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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f71172 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55779 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55779) diff --git a/old/55779-8.txt b/old/55779-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 47fee73..0000000 --- a/old/55779-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13822 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of To Herat and Cabul, by G. A. Henty - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: To Herat and Cabul - A Story of The First Afghan War - -Author: G. A. Henty - -Illustrator: Charles M. Sheldon - -Release Date: October 20, 2017 [EBook #55779] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TO HERAT AND CABUL *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Graeme Mackreth and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - -TO HERAT AND CABUL - -[Illustration: ANGUS AND POTTINGER WATCHING THE FIGHT FROM THE WALLS OF -HERAT. - - _Frontispiece._] - - - - - TO HERAT AND CABUL - - A STORY OF - - THE FIRST AFGHAN WAR - - BY - - G.A. HENTY - - Author of "With Buller in Natal" "At the Point of the Bayonet" - "The Bravest of the Brave" "Won by the Sword" &c. - - _WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHARLES M. SHELDON_ - - NEW YORK - - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - 1901 - - - - -Copyright, 1901, by - -CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - -_Published September, 1901_ - - - THE CAXTON PRESS - NEW YORK. - - - - -PREFACE - - -In the military history of this country there is no darker page than -the destruction of a considerable British force in the terrible defiles -between Cabul and Jellalabad in January, 1842. Of all the wars in which -our troops have taken part never was one entered upon so recklessly -or so unjustifiably. The ruler of Afghanistan, Dost Mahomed, was -sincerely anxious for our friendship. He was alarmed at the menacing -attitude of Russia, which, in conjunction with Persia, was threatening -his dominions and intriguing with the princes at Candahar. Our -commissioner at Cabul, Mr. Burnes, was convinced of the Ameer's honesty -of intention, and protested most strongly against the course taken by -the Indian government, who determined upon setting up a discredited -prince, who had for many years been a fugitive in India, in place of -Dost Mahomed. - -In spite of his remonstrances, the war was undertaken. Nothing could -have been worse than the arrangements for it, and the troops suffered -terribly from thirst and want of transport. However, they reached -Cabul with comparatively little fighting. Dost Mahomed fled, and the -puppet Shah Soojah was set up in his place; but he was only kept -there by British bayonets, and for two years he was so protected. -Gradually, however, the British force was withdrawn, until only some -five thousand troops remained to support him. Well led, they would -have been amply sufficient for the purpose, for though the Afghan -tribesmen were dangerous among their mountains, they could not for -a moment have stood against them in the open field. Unhappily the -general was old and infirm, incapable of decision of any kind, and in -his imbecile hands the troops, who in October could have met the whole -forces of Afghanistan in fight, were kept inactive, while the Afghans -pillaged the stores with the provisions for the winter, and insulted -and bearded them in every way. Thus a fine body of fighting men were -reduced to such depths of discontent and shame that when the unworthy -order for retreat before their exulting enemy was given they had lost -all confidence in themselves or their officers, and, weakened by hunger -and hampered by an enormous train of camp followers, they went as sheep -to the slaughter in the trap the Afghans had prepared for them. It -would almost seem that their fate was a punishment for the injustice -of the war. Misfortunes have befallen our arms, but never one so dark -and disgraceful as this. The shame of the disaster was redeemed only by -the heroic garrison of Jellalabad, which, although but one-fourth of -the strength of that at Cabul, sallied out after a noble defence and -routed the army which Dost Mahomed's son Akbar had assembled for their -destruction. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAP. PAGE - - I. Alone in the World 1 - - II. An Unexpected Meeting 19 - - III. The Siege of Herat 36 - - IV. A Sturdy Defence 54 - - V. In Candahar 72 - - VI. An Escape 89 - - VII. In the Service 108 - - VIII. The Advance 126 - - IX. Just in Time 144 - - X. A Mission 161 - - XI. A Dangerous Journey 180 - - XII. Troubles Thicken 198 - - XIII. The Murder of Sir A. Burnes 216 - - XIV. A Series of Blunders 232 - - XV. A Doomed Army 249 - - XVI. Annihilation of the Army 267 - - XVII. Jellalabad 286 - - XVIII. The Advance on Cabul 301 - - XIX. The British Captives 321 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - Angus and Pottinger watching the fight from the - walls of Herat _Frontispiece_ - - PAGE - - "A man walking just in front of him ... was knocked - down" 26 - - Azim surprises the spy 96 - - "He took down the prop, and thrust it suddenly with - all his force through the hole" 150 - - "There, lying close under a rock, was a young Afghan" 166 - - "As they passed the corner ... some men sprang on - them" 218 - - "Angus was half-mad with grief and with fury that - he was not in his place among the troops" 272 - - Angus shows his goods to the prisoners 330 - - * * * * * - - Map of Afghanistan and North-west Frontier of India 50 - - - - -TO HERAT AND CABUL - - - - -CHAPTER I - -ALONE IN THE WORLD - - -On the 20th of September, 1837, a lad was standing before Mr. M'Neill, -the British minister at the Persian court. Both looked grave, for -the interview was an important one. The former felt that it was -the turning-point of his life, the opening of a fresh career, the -introduction to a service in which he might gain honourable distinction -and credit. To the British minister it was of scarcely less importance, -for the interests of Great Britain were gravely involved in the success -of the mission that he was now entrusting to this young clerk in the -employment of the embassy. It was nothing less than thwarting the -designs of Persia, aided and instigated by Russia, to capture Herat and -to conquer at least the western portion of Afghanistan, the alliance of -the princes of Candahar having already been secured. - -Angus Campbell was now about sixteen years old. His father was a -trader, who had for twelve years been settled in Tabriz, carrying on -business on his own account in some branches of trade, and as agent -for a Scotch firm in others. The boy had been left with some relations -in Scotland until he was twelve years old, when his parents had paid -a short visit to their friends in Scotland, and had brought him back -with them. The change of life was not an agreeable one to him. In the -eight years that had elapsed since he had last seen his parents, he -had, of course, almost forgotten them, and it would be some time before -any real affection for them would spring up. It was the companionship -of his school-fellows that he missed rather than that of his aunt, a -strict woman, who made no allowance whatever for a boy's restlessness -and love of fun, and who was continually shocked by the complaints made -by members of her chapel as to the conduct of the boys at Dr. Murray's. - -It was the principal school in the little town. The teaching was good, -the application of the rod frequent, but neither teaching nor thrashing -availed to soften the manners of the healthy and somewhat riotous -lads, who once out of school threw themselves with all their hearts -into their favourite diversions, among which the most conspicuous -were fishing in forbidden parts of the river, bird-nesting in woods -which were kept strictly private and guarded by keepers, playing -hare-and-hounds across the fields of the crustiest of farmers, and -above all engaging in desperate battles with the boys of other schools. -In all these pastimes Angus Campbell took as large a share as his age -entitled him to, and the state of his clothes and his face when he -returned home was a source of continual amazement and irritation to his -aunt. - -She had even endeavoured to arrange for a deputation to wait upon Dr. -Murray with a list of grievances suffered by the townspeople, such as -broken windows, the yells and shouts of conflict, and the destruction -of the boys' garments caused by the various fights, and to propose -that the hours of play should be shortened, and that some sort of -supervision should be exercised at all times over the boys. However, -although there were many who agreed with her that the present state of -things was disgraceful, nothing came of the movement; for the fathers, -remembering their own boyhood, were to a man against the idea. - -"We did just the same in our young days," they said, "and are none the -worse for it now. Lads cannot be like lassies, and we don't want them -to be even if they could; if you were to speak to the doctor, he would -just laugh in your faces, and would tell you that he kept a school for -boys and not for girls. If you have complaints to make against any of -his scholars, make them, and he will punish the lads as they deserve. -His boys are no worse than others, and he does not wish to see them -better. If they do some mischief occasionally, it is because they are -in good health and in good spirits, and a lad of that kind is far more -likely to turn out well than one who spends all his spare time in -poring over his books." - -As the doctor's opinions on these subjects were known to all the town, -Miss Campbell's proposal came to nothing. She would herself have gone -to him to complain of the doings of her nephew, but there was a strong -feeling in the town that while all things connected with the school -were under the doctor's charge, parents should take other matters into -their own hands, and maintain discipline by the use of the tawse in -their own dwellings, and that they had no right to trouble Dr. Murray -about private delinquencies. - -He had, indeed, sufficient on his hands, for although no actual -supervision was maintained when the lads were once dismissed from -school, there were bounds set beyond which they were not allowed to -go, and when they were caught upon any of their frequent forays beyond -these limits, he had to adjudicate and punish the offenders. But it was -not often that this happened; for while the boys considered it not only -justifiable but meritorious to break bounds, they looked upon anyone -caught in the act of showing a want of craft and of judgment, and so, -having good legs and lungs, they were generally able to outdistance -their pursuers. - -Thus, then, when his parents returned to Scotland they found Angus a -healthy, active, and high-spirited boy, somewhat rough in manners, but -straightforward and honourable, for it was a tradition in the school -that no boy should ever try to screen himself by a lie. When questioned -by his father, he acknowledged that he would like to stay at school for -a few years longer. - -"And I should like you to do so too, Angus; but it is a long, long -journey, and a difficult one, from Tabriz to Scotland, and it may be -many years before I return home again. It is a journey that it is -impossible for a boy to make alone. But this is not the only reason why -I wish to take you back. I want to train you to help me in my business, -and until you speak Persian fluently you will be of no use whatever to -me. At your age you will pick it up rapidly, far more rapidly than you -could if you did not begin till you were seventeen or eighteen. We will -generally speak to you in Persian, and you will have many opportunities -for practising it. In two years you ought to speak it like a native. -Arabic will also be very useful to you. I have constant communications -with India, with Turkey, and with Herat. I buy goods from all these -countries; and sell Persian products to them. In Afghanistan, indeed, -Persian is spoken generally by the trading and upper classes; but -Arabic is essential to trade with Constantinople and Smyrna, with -Bokhara and the Turkomans; and it is our chief medium of communication -with India traders, who, although speaking several distinct languages, -all have more or less knowledge of Arabic. It has been a great -privation to your mother and myself to be so many years without you. We -have no other children, and it would be a great joy and comfort to our -lives, as well as a great assistance to me in my business, to have you -with me." - -"I understand, Father," the boy said; "I did not think of these things -before. I am sure I should be very glad to be able to help you, and I -won't say another word about being sorry to leave all my friends." - -"It is quite natural that you should be sorry, Angus; it would be -strange indeed if you were not. However, I don't think you will dislike -the life out there when you get accustomed to it. We will certainly do -our best to make you happy." - -So Angus had returned with them, and soon settled down to his new life. -Devoting himself earnestly to acquiring the language, at the end of -six months he came to speak it fairly, and before he had been out a -year could have passed as a Persian lad; at the same time he had made -considerable progress in Arabic. His father had then dressed him in -Persian fashion. There was a good deal of ill-feeling among the lower -class against foreigners, and the pugnacity that had been fostered in -Angus at school had frequent opportunities of displaying itself; for, -in spite of good resolutions to the contrary, he was often goaded into -fury by the taunts and abuse with which the boys assailed him when he -went out alone, and had thrown himself upon them, and used his fists -with such effect that he had sometimes put to flight half a dozen -lads of his own age. But in Persian costume he could move about the -streets unnoticed; and although he did not like the change at first, -he acknowledged that it was useful, for his father pointed out to him -that it was essential that nothing should take place that could add to -the dislike with which foreigners were regarded. Already several angry -complaints had been made by neighbours of the state in which their sons -had come home after an encounter with him. - -Nearly four years after Angus arrived at Tabriz the plague made its -appearance in Persia. It spread rapidly, and Tabriz was one of the -cities which suffered most severely. One evening Mr. Campbell returned -home from a visit to a customer and complained of feeling unwell. The -next morning it was too evident that he had caught the infection. -Before nightfall his wife also sickened. Twenty-four hours later both -were dead. Mr. Campbell had a long talk with his son as soon as the -disease manifested itself in the case of his wife. - -"Angus," he said, "you must prepare for the worst. The cases of -recovery are few indeed. The servants have already fled, and even did I -wish you to leave us, I know that it would be too late now. God's will -be done, my boy, and I can only hope that you may be spared. However -that is in His hands. You have been my assistant now for the past three -years, and know how matters stand. I have no debts. The books will -show you how much is due to me from the house at home and how much by -my agent at Bombay. The stock of goods in the warehouse is worth a -considerable sum. I am unable to think very clearly now, or to advise -you what to do should you be left alone; but it is clear to me that you -are too young yet to manage the business, and it is not likely that the -firm would entrust their affairs to a lad of your age. I should say, -therefore, that you had best dispose of all the goods; the books will -show you their prices. As for yourself, I will give you no advice. It -will be open to you to return to England or to go to Bombay, and I have -no doubt my agent there will obtain employment for you, especially as -you will have money to embark in any business you may go into. But do -not invest a penny until you become of age; you will by that time be -able to judge wisely whether the business you are in is that in which -you can best employ your mind. - -"Whatever you do, do not remain in Tabriz. As is always the case -in times of plague or famine, there is sedition and trouble, and -foreigners become the object of hatred, for the poor people have some -sort of superstitious idea that they are responsible for the scourge. -The best thing you can do is to consult our Armenian friend, who is -also our vice-consul; he will view matters more clearly than I can do -at present. Put your trust always in God, my boy. My own opinion is -that you had better remain in the East. Your knowledge of languages -would be absolutely useless to you at home, and you could only hope to -obtain a place in a counting-house." - -"I will do as you tell me, father," Angus said, trying to speak -steadily. "I will try always to be what you would wish me." - -His grief was terrible when his mother expired two or three hours -after his father. He roused himself, however, to see to the simple -preparations for their funeral, and late that evening buried them in -the garden behind the house. - -The next day as he was sitting alone he heard a tumult in the street. -Looking out, he saw that several houses, which he knew belonged to -foreign traders, were in flames, and a mob of maddened men were rushing -down the street towards his house. Resistance would have been madness. -He ran to the safe, seized the bag containing the cash, and had just -time to run out at the back of the house and escape by the gate in the -garden when the rioters burst in. - -For a few minutes they were engaged in the work of pillage. Shawls from -Cashmere, native embroidered silks, costly goods from India, Turkish, -Persian, Turkoman, and Heratee carpets, and British goods of all kinds -were scrambled and fought for. When the house was sacked from top to -bottom it was set on fire, and as a volume of smoke rose from it, Angus -turned away from the spot where from a distance he had been watching -the scene, and made his way to the house of the Armenian merchant. -The loss of the house and the contents of the warehouse affected -him little--although he knew that it had cost him more than half -his inheritance--but this was as nothing to what he had so recently -suffered. - -The vice-consul had been an intimate friend of the family. On -approaching his house Angus stood some distance from the door and -called. A servant looked out. "Will you tell Izaac effendi that I -desire greatly to speak to him?" - -The Armenian quickly came to the door. "My poor lad," he said, "I -grieve deeply for you. I heard of your losses, and the news has just -been brought in of the burning of the house and magazine. But why do -you stand so far away?" - -"Because I would not bring contagion near you, effendi. I came to tell -you what had happened, and to say that I shall buy some food and go out -into the country, and there remain until I die of the plague or can be -sure that I have escaped contagion." - -"You will come in here at once," the Armenian said. "Does not one -in the street run against persons who may be affected. Many of my -compatriots have come here to ask my advice, and some of them have -stricken friends in their houses. Since I came to reside here I have -four times seen the plague raging, and each time it has passed me over. -Whether it is the will of God that I should thus be spared I know not, -but I am in His hands. Come in, lad, I will take no denial. Shall I -desert my friends when they most need comfort and aid? What is my -friendship worth if I should, now in your hour of need, turn my back -upon you? Come in, I pray you." - -Seeing that the old man was thoroughly in earnest, Angus, too greatly -touched by his kindness even to speak, silently entered the house. - -"I will take you through at once to the pavilion in the garden," the -merchant said. "Although I have no fear myself, there are my servants -and clerks. 'Tis like enough that some of them may be stricken, for -they, like all of us, are liable to be smitten when they go into the -streets, and should this be so they might blame me for your presence -here; therefore 'tis best that you should for three or four days live -in the pavilion; I will bring you out cushions and pillows. But I do -not think that you will be attacked; had you taken the plague you would -probably have shown symptoms of it ere now. Keep your thoughts from -dwelling on it. I will bring you out some books; try to fix your mind -on them and abstain as much as possible from dwelling on the past. I -will bring your food out to you, and we will talk together to-morrow, -there is much that you will have to consider." - -"What are you thinking of doing?" his host asked him when he came in to -see him on the morning after his arrival. - -"I have been trying to think, but I cannot decide on anything. I do not -wish to go back to Scotland. I have an aunt living there, but she would -not welcome me warmly. Besides, if I were to do so, I do not see how -I could earn my living; for my knowledge of Persian and Arabic would -be of no use to me. If I had been ten years older the firm for whom my -father was agent might have appointed me in his place, but of course -I am a great deal too young for that. They acted as his agents also, -and bought for him the goods in which he dealt outside their business; -and he told me when he was taken suddenly ill that they had about a -thousand pounds of his money in their hands. That would be of no use to -me now, and I should very much prefer not to touch it until I am old -enough to set up in trade." - -"The position is certainly a grave one, Angus. I agree with you that -it would be better for you on all accounts to remain out here, at any -rate for a time. Your father had correspondents also in Bombay, had he -not?" - -"Yes, he made purchases of Persian goods for a house there; but he did -not do much for them, as the trade is principally in the hands of the -Parsees." - -"There is one thing that you might do," the Armenian said, after -thinking for some time. "I have heard that Mr. M'Neill is on his way to -Teheran as British minister there. You might be able to obtain a post -in his Embassy. You can write both Persian and Arabic, and might be -useful in many ways. It would not be necessary for you to ask a large -salary, but, however small, it might lead the way to better things. At -present there is much political disturbance. The Shah is meditating -an attack upon Herat, and has already given orders for an army to -be collected. Certainly the British government will feel jealous of -any movement that would extend the power of Persia farther towards -Afghanistan, especially as they are, I hear, about to take steps to -interfere in that country by placing a rival of Dost Mahomed on the -throne. Then, too, it is no secret that Russia is encouraging the Shah, -and it is probable that Russian influence will become predominant in -Persia. The conquest of Herat would matter little to England were it -by Persia alone, for Persia is powerless to damage India; but with -Persia acting as the tool of Russia, which some day or other will -assuredly swallow her up, the matter is very much more serious. This -being so, there can be little doubt that the new British minister will -be charged with a mission to counteract the designs of Russia as much -as possible, and might be glad to take into his employment one who -knows the language well and could gather news for him in the guise of a -native--for there are so many dialects spoken in different parts of the -country that any imperfection of speech would pass unnoticed." - -"I think that would be an excellent plan, sir, if it could be carried -out." - -"I will give you a letter stating the circumstances, speaking of the -esteem in which your father was held, and vouching for your character. -If you decide to take this course, think it would be well for you to -leave at once, for from what I hear of the new minister's course you -would then arrive at Teheran within two or three days of his getting -there, and might have a better chance, therefore, of obtaining a post -in his office. As to the money you speak of, it seems to me that, as -your country is a long way off, it would be better if it could be sent -to the house with which you father had dealings at Bombay, since there -are constantly vessels sailing thither from ports in the Persian Gulf; -and whether you saw an opportunity for doing a trade with India, or -thought of going there yourself, it would be an advantage to have your -money ready to your hand. You must already know a good deal of trade -matters, having, as I know, worked as your father's assistant for the -past two years. At any rate a year or two at Teheran in the service of -the British minister would be an advantage to you in many respects. -There is a caravan starting to-morrow, that is why I suggested that you -should leave at once. A merchant who travels with it is a friend of -mine, and I can recommend you to his care, but it would certainly be -best for you to travel as a native." - -"I thank you, sir, very heartily, and shall certainly do as you advise -me, for as an English lad going alone with a caravan I could scarcely -hope to escape trouble with camel-drivers and others. If I fail to -obtain employment at the Embassy, I shall probably travel down with a -caravan to Bushire, and take ship to Bombay. I have plenty of money -to do that, for the expense of travelling with a caravan is very -small--nothing is needed except for food--and the passage in a native -craft would not be more than a pound or two. I have nearly two hundred, -so that I could live for a long time in Bombay if I failed to obtain -employment there. When it is gone, I could at least enlist in one of -the British regiments." - -"It is a poor trade soldiering, lad, though in your case it might not -do you harm for a few years, especially if you turned your attention to -learning some of the Indian languages. With such knowledge you should -certainly have no difficulty in making your way with the little capital -you will receive from home." - -And so it was settled, and Angus travelled to Teheran. The journey -did him good. He had bought a donkey, and trotting along by the side -of the merchant to whom his friend had introduced him, the novelty of -the life, the strangeness of passing as a native among the travellers, -and the conversation of the Persian merchant kept him from brooding -over his sorrows. He felt that, suddenly thrown as he was upon his -own resources, and compelled to think and act for himself, when but a -fortnight before he had others to think and care for him, he must bear -himself like a man. It was only at night, when rolled in a blanket he -prepared to sleep, that he gave way and lay for hours weeping over his -loss. - -The merchant, who had been much pleased with his conversation, and had -made many enquiries as to the ways of his countrymen, and to whom he -had told his plans, invited Angus to take up his abode with him at a -khan until he found whether he could obtain employment at the British -minister's. Issuing into the town, after having seen his animals -attended to and his goods stowed away, the merchant went to see some -friends, and on his return told Angus that the new British minister had -arrived two days before. The next morning Angus went to the envoy's, -and sent in the letter with which the Armenian had furnished him, -together with the translation which he had made and the vice-consul -had signed and stamped. He had not waited many minutes when one of the -attendants came to him and led him in to the minister's room. - -"You are Mr. Campbell, the young gentleman of whom our vice-consul at -Tabriz writes to me?