
+The batteries down in the Stretford Road, combined with those on the
+embankment, had up to this moment played greater havoc with the foe than
+any other. The men of the Manchester Regiment, both Regulars and
+Volunteers, were displaying the greatest coolness; but unfortunately the
+Lancashire Fusiliers and the Loyal North Lancashire, who had manned the
+trenches, had been partially annihilated, the majority lying dead, their
+bodies scattered over the level fields and roads. Yet, notwithstanding
+the strenuous opposition of the British batteries at this point, the
+Russians were bringing up huge reinforcements from Altrincham, Cheadle,
+and Northenden, and by establishing strong batteries commanding
+Stretford, they at last, about five o'clock, succeeded in killing nearly
+half the gallant defenders, and driving back the survivors up the Barton
+Road.
+
+The tide of grey-coats rushing onward, captured the British guns, and
+although the batteries on the railway embankment still held out, and the
+enemy suffered heavily from their Maxims, yet they pressed on into
+Stretford town, and commenced to sack it. Messrs. Williams, Deacon's
+Bank, was entered, the safes blown open, and large sums in gold and
+notes abstracted, shops were entered and looted, and houses ransacked
+for jewellery.
+
+Thus Stretford fell.
+
+Its streets ran with blood; and on, over the bodies of its brave
+defenders, the hordes of the Great White Tsar marched towards
+Manchester.
+
+Meanwhile the British batteries on the railway embankment had also
+fallen into the hands of the Russians, who were now driving the
+survivors over towards Barton. They did not, however, retreat without a
+most desperate resistance. A row of thatched and white-washed cottages
+at the bend of the road they held for a long time, emptying their
+magazine rifles with deadly effect upon their pursuers, but at last they
+were driven north, and half an hour later joined their comrades who had
+massed at Barton, but who had been attacked in great force and fallen
+back in good order to Pendleton.
+
+By this time the enemy, having pierced the line of outposts, had
+occupied Barton and Eccles. At the former place they had set on fire a
+number of factories, and out of mere desire to cause as much damage to
+property as possible, they had blown up both the bridge that carried the
+road over the Ship Canal, and also destroyed the magnificent swinging
+aqueduct which carried the Bridgewater Canal over the other.
+
+This great triumph of engineering--one of the most successful feats of
+the decade--was blown into the air by charges of gun-cotton, and now lay
+across the Ship Canal a heap of fallen masonry and twisted iron
+cantilevers, while the water from the Bridgewater Canal was pouring out
+in thousands of tons, threatening to flood the surrounding district, and
+the church opposite had been wrecked by the terrific force of the
+explosion.
+
+A frightful panic had been caused in Manchester by these reverses. The
+scenes in the streets were indescribable. At the barricades, however,
+the enemy met with a desperate resistance.
+
+Three great columns were marching on Manchester at that moment. The
+first, having broken the line of defence near Fallowfield, divided into
+two divisions; one, advancing up the Wilmslow Road, stormed the great
+barricade opposite Rusholme Hall, while the other appeared on the
+Withington Road, and commenced to engage the defences that had been
+thrown across Moss Lane and Chorlton Road. The second column advanced to
+where Eccles Old Road joins Broad Street at Pendleton; and the third,
+sweeping along up the Stretford Road, met with a terrific resistance at
+the Botanic Gardens at Trafford, the walls of which, on either side of
+the road, were loopholed and manned by infantry and artillery; while
+opposite, the Blind Asylum was held by a regiment of infantry, and a
+strong barricade, with a battery of 12-pounders, had been established a
+little further towards the city, at the junction of the Chester and
+Stretford New Roads.
+
+The enemy advanced here in enormous force; but, seeing the formidable
+defences, a number of cavalry and infantry turned off along the Trafford
+Road, blew up the bridge of the Ship Canal in order to prevent a
+pursuing force of British cavalry from following, and after setting fire
+to the great dock warehouses and crowd of idle ships, continued along to
+Eccles New Road, where, however, they were met by another force of our
+Hussars, and totally routed and cut up.
+
+From this point the tide of battle turned. It was already half-past
+five, and the sun was sinking when the Russian forces prepared for their
+final onslaught. Cossacks and Dragoons charged again and again, and
+infantry with bayonets fixed rushed onward to the barricades in huge
+grey legions, only to be met by a sweeping rain of British bullets,
+which filled the roads with great heaps of dead. In these defences,
+rendered doubly strong by the patriotic action of the stalwart civilians
+of Manchester, the invaders could make no breach, and before every one
+of them they fell in thousands.
+
+The men in the entrenchments saw the foe were falling back, and found
+the attack growing weaker. Then signals were made, and they raised a
+long hearty cheer when the truth was flashed to them.
+
+[Illustration: RUSSIANS ATTACKING THE BARRICADE IN STRETFORD ROAD,
+MANCHESTER.]
+
+The news was inspiriting, and they fought on with redoubled energy, for
+they knew that the great body of reserves from Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde,
+and Compstall, as well as those who had been occupying the hills on the
+edge of the Peak, had been pushed right past Stretford to Barton, and
+were now advancing like a huge fan, outflanking the Russians and
+attacking them in their rear.
+
+The British tactics were excellent, for while the invaders were attacked
+by cavalry and infantry on the one side, the defenders manning the
+barricades made a sudden sortie, cutting their way into them with
+bayonet rushes which they could not withstand, and which had a terribly
+fatal effect.
+
+The Tsar's forces, unable to advance or retreat, and being thus
+completely surrounded, still fought on, and as they refused to
+surrender, were literally massacred by thousands by British troops,
+while many guns and horses were captured, thousands of rounds of
+ammunition seized, and many men taken prisoners.
+
+The fight in that evening hour was the most fiercely contested of any
+during that day. The fate of Manchester was in the hands of our gallant
+soldiers, who, although necessarily losing heavily before such an
+enormous army, behaved with a courage that was magnificent, and which
+was deserving the highest commendation that could be bestowed.
+
+As dusk gathered into darkness, the enemy were being forced back towards
+the Mersey over the roads they had so recently travelled, but still
+fighting, selling their lives dearly. The highways and fields were
+strewn with their dead and dying, for while infantry fired into their
+front from the cover of houses and walls, our cavalry, with whirling
+sabres, fell upon them and hacked them to pieces. Neither Cossacks nor
+Dragoons proved a match for our Hussars, Lancers, and Yeomanry, and even
+in face of the machine guns which the Russians brought into play in an
+endeavour to break the line and escape, our infantry dashed on with
+grand and magnificent charges, quickly seizing the Nordenfelts, turning
+their own guns against them, and letting loose a fire that mowed down
+hundreds.
+
+Across the neighbouring country our forces swept in good attack
+formation, and all along that great line, nearly six miles in length,
+the slaughter of Russians was frightful.
+
+In the falling gloom fire flashed from the muzzles of rifles, cannon,
+and machine guns, and far above the terrible din sounded shrill cries of
+pain and hoarse shouts of despair as the great Army that had devastated
+our beloved country with fire and sword was gradually annihilated. In
+those roads in the south of the city the scenes of bloodshed were awful,
+as a force of over 20,000 Russians were slaughtered because they would
+not yield up their arms.
+
+Outside Stretford a last desperate stand was made, but ere long some
+British cavalry came thundering along, and cut them down in a frightful
+manner, while about the same time a Russian flying column was
+annihilated over at Davy-Hulme; away at Carrington a retreating brigade
+of infantry which had escaped over the river was suddenly pounced upon
+by the defenders and slaughtered; and at Altrincham the enemy's
+headquarters were occupied, and the staff taken prisoners. Ere the
+Russian General could be forced to surrender, however, he placed a
+revolver to his head, and in full view of a number of his officers, blew
+his brains out.
+
+Then, when the moon shone out from behind a dark bank of cloud just
+before midnight, she shed her pale light upon the wide battlefield on
+both sides of the Mersey, whereon lay the bodies of no fewer than 30,000
+Russians and 12,000 British, while 40,000 Russians and 16,000 British
+lay wounded, nearly 10,000 Russians having been disarmed and marched
+into the centre of the city as prisoners.
+
+The victory had only been achieved at the eleventh hour by dint of great
+courage and forethought, and being so swift and effectual it was
+magnificent.
+
+Manchester was safe, and the public rejoicings throughout that night
+were unbounded.
+
+The loss of life was too awful for reflection, for 12,000 of Britain's
+heroes--men who had won the battle--were lying with their white lifeless
+faces upturned to the twinkling stars.
+
+
+
+
+_BOOK III_
+
+_THE VICTORY_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A SHABBY WAYFARER.
+
+
+In Sussex the situation was now most critical. The struggle between the
+French invaders and the line of Volunteers defending London was long and
+desperate, but our civilian soldiers were bearing their part bravely,
+showing how Britons could fight, and day after day repelling the
+repeated assaults with a vigour that at once proved their efficiency.
+
+Three days after the battle at Manchester had been fought and won, a man
+with slouching gait and woeful countenance, attired in a cheap suit of
+shabby grey, stood on the steps of the Granton Hotel, at Granton, and
+with his hands thrust into his pockets gazed thoughtfully out over the
+broad waters of the Firth of Forth, to where the Fifeshire hills loomed
+dark upon the horizon. Slowly his keen eyes wandered away eastward to
+the open sea, an extensive view of which he obtained from the flight of
+steps whereon he stood, and then with a sigh of disappointment he
+buttoned his coat, and, grasping his stick, descended, and walked at a
+leisurely pace along the road through Newhaven to Leith.
+
+"To-night. To-night at sundown!" he muttered to himself, as he bent his
+head to the wind.
+
+Involuntarily he placed his hand to his hip to reassure himself that a
+letter he carried was still safe.
+
+"Bah!" he continued, "I declare I feel quite timid to-night. Everything
+is so quiet here; the houses look deserted, and everybody seems to have
+left the place. Surely they can have no suspicion, and--and if they had?
+What does it matter?--eh, what?"
+
+Quickening his pace, he passed down the long, quaint street of Newhaven,
+lined on each side by ancient fishermen's cottages, and then, crossing
+the railway, passed under the wall of Leith Fort, whereon a couple of
+sentries were pacing. Glancing up at the two artillerymen, with the
+half-dozen obsolete guns behind them, and their background of
+grass-grown mounds and buildings, the wayfarer smiled. He was thinking
+how different would be the scene at this spot ere long.
+
+Leith Fort was a sort of fortified back-garden. The railway ran close to
+the sea, parallel with which was the highway, and upon higher ground at
+the back was a block of buildings, before which a few black old cannon
+were placed in formidable array, and in such a position as to be fully
+exposed to any destructive projectiles fired from the sea.
+
+On went the down-at-heel wayfarer, his shifty eyes ever on the alert,
+viewing with suspicion the one or two persons he met. Apparently he was
+expecting the arrival of some craft, for his gaze was constantly turned
+towards the wide expanse of grey water, eager to detect the smallest
+speck upon the horizon. Any one who regarded him critically might have
+noticed something remarkable about his appearance, yet not even his most
+intimate friends would have recognised in this broken-down, half-starved
+clerk, who had arrived at Granton that morning, after tramping over from
+Glasgow, the popular man-about-town, the Count von Beilstein!
+
+"Those fools will soon be swept away into eternity," he muttered to
+himself, as he glanced back in the direction of the fort. "They will
+have an opportunity of tasting Russian lead, and of practising with
+their guns, which are only fit for a museum. They mount guard to defend
+an attack! Bah! They seek their own destruction, for no force can
+withstand that which will presently appear to give them a sudden
+rousing. They will be elevated--blown into the air, together with their
+miserable guns, their barracks, and the whole of their antiquated
+paraphernalia. And to me the world owes this national catastrophe! I am
+the looker-on. These British have a proverb that the looker-on sees most
+of the game. _Bien! that is full of truth._"
+
+And he chuckled to himself, pursuing his way at the same pace, now and
+then glancing back as if to assure himself that no one dogged his
+footsteps. Darkness had crept on quickly as he passed along through the
+open country at Fillyside and entered Portobello, the little
+watering-place so popular with holiday makers from Edinburgh during the
+summer. Along the deserted promenade he strolled leisurely from end to
+end, and passing out of the town through Joppa, came at length to that
+rugged shore between the Salt Pans and Eastfield. The tide was out, so,
+leaving the road, he walked on in the darkness over the shingles until
+he came to a small cove, and a moment later two men confronted him.
+
+A few sentences in Russian were rapidly exchanged between the spy and
+the men, and then the latter at once guided him to where a boat lay in
+readiness, but concealed. Five minutes later the Count was being rowed
+swiftly but silently away into the darkness by six stalwart men
+belonging to one of the Tsar's battleships.
+
+The oars dipped regularly as the boat glided onwards, but no word was
+exchanged, until about twenty minutes later the men suddenly stopped
+pulling, a rope thrown by a mysterious but vigilant hand whistled over
+their heads and fell across them, and then they found themselves under
+the dark side of a huge ironclad. It was the new battleship, _Admiral
+Orlovski_, which had only just left the Baltic for the first time.
+Without delay the spy climbed on board, and was conducted at once by a
+young officer into the Admiral's private cabin.
+
+A bearded, middle-aged man, in handsome naval uniform, who was poring
+over a chart, rose as he entered. The spy, bowing, said briefly in
+Russian--
+
+"I desire to see Prince Feodor Mazaroff, Admiral of the Fleet."
+
+"I am at your service, m'sieur," the other replied in French, motioning
+him to a chair.
+
+The Count, seating himself, tossed his hat carelessly upon the table,
+explaining that he had been sent by the Russian Intelligence Department
+as bearer of certain important documents which would materially assist
+him in his operations.
+
+"Yes," observed the Prince, "I received a telegram from the Ministry at
+Petersburg before I left Christiansand, telling me to await you here,
+and that you would furnish various information."
+
+"That I am ready to do as far as lies in my power," replied the Count,
+taking from his hip pocket a bulky packet, sealed with three great daubs
+of black wax. This he handed to the Prince, saying, "It contains maps of
+the country between Edinburgh and Glasgow, specially prepared by our
+Secret Service, together with a marked chart of the Firth of Forth, and
+full detailed information regarding the troops remaining to defend this
+district."
+
+The Admiral broke the seals, and glanced eagerly through the contents,
+with evident satisfaction.
+
+"Now, what is the general condition of the south of Scotland?" the
+Prince asked, lounging back, twirling his moustache with a
+self-satisfied air.
+
+"Totally unprepared. It is not believed that any attack will be made.
+The military left north of the Cheviots after mobilisation were sent
+south to assist in the defence of Manchester."
+
+"Let us hope our expedition to-night will meet with success. We are now
+one mile east of Craig Waugh, and in an hour our big guns will arouse
+Leith from its lethargy. You will be able to watch the fun from deck,
+and give us the benefit of your knowledge of the district. Is the fort
+at Leith likely to offer any formidable resistance?" continued the
+Admiral. "I see the information here is somewhat vague upon that
+point."
+
+"The place is useless," replied the spy, as he stretched out his hand
+and took a pencil and paper from the Prince's writing-table. "See! I
+will sketch it for you. In the character of a starving workman who
+desired to volunteer I called there, and succeeded in obtaining a good
+view of the interior. They have a few modern guns, but the remainder are
+old muzzleloaders, which against such guns as you have on board here
+will be worse than useless." And as he spoke he rapidly sketched a plan
+of the defences in a neat and accurate manner, acquired by long
+practice. "The most serious resistance will, however, be offered from
+Inchkeith Island, four miles off Leith. There has lately been
+established there a new fort, containing guns of the latest type. A plan
+of the place, which I succeeded in obtaining a few days ago, is, you
+will find, pinned to the chart of the Firth of Forth."
+
+The Admiral opened out the document indicated, and closely examined the
+little sketch plan appended. On the chart were a number of small squares
+marked in scarlet, surrounded by a blue circle to distinguish them more
+readily from the dots of red which pointed out the position of the
+lights. These squares, prepared with the utmost care by von Beilstein,
+showed the position of certain submarine mines, a plan of which he had
+succeeded in obtaining by one of his marvellous master-strokes of
+finesse.
+
+"Thanks to you, Count, our preparations are now complete," observed the
+Prince, offering the spy a cigarette from his silver case, and taking
+one himself. "Our transports, with three army corps, numbering nearly
+60,000 men and 200 guns, are at the present moment lying 12 miles north
+of the Bass Rock, awaiting orders to enter the Firth, therefore I think
+when we land we shall"--
+
+A ray of brilliant white light streamed for a moment through the port of
+the cabin, and then disappeared.
+
+The Prince, jumping to his feet, looked out into the darkness, and saw
+the long beam sweeping slowly round over the water, lighting up the
+ships of his squadron in rapid succession.
+
+"The search-lights of Inchkeith!" he gasped, with an imprecation. "I had
+no idea we were within their range, but now they have discovered us
+there's no time to be lost. For the present I must leave you. You will,
+of course, remain on board, and land with us"; and a moment later he
+rushed on deck, and shouted an order which was promptly obeyed.
+
+Suddenly there was a low booming, and in another second a column of dark
+water rose as the first shot ricochetted about five hundred yards from
+their bows. Orders shouted in Russian echoed through the ship, numbers
+of signals were exchanged rapidly with the other vessels, and the sea
+suddenly became alive with torpedo boats.
+
+Time after time the British guns sounded like distant thunder, and shots
+fell in the vicinity of the Russian ships. Suddenly, as soon as the men
+were at their quarters, electric signals rang from the conning-tower of
+the _Admiral Orlovski_, and one of her 56-tonners crashed and roared
+from her turret, and a shot sped away towards where the light showed.
+The noise immediately became deafening as the guns from nine other ships
+thundered almost simultaneously, sending a perfect hail of shell upon
+the island fort. In the darkness the scene was one of most intense
+excitement.
+
+For the first time the spy found himself amidst the din of battle, and
+perhaps for the first time in his life his nerves were somewhat shaken
+as he stood in a convenient corner watching the working of one of the
+great guns in the turret, which regularly ran out and added its voice to
+the incessant thunder.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH.
+
+
+All the vessels were now under steam and approaching Inchkeith, when
+suddenly two shells struck the _Admiral Orlovski_ amidships, carrying
+away a portion of her superstructure.
+
+Several of the other vessels were also hit almost at the same moment,
+and shortly afterwards a torpedo boat under the stern of the flagship
+was struck by a shell, and sank with all hands. Time after time the
+Russian vessels poured out their storm of shell upon the fort, now only
+about a mile and a half distant; but the British fire still continued as
+vigorous and more effective than at first.
+
+Again the flagship was struck, this time on the port quarter, but the
+shot glanced off her armour into the sea; while a moment later another
+shell struck one of her fighting tops, and, bursting, wrecked two of the
+machine guns, and killed half a dozen unfortunate fellows who had manned
+them. The debris fell heavily upon the deck, and the disaster, being
+witnessed by the spy, caused him considerable anxiety for his own
+safety.
+
+Even as he looked he suddenly noticed a brilliant flash from one of the
+cruisers lying a little distance away. There was a terrific report, and
+amid flame and smoke wreckage shot high into the air. An explosion had
+occurred in the magazine, and it was apparent the ship was doomed! Other
+disasters to the Russians followed in quick succession. A cruiser which
+was lying near the Herwit light-buoy blazing away upon the fort,
+suddenly rolled heavily and gradually heeled over, the water around her
+being thrown into the air by an explosion beneath the surface. A contact
+mine had been fired, and the bottom of the ship had been practically
+blown out, for a few minutes later she went down with nearly every soul
+on board.
+
+At the moment this disaster occurred, the _Admiral Orlovski_, still
+discharging her heavy guns, was about half-way between the Briggs and
+the Pallas Rock, when a search-light illuminated her from the land, and
+a heavy fire was suddenly opened upon her from Leith Fort.
+
+This was at once replied to, and while five of the vessels kept up their
+fire upon Inchkeith, the three others turned their attention towards
+Leith, and commenced to bombard it with common shell.
+
+How effectual were their efforts the spy could at once see, for in the
+course of a quarter of an hour, notwithstanding the defence offered by
+Leith Fort and several batteries on Arthur's Seat, at Granton Point,
+Wardie Bush, and at Seaside Meadows, near Portobello, fires were
+breaking out in various quarters of the town, and factories and
+buildings were now burning with increasing fury. The great paraffin
+refinery had been set on fire, and the flames, leaping high into the
+air, shed a lurid glare far away over the sea.
+
+Shells, striking the Corn Exchange, wrecked it, and one, flying away
+over the fort, burst in the Leith Distillery, with the result that the
+place was set on fire, and soon burned with almost equal fierceness with
+the paraffin works. The shipping in the Edinburgh, Albert, and Victoria
+Docks was ablaze, and the drill vessel H.M.S. _Durham_ had been
+shattered and was burning. A great row of houses in Lindsay Road had
+fallen prey to the flames, while among the other large buildings on fire
+were the Baltic Hotel, the great goods station of the North British
+Railway, and the National Bank of Scotland.
+
+In addition to being attacked from the forts on the island, and on land,
+the Russians were now being vigorously fired upon by the British
+Coastguard ship _Imperieuse_, which, with the cruiser _Active_, and the
+gunboat cruisers _Cockchafer_, _Firm_, and _Watchful_, had now come
+within range. Soon, however, the enemy were reinforced by several
+powerful vessels, and in the fierce battle that ensued the British ships
+were driven off. Then by reason of the reinforcements which the
+Russians brought up, and the great number of transports which were now
+arriving, the defence, desperate though it had been, alas! broke down,
+and before midnight the invader set his foot upon Scottish soil.
+
+[Illustration: POSITIONS FOR THE DEFENCE OF EDINBURGH.]
+
+Ere the sun rose, a huge force of 60,000 men had commenced a march upon
+Edinburgh and Glasgow!
+
+Events on shore during that never-to-be-forgotten night were well
+described by Captain Tiller of the Royal Artillery, stationed at Leith
+Fort, who, in a letter written to his young wife at Carlisle, on the
+following day, gave the following narrative:--
+
+"Disaster has fallen upon us. The Russians have landed in Scotland, and
+the remnant of our force which was at Leith has fallen back inland. On
+Friday, just after nightfall, we were first apprised of our danger by
+hearing heavy firing from the sea in the direction of Inchkeith Fort,
+and all civilians were sent on inland, while we prepared for the fight.
+
+"Very soon a number of ships were visible, some of them being evidently
+transports, and as they were observed taking soundings, it was clear
+that an immediate landing was intended. Fortunately it was a light
+night, and while two Volunteer field batteries were sent out along the
+coast west to Cramond and east to Fisherrow, we completed our
+arrangements in the fort. With such antiquated weapons as were at our
+disposal defeat was a foregone conclusion, and we knew that to annoy the
+enemy and delay their landing would be the extent of our resistance.
+Some of our guns were, of course, of comparatively recent date, and our
+supply of ammunition was fair, but the Volunteer guns were antiquated
+40-pounder muzzleloaders, which ought to have been withdrawn years ago,
+and the gunners had had very little field training. The arrangements for
+horsing the guns were also very inefficient, and they had no waggons or
+transport. Most of our forces having been drawn south, the only infantry
+available was a battalion and a half--really a provisional battalion,
+for it was composed of portions of two Volunteer rifle regiments, with a
+detachment of Regulars. Our Regular artillery detachment was,
+unfortunately, very inadequate, for although the armament of the fort
+had been recently strengthened, the force had been weakened just before
+the outbreak of war by the despatch of an Indian draft.
