‘Hurrah!’ shouted Pearson. ‘It’s all over; here are the Cherrypickers!’[2] The remaining troops of the 11th Hussars, which had been sent out from the English camp as reinforcements, came sweeping by, their sword-blades flashing in the sunlight. With a cheer they advanced towards the still visible Russians, who turned and literally galloped away. That was the last seen of the enemy. The captured convoy got safely into camp, the cavalrymen receiving a great ovation when they arrived. Captain Norreys was duly thanked in orders; and in his report to Lord Raglan he made mention of Sergeant Linham’s defence of the barn, and Jack’s part in bringing up the reserves and the gallant way in which he had fought and defeated two Cossacks. But long before the report was written Jack was sound asleep, dreaming he was once more at home, taking tea with his mother and sisters in the little garden at Kew. CHAPTER XXIII. JACK SHOWS HIS METTLE. On the day following the capture of the convoy the campaign was begun in earnest. On that day, September 19th, the Allies began their memorable march from Old Fort, their landing-place, to Sebastopol. The whole army marched, baggage, ammunition, commissariat, and invalids. There was no base to fall back on. If attacked, the column must fight and conquer; death or total surrender were the only alternatives. Lord Raglan was taking a grave and terrible risk; but he had no option. Jack’s colonel had to be left behind. He had struggled long against the ravages made upon his constitution during their stay at Varna and Devna; but he had at last to succumb, and the day after the army began its march he had to be sent on board and invalided to England. The loss of the colonel was a great blow to Linham, who in his grumbling way said more than once, ‘No good will come of a campaign begun so badly.’ The morning of the advance was a beautiful one. The sun shone hotly, but was tempered by a cool sea-breeze. The ground over which the troops moved was undulating and covered with a sweet-smelling herb which gave off a pleasing aroma as it was crushed under the feet and hoofs of the marching thousands. The British army moved in such a formation that it could array itself for battle in a very few minutes, and it presented a magnificent sight to the beholder. Jack and his regiment marched in rear of the left flank, and on crossing a slight ridge a splendid view of the whole army was obtained. On the extreme right was the sea, sparkling and dancing in the sunlight. Riding on its waters and advancing majestically, keeping just abreast of the allied army, were the French and English fleets.