instructions that would justify him in attacking the town and fort, should they still persist in their refusal to pay the tribute.

On arriving before the place, Col. Wilson made the proper demand, which was most peremptorily refused; upon which he placed his guns, and attempted to make a breach, but without effect. The Cavalry and Infantry surrounded the fort, and did their best to return the destructive fire which was kept up from the walls of the fort. Their defence was so obstinate, that Col. Wilson's sole hope of success lay in a sudden and violent assault, and accordingly orders were issued to storm; but here an unforeseen difficulty presented itself. The 21st Regiment, on receiving the order to charge, most unexpectedly and most provokingly hung back; their officers vainly urged them forward, but they had no stomach for the fight. The Europeans attached to the Troop of Artillery, about seventy, volunteered to accompany their officers, and alone to make the attack. The event, with such a small force, seemed inevitable failure; there was now no time for hesitation, and, therefore, leaving the smallest possible number to take care of the guns, the remainder were formed into a column of attack, which, however, rather partook of the nature of a Forlorn Hope, and were place under the immediate command of Lieut. Creed; they dashed forward gallantly, and made an attack upon the principal gate, and they were greatly surprised to see the

women in large groups, sitting on the walls, holding the Koran in their hands, and pleading for mercy and forbearance. Our little heroic band advanced; they gained the gateway, and a long and desperate struggle ensued; they at length effected an entrance, but as soon as the soldiers entered the narrow and winding way they were cut to pieces by the defenders, till at length, after a desperate and terrific rally, they rushed in, and overpowered the immediate defenders of the gate, but were again driven back, and whilst re-forming in front of the fort, the remainder of the enemy, taking to flight, left the fort by another entrance, and sought for safety in the neighbouring hills, leaving us to enter and take quiet possession of the fort, dearly purchased by the death of the gallant Creed,* who fell in the first assault, having been the first to effect an entrance into the gateway; his loss was generally and greatly deplored by the men and officers of his Regiment. Col. Wilson was carried back to the camp wounded; seven of the Artillery were killed, and several were severely wounded.

* The father of Lieut. Creed is the esteemed and universally respected Secretary of the London and Birmingham Railway Company.

CHAPTER IX.

Retreat of the Enemy; Possession of the Fort; An attempt at swamping the Camp made; Admirable conduct of the Troops; Prevention of annoyance; Old Proverb realized; Despatch sent to General Brooks; Reinforcement ordered; Sudden March; Advantages and disadvantages; Threatening thunder storm; Awful prospect; Description of scene; Precarious situation; A dreadful storm; Miserable condition of Troops; Anxious prayer for day; Horrible attacks of Cramps; Indescribable prospect; March resumed; Arrival at Kojuk; Loss of Cattle, &c.; Plunder of the Fort; Re-establishment of a Commisariat; Mode of making dry ground; Soldiers never lost for means; The Enemy disappears; Death of Colonel Wilson; March to Dadur; Preparations for Route through the Passes; Appearance of a suspicious Camp; Destination of 40th is learned.

HAVING thus obtained possession of the fort, we were ordered to form an encampment, and to pitch our tents. Whilst we were thus engaged, the enemy returned from the hills, having being greatly reinforced, and their numbers far exceeding ours, they easily surrounded our camp and proceeded to hostilities. The first effort at annoyance was to turn the water course, at which all their tribes are very expert, their object being not to deprive us of a supply but to give us too much; for, had they succeeded, our encamping ground would have been converted into

a marsh or bay. As soon as we perceived this to be their intention, we set to work to counteract it— and every man in the camp at once provided himself with the most fitting tools he could lay his hands upon. Some got picks, some shovels, and many who could not find any other tools fitting for the purpose, took their copper or brass dishes, plates, knives, and pieces of sticks, and zealously dug away until they had surrounded the camp with a trench or large gutter, which carried the water past us, and effectually foiled the attempt of the enemy; the only consequence of their endeavour being to provide us with a plentiful supply of water, as we might say, even at our own doors. Of course we could not but be very grateful to them for their kindness-our fatigue parties were most especially so-and thus it often happens that the most evil intentions of our enemies are, by a benign Providence, turned to our most unexpected advantage. A despatch was forwarded to General Brooks to acquaint him with the dilemma in which our little force was thus unexpectedly placed, and urging upon him the necessity of an immediate and sufficient reinforcement. The messenger was fortunate enough to outdo the vigilance of the enemy, and arrived at our camp without hindrance or disaster. Immediate orders were issued to the 40th Regiment, two Troops of Artillery, 300 Cavalry, and to the 25th Native Infantry, to be ready to march within two hours to reinforce the Troops at

Kojuk; and at four, P. M., the whole were formed into column of march, and set forward en route.

We had had some very unpleasant specimens of night marching, and therefore had no high anticipations of ease or comfort, but with the exception of a few camels and men going astray in the darkness of the night, we had no very serious disasters. At two, A. M., we halted for the day, and at four, P. M., we were again on the line of march. To prevent accidents on this occasion, the Artillery were put in the van, and preceded the main body for at least two hours. The road for some distance lay along the half dried bed of a river, and afterwards stretched across a lovely plain, which was not intersected by a ditch or a hillock, but the beautiful green verdure enamelled by a thousand beautiful, and to me unknown, flowers, seemed to cheer and gladden every step we took. There was a mild soft southerly wind which just breathed upon our cheeks, and wafted on its zephyr airs that calm refreshing glow which is the more welcome in those desert regions, because it most often rises just after the passing away of the sun's scorching heat. It continued to blow until after the glorious orb of day had sunk slowly and majestically to rest behind the distant and lofty mountain ranges of Beeloochistan, leaving us to plod our weary way beneath the beautiful and glittering canopy of heaven. For once we fancied we should find a night march might be pleasant; the breeze had now acquired more strength, and its refreshing