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"It is a sad story that he has told me, and I would willingly do -anything in my power for a young countryman thus left so sadly and -suddenly on his own resources in a foreign land. He tells me that -you speak Arabic as well as Persian, and have some acquaintance with -Armenian colloquially, though you cannot write it as you can the two -former languages. Do you know any other language at all?" - -"I know some Kurdish. One of my father's porters was a Kurd, and I was -able to get on fairly with him." - -"He tells me that it is your wish to obtain employment of some sort -with me, as at present you are not old enough to enter upon trade for -yourself, and that you do not wish to return to Scotland." - -"No, sir. I have been away for four years, and were I to go back I -should lose the advantage that I have gained in learning these Eastern -languages." - -"Quite right; very sensibly decided," the minister said. "And I suppose -that you know something of trade?" - -"Yes, sir, my father took much pains in instructing me, and for the -past two years I have acted as his assistant, and have learned the -value of most articles of trade." - -The minister nodded. - -"Very good; it will doubtless be of value to you hereafter. However, I -can at present utilize your services here. I have with me my secretary, -and I have the dragoman employed by my predecessor, who speaks half a -dozen languages; but in many ways a sharp young fellow like yourself, -able if necessary to mix with the people as one of themselves, and to -gather me information as to popular opinion, and who can read and write -Persian fluently, would be a welcome addition to my staff. Of course I -cannot offer you high pay, as I have an allowance for the expenses of -my office upon the same scale as that of my predecessor." - -"The pay is quite a secondary matter with me, sir. Even if there were -no pay, I should be glad to accept a temporary post under you, as it -would be a great advantage to me afterwards to have been employed by -you, and I should at least have time to decide what to do next." - -"I will think the matter over," the minister said; "at any rate there -will be a room assigned to you in the house, and for the present thirty -shillings a week for your living. You had better continue to wear your -Persian attire. Have you European clothes with you?" - -"No, sir, everything was burnt." - -The next day Angus was installed in a small room next to that of the -secretary, and set to work translating Persian proclamations, edicts, -and other matters. A fortnight later the minister decided that he -should be dressed as a European when in the house, and a tailor was -sent for and ordered to make him clothes of the same style as a suit of -the secretary's, which was given him to use as a pattern. The minister -nodded approvingly when he entered the little office on the day when -Angus first wore his new suit. His work was now changed, and while -visitors of distinction were ushered in directly to the minister, and -others of less importance were first interviewed by the secretary, -people coming in with complaints or petitions were shown in to Angus, -who took down what they had to say, and then dismissed them to call -the next day for an answer. He was amused at the general impression -prevailing among these people that if the British minister could be -induced to take up their cases he could obtain justice and redress for -them, and how evidently they disbelieved his assurances that a foreign -official could not interfere in such matters. - -Six months passed, the Shah had started with his army towards Herat, -and the evidences that Russia was at the bottom of the movement, and -that he was acting in accordance with her advice, became stronger and -stronger. Angus stood high in the minister's good opinion, from the -steadiness with which he worked, the tact and good temper that he -showed with the natives he interviewed, and the willingness with which -he would, after the office was closed, work until late at night at -his translations. Sometimes he changed his attire again, and slightly -darkening his face, and tucking away his light hair, would go out into -the streets, mingle with the crowd in busy quarters, and listen to -the talk. From the fact that the expedition against Herat was seldom -spoken of, he gathered that the war was not popular except among the -trading class, who thought that the possession of Herat would lead to -a large increase of trade with Afghanistan, and even through Candahar -to Northern India. It was, however, but seldom that he went on these -expeditions, for it was certain that any private arrangement that had -been made between the Shah and Russia would be known only to two of the -former's principal officers. - -One evening Mr. M'Neill summoned him to his own apartment, and said: -"I have obtained information from a source I can rely upon that Russia -is encouraging the Shah, and that there are other Russian officers -besides their accredited envoy in the Shah's camp. Mr. Corbould started -half an hour ago, and will carry the news himself to London; it is too -important to be trusted to other hands. I have no doubt whatever that -orders will be sent to me at once to mediate between the parties, and -to put a certain amount of pressure upon the Shah. Herat is considered -the key of Afghanistan, and although we could do nothing to assist its -defenders, even were a force to start at once from Bombay, I fancy that -I should be authorized to say to the Shah that England would greatly -resent the town being permanently occupied; and that she might even -go so far as to blockade the ports on the Persian Gulf, and so put a -stop to the whole trade of Persia with India. The great question, of -course, is how long Herat can hold out against the Persians. The place -has the reputation of being strong, but I hear that the fortifications -are much dilapidated. The Afghans are likely to fight well up to a -certain point, but they might, and probably would, get disheartened -after a time. I am anxious to assure them that if they will but hold -out, England will do all in her power to induce the Persians to give up -the siege. The messenger I send must at once be altogether trustworthy, -must be able to make his way through the country as a native, and must -have a sufficient knowledge of Arabic to make himself understood there, -although this is less important, as there must be many traders in the -town who understand Persian." - -"If you would entrust me with the message, sir, I would gladly -undertake to carry it to Herat." - -"That was my purpose in sending for you, Mr. Campbell. I have the -greatest confidence in you, and as your Persian is good enough to pass -in Teheran, it is certainly good enough for the country districts. -But it is not only because I should trust you thoroughly, and have -every faith in your being able to carry out the mission, but also -because I thought that it would be of great utility to you to be -engaged in the performance of such a mission. If Herat defends itself -successfully until relieved either by Afghan troops, or as a result -of our diplomacy, it will undoubtedly be a feather in the cap of the -gentleman I select to undertake the commission of encouraging the -Heratees to hold out; and, with my report of the valuable services that -you have rendered here, might obtain for you a better position in the -diplomatic service than I can offer you, or some post in India where -your knowledge of Persian and Arabic would be valuable." - -"I thank you very much indeed, sir. The change to an active life would -not only be very pleasant to me, but I can quite understand that if -good comes of it I might benefit greatly. Would you wish me to return -as soon as I have delivered your message?" - -"No, I think it would be better for you to remain there. I myself will -shortly join the Shah in his camp; the office here will be closed." - -On the following day Angus started. The back of his head having been -shaved, his hair was completely covered by his turban. He wore wide -Turkish trousers, a loosely fitting blue embroidered vest, and a long -kaftan thickly padded and falling below his knees, a coloured sash, -with two long-barrelled pistols, and a curved sword. His attire was -that of a Persian trader. He rode on a camel, which, although not a -handsome animal to look at, was of good blood and fast. Slung over -his shoulder was a long matchlock; he carried behind him a great bale -of goods. Accompanying him was a Persian boy, whose father was a -door-keeper at the mission; the boy himself was a hanger-on there. He -was a bright-faced lad of some fifteen years old, who ran messages, -and made himself generally useful. Between him and Angus a sort of -friendship had sprung up, and of an evening when the latter went out he -often took the boy with him, his shrewdness and chatter being a relief -after a long day's work in the office. - -Azim had accepted with delight Angus's proposal that he should -accompany him, as his attendant, on a journey that he was about to -make. The matter was settled in a few minutes, a donkey purchased -for him, suitable clothes for travel, and a couple of Kurd blankets. -Angus himself had a large fur-lined coat reaching to his feet, and -four blankets, two of which were of very large size and capable of -being made into a tent, for he knew that the khans and the houses in -the villages swarmed with insects, and was determined that, unless -circumstances prevented it, he would always encamp in the open air. -Azim's camel carried, in addition to a bale of goods, two water-skins, -a sufficient supply of flour for the journey, a bag of ground coffee, -and another of sugar; meat would always be procurable. - -It was a long journey, but Angus enjoyed it. The road was a frequented -one, for a considerable trade was carried on between Herat and Persia, -and traders frequently passed along. Azim turned out a bright and -intelligent companion, and no suspicion was anywhere entertained that -Angus was aught but what he seemed. Some little surprise, however, -was occasionally expressed that he should be making the journey at a -time when the Persian army was marching against Herat. To such remarks -he always replied that he should probably stay there but a few days, -and hoped to be well on the road to Candahar before the army arrived -at Herat. He was certain that he should arrive in time, for the army -with its huge baggage train had already taken nearly six months in -accomplishing a journey that he had performed in little over as many -weeks. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -AN UNEXPECTED MEETING - - -When near the frontier Angus sold the camels. He had already parted -with all the goods that he had carried, and he now bought peasant -dresses, such as those worn by the Afghan cultivators, for himself and -Azim. It was but some seventy miles on to Herat, but the Persian army -was on the direct road, having just laid siege to Ghorian, and it was -necessary to make a detour to avoid both the plundering parties of -the Persians and the Afghan horsemen who would be hovering round the -enemy's camp. Before crossing the frontier he purchased sufficient food -to last for four days, as it would be dangerous to enter any place -where they might be accosted, as their ignorance of the language would -seem to prove that they were Persian spies. - -Both carried swords and long knives, as a protection rather from the -attacks of village dogs than from trouble with men. As it was now -November and the weather was becoming cold at night, they were glad of -the long coats lined with sheep-skin. The country through which they -were passing was fertile, and when on the afternoon of the third day -they came in sight of Herat, even Azim was struck with the richness and -fertility of the country. It was well watered by several small streams; -fortified villages were scattered here and there over the plain. Round -these were gardens, orchards, and vineyards, the intervening spaces -being in summer covered by wide expanses of corn. As they neared the -city they saw that numbers of people from the villages were making -their way towards it, many with bullock waggons carrying stores of -grain and household goods, while women and men were alike loaded. They -entered the gate of the city unquestioned and unnoticed in the crowd of -horse and footmen, cattle, bullock-carts, sheep, and goats. - -Striking as was the appearance of the town without, inside everything -showed signs of neglect and poverty. Herat contained some forty-five -thousand inhabitants; the majority of these were Persian Sheeahs. Once -the capital of the great empire of Tamerlane, it had greatly fallen -from its former splendour, its decline having been rapid since its -capture from the Persians by the Afghans in 1715. It had been retaken -by the Persians, and recaptured by the Afghans, under whose savage -rule its prosperity had greatly diminished. It was still an important -trading centre, being situated on the one great thoroughfare between -India and Russia, and being celebrated for the beauty of its carpets -and for the temper of its sword-blades. Its trade was principally in -the hands of Hindoos, who numbered no fewer than a thousand, some of -whom were traders, while others were occupied in the various branches -of work to which they had been accustomed in India. There were several -families of Armenians and a few Jews. - -The city had for years suffered under the horrible tyranny of Shah -Kamran, now an old and feeble man, and of his wuzeer or minister, Yar -Mahomed Khan, who held the post of governor of the city. Under these -men neither life nor property was respected; men and women were seized -and sold into slavery under the smallest pretext, often without any -attempt whatever to justify the action. Armed bands of ruffians broke -into the houses and plundered at their will, and the peaceful portion -of the population were in a state of utter misery and despair. - -On entering the gate, Angus proceeded along the bazaar, an arched -street about a mile long, which extended from one side of the city to -the other. This was crossed at right angles by another bazaar of equal -length, and the city, which was built in the form of a square, was thus -divided into four quarters. Round the wall was a wide ditch, which was -at all times kept full of water from springs rising in the town. - -When he had proceeded some distance, Angus heard two traders in one of -the shops speaking in Armenian. He at once entered. "Effendi," he said -in that language, "I am a stranger here and but newly arrived. Can you -tell me where I can procure a lodging?" - -The two men looked in surprise at this Afghan peasant who addressed -them in their own tongue, and one of them, after a moment's hesitation, -bade him come into his private apartment behind the shop. - -"Who are you?" he said; "and how come you to speak our language?" - -"I learned it in conversation with some of your people in Tabriz, and -especially from one who was the British vice-consul there. I also speak -Persian and Arabic." - -The trader's surprise increased as Angus spoke. "But who are you, then, -who have travelled so far, and how is it that having learned so many -languages you are now here as a peasant?" - -"It is a disguise," Angus said. "My father was a British merchant at -Tabriz, and I myself am in the service of the British minister at -Teheran, and am the bearer of a letter from him to Shah Kamran." - -"You are young indeed, my son, to be engaged on so difficult and -dangerous a mission. Surely I can find you a lodging. All trade is at -a stand-still now, and we Armenians suffer like the rest. My brother, -whom you saw in the shop, is a weaver of carpets; but none will buy -carpets now. He has a house larger than his needs, and would, I am -sure, gladly take you in." - -He called his brother in from the front, and explained to him who this -strange visitor was and what he wanted. - -"I have money," Angus said, "and am prepared to pay well for -my accommodation. I have a servant with me, he is the son of a -door-keeper at the embassy, and is altogether faithful and trustworthy. -Unfortunately, I do not speak the Afghan tongue." - -"That will matter little in the town; the majority of the people still -speak Persian, although they may know Pushtoo. It is the same with -many of the fugitives who have come in from the plain. You will have -difficulty in seeing the prince. He is old and feeble, and for the -greater part of his time he is drunk. Everything is therefore in the -hands of the wuzeer, who is one of the worst of men--cruel, avaricious, -and unscrupulous. We have had many tyrants, but he is the worst; and -I can assure you that the success of the Persians would fill all but -the Afghan portion of the population with the deepest joy. It will be -necessary for you to see him first before you see Shah Kamran. The -hour is getting late, and I shall close my shop shortly. If you will -go round with my brother to his house I will join you there presently. -We all love and respect the English. They have always been our good -friends, and glad indeed should we be were they masters here as they -are in India; for I have been there, and know how just is their -rule--how they oppress no one, and will not suffer others to do so. -This would be a happy city indeed if your people were our masters." - -A short walk brought Angus and Azim to the house of the carpet-weaver. -It was of some size, but bore a neglected and poverty-stricken aspect, -which was not belied by its appearance when they entered. The doors -stood open, and it could be seen that looms stood idle now in all -the rooms. The man led the way upstairs, and unlocking a door there -entered the family apartments. The contrast between these and the floor -below was great indeed. Afghan carpets covered the passages and floors, -well-stuffed divans ran round the rooms, and although there were no -signs of wealth, everything pointed to comfort. The Armenian led them -into a room, where his wife and two daughters were seated. They rose -in some surprise at seeing him enter accompanied by an Afghan peasant. -Azim had remained in the passage without. - -"Do not be surprised," the trader said; "this person is not what he -looks, but is an English effendi, the bearer of a letter from his -minister at Teheran to Shah Kamran. He is going to do us the honour to -lodge here for a time. He speaks our language as well as Persian." - -"He is welcome," his wife said courteously; "and indeed his presence -here will afford us a protection which we shall need more than ever -when the passions of the people are excited by the siege." - -"As you are accustomed to our ways," the husband said, "you will not be -surprised at my bringing you in here or at seeing the women unveiled. -As a rule, everywhere in the East we adopt the customs of the country -so far that our women veil when they go out, and my wife and daughters -would do the same here if they were to walk through the streets. But my -daughters have not left the house since they were children; my wife has -not done so since we took up our abode here twenty-three years ago." - -Angus uttered an exclamation of surprise. - -"You would not be astonished if you knew the lawlessness that prevails -here. No young woman can venture safely into the streets, for as -soon as a report that she was good-looking reached Kamran she would -be seized and carried off to his harem even in broad daylight. No -respectable woman would think of going out save with an armed escort." - -"That is indeed a terrible state of things." - -"We are accustomed to it now, effendi, and at any rate we are not -molested here. I make a present now and then to Yar Mahomed Khan and -also to his principal officer, and I am let alone by them. My brother -does the same. They know that I am a carpet-weaver employing eight -or ten men, and as they believe I could not be squeezed to any large -amount, they are satisfied to let us go on. So as long as we keep -quietly at home we are not molested, and we both intend ere long to -move from here to Teheran or Tabriz. We have only been waiting until we -can manage to get away with our belongings without attracting notice. -We have done very well since we came here, for trade has been good. -My brother buys up the products of many other looms, and we have both -made good profits, but we take care that we do not keep more money than -is necessary here. Now I will show you the room that will be at your -disposal. You will, I hope, join us at our family meals, so that we -shall not have to cook for you separately." - -"Certainly, it would be very much more pleasant for me." - -The terms were arranged without difficulty, for the Armenian felt that -it might be a great protection for them to have an Englishman in the -house. The merchant then arranged to obtain a dress for Angus similar -to that worn by himself and his brother. This was brought in on the -following morning. Having put it on, Angus went out accompanied by -Azim. He decided to wait for a day or two before seeing the wuzeer, so -as to ascertain the state of things in the town and the preparations -for defence. He was going through one of the narrow streets when -a loaded camel came along behind him, its paniers nearly touching -the houses on each side. Its rider did not give the usual shout of -warning, and Angus had but just time to jump into a doorway when it -brushed past him, the Afghan driver grinning maliciously at so nearly -upsetting one whom he regarded as a Sheeah trader. A man walking just -in front of him, who was not quick enough to get out of the camel's -way, was knocked down. As he got up Angus to his astonishment heard -him mutter angrily, "Confound you! I wish I had you outside this town, -I would give you a lesson you would not forget!" Astonished to find -another Englishman here in Afghan costume, Angus stepped up to him and -said, "I did not expect to find an Englishman here, sir." - -The other turned sharply round. "I am as surprised as you can be, sir! -But we had better not be speaking English here. I am lodging within -fifty yards of this, if you will follow me I will take you there, and -we can then introduce ourselves properly." - -In three minutes they were in the room occupied by the stranger. "As -host I will introduce myself first," he said with a smile. "My name -is Eldred Pottinger; I have been travelling through Afghanistan on an -unofficial mission to explore and report on the country to my uncle, -Colonel Pottinger, Resident in Scinde. Happening to arrive here at the -present crisis, and thinking that I might be useful if the city is -besieged, I have declared myself to the wuzeer, and although I still -retain my disguise there are many who know that I am an Englishman." - -"My name is Angus Campbell, Mr. Pottinger. I am in the employment of -the British minister at Teheran, and am the bearer of a letter from him -to Shah Kamran encouraging him to maintain the defence of the city as -long as possible, and holding out hopes that the British government, -which would view the attack upon Herat with grave dissatisfaction, -will endeavour to mediate between him and the Shah, and may even take -measures to put pressure upon the latter to withdraw his forces." - -"That is very satisfactory. Of course I have had no shadow of authority -to speak in that way, and could only assure him generally that he -would have the good will of the English, and that as an English -officer I would on my own part put any military skill that I possess -at his service, and, being myself an artillery officer, might be of -considerable assistance to him in the management and working of the -guns. But your letter will place me in a more favourable position. What -are your instructions? Are you going to return to the embassy or remain -here?" - -"Mr. M'Neill left it to myself. He will join the Shah's army, as the -Russian ambassador is also with it. As he takes the dragoman of the -legation down with him, he has no absolute occasion for my services. -From what I have seen of the place so far, though I only arrived -yesterday, it does not seem to me possible that these mud walls can -withstand a battering fire. The place will therefore very likely be -taken in a few days; and as I should not care about being in a town -sacked by Persian troops, I had intended to leave it as soon as I -delivered my letter." - -"There is no doubt about the weakness of the place; a European army -would carry it in three days. But the Persians have never been -remarkable for their courage, while the Afghans are undoubtedly a -fighting people. I think it is quite possible that the siege may last -for months. You know the dilatory way in which these Eastern people go -to work. Of course I can give no opinion whatever as to what would be -your best course. It would depend upon so many things--your position -at the embassy, your chances of promotion there, and other matters of -which I am altogether ignorant. I suppose you speak Persian well?" - -[Illustration: A MAN WALKING JUST IN FRONT OF HIM ... WAS KNOCKED DOWN.] - -"Yes, and also Arabic, and I can get on in Armenian and Kurdish. -As to my position, it is scarcely an official one. I am the son of a -Scottish trader who for twelve years carried on business at Tabriz. -He and my mother were carried off eight months ago by an outbreak of -plague, and his house and store were burned in some street riots. I -consulted the British vice-consul there, an Armenian who was a friend -of my father, and we agreed that from my knowledge of languages I ought -to be able to get on better in the East than at home, where it would be -of no use to me. I had acted as my father's assistant for the last two -years of his life, and had therefore acquired a knowledge of trading; -and I have a small capital with which, when I get older, I can either -enter into business myself or join someone already established. I was -very glad to obtain this place in the embassy as a temporary employment -until I could see my way, for although Mr. M'Neill kindly took me on as -an extra assistant, of course his successor, whoever he may be, may not -want me." - -"I think you have done very wisely. How old are you now?" - -"I am a few months over sixteen." - -"You are young indeed," Pottinger laughed, "to be engaged in political -affairs. Well, I should say that if the Afghans really mean to fight, -as I believe they will, they can hold the town for some time, and -you will therefore be able to learn their language, which would be -invaluable to you if you go in for commerce, or in fact whatever you do -out here. Things are in a disturbed state in Afghanistan, and I should -be surprised if the Indian Government does not interfere there before -long; and in that case anyone acquainted with Pushtoo and with Arabic -and Persian will have no difficulty in finding employment with the -army, and through my uncle I might be able to put you in the way of it. -And now about your mission. - -"The wuzeer for some reason or other--I own I don't see why--has been -exceedingly civil to me. On my arrival I sent to say that I was a -stranger and a traveller, and that, should it be pleasing to him, I -would wait upon him. He sent down at once to say that he would see me -the next day. Of course on occasions of this sort it is usual to make a -present. The only thing that I could give him was a brace of detonating -pistols. He had never seen any but flint-locks before, and accepted -them graciously. Finding that I was a British artillery officer, he at -once asked my opinion on a variety of matters, and took me round the -walls with him, consulting me as to how they had best be strengthened, -and so on. - -"I will go up and see him presently, and tell him that you have arrived -and are the bearer of a letter from our minister to Shah Kamran. I -shall of course mention that you have come in disguise, and that you -have therefore been unable to bring the customary presents, and I -shall point out to him that you possess the confidence of the British -minister. I shall say that for that reason I have persuaded you to -remain here during the siege, and that I am sure you will act with me, -and moreover will endeavour to keep M'Neill well informed of everything -going on here, and will continually urge him to impress upon the -British government the importance of the position and the necessity for -interfering to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Persians. -As to its importance there is no doubt, especially as Russia appears -to be making Persia a cat's-paw in the matter. That is why I feel that -while fighting for these Heratees--who between ourselves seem to me to -be unmitigated ruffians--I am merely fighting for England, for it is of -the utmost importance that the gate of India should not be in the hands -of Persia, especially if, as you say, Russian influence is dominant at -Teheran." - -"I am sure I shall be delighted if you will accept me as your -assistant, though I don't see at present what possible service I can -be." - -"You will be of use. There will be no end of things to see about." Then -he burst out laughing. "It does seem absurd, doesn't it, that we two, I -a young lieutenant and you a lad not yet seventeen, should be proposing -to take a prominent part in the defence of a city like this against an -army commanded by the Shah of Persia in person." - -Angus joined in the laugh. "It is not ridiculous for you," he said, -"because as an artillery officer you must know a great deal more about -the defence of towns than these Afghans can do; but it certainly is -absurd my having anything to do in it." - -Pottinger went with Angus to the house of the Armenian in order that -he might know where to find him. Leaving him there he went up to the -citadel, which stood on rising ground at one corner of the town. He -returned in an hour, and said that the wuzeer would receive him at once. - -"He is a good deal impressed," he went on, "with the fact that our -minister should have sent a messenger here with the letter. At first -he did not see why England should be interested in the matter, and -I had to explain to him about the Russian intrigue in Persia, and -that there was no doubt that sooner or later they would invade India, -and that this would be rendered comparatively easy by Herat being -in the hands of their friends the Persians. He enquired of me what -rank you held. I told him that you were a member of the embassy, -acting as assistant-secretary to the minister, and, as was evident -by his entrusting you with so important a despatch, were deep in his -confidence." - -On arriving at the citadel they were at once conducted to