A whole sotina is coming down.

They will be here presently," so saying, with a wave of his hand, he resumed his way up the valley, Lieutenant Myers having ridden on, lest any questions should be addressed to him.

The road mounted steadily, and after some hours' riding they crossed a brow, and found themselves at the head of a valley opening before them, and between the cliffs at its end they could see the sea.
They could scarcely restrain a shout of joy, and, quickening their speed, rode rapidly down the valley.

Presently they perceived before them a small village lying on the sea-shore, to the left of which stood a large chateau, half hidden among trees.
"Do you think it's safe to ride in ?" Mr.Myers asked.
"Most of these villages have been found deserted, sir," Jack said, "by our fellows when they landed.

I'm afraid we are beyond the point to which they come, for I should think we must be twenty miles from Balaklava.