‘The colonel’s, yer honour.’
‘Explain this. Where is your regiment?’
‘Comin’ on, me lord. There’s a convoy of Rooshians ahead, an’ we’re goin’ to cut ’em to pieces, an’——
‘I know all about the convoy. Ride off to your regiments as hard as you can and guide them here. I will hear your explanations later.—Captain Wilson, gallop back and fetch up my escort of Hussars.’
Without waiting for another word, the trumpeters turned their horses’ heads and re-entered the forest.
‘His lordship’s in a rage,’ said Jack, as he and Larry went back as hard as they could towards the cavalry column.
‘An’ our officers’ll get a rap over the knuckles for this, I’m thinkin’,’ said Larry.
‘We’ll hurry ’em up,’ said Jack, and seizing his bugle he sounded his regimental call several times.
Larry sounded as well, and soon an answering call showed their comrades were near. Presently Lord Cardigan and a group of officers, Lancers and Hussars, came in sight.
‘This way, colonel,’ said Larry; ‘Lord Raglan’s in a tearin’ rage,’ and, turning his horse, he led the way.