the apartment -of the wuzeer. Yar Mahomed rose from his seat and greeted them -politely. Angus walked forward, bowed, and delivered his letter. - -"You speak Persian, your excellency?" the minister said. Angus had -difficulty in restraining a smile at his new dignity, but said gravely: -"Yes, your highness, I speak it and Arabic." - -"You journeyed here comfortably, I hope?" - -"Yes; there were a few adventures on the way, but not more than I had -expected." - -Yar Mahomed opened and read the letter. - -"You are aware of its contents?" he asked. - -"Yes, I learned them by heart before I left Teheran, in case I should -be robbed of the letter on the way." - -The wuzeer sat in thought for a minute. - -"But how," he said doubtfully, "can your country, which is, as I hear, -very far distant, exercise any influence with the Shah? Surely you -could not send an army all that distance?" - -"Not from England, your highness; but we could send a fleet that could -shut up all the ports in the Persian Gulf, and we could send troops -from India to occupy those places, and so destroy all their trade. -Moreover, we could put a stop to all trade passing by land through this -town to Scinde, and send a great army by sea and invade Persia, and, as -our soldiers are much better than the Persians, might even take Tabriz -and Teheran. The Shah knows that they have done great things in India, -and will see how they might bring ruin on Persia." - -"Yes, what your minister says is true; but will he do this at once?" - -"That I cannot say," Angus replied. "At first, no doubt, the government -of England would say, 'Herat is very far off; it will fall before we -can do anything.' But if they find that it holds out bravely, they will -say, 'We must help these people who are fighting so well.' There is -another thing. It is said that there are already some Russian officers -with the Shah's army. The English are very jealous of the Russians, and -when they come to understand that it is Russia who has sent the Shah -to capture Herat their anger will speedily be roused, and they will -bid their minister say to the Shah, 'If you continue to fight against -Herat, we shall send our ships and our army against you.' The Shah -knows that we have conquered in India people far more warlike than the -Persians, and he will say to himself, 'Why should I run the risk of -losing my kingdom merely to please the Russians, who are really much -more dangerous neighbours than the English?'" - -"The words of your excellency are wise," the wuzeer said. "You will -see that we shall hold out for months, or even for years if necessary. -I can understand now why the British minister has confidence in you -though you look so young. How many years has your excellency?" - -"I am not yet thirty," Angus said calmly. - -The wuzeer looked surprised. - -"It is because your face is smooth that you look so young. We Afghans -wear our beards; I see that you do not, for even this brave officer, -who has come to fight for us, has no hair on his face. He has told me -that you will stay here, and assist with your advice." - -"So far as I am able to do so, I will; but I am not greatly skilled in -such matters. Still, I will assist him so far as I can." - -"It is good," the Afghan said. - -"It would be better, your highness, that it should not be known that -I am an agent of the British minister; though of course you can, if -you find it necessary, cheer your soldiers by telling them if they -fight bravely and well the British minister will try and mediate -between you and the Shah, and to persuade him to draw off his army. -But were the Shah to know that the British minister has an agent here, -he would be wroth with him, and might not listen so willingly to his -representations. Let it then, I beg you, be supposed that, like Mr. -Pottinger, I am but an English traveller, who, chancing to be here, is -willing to do all that he can to aid in the defence of the town against -the Persians." - -"Your words are good; so let it be. Where are you dwelling now?" - -"At the house of the Armenian carpet-weaver Kajar. The times being bad, -his looms are at a stand-still, and he was glad to let me an apartment." - -"He is a good man," the wuzeer said, "a good man and honest, but not -rich." - -Angus felt that the last words were rather a question than an -assertion, and he said: - -"Surely no. His rooms are very simple, but they are clean, and if a -traveller can but find a clean lodging, he cares not how poor it is." - -"Shall you be sending a message to the minister?" - -"I shall endeavour to do so by a servant lad I have brought with me. I -will tell him that his mind may be at ease, for Herat can hold out." - -"The Persians are cowards!" the wuzeer said angrily. "My horsemen have -been round them for many days, but they give them no chance. They keep -together like a flock of sheep, with their guns and their infantry, -instead of riding out bravely to bring in plunder and fight with their -enemies when they meet them." - -Then turning to Pottinger he went on: - -"I have sent out, as you advised me, to cut down all the trees within -half a mile of the town, so that the Persians will have no shelter from -our guns; and as all the granaries are emptied for miles round, they -will have a long way to go to get food. A number of men are also at -work at the place where, as you showed me, the wall was rotten; and -others are clearing out the ditch, and making the bank steeper where it -has slipped down, so that if they should be so mad as to rush forward -and try to cross the moat, they will not be able to climb up." - -"That is important, Wuzeer, and still more so is it that the little -wall at the foot of the mount of earth that surrounds the city wall -should be repaired. That is of the greatest importance. They may manage -to fill up the moat and cross it, but as long as the lower wall stands -they cannot climb up, even if a breach was made in the main wall." - -"I will go round now with you," the wuzeer said, "and we will see where -the worst places are." - -Angus accompanied them, and found that Pottinger's statement as to the -weakness of the fortifications was well founded. From a distance the -wall had looked imposing, for it was of considerable height and great -thickness, but it was entirely constructed of dried mud, and heavy -guns could effect a breach anywhere in the course of a day or two. It -was evident that if the place was to hold out, it must depend upon the -bravery of its troops and not upon the strength of its walls. - -For the next week the work went on incessantly. Every able-bodied man -in the town was employed in the repairs of the wall and in cutting down -trees, while the work of destroying grain and all kinds of necessaries -which could not be brought into the town was performed by the troops. -These were all Afghans, were in regular pay, and formed the fighting -army of the ruler of Herat. Their discipline was at all times very -lax, and the permission to destroy and burn, which naturally included -looting everything of value for their own benefit, rendered them even -less amenable to discipline than before. - -Eldred Pottinger, as far as he could venture, tried to induce the -wuzeer to have the work executed in a more regular manner and under -strict supervision by officers told off for the purpose, but Yar -Mahomed viewed the matter with indifference. - -"What does it matter," he said, "whether the soldiers take things or -not? It would be all the same to the owners whether they have them, or -whether they are destroyed, or fall into the hands of the Persians. In -a few days the enemy will be here, and it would be foolish to cause -dissatisfaction among the soldiers over a matter of no consequence -whatever." - -The country, indeed, was now deserted by all its inhabitants. Immense -stores of food had been brought into the city, every unoccupied piece -of ground between the city walls was crowded with cattle, sheep, and -horses, and there was no fear that famine would for a very long period -be a serious trouble to the besieged. Eldred Pottinger's time was -principally occupied in seeing to the repair of the guns and their -carriages. Without any definite rank having been given to him, it was -understood that all his orders had the support of the wuzeer, and were -to be obeyed as if they came directly from him, and that the young -man with him was also an Englishman of some importance, and possessed -similar powers. - -While Pottinger looked chiefly after the military work performed by the -Afghans who had come into the town, Angus superintended that upon which -the Sheeahs were engaged. These Persian-speaking people carried out his -instructions cheerfully, because they were given in their own language, -and were not accompanied by the contemptuous haughtiness and animosity -which would have characterized the orders of an Afghan, the hostility -between the two great religious sects of Islam being even greater than -that entertained by both against the infidel. - -Pottinger had now taken up his abode at the house of Kajar, where there -were several apartments unoccupied. As he did not speak Armenian, and -knew but little Persian, Angus and he arranged to have a mess of their -own, engaging a man recommended to them by the Armenian as a good cook. -This had been rendered the more necessary, as the trader with whom -Angus had first spoken had also moved with his wife to his brother's -house. - -He had taken this step because he foresaw that as the siege went on the -position of the Sheeahs would become more and more unbearable, and that -the protection the presence of the two Englishmen could afford would -be most valuable. Indeed Kajar, as soon as he saw that Angus had been -favourably received by the wuzeer, had himself suggested that Pottinger -might also be offered accommodation at his house. - -"There need be no further talk of payment, effendi, between us. Your -presence here will be of vastly greater importance than any money you -could give us. No one can say what will happen here. It is not only our -property, but our lives which will be at stake; but with you as inmates -here, no one would dare interfere with us, and we all regard the fact -that you should almost accidentally have been brought here as a special -blessing that has been sent from heaven to us." - -The young Englishmen thus strangely thrown together soon became fast -friends, and it was pleasant indeed to them to enjoy their evenings -together, after each had been engaged during the whole day at the -duties they had undertaken. A couple of hours, however, were always -spent by them, each in his own room. Pottinger engaged the services of -a mollah, or priest of the Sheeah sect, to give him lessons in Persian, -while Angus worked at Pushtoo with Kajar, who spoke the Afghan language -perfectly. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE SIEGE OF HERAT - - -On 22nd of November, a fortnight after Angus arrived at Herat, the -Persian army took up its position on the plain to the north-west of -the city. The inhabitants crowded the walls to watch the advancing -host--the Afghan portion of the population with scowling faces and -muttered imprecations, the Sheeahs prudently abstaining from all -demonstrations of their feelings, but filled with hopes of deliverance -from their tyrants. Pottinger learned that the Afghan horse were going -to make a sortie, and he and Angus went together to the north-west -angle of the wall. - -"A good deal will depend upon this first fight," Pottinger said. -"If the Persians easily repulse the assault, it will cause a deep -depression among the Afghans. If, on the other hand, the Heratees -obtain a fair amount of success, it will so encourage them that they -will not fear another time to encounter the enemy, and will fight -strongly when the walls are attacked." - -In a short time the Afghan horse were seen pouring out of the western -gate. There was but small attempt at anything like military order. -It was a mob of horsemen; individually splendid riders, and for -skirmishing purposes unsurpassed, but, as Pottinger remarked to his -companion, quite unfit to stand against a charge of regular cavalry -equally endowed with courage. Keeping near the city wall until facing -the Persian position, where a regiment of cavalry were hastily -mounting, they wheeled round and rode against the enemy with loud -shouts. The Persians rode to meet them, but were unable to withstand -the impetuosity of the charge, and, amidst the exulting shouts of the -Afghans on the wall, wheeled round and fled in disorder. The Afghans -then turning, flung themselves upon a strong body of infantry that -was advancing against them in good order. These, however, stood firm, -emptying many saddles by a heavy volley they poured in when the Afghans -were close, and presenting so steady a line of bayonets that the -horsemen recoiled. - -As they did so, the Persian artillery opened upon the Afghans, who -retired until near the wall, and then dismounted and opened fire with -their long matchlocks upon the Persian gunners. Pottinger ran at once -to a couple of guns close to where they were standing, and under his -directions the Afghans in charge of them at once replied to the Persian -guns. A number of the Afghan footmen ran out from the gate on that -side, and, joining the dismounted men, kept up a hot fire, while those -on the wall also joined in the conflict. As the Persian guns could -effect little against the infantry lying in shelter, they were now -directed against the wall, causing a rapid dispersal of the peaceable -portion of the spectators. The effect of their fire showed at once the -rottenness of the fortifications. Although but light guns, they knocked -down portions of the parapet, which crumbled as if it had been made of -rotten timber. Pottinger shook his head as he and Angus walked along -to watch the effect of the fire. "If a six-pound shot can effect such -damage as this, it is clear that when they get their siege guns to work -a few hours will effect a breach in the wall itself." - -On their side the Persians also sent out skirmishers. These pushed -forward to a point where they could take the Afghans in flank, and -cause them to retire nearer to the walls. The fighting was continued -until dark, when the Persians drew off, and the Afghans retired into -the city. No material advantage had been gained by either side, but the -Heratees were well content with the result. They had shown themselves -superior to the Persian cavalry, and had maintained themselves against -the infantry. - -The Persians lost no time, and during the night pushed forward and -occupied all the gardens and enclosures on the west of the city, and -placed a strong force among the ruins of a village there. In the -morning they began to advance against the wall. The Afghans sallied -out horse and foot; the cavalry, unable to act in such broken ground, -moved round, and hanging on the flanks of the Persian camp, continually -threatened an attack. The infantry, taking advantage of every wall and -bush, maintained a heavy fire upon the enemy. The artillery on both -sides opened fire, but at the end of the day neither party had gained -any advantage. - -The Afghans brought in the heads of several whom they had killed, and -a few prisoners. The heads were placed on pikes and exhibited on the -walls. The prisoners were bartered as slaves in exchange for horses to -the Turkomans, of whom a considerable party were encamped at a short -distance from the walls. - -"It is horrible and disgusting," Pottinger said to his companion that -evening as they sat together, "this custom of cutting off heads, but as -it is, I believe, universal in the East, it would be worse than useless -to protest against it. It is the custom always to reward a soldier for -bringing in a head as a proof of his valour, though, in fact, it is -no proof, as he may simply, as he advances, cut it from the body of -a man shot by someone else. Putting aside the brutality, it operates -badly, for instead of following up an advantage hotly, the men stop -to collect these miserable trophies, and so give time to an enemy to -escape or rally. I have read in the accounts of the campaigns of the -Turkish conquerors that the heads were always brought in to the general -and piled before his tent, and that each soldier was rewarded according -to the number he brought in, and I fancy it was the same thing with -Mohammedan conquerors in India. Well, I am afraid that we shall see a -number of things that will disgust us before the siege is over. If I -were fighting solely for the Heratees, I should certainly retire if -they continue these barbarities. But I have no interest whatever in -them; in fact, I see that the greater portion of the population would -be benefited by living under the Persian rule. I go into this matter -solely because it is one I consider of vital interest to England, and -therefore, as an Englishman I am willing to do my utmost to keep, not -the Persians, but the Russians from seizing this place." - -Angus had now completely caught the enthusiasm of the young -artilleryman. He was perhaps less horrified than his companion, for he -had seen so much of Eastern modes of punishment, that he had learned to -regard them with less horror than that felt by Europeans unaccustomed -to Oriental methods. - -"I have been accustomed to look on at acts of brutality," he said, "for -from the time when I first came out, my father always impressed upon -me that we were strangers in this part of the world, and must be very -cautious not to show any aversion to its customs. It would lead us into -endless trouble if we were to show in any way that what to them seems -only natural, was to us revolting; and though I have often been tempted -to interfere when I have seen some act of brutality, I have always -followed my father's instructions, and walked away without showing any -anger or disgust. I agree with you that it is horrid, but it is not -like seeing living men tortured; at least, when one is dead it can make -no great difference if one is buried with a head or without one." - -Pottinger laughed. "That is certainly one way of looking at it, and I -can understand that as the custom has prevailed among these peoples for -centuries they can scarcely understand our feelings of abhorrence and -indignation. However, I am determined that, whatever I do or feel, I -will keep my mouth shut, and not say a word that would anger the wuzeer -and shake my influence with him. At present he is well disposed towards -me, and I have been of real assistance to him. When things become -critical I may be of vital service. From what Kajar says there is a -strong suspicion that he is not personally brave, which I can quite -believe, as very few thorough-paced brutes are. Now old Shah Kamran -is, I must own, an exception; an absolutely greater scoundrel than he -has proved himself to be probably never existed, but he is known to -have been in his earlier days as brave as a lion. If he had been some -twenty years younger I should have stronger hopes of eventual success -than I have now. Personal bravery in a general is of no extraordinary -advantage in a European army, where he is not expected to lead men -into battle, but with irregular troops like these Heratees it is of -vital importance. They will follow their leader anywhere, but if he -sends them into danger while he himself remains at a distance, they -lose their enthusiasm directly, and are half thrashed before the battle -begins." - -"Do you not think that Kamran will be able at any important moment to -come forward and show himself among the defenders of the breach? I hear -that only a month or so ago he returned from a campaign." - -"I am afraid not. I have seen him twice, and although it cannot be said -that he is an imbecile, he is next door to it. He understands what -is going on, but his nerves are utterly shattered by drink; he is in -what may be termed the lachrymose condition of drunkenness. He works -himself into a state of childish passion; sometimes he raves, then he -whimpers. Certainly his appearance would have no inspiring effect upon -these rough Afghan soldiers. They want a man who would rush sword in -hand at their head, call upon them to follow him, and then dash into -the middle of the foe, and the miserable old man could scarcely hold a -sword in his shaking hand." - -"Well, at any rate, the Afghans have fought bravely yesterday and -to-day." - -"Excellently; but it is the work they are accustomed to. An Afghan -battle consists of two sets of men snugly hidden away among the rocks, -firing away at each other until one side loses a few men and then -retires. So they were quite at home at their skirmishing work, and -certainly more than a match for the same number of Persians. What they -will do when an attack on a breach is made by a column remains to be -seen." - -Night and day the Heratees worked at their defences, while the Persians -raised batteries and fortified their camp against sudden attacks. After -four or five days of comparative quiet a heavy cannonade broke out. -Artillery played upon the walls, mortars threw shell into the town, -and rockets whizzed overhead. For a time the consternation in the city -was prodigious; the rockets especially, which were altogether new to -them, appalled the inhabitants, who, as night came on, gathered on -the roofs of their houses and watched with affright the sharp trains -of light, and shuddered at the sound of the fiery missiles. The sound -of lamentation, the cries of fear, and the prayers to Allah resounded -over the city; but the panic abated somewhat when it was found that -comparatively little injury was effected. But while the peaceful -inhabitants wailed and prayed, the troops and the men who had come in -from the Afghan villages laboured steadily and silently at the work of -repairing the damages effected by the fire of the Persian batteries. - -But little could be done to the face of the wall, but the crumbling -parapets and earth dug up from open spaces were used to construct a -fresh wall behind the old one at points against which the Persian -guns played most fiercely, so that when a breach was formed the -assailants would find an unlooked-for obstacle to their entrance into -the town. This work was directed by Pottinger, who took but little -rest, remaining constantly at his post, and only snatching an hour's -sleep now and then. Angus assisted to the best of his power, always -taking his place when his comrade could no longer battle against -sleep, and seeing that everything went on well. The Afghans yielded a -willing obedience to the orders of these young strangers. They saw the -utility of the work upon which they were engaged, and laboured well and -steadily. The Persian artillery were, fortunately for the besieged, -badly commanded. Instead of concentrating their fire upon one spot, -in which case a breach would have been effected in a few hours, each -gunner directed his aim as he thought best, and the shot which, if -poured upon a single point, would have brought down the crumbling wall, -effected no material damage, scattered as it was over a face a mile in -length. - -It was all the less effective, inasmuch as the artillerymen generally -aimed at the parapet of the wall instead of the solid portion below it. -It was a delight to them to see a portion of the parapet knocked down -by their shot, whereas when the wall itself was hit comparatively small -show was made. Many of the shot flew high and passed over the town into -the fields beyond it, and at the end of four days' almost continuous -firing, Herat was stronger and more capable of resistance than it was -when the Persians first appeared before the walls. The absence of any -tangible result evidently lowered the spirits of the besiegers, while -it proportionately raised those of the defenders. Moreover, the immense -expenditure of projectiles by the Persians showed the Shah and his -generals that, large as was the store of ammunition they had brought -with them, it might prove insufficient, and the labour and time which -would be entailed in renewing the supply from the magazines at the -capital would be enormous. Consequently the fire became irregular, -sometimes for an hour or two all the batteries would play, while at -other times only a few guns would be discharged in the course of an -hour. - -The shells that were thrown into the city did much more damage than -the round shot of the batteries. Many houses were almost destroyed by -them, and whole families killed. These, however, were for the most part -peaceable Sheeahs, and the matter in no way affected the defenders of -the wall, whose spirits rose daily as they perceived that the Persian -artillery was by no means so formidable as they had anticipated. The -Persians made no attempt to blockade the city, evidently fearing the -sorties the defenders made, and confined their operations to that side -of the city before which they were encamped. This was a great advantage -to the besieged. Three out of the five gates of the city stood open, -communications were maintained with the surrounding country, the cattle -and other animals went out to graze, and firewood and other commodities -passed freely into the town. - -Throughout December the Persians were harassed by nightly attacks. -The working parties in their entrenchments were driven out, tools -carried off, the workmen killed, and the work performed during the day -destroyed, the assailants retiring before heavy masses of infantry -could be brought up to repel them. Upon many days scarce a shot was -fired, then for a few hours there would be a lively cannonade, but of -the same scattered and wasteful fashion as before. - -On December 26th all the Persian prisoners who had been captured in -the sorties were sent off for sale to the frontier of the Turkoman -country. The Shah retaliated by putting to death in various cruel -manners the Afghan prisoners who had fallen into his hands. Two days -later a mine was sprung and a breach effected in the wall. The Persians -advanced to storm it, but were met with the greatest resolution by the -Heratees, who repulsed them with considerable loss, their leader being -severely wounded, and a deserter from Herat, a man of high military -reputation among the Afghans, killed--a fact that caused almost as -much joy to the defenders as the repulse of the assault. The success, -however, of the mine, and the knowledge that the Persians were engaged -in driving several tunnels towards the wall, caused a considerable -feeling of uneasiness. Nevertheless, the 30th, which was the day of -the termination of the long Mohammedan fast, was celebrated with the -usual rejoicings, which the besieged were enabled to take part in -without fear of an attack, as the day was being celebrated with similar -festivities in the Persian camp. - -Shah Kamran went with his family in procession to the principal mosque, -and after the conclusion of the prayers usual to the occasion, observed -the custom of scattering sweetmeats to be scrambled for by the priests. -To their disappointment, however, he did not follow this up by inviting -them to a banquet, but sent extra provisions to the troops and the -workers on the walls. There was now a pause in active operations for -more than three weeks. The Persians laboured at their mines, but either -from ignorance of their work, or on account of the water flowing -from the moat into their galleries, no damage resulted. The Heratees -countermined under the advice of Pottinger, but beyond proving that the -Persian galleries were not being driven where they expected, nothing -came of it. But on the 26th of January the Afghans determined to give -battle to the Persians in the open. Again the whole population gathered -on the walls, and the two young Englishmen were also there. - -"The wuzeer asked me this morning whether I would go out with them," -Pottinger said to Angus, "but I replied that, although acquainted -with artillery and siege operations, I did not know enough of the -Afghan way of fighting to accept even a small command in the field. -I am useful here," he went on, "and I should be of no use whatever -outside. The Afghans have their own ideas as to when to advance and -when to retreat; besides, it might offend some of the leaders were -I, a stranger, to interfere in any way. There is no jealousy of me -at present, at least I think not. They know nothing of sieges, and -there is no one who holds any special post in connection with the -fortifications. No one therefore feels superseded. In the next place, -the work is for the most part carried out by labourers, who get paid -for their services, and not by the troops, and it is nothing to them -whether they get their orders from an Englishman or an Afghan. In -an attack on a breach I should certainly fight; in the first place, -because I consider it my duty, and in the second, because, if the -Persians get inside the walls, you may be sure that there will be -something like a general massacre." - -The Afghan cavalry and infantry poured out from the gate, and spread -themselves over the open country to the east of the Persian camp. The -men on foot took possession of a village, and established themselves -in its houses and the gardens surrounding it. From the wall a view -could be obtained of the movements in the enemy's camp. The vedettes -had