arrow ridge which barred the
approaches to Balaclava.

This was the famous 93rd, in its now historic formation--another "Thin
Red Line," which received undaunted, and only two deep, the onslaught
of the Russian horse.

The regiment was under the personal control of its brigadier, stout
old Sir Colin, who, with his staff, stood a little withdrawn, but
closely observing all that passed. He recognised McKay, and called out
abruptly--

"Halloa! where have you dropped from?"

"I heard the firing, sir, met the Turks retreating, and brought up my
party to reinforce and act as might be ordered."

"It was well done, man. But, enough; get yourselves up into line there
on the left, and take the word from the colonel of the 93rd."

"We have our work cut out for us, sir," said one of his staff to Sir
Colin.

"We have, but we'll do it. This gorge must be held to the death. You
understand that, Colonel Ainslie--to the death?"

"You can trust us, Sir Colin."

"I think so; but I'll say just one word to the men," and, while the
enemy's cavalry were still some distance off, the general rode slowly
down the line, speaking his last solemn injunction--

"Remember, men, there is no retreat from here. You must die where you
stand."

One and the same answer rose readily to every lip--

"Ay! ay! Sir Colin; we'll do that!" shouted the gallant Scots.[1]

[Footnote 1: Historical. _cf._ Kinglake's "Crimea," v. 80.]

Their veteran leader's head was clear; his temper cool and
self-possessed. He held these brave hearts in hand like the rider of a
high-couraged horse, and knew well when to restrain, when to let go.

As the Russians approached, a few eager spirits would have rushed
forward from their ranks to encounter their foe in the open plain; but
Sir Colin's trumpet voice checked them with a fierce--

"Ninety-third! Ninety-third! None of that eagerness!"

And then a minute or two later came the signal for the whole line to
advance. The Highlanders, and those with them, swiftly mounted to the
crest of the ridge, and met the charging cavalry with a withering
volley. A second followed. The enemy had no stomach for more; reining
in their horses, they wheeled round and fell back as they had come.

This, however, was only the beginning of the action. Heavy columns of
the enemy now appeared in sight, cavalry and infantry, with numerous
artillery crowning the eastern hills. A portion occupied the redoubts
abandoned by the Turks, and t