Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 4.djvu/110

 80 THE SINKING OF THE SHIPS. CHAP, him, and reported the conclusion to which he had IV ' come. Todleben's conchision was, that in the country he had been ordered to examine, there was not to be I'ound any line upon which it would be wise for the Eussiau army to take up a position. There was no ground — other- wise suitable — which offered good means of retreat. Mf-ntsoiii- Prince ]Ientschik;off listened to this report in kon"s re- cpptionof the way that might be expected from one who the Uejiort. .01 had ready an alternative plan ; but that other plan, wdiatever it might be, he withheld from Colonel de Todleben. The Prince did not say much. Presently he got into a small boat and crossed over to Sebastopol, leaving Todleben without instructions in regard to the next duty, if any, which he was to undertake. After reflect- ing a little, Colonel dc Todleben determined that he would return to the task from which he had l)eeu summoned, and go on with his endeavours to strengthen the v/orks on the Xorth Side. This he did. ConUnucd I'riucc JMciitsclrikoff, at this time, was very iiis field secret in regard to his ulterior plan for the dis- position of his army ; but for the })resent, he allowed his troops to continue the movement which divided them from the field of the Alma, and retreat fairly into Sebastopol. In a weakened and tired conditi(jn of body, but not, it is said, in a state of dejection, the troops in the course of the day were all brought over the water, and into the town. Thence they were