It will be observed, too, that theirs was the most select situation in the battle—that is, as a brave soldier would select it. For what more likely than that the Russians should mass on their own right, and with cavalry, infantry, and artillery attempt, when opportunity offered, to turn the left of our whole formation.
"Now, lads," cries Campbell, waving his sword, "up and at them."
And on we dash towards the hills. We, you and I, reader, are attached to the 93rd. Our three regiments find it not easy to get through the rough ground and over the river.
We are across now, though. Our formation is figured below. It is in échelon, the 42nd leading.
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Black Watch.
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Sutherland Highlanders.
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Camerons.
We pass the 88th, who are in square, as if expecting a charge of cavalry; also the 77th, in line. Both are falling back.
Sir Colin cannot restrain his indignation at what he looks upon as arrant cowardice. His Scotch blood leaps in all his veins, and he shouts something like a command to the 88th to form line and advance.
"Go on, Scotties," cries some one in the square. "You can do the work."
Sir Colin and his regiments do rush on.
The hero of the day soon has the 42nd in alignment with, and in advance of, the Guards. Our regiment and the Camerons, still in echelon, are rapidly hurrying up.