NO sooner had the Russians been repulsed than Captain Wintle turned to rejoin his regiment, Jack following.
They had reached the site of the light cavalry camp, some of the tents being already taken down, while others remained standing, when Captain Wintle, actuated by a sudden impulse, said, ‘Dismount, corporal, and run to my tent—that one yonder. Inside is a bottle of brandy. I’ll fill my canteen with it.’
Jack went inside the tent indicated, found the bottle, poured some into his officer’s water-bottle, and, as he was bidden, poured the rest into his own. He then mounted again and both were making their way to where the Light Brigade still stood dismounted, when just behind them, picking their way among the remains of the camp, they saw the heavy Dragoons advancing.
Gray-headed old General Scarlett, followed by his aide-de-camp Lieutenant Elliot, led the Inniskillings, who were advancing by ‘threes.’
‘Hallo, Wintle,’ cried out General Scarlett,’where did you spring from?’
‘I’ve just returned from Kadikoi, General,’ replied Captain Wintle, saluting.
‘I’m just off there to support the Highlanders.’
‘They don’t want any support, General;’ and in a few words Captain Wintle related their gallant action.
‘Well done!’ exclaimed the General.
Lieutenant Elliot had been riding beside the General as he talked, and Jack was just behind. They were marching parallel with the Causeway Heights and about eight hundred yards from the summit, when Jack happened to glance up, and in a moment noticed the top fringed with lance-points.