Jack drove his lance right through the body of a Hussar, and lost it. In an instant he had his sword in his hand and was aiming a blow at an officer dressed in a magnificent white uniform, when, glancing at his features, he recognised Count Pauloff. With a cry he withdrew his arm and swept by. Next minute the Russians were in full retreat, the count unhurt among them. Half-an-hour afterwards the battle was over, the Russians defeated, and the French and Sardinians in pursuit. The Russians lost between five and six thousand men, and they realised once and for all that though they might be in overwhelming numbers they were no match for the Allies in the open field. CHAPTER XLVI. THE STORMING OF THE REDAN. The prosecution of the siege seemed to flag a little during the last days of August and beginning of September; but, unknown to the men, preparations were being made for another great assault. Jack had been away with his troop for some time in the valley of the Baidar; and, returning to camp late one afternoon, as he rode in was met by Will, who, after asking him what had happened, said, ‘While you’ve been away there’s been a staff-officer over here several times asking for you. He seemed most anxious to see you.’ ‘Oh, what for?’ ‘Goodness knows.’ ‘What was his name?’ ‘That I don’t know, though I’ve seen him once or twice with the staff. Anyway, he left a letter to be given to you. Here it is.’ Jack opened the letter and read: ‘DEAR SIR,--I should much like to see you, having heard a deal of your conspicuous gallantry in the memorable cavalry charge of Oct. 25th last. ‘More especially I want to thank you for saving my life at the passage of the Alma, and for carrying the despatch of which I was the bearer, and which bore largely on the success of that day. ‘I am also most anxious to ask you a few questions about your family, for it may even turn out that we may be related.--Yours sincerely, ‘CHARLES M. HARRINGTON, Lieut.-Col.’ ‘Good Heavens! Colonel Harrington.’ It must be his mother’s younger brother, his own uncle Charles, of whom he had often heard but never seen. He remembered him at the Alma quite well; and, yes, there was a strong family likeness between his mother and the colonel. It was too late to go to headquarters that night, but he would take the first opportunity he had and seek out this new-found uncle. The next morning a terrific bombardment was opened on Sebastopol, and it soon became evident that an assault was to be made that day. Companies of infantry were being marched to the trenches, supports were hurried up, ambulance-men followed, and all knew a great struggle was about to commence. Jack obtained permission to go up to headquarters; but when he got there he found the colonel had gone down to the trenches with Sir William Codrington. Thither Jack followed him, making his way to the fifth parallel, in which was the General.