+
+"It was apparent that the enemy would not attempt to destroy our
+position, but land and carry it by assault; therefore, while the
+Inchkeith guns kept them at bay, we undermined our fort, opened our
+magazines, and got ready for a little target practice.
+
+"The Volunteer batteries sent eastward had been ordered to do what
+execution they could, and then, in the case of a reverse, to retire
+through Portobello and Duddingston to Edinburgh, and those on the west
+were to go inland to Ratho; while we were resolved to hold the fort as
+long as possible, and if at last we were compelled to retire we intended
+to blow up the place before leaving.
+
+"As soon as we found the Russian flagship within range, we opened fire
+upon her, and this action caused a perfect storm of projectiles to be
+directed upon us. The town was soon in flames, the shipping in the
+harbour sank, and the martello tower was blown to pieces. Our
+search-light was very soon brought into requisition, and by its aid some
+of the boats of the enemy's transports were sunk, while others came to
+grief on the Black Rocks.
+
+"By this time the enemy had turned their search-lights in every
+direction where they could see firing, and very soon our Volunteer
+batteries were silenced, and then Granton harbour fell into the hands of
+the enemy's landing parties. Having first rendered their guns useless,
+the survivors fell back to Corstorphine Hill, outside Edinburgh, and we
+soon afterwards received intelligence that the Russians were landing at
+Granton in thousands. Meanwhile, although our garrison was so weak and
+inexperienced, we nevertheless kept up a vigorous fire.
+
+"We saw how Inchkeith Fort had been silenced, and how our Volunteer
+batteries had been destroyed, and knew that sooner or later we must
+share the same fate, and abandon our position. As boatload after
+boatload of Russians attempted to land, we either sank them by shots
+from our guns or swept them with a salvo of bullets from our Maxims; yet
+as soon as we had hurled back one landing party others took its place.
+
+"Many were the heroic deeds our gunners performed that night, as hand to
+hand they fought, and annihilated the Russians who succeeded in landing;
+but in this frightful struggle we lost heavily, and at length, when all
+hope of an effective defence had been abandoned, we placed electric
+wires in the magazine, and the order was given to retire. This we did,
+leaving our search-light in position in order to deceive the enemy.
+
+"Half our number had been killed, and we sped across to Bonnington,
+running out a wire along the ground as we went. The Russians, now
+landing rapidly in great force, swarmed into the fort and captured the
+guns and ammunition, while a party of infantry pursued us. But we kept
+them back for fully a quarter of an hour, until we knew that the fort
+would be well garrisoned by the invaders; then we sent a current through
+the wire.
+
+"The explosion that ensued was deafening, and its effect appalling.
+Never have I witnessed a more awful sight. Hundreds of tons of all sorts
+of explosives and ammunition were fired simultaneously by the electric
+spark, and the whole fort, with nearly six hundred of the enemy, who
+were busy establishing their headquarters, were in an instant blown into
+the air. For several moments the space around us where we stood seemed
+filled with flying debris, and the mangled remains of those who a second
+before had been elated beyond measure by their success.
+
+"Those were terribly exciting moments, and for a few seconds there was a
+cessation of the firing. Quickly, however, the bombardment was resumed,
+and although we totally annihilated the force pursuing us, we fell back
+to Restalrig, and at length gained the battery that had been established
+on Arthur's Seat, and which was now keeping up a heavy fire upon the
+Russian transports lying out in the Narrow Deep. Subsequently we went on
+to Dalkeith. Our situation is most critical in every respect, but we are
+expecting reinforcements, and a terrible battle is imminent."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus the Russians landed three corps of 20,000 each where they were
+least expected, and at once prepared to invest Edinburgh and Glasgow.
+Three of the boats which came ashore at Leith that night, after the
+blowing up of the fort, brought several large mysterious-looking black
+boxes, which were handled with infinite care by the specially selected
+detachment of men who had been told off to take charge of them. Upon the
+locks were the official seals of the Russian War Office; and even the
+men themselves, unaware of their contents, looked upon them with a
+certain amount of suspicion, handling them very gingerly, and placing
+them in waggons which they seized from a builder's yard on the outskirts
+of the town.
+
+The officers alone knew the character of these mysterious consignments,
+and as they superintended the landing, whispered together excitedly. The
+news of the invasion, already telegraphed throughout Scotland from end
+to end, caused the utmost alarm; but had the people known what those
+black boxes, the secret of which was so carefully guarded, contained,
+they would have been dismayed and appalled.
+
+Truth to tell, the Russians were about to try a method of wholesale and
+awful destruction, which, although vaguely suggested in time of peace,
+had never yet been tested in the field.
+
+If successful, they knew it would cause death and desolation over an
+inconceivably wide area, and prove at once a most extraordinary and
+startling development of modern warfare. The faces of a whole army,
+however brave, would blanch before its terrific power, and war in every
+branch, on land and on sea, would become revolutionised.
+
+But the boxes remained locked and guarded. The secret was to be kept
+until the morrow, when the first trial was ordered to be made, and the
+officers in charge expressed an opinion between themselves that a blow
+would then be struck that would at once startle and terrify the whole
+world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+ATTACK ON EDINBURGH.
+
+
+In attacking Edinburgh the besiegers at once discovered they had a much
+more difficult task than they had anticipated. The Russian onslaught had
+been carefully planned. Landing just before dawn, the 1st Corps,
+consisting of about twenty thousand men, marched direct to Glasgow by
+way of South Queensferry and Kirkliston, and through Linlithgow, sacking
+and burning all three towns in the advance.
+
+The 3rd Army Corps succeeded, after some very sharp skirmishing, in
+occupying the Pentland Hills, in order to protect the flanks of the
+first force, while a strong detachment was left behind to guard the base
+at Leith. The 2nd Corps meanwhile marched direct upon Edinburgh.
+
+The defenders, consisting of Militia, Infantry, Artillery, the local
+Volunteers left behind during the mobilisation, and a large number of
+civilians from the neighbouring towns, who had hastily armed on hearing
+the alarming news, were quickly massed in three divisions on the
+Lammermuir Hills, along the hills near Peebles, and on Tinto Hill, near
+Lanark.
+
+The Russian army corps which marched from Leith upon Edinburgh about
+seven o'clock on the following morning met with a most desperate
+resistance. On Arthur's Seat a strong battery had been established by
+the City of Edinburgh Artillery, under Col. J. F. Mackay, and the 1st
+Berwickshire, under Col. A. Johnston; and on the higher parts of the
+Queen's Drive, overlooking the crooked little village of Duddingston,
+guns of the 1st Forfarshire, under Col. Stewart-Sandeman, V.D., flashed
+and shed forth torrents of bullets and shell, which played havoc with
+the enemy's infantry coming up the Portobello and Musselburgh roads.
+Batteries on the Braid and Blackford Hills commanded the southern
+portion of the city; while to the west, the battery on Corstorphine Hill
+prevented the enemy from pushing along up the high road from Granton.
+
+Between Jock's Lodge and Duddingston Mills the Russians, finding cover,
+commenced a sharp attack about nine o'clock; but discovering, after an
+hour's hard fighting, that to attempt to carry the defenders' position
+was futile, they made a sudden retreat towards Niddry House.
+
+The British commander, observing this, and suspecting their intention to
+make a circuit and enter the city by way of Newington, immediately set
+his field telegraph to work, and sent news on to the infantry brigade at
+Blackford.
+
+This consisted mainly of the Queen's Volunteer Rifle Brigade (Royal
+Scots), under Col. T. W. Jones, V.D.; the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th
+Volunteer Battalions of the Royal Scots, under Col. W. U. Martin, V.D.,
+Col. W. I. Macadam, Col. Sir G. D. Clerk, Col. P. Dods, and Col. G. F.
+Melville respectively, with a company of engineers. The intelligence
+they received placed them on the alert, and ere long the enemy extended
+his flank in an endeavour to enter Newington. The bridges already
+prepared for demolition by the defenders were now promptly blown up, and
+in the sharp fight that ensued the enemy were repulsed with heavy loss.
+
+Meanwhile the formidable division of the 3rd Russian Army Corps guarding
+the base at Leith had attacked the Corstorphine position, finding their
+headquarters untenable under its fire, and although losing several guns
+and a large number of men, they succeeded, after about an hour's hard
+fighting, in storming the hill and sweeping away the small but gallant
+band of defenders.
+
+The fight was long. It was a struggle to the death. Over the whole
+historic battle-ground from the Tweed to the Forth, fighting spread, and
+everywhere the loss of life was terrible.
+
+The long autumn day passed slowly, yet hostilities continued as vigorous
+and sanguinary as they had begun. Before the sun sank many a brave
+Briton lay dead or dying, but many more Muscovites had been sent to that
+bourne whence none return.
+
+As it was, the British line of communications was broken between Temple
+and Eddleston, the outposts at the latter place having been surprised
+and slaughtered. But although the enemy strove hard to break down the
+lines of defence and invest Edinburgh, yet time after time they were
+hurled back with fearful loss. Colinton and Liberton were sacked and
+burned by the Tsar's forces. On every hand the Russians spread death and
+destruction; still the defenders held their own, and when the fighting
+ceased after nightfall Edinburgh was still safe. Strong barricades
+manned by civilians had been hastily thrown up near the station in Leith
+Walk, in London Road opposite the Abbey Church, in Inverleith Row, in
+Clerk Street and Montague Street, while all the bridges over the Water
+of Leith had been blown up with gun-cotton; quick-firing guns had been
+posted on Calton Hill and at the Castle, while in St. Andrew's Square a
+battery had been established by the 1st Haddington Volunteer Artillery,
+under Major J. J. Kelly, who had arrived in haste from Dunbar, and this
+excellent position commanded a wide stretch of country away towards
+Granton.
+
+At dead of night, under the calm, bright stars, a strange scene might
+have been witnessed. In the deep shadow cast by the wall of an old and
+tumble-down barn near the cross-roads at Niddry, about three miles from
+Edinburgh, two Russian infantry officers were in earnest conversation.
+They stood leaning upon a broken fence, talking in a half-whisper in
+French, so that the half-dozen privates might not understand what they
+said. The six men were busy unpacking several strange black cases,
+handling the contents with infinite care. Apparently three of the boxes
+contained a quantity of fine silk, carefully folded, while another
+contained a number of square, dark-looking packages, which, when taken
+out, were packed in order upon a strong net which was first spread upon
+the grass. Ropes were strewn over the ground in various directions, the
+silk was unfolded, and presently, when all the contents had been
+minutely inspected by the two officers with lanterns, a small tube was
+taken from a box that had remained undisturbed, and fastened into an
+object shaped like a bellows.
+
+Then, when all preparations were satisfactorily completed, the six men
+threw themselves upon the grass to snatch an hour's repose, while the
+officers returned to their previous positions, leaning against the
+broken fence, and gravely discussing their proposals for the morrow's
+gigantic sensation. The elder of the two was explaining to his companion
+the nature of the _coup_ which they intended to deliver, and the mode in
+which it would be made. So engrossed were they in the contemplation of
+the appalling results that would accrue, they did not observe that they
+were standing beneath a small square hole in the wall of the barn;
+neither did they notice that from this aperture a dark head protruded
+for a second and then quick as lightning withdrew. It was only like a
+shadow, and disappeared instantly!
+
+Ten minutes later a mysterious figure was creeping cautiously along
+under the hedge of the high road to Newington in the direction of the
+British lines. Crawling along the grass, and pausing now and then with
+his ear to the ground, listening, he advanced by short, silent stages,
+exercising the greatest caution, well aware that death would be his fate
+should he be discovered. In wading the Braid Burn he almost betrayed
+himself to a Russian sentry; but at last, after travelling for over an
+hour, risking discovery at any moment, he at length passed the British
+outposts beyond Liberton, and ascended the Braid Hills to the
+headquarters.
+
+The story he told the General commanding was at first looked upon as
+ludicrous. In the dim candlelight in the General's tent he certainly
+looked a disreputable derelict, his old and tattered clothes wet
+through, his hands cut by stones and bleeding, and his face half covered
+with mud. The three officers who were with the General laughed when he
+dashed in excitedly, and related the conversation he had overheard; yet
+when he subsequently went on to describe in detail what he had
+witnessed, and when they remembered that this tramp was an artilleryman
+who had long ago been conspicuous by his bravery at El Teb, and an
+ingenious inventor, their expression of amusement gave way to one of
+alarm.
+
+The General, who had been writing, thoughtfully tapped the little camp
+table before him with his pen. "So they intend to destroy us and wreck
+the city by that means, now that their legitimate tactics have failed! I
+can scarcely credit that such is their intention; yet if they should be
+successful--if"--
+
+"But they will not be successful, sir. If you will send some one to
+assist me, and allow me to act as I think fit, I will frustrate their
+dastardly design, and the city shall be saved."
+
+"You are at liberty to act as you please. You know their plans, and I
+have perfect confidence in you, Mackenzie," replied the officer. "Do
+not, however, mention a word of the enemy's intention to any one. It
+would terrify the men; and although I do not doubt their bravery, yet
+the knowledge of such a horrible fate hanging over them must necessarily
+increase their anxiety, and thus prevent them from doing their best. We
+are weak, but remember we are all Britons. Now come," he added, "sit
+there, upon that box, and explain at once what is your scheme of defence
+against this extraordinary attack."
+
+And the fearless man to whom the General had entrusted the defence of
+Edinburgh obeyed, and commenced to explain what means he intended to
+take--a desperate but well-devised plan, which drew forth words of the
+highest commendation from the commanding officer and those with him.
+They knew that the fate of Edinburgh hung in the balance, and that if
+the city were taken it would be the first step towards their downfall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+"THE DEMON OF WAR."
+
+
+Two hours later, just before the break of day, British bugles sounded,
+and the camp on the Braid Hills was immediately astir. That the enemy
+were about to test the efficiency of a new gigantic engine of war was
+unknown except to the officers and the brave man who had risked his life
+in order to obtain the secret of the foeman's plans.
+
+To him the British General was trusting, and as with knit brows and
+anxious face the grey-haired officer stood at the door of his tent
+gazing across the burn to Blackford Hill, he was wondering whether he
+had yet obtained his coign of vantage. From the case slung round his
+shoulder he drew his field glasses and turned them upon a clump of trees
+near the top of the hill, straining his eyes to discover any movement.
+
+On the crest of the hill two Volunteer artillery batteries were actively
+preparing for the coming fray, but as yet it was too dark to discern
+anything among the distant clump of trees; so, replacing his glasses,
+the commanding officer re-entered his tent and bent for a long time over
+the Ordnance Map under the glimmering, uncertain light of a guttering
+candle.
+
+Meanwhile the Russians were busily completing their arrangements for
+striking an appalling blow.
+
+Concealed by a line of trees and a number of farm buildings, the little
+section of the enemy had worked indefatigably for the past two hours,
+and now in the grey dawn the contents of the mysterious boxes, a long
+dark monster, lay upon the grass, moving restlessly, trying to free
+itself from its trammels.
+
+It was a huge and curiously-shaped air-ship, and was to be used for
+dropping great charges of melinite and steel bombs filled with picric
+acid into the handsome historic city of Edinburgh! Some of the shells
+were filled with sulphurous acid, carbon dioxide, and other deadly
+compounds, the intent being to cause suffocation over wide areas by the
+volatilisation of liquid gases!
+
+This controllable electric balloon, a perfection of M. Gaston
+Tissandier's invention a few years before, was, as it lay upon the
+grass, nearly inflated and ready to ascend, elongated in form, and
+filled with hydrogen.
+
+It was about 140 feet long, 63 feet in diameter through the middle, and
+the envelope was of fine cloth coated with an impermeable varnish. On
+either side were horizontal shafts of flexible walnut laths, fastened
+with silk belts along the centre, and over the balloon a netting of
+ribbons was placed, and to this the car was connected. On each of the
+four sides was a screw propeller 12 feet in diameter, driven by
+bichromate of potassium batteries and a dynamo-electric motor. The
+propellers were so arranged that the balloon could keep head to a
+hurricane, and when proceeding with the wind would deviate immediately
+from its course by the mere pulling of a lever by the aeronaut.
+
+Carefully packed in the car were large numbers of the most powerful
+infernal machines, ingeniously designed to effect the most awful
+destruction if hurled into a thickly-populated centre. Piled in the
+smallest possible compass were square steel boxes, some filled with
+melinite, dynamite, and an explosive strongly resembling cordite, only
+possessing twice its strength, each with fulminating compounds, while
+others contained picric acid fitted with glass detonating tubes. Indeed,
+this gigantic engine, which might totally wreck a city and kill every
+inhabitant in half an hour while at an altitude of 61/2 miles, had rightly
+been named by the Pole who had perfected Tissandier's invention--"The
+Demon of War."
+
+While the two officers of the Russian balloon section, both experienced
+aeronauts, were finally examining minutely every rope, ascertaining that
+all was ready for the ascent, away on Blackford Hill one man, pale and
+determined, with coat and vest thrown aside, was preparing a
+counterblast to the forthcoming attack. Under cover of the clump of
+trees, but with its muzzle pointing towards Bridgend, a long, thin gun
+of an altogether strange type had been brought into position. It was
+about four times the size of a Maxim, which it resembled somewhat in
+shape, only the barrel was much longer, the store of ammunition being
+contained in a large steel receptacle at the side, wherein also was some
+marvellously-contrived mechanism. The six gunners who were assisting
+Mackenzie at length completed their work, and the gun having been
+carefully examined by the gallant man in charge and two of the officers
+who had been in the tent with the General during the midnight
+consultation, Mackenzie, with a glance in the yet hazy distance where
+the enemy had bivouaced, pulled over a small lever, which immediately
+started a dynamo.
+
+"In three minutes we shall be ready for action," he said, glancing at
+his watch; and then, turning a small wheel which raised the muzzle of
+the gun so as to point it at a higher angle in the direction of the sky,
+he waited until the space of time he had mentioned had elapsed.
+
+The officers stood aside conversing in an undertone. This man Mackenzie
+had invented this strange-looking weapon, and only one had been made. It
+had some months before been submitted to the War Office, but they had
+declined to take it up, believing that a patent they already possessed
+was superior to it; yet Mackenzie had nevertheless thrown his whole soul
+into his work, and meant now to show his superiors its penetrative
+powers, and put its capabilities to practical test. Again he glanced at
+his watch, and quickly pulled back another lever, which caused the motor
+to revolve at twice the speed, and the gun to emit a low hissing sound,
+like escaping steam. Then he stepped back to the officers, saying--
+
+"I am now prepared. It will go up as straight and quickly as a rocket,
+but we must catch it before it ascends two miles, for the clouds hang
+low, and we may lose it more quickly than we imagine."
+
+The gunners stood in readiness, and the two officers looked away over
+Craigmillar towards the grey distant sea. Dawn was spreading now, and
+the haze was gradually clearing. They all knew the attempt would be made
+ere long, before it grew much lighter, so they stood at their posts in
+readiness, Mackenzie with his hand upon the lever which would regulate
+the discharge.
+
+They were moments of breathless expectancy. Minute after minute went by,
+but not a word was spoken, for every eye was turned upon the crest of a
+certain ridge nearly three miles away, at a point where the country was
+well wooded.
+
+A quarter of an hour had thus elapsed, when Mackenzie suddenly shouted,
+"Look, lads! _There she goes!_ Now, let's teach 'em what Scots can do."
+
+As he spoke there rose from behind the ridge a great dark mass, looking
+almost spectral in the thin morning mist. For a moment it seemed to
+poise and swing as if uncertain in its flight, then quickly it shot
+straight up towards the sky.
+
+"Ready?" shouted Mackenzie, his momentary excitement having given place
+to great coolness. The men at their posts all answered in the
+affirmative. Mackenzie bent and waited for a few seconds sighting the
+gun, while the motor hummed with terrific speed. Then shouting "Fire!"
+he drew back the lever.
+
+The gun discharged, but there was no report, only a sharp hiss as the
+compressed air released commenced to send charge after charge of
+dynamite automatically away into space in rapid succession!
+
+None dared to breathe. The excitement was intense. They watched the
+effect upon the Russian balloon, but to their dismay saw it still
+rapidly ascending and unharmed!
+
+It had altered its course, and instead of drifting away seaward was now
+travelling towards Duddingston, and making straight for Edinburgh,
+passing above the Russian camp.
+
+"Missed! _missed!_" Mackenzie shrieked, turning back the lever and
+arresting the discharge. "It's four miles off now, and we can carry
+seven and three-quarters to hit a fixed object. Remember, lads, the fate
+of Auld Reekie is now in your hands! Ready?"
+
+Again he bent and sighted the gun, raising the muzzle higher than the
+balloon so as to catch it on the ascent. The motor hummed louder and
+louder, the escaping air hissed and turned into liquid by the enormous
+pressure, then with a glance at the gauge he yelled "Fire!" and pulled
+back the lever.
+
+Dynamite shells, ejected at the rate of 50 a minute, rushed from the
+muzzle, and sped away.
+
+But the Demon of War, with its whirling propellers, continued on its
+swift, silent mission of destruction.
+
+"Missed again!" cried one of the men, in despair. "See! it's gone!
+We've--good heavens!--_why, we've lost it--lost it!_"
+
+Mackenzie, who had been glancing that moment at the gauges, gazed
+eagerly up, and staggered back as if he had received a blow. "It's
+disappeared!" he gasped. "_They've outwitted us, the brutes, and nothing
+now can save Edinburgh from destruction!_"
+
+Officers and men stood aghast, with blanched faces, scarce knowing how
+to act. The destructive forces in that controllable balloon were more
+than sufficient to lay the whole of Edinburgh in ruins; and then, no
+doubt, the enemy would attempt by the same means to destroy the British
+batteries on the neighbouring hills. Already, along the valleys fighting
+had begun, for rapid firing could be heard in the direction of
+Gilmerton, and now and then the British guns on the Braid Hills behind
+spoke out sharply to the Russians who had occupied Loanhead, and the
+distant booming of cannon could be heard incessantly from Corstorphine.
+
+Suddenly a loud, exultant cry from Mackenzie caused his companions to
+strain their eyes away to Duddingston, and there they saw high in the
+air the monster aerial machine gradually looming through the mist, a
+vague and shadowy outline. It had passed through a bank of cloud, and
+was gradually reappearing.
+
+"Quick! There's not a moment to lose!" shrieked Mackenzie, springing to
+the lever with redoubled enthusiasm, an example followed by the others.
+
+The motor revolved so rapidly that it roared, the gauges ran high, the
+escaping air hissed so loudly that Mackenzie was compelled to shout at
+the top of his voice "Ready?" as for a third time he took careful aim at
+the misty object now six miles distant.
+
+The War Demon was still over the Russian camp, and in a few moments,
+travelling at that high rate of speed, it would pass over Arthur's Seat,
+and be enabled to drop its deadly compounds in Princes Street. But
+Mackenzie set his teeth, and muttered something under his breath.
+
+"_Now!_" he ejaculated, as he suddenly pulled the lever, and for the
+last time sent forth the automatic shower of destructive shells.
+
+A second later there was a bright flash from above as if the sun itself
+had burst, and then came a most terrific explosion, which caused the
+earth to tremble where they stood. The clouds were rent asunder by the
+frightful detonation, and down upon the Russian camp the debris of their
+ingenious invention fell in a terrible death-dealing shower. The
+annihilation of the dastardly plot to wreck the city was complete. Small
+dynamite shells from Mackenzie's pneumatic gun had struck the car of the
+balloon, and by the firing of half a ton of explosives the enemy was in
+an instant hoist with his own petard.
