The dinner was served, but I must say it was not so _recherché_ as on former occasions; it seemed to have been prepared for sick epicures, or at least those who hovered between life and death. The conversation upon the events of the day was so animated that no one but myself perceived the difference. The Colonel’s excellent wine was highly relished, and in drinking the health of Colonels Wyndham and Wood, I requested the former to make a note of the fact that I had the honour of dining with him and Colonel Wood a few hours after the battle, as probably no one would credit it. This the Colonel immediately did, and Colonel Wood added his autograph, of which the following is a copy:-- _8th September, 1855, 9_ P.M. I had the pleasure, after my return from leading the storming party of the 2nd Division to the Redan, of dining with Colonel D. Wood, and meeting at dinner Monsieur Soyer. D. WOOD, _Lieut.-Col. Commanding, R.A. 4th Division_. C. A. WYNDHAM, _Col. Commanding, 2nd Battalion_. They had hardly signed this when a loud knock was heard at the door, and an orderly entered with a dispatch from General Simpson, who wished to see Colonel Wyndham directly. The Colonel lost no time in attending to his commander’s orders, and we mounted our horses and started for head-quarters. “An immediate attack on the Redan is what I shall recommend to the General-in-Chief” were the last words uttered by the Colonel before leaving the hut. The firing had ceased; the night was very dark, but the weather calm. It was with great difficulty we found our way through the camps, which appeared very silent after such a stormy day and day of storm. In about a quarter of an hour Colonel Wyndham observed, “Monsieur Soyer, I believe you are close to your quarters,” pointing to several lights. “There,” said he, “is the Guards’ camp.” I wished him good evening, and we separated. My Zouave had not returned from the hospital, but shortly after made his appearance rather intoxicated. He related all that he had seen, and said that a few wounded Russians had been brought to the hospitals. “They have all they require,” said he; “and, in case of need, I told a man to call us up.” When he had put everything in order, he said, “I’ll keep watch,” and commenced singing his favourite songs. He made so much noise that we could not sleep if we had wished to do so, especially as the soldier-cooks and servants joined him in chorus. CHAPTER XXX. FALL OF THE DOOMED CITY. Sad scenes--Ride to Cathcart’s Hill--Glorious news--Animated groups--First spoils--Refreshment for the wounded--Chloroform--Dinner at the Carlton--Sebastopol in flames--A night expedition--Letter to Messrs. Routledge--Visit to Sebastopol--Russian fare--Poisoned bread--Culinary trophies--Interior of the Malakhoff--Bornet’s funeral oration over a dead comrade--The Russian hospital--Harrowing scenes.