d one of his
adjutants to Colonel Baird, who still had perhaps about 2,000 men under
his command, with the order to break off the battle and to retire. The
young officer saluted with grave face, drew his sword, and galloped
away. But he had only traversed a small part of his dangerous journey,
a distance of about a mile, when he fell a victim to the call of duty,
being attacked and hurled from the saddle by a body of Cossacks mounted
on small, rough-haired, but very swift steeds.

The General appeared undecided whether to stake another young life on
this hopeless test. Heideck rode up to him and lifted his hand to his
helmet.

"Will Your Excellency allow me to ride? I am a friend of Colonel Baird
and should be glad of the opportunity of showing him my gratitude for
his kindness to me."

The General sharply scrutinised the gentleman who was unknown to him,
who looked like an officer, though not wearing the prescribed uniform;
but he did not take the time to question him.

"Ride!" he said shortly. "The Colonel is no longer to hold out; he is to
march to the right and retreat towards Lahore--if possible."

Heideck saluted and turned his horse. He had replaced his revolver in
his belt, and returned his sword to its sheath.

Not by the aid of weapons, but solely by the rapidity of his horse could
he hope to reach his goal. He gave his steed its head, and encouraged
it by calling to it. The animal did not disappoint the hopes placed
upon it. It seemed to fly, rather than run over the trampled ground. The
Cossacks, who attempted to intercept this single horseman, were unable
to reach him. And of all the shots aimed at the bold rider not one
reached its mark.

The volunteer orderly reached the brigade without harm. But he was too
late; almost at the same moment the collision with the Russian infantry,
which, in spite of their losses, had advanced steadily to the attack,
took place. In order to sell his life and those of his brave troops as
dearly as possible, Colonel Baird had given orders to form a square, in
the midst of which the horsemen and the guns were placed. Many officers,
leaving the saddle, had picked up the rifles and cartridge-boxes of
those that were killed, and, levelling their bayonets, had taken their
places in the front rank of the square. Breathing heavily, and covered
with perspiration Heideck stopped before the Colonel and made his
report.

But the brave Englishman pointed with his hand towards th