In due course Jack’s regiment arrived at the water, and both men and horses drank their fill.
The Hussars and Light Dragoons, who had formed the advance-guard, had, at the orders of Lord Raglan, crossed the river. Some of the enemy’s cavalry had been seen, and the commander-in-chief, determined to satisfy himself that his army could rest in comparative safety, had gone forward with the cavalry to reconnoitre the position.
Jack’s regiment, having assuaged their thirst, ate part of the ration which had been served out to them; then flung themselves on the ground, under the shadow of the trees, to enjoy a nap or a smoke.
Jack, having drunk his fill, carrying his lance-cap in his hand, joined a group of trumpeters.
‘Hallo, Jack,’ cried Tom Gallon, ‘who’s been ducking your head?’
“I ducked myself, Tom,’ answered Jack, ‘to cool my mighty brain. Phew, it’s hot!’
Bill Parkes laughed. ‘I remember the first time you ever put on a lance-cap,’ he said, ‘you thought you looked mighty fine.’
‘And I remember what you said at the time, Bill:
“Wait till you’ve worn one for six hours on a broiling hot day.”’
‘Well, you’ve had your chance to-day,’ laughed Parkes.