fallen back as soon as the Afghans issued out, drums were beaten -and horns sounded, the troops ran hastily together, and their general, -Mahomed Khan, could be seen galloping about issuing orders. Presently a -strong column moved out. It was headed by cavalry; and as soon as these -made their appearance the Afghan horse galloped across the plain, while -the crowd on the walls burst into shouts of encouragement, although the -troops were too far off to hear them. - -"It is a pretty sight, Angus, but about as unlike modern warfare as -could well be. European cavalry seeing a mob of horsemen coming down -upon them in such disorder would ride at them, and no irregular horse -could withstand the impact of a well-disciplined and compact cavalry -charge. There, the Persians are forming line; but there is no smartness -about it, it is done in a half-hearted sort of way, as if they did not -like the business before them. There, they are off; but they are too -slow, they won't be fairly in a gallop before the Afghans are upon -them." - -For a minute or two the contending bodies were mixed in a confused -mass, then the shouts of the spectators rose high as the Persians could -be seen flying towards their infantry hotly pursued by the Afghans. -Then came the rattle of musketry, the quick reports of cannon, as the -infantry and artillery covered the retreat of their cavalry. Presently -the Heratee horse were seen retiring from the village in which the -struggle had taken place; another body, which had not yet been engaged, -instead of riding forward to support them, also, turned, and for a time -all rode off, while the Persian cavalry were reinforced from the camp -and pursued them. The Heratees soon recovered themselves and again -charged, but again the leading squadrons were badly supported by those -behind. These were under another leader, who was probably influenced by -jealousy or by tribal hostility, and the Persian horse, well supported -by their infantry, gradually gained the advantage, their own infantry -coming to the support. The Afghan footmen also advanced, and the fight -was maintained during the whole day. - -"It is like playing at war," Pottinger said irritably; "except in that -first charge they have never really come to blows. It is skirmishing -rather than fighting. Here there are some ten or twelve thousand men, -taking both sides, cavalry, infantry, and a few guns. I don't think -that when our men come in again it will be found that they have lost a -hundred, and I don't suppose the Persians have lost much more. It is a -fair field for fighting, and between two European forces of the same -strength a long day's battle would probably have caused three or four -thousand casualties. One would think that neither party was in earnest. -Certainly the Heratees are, though I don't suppose the Persian soldiers -have any particular personal interest in the matter." - -The action was altogether indecisive, and at the end of the day the -Persians held no ground beyond the village where their infantry first -opened fire, while the Heratees had gained nothing by their sortie. -When the Afghans re-entered the walls it was found that Pottinger's -estimate as to the amount of loss was very near the truth; there were -between twenty-five and thirty killed, and some four times as many -wounded, more or less seriously. They of course claimed a victory, and -were highly satisfied with their own doings, but the operations only -tended to show that neither party had any eagerness for real fighting. - -On the 7th of February Pottinger said: "I have received permission to -go into the Persian camp to-morrow. Kamran has given me a message on -his part to the Persian king. It is an appeal to him to retire. He -says that when Khorassan was in rebellion he refused the entreaties -of its chief to aid them, although at that time he could have raised -ten thousand horsemen, and might, with the rebels of Khorassan, -have marched to Teheran. He had sent one of his highest officers to -congratulate the Shah on his succession, and now the latter is without -provocation marching against him. He prays him therefore to retire, -to aid him with guns and men to recover the dominions he has lost in -Afghanistan, and if he be successful he will hand over Herat to him. -Yar Mahomed has also given me a message to the Persian minister, just -the sort of message I should have expected from him. He declares that -he is devoted to the Shah and to him, but that he is bound to stand -by his master. That whatever might be his own wish, the Afghans would -never surrender the city, and that he dare not propose such a thing to -them, but that he shall ever remain the faithful servant of the Shah -and of the minister whom he regards as his father. I will take you with -me if you wish, but that must be a matter for your own consideration." - -"I should, of course, like to go," Angus said, "but I do not know that -it would be wise for me to do so. Mr. M'Neill may be in the Persian -camp. It is not probable that I should be recognized, still there must -be many officials there who came frequently to see him at the embassy, -and who would know me. Should one of these declare that I was a member -of the mission, it might create a very bad impression against M'Neill, -as it would seem that he was in secret communication with Kamran." - -"That is just what I was thinking," Pottinger said, "and I must say -that I agree with you. It certainly would be awkward for him if it -were known that one of his suite was in Herat. Yes, I think it would -be better that you should not go. We shall certainly be the centre of -curiosity while we are in the camp, and there would be no possibility -of private communications between you and M'Neill. But should I see him -have you any message for him? I think we have agreed that when this -business is over it will be much better for you to go with me back to -India than to return to Teheran." - -"Yes, I have quite settled that," Angus said. "With the kind offer you -have made to present me to your uncle I should think that the prospect -of my obtaining advancement there is very much greater than it is in -Persia, where I might be left altogether in the lurch if M'Neill were -recalled. I shall be obliged, therefore, if you will tell him of my -intention, and thank him for me very heartily for his kindness. He -will, I am sure, approve of the step, for he has several times told me -that he was sorry he could see no chance of my obtaining more than -a clerkship at the mission, and advised me on no account to think of -remaining there if I could see my way to doing better for myself." - -"I will be sure to give M'Neill the message if I see him but I don't -expect to be long in the camp. I am charged with such a ridiculous -message that there is no likelihood of any discussion taking place. -The minister will, of course, scoff at Yar Mahomed's declarations of -respect for the Shah and affection for himself, and the Shah, after -taking the trouble to collect an army and come here himself, is not -likely to retire at the request of Kamran. My real hope in going is -that I may find a British officer with the Persians. There is almost -certain to be one, as the Russians have, it is said, several. Through -him I may send messages to friends at home and to my uncle in Scinde. -They must all begin to feel anxious about me." - -Angus saw his companion ride out the next morning with some anxiety -as to his reception, but with no particular regret that he did not -accompany him. He had often been in the encampments of the Persian -troops before the army left Teheran, and there would therefore be -nothing new to him in the scene. Pottinger as usual wore the dress of -an Afghan of some standing, and was accompanied only by one mounted -attendant and a runner to hold his horse. A small party of Afghans rode -with him for some distance beyond the walls, and then, shouting good -wishes for his return in safety, left him. Angus continued to watch -the men at their work for two or three hours, and then took his place -on the walls again and watched for his comrade's return. It was not, -however, till the 10th that he came back to Herat. - -On the previous day he was prevented from returning by a violent -storm which raged from morning till night, and considerable anxiety -was felt in the town. That he had gone on a mission from Kamran was -generally known, but none save the Shah and his wuzeer were aware of -its nature. Angus was much alarmed, as he thought it too probable that -his friend had been shot by the Persian outposts as soon as he arrived -among them, for there was nothing to show that he came as an envoy. -He was therefore greatly relieved when a native brought the news to -him that the Englishman was returning. As the news spread it caused -great excitement. When Pottinger rode in at the gate a great crowd had -assembled there, and all thronged round him asking for information. He -replied that they must enquire of the wuzeer, who alone could deliver -it. As he saw Angus in the crowd he shouted to him, "As I expected, -nothing has come of it; meet me at the house." - -An hour later Pottinger arrived there. "I was getting very anxious -about you," Angus said, "and was beginning to fear that you had been -shot by the Persian outposts." - -"I was a little uncomfortable myself, and I kept a good look-out, as -you may suppose. The roads led through those ruined villages, and at -any moment I might have a bullet whizzing about my ears. Presently I -saw some Persian soldiers running towards the road, and I told my man -to take off his turban and wave it to show that our intentions were -peaceable. When they perceived this they came straggling up. I told -them that I was an English officer, and the bearer of messages to the -Shah and his minister. They seemed delighted, chiefly perhaps from the -fact of my being an Englishman, but also because they hoped that I -had come with an offer of surrender. However, they shouted 'Welcome, -welcome! the English were always friends of the Shah.' The officer who -commanded the picket turned out to be a major who had served under -Major Hart, and who knew all the English officers who had of late years -been in Persia. He took me to the major-general commanding the attack, -who turned out to be a Russian in the Persian service commanding -a corps of Russians--men who had left their own country for doubtless -good reasons. At any rate, he received me courteously. We had tea, and -smoked a pipe together, and he then sent me on with an escort to the -Persian camp. - -[Illustration: AFGHANISTAN - -AND - -NORTH WEST FRONTIER - -OF INDIA] - -"The news that someone had come in from Herat to arrange terms for its -submission having preceded me, almost the whole camp came out to see -me, and if my escort had not used their iron ramrods most vigorously -upon the heads and shoulders of the crowd I should never have got -through. When I reached the minister's tent he received me graciously, -but we did not enter into business; it was necessary that the Shah -should first decide whether he would receive me. - -"I had learned from the Russian general that Colonel Stoddart was in -camp. As it was known before I left India that he would accompany the -Persians I had letters for him, and received permission to go to his -tent to deliver them. His astonishment at finding that I was a British -officer was, as you may imagine, great. However, I had but little time -to talk, for in a few minutes a message came that I was to go back at -once to the minister, or, as he is called there as well as here, the -wuzeer. Stoddart accompanied me. The Persian asked me what were the -messages that, as he had been informed, Kamran and Yar Mahomed had sent -to the Shah and himself. I told him that I could only deliver Kamran's -message to the Shah, and that I thought his own message had better be -given him privately. - -"The wuzeer, who is a bilious and excitable little man, sent everyone -out from the tent but Stoddart and myself, and I then delivered the -message. We had a long discussion. The wuzeer declared that the English -themselves had put down Herat as forming part of the Persian dominions -in the map that Burnes had made. I said that I thought not. He produced -the map to convince me, but to the little man's intense disgust he -found that he was altogether wrong. He then appealed to Stoddart. The -latter, as our military representative at the Shah's court, replied -diplomatically that he had no instructions on the subject, and would -refer the case to the envoy at Teheran. (M'Neill, by the by, has not -yet reached the camp.) Stoddart said that he was not aware that the -Persian government had annexed Herat, as its ruler had, both with the -British government and the late Shah, been acknowledged as sovereign in -Afghanistan; so, as I expected, nothing came of the interview. We went -back to Stoddart's tent, and shortly afterwards were sent for by the -Shah. He received us with courtesy, and I delivered Kamran's message. - -"The Shah replied, speaking with dignity and calmness, and stating -his complaints against Kamran, that he had permitted his soldiers -constantly to make incursions into Persian dominions, robbing and -slaying, and carrying off Persian subjects to sell as slaves; then -gradually warming up as he recited a number of such forays and -depredations, he denounced Kamran as a treacherous liar, and said that -he would not rest satisfied until he had planted a Persian garrison -in the city of Herat. Of course there was nothing more to be said. We -were formally, though courteously, dismissed, and I went back with -Stoddart to his tent, where I remained till this morning. I was by no -means sorry that the tremendous storm yesterday afforded an excuse for -stopping, and I enjoyed my day of quiet talk with Stoddart immensely. - -"He thinks that if the Persians do but make an attack with all their -strength the town must be taken, in which I entirely agree with him. -He said, however, that, as the slackness of their fire for some time -past has shown, the Persians are heartily sick of the business, and -if the Shah had some really good excuse for retiring he would gladly -do so. I said that the best excuse would be some strong action on the -part of our government. He replied that he had himself urged this upon -M'Neill, and that the envoy had already written urgently home in that -sense. Of course I told him of your being there. He had already heard -from M'Neill that he had sent you here to encourage Kamran to hold out. -He asked a good deal about you, and quite agreed with me that with -your knowledge of languages--and I told him that in the three months -during which you had been here you had already learned enough Pushtoo -to converse in it freely--you would be sure to get an appointment in -India, as it was extremely probable that an army would shortly be -sent into Afghanistan to support Shah Soojah against Dost Mahomed, -especially as the latter had received Vickovich, an aide-de-camp to the -governor of Orenburg, as an envoy at Cabul. - -"Of course I had heard about the intention of supporting Dost Mahomed -before I started. I know that my uncle and Mr. Burnes, who is our -agent at Cabul, are both strongly opposed to this. Dost Mahomed has -always defeated Shah Soojah, he is firmly established on his throne, -and Burnes believes that he is very well disposed towards us. However, -that is not our affair; but if there should be such an expedition it -much increases your chance of obtaining an official post. I took the -opportunity to write to my uncle and to send my report to the Indian -government, and in both cases I stated that I had received the most -valuable assistance from a young gentleman who was temporarily attached -to the mission at Teheran, and who, speaking as he did, Persian, -Pushtoo, and Arabic, would, I considered, be of great service should -any difficulties arise with Afghanistan. I said that I had seized the -opportunity of recommending you, as it was possible that I myself might -fall in the defence of Herat." - -"It was awfully kind of you, Pottinger, and I am extremely obliged to -you." - -"I felt that I was acting in the interest of the Indian government as -well as of yourself. The siege may last for another month yet, and by -the end of that time you will be able to pass as easily as an Afghan as -you now can as a Persian, and may be invaluable; for as we have as yet -had very little contact with Afghanistan there are not, I should say, -half a dozen officers in our service who can speak Pushtoo--probably -not one who could do so well enough to pass as a native. I myself knew -but little of it when I started, so my disguise was that of a Cutch -horse-dealer, and I passed through Afghanistan as a native of India. -Even now I do not speak Pushtoo as well as you do, having devoted -myself to Persian, while you have been working at Afghan. For your sake -I hope that the siege may last for some time yet, as it may be a great -advantage to you when you apply for an official post to be able to say -that you can pass anywhere as a native." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -A STURDY DEFENCE - - -Pottinger's belief that the Shah was anxious to bring the war to -a conclusion was confirmed by the arrival of the major he had met -when going into the Persian camp, with instructions from the Russian -general, endorsed by the minister, to endeavour to persuade the Afghans -to consent to the terms offered by the Shah. It was better, he urged, -for them to settle their differences among themselves than to employ -mediation. He warned them that as the English had come to India under -the pretence of trading, and had finally conquered the whole country, -they should on no account be trusted. He assured them that the Shah -had no desire to interfere in the internal administration of Herat, -the present movement was not an expedition against Herat but against -Hindostan, and that all true Mohammedans should join the Shah's army, -and that he would lead them to the conquest and plunder of all India -and Turkestan. - -Pottinger was sent for privately, and consulted by the Kamran and the -wuzeer as to what answer should be sent. His advice was taken, and -the next day the envoy returned to his camp with vague assurances of -regard, and the suggestion that if the Persians were really inclined -for peace, the best proof that they could give of the sincerity of -their inclination would be the retirement of the besieging force. -There was much excitement in the city when the proposals brought by -the Persian officer became known, and many of the older men began to -argue that it did not matter much whether Kamran was called prince -or king, or whether the supremacy of the Persian Shah was or was not -acknowledged in Herat, as long as no Persian garrison was placed in -the city. The wuzeer, however, remained firm. He declared that he -had no confidence in the Persians, that he desired to be guided by -the advice and be aided by the mediation of the English, and that -if the Shah would place the conduct of negotiations in the hands of -Colonel Stoddart, he on his part would trust everything to Lieutenant -Pottinger, and would accept whatever was decided upon by the two -English officers. - -"That was his own decision, and not mine," Pottinger said, when he -returned from an interview with the wuzeer. "There is no doubt that, -ruffian as he is in many respects, he is a clever man. You see, he -shifts all the responsibility for the continuance of the war off his -shoulders on to those of the Persians, for their refusal to accept -the decision of the British officer in their camp will convince the -Afghans that the Persians will be satisfied with nothing but their -destruction." - -Two days later the Persian officer returned to Herat with a letter -stating that the Shah had no desire to possess himself of the town, but -only claimed that his sovereignty should be acknowledged. The answer -was the same as before. Kamran was willing to do all that was required -if the Persian army would but retire. The negotiations were carried on -for a day or two longer, but though both parties desired peace, the -one would not surrender, the other would not retire and acknowledge -failure. Hostilities, therefore, continued without intermission, and -a fortnight later the Persians gained possession of a fortified place -three hundred yards from the north-east angle of the wall. The Afghans -stationed there had made but a poor resistance, and upon entering the -town their faces were smeared with mud, and they were sent through the -city accompanied by a crier who proclaimed their cowardice. - -A month passed without any incident of importance, and at the end of -that time M'Neill arrived at the Persian camp. Every effort had been -made to hinder him on his way from Teheran, and he was at first coldly -received. A week later he had an audience with the Shah, and stated to -him that the attack upon Herat was an obvious violation of the treaty -between Great Britain and Herat, and the British government would -therefore be justified in taking active measures to enforce its terms. -The Shah upon this consented to accept the British mediation. - -Three days later, however, the Persians made a serious attack. Some new -batteries opened against the ramparts near the great mosque. Their fire -was this time concentrated, and the wall crumbled so rapidly that by -the evening a practicable breach had been made. The Afghans, however, -did not lose heart, declaring that they trusted to themselves, and -not to their walls, to defend the city. They had, indeed, gained an -advantage in the middle of the day. They blew in a mine that had been -carried almost up to the wall, and taking advantage of the alarm caused -by the explosion rushed out and furiously attacked the besiegers, -carrying the trenches for some distance before a strong Persian force -came up and drove them back again. So heavy a fire was then opened from -the trenches on the musketeers on the walls, that these were completely -overpowered, and were unable to show a head above the parapets. As -evening came on the Persians shouted that an English officer wished -to enter the town, but the wuzeer shouted back that no one would -be allowed to enter at that hour. The next day Major Todd, who was -attached to the embassy, entered the town. He was in full regimentals, -and his appearance excited the most lively admiration of the populace. -He announced that the Shah was ready to accept the mediation of the -British government. He was received with the greatest courtesy by Shah -Kamran, who after the interview took a cloak from his own shoulders and -sent it by the wuzeer to Major Todd, who returned to the Persian camp -with the assurance of Kamran's desire to accept the mediation of the -British minister. - -But though apparently both parties had at last arrived at an -understanding, that evening the aspect of affairs became more warlike -than ever. The Persian trenches were filled with men, the bodies of -horse and foot on the line of investment were strengthened, and there -were all appearances that an assault would be made that evening; and -the Afghan chiefs were called together and each had his post assigned -to him. But scarcely had they separated when Mr. M'Neill himself -arrived. He was conducted at once to Kamran's palace, and the greater -part of the night was spent in discussion. It was nearly dawn when the -minister accompanied Pottinger to the latter's residence. As he had -arranged when he arrived that he would sleep at Pottinger's, a room had -been prepared for him, Angus sat up for several hours, but then feeling -sure that the minister would at once retire to bed on his return, had -lain down. When he awoke it was half-past six, and dressing hastily -he went into the sitting-room that he shared with Pottinger, and to -his surprise found Mr. M'Neill writing there. The minister greeted him -cordially. - -"I heard all about you from Colonel Stoddart, and approve highly of -your remaining here to give Pottinger what aid you can during the -siege. I also think that you have done very wisely in determining, -as Pottinger told Stoddart you had done, to go to India. I myself -will write to the English government saying what you have done, how -intelligently you carried on your work at the mission, and recommending -you for an appointment on the northern frontier either with the army -or the resident at Scinde, or perhaps better still, with Mr. Burnes at -Cabul." - -At this moment Pottinger entered the room, and he was as surprised as -Angus had been at seeing the minister at work after only a couple of -hours in bed. There was another meeting with Kamran, who placed himself -entirely in the hands of the British envoy, and said that he would -gladly consent to any terms agreed upon by him. At the conclusion of -the meeting Mr. M'Neill returned at once to the Persian camp. - -To the disappointment of all, Major Todd rode in two days later with -the surprising news that the Shah had entirely changed his attitude, -and absolutely refused to submit the dispute to British arbitration, -and that unless the whole people of Herat acknowledged themselves -his subjects, he would take possession of the city by force of arms. -This sudden change was the result of the arrival of the Russian -representative, Count Symonwich, on the morning of the day of M'Neill's -visit to the city. The Russian party at once became ascendant. He -himself took the conduct of the operations of the siege, the officers -with him taught the Persian soldiers how to construct batteries, and -Russian money was freely distributed among them. Pottinger's task of -explaining to Kamran the news brought by Major Todd was an unpleasant -one; but the old man took the news quietly, and said that he never -expected anything else, for the Persians had always been noted for -their treachery and want of faith. The news, however, caused great -discouragement in the town, and it was determined at a meeting of -the chiefs that they would send to the Russian ambassador and place -themselves under the protection of his master. Meeting after meeting -was held, at all of which Pottinger was present. Sometimes he was -received and listened to with respect, and other times he was treated -with marked discourtesy. - -The influence of Mr. M'Neill at the Persian court declined rapidly, -while that of the Russians became supreme. For some months past he had -failed to obtain any satisfaction for matters of serious complaint. As -far back as October a courier bearing despatches from Colonel Stoddart -to him at Teheran had been seized by a Russian officer, stripped and -imprisoned by the Persians, and his despatches taken from him. The -British resident in the Persian Gulf had been grossly insulted by the -governor of Bushire, and the Persian government had continued to evade -its obligations under the commercial treaty between the two nations. -So marked was the indignity with which M'Neill was now treated in the -Persian camp, that on the 7th of June he left it with Colonel Stoddart -and all his suite and attendants, a step equivalent to a rupture of the -relations between Great Britain and Persia. - -In the meantime the pressure of famine and sickness became more and -more intense in Herat. The city was altogether without drainage, and -the stench from the bodies of those who had died or been killed, and -of the dead animals, was dreadful. But although much depressed, the -courage of the Afghans still sustained them, and when on the 13th of -June the Persians surprised the outer works, they held the connecting -passage and defended it until assistance came, when the garrison poured -out, rushed down the slope, and dislodged the assailants with much -slaughter. Another attempt on the same day at a fresh point was equally -unsuccessful, and the storming party were twice repulsed. Pottinger was -now armed with an authority that he had not before possessed, for he -had been appointed by M'Neill British envoy at Herat. The news of the -departure of the embassy, and Pottinger's assurances that this was a -prelude to war between England and Persia, had but little effect. It -was certain that the city could not possibly hold out many weeks, and -it might be months before the arrival of a British fleet and army could -influence the Persians. - -Happily, however, Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India, had not -waited for instructions from home, but at the news of the investment -of Herat, and the outrage upon our resident in the Persian Gulf, had -begun to take steps early in the spring; and on the 4th of June two -transports and some vessels of war left Bombay harbour with detachments -of two British regiments and a marine battalion, and on the 19th -anchored off the island of Karrack in the Persian Gulf. - -Upon the 24th of June Herat went through the most terrible experience -of the siege. At daybreak a heavy fire opened from the Persian -batteries on all four sides of the city. It ceased suddenly after a -time. Pottinger, who was at breakfast, exclaimed to Angus, as he leapt -up from his seat: "They are going to assault; the batteries have done -their work. Quick, to the wall!" - -Warning the soldiers they came upon as they ran, they made their way -to the wall. Just as they arrived there another gun