+
+As the debris fell within the Russian lines, some fifty or sixty
+picric-acid bombs--awful engines of destruction--which had not been
+exploded in mid-air, crashed into the Muscovite ranks, and, bursting,
+killed and wounded hundreds of infantrymen and half a regiment of
+Cossacks. One, bursting in the enemy's headquarters, seriously injured
+several members of the staff; while another, falling among the
+Engineers' transport, exploded a great quantity of gun-cotton, which in
+its turn killed a number of men and horses.
+
+The disaster was awful in its suddenness, appalling in its completeness.
+The aeronauts, totally unprepared for such an attack, had been blown to
+atoms just when within an ace of success.
+
+Fortune had favoured Britain, and, thanks to Mackenzie's vigilance and
+his pneumatic dynamite gun, which the Government had rejected as a
+worthless weapon, the grey old city of Edinburgh was still safe.
+
+But both Russians and Britons had now mustered their forces, and this,
+the first note sounded of a second terrific and desperately-fought
+battle, portended success for Britain's gallant army.
+
+Yet notwithstanding the disaster the enemy sustained by the blowing up
+of their balloon, their 2nd Army Corps, together with the portion of the
+3rd Army Corps operating from their base at Leith, succeeded, after
+terribly hard fighting and heavy losses, in at length forcing back the
+defenders from the Braid and Blackford Hills, and the Corstorphine
+position having already been occupied, they were then enabled to invest
+Edinburgh. That evening fierce sanguinary fights took place in the
+streets, for the people held the barricades until the last moment, and
+the batteries on Calton Hill, in St. Andrew's Square, and at the Castle
+effected terrible execution in conjunction with those on Arthur's Seat.
+Still the enemy by their overwhelming numbers gradually broke down these
+defences, and, after appalling slaughter on both sides, occupied the
+city. The fighting was fiercest along Princes Street, Lothian Road, and
+in the neighbourhood of Scotland Street Station, while along Cumberland
+and Great King Streets the enemy were swept away in hundreds by British
+Maxims brought to bear from Drummond Place. Along Canongate from
+Holyrood to Moray House, and in Lauriston Place and the Grassmarket,
+hand-to-hand struggles took place between the patriotic civilians and
+the foe. From behind their barricades men of Edinburgh fought valiantly,
+and everywhere inflicted heavy loss; still the enemy, pressing onward,
+set fire to a number of public buildings, including the Register Office,
+the Royal Exchange, the University, the Liberal and New Clubs, and
+Palace Hotel, with many other buildings in Princes Street. The fires,
+which broke out rapidly in succession, were caused for the purpose of
+producing a panic, and in this the enemy were successful, for the city
+was quickly looted, and the scenes of ruin, death, and desolation that
+occurred in its streets that night were awful.
+
+[Illustration: "IN EDINBURGH THE FIGHTING WAS FIERCEST ALONG PRINCES
+STREET."]
+
+In every quarter the homes of loyal Scotsmen were entered by the
+ruthless invader, who wrecked the cherished household gods, and carried
+away all the valuables that were portable. Outrage and murder were rife
+everywhere, and no quarter was shown the weak or unprotected. Through
+the streets the invader rushed with sword and firebrand, causing
+destruction, suffering, and death.
+
+The defenders, though straining every nerve to stem the advancing tide,
+had, alas! been unsuccessful, and ere midnight Edinburgh, one of the
+proudest and most historic cities in the world, had fallen, and the
+British standard floating over the Castle was, alas! replaced by the
+Eagle of the Russian Autocrat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW.
+
+
+It was a sad misfortune, a national calamity; yet our troops did not
+lose heart. Commanded as they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and
+fearless, they, after fighting hard, fell back from Edinburgh in order,
+and husbanded their force for the morrow.
+
+Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves severely attacked.
+Exultant over their success, they had, while sacking Edinburgh, left
+their base at Leith very inadequately protected, with the result that
+the defenders, swooping suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the
+assistance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, in
+blowing up most of the Russian transports, and seizing their ammunition
+and provisions.
+
+Such an attack was, of course, very vigorously defended, but it was a
+smart manoeuvre on the part of the British General, and enabled him,
+after cutting off the enemy's line of retreat, to turn suddenly and
+attack the Russians who were continuing their destructive campaign
+through the streets of Edinburgh. This bold move on the part of the
+defenders was totally unexpected by the foe, which accounted for the
+frightful loss of life that was sustained on the Russian side, and the
+subsequent clever tactics which resulted in the driving out of the
+invaders from Edinburgh, and British troops reoccupying that city.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD OUTSIDE GLASGOW.]
+
+Meanwhile the 1st Russian Army Corps, which on landing had at once set
+out towards Glasgow, had marched on in a great extended line, sacking
+the various towns through which they passed. As they advanced from
+Linlithgow, Airdrie, and Coatbridge were looted and burned, while
+further south, Motherwell, Hamilton, and Bothwell shared the same fate.
+About 20,000 men, together with 11,000 who had been forced to evacuate
+Edinburgh, had at length advanced a little beyond Coatbridge, and, in
+preparation for a vigorous siege of Glasgow, halted within seven miles
+of the city, with flanks extended away south to Motherwell and on to
+Wishaw, and north as far as Chryston and Kirkintilloch.
+
+In Glasgow the excitement was intense, and surging crowds filled the
+streets night and day. The fall of Edinburgh had produced the greatest
+sensation, and the meagre news of the disaster telegraphed had scarcely
+been supplemented when the report of the retaking of "Auld Reekie" came
+to hand, causing great rejoicing. Nevertheless, it was known that over
+thirty thousand trained soldiers were on their way to the banks of the
+Clyde, and Glasgow was fevered and turbulent. The scanty business that
+had lately been done was now at a standstill, and the meagre supplies
+that reached there from America not being half sufficient for the
+enormous population, the city was already starving. But, as in other
+towns, great barricades had been thrown up, and those in Gallowgate and
+Duke Street, thoroughfares by which Glasgow might be entered by way of
+Parkhead and Dennistoun, were soon manned by loyal and patriotic bands
+of civilians. Other barriers were constructed at St. Rollox Station, in
+Canning Street, in Monteith Row, and in Great Western, Dumbarton, and
+Govan Roads.
+
+South of the river, Eglinton Street and the roads at Crosshill were
+barricaded, and in New City and Garscube Roads in the north there were
+also strong defences. All were held by enthusiastic bodies of men who
+had hastily armed themselves, confident in the belief that our
+Volunteers and the small body of Regulars would not allow the invader to
+march in force upon their city without a most determined resistance.
+
+Now, however, the alarming news reached Glasgow that the enemy had
+actually sacked and burned Coatbridge. In an hour they could commence
+looting the shops in Gallowgate, and their heavy tramp would be heard on
+the granite of Trongate and Argyle Street! Throughout the city the
+feeling of insecurity increased, and hourly the panic assumed greater
+proportions.
+
+The sun that day was obscured by dark thunder-clouds, the swirling
+Clyde flowed on black beneath its many bridges, and the outlook was
+everywhere gloomy and ominous.
+
+Still, away on the hills to southward, our small force of soldiers and
+Volunteers had narrowly watched the onward tide of destroyers, and
+carefully laid their plans. The manner in which the defensive operations
+were conducted is perhaps best related in a letter written by Captain
+Boyd Drummond of the 1st Battalion Princess Louise's (Argyll and
+Sutherland) Highlanders, to a friend in London, and which was published
+with the accompanying sketch in the _Daily Graphic_.
+
+He wrote as follows:--"On the second day after the Russians had landed,
+Colonel Cumberland of 'Ours' received orders to move us from Lanark, and
+reconnoitre as far as possible along the Carluke road, with a view to
+taking up a position to cover the advance of the division, which had
+during the morning been considerably reinforced by nearly half the
+centre division from Peebles. In addition to our battalion with two
+machine guns, Colonel Cumberland was in command of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
+and 4th Volunteer Battalions from Greenock, Paisley, Pollokshaws, and
+Stirling respectively, the 1st Dumbarton from Helensburgh, the Highland
+Borderers, and the Renfrew Militia, together with a section of field
+artillery, a field company of Royal Engineers, and about forty cavalry
+and cyclists. Arriving at Carluke early in the afternoon, we awaited the
+return of scouts, who had been pushed on in advance to beyond Wishaw, in
+the direction of the enemy. They having reported that the Russians had
+withdrawn from Wishaw, we at once moved on to Law Junction, about a mile
+from that town, and finally took up a position for the night near
+Waterloo, commanding Wishaw and Overtown.
+
+"Beyond the junction, towards Glasgow, the railway, which the enemy
+evidently did not intend to use, had been destroyed, but scouts from
+Morningside reported that the line to Edinburgh had not been cut, and
+that the permanent way remained uninjured. Colonel Cumberland therefore
+told off the right half battalion, with a machine gun, a section of
+Engineers, and six cyclists, to take up a position near the road between
+Newmains and Morningside, with instructions to form piquets and patrol
+the roads north and east. I was with No. 1 Company, but, being senior
+captain present, the chief gave me command of this detachment. It was
+the first time such a responsibility had been conferred upon me;
+therefore I was determined not to be caught napping.
+
+"As soon as we arrived at our ground, I sent two cyclists out to
+Newmains and two to Morningside, with orders to glean what information
+they could, and to wait in the villages until further orders, unless
+they sighted the enemy's outposts, or discovered anything important. As
+soon as I had sent out my piquets, I took my own company and six of the
+Engineers down to Morningside. Some of the villagers, who had escaped
+when a portion of the invaders passed through on the previous night, had
+returned, and the cyclists gathered from them that we were close upon
+the heels of the Russian rearguard.
+
+"As the railway had not been destroyed, I thought that possibly the
+invaders intended to use the line _via_ Mid-Calder, and therefore
+examined the station closely. While engaged in this, one of the
+Engineers suddenly discovered a wire very carefully concealed along the
+line, and as we followed it up 500 yards each way, and could find no
+connection with the instrument at the station office, I at once
+concluded that it was the enemy's field telegraph, forming means of
+communication between their headquarters at Airdrie and the division
+that still remained in the Pentlands.
+
+"Cutting the wire, and attaching the ends to the instrument in the
+station, I left three Engineers, all expert telegraphists, to tap the
+wire, and they, with the right half company, under Lieutenant Compton,
+formed a detached post at this point. I also left the cyclists to convey
+to me any messages which might be received on the instrument, and then
+proceeded to Newmains. The place was now a mere heap of smouldering
+ruins; but, as at Morningside, some of the terrified villagers had
+returned, and they stated that early in the morning they had seen small
+detachments of Russian cavalry pass through from Bankle, and proceed
+north along the Cleland road.
+
+"Leaving the left half company here with the other Engineers and the two
+cyclists, under Lieutenant Planck, with orders to block the road and
+railway bridge, I returned to my piquet line. A few minutes later,
+however, a cyclist rode up with a copy of a message which had been sent
+from the Russian headquarters on the Pentlands to the Glasgow investing
+force. The message was in cipher, but, thanks to the information
+furnished by the spy who was captured near Manchester, we were now aware
+of some of the codes used by the invaders, and I sent the messenger on
+to the Colonel at once. One of his staff was able to transcribe it
+sufficiently to show that some disaster had occurred to the enemy on the
+Pentlands, for it concluded with an order withdrawing the troops from
+Glasgow, in order to reinforce the 3rd Army Corps in the fierce battle
+that was now proceeding. It was also stated in the message that
+despatches followed, so at once we were all on the alert.
+
+"Almost immediately afterwards news was received over our own telegraph
+from Carstairs, stating that a terrific battle had been fought along the
+valleys between Leadburn, Linton, and Dolphinton, in which we had
+suffered very severely, but we had nevertheless gained a decisive
+victory, for from dawn until the time of telegraphing it was estimated
+that no fewer than 12,000 Russians had been killed or wounded.
+
+"It appeared that our forces on the Lammermuirs had moved quickly, and,
+extending along the ridges, through Tynehead, and thence to Heriot, and
+on to Peebles, joined hands with the division at that place before dawn,
+and, when it grew light, had made a sudden and desperate attack. The
+enemy, who had imagined himself in a safe position, was unprepared, and
+from the first moment of the attack the slaughter was awful. As noon
+wore on the battle had increased, until now the invaders had been
+outflanked, and mowed down in such a frightful manner, that the
+survivors, numbering nearly six thousand of all ranks, had, finding
+their urgent appeal to their forces at Airdrie met with no response, and
+imagining that they too had been defeated, at last surrendered, and were
+taken prisoners.
+
+"On receipt of this intelligence, Colonel Cumberland executed a
+manoeuvre that was a marvel of forethought and smartness. The appeal to
+Airdrie for help had, of course, not been received, but in its place he
+ordered a message in Russian to be sent along the enemy's field
+telegraph to the force advancing on Glasgow in the following words:
+'Remain at Airdrie. Do not advance on Glasgow before we join you. The
+defenders are defeated with heavy losses everywhere. Our advance guard
+will be with you in twenty-four hours. Signed--Drukovitch.'
+
+"This having been despatched, he reported by telegraph to the
+headquarters at Carstairs what he had done, and then our whole force
+immediately moved as far as Bellshill, in the direction of Glasgow. Here
+we came across the Russian outposts, and a sharp fight ensued. After
+half an hour, however, we succeeded in cutting them off and totally
+annihilating them, afterwards establishing ourselves in Bellshill until
+reinforcements could arrive. We were now only six miles from the Russian
+headquarters at Airdrie, and they, on receipt of our fictitious message,
+had withdrawn from the Clyde bank, and extended farther north over the
+hills as far as Milngavie.
+
+"We were thus enabled to watch and wait in Bellshill undisturbed
+throughout the night; and while the enemy were eagerly expecting their
+legions of infantry who were to swoop down and conquer Glasgow, we
+remained content in the knowledge that the hour of conquest was close at
+hand.
+
+"A short, hasty rest, and we were astir again long before the dawn. Just
+at daybreak, however, the advance guard of our force from Carstairs,
+which had been on the march during the night, came into touch with us,
+and in an hour the combined right and centre divisions of the British
+had opened the battle.
+
+"Our fighting front extended from Wishaw right across to Condorrat, with
+batteries on Torrance and the hill at New Monkland, while another strong
+line was pushed across from Cambuslang to Parkhead, and thence to
+Millerston, for the protection of Glasgow.
+
+"Thus, almost before our guns uttered their voice of defiance, we had
+surrounded the enemy, and throughout the morning the fighting was most
+sanguinary and desperate. Our batteries did excellent service; still, it
+must be remembered we had attacked a well-trained force of over thirty
+thousand men, and they had many more guns than we possessed. No doubt
+the fictitious despatch we had sent had prevented the Russian commander
+from advancing on Glasgow during the night, as he had intended; and now,
+finding himself so vigorously attacked by two divisions which he
+believed had been cut up and annihilated, all his calculations were
+completely upset.
+
+"It was well for us that this was so, otherwise we might have fared much
+worse than we did. As it was, Cossacks and Dragoons wrought frightful
+havoc among our infantry; while, on the other hand, the fire discipline
+of the latter was magnificent. Every bit of cover on the hills seem to
+bristle with hidden rifles, that emptied their magazines without smoke
+and with fatal effect. Many a gallant dash was made by our men, the
+Volunteers especially displaying conspicuous courage. The 1st
+Dumbartonshire Volunteers, under Col. Thomson, V.D., the 1st
+Renfrewshire, under Col. Lamont, V.D., and the 4th Battalion Argyll and
+Sutherland Highlanders, under Col. D. M'Fayden, V.D., operated together
+with magnificent success, for they completely cut up a strong Russian
+detachment on the Glasgow road beyond Uddingston, driving them out of
+the wood near Daldowie, and there annihilating them, and afterwards
+holding their own on the banks of the North Calder without suffering
+very much loss. They handled their Maxims as smartly as any body of
+Regulars; and indeed, throughout the day their performances everywhere
+were marked by steady discipline and cool courage that was in the
+highest degree commendable.
+
+"About two o'clock in the afternoon the battle was at its height. Under
+the blazing sun that beat down upon us mercilessly, my battalion fought
+on, feeling confident that the enemy were gradually being defeated. The
+slaughter everywhere was frightful, and the green hillsides and fields
+were covered with dead and dying soldiers of the Tsar. The grey coats
+were soaked with blood, and dark, ugly stains dyed the grass of the
+fertile meadows beside the winding Clyde. Since their sudden landing in
+Scotland, the enemy's early successes had been followed by defeat after
+defeat. Their transports had been destroyed, their ammunition and stores
+seized, both their 2nd and 3rd Army Corps had been totally annihilated,
+leaving nearly twelve thousand men in our hands as prisoners, and now
+the defeat of this force of picked regiments, who had, on landing,
+immediately marched straight across Scotland, would effect a crushing
+and decisive blow.
+
+"But the struggle was terrific, the din deafening, the wholesale
+butchery appalling. Our men knew they were fighting for Caledonia and
+their Queen, and their conduct, from the first moment of hostilities,
+until stray bullets laid them low one after another, was magnificent;
+they were splendid examples of the true, loyal, and fearless Briton, who
+will fight on even while his life-blood ebbs.
+
+"Evening fell, but the continuous firing did not cease. The sun sank red
+and angry into dark storm-clouds behind the long range of purple hills
+beyond the Clyde, but the clash of arms continued over hill and dale on
+the east of Glasgow, and we, exerting every effort in our successful
+attempt to hold the five converging roads near Broomhouse, knew not
+which side were victors.
+
+"Suddenly I received orders to send over a small detachment to block the
+two roads at Baillieston, the one a main road leading up from
+Coatbridge, and the other from the hilly country around Old Monkland,
+where the struggle was fiercest. Sending Lieutenant Planck over
+immediately with a detachment and several cyclists, I followed as soon
+as possible, and found he had blocked both roads in the centre of the
+little Scotch village, and had occupied the inn situated between the two
+roads, leaving just sufficient space for his cyclists to pass. Looking
+towards the city we could see that the hills on our left were occupied
+by British redcoats. In the village the quaint little low-built
+cottages, with their stairs outside, were all closed and deserted, and
+the place seemed strangely quiet after the exciting scenes and ceaseless
+deafening din.
+
+"Taking six of Planck's men and the cyclists about a mile towards
+Coatbridge, I posted them at the cross-roads beyond Rhind House, sending
+the cyclists out along the valley to Dikehead. All was quiet in our
+immediate vicinity for some time, until suddenly we discerned the
+cyclists coming back. They reported that they had seen cavalry. This,
+then, must be a detachment of the enemy, who in all probability were
+retreating. I at once sent the cyclists back to inform Planck, and to
+tell him we should not take a hand in the game until we had allowed them
+to pass and they had discovered his barricade. In a few minutes we could
+distinctly hear them approaching. We were all well under cover, but I
+was surprised to find that it was only an escort.
+
+"They were galloping, and had evidently come a long distance by some
+circuitous route, and had not taken part in the fighting. I counted
+five--two Cossacks in advance, then about forty yards behind a
+shabbily-dressed civilian on horseback, and about forty yards behind him
+two more Cossacks. They appeared to expect no interruption, and it
+occurred to me that the Cossacks were escorting the civilian over to the
+Russian position away beyond Hogganfield Loch. As soon as they were
+clear, I formed my men up on each side of the road to await events.
+
+"We had no occasion to remain long in expectation, for soon afterwards
+the stillness was broken by shouts and a few rapid shots, and then we
+could hear two horses galloping back. One was riderless, and a corporal
+who attempted to stop it was knocked down and seriously injured; but the
+other had a rider, and as he neared us I could see he was the civilian.
+I knew I must stop him at all costs.
+
+"So, ordering the men on the opposite side of the road to lie down, we
+gave him a section volley from one side as he rushed past. The horse was
+badly hit, and stumbled, throwing its rider, who was at once secured. To
+prevent him from disposing of anything, we bound him securely. Two of
+the Cossacks had been shot and the other two captured. Upon the
+civilian, and in his saddle-bags, we found a number of cipher
+despatches, elaborate plans showing how Glasgow was defended, and an
+autograph letter from the Russian General Drukovitch, giving him
+instructions to enter Glasgow alone by way of Partick, and to await him
+there until the city fell.
+
+"But the city was never invested. An hour after we had sent this
+mysterious civilian--who spoke English with a foreign accent--over to
+the Colonel, our onslaught became doubly desperate. In the dusk,
+regiment after regiment of Russians were simply swept away by the cool
+and deliberate fire of the British, who, being reinforced by my
+battalion and others, wrought splendid execution in the enemy's main
+body, forced back upon us at Baillieston.
+
+"Then, as night fell, a report was spread that General Drukovitch had
+surrendered. This proved true. With his 2nd and 3rd Army Corps
+annihilated, and his transports and base in our hands, he was compelled
+to acknowledge himself vanquished; therefore, by nine o'clock
+hostilities had ceased, and during that night nearly six thousand
+survivors of the 1st Russian Army Corps were taken prisoners, and
+marched in triumph into Glasgow amid the wildest excitement of the
+populace. This desperate attempt to invest Glasgow had cost the Russians
+no fewer than 25,000 men in killed and wounded.
+
+"The capture we effected near Baillieston turned out to be of a most
+important character. When searched at headquarters, a visiting-card was
+found concealed upon the man, and this gave our Colonel a clue. The man
+has since been identified by one of his intimate friends as a person
+well known in London society, who poses as a wealthy German, the
+Count von Beilstein! It is alleged that he has for several years been
+living in the metropolis and acting as an expert spy in the Secret
+Service of the Tsar. He was sent handcuffed, under a strong escort, to
+London a few days after the battle, and if all I hear be true, some
+highly sensational disclosures will be made regarding his adventurous
+career.
+
+[Illustration: DEFEAT OF THE RUSSIANS AT BAILLIESTON, NEAR GLASGOW.]
+
+"But throughout Caledonia there is now unbounded joy. Our beloved
+country is safe; for, thanks to the gallant heroism of our Volunteers,
+the Muscovite invaders have been completely wiped out, and Scotland
+again proudly rears her head."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON.
+
+
+South of the Thames, where the gigantic force of French and Russians,
+numbering nearly two hundred thousand of all arms, had been prevented
+from attacking London by our Volunteers and Regulars massed along the
+Surrey Hills, the slaughter on both sides had been frightful. The
+struggle was indeed not for a dynasty, but for the very existence of
+Britain as an independent nation.
+
+Sussex had been devastated, but Kent still held out, and Chatham
+remained in the possession of the defenders.
+
+The rout of the British at Horsham prior to the march of the left column
+of invaders to Birmingham was succeeded by defeat after defeat, the
+engagements each day illustrating painfully that by force of
+overwhelming numbers the invaders were gradually nearing their goal--the
+mighty Capital of our Empire.
