I will send the cavalry. They are almost on the spot, and at any rate
can get quickly over the ground. Ride, sir," to an aide-de-camp, "and
tell Lord Lucan to recover the heights. Tell him he will have
infantry, two whole divisions, in support."
They watched the aide-de-camp deliver his message; but still Lord
Lucan, who was in supreme command of the cavalry, made no move.
"What is he at?" cried Lord Raglan, testily. "He is very long about
it."
"There is no time to lose, my lord," interposed the
quartermaster-general, who had been intently watching the redoubts
with his field-glasses. "I can see them bringing teams of horses into
the redoubts. They evidently mean to carry off our guns."
The necessity for action was more than ever urgent and immediate.
"Lord Lucan must be made to move. Here, Airey! send him a peremptory
order in writing."
The quartermaster-general produced pencil and paper from his
sabretash, and wrote as follows:--
"Lord Raglan wishes the cavalry to advance rapidly to the front, and
try to prevent the enemy from carrying away the guns. Immediate."
"That will do," said Lord Raglan. "Let your own aide-de-camp carry the
order. He is a cavalry officer, and can explain, if required."
It was Nolan, the enthusiastic, ardent, devoted cavalry soldier, heart
and soul, and overflowing now with joy at his mission, and the chances
of distinction it offered the cavalry.
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