A cheer of defiance was, however, my reply, as I turned round in my saddle, and the next moment I was far beyond the range of their fire.
Not a man durst follow, and the last sight I had of them was the dismounted group who stood around their dead comrade.

Before me rode Hampden and Mike, still at top speed, and never turning their heads backwards.

I hastened after them; but my poor, wounded horse, nearly hamstrung by the shot, became dead lame, and it was past daybreak ere I reached the first outposts of our lines..