was fired, and at -the signal the batteries on all sides again broke into life. A storm of -rockets carried dismay into the town, the mortars dropped their shells -into it, and most conclusive of all, a rattle of musketry broke out, -growing every moment in power. Against five points was the assault -directed. That on the gate of Candahar was repulsed, and the enemy -chased back to their trenches. That upon the south-west angle was but a -feint, and was never pushed home against the western gate. The Russian -regiment under Sampson, and a strong force under a Persian officer, -pressed up to the breach; but the Persian was killed and Sampson -carried off wounded, and the troops fled after suffering immense loss. -The attack on the north-western face was similarly repulsed, but the -fifth contest was desperate. The storming party gained the _fausse -braye_. The Afghans defending it fought desperately, and all fell -at their post. The storming party rushed up the slope. The officers -and leading men were mown down by a heavy musketry fire, but after a -fierce struggle the upper _fausse braye_ was carried, and some of the -assailants gained the head of the breach. - -But now the Afghan reserves were brought up, and the Persians on the -breach were driven back. Again and again, the Persians fighting this -time with desperate courage, struggled to effect a lodgment, only to -be repulsed, and fell back in confusion on their comrades behind. For -a long time the issue was doubtful; a desperate hand-to-hand conflict -raged, the assailants and defenders swayed up and down the breach, -which was covered with corpses and slippery with blood. - -Yar Mahomed arrived almost at the same time as Pottinger and Angus, -for these, before coming here, had seen that all was going well at the -other points attacked. - -They had observed as they came along men leaving the breach by twos -and threes under pretence of assisting wounded comrades, and Pottinger -saw to his dismay that the men were losing heart. As they came to the -breach they found other soldiers coming up. The wuzeer was sitting -down close by. Pottinger ran up to him. "You must encourage your men, -wuzeer; go forward and join them, or all will be lost." - -The Afghan scarcely seemed to hear what he said. "You must come," -Pottinger repeated loudly; "there is no time to be lost." Then he -turned to Angus: "Do what you can," he said. "I must rouse the wuzeer; -evidently his nerves have suddenly given way." - -Glad at last to be free to join in the struggle, Angus drew his sword -and ran down, thrusting back those who were mounting, and pushed his -way forward to the front, shouting in Pushtoo: "Fight, men! fight for -your faith, your wives, and your children! Everything is going on well -elsewhere. Are you alone going to fail?" - -The bearded Afghans, astonished at seeing this young Englishman rushing -forward in advance of them, followed him, and again the Persians were -beaten back. But although the Afghans in front had been animated by -the lad's example, those behind were still dropping off. The wuzeer, -aroused by the vigorous exhortations of Pottinger, had risen up and -neared the breach. The Persians were renewing their attack, and the -wuzeer called upon his men to fight. The fugitives paused irresolute. -The wuzeer's heart failed him again, and he turned back, his action -still further discouraging the men. Pottinger, in the most vehement -language, exhorted him to set an example. Again he turned and advanced, -but again shrank back. Pottinger now instead of entreating reviled and -threatened him, called him opprobrious names, and at last, seizing -him by his arm, dragged him forward to the breach. This astounding -treatment maddened the Afghan. He shouted to the soldiers to fight, -and as they continued to fall back, seized a large staff, and, rushing -like a madman upon the soldiers, drove them forward again with a shower -of heavy blows, while Pottinger sword in hand seconded him. Cooped up -as they were, and seeing no other outlet of escape, many of them leapt -wildly down over the parapet, rushed down the slope, and fell upon -the Persian stormers. Believing that great reinforcements must have -arrived, these were seized by a panic, abandoned their position, and -fled. - -Herat was saved entirely by the energy and courage of the young English -lieutenant. Pottinger's first question was as to his companion. He -had, while urging the wuzeer to advance, caught sight of him fighting -desperately in the midst of the Persians, and he at once made his -way down to that spot. He was not long in discovering Angus, who was -lying insensible, bleeding from a number of sabre wounds. Calling four -Afghans, he ordered him to be carried on to the wall. There he bandaged -his wounds, and then had him placed on a stretcher and carried to their -lodging, taking on himself to send an order to the wuzeer's own medical -attendant to go there at once and attend to his wounds. Then he turned -his attention to the wuzeer. The mind of the minister had been almost -unhinged by the terrible events, and he was still wandering about in a -confused and bewildered way. Several of the other chiefs were similarly -affected, and were unable for days afterwards to perform their usual -duties. - -The soldiers themselves, instead of being excited over their victory, -were as gloomy and depressed as if they had suffered a defeat. The -peril had been so great, the city had been so nearly lost, that there -was a general feeling that another such attack would be successful. -Their confidence hitherto had rested upon the wuzeer, and on the -conviction that their courage was infinitely greater than that of the -Persians, and they had found that the Persians could now fight as well -and stoutly as they themselves. They were humiliated by knowing that -it was to a young English officer they owed it that the Persians had -failed in their object, and that another young Englishman, scarce more -than a boy, had led their best and bravest into the thick of the fray, -and had himself penetrated beyond them into the midst of the Persians -and had fallen there. None appreciate bravery more than do the Afghans. -It was not so much that Pottinger had exposed himself recklessly to the -shower of bullets with which the Persians in their trenches swept the -spot where he was standing with the wuzeer, but that he should have -ventured to abuse, revile, and even forcibly drag their dreaded leader -forward astounded them. - -All Herat felt that it was he who had saved the city, and the fame -of the deed spread through the country round, and men when they came -in sought him out and kissed his hand with enthusiasm. A deep gloom, -however, hung over the city. Even the work of repairing the damaged -fortifications was carried on apathetically. They had repulsed the -Persians, but it was felt that nothing but a miracle could enable them -to withstand another such assault. Food was all but exhausted, the -treasury was empty, the inhabitants could not be fed, the soldiers -could not be paid. But an equal amount of depression was felt in -the Persian camp. Five assaults had all failed, and some eighteen -hundred of their best troops had fallen. The loss of officers had been -enormous; the Russian general, Berowski, had been killed, and two of -the principal Persian generals. Another Russian general, Sampson, and -two pashas had been wounded, and almost all the field officers of the -regiments engaged in the attack were hors de combat. - -Pottinger's position was a very painful one. The need for money to -pay the troops was absolute, and the wuzeer, when he had recovered -from the effects of his scare, instituted a reign of terror even -more terrible than anything the wretched inhabitants had ever before -felt. The soldiers went from house to house, and all suspected of -possessing money were seized and tortured. Even ladies of rank were -so treated, and the very inmates of Kamran's zenana were threatened -and had to contribute their jewels. Pottinger felt that it was solely -owing to his influence that the city had so long held out, and as he -went through the streets starving men reproached him as the author of -their sufferings. He did all that he could, but that was little. Men -of all ranks came to him imploring his aid and protection. Some he was -able to save, but for others he could do nothing. Never was a young -soldier placed in so terrible a dilemma. As a man he was agonized by -the sufferings he saw round him--sufferings he could at once bring -to an end by advising the wuzeer to surrender: as a soldier and an -Englishman, he felt that it was his duty to hold out to the bitter end. - -His position became still more difficult when, a fortnight after the -assault, the Persians again opened negotiations, demanding, however, -as a first step that he should be expelled from the city. Pottinger -declared that no thought of personal safety should persuade him to -stand in the way of any arrangement conducive to the safety of Herat -and the welfare of his country, and that if these could be gained by -his departure he would willingly leave the town. But Yar Mahomed was -undecided. He felt that the dismissal of the man who had saved Herat -would be a stain on his character, and, moreover, that the Persians -having obtained his dismissal, would become still more exorbitant in -their demands. He had long expected the arrival of a relieving force of -Turkomans, and Pottinger was convinced that ere long the intervention -of England would compel the Persians to fall back. The bombardment of -the city had not been renewed since the repulse of the attack, and the -Persians relied now solely upon famine to reduce it, and maintained a -strict blockade. - -In order to mitigate the horrors he saw around him, Pottinger undertook -that all who voluntarily brought in their money should be reimbursed at -his recommendation by the British government. This brought some money -in, though slowly, and July passed. Then a deserter from the Persian -camp brought in news that there was a report that a great British army -had landed in the Persian Gulf, had taken Bushire, and was advancing. -This report had fortunately enormously magnified the strength of the -British expedition, and the news gave fresh life to the defenders of -Herat. The Persians again opened negotiations, waiving the question -of the expulsion of Pottinger, but the wuzeer was less inclined than -before to yield to the Persian demands. - -M'Neill was on his way to the frontier when he was informed of the -arrival of the British expedition to the Persian Gulf, and at the same -time received instructions from the Foreign Office in anticipation of -the refusal of the Shah to retire from before Herat. Fortified by these -instructions, he despatched Colonel Stoddart to the Persian camp with -a message to the Shah. He arrived there on the 11th of August, and on -the next day had an interview with the Shah, who welcomed him with -cordiality, and listened to the message from the British government. - -"It means, then," he said, "that if I do not leave Herat there will be -war?" - -"It all depends upon your Majesty's answer," Stoddart replied. - -Two days later Stoddart was again summoned to the royal presence. "We -consent," the Shah said, "to the whole of the demands from the British -government. We will not go to war. Were it not for the sake of their -friendship, we should not return from before Herat. Had we known that -by our coming here we should risk the loss of their friendship, we -certainly should not have come at all." - -In reply, Colonel Stoddart said he thanked God that his Majesty had -taken so wise a view of the real interests of Persia. But as he left -the audience, he hinted to the Persian minister that although the -Shah's answer was very satisfactory, it would be more satisfactory -still to see it at once reduced to practice. Although rumours reached -the city that the Persians were about to leave, it was not for another -week that the rumours became a certainty. An effort was made to induce -the wuzeer to make some concessions that would give a better grace -to the withdrawal of the Shah. Some of the conditions suggested were -refused by Pottinger's advice; but on the 4th of September the Persian -prisoners in the town were sent into camp, and on the 9th the Persian -army began their march back to Teheran. - -It was time indeed that they did so, for they had but three or four -days' supply of forage remaining, and their flour and grain were almost -all exhausted. Their failure to capture so weakly fortified a place -was, in Pottinger's opinion, due to the fact that there was no union -of effort. The commanders of the various sections of the army acted -independently, and except when, under the command of the Russians, -they made a simultaneous attack, they never acted in concert with each -other. It was his opinion that the Shah might have carried the city -by assault the very first day that he reached Herat. He declared that -the Persians were equally as brave as and far better soldiers than the -Afghans, and that they had an ample supply of artillery to capture a -strong fortress if properly employed. - -For a week after the struggle of the 24th of June Angus Campbell lay -between life and death. He had lost a great quantity of blood, and -when first carried to his room his Armenian friends believed him to be -dead. Pottinger, who had hurried back as soon as he saw that there was -no chance of a renewal of the assault, went to Kamran's and obtained -some spirits, and with the aid of these the action of the heart, -which had before been so slight that the pulse could not be felt, was -stimulated, and respiration grew stronger. Kamran's doctor had already -declared that none of the wounds were in themselves dangerous, but -that he despaired of the patient recovering. Pottinger, however, by no -means despaired; he procured some fresh meat, and ordered a servant to -make the strongest broth possible, and to pour a spoonful between the -patient's lips every few minutes. Angus was wrapped in warm blankets, -and a large bottle of hot water placed against his feet. The wounds -had already been carefully dressed and bandaged by the surgeon, for -although almost entirely ignorant as to the use of drugs, Afghan -doctors had abundant practice in the treatment of wounds. - -Pottinger remained two or three hours, and then, seeing that Angus was -breathing regularly though feebly, and that the pulse could now be felt -at the wrist, hurried off to see that the work of repairing the breach -had been taken in hand, Kajar's wife undertaking to look after the -patient. For a week the issue of the struggle was doubtful; then the -improvement, although slow, was distinct, and day by day some slight -advance was made. The ladies of Kamran's zenana were much interested in -the young Englishman, and frequently sent down presents of fruit and -perfumes. Both were welcome. The air of Herat was very unfavourable to -wounds, but a little scent sprinkled on a muslin curtain drawn across -the window to some extent neutralized the terrible stenches of the -town, and a handkerchief steeped in water to which a little of the -perfume had been added, was laid lightly over the bandages. - -In three weeks Angus was able to sit up for a time, and a week later -he walked across the room. His progress was now more rapid, and by the -end of July he was able to sit on a donkey as far as the city wall, -where he could breathe a purer air than that of the city, and by the -end of August he could walk freely about the town. But he was listless -and without energy. It was now certain that in a very short time the -Persians would draw off. - -"You must be out of this as soon as you can, Angus," Pottinger said to -him one evening. "What you want is some mountain air. You will never -get better as long as you remain in this pestilential atmosphere. It -is enough to kill a healthy dog, and I only wonder that the whole -population has not been swept away. When M'Neill was here, he told me -that if our people interfered and Herat was saved he should appoint -me officially as the British resident envoy. He said that he was sure -the British government would send money and do all that was possible -to alleviate the misery that has been suffered by the inhabitants; and -although I would infinitely rather have other employment, it seems to -me that it is clearly my duty to stay here. It is largely owing to me -that these poor people have suffered for ten months the horrors of the -siege, and the least I can do is to help them now, for if I did not -you may be sure that any money sent by England would simply remain in -the coffers of Kamran and the wuzeer. It is said, and I quite believe -it, that a large proportion of the money wrung by torture from these -wretched people has been retained by Yar Mahomed. It is therefore -absolutely necessary, if the people are to be fed, their houses -rebuilt, and matters tided over till trade recovers, that a British -officer be here to receive and superintend the distribution of British -money. But the very day the gate is open you had better be off. You -speak Afghan now perfectly, and I am glad to see that Azim has picked -it up too. He is a capital fellow, and has watched over you since you -have been ill as if you had been his father. The question is, do you -feel strong enough to travel through the mountains? If not, there is -nothing for it but for you to return to Teheran and stay there till -your strength is restored." - -Angus shook his head. "I don't think that I could stand the journey -across the plains," he said, "nor that I should pick up much at -Teheran, while I believe that in the hills I should soon get braced -up. There is nothing really the matter with me now, except that I feel -lazy. If there had been fighting going on, and there was something I -must do, I should soon shake it off; but what with the sight of the -misery of the people here, and the stinks, and the heat, I feel myself -that I am making no progress. I believe I shall be a different man as -soon as I am once out of this place and on my way to the hills. It will -soon be getting cold up there, and in a fortnight I shall be fit for -anything." - -"I think you are right, Angus; I would give a good deal myself for a -few hours in the fresh mountain air. I do think that you are strong -enough to travel quietly. Of course you will have to do so, as I did, -in disguise; and indeed this will be much more necessary now than it -was a year ago. It is well known that the chiefs at Candahar have been -long negotiating with Persia, and have offered to place themselves -under the Shah's protection, and that, encouraged and pushed on by -Russia, they have meditated an invasion of India. The news of the -failure here will no doubt moderate their ardour, but from all that has -been learned from Afghans who have come into the town during the siege, -there is throughout the whole country a feeling of deep excitement at -the prospect of another Mohammedan invasion of India, and a conviction -that the whole country would rise and join the Persians were they to -advance to Candahar. - -"The Afghans consider that Russian influence really means Persian -influence, whereas we know that it is just the other way, and that -Russia only uses Persia as her cat's-paw. As for the Persians, we -know now what they are worth, and that a British division would be -sufficient to smash them up. But the Afghans don't know that. They -believe that Persia is the Persia of old, and that with her aid they -could assuredly drive the British out of India. This being the state -of feeling, your chance of getting through were it discovered that -you were British would be small indeed. You must pass as a Persian -who, having long traded with Herat, has learnt the Afghan language. It -would be a natural story that, finding that Herat is ruined, and that -there can be no trade between it and Persia for a long time, you are -travelling south with the intention of fixing yourself at Candahar, and -of trading between that town and India on the one side and Persia on -the other. You can account for your not having merchandise with you by -saying that owing to the presence of the Persian army, and marauders -from Herat, and the general disturbance of the country, it would not -have been safe to travel with merchandise." - -"I will certainly carry out your plan," Angus said. "I don't think -there will be any difficulty in getting through. But I do wish that you -were coming with me." - -"I hope it will not be very long before I follow you, for I think there -will be some stirring work there soon." - -Angus was well provided with money. He had received from Mr. M'Neill a -sum that would not only cover all the expenses of his journey to Herat, -but would enable him either to return to Teheran or proceed to India, -as circumstances might determine. In addition to this, he had received -a year's salary in recognition of the risk he incurred. He had this sum -still in his possession. The money he had brought from Tabriz he had -left at the embassy, Mr. M'Neill promising to send an order for the -amount should he write for it from India. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -IN CANDAHAR - - -On the 15th of September Angus started, after a tearful farewell -from his Armenian friends. Their gratitude to him and Pottinger was -unbounded. The presence and influence of their two English guests had -preserved them from the rapacity and cruelty of the wuzeer, while all -other merchants and traders in the town had been maltreated and robbed, -and in many cases had died under the tortures inflicted to wring from -them treasures it was believed they possessed. Kajar and his brother -and their families alone enjoyed an immunity from persecution. Both -had determined that they would leave Herat, and taking with them their -workmen, establish themselves at Teheran or Tabriz, where the profit of -their work might be less, but they would at least be able to enjoy it -in security, such as could never be hoped for as long as Yar Mahomed -was the virtual ruler of Herat. - -The period that had elapsed since Angus left Teheran had changed him -much. He was no longer a boy, for he had been doing man's work. He was -now nearly eighteen years old, and had attained his full height of -nearly six feet. His illness had pulled him down much, and sharpened -his features, and except for his lighter colour, he really more -closely resembled an Afghan than the Persian trader he was dressed to -represent. The pallor caused by his illness had been succeeded by a -deep tan, caused by his passing so many hours daily in the sun during -his convalescence. - -"I am glad to be out of Herat," Azim said, as he looked back at the -walls. - -"So am I, Azim. I thought at one time that I was never coming out at -all." - -"It is a very bad place, master. In Persia the governors squeeze the -people a bit, and sometimes there is much grumbling, but the worst of -them are very much better than Yar Mahomed, who is a son of Sheitan, -whom may Allah confound." - -"He is a scoundrel," Angus agreed heartily. "I wonder myself that the -people of Herat have not long since risen and torn him to pieces. I -know that if I had been a merchant there I should have tried to stir -them up to do it." - -Azim shook his head. "They cannot trust each other, effendi. There are -many who would like to do as you have said, but there are many who -cannot trust their own neighbours." - -"Then I would do it myself. Look how many old men were tortured to -death; some of them must have had sons. Had my father been so tortured -I would have lain in wait for the wuzeer day after day in some empty -house--there are plenty of them in one of the streets by which he -usually went from his palace to the walls--and as he rode past I would -have put a bullet in his head. I would then have escaped from the back -of the house if possible. No one would have seen who had fired the -shot, and I should have been safe if once away. If I were overtaken I -would put a pistol to my head, so as to avoid being tortured to death. -I cannot understand thirty or forty thousand people continuing to -support the rule of a tyrant, when one bold man could put an end to -it." - -Once on his way Angus felt new life in his veins, and in a week he had -entirely shaken off the feeling of lassitude that had oppressed him in -the poisoned air of Herat, and felt equal to any ordinary exertion. As -he had expected, he met with no difficulties whatever on his way, for -on the road between Herat and Candahar the Afghans were accustomed to -see Persian traders passing, and no suspicion whatever was felt that -Angus and his attendant were other than they represented themselves -to be. The journey was a long one, but Angus did not hurry. It was -pleasant to him, after being for a year cooped up in the besieged -city, to travel quietly in the fresh mountain air. The scenery was all -new to him, and though Azim felt the cold a good deal, Angus enjoyed -it immensely. He made short stages, and never exceeded twenty miles -a day, and often, when he arrived at a village which offered fair -accommodation, he was content to stay when only fourteen or fifteen -had been traversed. As this was the great high-road of trade there -were khans in almost every village, and there was no difficulty in -purchasing the necessaries of life. Everywhere the talk was of war. - -Once beyond the territory over which Shah Mahomed ruled, the news that -the Persians had failed to take Herat and had retired had excited -regret. It had been regarded as certain that the place would fall, -and all had anticipated the march of a Persian and Russian army to -Candahar, to be followed by a grand invasion of India. The mountaineers -had felt sure that the army would gladly pay whatever was demanded for -permission to pass unmolested; that they would be ready to pay high -prices for provisions and the hire of transport animals, so that they -would enrich themselves in the first place, and then have a chance of -sharing in the plunder of India, and the destruction of the infidels. -Angus was appealed to by all with whom he conversed to explain how it -was that the Shah with his great army had failed to take Herat. He was -eagerly questioned, too, with regard to Russia, a country of which they -had heard many strange rumours. Were they very strong? were they really -in alliance with Persia? were they infidels? if so, how was it that the -Shah was friendly with them? - -To the first of these questions Angus could only reply that, not having -been in the Persian camp, he was unable to give them information. There -were certainly Russian generals and officers leading the Persians at -the siege of Herat. They were infidels, and neighbours of the Persians. -For himself, he thought that while no doubt the Shah wished to be at -peace with such powerful neighbours, he would be wise not to trust them -very far. He could not really wish for them to become more powerful, -and if they aided him, it could only be for their own objects. As a -peaceful man he himself only desired to trade, and left these matters -to wiser heads. But at the same time he knew that Russia was constantly -extending its dominions at the expense of its neighbours; and that, -as it was a Christian country, it certainly could not be thinking of -invading India for the benefit of the Mohammedans of that country, or -those of Afghanistan--certainly not those of Persia. Whatever the Shah -and the military officers might think, the trading classes were uneasy -at the influence that Russia was gaining, and apprehensive of the -growing power and proximity of a neighbour possessed of such immense -forces, and of ambitious views. - -Two months after leaving Herat Angus entered Candahar. The journey -had been wholly without any incident of importance. The appearance of -Candahar somewhat resembled that of Herat. Situated in a fertile plain, -with a range of craggy hills at no great distance, and surrounded by -a wall, it was incapable of offering any prolonged resistance to the -attack of a European force provided with siege artillery. The town was -a comparatively modern one, being founded in 1754 on the site of an -ancient city. It was built on a regular plan, the streets all crossing -each other at right angles. Like Herat, it had four principal streets -meeting in the centre, each of these 150 feet wide, and lined with -shops. Streams of water ran down almost every street. - -The town made a very favourable impression on Angus after the ruin -and dirt of Herat. As a Persian he felt at home here, for Persian -inscriptions and names met his eye everywhere, as throughout -Afghanistan the whole of the trade is carried on by Persians or by -natives of India, the Afghans themselves deeming the profession of arms -the only one honourable. The upper classes among them all habitually -spoke Persian; which language was generally employed in writing and in -all official communications. Angus put up at a khan which he learned -was frequented by traders passing through the city, and soon made the -acquaintance of several merchants lodging there. From them he learned -much more of the state of affairs than he had gathered in the Afghan -villages he had passed through on the journey. The English were, it was -said, gathering a