"We certainly know how to do for ourselves better than you do. Have you had anything to eat?" asked the Colonel. "Just had the best dinner we've had since--well, since we dined with you last, sir," said Jim, with great satisfaction. "I don't know what it was, but it was uncommonly good." And Jack asked anxiously: "Have you any news for us, sir? We heard they were driven back. Are any of our people left?" "A few; but your loss is very heavy. Ours also; but you bore the brunt of it over there where the work was hottest. They came up out of the town at us, just below here, while you were busy there, and they made a feint also just above Balaclava. It has been a hot day all round. I hope they'll give us time to breathe now." "I wonder what lies that fellow Menchikoff will stuff into the Tsar this time," said Jim. "He can hardly claim a victory, anyway," said his father, with a smile. "I bet he will, sir." "Did you hear anything as to casualties, sir?" asked Jack, whose mind could not get far away from that grim struggle in the fog. "Only outstanding ones. Your loss in big men is terrible. Cathcart is dead, and Strangways----" "Poor old Strangways!" "A dear old chap!" echoed Jim. ----"and Goldie,--all killed. George Brown and Codrington and Bentinck wounded, and I believe Torrens and Buller and Adams also. Some of your regiments are almost without officers. Our most serious loss is de Lourmel, down in front here, repulsing the sortie. They estimate 15,000 Russians killed and wounded----" "There seemed millions of them lying round that battery," said Jack. "They reckon there were 8,000 English and 6,000 of our men in the fight, and between 50,000 and 60,000 Russians. So that every one of our men put at least one of theirs _hors de combat_--a remarkable performance indeed." "I've been thinking, Jim," he said presently, "that a few days on the sea would set you up again quicker than anything else. What do you say?" "I'd like it immensely, sir, if it could be managed. It's awfully good of you." "You're creditable boys, you see, and I'm anxious not to lose either of you. I wonder how soon the medico would let you go, too, Jack?" And he looked at him with a practised eye. "Not for a week anyway, I expect." "I feel as if I could sleep for a week, sir. It's so mighty comfortable here," he said drowsily. "They've had such a stomachful to-day that I think they'll keep quiet for a time now. It was a great scheme and they did their best. It'll take them a little time to work up a new one. Well, we'll see about it to-morrow. You think you'll be able to sleep, Jack?" "Sure, sir, when I get the chance. Jim's been talking ever since the doctor went." CHAPTER LIV AN ALLY OF PROVIDENCE The Colonel was away on business soon after sunrise, long before the boys were awake. The Russians had had enough for the moment and gave them a quiet night. He came in while they were breakfasting, with a satisfied look on his face.