They now saw that before them several squadrons of Russian Lancers had advanced into the valley from the slopes, and were drawn up barring their progress. Behind them was a whole cloud of Cossacks and Hussars.
‘Quick, men!’ cried Jack; ‘we must cut our way through the force in front, or we’re done!’
‘Lead us, youngster, and we’ll follow’ cried a grizzled Hussar with many years’ service.
With the group of cavalrymen of different regiments there was only one officer, and he was so grievously wounded as to be hardly able to sit his horse, much less command. Several non-commissioned officers there were, but these seemed quite willing to act under Jack’s guidance.
The opportunity of Jack’s life had occurred, and he took it; he felt that he was born to command, and it came easy to him.
‘Front form!’ he cried, facing his little force. ‘17th on the right! Keep well together and save your horses till I give the word. We shall want every ounce that is in them.’
‘Well done, Jack!’ growled Sergeant Linham.
Jack placed himself well in front of his troop; Sergeant Linham directed the left, a sergeant of Dragoons the right.
‘Trot!’ cried Jack; and they moved down, a compact body, upon the Russian Lancers.
From the Causeway Heights they were plied with shot as they advanced; but as the distance between them and their enemies in front was decreased the fire necessarily lessened.