And came upon a division in full panic.
Over a culvert and down a wooded road troops of all arms were riotously retreating, cavalry, baggage-waggons, battered fragments of infantry regiments, ambulances, all mixed and huddled pell-mell into a headlong retreat that stretched to the rear as far as the eye could see.
Astonished, the Lancers looked on, not understanding, fearful of some tremendous disaster.

A regiment of regular cavalry of the Provost Guard was riding through the fugitives, turning, checking, cutting out, driving, separating the disorganised mob; but it was hard work, and many got away, and teamsters began to cut traces, and skulking cavalrymen clapped spurs and rode over screeching deserters who blocked their path.

It was a squalid sight; the Lancers looked on appalled.
Colonel Arran rode his horse slowly along the front of his regiment, talking quietly to his men.
"It's only one or two of the raw brigades and a few teamsters and frightened sutlers--that's all.

Better that the Provost Guard should let them through; better to sift out that kind of soldier.".

.