380 THE AFFAIR OF THE BULGANAK, CHAP, or imperative. In these circumstances General XXV L_ Airey galloped forward to give effect to Lord Uaglan's wishes. When Airey came up, he found that by com- municating Lord Eaglan's wishes without deliver- ing a positive order, he was supplying materials for a debate between Lord Lucan and his briga- dier. Yet for a wordy debate the time and the place were ill-fitted, for the four squadrons, as we have seen, were within but a little distance of overwhelming forces. There is some obscurity as to the exact way in which General Airey brought his will to bear ; but he saw what was wanted, and he said the force must retire immediately, and by alternate squadrons. Though he spoke in terms which might have meant that he was only giving his own opinion, yet perhaps the decisiveness of his speech and manner led to the impression that he was delivering Lord Eaglan's orders. Be this as it may, the result was quickly attained. Lord Lucan understood that he had to go forthwith to Lord Raglan. Lord Cardigan un- derstood that the force was to retire immediately, and by alternate lines. The operation instantly commenced, and was conducted with excellent precision, for during the whole retreat there were always two squadrons out of the four which were showing a smooth front to the enemy.* • Colonel Douglas, coinmaiiding the 11th Hussars, had the tact to see that considering the close presence of the enemy, it was expedient to depart from the usual practice, and to retire at a walk instead of a trot. His wise deviation from the common method made Lord Cardigan very angry. — Note tc 5(h Edition.