great army in Scinde with the intention of placing -Shah Soojah on the throne of Afghanistan instead of Dost Mahomed. - -Of all the blunders that have been committed from the time of our -first arrival in India, none is comparable, in point of injustice, -hopeless blundering, or misfortune, to the policy thus inaugurated in -Afghanistan. Shah Soojah was the head of the Dooranee tribe, and had -been overthrown by the Barukzyes, who had gradually attained a power -which the Dooranee monarch was unable to withstand. The four princes -of that tribe divided the kingdom between themselves, and after waging -many wars against each other Dost Mahomed, the youngest of the four -brothers, became ruler of Cabul. During these wars Peshawur had been -captured by the great Sikh ruler, Runjeet Sing. In 1834 Shah Soojah -made an effort to recover his kingdom, but was defeated, and again -became a fugitive in British India. - -Dost Mahomed, alarmed at the preparations made by the Sikhs for -still further dismembering his country, and by the fact that his -two brothers, who were Lords of Candahar, might at any moment take -advantage of his troubles with the Sikhs to throw off his authority -altogether, was anxious to enter into an alliance with the British, -all the more so as he had learned of the ever-increasing influence of -Russia in Persia. Lord Auckland sent Captain Burnes to Cabul; nominally -his purpose was to arrange for a larger commercial intercourse between -the two countries. He was received with great honour in Cabul, but he -had come altogether unprovided with the customary presents, and Dost -Mahomed reasonably felt this as a studied slight. Nevertheless he -exerted himself to the utmost to obtain the alliance of the British. -But Burnes had no authority whatever to treat with him, and could give -him no assurances that aid would be forthcoming if, on the fall of -Herat, which was considered certain, the Persians and Russians, aided -by the Candahar chiefs, who were known to be in correspondence with -them, were to invade his territory. Nor could he obtain any promise -that the British would use their influence with Runjeet Sing to restore -Peshawur. - -Burnes saw how sincere was the desire of the Ameer for a close -friendship with England, and wrote strongly to Lord Auckland in favour -of an alliance with him. He pointed out that Dost Mahomed was firmly -seated at Cabul, where he had reigned for ten years, that Shah Soojah -had no adherents, and even if placed on the throne could not maintain -himself there. Colonel Pottinger, the resident in Scinde, also gave the -same advice, but Lord Auckland paid no attention whatever to their -representations. A weak man, he was guided chiefly by Mr. Macnaghten, -his secretary, a comparatively young man, with great ambition and -an unbounded belief in himself, but, as events proved, with few of -the qualities required in a man placed in a highly responsible and -difficult position in India. Burnes was instructed to insist upon the -Ameer's binding himself to make no alliances whatever without the -consent of England, and at the same time he was to refuse to give any -pledges in return for such a concession. - -A more preposterous demand was never made upon an independent -sovereign. For a long time the Ameer strove in vain to obtain some sort -of conditions, and at length, finding this hopeless, he threw himself -into the arms of the Russian agent, whom he had hitherto treated with -great coldness. Burnes's position became intolerable, and he was -recalled; and Lord Auckland at once prepared to place Shah Soojah on -the throne by force. Runjeet Sing was asked to join in the undertaking, -and at a great durbar held in the Punjaub, the conditions were -arranged, under which Shah Soojah was to pay a large amount to Runjeet -as well as to the British for the aid they were to give him. As if it -was not enough to have united all Afghanistan against us, the people of -Scinde, who had hitherto been on good terms with us, were treated as if -they were enemies. They were ordered to furnish provisions and carriage -for the army, and to pay large sums of money, although they had, by the -terms of a treaty with us, been guaranteed against any claim whatever -for money or services. It would seem, indeed, that Lord Auckland and -Mr. Macnaghten had neglected no step whatever that could ensure the -failure of their enterprise. When, after the war, the papers relating -to the policy that had occasioned it were published in the form of -a blue-book, it is significant that the passages in the letters of -Burnes and Pottinger remonstrating against the course proposed by Lord -Auckland were suppressed, dishonesty being thus added to the terrible -blunders of the weakest and most obstinate of the governor-generals of -India--blunders that caused not only the utter destruction of a British -army, but led to an almost equally unjust war for the conquest of -Scinde. - -As far as Angus could learn the Candahar princes were making no -preparations whatever to take part in the war. The general idea was -that they would gladly see Dost Mahomed overthrown and Shah Soojah -placed on the throne, feeling certain that the latter would not be able -to retain his position, and that they would have a far better chance of -becoming masters of the whole of Afghanistan then than they could have -so long as their brother remained on the throne. Three days after his -arrival an officer from the palace called upon Angus and requested him -to accompany him there, as the princes wished to question him as to the -reasons for the Persians retiring from before Herat. On arriving at the -palace he was shown into a small chamber, where Kihur-el-Khan, with two -of his brothers, was sitting. - -"I have heard that you have arrived here, and that you passed by Herat -just as your Shah had left with his army." - -"That is so, Prince," Angus said, bowing deeply. - -"You have come hither for purposes of trade? From what city do you -come?" - -"From Tabriz. I represent one of the largest merchants there." And -he mentioned the name of a well-known trader. "When I left it was -considered certain that Herat would speedily be captured, and that -the Shah would move forward here, having, it was said, entered into -an alliance with you. 'Therefore,' my patron said to me, 'go you to -Candahar. Doubtless, in future, trade with Northern India will go by -that route instead of by sea, and Candahar will be a mighty centre -of trade. Therefore go and see for yourself what are the prospects, -and the price at which goods can be carried from the present frontier -to that city and thence into Scinde. Find out for me whether there -are any hindrances to trade along the road, what are the charges for -permission to travel through the passes held by various tribes, and the -disposition of the people towards traders.'" - -"How was it that you did not turn back when you found that your army -was retiring without having captured Herat?" - -"I thought it best still to go on as I had come so far," Angus replied. -"The Shah, it is true, was retiring, but he might return in the spring; -and I could not doubt that with your powerful friendship he would the -next time succeed, and the information that I should gain would enable -my patron to send off without delay a large caravan of merchandise if -he found it expedient to do so." - -"Were you in the Persian camp?" - -"No, your highness. An army when it is retiring is best avoided by -peaceful men. When all goes well the camp officers see that traders -are not meddled with by the soldiers, but when things are not going -favourably and there is discontent in camp, discipline is relaxed, -and it is useless for those who are robbed or maltreated to make -complaints." - -"That is no doubt true, but doubtless you heard a good deal from those -who have been in the camp. How did men say it was that they failed to -capture Herat, which is but a weak town?" - -"Some say one thing and some another, your highness. Some declare that -had it not been for a British officer who happened to be there the -place would have fallen in a very short time. Others say that it could -have been taken easily had all the Persian generals been of one mind, -but that each acted for himself, and that only once did all attack at -the same time." - -The Prince nodded. He had seen very many times the evil of divided -counsels, and knew how necessary it was that there should be a strong -leader who could make himself obeyed by all. - -"And what do people say about the Russians? We know that they had -officers there. We hear that they are a great people, and are good -friends with Persians." - -"Opinions are divided, Prince. There are those who believe that their -friendship will indeed be a great advantage to Persia. There are -others, especially among the trading class, who think otherwise, and -believe that Russia is too strong to be a real friend, and that it -would be far better to maintain a close alliance with England, which -would support them against Russia, and which lies so far away across -the seas that it could gain nothing by meddling in her affairs or -taking her territory." - -"But it is reported that it is the English who have now interfered and -have saved Herat, and are sending a fleet and an army to compel Persia -to desist." - -"That is what was reported and generally believed, Prince, but I cannot -say how truly; I merely heard the common talk on the way." - -"But why should England have interfered? What does it matter to them -whether Herat belongs to Persia or to the Suddozye, Prince Kamran." - -"According to the opinion of the traders in Tabriz, England would not -have cared at all had Persia been strong and been fighting only for the -conquest of Herat, but it was known that England regards with great -jealousy the approach of Russia to India, and considers that as Persia -was certainly acting under the influence of Russia, it was the latter -who would be the real masters of Herat, and not the Persians. Then, -too, it was said--though we know that rumour often lies--that Russia -and Persia had many friends in Afghanistan, and that the conquest of -Herat would only be the first step to further advances south." - -Kihur-el-Khan frowned. Such an undertaking had certainly been made by -him and his brothers, but the retreat of the Persians from Herat at -the dictation of the English, and the fact that the latter were now -gathering an army with the avowed purpose of placing Shah Soojah on the -throne of Afghanistan, gravely altered the position. They had no love -for their brother, and had a British force advanced through the Khyber -passes to Cabul, and placed Shah Soojah on the throne, they would -certainly have rendered no assistance to Dost Mahomed, for they felt -sure that Soojah would not be able to maintain himself, and saw that -there was a good chance that in the confusion which would prevail, they -themselves might obtain the mastery of Cabul. But as the English army -was evidently intending to advance through the Bolan Pass, it would -probably in the first place march on Candahar, and they themselves -would, in consequence of their intrigues with Persia and Russia, be -regarded as enemies. He was therefore silent for a minute or two, -and then said: "If the Shah has retired because he is afraid of the -English, he will not venture to send another army to aid us against -them." - -"I do not think that he could do so. His army suffered very heavily." - -"I hear that you speak the language of our country. How is that?" the -Afghan asked suddenly. - -"I do not speak it well, your highness," replied Angus, who had thought -is possible that this question might be asked him. "Having known for -some time that I should make this journey hither, I studied for a -time with a slave who had been bought by a merchant of my employer's -acquaintance, who had himself bought him from the Turkomans in a -journey that he made in their country. But I speak it only well enough -to make my way through the country, and to obtain such necessaries as -may be required on the journey, and to converse in some fashion with -such travellers as I might meet on the road or in the khans." - -"It was reported to me that you spoke so that all could understand -you," he said. "It was this that seemed strange to me that you, a -Persian, should speak Pushtoo. I will speak to you further another day." - -As Angus returned to the khan, he felt that he was an object of -suspicion. Up to the point when the Prince had sharply and suddenly -asked how he came to speak Pushtoo, his bland manner had led him to -believe that he had been simply desirous of obtaining the last news -from the frontier. But this showed him unmistakably that the Prince had -learned something which had excited his suspicions that he was there -either as an emissary from Kamran, or of Russia or Persia, desirous of -ascertaining the position of affairs at Candahar, the forces at the -disposal of the princes, and the feeling among the people in general -with reference to a protectorate, or occupation by one or other of -those powers. Angus knew the naturally suspicious character of Eastern -princes. In Persia no one ever ventured to discuss any public affairs -openly. In Herat, hated as Kamran and Yar Mahomed were, no one dared -breathe a word of aught but adulation, for the slightest suspicion -of disloyalty sufficed to bring about the ruin and death of the -unfortunate man on whom it fell. - -The last words of the Prince were in fact a sentence of imprisonment -to the city for an indefinite time. The Prince might not send for him -again for months. But the mere intimation that he would do so was -sufficient. He could not continue his journey without running the -risk of being pursued and brought back again, in which case he might -first be tortured to extract any secret he might possess, and then be -put to death. He might, for aught he knew, be already spied upon, and -everything that he said or did reported. Consequently, when he reached -the khan, he took care to evince no appearance of thoughtfulness or -uneasiness, but chatted with the traders there upon commercial matters, -respecting the advantages of Cabul and Candahar as trading centres, -the amount of the taxes laid upon goods in the two cities, and other -topics that would naturally be of interest to a merchant intending to -establish himself in Afghanistan. - -He was under no uneasiness as to Azim. He had instructed him carefully -in the account he should give of himself, the city from which he came, -the merchants whose agent he was, the route he had followed, and -other similar matters, so that their stories should correspond in all -respects. When all had lain down for the night, Angus was able to think -over quietly what was to be done. As to remaining where he was, it -was clearly out of the question. For aught he knew, the British force -said to be gathering to advance on Cabul might be months before it was -put in motion, or the expedition might be abandoned altogether. Even -if the advance was made, it might not pass through Candahar, and he -might be detained in that city for an indefinite time. It was evident, -therefore, that he must somehow escape. The question was how this could -be managed. What disguise could he adopt, and how could he evade the -vigilance of those who were watching him? The matter was rendered all -the more difficult by the fact that there were practically but two -roads open to him, that through the Kojak Pass to Quettah, and that -to the north-east through Kelat-i-Ghilzye and Ghuznee to Cabul. If he -moved off either of these regular lines of traffic he would be unable -to give any reason for his divergence, and in any case would be subject -to plunder. Even on these roads it was only as a travelling merchant he -would be respected, and as a travelling merchant he would be quickly -overtaken by the Prince's followers. - -Think as he would, no plan occurred to him, and he at last went to -sleep determining to consult Azim, in whose sharpness he had much -faith. In the morning, accordingly, as soon as he was up, he sauntered -across the yard to where the boy was watching the horses feed, and -preventing other less fortunate animals from robbing them. - -"Azim," he said, "the Princes have their suspicions of me, and have -as much as ordered me not to leave the town; try and think over -some manner in which we may get away, and if overtaken may not be -recognized. I do not wish to talk with you now, because for aught we -know a spy may be at present watching us, but at mid-day I will come -out and speak to you again. In the meantime think it over. Now, when -the horses have done feeding, take your basket, go into the bazaar, -and buy food for our dinner, so that anyone who may be watching us may -suppose that I have merely been giving you orders what to purchase." - -He then went out into the town, and spent the morning looking into the -shops, and asking questions as to the prices of the goods, so that he -might appear to be ascertaining what profits would be made. He also -went to several shops which happened to be untenanted, asked the rent, -and made enquiries about the accommodation. At dinner-time he went over -to where Azim was squatting, attending to two earthenware pots that -were simmering over a small charcoal fire, which he was fanning to keep -it going. - -"I can think of nothing, master." - -"Then to-night, Azim, after everyone is asleep, get up quietly and go -round to the back of the khan. I will join you there, and we will talk -it over together. Do not be surprised if I keep you waiting some time. -Some of these people may sit up late talking. I cannot move till all -are asleep. It is quite possible that someone who is lodging at the -khan may be watching us." - -It was indeed late before the talk ceased and all lay down to sleep. -Angus waited for another hour and then got up quietly and went out. Two -minutes later he joined Azim. "Well, lad, have you thought of any plan -yet?" - -"Nothing, master; unless we leave our animals and goods behind us." - -"That we could do," Angus said. "I can get rid of the goods to-morrow. -Why leave the animals?" - -"Because, sir, they will be looking for a man with a fair complexion, -and a boy, mounted on horses." - -"That is so; but if we left the horses behind us and walked it would be -just as bad." - -"I did not think of walking, master. I thought that perhaps you might -buy a camel and go on that." - -"That would be better certainly, Azim. We might both darken our faces, -and in my Afghan dress might make our way easily enough, if it were -not that we should be hotly pursued, and then a man and boy, however -they were dressed, or however they were travelling, would be sure to -be closely examined. I have it!" he said after a pause. "You might -go as a woman; well wrapped up, little more than your eyes would be -seen. You might ride on the camel, and I might lead it. In that way -we might pass as natives of some village among the hills. The first -difficulty, however, is how to buy a camel. I have my Afghan dress, -and, if I were sure that I was not watched, could get to some quiet -spot, change my Persian dress for it, and go boldly into a shop and buy -a woman's clothes for you; I could then go down into the quarter where -the tribesmen encamp and buy a camel. But if I were caught doing so, -it would be almost proof positive that I was going to try to leave the -city, and in that case I should no doubt be arrested and thrown into -prison at once." - -"We might steal one," Azim suggested. "There are many always grazing -outside the wall while their masters are here doing their business." - -"Yes, but they have not saddles. However, I will think it over, Azim. -Your idea about having a camel has certainly shown me a way in which we -can get away if it is managed well, and I ought to be able to find some -plan by which we can carry it out. It is of no use talking any longer -over it, there is no hurry for a day or two; and the longer I appear to -be really engaged in looking for a place of business, the more careless -the watch may become." - -Angus did not go to sleep that night, but thinking the situation over -in every way decided that the first step to be taken was to ascertain -for certain whether they were watched. If they were not, the matter -would be comparatively easy, but if his every movement were followed, -he could see no way out of the difficulty. When he paid his usual visit -to Azim in the morning, he said: "I want to find out if I am followed. -I will walk straight along this street towards the southern gate. When -I get to the last turning to the left, I will turn up it; then I shall -be out of the crowd. Do you keep a good long way behind me. I shall go -on for some distance, and then mount the wall and walk along there, -looking over the country. I want you to observe if any man follows -me. You must be so far off that even if he looks round he will not -recognize you. I don't want you to find out this time who he is, we can -do that later on; I only want to know if I am followed. Each time I -turn a corner he is likely to look round before he turns, so when you -see him getting near a corner that I have turned, hide yourself if you -can." - -"I understand, master." - -Accordingly, when half an hour later Angus came out, the lad waited for -a time, and then followed him. His master was out of sight, and Azim -walked quickly till he saw him looking as usual into one of the shops, -and then dropped behind again and followed slowly until Angus turned -off the street that he had named. Azim walked still more slowly, and on -reaching the corner saw him a considerable distance ahead. There were -but a few people about, for beyond the four principal streets were many -large open spaces dotted here and there with ruined walls of houses -that had stood there at the time when the city was far more populous -than it was at present. Angus was walking at a steady pace, as if he -had some definite object in view, and of the various people in sight -only one, who was about half way between him and Azim, was walking at -anything like the same rate. A hundred yards farther Angus turned to -the right. Azim kept on until he saw the man he was watching was close -to that point; he then stepped aside into an empty piece of ground -between two houses. Half a minute later he looked out; the man was no -longer visible. He walked on fast until he reached the corner, and saw -the man again turn off after Angus. They were near the wall now, and -the boy went forward with greater caution than before. When he got to -where he had last seen his master, he caught sight of him on the wall -some fifty yards away. The man who had been following him had stopped -at a low wall, and over it was watching Angus furtively. That settled -the point, and Azim at once returned to the khan. It was an hour later -before Angus came in. He did not pay any attention to Azim, but went in -and engaged in talk as usual with some of the occupants. It was an hour -before he came out to the yard. - -"Well, lad?" he asked. - -"You were watched, master. A man followed you all the way, and hid -behind a wall to watch you when you went on the wall. I thought at the -time that I might have crept up to him and stabbed him if I had wanted -to, but of course I would not without your orders." - -"No, that would not have done at all till we are ready to go; and I -don't like stabbing anyhow. Still, I will think it over. Come round -again to the same meeting-place to-night; by that time I shall have -decided what to do." - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -AN ESCAPE - - -"I think, Azim," Angus said, when they met that night "you must buy -some clothes for yourself. You may be pretty sure that no one is -watching you. You must not get them at any shop in the main street, -because there are always passers-by who stop and listen to the bargains -made; but there are some by-streets where there are a few shops. Of -course you will go into a Persian's. If you give a fair price--not too -high, you know, so as to seem too anxious to buy--I don't suppose he -will trouble much what you may want them for. You must make out some -likely story--say, for example, that your master keeps a sharp look-out -over you, and that you want to be able to go out sometimes in such a -dress that he would not know you if he met you. I don't know that that -is a good excuse, but I am unable to think of a better one. All you -will want will be a long white robe coming over the head and down to -the eyebrows, and falling to the feet; and a white cloth coming across -the face below the eyes, and falling down over the throat. There is no -occasion to buy other garments. A rug torn asunder and wrapped round -the waist, falling to the feet, so as to fill up the outside robe, -is all that will be required. But the more I think of it, Azim, the -greater appears the difficulty about the camel; indeed, now that we -have ascertained about this spy, it seems to me hardly possible to make -a start without being pursued at once." - -Azim nodded approvingly. "That is just what I think, master. But I -could put a knife into him, and then all trouble would be over." - -"I don't like the idea of killing the man, Azim." - -"You killed many men at Herat." - -"That was in battle, which is a very different thing from stabbing a -man to enable us to get away." - -Azim shook his head. This was quite beyond him. "He is fighting against -you now, master. If the princes find out that you are English they will -put you in a dungeon and most likely kill you, and kill me too, so as -to shut my mouth. This man is paid to act as a spy on you. Why not -kill him? Thousands of people were killed or died at Herat. I cannot -understand why one man should not be killed, when we can perhaps get -free away if he is dead." - -"If he found us escaping and attacked us, we could kill him, Azim, but -it is not an Englishman's way to kill men, except in fight." - -Azim shook his head. To his mind this was very foolish. "Perhaps we -might make him prisoner, Azim." - -"Where could we put him in prison?" Azim enquired, with his eyes wide -open in surprise. - -"I don't mean in a prison, Azim, I mean in some empty house or some -out-of-the-way place; we might tie his arms and legs and gag him." - -Azim's eyes twinkled. "I see, master, you do not like to use a knife. -Good, we can bind and hide him. Perhaps no one would come for a long -time, may be a year, and, finding only a skeleton, would not bother -about him. He would just say it was some fellow killed by robbers." - -"No, no, Azim," Angus said in a tone of horror. "I never thought of -such a thing. No doubt someone would come along and let him out." - -"Someone might come, master. He might come a few minutes after we had -gone, then they would catch us at once. If someone did not come in an -hour, why should he come in a week or a month?" - -Angus was silent. "No, Azim, you don't quite understand me. I meant -that he should be gagged and bound after dark, and then be left in some -place a little distance from the road, where he would not be seen till -morning. Then the first person who came along would turn aside and look -at him, and he would be loosed, but we should have got twelve hours' -start." - -"That would be a good plan, master. But how should we get the camel?" - -"In that case we should make a start without it, for we might ride -fifty miles, perhaps a good deal more than that, before it would be -discovered that we had gone. We could do that in our present dress, and -then I could put on my Afghan clothes and go into a village off the -road and say that the horses were tired and that I wanted to go on, and -so buy a camel." - -Azim shook his head. "Anyone who wanted to go on fast, master, would -not buy a camel." - -Angus uttered an exclamation of disgust, and Azim struck another blow -at his plan by saying, "How would you get the horses out, master? The -gates are shut at dark. You could not tie up the spy till after the -gates were shut, and in the morning he might be found, and we should be -caught as we went out." - -"I am getting altogether stupid," Angus said. "Of course you are -right; the horses could not be sent out beforehand, for if the spy saw -them going out he would at once inform his employers, and I should be -arrested. Ah, I have an idea! That trader from Scinde, who arrived here -yesterday, was saying that as he intended to stay here for some time he -would sell his horses if he could get a fair price for them. I might -say that I would buy two of them, as they are better than mine, and as -I wanted to travel fast, I would give him my two and some money for -them. I dare say he would be willing to do that, as our horses would -sell more easily than his. One can always sell a poor horse, while one -might have to wait some time before finding a purchaser for a good one. -I don't suppose really there is much difference in value between his -and mine, and he would think he was making a good bargain. I should say -that for certain reasons, which it would not be necessary to explain -to him, it must be a part of the bargain that he should deliver them -outside the city, and that one of his men should take them out during -the day and wait for us at a spot we could agree upon." - -"That would be a capital plan, master." - -"Then we