They passed through the camp of the second division, which was absolutely deserted, except that there was a bustle round the hospital marquees, to which a string of wounded, some carried on stretchers, some making their way painfully on foot, was flowing in.
Many of the tents had been struck down by the Russian shot; black heaps showed where others had been fired by the shell.

Dimly ahead, when the mist lifted, could be seen bodies of men, while on a distant crest were the long lines of Russian guns, whose fire swept the British regiments.
"I suppose these regiments are in reserve ?" Jack said, as he passed some of Sir R.England's division, lying down in readiness to move to the front when required, most of the battalions having already gone forward to support the troops who were most pressed.
Presently Captain Peel paused on a knoll, close to a body of mounted officers.
"There's Lord Raglan," Allison said, nudging Jack.

"That's the headquarter staff." At that moment a shell whizzed through the air, and exploded in the centre of the group.
Captain Gordon's horse was killed, and a portion of the shell carried away the leg of General Strangeway.

The old general never moved, but said quietly,-- "Will any one be kind enough to lift me off my horse ?" He was laid down on the ground, and presently carried to the rear, where an hour afterwards he died.
Jack and his comrades, who were but a few yards away, felt strange and sick, for it was the first they had seen of battle close at hand.

Lord Raglan, with his staff, moved slowly forward.