Surely a battle was close at hand. But nothing came of this
demonstration. Why, was not quite clear, till Hugo Wilders, who was a
captain in the Royal Lancers, came galloping by, and exchanged a few
hasty words with the general, his cousin Bill.
"What's up, Hugo?" The general was riding just in front of the Royal
Picts, and his words were heard by many of the regiment.
"Just fancy! we were on the point of having a brush with the Cossacks,
when Lord Raglan came up and spoiled the fun."
"Do you know why?"
"Yes; I heard him talking to our general--I am galloping, you know,
for Lord Cardigan, who was mad to be at them, I can tell you, but he
wasn't allowed."
"They were far too strong for you; I could see that myself."
"That's what Lord Raglan said. As if any one of us was not good enough
for twenty Russians! But he was particularly anxious, so I heard him
say, not to be drawn into an action to-day."
"No doubt he was right," replied old Wilders. "Only it can't be put
off much longer. Unless I am greatly mistaken, to-morrow we shall be
at it hammer and tongs."
"I hope I shall be somewhere near!" cried Hugo, gaily. "But where are
the Royal Picts? Oh! here! I want to give Anastasius good-day."
He found his younger brother was carrying the regimental colours, and
the two young fellows exchanged pleasant greetings.
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