This is the battle of Balaklava; and these are part of the lines.

An order was brought to an officer commanding a body of cavalry stationed up here--you know what cavalry is ?" "Yes, I know." "The order was brought to him to charge upon the enemy down _there_,--in a place where he could do no good and must be cut to pieces;--the enemy had so many guns in that place and he had so few men to attack them with.

The order was a mistake.

He knew it was a mistake, but his General had sent it--there was nothing for him to do but to obey.

So he charged." "And his men ?" "Every one.