December 1855
A northerly wind swept powdery snow onto the Causeway Heights and the valleys on either side. Jack looked at his men as they slouched over the rough ground in their dark clothing and woollen hats. He had ordered them to keep silent but heard Thorpe"s low voice muttering obscenities and Coleman grumbling at his side. Logan and Riley were together, the small-built man matching the taller cracksman stride for stride; while Smith and Fletcher had their rifles shouldered and endured the stinging snow without complaint. There were new men as well, Kelly and Rourke, Spilsbury and Painter, all with a rumbustious reputation that fitted well with his veterans of Burma and Inkerman. Williams and Hitchins acted as rearguard, turning to look behind them every ten steps, as Jack had train
