About seven o'clock in the evening
On the other hand , things were going better in the center . But what was the good of this reckless advance , of this bold rush , which built bridges of human bodies across the enemy 's trenches and formed living ladders composed of whole companies before the enemy 's earthworks -- what was the good of all this heroic courage in the face of Marshal Nogi 's relentless calculations ? He was overjoyed to see regiment after regiment storm towards him , while from his tent he gave directions for the sharp tongs of the Japanese flanks to close in the rear of General MacArthur 's army . About seven o'clock in the evening the surprising news came from the right wing that the batteries which had begun firing on the enemy 's lines retreating along the railway line were suddenly being shelled from the rear , and begged for reënforcements . But there were no reserves left ; the last battalion , the last man had been pushed to the front ! How did the enemy manage to outflank us ? Imploringly , eagerly , the telephone begged for reënforcements , for batteries , for machine-guns , for ammunition .