+
+Gallant stands were made by our Regulars at East Grinstead, Crawley,
+Alfold, and from Haslemere across Hind Head Common to Frensham. At each
+of these places, long, desperately-fought battles with the French had
+taken place through the hot September days,--our Regular forces
+confident in the stubborn resistance that would be offered by the long
+unbroken line of Volunteers occupying the range of hills behind. Our
+signallers had formed a long line of stations from Reculvers and Star
+Hill, south of the Medway Fortress, to Blue Bell Hill, between Chatham
+and Maidstone, thence through Snodland, Wrotham, Westerham, and
+Limpsfield to Caterham, and from there on through Reigate Park, Boxhill,
+St. Martha's, and over the Hog's Back to Aldershot. With flags in day
+and lamps by night messages constantly passed, and communication was
+thus maintained by this means as well as by the field telegraph, which,
+however, on several occasions had been cut by the enemy.
+
+Yet although our soldiers fought day after day with that pluck
+characteristic of the true Briton, fortune nevertheless seemed to have
+forsaken us, and even although we inflicted frightful losses upon the
+French all round, still they gradually forced back the defenders over
+the Surrey border. Terror, ruin, and death had been spread by the
+invading Gauls. English homes were sacked, French soldiers bivouaced in
+Sussex pastures, and the ripening corn was trodden down and stained with
+blood. The white dusty highways leading from London to the sea were
+piled with unheeded corpses that were fearful to gaze upon, yet
+Britannia toiled on undaunted in this desperate struggle for the
+retention of her Empire.
+
+After our defeat at Horsham, the Russians had contented themselves by
+merely driving back the defenders to a line of resistance from Aldershot
+to the north of Bagshot, and then they had marched onward to Birmingham.
+From Horsham, however, two columns of the invaders, mostly French, and
+numbering over twenty thousand each, had advanced on Guildford and
+Dorking. At the same time, a strong demonstration was made by the enemy
+in the country north of Eastbourne and Hailsham, by which the whole of
+the district in the triangle from Bexhill to Heathfield, and thence to
+Cuckfield and Steyning, fell into their hands. The British, however, had
+massed a strong force to prevent the enemy making their way into West
+Kent, and still held their own along the hills stretching from
+Crowborough to Ticehurst, and from Etchingham, through Brightling and
+Ashburnham, down to Battle and Hastings.
+
+The north of London had during the weeks of hostilities been strongly
+guarded by Volunteers and Regulars, for information of a contemplated
+landing in Essex had been received; and although the defenders had not
+yet fired a shot, they were eagerly looking forward to a chance of
+proving their worth, as their comrades in other parts of England had
+already done.
+
+At first the tactics of the invaders could not be understood, for it had
+been concluded that they would naturally follow up their successes on
+landing with a rapid advance on London.
+
+It was, of course, evident that the vigorous demonstrations made in the
+North and other parts of Britain were intended with a view to drawing as
+many troops as possible from the defence of London, and dispose of them
+in detail before surrounding the capital. Yet, to the dismay of the
+enemy, no blow they delivered in other parts of our country had had the
+desired effect of weakening the defensive lines around London. At the
+opening of the campaign it had been the enemy's intention to reduce
+London by a blockade, which could perhaps have been successfully carried
+out had they landed a strong force in Essex. The troops who were
+intended to land there were, however, sent to Scotland instead, and the
+fact that they had been annihilated outside Glasgow resulted in a
+decision to march at once upon the metropolis.
+
+Advancing from Horsham, the French right column, numbering 20,000 men
+with about 70 guns, had, after desperate fighting, at last reached
+Leatherhead, having left a battalion in support at Dorking. The British
+had resolutely contested every step the French had advanced, and the
+slaughter around Dorking had been awful, while the fighting across
+Fetcham Downs and around Ockley and Bear Green had resulted in frightful
+loss on both sides.
+
+Our Regulars and Volunteers, notwithstanding their gallantry, were,
+alas! gradually driven back by the enormous numbers that had commenced
+the onslaught, and were at last thrown back westward in disorder,
+halting at Ripley. Here the survivors snatched a hasty rest, and they
+were during the night reinforced by a contingent of Regulars who had
+come over from Windsor and Hounslow. On the arrival of these
+reinforcements, the Colonel, well knowing how serious was the situation
+now our first line of defence had been broken, sent out a flying column
+from Ripley, while the main body marched to Great Bookham, with the
+result that Leatherhead, now in the occupation of the French, was from
+both sides vigorously attacked. The British flying column threatening
+the enemy from the north was, however, quickly checked by the French
+guns, and in the transmission of an order a most serious blunder
+occurred, leading to the impossibility of a retreat upon Ripley, for
+unfortunately the order, wrongly given, resulted in the blowing up by
+mistake of the bridges over the river Mole by which they had crossed,
+and which they wanted to use again.
+
+Thus it was that for a time this force was compelled to remain, at
+terrible cost, right under the fire of the French entrenched position at
+Leatherhead; but the enemy were fortunately not strong enough to follow
+up this advantage, and as they occupied a strong strategical position
+they were content to await the arrival of their huge main body, now on
+the move, and which they expected would reach Leatherhead during that
+night. After more fierce fighting, lasting one whole breathless day, the
+defenders were annihilated, while their main body approaching from the
+south also fell into a trap. For several hours a fierce battle also
+raged between Dorking and Mickleham. The British battery on Box Hill
+wrought awful havoc in the French lines, yet gradually the enemy
+silenced our guns and cut up our forces.
+
+The invaders were now advancing in open order over the whole of Sussex
+and the west of Kent, and on the same day as the battle was fought at
+Leatherhead, the high ground south of Sevenoaks, extending from Wimlet
+Hill to Chart Common, fell into their hands, the British suffering
+severely; while two of our Volunteer batteries in the vicinity were
+surprised and seized by a French flying column.
+
+In the meantime, another French column, numbering nearly twenty thousand
+infantry and cavalry, had advanced from Alfold, burning Ewhurst and
+Cranley, and after a desperately-contested engagement they captured the
+British batteries on the hills at Hascombe and Hambledon.
+
+On the same day the French advance guard, though suffering terrible
+loss, successfully attacked the battery of Regulars on the hill at
+Wonersh, and Godalming having been invested, they commenced another
+vigorous attack upon the strong line of British Regulars and Volunteers
+at Guildford, where about fourteen thousand men were massed.
+
+On the hills from Gomshall to Seale our brave civilian defenders had
+remained throughout the hostilities ready to repel any attack. Indeed,
+as the days passed, and no demonstration had been made in their
+direction, they had grown impatient, until at length this sudden and
+ferocious onslaught had been made, and they found themselves face to
+face with an advancing army of almost thrice their strength. Among the
+Volunteer battalions holding the position were the 1st Bucks, under Lord
+Addington, V.D.; the 2nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry, under Col. H. S.
+Hall; the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment, under Col. A. M.
+Blake, Lieut.-Col. Rumball, and Col. J. T. Green, V.D.; the 1st Royal
+Berkshire, under Col. J. C. Carter; the 1st Somersetshire Light
+Infantry, under Col. H. M. Skrine, V.D.; and the 1st and 2nd Wiltshire,
+under the Earl of Pembroke, V.D., and Col. E. B. Merriman, V.D. Strong
+batteries had been established between Guildford and Seale by the 1st
+Fifeshire Artillery, under Col. J. W. Johnston, V.D., and the Highland
+Artillery, under Col. W. Fraser, V.D.; while batteries on the left were
+held by the 1st Midlothian, under Col. Kinnear, V.D.; the 1st East
+Riding, under Col. R. G. Smith, V.D.; and the 1st West Riding, under
+Col. T. W. Harding, V.D.
+
+Commencing before dawn, the battle was fierce and sanguinary almost from
+the time the first shots were exchanged. The eight 60-pounder guns in
+the new fort at the top of Pewley Hill, manned by the Royal Artillery,
+commanded the valleys lying away to the south, and effected splendid
+defensive work.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ON THE SURREY HILLS.]
+
+Indeed, it was this redoubt, with three new ones between Guildford and
+Gomshall, and another on the Hog's Back, which held the enemy in check
+for a considerable time; and had there been a larger number of a similar
+strength, it is doubtful whether the French would ever have accomplished
+their design upon Guildford.
+
+The Pewley Fort, built in the solid chalk, and surrounded by a wide
+ditch, kept up a continuous fire upon the dense masses of the enemy, and
+swept away hundreds of unfortunate fellows as they rushed madly onward;
+while the Volunteer batteries and the Maxims of the infantry battalions
+poured upon the invaders a devastating hail of lead.
+
+From Farnham, the line through Odiham and Aldershot was held by a force
+increasing hourly in strength; therefore the enemy were unable to get
+over to Farnborough to outflank the defenders. Through that brilliant,
+sunny September day the slaughter was terrible in every part of the
+enemy's column, and it was about noon believed that they would find
+their positions at Wonersh and Godalming untenable.
+
+Nevertheless, with a dogged persistency unusual to our Gallic
+neighbours, they continued to fight with unquelled vigour. The 2nd
+Oxfordshire Light Infantry and the 1st and 2nd Wiltshire, holding very
+important ground over against Puttenham, bore their part with
+magnificent courage, but were at length cut up in a most horrible
+manner; while the 1st Bedfordshire, who, with a body of Regulars
+valiantly held the road running over the hills from Gomshall to Merrow,
+fought splendidly; but they too were, alas! subsequently annihilated.
+
+Over hill and dale, stretching away to the Sussex border, the rattle and
+din of war sounded incessantly, and as hour after hour passed, hundreds
+of Britons and Frenchmen dyed the brown, sun-baked grass with their
+blood. The struggle was frightful. Volunteer battalions who had
+manoeuvred over that ground at many an Eastertide had little dreamed
+that they would have one day to raise their rifles in earnest for the
+defence of their home and Queen. Yet the practice they had had now
+served them well, for in one instance the 1st Berkshire succeeded by a
+very smart manoeuvre in totally sweeping away several troops of
+Cuirassiers, while a quarter of an hour later half an infantry battalion
+of Regulars attacked a large force of Zouaves on the Compton Road, and
+fought them successfully almost hand to hand.
+
+Through the long, toilsome day the battle continued with unabated fury,
+and as the sun went down there was no cessation of hostilities. A force
+of our Regulars, extending from Farnham over Hind Head Common, fell
+suddenly upon a large body of French infantry, and, outflanking them,
+managed--after a most frightful encounter, in which they lost nearly
+half their men--to totally annihilate them.
+
+In connection with this incident, a squadron of the 5th Dragoon Guards
+made a magnificent charge up a steep hill literally to the muzzles of
+the guns of a French battery, and by their magnificent pluck captured
+it. Still, notwithstanding the bravery of our defenders, and their
+fierce determination to sweep away their foe, it seemed when the sun
+finally disappeared that the fortunes of war were once more against us,
+for the French had now received huge reinforcements, and Dorking and
+Leatherhead having already passed into their hands two days previously,
+they were enabled to make their final assault a most savage and terrific
+one.
+
+It was frightful; it crushed us! In the falling gloom our men fought
+desperately for their lives, but, alas! one after another our positions
+were carried by the invaders literally at the point of the bayonet, and
+ere the moon rose Guildford had fallen into the enemy's hands, and our
+depleted battalions had been compelled to retire in disorder east to
+Effingham and west to Farnham. Those who went to Effingham joined at
+midnight the column who had made an unsuccessful effort to recover
+Leatherhead, and then bivouaced in Oldlands Copse. The number of wounded
+in the battles of Guildford and Leatherhead was enormous. At Mickleham
+the British hospital flag floated over St. Michael's Church, the Priory
+at Cherkley, Chapel Farm, and on Mickleham Hall, a portion of which
+still remained intact, although the building had been looted by Zouaves.
+In Leatherhead the French had established hospitals at Givons Grove,
+Vale Lodge, Elmbank, and in the Church of St. Mary and the parish church
+at Fetcham. At Guildford, in addition to the field hospitals on Albury
+Downs and behind St. Catherine's Hill, Holden, Warren, and Tyting Farms,
+Sutton Place and Loseley were filled with wounded French infantrymen and
+British prisoners, and many schools and buildings, including the
+Guildhall in Guildford town, bore the red cross.
+
+At two most important strategic points the first line defending London
+had now been broken, and the British officers knew that it would require
+every effort on our part to recover our lost advantages. The metropolis
+was now seriously threatened; for soon after dawn on the following day
+two great French columns, one from Guildford and the other from
+Leatherhead, were advancing north towards the Thames! The enemy had
+established telegraphic communication between the two towns, and
+balloons that had been sent up from Guildford and Ashstead to
+reconnoitre had reported that the second line of the British defence had
+been formed from Kingston, through Wimbledon, Tooting, Streatham, and
+Upper Norwood, and thence across _via_ Sydenham to Lewisham and
+Greenwich.
+
+It was upon this second line of defence that the French, with their
+enormous force of artillery, now marched. The Leatherhead column, with
+their main body about one day's march behind, took the route through
+Epsom to Mitcham, while the troops from Guildford pushed on through
+Ripley, Cobham, and Esher.
+
+This advance occupied a day, and when a halt was made for the night the
+enemy's front extended from Walton to Thames Ditton, thence across
+Kingston Common and Malden to Mitcham. Bivouacing, they faced the
+British second line of defence, and waited for the morrow to commence
+their onslaught. In London the alarming news of the enemy's success
+caused a panic such as had never before been experienced in the
+metropolis. During the long anxious weeks that the enemy had been held
+within bounds by our Volunteers, London had never fully realised what
+bombardment would mean. While the French were beyond the Surrey Hills,
+Londoners felt secure; and the intelligence received of the enemy's
+utter rout at Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow added
+considerably to this sense of security.
+
+London, alas! was starving. Business was suspended; trains no longer
+left the termini; omnibuses, trams, and cabs had ceased running, the
+horses having been pressed into military service, and those which had
+not had been killed and eaten. The outlook everywhere, even during those
+blazing sunny days and clear moonlit nights, was cheerless and
+dispiriting. The bright sun seemed strangely incongruous with the black
+war-clouds that overhung the gigantic city, with its helpless, starving,
+breathless millions.
+
+In the sun-baked, dusty streets the roar of traffic no longer sounded,
+but up and down the principal thoroughfares of the City and the West End
+the people prowled, lean and hungry--emaciated victims of this awful
+struggle between nations--seeking vainly for food to satisfy the
+terrible pangs consuming them. The hollow cheek, the thin, sharp nose,
+the dark-ringed glassy eye of one and all, told too plainly of the
+widespread suffering, and little surprise was felt at the great
+mortality in every quarter.
+
+In Kensington and Belgravia the distress was quite as keen as in
+Whitechapel and Hackney, and both rich and poor mingled in the gloomy,
+dismal streets, wandering aimlessly over the great Modern Babylon, which
+the enemy were now plotting to destroy.
+
+The horrors of those intensely anxious days of terror were unspeakable.
+The whole machinery of life in the Great City had been disorganised, and
+now London lay like an octopus, with her long arms extended in every
+direction, north and south of the Thames, inert, helpless, trembling.
+Over the gigantic Capital of the World hung the dark Shadow of Death. By
+day and by night its ghastly presence could be felt; its hideous
+realities crushed the heart from those who would face the situation with
+smiling countenance. London's wealth availed her not in this critical
+hour.
+
+Grim, spectral, unseen, the Destroying Angel held the sword over her,
+ready to strike!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS.
+
+
+While famished men crept into Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and there
+expired under the trees of absolute hunger, and starving women with
+babes at their breasts sank upon doorsteps and died, the more robust
+Londoners had, on hearing of the enemy's march on the metropolis, gone
+south to augment the second line of defence. For several weeks huge
+barricades had been thrown up in the principal roads approaching London
+from the south. The strongest of these were opposite the Convalescent
+Home on Kingston Hill, in Coombe Lane close to Raynes Park Station, in
+the Morden Road at Merton Abbey, opposite Lynwood in the Tooting Road;
+while nearer London, on the same road, there was a strong one with
+machine guns on the crest of Balham Hill, and another in Clapham Road.
+At Streatham Hill, about one hundred yards from the hospital, earthworks
+had been thrown up, and several guns brought into position; while at
+Beulah Hill, Norwood, opposite the Post Office at Upper Sydenham, at the
+Half Moon at Herne Hill, and in many of the roads between Honor Oak and
+Denmark Hill, barricades had been constructed and banked up with bags
+and baskets filled with earth.
+
+Though these defences were held by enthusiastic civilians of all
+classes,--professional men, artisans, and tradesmen,--yet our second
+line of defence, distinct, of course, from the local barricades, was a
+very weak one. We had relied upon our magnificent strategic positions on
+the Surrey Hills, and had not made sufficient provision in case of a
+sudden reverse. Our second line, stretching from Croydon up to South
+Norwood, thence to Streatham and along the railway line to Wimbledon and
+Kingston, was composed of a few battalions of Volunteers, detachments of
+Metropolitan police, Berks and Bucks constabulary, London firemen and
+postmen, the Corps of Commissionaires--in fact, every body of drilled
+men who could be requisitioned to handle revolver or rifle. These were
+backed by great bodies of civilians, and behind stood the barricades
+with their insignificant-looking but terribly deadly machine guns.
+
+The railways had, on the first news of the enemy's success at
+Leatherhead and Guildford, all been cut up, and in each of the many
+bridges spanning the Thames between Kingston and the Tower great charges
+of gun-cotton had been placed, so that they might be blown up at any
+instant, and thus prevent the enemy from investing the city.
+
+Day dawned again at last--dull and grey. It had rained during the night,
+and the roads, wet and muddy, were unutterably gloomy as our civilian
+defenders looked out upon them, well knowing that ere long a fierce
+attack would be made. In the night the enemy had been busy laying a
+field telegraph from Mitcham to Kingston, through which messages were
+now being continually flashed.
+
+Suddenly, just as the British outposts were being relieved, the French
+commenced a vigorous attack, and in a quarter of an hour fighting
+extended along the whole line. Volunteers, firemen, policemen,
+Commissionaires, and civilians all fought bravely, trusting to one hope,
+namely, that before they were defeated the enemy would be outflanked and
+attacked in their rear by a British force from the Surrey Hills. They
+well knew that to effectually bar the advance of this great body of
+French was out of all question, yet they fought on with creditable tact,
+and in many instances inflicted serious loss upon the enemy's infantry.
+
+Soon, however, French field guns were trained upon them, and amid the
+roar of artillery line after line of heroic Britons fell shattered to
+earth. Amid the rattle of musketry, the crackling of the machine guns,
+and the booming of 16-pounders, brave Londoners struggled valiantly
+against the masses of wildly excited Frenchmen; yet every moment the
+line became slowly weakened, and the defenders were gradually forced
+back upon their barricades. The resistance which the French met with was
+much more determined than they had anticipated; in fact, a small force
+of Volunteers holding the Mitcham Road, at Streatham, fought with such
+splendid bravery, that they succeeded alone and unaided in completely
+wiping out a battalion of French infantry, and capturing two field guns
+and a quantity of ammunition. For this success, however, they, alas!
+paid dearly, for a quarter of an hour later a large body of cavalry and
+infantry coming over from Woodlands descended upon them and totally
+annihilated them, with the result that Streatham fell into the hands of
+the French, and a few guns placed in the high road soon made short work
+of the earthworks near the hospital. Under the thick hail of bursting
+shells the brave band who manned the guns were at last compelled to
+abandon them, and the enemy were soon marching unchecked into Stockwell
+and Brixton, extending their right, with the majority of their
+artillery, across Herne Hill, Dulwich, and Honor Oak.
+
+In the meantime a desperate battle was being fought around Kingston. The
+barricade on Kingston Hill held out for nearly three hours, but was at
+last captured by the invaders, and of those who had manned it not a man
+survived. Mitcham and Tooting had fallen in the first hour of the
+engagement, the barricade at Lynwood had been taken, and hundreds of the
+houses in Balham had been looted by the enemy in their advance into
+Clapham.
+
+Nearly the whole morning it rained in torrents, and both invaders and
+defenders were wet to the skin, and covered with blood and mud.
+Everywhere British pluck showed itself in this desperate resistance on
+the part of these partially-trained defenders. At the smaller
+barricades in the suburban jerry-built streets, Britons held their own
+and checked the advance with remarkable coolness; yet, as the dark,
+stormy day wore on, the street defences were one after another broken
+down and destroyed.
+
+Indeed, by three o'clock that afternoon the enemy ran riot through the
+whole district, from Lower Sydenham to Kingston. Around the larger
+houses on Sydenham Hill one of the fiercest fights occurred, but at
+length the defenders were driven down into Lordship Lane, and the houses
+on the hill were sacked, and some of them burned. While this was
+proceeding, a great force of French artillery came over from Streatham,
+and before dusk five great batteries had been established along the
+Parade in front of the Crystal Palace, and on Sydenham Hill and One Tree
+Hill; while other smaller batteries were brought into position at Forest
+Hill, Gipsy Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill, and Herne Hill; and
+further towards London about twenty French 12-pounders and a number of
+new quick-firing weapons of long range and a very destructive character
+were placed along the top of Camberwell Grove and Denmark Hill.
+
+The defences of London had been broken. The track of the invaders was
+marked by ruined homes and heaps of corpses, and London's millions knew
+on this eventful night that the enemy were now actually at their doors.
+In Fleet Street, in the Strand, in Piccadilly, the news spread from
+mouth to mouth as darkness fell that the enemy were preparing to launch
+their deadly shells into the City. This increased the panic. The people
+were in a mad frenzy of excitement, and the scenes everywhere were
+terrible. Women wept and wailed, men uttered words of blank despair, and
+children screamed at an unknown terror.
+
+The situation was terrible. From the Embankment away on the Surrey side
+could be seen a lurid glare in the sky. It was the reflection of a great
+fire in Vassall Road, Brixton, the whole street being burned by the
+enemy, together with the great block of houses lying between the Cowley
+and Brixton Roads.
+
+London waited. Dark storm-clouds scudded across the moon. The chill wind
+swept up the river, and moaned mournfully in doors and chimneys.
+
+At last, without warning, just as Big Ben had boomed forth one o'clock,
+the thunder of artillery shook the windows, and startled the excited
+crowds. Great shells crashed into the streets, remained for a second,
+and then burst with deafening report and appalling effect.
+
+In Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, and the Strand the deadly projectiles
+commenced to fall thickly, wrecking the shops, playing havoc with the
+public buildings, and sweeping hundreds of men and women into eternity.
+Nothing could withstand their awful force, and the people, rushing madly
+about like frightened sheep, felt that this was indeed their last hour.
+
+In Ludgate Hill the scene was awful. Shots fell with monotonous
+regularity, bursting everywhere, and blowing buildings and men into
+atoms. The French shells were terribly devastating; the reek of melinite
+poisoned the air. Shells striking St. Paul's Cathedral brought down the
+right-hand tower, and crashed into the dome; while others set on fire a
+long range of huge drapery warehouses behind it, the glare of the
+roaring flames causing the great black Cathedral to stand out in bold
+relief.
+
+The bombardment had actually commenced! London, the proud Capital of the
+World, was threatened with destruction!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+LONDON BOMBARDED.
+
+
+The Hand of the Destroyer had reached England's mighty metropolis. The
+lurid scene was appalling.
+
+In the stormy sky the red glare from hundreds of burning buildings grew
+brighter, and in every quarter flames leaped up and black smoke curled
+slowly away in increasing volume.
+
+The people were unaware of the events that had occurred in Surrey that
+day. Exhausted, emaciated, and ashen pale, the hungry people had endured
+every torture. Panic-stricken, they rushed hither and thither in
+thousands up and down the principal thoroughfares, and as they tore
+headlong away in this _sauve qui peut_ to the northern suburbs, the
+weaker fell and were trodden under foot.
