y gained the heights, but, as it seemed, were
sweeping the Russians before them. The rattle of musketry was now only
occasionally heard; then came a few salvoes of artillery, and the fierce
uproar which had raged for the last two hours almost ceased.

The slopes which partly faced the sea were the most visible, and on
these could be seen numerous red spots--some strewn thickly together,
others scattered more apart, marking the places where the Russian fire
had carried death and wounds into the British ranks. Still at that
distance nothing clearly could be seen.

"It must be the case," cried Tom at length. "Hurrah! we've won, and the
Russians are running away; you'll see that I'm right. Now, my brother
will be as anxious as I am to learn how it has fared with Sidney; I hope
he's all right, poor fellow; but I am terribly afraid, with all that
firing which has been going on so long, an immense number must have been
killed."

The midshipmen, who had been allowed to retain their seats, were at
length called down. There was considerable excitement on board,
everybody anxious to hear news from the shore, though no one doubted
that a splendid victory had been gained. They had not long to wait; the
signal staff set up on shore was soon at work. A complete victory had
been gained, and it was requested that boats might be sent immediately
on shore with hammocks on which to carry the wounded on board ship. The
appeal was quickly responded to. Jack immediately ordered two of his
boats to be got ready under the command of Higson, with whom he sent Tom
and Archie, giving the two midshipmen permission to make their way on
till they could find the Guards, to ascertain the fate of his brother.

Tom was delighted with the duty.

"Stay," said Jack; "you may find many poor fellows wounded, who will be
the better for some brandy, and some may want water. Take as much as
you can carry; you'll not have more than is wanted, I fear."

Search was made for flasks, and each midshipman carried three, and two
bottles of water. Archie, with due forethought, also tore up two of his
shirts, which he stuffed into his pockets. Higson followed their
example in carrying a supply of spirits and water.

Away the two boats pulled for the beach near the mouth of the Alma,
where numerous others were already assembled. For the first half-mile
or so, after landing, there were few signs of the conflict, but in a
short time they met parties of En