Then the Russian Hussars, gay troops in sky-blue, with yellow and silver lace, came within range, and the Highlanders and others, standing only in double rank, delivered a withering volley which emptied many a saddle. The enemy staggered, but still came on, when a second volley crashed into them. Then the horsemen halted and wheeled as though to take the gallant red-coats in flank; but one company of the Highlanders brought up their left shoulders, and again delivered a volley, on which the gay Hussars broke and retired downhill in confusion, followed by the fire of the English artillery and the cheers from the ‘Thin Red Line.’ Balaclava was saved! CHAPTER XXXII. WELL DONE HEAVIES! No sooner had the Russians been repulsed than Captain Wintle turned to rejoin his regiment, Jack following. They had reached the site of the light cavalry camp, some of the tents being already taken down, while others remained standing, when Captain Wintle, actuated by a sudden impulse, said, ‘Dismount, corporal, and run to my tent--that one yonder. Inside is a bottle of brandy. I’ll fill my canteen with it.’ Jack went inside the tent indicated, found the bottle, poured some into his officer’s water-bottle, and, as he was bidden, poured the rest into his own. He then mounted again and both were making their way to where the Light Brigade still stood dismounted, when just behind them, picking their way among the remains of the camp, they saw the heavy Dragoons advancing. Gray-headed old General Scarlett, followed by his aide-de-camp Lieutenant Elliot, led the Inniskillings, who were advancing by ‘threes.’ ‘Hallo, Wintle,’ cried out General Scarlett,’where did you spring from?’ ‘I’ve just returned from Kadikoi, General,’ replied Captain Wintle, saluting. ‘I’m just off there to support the Highlanders.’ ‘They don’t want any support, General;’ and in a few words Captain Wintle related their gallant action. ‘Well done!’ exclaimed the General. Lieutenant Elliot had been riding beside the General as he talked, and Jack was just behind. They were marching parallel with the Causeway Heights and about eight hundred yards from the summit, when Jack happened to glance up, and in a moment noticed the top fringed with lance-points. He immediately called out the fact, and Lieutenant Elliot, who had seen much service, said, ‘The trumpeter’s right, and, moreover, those troops are fronting towards the south valley and will take us in flank as we pass them.’ General Scarlett, who had seen no war-service, had the greatest confidence in his aide-de-camp who had, and he said instantly, ‘Elliot, ought we not to charge them?’ To which the gallant aide-de-camp replied, Certainly, General.’ ‘Left wheel into line,’ cried the old General, and the Inniskillings immediately obeyed the order.