+
+Men fought for their wives and families, dragging them away out of the
+range of the enemy's fire, which apparently did not extend beyond the
+line formed by the Hackney Road, City Road, Pentonville Road, Euston
+Road, and Westbourne Park. But in that terrible rush to escape many
+delicate ladies were crushed to death, and numbers of others, with their
+children, sank exhausted, and perished beneath the feet of the fleeing
+millions.
+
+Never before had such alarm been spread through London; never before had
+such awful scenes of destruction been witnessed. The French
+Commander-in-chief, who was senior to his Russian colleague, had been
+killed, and his successor being unwilling to act in concert with the
+Muscovite staff, a quarrel ensued. It was this quarrel which caused the
+bombardment of London, totally against the instructions of their
+respective Governments. The bombardment was, in fact, wholly
+unnecessary, and was in a great measure due to some confused orders
+received by the French General from his Commander-in-chief. Into the
+midst of the surging, terrified crowds that congested the streets on
+each side of the Thames, shells filled with melinite dropped, and,
+bursting, blew hundreds of despairing Londoners to atoms. Houses were
+shattered and fell, public buildings were demolished, factories were set
+alight, and the powerful exploding projectiles caused the Great City to
+reel and quake. Above the constant crash of bursting shells, the dull
+roar of the flames, and the crackling of burning timbers, terrific
+detonations now and then were heard, as buildings, filled with
+combustibles, were struck by shots, and, exploding, spread death and
+ruin over wide areas. The centre of commerce, of wealth, of intellectual
+and moral life was being ruthlessly wrecked, and its inhabitants
+massacred. Apparently it was not the intention of the enemy to invest
+the city at present, fearing perhaps that the force that had penetrated
+the defences was not sufficiently large to accomplish such a gigantic
+task; therefore they had commenced this terrible bombardment as a
+preliminary measure.
+
+Through the streets of South London the people rushed along, all
+footsteps being bent towards the bridges; but on every one of them the
+crush was frightful--indeed, so great was it that in several instances
+the stone balustrades were broken, and many helpless, shrieking persons
+were forced over into the dark swirling waters below. The booming of the
+batteries was continuous, the bursting of the shells was deafening, and
+every moment was one of increasing horror. Men saw their homes swept
+away, and trembling women clung to their husbands, speechless with fear.
+In the City, in the Strand, in Westminster, and West End streets the
+ruin was even greater, and the destruction of property enormous.
+
+Westward, both great stations at Victoria, with the adjoining furniture
+repositories and the Grosvenor Hotel, were burning fiercely; while the
+Wellington Barracks had been partially demolished, and the roof of St.
+Peter's Church blown away. Two shells falling in the quadrangle of
+Buckingham Palace had smashed every window and wrecked some of the
+ground-floor apartments, but nevertheless upon the flagstaff, amidst the
+dense smoke and showers of sparks flying upward, there still floated the
+Royal Standard. St. James's Palace, Marlborough House, Stafford House,
+and Clarence House, standing in exposed positions, were being all more
+or less damaged; several houses in Carlton House Terrace had been
+partially demolished, and a shell striking the Duke of York's Column
+soon after the commencement of the bombardment, caused it to fall,
+blocking Waterloo Place.
+
+Time after time shells whistled above and fell with a crash and
+explosion, some in the centre of the road, tearing up the paving, and
+others striking the clubs in Pall Mall, blowing out many of those noble
+time-mellowed walls. The portico of the Athenaeum had been torn away like
+pasteboard, the rear premises of the War Office had been pulverised, and
+the Carlton, Reform, and United Service Clubs suffered terrible damage.
+Two shells striking the Junior Carlton crashed through the roof, and
+exploding almost simultaneously, brought down an enormous heap of
+masonry, which fell across the roadway, making an effectual barricade;
+while at the same moment shells began to fall thickly in Grosvenor Place
+and Belgrave Square, igniting many houses, and killing some of those who
+remained in their homes petrified by fear.
+
+Up Regent Street shells were sweeping with frightful effect. The Cafe
+Monico and the whole block of buildings surrounding it was burning, and
+the flames leaping high, presented a magnificent though appalling
+spectacle. The front of the London Pavilion had been partially blown
+away, and of the two uniform rows of shops forming the Quadrant many
+had been wrecked. From Air Street to Oxford Circus, and along Piccadilly
+to Knightsbridge, there fell a perfect hail of shell and bullets.
+Devonshire House had been wrecked, and the Burlington Arcade destroyed.
+The thin pointed spire of St. James's Church had fallen, every window in
+the Albany was shattered, several houses in Grosvenor Place had suffered
+considerably, and a shell that struck the southern side of St. George's
+Hospital had ignited it, and now at 2 A.M., in the midst of this awful
+scene of destruction and disaster, the helpless sick were being removed
+into the open streets, where bullets whistled about them and fragments
+of explosive shells whizzed past.
+
+As the night wore on London trembled and fell. Once Mistress of the
+World, she was now, alas! sinking under the iron hand of the invader.
+Upon her there poured a rain of deadly missiles that caused appalling
+slaughter and desolation. The newly introduced long-range guns, and the
+terrific power of the explosives with which the French shells were
+charged, added to the horrors of the bombardment; for although the
+batteries were so far away as to be out of sight, yet the unfortunate
+people, overtaken by their doom, were torn limb from limb by the
+bursting bombs.
+
+Over the roads lay men of London, poor and rich, weltering in their
+blood, their lower limbs shattered or blown completely away. With
+wide-open haggard eyes, in their death agony they gazed around at the
+burning buildings, at the falling debris, and upward at the
+brilliantly-illumined sky. With their last breath they gasped prayers
+for those they loved, and sank to the grave, hapless victims of
+Babylon's downfall.
+
+Every moment the Great City was being devastated, every moment the
+catastrophe was more complete, more awful. In the poorer quarters of
+South London whole streets were swept away, and families overwhelmed by
+their own demolished homes. Along the principal thoroughfares shop
+fronts were shivered, and the goods displayed in the windows strewn
+about the roadway.
+
+About half-past three a frightful disaster occurred at Battersea. Very
+few shells had dropped in that district, when suddenly one fell right in
+the very centre of a great petroleum store. The effect was frightful.
+With a noise that was heard for twenty miles around, the whole of the
+great store of oil exploded, blowing the stores themselves high into the
+air, and levelling all the buildings in the vicinity. In every direction
+burning oil was projected over the roofs of neighbouring houses, dozens
+of which at once caught fire, while down the streets there ran great
+streams of blazing oil, which spread the conflagration in every
+direction. Showers of sparks flew upwards, the flames roared and
+crackled, and soon fires were breaking out in all quarters.
+
+Just as the clocks were striking a quarter to four, a great shell struck
+the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament, bringing it down with a
+terrific crash. This disaster was quickly followed by a series of
+others. A shell fell through the roof of Westminster Abbey, setting the
+grand old historic building on fire; another tore away the columns from
+the front of the Royal Exchange; and a third carried away one of the
+square twin towers of St. Mary Woolnoth, at the corner of Lombard
+Street.
+
+Along this latter thoroughfare banks were wrecked, and offices set on
+fire; while opposite, in the thick walls of the Bank of England, great
+breaches were being made. The Mansion House escaped any very serious
+injury, but the dome of the Stock Exchange was carried away; and in
+Queen Victoria Street, from end to end, enormous damage was caused to
+the rows of fine business premises; while further east the Monument,
+broken in half, came down with a noise like thunder, demolishing many
+houses on Fish Street Hill.
+
+The great drapery warehouses in Wood Street, Bread Street, Friday
+Street, Foster Lane, and St. Paul's Churchyard suffered more or less.
+Ryland's, Morley's, and Cook's were all alight and burning fiercely;
+while others were wrecked and shattered, and their contents blown out
+into the streets. The quaint spire of St. Bride's had fallen, and its
+bells lay among the debris in the adjoining courts; both the
+half-wrecked offices of the _Daily Telegraph_ and the _Daily Chronicle_
+were being consumed.
+
+The great clock-tower of the Law Courts fell about four o'clock with a
+terrific crash, completely blocking the Strand at Temple Bar, and
+demolishing the much-abused Griffin Memorial; while at the same moment
+two large holes were torn in the roof of the Great Hall, the small black
+turret above fell, and the whole of the glass in the building was
+shivered into fragments.
+
+It was amazing how widespread was the ruin caused by each of the
+explosive missiles. Considering the number of guns employed by the
+French in this cruel and wanton destruction of property, the desolation
+they were causing was enormous. This was owing to the rapid extension of
+their batteries over the high ground from One Tree Hill through Peckham
+to Greenwich, and more especially to the wide ranges of their guns and
+the terrific power of their shells. In addition to the ordinary
+projectiles filled with melinite, charges of that extremely powerful
+substance lignine dynamite were hurled into the city, and, exploded by a
+detonator, swept away whole streets, and laid many great public
+buildings in ruins; while steel shells, filled with some arrangement of
+liquid oxygen and blasting gelatine, produced frightful effects, for
+nothing could withstand them.
+
+One of these, discharged from the battery on Denmark Hill, fell in the
+quadrangle behind Burlington House, and levelled the Royal Academy and
+the surrounding buildings. Again a terrific explosion sounded, and as
+the smoke cleared it was seen that a gelatine shell had fallen among the
+many turrets of the Natural History Museum, and the front of the
+building fell out with a deafening crash, completely blocking the
+Cromwell Road.
+
+London lay at the mercy of the invaders. So swiftly had the enemy cut
+their way through the defences and opened their hail of destroying
+missiles, that the excited, starving populace were unaware of what had
+occurred until dynamite began to rain upon them. Newspapers had ceased
+to appear; and although telegraphic communication was kept up with the
+defenders on the Surrey Hills by the War Office, yet no details of the
+events occurring there had been made public for fear of spies. Londoners
+had remained in ignorance, and, alas! had awaited their doom. Through
+the long sultry night the situation was one of indescribable panic and
+disaster.
+
+The sky had grown a brighter red, and the streets within the range of
+the enemy's guns, now deserted, were in most cases blocked by burning
+ruins and fallen telegraph wires; while about the roadways lay the
+shattered corpses of men, women, and children, upon whom the shells had
+wrought their frightful work.
+
+The bodies, mutilated, torn limb from limb, were sickening to gaze
+upon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+BABYLON BURNING.
+
+
+Dynamite had shattered Charing Cross Station and the Hotel, for its
+smoke-begrimed facade had been torn out, and the station yard was filled
+with a huge pile of smouldering debris. On either side of the Strand
+from Villiers Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had been left
+intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, for dozens of
+buildings had been overthrown by shells, and what in many cases had been
+handsome shops were now heaps of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted
+girders. The rain of fire continued. Dense black smoke rising in a huge
+column from St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that
+noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli Music Hall,
+and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also falling a prey to the flames.
+
+The burning of Babylon was a sight of awful, appalling grandeur.
+
+The few people remaining in the vicinity of the Strand who escaped the
+flying missiles and falling buildings, sought what shelter they could,
+and stood petrified by terror, knowing that every moment might be their
+last, not daring to fly into the streets leading to Holborn, where they
+could see the enemy's shells were still falling with unabated regularity
+and frightful result, their courses marked by crashing buildings and
+blazing ruins.
+
+Looking from Charing Cross, the Strand seemed one huge glaring furnace.
+Flames belched from windows on either side, and, bursting through roofs,
+great tongues of fire shot upwards; blazing timbers fell into the
+street; and as the buildings became gutted, and the fury of the
+devouring element was spent, shattered walls tottered and fell into the
+roadway. The terrific heat, the roar of the flames, the blinding smoke,
+the stifling fumes of dynamite, the pungent, poisonous odour of
+melinite, the clouds of dust, the splinters of stone and steel, and the
+constant bursting of shells, combined to render the scene the most awful
+ever witnessed in a single thoroughfare during the history of the world.
+
+From Kensington to Bow, from Camberwell to Somers Town, from Clapham to
+Deptford, the vast area of congested houses and tortuous streets was
+being swept continually. South of the Thames the loss of life was
+enormous, for thousands were unable to get beyond the zone of fire, and
+many in Brixton, Clapham, Camberwell, and Kennington were either maimed
+by flying fragments of shell, buried in the debris of their homes, or
+burned to death. The disasters wrought by the Frenchmen's improved
+long-range weapons were frightful.
+
+London, the all-powerful metropolis, which had egotistically considered
+herself the impregnable Citadel of the World, fell to pieces and was
+consumed. She was frozen by terror, and lifeless. Her ancient monuments
+were swept away, her wealth melted in her coffers, her priceless objects
+of art were torn up and broken, and her streets ran with the blood of
+her starving toilers.
+
+Day dawned grey, with stormlight gloom. Rain-clouds scudded swiftly
+across the leaden sky. Along the road in front of the Crystal Palace,
+where the French batteries were established, the deafening discharges
+that had continued incessantly during the night, and had smashed nearly
+all the glass in the sides and roof of the Palace, suddenly ceased.
+
+The officers were holding a consultation over despatches received from
+the batteries at Tulse Hill, Streatham, Red Post Hill, One Tree Hill,
+and Greenwich, all of which stated that ammunition had run short, and
+they were therefore unable to continue the bombardment.
+
+[Illustration: THE FRENCH BOMBARDING LONDON FROM THE CRYSTAL PALACE
+PARADE.]
+
+Neither of the ammunition trains of the two columns of the enemy had
+arrived, for, although the bombarding batteries were unaware of it, both
+had been captured and blown up by British Volunteers.
+
+It was owing to this that the hostile guns were at last compelled to
+cease their thunder, and to this fact also was due the fortunes of the
+defenders in the events immediately following.
+
+Our Volunteers occupying the line of defence north of London, through
+Epping and Brentwood to Tilbury, had for the past three weeks been in
+daily expectation of an attempt on the part of the invaders to land in
+Essex, and were amazed at witnessing this sudden bombardment. From their
+positions on the northern heights they could distinctly see how
+disastrous was the enemy's fire, and although they had been informed by
+telegraph of the reverses we had sustained at Guildford and Leatherhead,
+yet they had no idea that the actual attack on the metropolis would be
+made so swiftly. However, they lost not a moment. It was evident that
+the enemy had no intention of effecting a landing in Essex; therefore,
+with commendable promptitude, they decided to move across the Thames
+immediately, to reinforce their comrades in Surrey. Leaving the 2nd and
+4th West Riding Artillery, under Col. Hoffmann and Col. N. Creswick,
+V.D., at Tilbury, and the Lincolnshire, Essex, and Worcestershire
+Volunteer Artillery, under Col. G. M. Hutton, V.D., Col. S. L. Howard,
+V.D., and Col. W. Ottley, the greater part of the Norfolk,
+Staffordshire, Tay, Aberdeen, Manchester, and Northern Counties Field
+Brigades moved south with all possible speed. From Brentwood, the 1st,
+2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment, under
+Col. A. C. Dawson, Col. E. H. H. Combe, Col. H. E. Hyde, V.D., and Col.
+C. W. J. Unthank, V.D.; the 1st and 2nd North Staffordshire, under Col.
+W. H. Dutton, V.D., and Col. F. D. Mort, V.D.; and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
+South Staffordshire, under Col. J. B. Cochrane, V.D., Col. T. T. Fisher,
+V.D., and Col. E. Nayler, V.D.; the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Royal
+Highlanders, under Col. W. A. Gordon, V.D., Col. Sir R. D. Moncreiffe,
+Col. Sir R. Menzies, V.D., and Col. Erskine; the 7th Argyll and
+Sutherland Highlanders, under Col. J. Porteous, V.D.; the 3rd, 4th, and
+5th Gordon Highlanders, under Col. A. D. Fordyce, Col. G. Jackson, V.D.,
+and Col. J. Johnston--were, as early as 2 A.M., on their way to London.
+
+At this critical hour the Engineer and Railway Volunteer Staff Corps
+rendered invaluable services. Under the direction of Col. William Birt,
+trains held in readiness by the Great Eastern Railway brought the
+brigades rapidly to Liverpool Street, whence they marched by a
+circuitous route beyond the zone of fire by way of Marylebone,
+Paddington, Kensington Gardens, Walham Green, and across Wandsworth
+Bridge, thence to Upper Tooting, where they fell in with a large force
+of our Regular infantry and cavalry, who were on their way to outflank
+the enemy.
+
+Attacking a detachment of the French at Tooting, they captured several
+guns, destroyed the enemy's field telegraph, and proceeded at once to
+Streatham, where the most desperate resistance was offered. A fierce
+fight occurred across Streatham Common, and over to Lower Norwood and
+Gipsy Hill, in which both sides lost very heavily. Nevertheless our
+Volunteers from Essex, although they had been on the march the greater
+part of the night, fought bravely, and inflicted terrible punishment
+upon their foe. The 3rd and 4th Volunteer Battalions of the Gordon
+Highlanders and the 1st Norfolk, attacking a French position near the
+mouth of the railway tunnel, displayed conspicuous bravery, and
+succeeded in completely annihilating their opponents; while in an
+opposite direction, towards Tooting, several troops of French cavalry
+were cut up and taken prisoners by two battalions of Royal Highlanders.
+
+The batteries on Streatham Hill having been assaulted and taken, the
+force of defenders pushed quickly onward to Upper Norwood, where our
+cavalry, sweeping along Westow Hill and Church Street, fell upon the
+battery in front of the Crystal Palace. The enemy, owing to the
+interruption of their field telegraph, were unaware of their presence,
+and were completely surprised. Nevertheless French infantrymen rushed
+into the Crystal Palace Hotel, the White Swan, Stanton Harcourt, the
+Knoll, Rocklands, and other houses at both ends of the Parade, and from
+the windows poured forth withering volleys from their Lebels. Our
+cavalry, riding down the broad Parade, used their sabres upon the
+artillerymen, and the whole of the French troops were quickly in a
+confused mass, unable to act with effect, and suffering appallingly from
+the steady fire of our Volunteers, who very soon cleared the enemy from
+the White Swan, and, having been drawn up outside, poured forth a
+galling rifle fire right along the enemy's position. Suddenly there was
+loud shouting, and the British "Cease fire" sounded. The French, though
+fighting hard, were falling back gradually down the hill towards
+Sydenham Station, when suddenly shots were heard, and turbaned cavalry
+came riding into them at a terrific pace from the rear.
+
+The British officers recognised the new-comers as a squadron of Bengal
+Lancers! At last India had sent us help, and our men sent up a loud
+cheer. A large force of cavalry and infantry, together with two
+regiments of Goorkas, had, it appeared, been landed at Sheerness. They
+had contemplated landing in Hampshire, but, more unfortunate than some
+of their compatriots who had effected a landing near Southampton, they
+were driven through the Straits of Dover by the enemy's cruisers.
+Marching north in company with a force from Chatham, they had earlier
+that morning attacked and routed the enemy's right flank at Blackheath,
+and, after capturing the battery of the foe at Greenwich, greater part
+of the escort of which had been sent over to Lewisham an hour before,
+they slaughtered a battalion of Zouaves, and had then extended across to
+Denmark Hill, where a sanguinary struggle occurred.
+
+The French on Dog Kennel, Red Post, Herne, and Tulse Hills turned their
+deadly machine guns upon them, and for a long time all the positions
+held out. At length, however, by reason of a splendid charge made by the
+Bengal Lancers, the battery at Red Post Hill was taken and the enemy
+slaughtered. During the next half-hour a fierce hand-to-hand struggle
+took place up Dog Kennel Hill from St. Saviour's Infirmary, and
+presently, when the defenders gained the spur of the hill, they fought
+the enemy gallantly in Grove Lane, Private Road, Bromar Road, Camberwell
+Grove, and adjoining roads. Time after time the Indian cavalry charged,
+and the Goorkas, with their keen knives, hacked their way into those of
+the enemy who rallied. For nearly an hour the struggle continued
+desperately, showers of bullets from magazine rifles sweeping along the
+usually quiet suburban thoroughfares, until the roads were heaped with
+dead and dying, and the houses on either side bore evidence of the
+bloody fray. Then at last the guns placed along the hills all fell into
+our hands, and the French were almost completely swept out of existence.
+
+Many were the terrible scenes witnessed in the gardens of the quaint
+last-century houses on Denmark Hill. Around those old-world residences,
+standing along the road leading down to Half Moon Lane, time-mellowed
+relics of an age bygone, Indians fought with Zouaves, and British
+Volunteers struggled fiercely hand to hand with French infantrymen. The
+quiet old-fashioned quarter, that was an aristocratic retreat when
+Camberwell was but a sylvan village with an old toll gate, when cows
+chewed the cud upon Walworth Common, and when the Walworth Road had not
+a house in the whole of it, was now the scene of a frightful massacre.
+The deafening explosions of cordite from magazine rifles, the exultant
+shouts of the victors and the hoarse shrieks of the dying, awakened the
+echoes in those quaint old gardens, with their Dutch-cut zigzag walks,
+enclosed by ancient red brick walls, moss-grown, lichen covered, and
+half hidden by ivy, honeysuckle, and creepers. Those spacious grounds,
+where men were now being mercilessly slaughtered, had been the scene of
+many a brilliant _fete champetre_, where splendid satin-coated _beaux_,
+all smiles and _ailes de pigeon_, whispered scandal behind the fans of
+dainty dames in high-dressed wigs and patches, or, clad as Watteau
+shepherds, had danced the _al fresco_ minuet with similarly attired
+shepherdesses, and later on played _piquet_ and drank champagne till
+dawn.
+
+[Illustration: GOORKAS SLAUGHTERING THE FRENCH ARTILLERY AT GREENWICH
+OBSERVATORY.]
+
+In the good old Georgian days, when Johnson walked daily under the trees
+in Gough Square, when Macklin was playing the "Man of the World," and
+when traitors' heads blackened on Temple Bar, this colony was one of the
+most rural, exclusive, and gay in the vicinity of London. Alas, how it
+has decayed! Cheap "desirable residences" have sprung up around it, the
+hand of the jerry-building Vandal has touched it, the sound of traffic
+roars about it; yet still there is a charm in those quaint old gardens
+of a forgotten era. From under the dark yew hedges the jonquils still
+peep out early--the flowers themselves are those old-fashioned sweet
+ones beloved of our grandmothers--and the tea roses still blossom on the
+crumbling walls and fill the air with their fragrance. But in this
+terrible struggle the walls were used as defences, the bushes were torn
+down and trampled under foot, and the flowers hung broken on their
+stalks, bespattered with men's blood!
+
+Proceeding south again, the defenders successfully attacked the strong
+batteries on One Tree Hill at Honor Oak, and on Sydenham Hill and Forest
+Hill, and then extending across to the Crystal Palace, had joined hands
+with our Volunteers from Essex, where they were now wreaking vengeance
+for the ruthless destruction caused in London.
+
+The bloodshed along the Crystal Palace Parade was fearful. The French
+infantry and artillery, overwhelmed by the onward rush of the defenders,
+and now under the British crossfire, fell in hundreds. Dark-faced Bengal
+Lancers and Goorkas, with British Hussars and Volunteers, descended upon
+them with appalling swiftness; and so complete was the slaughter, that
+of the whole force that had effected that terribly effectual bombardment
+from Sydenham, not more than a dozen survived.
