Brant's secret fears that it was an intended impact against
the centre were confirmed. Would his communication to the divisional
commander pass through the attacking column in time?
Yet one thing puzzled him. The enemy, after forcing his flank, had shown
no disposition, even with their overwhelming force, to turn aside and
crush him. He could easily have fallen back, when it was possible to
hold the ridge no longer, without pursuit. His other flank and rear were
not threatened, as they might have been, by the division of so large an
attacking column, which was moving steadily on towards the ridge. It was
this fact that seemed to show a failure or imperfection in the enemy's
plan. It was possible that his precipitation of the attack by the
changed signal had been the cause of it. Doubtless some provision had
been made to attack him in flank and rear, but in the unexpected hurry
of the onset it had to be abandoned. He could still save himself, as his
officers knew; but his conviction that he might yet be able to support
his divisional commander by holding his position doggedly, but coolly
awaiting his opportunity, was strong. More than that, it was his
temperament and instinct.
Harrying them in flank and rear, contesting the ground inch by inch,
and holding his own against the artillery sent to dislodge him, or the
outriding cavalry that, circling round, swept through his open ranks, he
saw his files melt away beside this steady current without flinching.
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