The retreat of BYLANDT's Brigade having removed all impediment to the advance of the central attacking Columns, the three Companies of the 95th soon found themselves outflanked by the French Skirmishers, and gradually retired upon their Reserve. The Light Companies of the other Regiments of KEMPT's Brigade, which had moved out to skirmish, fell back in like manner, accordingly as the French Columns advanced. With a view to secure the Left Flank of the attacking force, and at the same time to connect the movements with those on the opposite side of the high road, the French presented a strong Line, or rather a mass, of Skirmishers, in the interval between that road and the Left central Column. As the Columns now rapidly approached the crest of the Anglo-Allied position, the greater part of the Batteries along the French ridge--that is, all those which had been cannonading that portion of the Line embraced by the attack--gradually suspended their fire. The partial cessation of their thunder was immediately succeeded by loud and reiterated shouts from the Columns of "_Vive l'Empereur!_"; whilst at short intervals were heard the cheering exhortations of "_En avant! en avant!_" mingled with the continued roll of drums beating the _pas de charge_. The Left central Column was advancing in a direction which would have brought it in immediate contact with the Right of the 28th British Regiment and the Left of the 79th Highlanders, and had arrived within about forty yards of the hedge lining the edge of the Wavre road, when PICTON moved forward KEMPT's Brigade close to the hedge; where it was joined by its Light Companies, who came running in, followed by some of the most daring of the French Skirmishers, who, however, were quickly driven back. Suddenly the Column halted, and commenced a deployment to its right, the rear Battalions moving out rapidly to disengage their front.