+
+By noon many of the shops on Westow Hill and private residences on
+College Hill and Sydenham Hill had been wantonly ignited by the enemy;
+but when the firing ceased some hours later, the roads were heaped with
+the corpses of those whose mission it had been to destroy London.
+
+Of all those batteries which had caused such frightful desolation and
+loss of life during the night, not one now remained. The two French
+columns had been swiftly wiped out of existence; and although our forces
+had suffered very considerably, they nevertheless were able to go south
+to Croydon later that afternoon, in order to take part in resisting the
+vigorous and desperate attack which they knew would sooner or later be
+made by the whole French army massed beyond the Surrey Hills. The sun
+was on the horizon, and the shadows were already deepening.
+
+Assistance had arrived tardily, for the damage to property in London
+during the night had been enormous; nevertheless at this the eleventh
+hour we had inflicted upon the French a crushing defeat, and now England
+waited, trembling and breathless, wondering what would be the final
+outcome of this fierce, bloody struggle for our national existence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS.
+
+
+Our valiant defenders were striking swift, decisive blows for England's
+honour. The French, demoralised by their severe defeat in the south of
+London, and suffering considerable loss in every other direction, fought
+desperately during the two days following the disastrous bombardment.
+
+In darkness and sunlight fierce contests took place along the Surrey
+Hills, where our Volunteers, under Major-Gen. Lord Methuen, were still
+entrenched. Every copse bristled with rifles; red coats gleamed among
+the foliage, and winding highways were, alas! strewn with corpses.
+Guildford had again been reoccupied by our Regulars, who were
+reorganising; and Leatherhead, holding out for another day, was retaken,
+after a terribly hard-fought battle, by the Highland, South of Scotland,
+and Glasgow Brigades, with the 1st Ayrshire and Galloway Artillery,
+under Col. J. G. Sturrock, V.D.; 1st Lanarkshire, under Col. R. J.
+Bennett, V.D.; 1st Aberdeenshire, under Col. J. Ogston, V.D.; and 1st
+North Riding Yorkshire Volunteer Artillery, under Major C. L. Bell. In
+such a splendid and gallant manner had our comparatively small force
+manoeuvred, that on the second night following the bombardment the whole
+of the invaders who had penetrated beyond our line of defence towards
+the metropolis had been completely wiped out, in addition to which the
+breach in our line had been filled up by strong reinforcements, and the
+enemy driven from the high ground between Box Hill and Guildford.
+
+The invaders, finding how vigorously we repelled any attack, made
+terrific onslaughts on our position at various points they believed were
+vulnerable, but everywhere they were hurled back with appalling
+slaughter. Volunteers from Australia and the Cape, in addition to the
+other contingent of 10,000 Indian native troops, had been landed near
+Southampton, and had advanced to assist in this terrific struggle, upon
+the result of which the future of our Empire depended. Among these
+Colonials were 500 Victorian Rangers, 900 Victoria Mounted Rifles, and
+seven companies of Queensland Mounted Infantry, with two ambulance
+corps.
+
+The Indians landed in splendid form, having brought their full war
+equipment with them without any contribution whatever from the Home
+Government, as it will be remembered they did when they landed at Malta
+during Lord Beaconsfield's administration. Having received intelligence
+of the movements of the two columns of the enemy that had gone to London
+after taking Leatherhead and Guildford, they pushed on to Petworth. By
+the time they arrived there, however, both towns had been recaptured by
+the British, who were then being severely harassed by the enemy massed
+along the south side of our defensive line. Although numerically
+inferior to the enemy occupying that part of the country, the Indians
+were already well accustomed to actual warfare, the majority having been
+engaged in operations against the hill tribes; therefore the commander
+decided to push on at once, and endeavour to outflank the large French
+force who with some Russian infantry had again attacked Guildford, and
+the manner in which this was accomplished was a single illustration of
+the valuable assistance the Indians rendered us in these days of
+bloodshed and despair.
+
+One of the native officers of a Sikh regiment, the Subadar Banerji
+Singh, having served with Sir Peter Lumsden's expeditionary force some
+years before, had frequently come into contact with the Russians, and
+could speak Russian better than some of the soldiers of the Tsar's
+Asiatic corps. The commander of the Indian force, determined that his
+men should strike their blow and sustain their reputation, advanced with
+great caution from Petworth, and late in the afternoon of the second
+evening after the bombardment of London, two Sikhs scouting in front of
+the advance guard sighted a Russian bivouac on the road on the other
+side of the Wye Canal beyond Loxwood Bridge, which latter had been
+demolished. The Indians were thereupon halted on the road which runs
+through the wood near Plaistow, and the officers held council. Their
+information was unfortunately very meagre and their knowledge of the
+country necessarily vague; but the Subadar Banerji Singh, who was of
+unusually fair complexion, volunteered to don a Russian uniform, which
+had been taken with other property from a dead officer found upon the
+road, and endeavour in that disguise to penetrate the enemy's lines.
+
+Towards dusk he set out on his perilous journey, and, on arriving at the
+wrecked bridge, shouted over to two Russian sentries, explaining that he
+had been wounded and left behind after the fight at Haslemere, and
+requesting their assistance to enable him to cross. Believing him to be
+one of their infantry officers, they told him there were no means of
+crossing unless he could swim, as their engineers had sounded the canal
+before blowing up the bridge, and had found it twenty feet deep.
+
+Banerji Singh questioned them artfully as to the position of their
+column, which they said intended, in co-operation with a great force of
+French cavalry and infantry, to again attack Guildford at dawn; and
+further, they told him in confidence that the rearguard to which they
+belonged only numbered about two thousand men, who had halted for the
+night with the transport waggons on the Guildford road, about two miles
+north of Alfold.
+
+Then, after further confidences, they suggested that he should continue
+along the canal bank for about a mile and a half, where there was a
+bridge still intact, and near which he would find the rearguard.
+
+Thanking them, he withdrew into the falling gloom, and a quarter of an
+hour later entered the presence of his commanding officer, who, of
+course, was delighted with the information thus elicited. The Subadar
+had carefully noted all the features of the canal bank and broken
+bridge, and the valuable knowledge he had obtained was at once put to
+account, and the General at once formed his force into two divisions.
+Then, after issuing instructions for the following day, he gave orders
+for a bivouac for the night.
+
+The pioneers, however, were far from idle. During the night they worked
+with unflagging energy, quietly preparing a position for the guns to
+cover the contemplated passage at Loxwood Bridge, and before day broke
+the guns were mounted, and the Engineers were ready for action. As soon
+as there was sufficient light the laying of the pontoon commenced, but
+was at once noticed by the Russians, who opened fire, and very soon it
+was evident that information had been conveyed to the enemy's rearguard,
+and that they were returning to contest the passage.
+
+In the meantime one division of the Indians, setting out before
+daybreak, had been cautiously working round to the main road crossing
+the canal north of Alfold, and succeeded in getting over soon after the
+majority of the Russian rearguard had left for the assistance of the
+detachment at Loxwood Bridge, and, after a sharp, decisive fight,
+succeeded in capturing the whole of the transport waggons. The
+Engineers, with the Indians, had in the meantime succeeded in completing
+their pontoon under cover of the guns, and the second division of the
+Indians, dark-faced, daring fellows, rushed across to the opposite bank,
+and descended upon the enemy with frightful effect. In the hot
+engagement that followed, the Russians, now attacked in both front and
+rear, were totally annihilated, and thus the whole of the reserve
+ammunition of the force assaulting Guildford fell into our hands.
+
+This victory on the enemy's left flank caused the tide of events to turn
+in our favour, for the huge Russian and French columns that intended to
+again carry the hills from Dorking to Guildford were hampered by want
+of ammunition, and so vigorously did our Volunteers along the hills
+defend the repeated attacks, that the invaders were again driven back.
+Then, as they drew south to recover themselves, they were attacked on
+their left by a large body of our Regulars, and in the rear by the
+Indians and Australians. Over the country stretching across from Cranley
+through Ewhurst, Ockley, Capel, and Newdigate to Horley, the fighting
+spread, as each side struggled desperately for the mastery.
+
+The fate of England, nay, of our vast British Empire, was in the hands
+of those of her stalwart sons of many races who were now wielding
+valiantly the rifle and the sword. Through that blazing September day,
+while the people of London wailed among the ruins of their homes, and,
+breathlessly anxious, awaited news of their victory or their doom, the
+whole of East Kent, the southern portion of Surrey and northern Sussex,
+became one huge battlefield. Of the vast bodies of troops massed over
+hill and dale every regiment became engaged.
+
+The butchery was awful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS.
+
+
+On sea England was now showing the world how she still could fight.
+Following the desperate struggle off Sardinia, in which Italy had
+rendered us such valuable help, our Mediterranean Squadron attacked the
+French Fleet off Cape Tresforcas, on the coast of Morocco, and after a
+terrific battle, extending over two days, defeated them with heavy loss,
+several of the enemy's vessels being torpedoed and sunk, two of them
+rammed, and one so badly damaged that her captain ran her ashore on
+Alboran Island.
+
+After this hard-earned victory, our Squadron passed out of the
+Mediterranean, and, returning home, had joined hands with the battered
+remnant of our Channel Fleet, now reinforced by several vessels recalled
+from foreign stations. Therefore, while the enemy marched upon London,
+we had collected our naval strength on the south coast, and at length
+made a final descent upon the enemy in British waters. The British
+vessels that passed Beachy Head coming up Channel on the night of the
+bombardment of London included the _Empress of India_, _Inflexible_,
+_Nile_, _Trafalgar_, _Magnificent_, _Hood_, _Warspite_, _Dreadnought_,
+_Camperdown_, _Blenheim_, _Barham_, _Benbow_, _Monarch_, _Anson_,
+_Immortalite_, and _Royal Sovereign_, with four of the new cruisers
+built under the Spencer programme, viz. the _Terrible_, _Powerful_,
+_Doris_, and _Isis_, and a number of smaller vessels, torpedo boats, and
+"destroyers."
+
+At the same hour that our vessels were passing Beachy Head, the
+Coastguard at Sandwich Battery were suddenly alarmed by electric signals
+being flashed from a number of warships that were slowly passing the
+Gull Stream revolving light towards the Downs. The sensation these
+lights caused among the Coastguard and Artillery was immediately
+dispelled when it was discovered that the warships were not hostile, but
+friendly; that the Kaiser had sent a German Squadron, in two divisions,
+to assist us, and that these vessels were on their way to unite with our
+own Fleet. The first division, it was ascertained, consisted of the
+_Baden_, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Koester; the _Sachen_,
+commanded by Prince Henry of Prussia; the _Wuertemberg_, and the
+_Bayern_--all of 7400 tons, and each carrying 18 guns and nearly 400
+men; while the despatch boat _Pfeil_, the new dynamite cruiser _Trier_,
+and a number of torpedo boats, accompanied them. The second division,
+under Rear-Admiral von Diederichs on board the _Koenig Wilhelm_,
+consisted of the _Brandenburg_, _Kuerfurst Friedrich Wilhelm_, and
+_Woerth_, each of 10,300 tons, and carrying 32 guns; the _Deutschland_
+and the _Friedrich der Grosse_, with the despatch vessel _Wacht_, and
+several torpedo gunboats and other craft.
+
+Before dawn, the British and German Fleets united near South Sand Head
+light, off the South Foreland, and it was decided to commence the attack
+without delay. Turning west again, the British ships, accompanied by
+those of the Emperor William, proceeded slowly down Channel in search of
+the enemy, which they were informed by signal had been sighted by the
+Coastguard at East Wear, near Folkestone, earlier in the night. Just as
+day broke, however, when the defenders were opposite Dymchurch, about
+eight miles from land, the enemy were discovered in force. Apparently
+the French and Russian Fleets had combined, and were preparing for a
+final descent upon Dover, or an assault upon the Thames defences; and it
+could be seen that, with both forces so strong, the fight would
+inevitably be one to the death.
+
+Little time was occupied in preliminaries. Soon our ships were within
+range in fighting formation in single column in line abreast, while the
+French, under Admiral le Bourgeois, advanced in single column in line
+ahead. The French flagship, leading, was within 2000 yards of the
+British line, and had not disclosed the nature of her attack. The
+enemy's Admiral had signalled to the ships astern of him to follow his
+motions together, as nearly as possible to concentrate their guns at
+point blank, right ahead, and to pour their shot on the instant of
+passing our ships. He had but three minutes to decide upon the attack,
+and as he apparently elected to pierce the centre of our line, the
+British had no time to counteract him. The French Admiral therefore
+continued his course, and as he passed between the _Camperdown_ and
+_Blenheim_, he discharged his guns, receiving the British broadsides and
+bow fire at the same time. In a few minutes, however, it was seen that
+the French attack had been frustrated, and as dawn spread the fighting
+increased, and the lines became broken. The ponderous guns of the
+battleships thundered, and ere long the whole of the great naval force
+was engaged in this final struggle for England's freedom. The three
+powerful French battleships, _Jaureguiberry_, _Jemappes_, and
+_Devastation_, and the submarine torpedo boat _Gustave Zede_, fiercely
+attacked the _Brandenburg_ and the _Koenig Wilhelm_; while the
+_Camperdown_, _Anson_, _Dreadnought_, and _Warspite_ fought desperately
+with half a dozen of the enemy's battleships, all of which suffered
+considerably. Our torpedo boats, darting swiftly hither and thither,
+performed much effective service, and many smart manoeuvres were carried
+out by astute officers in command of those wasps of the sea. In one
+instance a torpedo boat, which had designs upon a Russian ironclad,
+obtained cover by sending in front of her a gunboat which emitted an
+immense quantity of dense smoke. This of course obscured from view the
+torpedo boat under the gunboat's stern, and those on board the Tsar's
+battleship pounded away at the gunboat, unconscious of the presence of
+the dangerous little craft. Just as the gunboat got level with the
+battleship, however, the torpedo boat emerged from the cloud of smoke,
+and, darting along, ejected its Whitehead with such precision that five
+minutes later the Russian leviathan sank beneath the dark green waters.
+Almost at the same moment, the new German dynamite cruiser destroyed a
+French cruiser, and a fierce and sanguinary encounter took place between
+the _Immortalite_ and the _Trehouart_. The former's pair of 22-tonners,
+in combination with her ten 6-inch guns, wrought awful havoc on board
+the French vessel; nevertheless, from the turret of her opponent there
+came a deadly fire which spread death and destruction through the ship.
+Suddenly the Frenchman swung round, and with her quick-firing guns
+shedding a deadly storm of projectiles, came full upon the British
+vessel. The impact and the angle at which she was struck was not,
+however, sufficient to ram her, consequently the two vessels became
+entangled, and amid the rain of bullets the Frenchmen made a desperate
+attempt to board our ship. A few who managed to spring upon the
+_Immortalite's_ deck were cut down instantly, but a couple of hundred
+fully armed men were preparing to make a rush to overpower our
+bluejackets. On board the British cruiser, however, the enemy's
+intentions had been divined, and certain precautions taken. The
+_Fusiliers Marins_, armed with Lebels and cutlasses, suddenly made a
+desperate, headlong rush upon the British cruiser's deck, but just as
+fifty of them gained their goal, a great hose attached to one of the
+boilers was brought into play, and scalding water poured upon the enemy.
+This, in addition to some hand charges at that moment thrown, proved
+successful in repelling the attack; but just as the survivors retreated
+in disorder there was a dull explosion, and then it was evident, from
+the confusion on board the French ship, that she had been torpedoed by a
+German boat, and was sinking.
+
+Humanely, our vessel, the _Immortalite_ rescued the whole of her
+opponent's men ere she sank; but it was found that in the engagement her
+captain and half her crew had been killed. On every hand the fight
+continued with unabated fierceness; every gun was worked to its utmost
+capacity, and amid the smoke and din every vessel was swept from stem
+to stern. As morning wore on, the enemy met with one or two successes.
+Our two new cruisers _Terrible_ and _Powerful_ had been sunk by French
+torpedoes; the _Hood_ had been rammed by the _Amiral Baudin_, and gone
+to the bottom with nearly every soul on board; while the German despatch
+boat _Wacht_ had been captured, and seven of our torpedo boats had been
+destroyed. During the progress of the fight, the vessels came gradually
+nearer Dungeness, and at eleven o'clock they were still firing at each
+other, with appalling results on either side. At such close quarters did
+this great battle occur, that the loss of life was awful, and throughout
+the ships the destruction was widespread and frightful. About noon the
+enemy experienced two reverses. The French battleship _Formidable_ blew
+up with a terrific report, filling the air with debris, her magazine
+having exploded; while just at that moment the _Courbet_, whose
+48-tonners had caused serious damage to the _Warspite_, was suddenly
+rammed and sunk by the _Empress of India_.
+
+This, the decisive battle, was the most vigorously contested naval fight
+during the whole of the hostilities. The scene was terrible. The steel
+leviathans of the sea were being rent asunder and pulverised by the
+terribly destructive modern arms, and amid the roar and crashing of the
+guns, shells were bursting everywhere, carrying away funnels, fighting
+tops, and superstructures, and wrecking the crowded spaces between the
+decks. Turrets and barbettes were torn away, guns dismounted by the
+enormous shells from heavy guns; steel armour was torn up and thrown
+aside like paper, and many shots entering broadsides, passed clean
+through and out at the other side. Whitehead torpedoes, carrying heavy
+charges of gun-cotton, exploded now and then under the enemy's ships;
+while both British and French torpedo boat "destroyers," running at the
+speed of an ordinary train, were sinking or capturing where they could.
+
+Through the dull, gloomy afternoon the battle continued. Time after time
+our ships met with serious reverses, for the _Anson_ was sunk by the
+Russian flagship _Alexander II._, assisted by two French cruisers, and
+this catastrophe was followed almost immediately by the torpedoing of
+the new British cruiser _Doris_, and the capture of the new German
+dynamite cruiser _Trier_.
+
+[Illustration:
+_H.M.S. Royal Sovereign._ _H.M.S. Camperdown._ _Amiral Baudin._
+_Russian flagship blown up._
+_H.M.S. Warspite._ _Cecille._
+FINAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS: "THE SCENE OF DESTRUCTION WAS APPALLING."]
+
+By this time, however, the vessels had approached within three miles of
+Dungeness, and the _Camperdown_, _Empress of India_, _Royal Sovereign_,
+_Inflexible_, and _Warspite_, lying near one another, fought nine of the
+enemy's vessels, inflicting upon them terrible punishment. Shots from
+the 67-tonners of the _Empress of India_, _Royal Sovereign_, and
+_Camperdown_, combined with those from the 22-tonners of the _Warspite_,
+swept the enemy's vessels with devastating effect, and during the
+three-quarters of an hour that the fight between these vessels lasted,
+the scene of destruction was appalling. Suddenly, with a brilliant flash
+and deafening detonation, the Russian flagship _Alexander II._, one of
+the vessels now engaging the five British ships, blew up and sank, and
+ere the enemy could recover from the surprise this disaster caused them,
+the _Camperdown_ rammed the _Amiral Baudin_, while the _Warspite_ sank
+the French cruiser _Cecille_, the submarine boat _Gustave Zede_, and
+afterwards captured the torpedo gunboat _Bombe_.
+
+This rapid series of terrible disasters apparently demoralised the
+enemy. They fought recklessly, and amid the din and confusion two
+Russian vessels collided, and were so seriously damaged that both
+settled down, their crews being rescued by British torpedo boats.
+Immediately afterwards, however, a frightful explosion rent the air with
+a deafening sound that dwarfed into insignificance the roar of the heavy
+guns, and the French battleship _Jaureguiberry_ was completely broken
+into fragments, scarcely any of her hull remaining. The enemy were
+amazed. A few moments later another explosion occurred, even louder than
+the first. For a second the French battleship _Devastation_, which had
+been engaging the _Royal Sovereign_, was obscured by a brilliant flash,
+then, as fragments of steel and human limbs were precipitated on every
+side, it was seen that that vessel also had been completely blown out of
+the water!
+
+The enemy stood appalled. The defenders themselves were at first
+dumfounded. A few moments later, however, it became known throughout the
+British ships that the battery at Dungeness, two miles and a half
+distant, were rendering assistance with the new pneumatic gun, the
+secret of which the Government had guarded so long and so well. Five
+years before, this frightfully deadly weapon had been tested, and proved
+so successful that the one gun made was broken up and the plans
+preserved with the utmost secrecy in a safe at the War Office. Now,
+however, several of the weapons had been constructed, and one of them
+had been placed in the battery at Dungeness. The British vessels drew
+off to watch the awful effect of the fire from these marvellous and
+terribly destructive engines of modern warfare. The enemy would not
+surrender, so time after time the deafening explosions sounded, and time
+after time the hostile ships were shattered into fragments.
+
+Each shot fired by this new pneumatic gun contained 900 lbs. of
+dynamite, which could strike effectively at four miles! The result of
+such a charge exploding on a ship was appalling; the force was terrific,
+and could not be withstood by the strongest vessel ever constructed.
+Indeed, the great armoured vessels were being pulverised as easily as
+glass balls struck by bullets, and every moment hundreds of poor fellows
+were being hurled into eternity. At last the enemy discovered the
+distant source of the fire, and prepared to escape beyond range; but in
+this they were unsuccessful, for, after a renewed and terrific fight, in
+which three French ironclads were sunk and two of our cruisers were
+torpedoed, our force and our allies the Germans succeeded in capturing
+the remainder of the hostile ships and torpedo boats.
+
+The struggle had been frightful, but the victory was magnificent.
+
+That same night the British ships steamed along the Sussex coast and
+captured the whole of the French and Russian transports, the majority of
+which were British vessels that had been seized while lying in French
+and Russian ports at the time war was declared. The vessels were lying
+between Beachy Head and Selsey Bill, and by their capture the enemy's
+means of retreat were at once totally cut off.
+
+Thus, at the eleventh hour, the British Navy had shown itself worthy of
+its reputation, and England regained the supremacy of the seas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE DAY OF RECKONING.
+
+
+The Day of Reckoning dawned.
+
+On land the battle was terrific; the struggle was the most fierce and
+bloody of any during the invasion. The British Regulars holding the high
+ground along from Crowborough to Ticehurst, and from Etchingham, through
+Brightling and Ashburnham, down to Battle, advanced in a huge fighting
+line upon the enemy's base around Eastbourne. The onslaught was
+vigorously repelled, and the battle across the Sussex Downs quickly
+became a most wild and sanguinary one; but as the day passed, although
+the defenders were numerically very weak, they nevertheless gradually
+effected terrible slaughter, capturing the whole of the enemy's stores,
+and taking nearly five thousand prisoners.
+
+In Kent the French had advanced from East Grinstead through Edenbridge,
+extending along the hills south of Westerham, and in consequence of
+these rapid successes the depot of stores and ammunition which had been
+maintained at Sevenoaks was being removed to Bromley by rail; but as the
+officer commanding the British troops at Eynsford could see that it
+would most probably be impossible to get them all away before Sevenoaks
+was attacked, orders were issued that at a certain hour the remainder
+should be destroyed. The force covering the removal only consisted of
+two battalions of the Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex) Regiment and
+half a squadron of the 9th Lancers; but the hills north of Sevenoaks
+from Luddesdown through Stanstead, Otford, Shoreham, Halstead,
+Farnborough, and Keston were still held by our Volunteers. These
+infantry battalions included the 1st and 2nd Derbyshire Regiment
+(Sherwood Foresters), under Col. A. Buchanan, V.D., and Col. E. Hall,
+V.D.; the 1st Nottinghamshire, under Col. A. Cantrell-Hubbersty; the 4th
+Derbyshire, under Lord Newark; the 1st and 2nd Lincolnshire, under Col.