will carry it out, Azim." - -"Shall I get the woman's dress?" - -"Yes, you may as well do that. We may want all sorts of disguises -before we get down. We need not talk any longer now; at any rate we -certainly shall not try the plan to-morrow. We must not appear in any -hurry with the trader, and there are several things we shall have to -talk over when I have struck a bargain with him." - -The next night Angus was able to inform his follower that he had made -his arrangements with the Scinde trader. "I am to buy his horses," he -said, "and he will deliver them in the way I want. Without saying it, -he evidently understood that I wanted to get quietly out of the city to -escape some trouble. He asked a very reasonable price, but he would -have nothing to do with my horses. He said that if there should be -any trouble about my leaving, the change of horses might be noticed. -If he said he had bought them of me, and sold me two of his, he might -get into trouble too. However, I afterwards talked to one of the other -merchants, who was going away in a day or two, and told him that I -might be kept here for a considerable time, and should therefore be -glad to get rid of my horses. He said he would be glad to buy them, as -he was taking down a number of Heratee carpets and other things. So we -struck a bargain at once, and he paid me the money and I gave him the -receipt. - -"I said that you would continue to look after the horses as usual until -we started, so that matter is quite arranged. The Scinde man will keep -the horses I have bought with his others till he sends them out through -the gate. When he does so, he will put our saddles on them. Now for our -plans to-morrow. I shall go out as usual in the morning; the spy will -of course follow me. While I am away make up our rugs and disguises -and fasten them upon the saddles, and take these to the new horses, so -that the trader's servant will put them on with the saddles and take -them out with the horses before sunset. He is to stop at those three -palm-trees that grow by the roadside a quarter of a mile out of the -town. Even if the spy is looking on as they go out of the yard, he will -have no idea that I have anything to do with the horses. - -"When you have seen to that, you will buy twenty yards of rope for us -to get down over the wall. I shall start at about four o'clock. I shall -go exactly the same way as I did the last time you followed me. It is -a very lonely part there. He is sure to watch me very closely, as he -will wonder why I choose that way for my walks. I shall stay there -for a bit, and shall lean over the wall as if I were calculating its -depth and intended to make my escape there. He is sure to be intent on -watching my movements, and will get up as close as he can. Then is your -time to steal up. Do you think that you can do it without his hearing -you? If not, I should think that a better plan will be for you to hide -close to the way we shall come back. I shall not return till it is -beginning to get dark, and he will probably keep closer to me than he -would going, so as to better watch my movements. When he comes along -you will spring out and knock him down, and I will, as you shout, run -back to your assistance." - -"I shall not want any assistance, master," Azim said confidently. "I am -sure I am quite as strong as he is, and as I shall take him by surprise -I shall have no difficulty in managing him." - -"Don't use your sword, Azim." - -"No, master, I will get a thick stick." - -"Of course you will bring the rope with you, Azim; the twenty yards -will be ample to spare a length to tie him up with, and to reach to -the ground from the top of the wall. You may as well put enough food -for a couple of days in the saddle-bags, and a supply of grain for the -horses, then we shall not have to stop to buy anything." - -The day passed quietly. Azim bought the heaviest staff that he could -find, and brought it back and stowed it away during his master's -absence, as he did not think that the latter would approve of its -weight. He considered his master's objection to his stabbing the spy to -be a weakness which he was quite unable to understand. At four o'clock -Angus started, and a few minutes later the trader's servant led the two -horses he had bought through the streets and out at the southern gate. -Azim waited till he saw him go, as there was no occasion for him to -follow the spy closely, and indeed it had been arranged that he should -not do so, lest the spy should this time notice him and perhaps take -alarm. He therefore strolled leisurely along until he neared the spot -where Angus was standing on the wall. The spy had taken up his post -nearer to him than before, and was evidently watching narrowly what he -was doing. As he might turn round suddenly, Azim seated himself behind -a ruined hut within a couple of yards of the road, and there patiently -waited until, as darkness fell, Angus came along. - -"I am here, master," Azim said. - -"Take care of yourself," Angus replied without stopping; "he will -probably have pistols, and certainly a knife." - -"All right, master." - -Azim stood up now grasping the heavy staff firmly in both hands. -Listening intently he heard a minute later a soft footstep, and the spy -passed him keeping his eye fixedly on the figure ahead of him. Azim -sprang out, and swinging his staff round his head, brought it with all -his strength against the back of the man's head, just below his turban. -He fell without a sound. - -"He is down, master," the lad cried. - -Angus, who had been listening for the sound of a struggle and had heard -the blow, came running back. - -"Why, it was almost like the sound of a pistol," he said, as he saw the -motionless figure. - -"Yes, master, I was obliged to hit him hard, because, as you said, he -might have pistols." - -"You have stunned him," Angus went on, going up to the prostrate -figure. "Now, cut off a length of that rope and we will tie him up -securely." - -He tied the man's legs, and then turned him over. The inertness of the -body struck him, and he placed his ear over his heart. "He is dead," he -said. "He is not breathing, and his heart is not beating. You have hit -him too hard." - -"Well, I did hit him hard, master. It is a misfortune, but perhaps it -is all for the best. Undoubtedly it was Allah's will that he should -die." - -"Well, it cannot be helped," Angus said, "and undoubtedly it will make -it safer for us. Well, let us move on." - -"Do you go on, master, and I will take his clothes off and drag him -into this hut. He may lie there for months before anyone comes along -and looks in." - -"Very well, I will walk on to the wall; don't be long." - -Five minutes later Azim rejoined him carrying a bundle. - -"We do not want to be bothered with the clothes," Angus said. - -"No, master; but if we left them there, they might be found to-morrow -morning. Someone might recognize the man by them, so I thought it would -be better to carry them away with us for a few miles, and then throw -them in some bushes. I have got his pistols and knife. He was well -paid, master; he had ten gold pieces in his sash--here they are." - -"Put them in your own pocket, Azim. I do not want to have anything to -do with them; they are your spoil." - -Azim, who had no compunction in the matter, at once put the little bag -into his sash. The rope was now fastened to the battlement, and they -slid down. The wall was about forty feet high, and unprovided with a -moat. They started at once for the place where the horses were to be -waiting for them; a quarter of an hour's brisk walk took them there. -Angus made a present to the man in charge of them, who, while they were -tightening the girths, at once wrapped himself in the blanket he had -brought out and lay down to sleep till morning. - -[Illustration: AZIM SURPRISES THE SPY.] - -"We need not press the horses," Angus said as they rode off. "We shall -certainly have twelve hours' start, and I hope twenty-four. It all -depends on how often the man reports to his employer, who is no doubt -an official at the palace. Probably he goes once a day, though, as -there has been nothing suspicious about our movements and no signs of -any intention of leaving, he may have been ordered to go only every -two or three days unless he has news to give. Of course in that case -we are all right; but if he reports every evening, how long a start we -shall get depends entirely upon what sort of a man the official is. In -any case, he would hardly give a thought to his spy not coming in this -evening, but would suppose that I had been out till late. When he does -not appear in the morning, if the official is of a suspicious nature he -will enquire for the man, and when he is not found will send down to -the khan to see if he is there, and to ascertain if things are going on -as usual. - -"When the news is brought him that the man is not there, and that we -have been out all night, he will become alarmed. He will go himself -and question the traders there, and will doubtless ascertain that I -have sold our horses. I don't suppose he will hear that we have bought -others. The trader will see that there is going to be trouble about -it, and is likely to hold his tongue and tell his servant to be silent -on the subject; and as the official could have no reason for imagining -that we should sell our horses and buy others, he will conclude that we -have made our escape over the wall on foot. That is the report which he -will probably make to the Prince, and we may safely calculate that it -will be afternoon before parties of horse are sent off in pursuit by -the Herat, Ghuznee, and Quettah roads, and will probably be instructed -to enquire for two young Persians on foot. They will lose time by -stopping at every village to make enquiries, and after going forty or -fifty miles will begin to feel sure that we have not come along that -road, but have gone by one of the others, or perhaps hidden up in some -village at a distance from the road. - -"They may have instructions to go as far as Quettah; but suppose they -get thirty miles before sunset--and they certainly won't get farther -than that, as they will have to make enquiries, and will probably halt -as soon as it gets dark,--we shall have a start of nearly sixty miles -before morning, and will hide up and go on as soon as it is dark, and -shall be another thirty or forty before they start next day; so we -shall then be some sixty miles ahead of them and within from twenty to -thirty from Quettah. We will skirt round the town without going into -it, and then make down the Bolan Pass. I don't think there is the least -chance of any pursuit being kept up beyond Quettah, and we can travel -at our own pace down the pass. We shall have to lay in a good stock of -provisions at the last village we pass before beginning to descend, -and must travel at night, for otherwise we may be plundered by the -tribesmen, who have the worst possible reputation." - -"How long is the pass, master?" - -"Fifty-five miles long, Mr. Pottinger told me. He says that it is -a frightful place. A river runs through it, and in the wet season -anyone caught in it would be drowned, for in some places the sides are -perpendicular, and the channel is only sixty or seventy feet wide. -There are caves along there in which the tribesmen hide, and rush -out and plunder, and often kill, travellers. We must get through in -two nights, and must be extremely careful where we stop for the day, -choosing some place where we can hide ourselves and our horses." - -"Well, master," Azim said after a pause, "if it is the will of Allah -that we are to get through, we shall; if not, not." - -"That is it, Azim. I do not think that there is much fear of our lives. -We know that travellers do use that pass. I believe they generally pay -so much to one of the chiefs of the tribesmen, and we will do the same -if, on arriving at the top of the pass, we find that we can arrange -it. We shall want money to take us from Dadur across the plain to the -Indus. It is a barren and desolate country, and we shall have to buy -some supplies at Dadur. Coming down without merchandise, the tribesmen -will make sure that we have money, as we should naturally have sold -the goods we brought from Persia at Candahar, and must intend buying a -fresh stock in India. Therefore, you may be sure, that if captured we -should be stripped of every penny we have about us." - -They rode for eight hours, and reckoned that they had made some fifty -miles. They gave the horses a good feed and lay down until daylight, -for they were now at the foot of the Kojuk, a gorge so steep and -difficult that it could not be passed at night. Just as they were -starting, three tribesmen rode up, and in the name of the local chief -demanded two gold tomauns, one for each horse and rider, as tribute for -a free passage. As the money was paid without question, they rode off -without giving further trouble. The passage was long and difficult, and -in many cases they had to lead their horses. Once through, they allowed -the animals another hour's rest and a feed, and then mounting, rode on -briskly again. A few miles farther on they halted in a clump of trees, -and slept until nightfall, and then rode another twenty miles. As speed -was of less consequence than keeping their horses in fair condition, -they turned off at a little stream, followed it for half a mile up, -and then halted in a dip through which it ran. Here there was good -grass for the horses. They remained for the rest of that day, and until -within three hours of daybreak next morning. As Angus had calculated, -they saw at sunrise the mud fort and town of Quettah standing on its -rocky eminence. They made a detour, and came down upon the road again -round the town, and then rode briskly down the Shawl valley. The -country round was rich and fertile, and dotted with villages, orchards, -and vineyards. They stopped late in the afternoon at a village near the -entrance to the pass. Two armed men came out from a hut as they drew -up. The leader said, "Our chief is master of the pass, travellers find -it wise to pay for right of passage." - -"That we are ready to do," Angus said. "But does your chief guarantee -that we shall go unmolested down to Dadur?" - -"The chief cannot guarantee that, he can only guarantee you from hurt -or damage from his people. He is lord of the eastern side of the pass, -but there are others--men of no account, and who own no chief--among -the mountains to the west. They sometimes waylay travellers. Our chief -punishes them when he can do so; but it is seldom that he is able to -catch them. He does all that he can, for he wishes well to traders and -others who pass along, for when ill happens to them others are afraid -to pass, and he loses his tribute. When a large caravan comes up, and -is able to pay handsomely, he furnishes an escort of twenty men or -more; but he will not send less than twenty, for a smaller party might -not be able to defend the caravan, and he would suffer loss of honour -from failing to give protection to those to whom he guaranteed it." - -"We cannot afford to pay for an escort of twenty men, and have but -little to be robbed of, for you see we carry no merchandise, having -disposed of what we bought at Herat and Candahar, and sent the proceeds -by sure hands back to Persia." - -As their attire gave no signs of their being men of substance, the -tribesman said: "In that case you will only have to pay one tomaun -each; that is the price for a man and horse, and the same for each -camel- or horse-load of goods; that is the regular toll." - -"That we can pay. As to the brigands you speak of, we must take our -chance." - -He handed the money to the man, who in return gave him a little -white-and-red flag, which he was to show should he encounter any of -his tribesmen. They stopped here all day, and purchased food for their -journey. - -"I should think it would be a very good thing, Azim," Angus said in the -afternoon, "if we could engage a guide. We might break our necks making -our way down here in the dark. I will speak to those two fellows. I -suppose they are on duty here, and cannot go themselves, but there may -be others of the tribe in the village; or, if not, some of the people -here may be accustomed to going down the pass with caravans." - -Angus went to the hut occupied by the two tribesmen and called them -out. "We are intending to travel at night," he said, after offering -them a packet of tobacco. "In that way we may escape being seen by -these brigands." - -"It will be almost impossible for you to go at night--quite impossible -without a guide." - -"That is what we came to you about. Are there any of your tribe who -would act as a guide for us? How long would it take us?" - -"It would take you four nights' journey. You could do it in two stages -if your horses are sure-footed and you travelled in the day, but at -night it would take four at least. How much would you be willing to -pay?" - -"How much would be charged?" Angus said quietly. - -"You should have two men," the man answered, "two men who know the pass -well. Yakoob and I could go with you. We have been here six days, and -two others will come to take our places and collect tolls to-morrow, -so we shall be free. We know every foot of the pass, having travelled -up and down it scores of times. We cannot guarantee your safety, but -you would have a better chance with us than with others. We will take -you into Dadur. We do not promise to fight; when twenty attack four, -fighting is foolish. We have our horses; there are parts where the pass -opens out and the bottom is level." - -"Well, how much would you charge?" - -The two men talked together in an undertone, and then the one who had -before spoken turned again to Angus. "We would take you for three gold -pieces each." - -"It is a large sum," Angus said; "but as I hear in the village that it -is not safe to go unless with a large caravan, and that it might be -three weeks or a month before a sufficiently large number of travellers -arrive, we will pay you that." - -"It is a bargain, then," the man said. "We had best start at four -o'clock; the descent here is very steep, and it is not overlooked from -the hills to the west. Therefore, we can go down there by daylight, -and then rest our horses for an hour and move forward again when it is -quite dark. You had better buy four black blankets, to cut up and tie -round the horses' feet, so that when we are passing the bad points, -where the brigands generally lurk, no noise will be made in climbing -over the boulders or slipping on smooth rocks. It will be necessary, of -course, to get food for us all and for the horses." - -"I will buy that to-morrow," Angus said. "I suppose it would be of no -use taking torches?" - -"You might take some," the man said. "In some places the rocks are so -steep that no one could look down from above, and at these points there -are no caves where the thieves would be hiding, and we should certainly -get on a good deal faster with torches." - -"I will take some then. Have you ever been through by night before?" - -The man shook his head. "We have not. It is seldom attempted; but it -is because you are willing to travel so that we are ready to accompany -you, for the brigands would expect no one at that time, and will most -likely be asleep." - -"Then, if we are attacked we must be taken prisoners?" - -"No," the man said; "there are many places where the hills can be -ascended by men who know them. Should we be attacked near one of these -spots we must leave our horses and fly; that is what we should do, and -what I should advise you to do also. A man's life is worth more than a -horse and saddle. Of course in the daytime there would be no escape in -that way, for they would bring us down with their matchlocks; but at -night we could elude them, and if they did follow us we could defend -ourselves, taking shelter and shooting them as they came up." - -"Well, it is a satisfaction, anyhow," Angus said, "that there would be -a chance for us. Our horses are good beasts, but we value our lives -more." - -"I think they are honest fellows," he went on after telling Azim the -substance of his conversation with the tribesmen. "They say that the -Afghans have a treacherous disposition, but I believe these men can -be trusted to keep their engagements. They did not exaggerate the -difficulties of the journey as some would have done, nor did they -pretend that they would join in a hopeless fight. In fact, although -of course the actual difficulties of the journey would be very much -greater in the dark than in daylight, they evidently considered that -the danger from the other tribesmen would be by no means great." - -It was, however, a terrible journey, and Angus felt that without the -guidance of the tribesmen it would have been an impossible one. They -knew exactly where the river was fordable, and on which side the pass -was most free from great boulders and obstruction, and where torches -could be safely used. But at times progress was terribly slow, their -horses having to pick their way among rocks and boulders, and taking -more than an hour to cover a mile. At other times they were able to -go at a brisk walk, and even break into a trot. Whenever they neared -spots where the caves frequented by the robbers were situated, the -horses' feet were muffled, and they were led with the greatest care. -It was indeed comparatively seldom that the riders mounted; where it -was dangerous to have torches, they walked along by the side of their -horses, allowing the animals to pick their own way, which they were -able to do better than they could have done if led. - -The horses Angus had bought having made the ascent of the pass were to -some extent accustomed to the work, and not having to carry the weight -of the riders were able, save in exceptional places, to get along more -easily than Angus and Azim were able to do. Both of these had many -falls, and would have had many more had not their guides at such times -stood close beside them and rendered them assistance, often warning -them of obstacles of which they themselves were unable to make out the -faintest outline. - -Several times they saw the glow of fires burning in the caverns. At -such points the strictest silence was observed. They had purchased -Afghan shoes at the village, and round these had wound strips of thick -woollen stuff like felt, so that their steps were as noiseless as those -of the horses. The stirrups were fastened over the animals' backs so as -to avoid contact with rocks; and any slight sound that might be made -was to a great extent drowned by the murmur and rattle of the rapid -stream. - -The long halts during the daytime were made at points, carefully chosen -by the guides, at the foot of precipitous rocks. Fragments that had -fallen from above formed a bank at a short distance from the foot, the -greater part of the rocks having bounded outwards with the impetus -of their fall. Between the bank and the cliff there was a depression -partly filled with splinters of rock. It was, however, considerably -lower than the bank, and the men and horses stationed in it were hid -alike from observation from above and from the eye of those passing -along the valley. Here they slept on beds composed of their saddles and -rugs laid on the rough stones, their guides by turn keeping watch. As -a whole they got on faster than the guides had anticipated, and were -fairly down at the mouth of the pass at daybreak on the fourth morning -after their start. Here the tribesmen received their pay, Angus adding -another pound to the amount agreed on, for the care and assistance -given. They waited two days at Dadur to allow their horses rest. Here -they were fortunate in finding two men well acquainted with the road. -They had so far guided a party who were proceeding up the pass to -Quettah, and as they were now returning, were glad enough to accept -the offer of a couple of pounds to act as guides across the desert. -In accordance with their advice two rough ponies were bought to carry -water-skins and provisions, while smaller skins were to be taken on -their own horses, as the country to be traversed was for a considerable -distance a waterless desert. Even this part of the journey would not be -accomplished without danger, for the Belooches of the district were to -a man plunderers, and cared nothing for the authority of the Khan of -Khelat. The distance from Dadur to Shikarpore is nearly a hundred and -fifty miles across a flat and dreary country, almost unpopulated; but -as they were unencumbered by baggage, and carried sufficient water for -their wants and those of their horses, it was performed in seven days. -At Rojhan they came upon Captain Thompson, who was in command of a -party which had gone forward to examine the state of the water-supply, -and if necessary to sink more wells. He was surprised when a young -Persian trader addressed him in English, and informed him that he had -just come through from Herat. This was quite enough to assure a warm -welcome, and the officer put him up for the night in his own tent and -made him in all respects comfortable. - -After hearing something of the siege of Herat, and of his journey, -he asked anxiously as to the water-supply in the villages on the way -to Dadur. On hearing that few of them were much better supplied than -Rojhan he threw up his hands in despair. - -"Two or three thousand natives ought to have been engaged," he said, -"and a couple of hundred set to work to dig deep wells in these -villages. A hundred wells would be little enough for the army, its -horses and baggage animals, and its native followers. Even when they -are dug the water runs into them slowly. I have sent down my report -from here. There are only three wells, one of which Sir Alexander -Burnes sank when he was here a week ago; the others contain such bad -water as to be quite unfit for human use. I am really frightened at the -thought of what will take place before the army gets to Dadur. However, -I hear that they will not advance for another month, and that some very -energetic steps will be made to secure a water-supply before they come -along." - -On the following day Angus passed several working parties who were -engaged under the superintendence of Major Leech, assistant to Sir -Alexander Burnes--for Captain Burnes had been knighted as a reward -for his services in Cabul. With the exception of these parties they -scarcely encountered a human being on the way down, except in the -miserable little villages which were situated where the soil permitted -the cultivation of a scanty crop, which was for the most part cut when -green and sold to passing travellers. Angus was heartily glad when -Shikarpore came in sight. He had learned from Captain Thompson that -Shah Soojah had arrived there with a native army which he had raised, -that the Bengal army under General Cotton, which had marched down by -the Indus, was expected to arrive there in a day or two, and that the -Bombay army under Sir John Keane was but a few days behind. - -Upon entering the town he was glad to see British uniforms in the -street, and addressing in English the first officer he met, he found -that the division of General Cotton had arrived two days before. - -"I have just come from Herat," Angus said. "I left there after the -siege was raised. I have some despatches from Lieutenant Pottinger, -which should be given either to Colonel Pottinger or to Sir Alexander -Burnes." - -"Burnes is here. I think that Colonel Pottinger is at Sukkar, he was -there a few days ago; you will find Burnes at the head-quarters. He is -the political officer and so forth of the army; but Macnaghten is envoy -and commissioner to Soojah, and generally at the head of all political -business." - -The army was encamped round the town, and Angus had no difficulty in -finding the quarters of Sir Alexander Burnes. Dismounting a short -distance away, he left Azim to look after the horses and went towards -the tent. He was stopped by a sentry, who on learning that he wished -to see Sir Alexander, called an attendant. The latter, coming up, took -Angus's name in, and reappearing at the entrance almost immediately, -signed to him to enter. