That was a weird and strange business, moving about in the darkness, with the horses snorting and sighing as the saddle-girths were tightened, and bits and curbs adjusted for a ride where everything depended upon horse and man being well in accord; but the preparations did not take long, and we were soon all standing in our places, bridle upon arm, and in as regular order as the roughness of the stone-littered court would allow.
I now learned that the men posted upon the walls had been withdrawn, and that every one was in his place, waiting for the command to start upon a ride at the end of which many would not answer to their names.
Then, from out of the darkness, the Colonel’s voice rose low and clear, giving the order “March!” and in single file the men moved off, leading their horses towards the openings, through which they passed; then they bore off to their right to take up position in line till all were out, our troop being last. Next came the order, softly given to the first troop, to mount; and the same order was quietly passed along from troop to troop till it reached us, and we sprang into our saddles almost without a sound.
“First come first served,” said Denham to me in a whisper. “I should have liked to be in front so as to do some of the scouting and feeling for the enemy, besides having first go at them before they grew thick. I say, Val, we must mind that we don’t get cut off and taken prisoners.”
“Ugh! Yes,” I said, with a shiver. “I say, isn’t it rather chilly?”
“Be warm enough presently,” said Denham bitterly. “Bah! This is too bad. I did want to be first in the column.”
“Form fours—left!” came from the front.
I felt electrified as, quite accustomed to the command, the horses swung round to the left.
Then came the word “March!” and our column moved off, with Denham whispering to me.
“Talk about luck,” he said. “Why, we’re going round the other way, and we are to open the ball after all.”