+J. G. Williams, V.D., and Col. R. G. Ellison; the 1st Leicestershire,
+under Col. S. Davis, V.D.; the 1st Northamptonshire, under Col. T. J.
+Walker, V.D.; the 1st and 2nd Shropshire Light Infantry, under Col. J.
+A. Anstice, V.D., and Col. R. T. Masefield; the 1st Herefordshire, under
+Col. T. H. Purser, V.D.; the 1st, 3rd, and 4th South Wales Borderers,
+under Col. T. Wood, Col. J. A. Bradney, and Col. H. Burton, V.D.; the
+1st and 2nd Warwickshire, under Col. W. S. Jervis and Col. L. V. Loyd;
+the 1st and 2nd Welsh Fusiliers, under Col. C. S. Mainwaring and Col. B.
+G. D. Cooke, V.D.; the 2nd Welsh Regiment, under Col. A. P. Vivian,
+V.D.; the 3rd Glamorganshire, under Col. J. C. Richardson, V.D.; and the
+1st Worcestershire, under Col. W. H. Talbot, V.D.; while the artillery
+consisted of the 3rd Kent, under Col. Hozier; the 1st Monmouthshire,
+under Col. C. T. Wallis; the 1st Shropshire and Staffordshire, under
+Col. J. Strick, V.D.; and the 5th Lancashire, under Col. W. H. Hunt.
+
+The events which occurred outside Sevenoaks are perhaps best described
+by Capt. A. E. Brown, of the 4th V.B. West Surrey Regiment, who was
+acting as one of the special correspondents of the _Standard_. He
+wrote--
+
+"I was in command of a piquet consisting of fifty men of my regiment at
+Turvan's Farm, and about three hours before the time to destroy the
+remainder of the stores at Sevenoaks my sentries were suddenly driven in
+by the enemy, who were advancing from the direction of Froghall. As I
+had orders to hold the farm at any cost, we immediately prepared for
+action. Fortunately we had a fair supply of provisions and plenty of
+ammunition, for since War had broken out the place had been utilised as
+a kind of outlying fort, although at this time only my force occupied
+it. Our equipment included two machine guns, and it was mainly by the
+aid of these we were saved.
+
+"The strength of the attacking force appeared to be about four
+battalions of French infantry and a battalion of Zouaves, with two
+squadrons of Cuirassiers. Their intention was, no doubt, to cut the
+railway line near Twitton, and thus prevent the removal of the Sevenoaks
+stores. As soon as the cavalry scouts came within range we gave them a
+few sharp volleys, and those who were able immediately retired in
+disorder. Soon afterwards, however, the farm was surrounded, but I had
+previously sent information to our reserves, and suggested that a sharp
+watch should be kept upon the line from Twitton to Sevenoaks, for of
+course I could do nothing with my small force. Dusk was now creeping on,
+and as the enemy remained quiet for a short time it seemed as though
+they intended to assault our position when it grew dark.
+
+"Before night set in, however, my messenger, who had managed to elude
+the vigilance of the enemy, returned, with a letter from a brother
+officer stating that a great naval battle had been fought in the
+Channel; and further, that the enemy's retreat had been cut off, and
+that the Kentish defenders had already retaken the invaders' base at
+Eastbourne. If we could, therefore, still hold the Surrey Hills, there
+was yet a chance of thoroughly defeating the French and Russians, even
+though one strong body was reported as having taken Guildford and
+Leatherhead, and was now marching upon London.
+
+"As evening drew on we could hear heavy firing in the direction of
+Sevenoaks, but as we also heard a train running it became evident that
+we still held the station. Nevertheless, soon after dark there was a
+brilliant flash which for a second lit up the country around like day,
+and a terrific report followed. We knew the remainder of our stores and
+ammunition had been demolished in order that it should not fall into the
+enemy's hands!
+
+"Shortly afterwards we were vigorously attacked, and our position
+quickly became almost untenable by the dozens of bullets projected in
+every direction where the flash of our rifles could be seen. Very soon
+some of the farm outbuildings fell into the hands of the Frenchmen, and
+they set them on fire, together with a number of haystacks, in order to
+burn us out. This move, however, proved pretty disastrous to them, for
+the leaping flames quickly rendered it light as day, and showed them up,
+while at the same time flashes from our muzzles were almost invisible to
+them. Thus we were enabled to bring our two machine guns into action,
+and break up every party of Frenchmen who showed themselves. Away over
+Sevenoaks there was a glare in the sky, for the enemy were looting and
+burning the town. Meanwhile, however, our men who had been defending the
+place had retreated to Dunton Green after blowing up the stores, and
+there they re-formed and were quickly moving off in the direction of
+Twitton. Fortunately they had heard the commencement of the attack on
+us, and the commander, halting his force, had sent out scouts towards
+Chevening, and it appeared they reached us just at the moment the enemy
+had fired the stacks. They worked splendidly, and, after going nearly
+all round the enemy's position, returned and reported to their Colonel,
+who at once resolved to relieve us.
+
+"As may be imagined, we were in a most critical position by this time,
+especially as we were unaware that assistance was so near. We had been
+ordered to hold the farm, and we meant to do it as long as breath
+remained in our bodies. All my men worked magnificently, and displayed
+remarkable coolness, even at the moment when death stared us in the
+face. The reports of the scouts enabled their Colonel to make his
+disposition very carefully, and it was not long before the enemy were
+almost completely surrounded. We afterwards learnt that our reserves at
+Stockholm Wood had sent out a battalion, which fortunately came in touch
+with the survivors of the Sevenoaks force just as they opened a
+desperate onslaught upon the enemy.
+
+"With the fierce flames and blinding smoke from the burning stacks
+belching in our faces, we fought on with fire around us on every side.
+As the fire drew nearer to us the heat became intense, the showers of
+sparks galled us almost as much as the enemy's bullets, and some of us
+had our eyebrows and hair singed by the fierce flames. Indeed, it was as
+much as we could do to keep our ammunition from exploding; nevertheless
+we kept up our stream of lead, pouring volley after volley upon those
+who had attacked us. Nevertheless, with such a barrier of flame and
+obscuring smoke between us we could see but little in the darkness
+beyond, and we all knew that if we emerged from cover we should be
+picked off easily and not a man would survive. The odds were against us.
+More than twenty of my brave fellows had fired their last shot, and now
+lay with their dead upturned faces looking ghastly in the brilliant
+glare, while a number of others had sunk back wounded. The heat was
+frightful, the smoke stifling, and I had just given up all hope of
+relief, and had set my teeth, determined to die like an Englishman
+should, when we heard a terrific volley of musketry at close quarters,
+and immediately afterwards a dozen British bugles sounded the charge.
+The scene of carnage that followed was terrible. Our comrades gave one
+volley from their magazines rifles, and then charged with the bayonet,
+taking the enemy completely by surprise.
+
+"The Frenchmen tried to rally, but in vain, and among those huge burning
+barns and blazing ricks they all fell or were captured. Dozens of them
+struggled valiantly till the last; but, refusing to surrender, they were
+slaughtered amid a most frightful scene of blood and fire. The events of
+that night were horrible, and the true extent of the losses on both
+sides was only revealed when the flames died down and the parting clouds
+above heralded another grey and toilsome day."
+
+Late on the previous evening the advance guard of the enemy proceeding
+north towards Caterham came in touch with the defenders north of
+Godstone. The French cavalry had seized Red Hill Junction Station at
+sundown, and some of their scouts suddenly came upon a detached post of
+the 17th Middlesex Volunteers at Tyler's Green, close to Godstone. A
+very sharp skirmish ensued, but the Volunteers, although suffering
+severe losses, held their own, and the cavalry went off along the Oxted
+Road. This being reported to the British General, special orders were at
+once sent to Col. Trotter, the commander of this section of the outpost
+line.
+
+From the reports of the inhabitants and of scouts sent out in plain
+clothes, it was believed that the French intended massing near
+Tandridge, and that they would therefore wait for supports before
+attempting to break through our outpost line, which still remained
+intact from the high ground east of Leatherhead to the hills north of
+Sevenoaks. During the night Oxted and Godstone were occupied by the
+enemy, and early in the morning their advance guard, consisting of four
+battalions of infantry, a squadron of cavalry, a battalion of Zouaves,
+and a section of field artillery, proceeded north in two columns, one
+along the Roman road leading past Rook's Nest, and the other past
+Flinthall Farm.
+
+At the latter place the sentries of the 17th Middlesex fell back upon
+their piquets, and both columns of the enemy came into action
+simultaneously. The French infantry on the high road soon succeeded in
+driving back the Volunteer piquet upon the supports, under Lieut.
+Michaelis, stationed at the junction of the Roman road with that leading
+to Godstone Quarry. A strong barricade with two deep trenches in front
+had here been constructed, and as soon as the survivors of the piquet
+got under cover, two of the defenders' machine guns opened fire from
+behind the barricade, assisted at the same moment by a battery on
+Gravelly Hill.
+
+The French artillery had gone on towards Flinthall Farm, but in passing
+the north edge of Rook's Nest Park their horses were shot by some
+Inniskilling Fusiliers lying in ambush, and by these two reverses,
+combined with the deadly fire from the two machine guns at the farm, the
+column was very quickly thrown into confusion. It was then decided to
+make a counter attack, and the available companies at this section of
+the outpost line, under Col. Brown and Col. Roche, succeeded, after
+nearly two hours' hard fighting, in retaking Godstone and Oxted,
+compelling the few survivors of the enemy's advance guard to fall back
+to Blindley Heath.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF CATERHAM: PLAN OF THE BRITISH POSITIONS.]
+
+In the meantime our troops occupying the line from Halstead to Chatham
+and Maidstone went down into battle, attacking the French right wing at
+the same time as the Indians were attacking their left, while the
+Volunteers from the Surrey Hills engaged the main body. The day was
+blazing hot, the roads dusty, and there was scarce a breath of wind. So
+hot, indeed, was it, that many on both sides fell from hunger, thirst,
+and sheer starvation. Yet, although the force of the invaders was nearly
+twice the numerical strength of the defenders, the latter fought on with
+undaunted courage, striking their swift, decisive blows for England and
+their Queen.
+
+The enemy, now driven into a triangle, fought with demoniacal strength,
+and that frenzied courage begotten of despair. On the hills around
+Sevenoaks and across to the valley at Otford, the slaughter of the
+French was fearful. Britons fighting for their homes and their country
+were determined that Britannia should still be Ruler of the World.
+
+From Wimlet Hill the enemy were by noon totally cut up and routed by the
+12th Middlesex (Civil Service), under Lord Bury; the 25th (Bank), under
+Capt. W. J. Coe, V.D.; the 13th (Queen's), under Col. J. W. Comerford;
+the 21st Middlesex, under Col. H. B. Deane, V.D.; and the 22nd, under
+Col. W. J. Alt, V.D. Over at Oxted, however, they rallied, and some
+brilliant charges by Cossacks, the slaughter of a portion of our advance
+guard, and the capture of one of our Volunteer batteries on Botley Hill,
+checked our advance.
+
+The French, finding their right flank being so terribly cut up, had
+suddenly altered their tactics, and were now concentrating their forces
+upon the Volunteer position at Caterham in an endeavour to break through
+our defensive line.
+
+But the hills about that position held by the North London, West London,
+South London, Surrey, and Cheshire Brigades were well defended, and the
+General had his finger upon the pulse of his command. Most of the
+positions had been excellently chosen. Strong batteries were established
+at Gravelly Hill by the 9th Lancashire Volunteer Artillery, under Col.
+F. Ainsworth, V.D.; at Harestone Farm by the 1st Cinque Ports, under
+Col. P. S. Court, V.D.; at White Hill by the 1st Northumberland and the
+1st Norfolk, under Col. P. Watts and Col. T. Wilson, V.D.; at Botley
+Hill by the 6th Lancashire, under Col. H. J. Robinson, V.D.; at
+Tandridge Hill by the 3rd Lancashire, under Col. R. W. Thom, V.D.; at
+Chaldon by the 1st Newcastle, under Col. W. M. Angus, V.D., who had come
+south after the victory at the Tyneside; at Warlingham village by the
+1st Cheshire, commanded by Col. H. T. Brown, V.D.; at Warlingham Court
+by the 2nd Durham, under Col. J. B. Eminson, V.D.; on the Sanderstead
+road, near King's Wood, by the 2nd Cinque Ports, under Col. W. Taylor,
+V.D.; and on the railway near Woldingham the 1st Sussex had stationed
+their armoured train with 40-pounder breech-loading Armstrongs, which
+they fired very effectively from the permanent way.
+
+Through Limpsfield, Oxted, Godstone, Bletchingley, and Nutsfield,
+towards Reigate, Frenchmen and Britons fought almost hand to hand. The
+defenders suffered severely, owing to the repeated charges of the French
+Dragoons along the highway between Oxted and Godstone, nevertheless the
+batteries of the 6th Lancashire on Tandridge Hill, which commanded a
+wide area of country occupied by the enemy, wrought frightful execution
+in their ranks. In this they were assisted by the 17th Middlesex, under
+Col. W. J. Brown, V.D., who with four Maxims at one period of the fight
+surprised and practically annihilated a whole battalion of French
+infantry. But into this attack on Caterham the enemy put his whole
+strength, and from noon until four o'clock the fighting along the valley
+was a fierce combat to the death.
+
+With every bit of cover bristling with magazine rifles, and every
+available artillery position shedding forth a storm of bullets and
+shell, the loss of life was awful. Invaders and defenders fell in
+hundreds, and with burning brow and dry parched throat expired in agony.
+The London Irish, under Col. J. Ward, V.D.; the Post Office Corps, under
+Col. J. Du Plat Taylor, V.D., and Col. S. R. Thompson, V.D.; the Inns of
+Court, under Col. C. H. Russell, V.D.; and the Cyclists, led by Major T.
+De B. Holmes, performed many gallant deeds, and served their country
+well. The long, dusty highways were quickly covered with the bodies of
+the unfortunate victims, who lay with blanched, bloodless faces and
+sightless eyes turned upward to the burning sun. On over them rode madly
+French cavalry and Cossacks, cutting their way into the British
+infantry, never to return.
+
+Just, however, as they prepared for another terrific onslaught, the guns
+of the 1st Cheshire battery at Warlingham village thundered, and with
+smart section volleys added by detachments of the London Scottish, under
+Major W. Brodie, V.D., and the Artists, under Capt. W. L. Duffield and
+Lieut. Pott, the road was in a few minutes strewn with horses and men
+dead and dying.
+
+Still onward there rushed along the valley great masses of French
+infantry, but the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Volunteer Battalions of the Royal
+Fusiliers, under Col. G. C. Clark, V.D., Col. A. L. Keller, and Col. L.
+Whewell respectively; the 2nd V. B. Middlesex Regiment, under Col. G.
+Brodie Clark, V.D.; the 3rd Middlesex, under Col. R Hennell, D.S.O.,
+late of the Indian Army; and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th West Surrey,
+under Col. J. Freeland, V.D., Col. G. Drewitt, V.D., Col. S. B.
+Bevington, V.D., and Col. F. W. Haddan, V.D., engaged them, and by dint
+of desperate effort, losing heavily all the time, they defeated them,
+drove them back, and slaughtered them in a manner that to a
+non-combatant was horrible and appalling. Time after time, the enemy,
+still being harassed by the British Regulars on their right, charged up
+the valley, in order to take the battery at Harestone Farm; but on each
+occasion few of those who dashed forward survived. The dusty roads, the
+grassy slopes, and the ploughed lands were covered with corpses, and
+blood draining into the springs and rivulets tinged their crystal
+waters.
+
+As afternoon passed and the battle continued, it was by no means certain
+that success in this fierce final struggle would lie with us. Having
+regard to the enormous body of invaders now concentrated on the Surrey
+border, and striving by every device to force a passage through our
+lines, our forces, spread over such a wide area and outflanking them,
+were necessarily weak. It was therefore only by the excellent tactics
+displayed by our officers, and the magnificent courage of the men
+themselves, that we had been enabled to hold back these overwhelming
+masses, which had already desolated Sussex with fire and sword.
+
+Our Regulars operating along the old Roman highway through Blindley
+Heath--where the invaders were making a desperate stand--and over to
+Lingfield, succeeded, after very hard fighting, in clearing the enemy
+off the railway embankment from Crowhurst along to South Park Farm, and
+following them up, annihilated them.
+
+Gradually, just at sundown, a strong division of the enemy were
+outflanked at Godstone, and, refusing to lay down their arms, were
+simply swept out of existence, scarcely a single man escaping. Thus
+forced back from, perhaps, the most vulnerable point in our defences,
+the main body of the enemy were then driven away upon Redhill, still
+fighting fiercely. Over Redstone Hill, through Mead Vale, and across
+Reigate Park to the Heath, the enemy were shot down in hundreds by our
+Regulars; while our Volunteers, whose courage never deserted them,
+engaged the French in hand-to-hand encounters through the streets of
+Redhill and Reigate, as far as Underhill Park.
+
+In Hartswood a company of the 4th East Surrey Rifles, under Major S. B.
+Wheaton, V.D., were lying in ambush, when suddenly among the trees they
+caught glimpses of red, baggy trousers, and scarlet, black-tasselled
+fezes, and a few seconds later they found that a large force of Zouaves
+were working through the wood. A few moments elapsed, and the combat
+commenced. The Algerians fought like demons, and with bullet and bayonet
+inflicted terrible punishment upon us; but as they emerged into the road
+preparatory to firing a volley into the thickets, they were surprised by
+a company of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment,
+under Capt. Pott, who killed and wounded half their number, and took the
+remainder prisoners.
+
+Gradually our Volunteer brigades occupying the long range of hills
+united with our Regulars still on the enemy's right from Reigate to
+Crawley, and closed down upon the foe, slowly narrowing the sphere of
+their operations, and by degrees forcing them back due westward.
+Russians and French, who had attacked Dorking, had by this time been
+defeated with heavy loss, and by dusk the main body had been thrown back
+to Newdigate, where in Reffold's Copse one or two very sanguinary
+encounters occurred. These, however, were not always in our favour, for
+the Civil Service Volunteers here sustained very heavy losses. On the
+railway embankment, and on the road running along the crest of the hill
+to Dorking, the French made a stand, and there wrought frightful
+execution among our men with their machine guns. Around Beare Green,
+Trout's Farm, and behind the "White Hart" at Holmwood, the enemy rapidly
+brought their guns into play, and occupied such strong strategic
+positions that as night drew on it became evident that they intended to
+remain there until the morrow.
+
+The defenders had but little cover, and consequently felt the withering
+fire of the French very severely. The latter had entrenched themselves,
+and now in the darkness it was difficult for our men to discern their
+exact position. Indeed, the situation of our forces became very serious
+and unsafe as night proceeded; but at length, about ten o'clock, a
+strong force of British Regulars, including the Sikhs and a detachment
+of Australians, swept along the road from Dorking, and came suddenly
+upon the French patrols. These were slaughtered with little resistance,
+and almost before the enemy were aware of it, the whole position was
+completely surrounded.
+
+Our men then used their field search-lights with very great advantage;
+for, as the enemy were driven out into the open, they were blinded by
+the glare, and fell an easy prey to British rifles; while the
+Frenchmen's own machine guns were turned upon them with frightful
+effect, their battalions being literally mowed down by the awful hail of
+bullets.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+"FOR ENGLAND!"
+
+
+Through the whole night the battle still raged furiously. The enemy
+fought on with reckless, unparalleled daring. Chasseurs and Zouaves,
+Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and infantry from the Loire and the Rhone
+struggled desperately, contesting every step, and confident of ultimate
+victory.
+
+But the enemy had at last, by the splendid tactics of the defenders,
+been forced into a gradually contracting square, bounded by Dorking and
+Guildford in the north, and Horsham and Billinghurst in the south, and
+soon after midnight, with a concentric movement from each of the four
+corners, British Regulars and Volunteers advanced steadily upon the foe,
+surrounding and slaughtering them.
+
+The horrors of that night were frightful; the loss of life on every hand
+enormous. Britannia had husbanded her full strength until this critical
+moment; for now, when the fate of her Empire hung upon a single thread,
+she sent forth her valiant sons, who fell upon those who had desecrated
+and destroyed their homes, and wreaked a terrible vengeance.
+
+Through the dark, sultry hours this awful destruction of life continued
+with unabated fury, and many a Briton closed with his foe in death
+embrace, or fell forward mortally wounded. Of British heroes there were
+many that night, for true pluck showed itself everywhere, and Englishmen
+performed many deeds worthy their traditions as the most courageous
+and undaunted among nations.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH BLUEJACKETS MARCHING THROUGH THE STRAND AFTER THE
+VICTORY.]
+
+Although the French Commander-in-chief had been killed, yet the enemy
+still fought on tenaciously, holding their ground on Leith Hill and
+through Pasture Wood to Wotton and Abinger, until at length, when the
+saffron streak in the sky heralded another blazing day, the straggling,
+exhausted remnant of the once-powerful legions of France and Russia,
+perspiring, dust-covered, and bloodstained, finding they stood alone,
+and that the whole of Sussex and Surrey had been swept and their
+comrades slaughtered, laid down their arms and eventually surrendered.
+
+After these three breathless days of butchery and bloodshed England was
+at last victorious!
+
+In this final struggle for Britain's freedom the invader had been
+crushed and his power broken; for, thanks to our gallant citizen
+soldiers, the enemy that had for weeks overrun our smiling land like
+packs of hungry wolves, wantonly burning our homes and massacring the
+innocent and unprotected, had at length met with their well-merited
+deserts, and now lay spread over the miles of pastures, cornfields, and
+forests, stark, cold, and dead.
+
+Britain had at last vanquished the two powerful nations that had sought
+by ingenious conspiracy to accomplish her downfall.
+
+Thousands of her brave sons had, alas! fallen while fighting under the
+British flag. Many of the principal streets of her gigantic capital were
+only parallel lines of gaunt, blackened ruins, and many of her finest
+cities lay wrecked, shattered, and desolate; yet this terrible ordeal
+had happily not weakened her power one iota, nor had she been ousted
+from her proud position as chief among the mighty Empires of the world.
+
+Three days after the great and decisive battle of Caterham, the British
+troops, with their compatriots from the Cape, Australia, Canada, and
+India, entered London triumphantly, bringing with them some thousands of
+French and Russian prisoners. In the streets, as, ragged and dusty,
+Britain's defenders passed through on their way to a great Open-Air
+Thanksgiving Service in Hyde Park, there were scenes of the wildest
+enthusiasm. With heartfelt gratitude, the people, scrambling over the
+debris heaped each side of the streets, cheered themselves hoarse; the
+men grasping the hands of Volunteers and veterans, and the women,
+weeping for joy, raising the soldiers' hands to their lips. The glad
+tidings of victory caused rejoicings everywhere. England, feeling
+herself free, breathed again. In every church and chapel through the
+United Kingdom special Services of Thanksgiving for deliverance from the
+invaders' thrall were held, while in every town popular fetes were
+organised, and delighted Britons gaily celebrated their magnificent and
+overwhelming triumph.
