It was generally known we were to make a dash for the approaches to Lucknow this day; and at the prospect of the attack the troops hailed the signal to get under arms with enthusiasm.

It was plain to see, by the alacrity with which the men worked, that my master was a prime favourite in his own company; indeed, such was their promptitude that we stood ready and waiting long before the order to march arrived.
During this interval, if Charlie was seized with a desire to know the time once, he was seized twenty times; and each time a mere glance was not enough to satisfy him.

How natural it all seemed, and how like old times! Then came the longed-for signal, and with a cheer the men set their faces towards Lucknow.
Now, the reader must not expect I am going to describe military operations for his edification.

I know nothing about columns and countermarches, and echelons and skirmishing; how could a watch, hid under a scarlet jacket, be expected to do so?
True, I had eyes that could penetrate any number of scarlet jackets, but what good was that when I knew about as much of the art of war as I did of candle-making! But there are some things in the events of that memorable day which I shall remember as long as I live.
After about an hour's march we were suddenly halted, and almost at the same moment there came the sullen boom of a gun ahead.

I could feel Charlie's heart leap at the sound.