True Stories of Wonderful Deeds. Unknown

My men are sent to certain death," thought the leader of the Light Brigade.

      "Forward! Attack!"

      The order was repeated, and with the obedience of well-trained soldiers the Brigade started.

      "Theirs not to make reply,

      Theirs not to reason why,

      Theirs but to do and die:

      Into the valley of Death

      Rode the six hundred."

      On every side thundered the enemy's guns, and shot and shell fell thick and fast, but on through all rode the brave horsemen, on till they reached the cannon at the end of the valley. The smoke of the enemy's fire closed round and hid them from their watching comrades, but now and again the scarlet lines could be seen cutting down those who tried to stop their charge.

      "Flashed all their sabres bare,

      Flashed as they turned in air,