+
+In this disastrous struggle between nations France had suffered
+frightfully. Paris, bombarded and burning, capitulated on the day
+following the battle of Caterham, and the legions of the Kaiser marched
+up the Boulevards with their brilliant cavalry uniforms flashing in the
+sun. Over the Hotel de Ville, the Government buildings on the Quai
+d'Orsay, and the Ministries of War and Marine, the German flag was
+hoisted, and waved lazily in the autumn breeze, while the Emperor
+William himself had an interview with the French President at the
+Elysee.
+
+That evening all France knew that Paris had fallen. In a few days
+England was already shipping back to Dieppe and Riga her prisoners of
+war, and negotiations for peace had commenced. As security against any
+further attempts on England, Italian troops were occupying the whole of
+Southern France from Grenoble to Bordeaux; and the Germans, in addition
+to occupying Paris, had established their headquarters in Moghilev, and
+driven back the Army of the Tsar far beyond the Dnieper.
+
+From both France and Russia, Germany demanded huge indemnities, as well
+as a large tract of territory in Poland, and the whole of the vast
+Champagne country from Givet, on the Belgian frontier, down to the
+Saone.
+
+Ten days later France was forced to accept the preliminaries of a treaty
+which we proposed. This included the cession to us of Algiers, with its
+docks and harbour, so that we might establish another naval station in
+the Mediterranean, and the payment of an indemnity of L250,000,000. Our
+demands upon Russia at the same time were that she should withdraw all
+her troops from Bokhara, and should cede to us the whole of that portion
+of the Trans-Caspian territory lying between the mouths of the Oxus and
+Kizil Arvat, thence along the Persian frontier to Zulfikai, along the
+Afghan frontier to Karki, and from there up the bank of the Oxus to the
+Aral Sea. This vast area of land included the cities of Khiva and Merv,
+the many towns around Kara Khum, the country of the Kara Turkomans, the
+Tekeh and the Yomuts, and the annexation of it by Britain would
+effectually prevent the Russians ever advancing upon India.
+
+Upon these huge demands, in addition to the smaller ones by Italy and
+Austria, a Peace Conference was opened at Brussels without delay, and at
+length France and her Muscovite ally, both vanquished and ruined, were
+compelled to accept the proposals of Britain and Germany.
+
+Hence, on November 16th, 1897, the Treaty of Peace was signed, and eight
+days later was ratified. Then the huge forces of the Kaiser gradually
+withdrew into Germany, and the soldiers of King Humbert recrossed the
+Alps, while we shipped back the remainder of our prisoners, reopened our
+trade routes, and commenced rebuilding our shattered cities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+DAWN.
+
+
+A raw, cold December morning in London. With the exception of a
+statuesque sentry on the Horse Guards' Parade, the wide open space was
+deserted. It had not long been light, and a heavy yellow mist still hung
+over the grass in St. James's Park.
+
+A bell clanged mournfully. Big Ben chimed the hour, and then boomed
+forth eight o'clock. An icy wind swept across the gravelled square. The
+bare, black branches of the stunted trees creaked and groaned, and the
+lonely sentry standing at ease before his box rubbed his hands and
+shivered.
+
+Suddenly a side door opened, and there emerged a small procession.
+Slowly there walked in front a clergyman bare-headed, reciting with
+solemn intonation the Burial Service. Behind him, with unsteady step and
+bent shoulders, a trembling man with blanched, haggard face, and a wild
+look of terror in his dark, deep-sunken eyes. He wore a shabby
+morning-coat tightly buttoned, and his hands in bracelets of steel were
+behind his back.
+
+Glancing furtively around at the grey dismal landscape, he shuddered.
+Beside and behind him soldiers tramped on in silence.
+
+The officer's sword grated along the gravel.
+
+Suddenly a word of command caused them to halt against a wall, and a
+sergeant, stepping forward, took a handkerchief and tied it over the
+eyes of the quivering culprit, who now stood with his back against the
+wall. Another word from the officer, and the party receded some
+distance, leaving the man alone. The monotonous nasal utterances of the
+chaplain still sounded as four privates advanced, and, halting, stood in
+single rank before the prisoner.
+
+[Illustration: EXECUTION OF VON BEILSTEIN ON THE HORSE GUARDS' PARADE.]
+
+They raised their rifles. There was a momentary pause. In the distance a
+dog howled dismally.
+
+A sharp word of command broke the quiet.
+
+Then, a second later, as four rifles rang out simultaneously, the
+condemned man tottered forward and fell heavily on the gravel, shot
+through the heart.
+
+It was the spy and murderer, Karl von Beilstein!
+
+He had been brought from Glasgow to London in order that certain
+information might be elicited from him, and after his actions had been
+thoroughly investigated by a military court, he had been sentenced to
+death. The whole of his past was revealed by his valet Grevel, and it
+was proved that, in addition to bringing the great disaster upon
+England, he had also betrayed the country whose roubles purchased his
+cunningly-obtained secrets.
+
+Geoffrey Engleheart, although gallantly assisting in the fight outside
+Leatherhead, and subsequently showing conspicuous bravery during the
+Battle of Caterham, fortunately escaped with nothing more severe than a
+bullet wound in the arm. During the searching private inquiry held at
+the Foreign Office after peace was restored, he explained the whole of
+the circumstances, and was severely reprimanded for his indiscretion;
+but as no suspicion of von Beilstein's real motive had been aroused
+prior to the Declaration of War, and as it was proved that Geoffrey was
+entirely innocent of any complicity in the affair, he was, at the urgent
+request of Lord Stanbury, allowed to resume his duties. Shortly
+afterwards he was married to Violet Vayne, and Sir Joseph, having
+recovered those of his ships that had been seized by the Russian
+Government, was thereby enabled to give his daughter a handsome dowry.
+
+The young French clerk who had been engaged at the Admiralty, and who
+had committed murder for gold, escaped to Spain, and, after being
+hunted by English and Spanish detectives for many weeks, he became
+apparently overwhelmed by remorse. Not daring to show himself by day,
+nor to claim the money that had been promised him, he had tramped on
+through the snow from village to village in the unfrequented valleys of
+Lerida, while his description was being circulated throughout the
+Continent. Cold, weary, and hungry, he one night entered the Posada de
+las Pijorras at the little town of Oliana, at the foot of the Sierra del
+Cadi. Calling for wine, he took up a dirty crumpled copy of the Madrid
+_Globo_, three days old. A paragraph, headed "The Missing Spy," caught
+his eyes, and, reading eagerly, he found to his dismay that the police
+were aware that he had been in Huesca a week before, and were now using
+bloodhounds to track him!
+
+The paper fell from his nerveless grasp. The wine at his elbow he
+swallowed at one gulp, and, tossing down his last real upon the table,
+he rose and stumbled away blindly into the darkness.
+
+When the wintry dawn spread in that silent, distant valley, it showed a
+corpse lying in the snow with face upturned. In the white wrinkled brow
+was a small dark-blue hole from which blood had oozed over the pallid
+cheek, leaving an ugly stain. The staring eyes were wide open, with a
+look of unutterable horror in them, and beside the thin clenched hand
+lay a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The dreary gloom of winter passed, and there dawned a new era of
+prosperity for England.
+
+Dark days were succeeded by a period of happiness and rejoicing, and
+Britannia, grasping her trident again, seated herself on her shield
+beside the sea, Ruler of the Waves, Queen of Nations, and Empress of the
+World.
+
+THE END.
+
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+_A ROMANCE OF THE HAREM AND THE DESERT._
+
+BY WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.,
+AUTHOR OF "THE GREAT WAR IN 1897."
+_PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED BY H. PIFFARD._
+
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+A TORQUAY MARRIAGE.
+A NEW MODERN NOVEL OF TO-DAY.
+
+BY G. RAYLEIGH VICARS AND EDITH VICARS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Ready shortly, price 6s._
+VOL. II.
+
+IN QUEST OF A NAME.
+
+BY MRS. HENRY WYLDE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Ready shortly._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s.
+_With numerous Illustrations by E. S. Hope._
+
+THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR.
+
+BY GEORGE GRIFFITH,
+AUTHOR OF "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "OLGA ROMANOFF," ETC.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Now ready. Picture Cover. Price 1s._
+
+BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.
+_A POLITICAL DREAM._
+
+BY GEOFFREY DANYERS.
+A Vision of the Reunited Anglo-Saxondom asserting the Dominion of the
+Sea.
+
+
+
+
+_Now ready. Eleventh Edition. Price 6s._
+
+THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897.
+
+BY WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S.
+
+_With Numerous Illustrations by T. S. Crowther and Captain C. Field, and
+Nine Military Maps._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Opinions of some Great Authorities.
+
+    THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, writing to the Author, says: "Such books
+    cannot fail to have a good effect in inducing people to think
+    more seriously of the necessity which lies upon the whole
+    country to always be prepared, and to be more openhanded in
+    giving money for the means of defence."
+
+    FIELD MARSHAL LORD WOLSELEY says: "A pleasure to peruse it."
+
+    THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY says: "It is very realistic and
+    interesting."
+
+    LORD GEORGE HAMILTON says: "It is very striking and original."
+
+    SIR C. DILKE says: "I think it is most valuable as tending to
+    make people realise how little we are prepared for war."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Opinions of the London Press.
+
+    _The Times_ says: "Everything that can spice a sensational
+    volume."
+
+    _The Morning Post_ says: "Few works can compare in stirring
+    incidents or careful elaboration of detail.... A great deal of
+    what he forecasts would be very likely to occur if once England
+    were in the clutches of a strong enemy, and in the matter of
+    description wherein the tumult and carnage is brought vividly
+    before the reader.... A clever and exciting book."
+
+    _The Standard_ says: "Full of excitement and realism."
+
+    _The Globe_ says: "It is vigorous and rousing.... Will do a
+    public service."
+
+    _The Sun_ says: "Mr. Le Queux' narrative is well and spiritedly
+    written."
+
+    _The Evening News_ says: "Mr. Le Queux has succeeded in a very
+    difficult task. He has brought home to us the dangers we expose
+    ourselves if we neglect to maintain our Army and Navy in an
+    adequate state of efficiency."
+
+    _The Daily Graphic_ says: "Various essays have been made to
+    forecast the next great European war, but Mr. William Le Queux'
+    volume is certainly the most comprehensive and thrilling of
+    anything yet attempted. Regarded simply as a work of fiction, it
+    is exciting enough to satisfy the most enthusiastic lover of
+    'blood and thunder' literature. In its more serious aspect--and
+    it is this aspect, of course, which the author desires for
+    it--this book certainly evidences serious thought.... It is all
+    very graphic and very thrilling, especially the bombardment of
+    London by the Russians, and the author has not scrupled to avail
+    himself of the latest, even of the future, resources of
+    science."
+
+    _Naval and Military Record_ says: "Mr. Le Queux has special
+    qualifications for the task. He knows a great deal of our Army
+    and Navy, and he is familiar with continental systems and
+    sentiment. The narrative is lively and spirited, and the author
+    writes with an air of conviction which is calculated to carry
+    the reader on from beginning to end."
+
+    _Admiralty and Horse Guards Gazette_ says: "Mr. Le Queux is a
+    vivid writer, and his work gives evidence of care and
+    thoroughness. The chapter dealing with the march of the French
+    on London is particularly fine. The author's production is the
+    best of the kind we have come across for some time. It should
+    emphasise our old contention as to the unreadiness for active
+    service on a prolonged campaign of the sea and land forces of
+    the Empire."
+
+    _Army and Navy Gazette_ says: "The story is a capital one, full
+    of interest and incident, well sustained and well told."
+
+    _The Idler_ says: "Mr. Le Queux writes brilliantly, sensibly,
+    and with a thorough mastery of his subject."
+
+    _The Sketch_ says: "No novel of the day comes up to Mr. Le
+    Queux' 'Great War in England in 1897' for excitement. From the
+    preface to the last paragraph he has kept up his prophetic
+    heroics in magnificent style, and if his patriotism does not
+    scatter our indifference to our insular defences, why, then,
+    nothing will. It is really a terrifying book. Mr. Le Queux has
+    power to shake one's nerves as he foretells fights and
+    slaughters in peaceful suburbs."
+
+    _The World_ says: "It serves to bring home in a very realistic
+    fashion the horrors of a war brought into our very midst."
+
+    _To-Day_ says: "A mastery of military and naval details is
+    displayed with conception and execution."
+
+    _The Review of Reviews_ says: "The story is useful as a warning,
+    and is worked out with much knowledge."
+
+    _The Gentlewoman_ says: "Once having started, I couldn't lay it
+    down till I had made an end thereto."
+
+    _The Literary World_ says: "It is undoubtedly one of the books
+    of the year. It is so ingenious and so exciting, it is at once
+    extremely technical and extremely readable. The book is a great
+    book, and one that no Englishman could read without a thrill."
+
+    _The Publishers' Circular_ says: "Mr. Le Queux shows us what
+    will happen if we do not better prepare ourselves."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Read what the Country Press say.
+
+    _Manchester Evening News_ says: "Lovers of exciting literature
+    will be satisfied to the full with the graphic story."
+
+    _Liverpool Daily Mercury_ says: "Extremely interesting, and well
+    worth reading."
+
+    _Liverpool Daily Chronicle_ says:--"The story is full of
+    stirring episode."
+
+    _Birmingham Daily Post_ says: "The scenes are marked with real
+    and affecting power."
+
+    _Sheffield Daily Telegraph_ says: "We offer criticism in no
+    carping spirit, but as part of our grateful acknowledgment for a
+    brilliant, patriotic, and useful work."
+
+    _Yorkshire Post_ says: "Well calculated to make the nervous
+    tremble at every rumour of foreign complications."
+
+    _The Scotsman_ says: "Strategical and other problems are
+    elaborately worked out.... Amusing, entertaining, and exciting."
+
+    _The North British Mail_ says: "It is a very powerful work."
+
+    _Glasgow Herald_ says: "One of the best books we have read on a
+    subject on which it is only too easy to be tiresome."
+
+    _Glasgow Evening News_ says: "Whether as a romance or as a
+    prophecy it is highly interesting."
+
+    _The Western Morning News_ says: "Very exciting reading. Of real
+    literary merit."
+
+    _Bradford Daily Argus_ says: "Full of interesting and exciting
+    reading."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Read what the Foreign and Colonial Press say.
+
+    _Sydney Daily Telegraph_ says: "The writer's capability to speak
+    regarding his subject is displayed on every page of the book. It
+    is splendidly written."
+
+    _The Belgian News_ says: "The book is a remarkable and a
+    phenomenal success."
+
+    The _Palladium_ (Newhaven, Conn.) says: "One of the most
+    successful books of the season."
+
+    "Il Capitano Nemo," the well-known Italian naval writer, in
+    _L'Opinione_ of Rome, says that the problems put forward by Mr.
+    Le Queux should secure the serious consideration of European
+    Governments. "It is unquestionably a most important book," he
+    says; "it is of interest to everyone, and the minuteness of its
+    detail is astonishing. I can recommend it to the Italian public
+    as a very startling yet highly instructive book."
+
+    _The Italia Marinara_ says: "It is not a mere fantastic romance;
+    it is a book to study seriously, and we recommend it to the Army
+    and Navy of Italy, for it contains many valuable hints."
+
+    _Il Secolo_ says: "A very remarkable and important work. There
+    is genius in every line. The descriptions are most realistic,
+    and it is of interest to everybody."
+
+    _The China Telegraph_ says it is "of really intense and
+    thrilling interest."
+
+
+
+
+_Now ready. Sixth Edition. Price 6s._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.
+
+THE CAPTAIN OF THE MARY ROSE.
+_A TALE OF TO-MORROW._
+
+BY W. LAIRD CLOWES,
+U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE.
+
+With 60 Illustrations by the Chevalier de Martino and Fred. T. Jane.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This work has been truly described by the public press as an intensely
+realistic and stirring romance of the near future. It describes the
+wonderful adventures of an armour-clad cruiser, built on the Tyne, which
+takes part in a great Naval War that suddenly breaks out between France
+and Great Britain. The dashing way in which the vessel is handled, her
+narrow escapes, the boldness of her successful attacks upon the enemy,
+and the heroic conduct of her commander and crew, form altogether a
+narrative of most absorbing interest, and full of exciting scenes and
+situations.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW PRESS OPINIONS.
+
+    "Deserves something more than a mere passing notice."--_The
+    Times._
+
+    "Full of exciting situations.... Has manifold attractions for
+    all sorts of readers."--_Army and Navy Gazette._
+
+    "The most notable book of the season."--_The Standard._
+
+    "A clever book. Mr. Clowes is pre-eminent for literary touch and
+    practical knowledge of naval affairs."--_Daily Chronicle._
+
+    "Mr. W. Laird Clowes' exciting story."--_Daily Telegraph._
+
+    "We read 'The Captain of the Mary Rose' at a sitting."--_The
+    Pall Mall Gazette._
+
+    "Written with no little spirit and imagination.... A stirring
+    romance of the future."--_Manchester Guardian._
+
+    "Is of a realistic and exciting character.... Designed to show
+    what the naval warfare of the future may be."--_Glasgow Herald._
+
+    "One of the most interesting volumes of the year."--_Liverpool
+    Journal of Commerce._
+
+    "It is well told and magnificently illustrated."--_United
+    Service Magazine._
+
+    "Full of absorbing interest."--_Engineers Gazette._
+
+    "Is intensely realistic, so much so that after commencing the
+    story every one will be anxious to read to the end."--_Dundee
+    Advertiser._
+
+    "The book is splendidly illustrated."--_Northern Whig._
+
+
+
+
+_Ninth Edition, Price 6s._
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth gilt.
+_Uniform with "The Captain of the Mary Rose," with numerous
+Illustrations by Fred T. Jane and Edwin S. Hope._
+
+THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION.
+A TALE OF THE COMING TERROR.
+
+BY GEORGE GRIFFITH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In this Romance of Love, War, and Revolution, the action takes place ten
+years hence, and turns upon the solution of the problem of aerial
+navigation, which enables a vast Secret Society to decide the issue of
+the coming world-war, for which the great nations of the earth are now
+preparing. Battles such as have hitherto only been vaguely dreamed of
+are fought on land and sea and in the air. Aerial navies engage armies
+and fleets and fortresses, and fight with each other in an unsparing
+warfare, which has for its prize the empire of the world. Unlike all
+other essays in prophetic fiction, it deals with the events of
+to-morrow, and with characters familiar in the eyes of living men. It
+marks an entirely new departure in fiction, and opens up possibilities
+which may become stupendous and appalling realities before the present
+generation of men has passed away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_A FEW PRESS OPINIONS._
+
+    "Since the days of the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, we know
+    of no writer who 'takes the cake' like Mr. George
+    Griffith."--_Daily Chronicle._
+
+    "A really exciting and sensational romance."--_Literary World._
+
+    "As a work of imagination it takes high rank."--_Belfast News
+    Letter._
+
+    "Full of absorbing interest."--_Barrow Herald._
+
+    "This powerful story."--_Liverpool Mercury._
+
+    "An entirely new departure in fiction."--_Reynolds' Newspaper._
+
+    "Of exceptional brilliancy and power."--_Western Figaro._
+
+    "This remarkable story."--_Weekly Times and Echo._
+
+    "There is a fascination about his book that few will be able to
+    resist."--_Birmingham Gazette._
+
+    "This exciting romance."--_Licensing World._
+
+    "A work of strong imaginative power."--_Dundee Courier._
+
+    "We must congratulate the author upon the vividness and reality
+    with which he draws his unprecedented pictures."--_Bristol
+    Mercury._
+
+    "Is quite enthralling."--_Glasgow Herald._
+
+    "A striking and fascinating novel."--_Hampshire Telegraph._
+
+
+
+
+Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s.
+_With Frontispiece by Edwin S. Hope._
+
+OLGA ROMANOFF;
+Or, The Syren of the Skies.
+
+BY GEORGE GRIFFITH,
+AUTHOR OF "THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Dedicated to Mr. HIRAM S. MAXIM.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A sequel to the author's striking and successful romance. _The Angel of
+the Revolution_, describing the efforts of a beautiful daughter of the
+House of Romanoff to restore the throne of her ancestors destroyed in
+the World-War of 1904, and presenting to the reader the spectacle of a
+world transformed into a wonderland of art and science, yet trembling on
+the brink of a catastrophe, in comparison with which even the tremendous
+climax of _The Angel_ sinks almost into insignificance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SOME PRESS OPINIONS.
+
+    "Mr. George Griffith has made himself a high reputation as an
+    imaginative novelist by his brilliant romances, _The Angel of
+    the Revolution_ and _The Syren of the Skies_."--_Sketch._
+
+    "This is quite as imaginative, as clever, and as enthralling a
+    book as its predecessor."--_Glasgow Herald._
+
+    "The book is a wild one, but its wildness and imaginative
+    boldness make it uncommonly interesting."--_Scotsman._
+
+    "The flights of fancy and imagination displayed by the author
+    show a most marvellous power and conception."--_Aberdeen Free
+    Press._
+
+    "An entrancing book."--_Birmingham Post._
+
+    "Full of originality in its rendition.... A marvel of
+    imaginative strength and picturesque pen painting."--_European
+    Mail._
+
+    "On the whole Mr. Griffith has published a work which to our
+    mind is the most suggestive of its kind that has been published
+    for many years."--_Admiralty and Horse Guards Gazette._
+
+    "The work hardly lends itself to critical remark other than the
+    expression of one's appreciation of an imaginative and glowing
+    style likely to add to the pleasure of those who enjoy purely
+    speculative fiction. These pictures have a weird splendour in
+    keeping with the theme, but it is natural to desire a better
+    future for the human race than the one here
+    prophesied."--_Morning Post._
+
+    "His theme is a more tremendous one, and the incidents of his
+    story tenfold more terrible than even those awful battles in the
+    former volume. There is the same swift succession of awful
+    calamities, the same sustained interest from title page to
+    cover, and the same thread of human love running through the
+    narrative which lent its chief charm to the 'Angel of the
+    Revolution.'"--_Weekly Times and Echo._
+
+    "By lovers of sensational writing, in which the scientific
+    discoveries of the future are forecast, and intrigue and warfare
+    related in realistic manner under conditions which now exist but
+    in prophetic imagination, it will be warmly welcomed.... The
+    book must be read to be appreciated. Description is
+    impossible."--_Bradford Daily Argus._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes
+
+Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
+
+Hyphens removed: muzzle[-]loaders (p. 127), look[-]out (p. 164),
+short[-]sightedness (p. 176), blood[-]stained (p. 325).
+
+p. 67: "Termius" changed to "Terminus" (over the debris in
+Terminus Road).
+
+p. 72: "Halsted" changed to "Halstead" (Surrey to Halstead in Kent).
+
+p. 92: "crusier" changed to "cruiser" (the unarmoured cruiser _Faucon_).
+
+p. 119: "thousand" changed to "thousands" (thousands fleeing into the
+country).
+
+p. 159: "fusilade" changed to "fusillade" (commenced a terrific
+fusillade).
+
+p. 160: "momemt" changed to "moment" (Our situation at that moment).
+
+p. 240: "Hundred" changed to "Hundreds" (Hundreds of tons).
+
+p. 257: "evacute" changed to "evacuate" (to evacuate Edinburgh).
+
+p. 316: "detatched" changed to "detached" (came upon a detached post).
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great War in England in 1897, by
+William Le Queux
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897 ***
+
+***** This file should be named 37470.txt or 37470.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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