The Uhlans were galloping around under the impression that the village was abandoned.
"Fire!" Desnoyers was enveloped in a rain of crackling noises, as though the trunks of all the trees had split before his eyes.
The impetuous band halted suddenly.

Some of their men were rolling on the ground.

Some were bending themselves double, trying to get across the road without being seen.

Others remained stretched out on their backs or face downward with their arms in front.

The riderless horses were racing wildly across the fields with reins dragging, urged on by the loose stirrups.
And after this rude shock which had brought them surprise and death, the band disappeared, instantly swallowed up by the trees..