The girths of the saddles were tightened, swords buckled on, and revolvers carefully examined before being placed in the holsters.
Many of the men carried repeating rifles, and the magazines were filled before these were slung across the riders' shoulders.
In a few minutes the three troops were mounted and in readiness for a start, and almost directly afterward Colonel Jones himself rode up and took the command.

A thrill of satisfaction ran through the men as he did so, for it was certain that he would not himself be going in command of the detachment unless the occasion was an important one.

For a few minutes no move was made.
"I suppose the others are going to join us here," Vincent said to the officer next him.
"I suppose so," he replied.

"We lie in the middle of the cavalry brigade with two regiments each side of us, so it is likely enough this is the gathering place.

Yes, I can hear the tramping of horses." "I felt a spot of rain," Vincent said.