I saw in the light of a bursting shell a Sikh officer, close followed by a trooper on a blown horse.

I saw the officer ride to Colonel Kirby's side, rein in his charger, and salute.

At that instant there swung two red lights, and "DO!" said the regiment.

DO means TWO, sahib, but it sounded like the thump of ordnance.

"Draw sabers!" commanded Colonel Kirby, and the rear ranks drew.