Occasionally there sounded stray shots like the snapping of cords.

"Ours," said the troopers.

These were the last detachments of sharpshooters firing at the advancing Uhlans.

The cavalry of the rear guard had the task of opposing a continual resistance to the enemy, repelling the squads of Germans who were trying to work their way along to the retreating columns.
Desnoyers saw approaching along the highroad the last stragglers from the infantry.

They were not walking, they rather appeared to be dragging themselves forward, with the firm intention of advancing, but were betrayed by emaciated legs and bleeding feet.