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -IN THE SERVICE - - -"I am glad to see you, Mr. Campbell," Sir Alexander Burnes said as the -lad entered his tent. "Colonel Pottinger was asking me only three or -four days ago to keep a look-out for you. He had received a letter from -his nephew saying that you were going to travel down _via_ Candahar, -and that he was afraid that you would not manage to get through. I -myself received a letter from Lieutenant Pottinger speaking very highly -of services that you had rendered, and I understand that both he and -Mr. M'Neill, our minister in Persia, spoke very favourably of you in -their despatches to the Governor-general. How have you got through?" - -"I had very little difficulty, sir, except that I was detained at -Candahar, and had to effect my escape secretly." And he gave a short -account of his journey, and the manner in which he had escaped from -Candahar and avoided recapture. - -"You managed it very cleverly, Mr. Campbell. I will take you in at -once to Macnaghten, who is supreme here, for Shah Soojah is at present -little more than a puppet. I have no doubt that he will be very glad -to learn what is the feeling throughout the country as to Shah Soojah. -I may tell you in confidence that I am convinced that a terrible -blunder has been made in taking up his cause. I was, as you no doubt -know, several months at Cabul, and I am convinced that Dost Mahomed -was sincere in his desire for our friendship, and that he can support -himself against his brothers at Candahar, who have, as we know, been -intriguing with Persia and Russia. I have all along urged the Indian -Government to give him warm support and to enter into a firm alliance -with him. However, the Governor-general and his advisers have taken the -other view, and I have only to do my best to carry out their orders, -although I have strongly represented my own opinion. - -"I do not think that Government has any idea of the difficulties to be -encountered. So far as fighting goes there is no doubt whatever that -the Afghans cannot stand against us, but the operation of feeding the -troops and animals will be a troublesome one indeed. The heat will -increase every day, and even the march up to Quettah will present -enormous difficulties, as you who have just descended the pass will -readily understand; but the great problem will not be how to place -Shah Soojah on the throne but how to maintain him there. I tell you -this because Macnaghten, who really knows nothing of the matter, is -extremely sanguine. I warn you that it will be as well that you should -not express any strong opinion against the enterprise. It is determined -upon, and will be carried out, and without in any way shaking his -opinion you would only set him against you and might seriously injure -your own prospects. As it is, he has much to irritate him. There have -already been serious troubles with the Ameers of Scinde, who have been -treated in a very high-handed manner instead of being conciliated in -every possible way. This alone has vastly added to the difficulty, by -rendering it almost impossible to obtain carriage or provisions. - -"Then he differs greatly from General Cotton, who, since his arrival -here two days ago, has shown himself an officer who has an immense -opinion of his own dignity. As general in command he declines to take -any orders, or indeed to listen to any advice, from Macnaghten. This -is certainly not Macnaghten's fault, who, although, as I consider, -mistaken in his opinions, is very conciliating in his manner, and would -willingly avoid all friction, which can but be disadvantageous to the -enterprise on which he has set his heart. Cotton's transport is really -insufficient for his own army; Shah Soojah has hardly any transport at -all. Cotton cares not in the slightest about the Shah or the Shah's -army, and, to say the truth, they are of no great value. - -"Macnaghten, however, attaches, and reasonably from his point of -view, great importance to the fact that Shah Soojah should appear as -arriving to claim his throne as an independent prince with his own -army, supported by his allies the British, and not as a mere puppet -forced upon the Afghans by British bayonets; and he is therefore most -anxious that he and his force should occupy as prominent a position -as possible. It is as well for me to give you these hints as to the -situation before you see Macnaghten, and to warn you against speaking -to him strongly of any hostile opinions as to Shah Soojah's chances -that you may have gathered on your journey. When a man has an open mind -it is well to give him both sides of the case, but when he has pledged -his reputation and thrown himself heart and soul into one side of the -case it is worse than useless to endeavour to turn him, especially -when the die is cast and the day for drawing back is past. If my -opinion, gathered from nine months' residence in Cabul and almost daily -interviews with Dost Mahomed, has been altogether unheeded, certainly -yours, gathered in a passing trip through the country, would have no -effect whatever beyond setting him against you." - -"Thank you, sir, I will be careful; and indeed my opinion would in any -case be of little value. I certainly conversed a good deal with the -natives on my way from Herat to Candahar, but at that city I spoke only -to Persian merchants, and had no intercourse whatever on my way down, -except with my guides in the Bolan passes." - -"Well we will call on him now," Sir Alexander Burnes said, taking his -cap. - -Mr. Macnaghten's tent was next to his own, and he at once took Angus in -with him. - -"I have come, Mr. Macnaghten, to introduce to you Mr. Angus Campbell, -who has just come down through Candahar from Herat. His name was, I -know, very favourably mentioned both by Lieutenant Pottinger and Mr. -M'Neill. He has brought down letters of introduction to me and Colonel -Pottinger." - -"I know your name well, sir," Macnaghten said. "Mr. M'Neill told us -that you had been in his service, and had gone to Herat on a mission -to induce Shah Kamran to hold out to the last, and that when the siege -was raised you had started from there with the intention of journeying -down through Afghanistan into Scinde, in hopes of obtaining employment -in some capacity where your knowledge of Persian and Arabic would be of -service. I also understand, by Lieutenant Pottinger's last despatch, -that you have learned Pushtoo. The Governor-general was very favourably -impressed with these reports, and authorized me to employ you at once -as one of the junior assistants. I should think, Sir Alexander, that -you can employ Mr. Campbell to greater advantage than I can, as the -work of making the arrangements for the advance of the army is in your -hands." - -"I shall be very glad of an addition to my staff, for as we get on I -foresee that the three officers who now assist me will be altogether -insufficient; and the high terms in which Mr. M'Neill and Lieutenant -Pottinger have written about him, and the fact that he has been able to -travel about the country unsuspected, shows his fitness for such work." - -"You must understand, Mr. Campbell," Macnaghten said, "I cannot -guarantee that the position will be a permanent one, as all such -appointments in the service must be confirmed by the Court of -Directors; but I shall at once acquaint Lord Auckland of your arrival -here and of your nomination, and I have no doubt that he will himself -confirm it so far as this expedition continues, and will strongly -recommend the Court of Directors that your appointment to the service -shall be a permanent one, in view of your exceptional knowledge of -Persian and Pushtoo." - -"I thank you very much indeed, sir, and will do my best to merit your -good opinion." - -As Angus left the tent with Sir Alexander Burnes he said: "I am indeed -obliged to you, sir. I had hoped that I might obtain an appointment of -some sort, but I never hoped for one like this. It is the work, too, of -all others that I should like, and you may rely on me to carry out your -orders to the full extent of my power." - -"I have no doubt you will, Mr. Campbell. I am glad to have one of my -officers speak Pushtoo, for although both in Scinde and Afghanistan -Persian is the language most spoken by the upper classes, it is of no -use with the peasants. In the work of digging wells, bargaining for -fodder for the horses, and so forth, Pushtoo will be very useful, for -although it differs from the language of the Belooches, it is near -enough for them to understand it; and, of course, when we are once -through the Bolan it is the language of all the countrymen." - -"May I ask what dress it will be proper for me to wear?" - -"As it is a civil appointment you will not wear uniform, but either -the ordinary civilian dress, or, if you like, a dress of oriental -character. I generally dress so, and it certainly has its advantages, -and favourably predisposes chiefs you may have to visit. A British -uniform they understand, but a purely civilian dress is too simple for -them, and does not convey any sense of importance." - -"Very well, sir; I am glad that you have decided so. I have no civilian -clothes with me, and should find it very difficult, if not impossible, -to get them here." - -"Your appointment will be a thousand rupees a month, so long as the -campaign lasts; after that it would, of course, depend upon the future -employment you might have. If you would like to draw a month's pay in -advance you can do so." - -"No, thank you, sir; I am fairly provided with money." - -"I have four officers employed on similar duty, Mr. Campbell, I will -introduce you to them at once; and you will, of course, mess with our -party." - -Major Leech, the chief assistant, was away on duty, but the other three -officers were at once sent for. "Captain Jones, Captain Arbuthnot, -and Lieutenant Macgregor, I wish to introduce to you Mr. Campbell, -whom I have just appointed as one of my political assistants. He has -distinguished himself greatly under Lieutenant Pottinger throughout -the siege of Herat, and was previously an assistant to Mr. M'Neill, -our ambassador at the court of Persia. He speaks Persian, Arabic, and -Pushtoo, and has been specially recommended to the Governor-general by -Mr. M'Neill and Pottinger. He has now made his way from Herat through -Candahar, and the fact that he has done so safely shows that he knows -how to use these languages to advantage." - -As Lieutenant Pottinger's gallant defence of Herat was the theme of -general admiration throughout India, Angus could not have had a better -introduction, and he was warmly received by the three officers, who at -once took him away with them. - -"You will share my tent with me," Lieutenant Macgregor said. "I am -alone at present. You have a horse, of course, and a servant, I -suppose?" - -"I have a very fair horse, and an excellent servant, who is a young -fellow, a Persian, the son of a door-keeper at the embassy. He was -with me through the siege, and I found him invaluable. He is a strong -fellow, and has plenty of courage and shrewdness; I should never have -got away out of Candahar had it not been for his assistance. - -"Sir Alexander has advised me to get an Eastern dress, as I cannot wear -uniform; and I must see about that at once, for this Persian dress -would in any case have been out of place, and my journey down the Bolan -has ruined it altogether. But in the first place, I shall be obliged if -you will tell me where my two horses are to be put up." - -"Your horse will be picketed with ours in our tents; our servants' -horses are in the line behind them. Is that your man over there with -the two horses? I will send an orderly to tell him to take them over -and picket them. Now, I suppose you want something to eat? We had -tiffin an hour ago, but the servants can get something for you." - -"Thank you; I will go down into the town. I had something before -mounting this morning, and I own I should not care about going into the -mess-tent till I have got something to wear a little more respectable -than these clothes." - -"Oh, that is nonsense. Besides, you need not go into the mess-tent. -I will order them to warm something up at once, and to bring it into -my tent. We are all wanting to hear more about Herat. The official -despatches only give us bare facts." - -For the next two hours Angus was fully occupied in relating his -experiences of the siege to the three officers; after that he went down -with Azim to the town. There he bought for himself a dress such as -would be worn by a native of some rank--a white turban, a blue tunic -opening at the breast and showing a white cambric shirt, several white -robes, and loose white linen trousers tightened in at the ankle. He -bought a good supply of under-linen and a couple of pairs of native -riding-boots. For Azim he bought clothes appropriate to a retainer -of a Mohammedan gentleman. As he was unable to procure a camp bed of -European make, he bought a native charpoy, which could be taken to -pieces and conveniently carried. He had found that his fellow-officers -had each three native servants--a butler or body servant, a syce for -their riding horses, and a man who looked after and led on the line of -march two baggage animals. He had no difficulty in engaging a syce, and -let the question of the baggage animals stand over until next day. - -Azim would, of course, act as his personal servant. The lad, who had -during the past year become imbued with the spirit of adventure, was -delighted to hear that his master was to accompany the army. He had, -during his stay in Herat, picked up the language, and could converse in -it as fluently as Angus himself was able to do; and although he had no -pleasant recollections of the journey from Candahar, he felt sure that -it would be a very different affair when accompanying a British army. -He expressed as much to his master, who said: - -"I should not make so sure of that, Azim. We had no great difficulty -in obtaining provisions for ourselves, but it will be a very different -thing with an army of thousands of men, with an even larger number of -camp followers and five or six thousand camels. Except just round one -of those little villages, we did not see a blade of grass from the time -we left the Shawl valley, and how the animals will exist till we get up -to Quettah I have no idea. Once there no doubt we shall do fairly well, -but we shall have a very bad time on the journey, unless I am mistaken. -If I had the management of affairs, I should send off at once the whole -of the camels with a sufficient escort as far as Dadur. There they -should leave the provisions and forage they took up, and return here -to accompany the army with a further supply. No doubt it would cause a -month's delay, but it would be better to do that than to lose half our -baggage animals and to risk famine for the troops." - -"I believe," Captain Arbuthnot said when Angus joined the others, -"that ten days' supply are ready at Dadur, and twenty days' supply at -Quettah." - -"Certainly there were no supplies at Dadur when I came through, but I -know nothing about Quettah," Angus said; "still I think that if any -supplies of consequence had been collected there I should have heard -about it from the men who guided us through the pass." - -"There were no troops there, then?" - -"No, not the slightest sign of them, nor did we pass any on the march -down from Candahar; but of course the Khan of Khelat may have collected -a great force of Belooches, and if he did so, he would naturally keep -them at Khelat until he heard that the army was approaching, as it -would be an immense deal of trouble to victual them in the pass." - -"I know that Mr. Macnaghten received news which induced him to believe -that a large force would be likely to march down from Candahar, and -that the attitude of the princes was altogether hostile. It is on -account of that news that we are going to advance in two or three -days' time, instead of waiting for another three weeks for a larger -stock of supplies to be collected. It was but ten days ago that the -commissary-general sent off four thousand camels to bring up supplies -from the rear. However, they will be useful for the Bombay column which -is coming up, as it is arranged that we shall collect transport and -supplies for them. - -"Therefore the decision has been taken to march at once, so that we -can ascend the pass before the enemy send a sufficient force to hold -it against us. No doubt the report that we were not going to leave -here for another three weeks has been sent up to Candahar. The Prince -is sure to have agents and spies here. We ought to be at the foot of -the Bolan before it is known in Candahar that we have started. As to -Khelat, the Khan has sent in assurances of his friendship, and I expect -he will make himself safe by assuming neutrality; but the Belooches -are a warlike people, and born plunderers, and his authority is very -slight, except in Khelat and the district near it. We are sure to have -trouble with the mountaineers, but beyond having to protect the convoy -strongly, I do not suppose we shall have serious fighting with them. I -expect that we shall be sent off to-morrow or next day to Khelat and -Quettah, perhaps one of us may even go to Candahar. I know that Mr. -Macnaghten thinks that possibly the princes may not take an active part -on Dost Mahomed's side. Everyone knows that they have no great love for -their brother; which is not surprising, for he, who is the youngest -of the family, has managed to secure the sovereignty. Besides, they -would see that if they took up arms in his favour the whole brunt of -the fighting would fall upon them, for Cabul could render them no real -assistance. They are very shifty gentlemen, and though they may make a -show of force at first, it would probably be only for the purpose of -securing advantageous terms for themselves." - -"I saw them when I was at Candahar," Angus said, "and they, or at least -one of them, questioned me closely; but supposing me to be a Persian -just arrived from Herat, he naturally said nothing about a British -invasion. His great anxiety was to know what the intentions and power -of Russia and Persia were. No doubt the plans that were formed were -entirely disconcerted by the Shah's retreat from before Herat. I saw no -signs whatever of any gatherings of the Afghans, nor was the subject -ever alluded to in the conversations I had with traders at the place -where I lodged." - -At this moment a native officer came in and said that Sir Alexander -desired to see Captains Arbuthnot and Jones. As they buckled on their -swords the latter said: "You have told us about Herat, Mr. Campbell, -and this evening I hope you will tell us about your journey down." - -When the officers returned Angus found that Arbuthnot was not mistaken -as to the probable work they would have to perform, for he was to -accompany Major Todd the next morning with an escort of cavalry for -Khelat. They were to see the Khan and arrange with him for supplies to -be sent to Dadur. Captain Jones was to remain there to see that his -promises were carried out, and Arbuthnot, unless he learned that a -force from Candahar had arrived at Quettah, was to go on there and see -to the collection of grain and cattle. - -"A squadron of cavalry is going forward to-morrow morning, Campbell. -Four hundred labourers are going with it, and you are to be in special -charge of half of them. Of course, they will have eight or ten headmen, -but they will want looking after all the same. They are to dig wells -at Burshoree; the other half, under you, Macgregor, are to do the same -thing at Meerpoor. It is a thousand pities it was not done before, for -the army is to begin its advance the day after to-morrow. However, you -will gain a couple of days on them, and that is something. If you meet -Major Leech, who is at work improving the roads, you will, of course, -report yourself to him, and he will doubtless be able to advise you as -to the best place for the wells." - -Angus heard the news with much satisfaction. In the first place it -meant active work, and in the second it would save him from the -slow and toilsome march of the army, which would, he felt sure, be -accompanied with enormous hardship. The four officers dined together. -Sir A. Burnes was not present, as he was dining with General Cotton and -Mr. Macnaghten. After dinner Angus related his adventure at Candahar; -how he evaded pursuit, and his passage through the pass. He had hardly -finished when he was sent for to the general's tent. - -"I have just been telling General Cotton, Mr. Campbell," said Mr. -Macnaghten, "that you arrived this morning from Candahar. He wishes to -learn as much as you can tell him of the state of the pass at present, -and of the country between Dadur and this place. I told him that I had -not been able to find time to question you on these points." - -"In the first place," the general said, "what is the state of the -Bolan?" - -"As I only travelled during the night I cannot tell you very much about -it. The river is not high, and there is no difficulty whatever on that -score. The ground is generally extremely rough, and covered not only -with rounded boulders, but by rocks that will prove very trying to the -feet of the animals. We bandaged very thickly the hoofs of our horses -to deaden the sound, and so saved them from being lamed, which they -otherwise would certainly have been. The bandages were of felt, and -these were completely cut to pieces the first night. After that we cut -up one of the water-skins I had with me, and we covered the felt with -the leather, but even this was cut to pieces, and had to be renewed -the next night. Although this is the general character of the pass, -there are places at which, by skirting the foot of the hills at points -where the pass opens out--and the hills are not precipitous, although -everywhere steep--it is possible for mounted men to go along at a fast -walk, the stones being much smaller, and like, I should think, what I -have heard of a sea-beach, though I never saw one, at least that I can -remember." - -"Still, there were no insurmountable difficulties, Mr. Campbell?" - -"No, sir, though there were places where certainly not more than two -laden camels could pass abreast." - -"Well, next as to the country between this place and Dadur. We know -about it as far as the edge of Beloochee Desert; what is it beyond -that? Did you suffer from want of water?" - -"No, sir, at the villages where we stopped there was always water; but -there were, as far as I saw, but a few small wells, which would seem to -me very insufficient for the supply of an army and its train." - -"Well, we are going to dig more wells," Mr. Macnaghten said rather -impatiently. "If the water will run into three or four wells it would -run into fifty. Now, about forage?" - -"There were small patches of cultivation round each of the villages; at -Bhag more than elsewhere, as it lies nearer to the foot of the hills; -but at Meerpoor, Burshoree, and Rojhan I should not say there were more -than twenty or thirty acres of cultivated land. At Bhag I was strongly -advised to take the road at the foot of the hills to Dundeaver down -to Larkhanna, and from there to follow the Indus up to Sukkar; but -the guides said that I should be more likely to be troubled by the -Beloochees along that route, and as it was also twice as far I took the -straight way here." - -"Thank you. We will not detain you any longer, Mr. Campbell, and we are -obliged for the information that you have given us." - -Angus bowed and retired. He felt that Mr. Macnaghten was vexed that -he could not report better upon the chances of obtaining sufficient -supplies of forage and water. But he felt that it was clearly better -that he should give, in the plainest terms, the true state of affairs, -for when, as he was sure would be the case, there was immense suffering -of men and animals, the blame would fall upon him if he had given a -more hopeful account than the facts warranted. - -Sir A. Burnes sent for him on leaving the general's tent. - -"You did quite right in not giving a rose-coloured description of -the state of things along the line of march, Mr. Campbell. Of course -neither Mr. Macnaghten nor General Cotton liked it. Neither of them, in -fact, has the slightest idea of the troubles ahead of them, and both -were inclined to view me as a pessimist. However, it will not matter -to you very greatly whether Macnaghten is pleased with you or not, -because your reports will be sent in to me. This sort of work will not -last very long. I have only undertaken it because Major Garden, General -Cotton's quarter-master-general, has been taken ill. Major Craikie, the -adjutant-general, will go forward with me the day after to-morrow to -superintend matters generally. I hope by that time to have a thousand -more men for well-digging. Major Leech has gone to Sebee to cut a -dam there on the river Naree, which it is hoped will fill the small -water-courses and greatly assist us. I have more fear about forage than -water. You can dig wells and cut dams, but you can't get a crop to grow -at a day's notice. However, we must hope for the best." - -The next morning at three o'clock Angus and Lieutenant Macgregor -started with the labourers and an escort of fifty native cavalry. - -"I am very glad to be off, Campbell," Macgregor said. "It has been -disheartening work for some time. Somehow or other nothing has gone -smoothly since we started. Of course I am only a sub, but certainly -it seems to me that so far there has been an enormous amount of -unnecessary friction, and that the chiefs have not gone the right -way to work. I don't believe myself in this Shah whom we are going -to force upon the Afghans. Dost Mahomed is worth a dozen of him, and -no one who knows anything of the affairs of Afghanistan is able to -understand why Lord Auckland and Macnaghten and the rest of them should -ever have conceived the idea of supplanting a man who has shown himself -really desirous of our alliance and friendship, and who undoubtedly -possesses the support of a majority of his countrymen, by one who has -never shown any talent, who has no party whatever in Afghanistan, and -is a member of a discredited and fallen family. - -"Still, that is their affair; but matters have been complicated by -the manner in which the Emirs of Scinde have been treated. Instead of -regarding them, as they have always shown themselves, as friendly to -us, we have gone out of our way to render them hostile, by the manner -in which we have, in absolute contradiction of the terms of their -treaty with us, compelled them to furnish carriage, provisions, and -money. Had they been a conquered country we could not have carried -matters with a higher hand. It will be sure to lead to trouble some -day, and certainly adds immensely to our difficulties. Now, the -very fact that, in the days when he was for a short time ruler in -Afghanistan, Soojah advanced all sorts of preposterous claims of -suzerainty over a large portion of Scinde, was in itself a reason why, -if we took the absurd step of placing him on the throne of Cabul, we -should have advanced from Peshawur through Jellalabad direct, instead -of taking this roundabout journey through Scinde. Of course there would -have been great difficulties in the Khyber, and we should have had to -encounter fierce opposition from the hill-tribesmen, but that will have -to be met in any case. And after installing Soojah at Cabul, we could -have gradually extended his power--or ours, for of course he would be -but a puppet in our hands--through Ghuznee to Candahar. Of course -you won't hear any talk like this among the officers of the Bombay or -Bengal army. They know and care nothing about the matter. It is just -among the men who have been employed here in the north, and who know -something about it, that there is any doubt as to the wisdom of the -affair. I know Burnes considers that the whole thing is a mistake. -Colonel Pottinger, who, as our resident in Scinde, knows a great -deal about the Afghans, says little, but I know that he disapproves -of it; and so, I think, do all of us juniors, who have worked either -under him, or with Burnes, or up in the Punjaub, and have, of course, -always taken an interest in the affairs of Afghanistan, especially -since Russian influence has become so preponderant in Persia. Well, -we can only hope for the best, and do our best in our own little way. -Thank goodness, whatever comes of it, we have no responsibility in the -affair." - -"I really know very little about it," Angus said; "but I do know that -it will be a terrible business getting the army to Quettah, and that -directly it was determined to come this way arrangements should have -been made to dig sufficient wells to ensure a supply of water at every -watering-place, and to collect stores of forage and grain. I really -don't see how it is to be done now. From all that I could hear as I -came down, there will be a lot of trouble with the Beloochees." - -The difficulties of the advance had already been felt. Great numbers -of camels had died between Sukkar and Shikarpore, and those that -accompanied the party of well-diggers were enfeebled, and looked as -if they had accomplished a long forced march instead of the strong -and fresh animals one would expect to see setting out on such an -enterprise. The first halting-place was Jagan. The next day they -started at the same early hour and proceeded to Janeedera. Here they -had passed beyond the boundary of the Scinde Ameers, and had entered -the territory over which the Khan of Khelat held nominal authority. -At this place there was a small mud fort, outside of which straw had -been collected for the use of the cavalry, and to guard this a small -party of Shah Soojah's troops had been posted. These, however, had been -attacked and driven off by a Beloochee band, and the straw carried -away. However, there was sufficient water in the wells for the men and -animals. - -The next day's march was a long one, but at Rojhan a certain amount -of forage had been collected, and there was a fair supply of water. -The country so far had been barren, with occasional bushes, but beyond -Rojhan they had nothing but an absolutely flat surface of sand, without -a blade of grass or a bush to break the level expanse; across this -desert the party toiled on for twenty-seven miles. A little water was -carried by the camels, but this supply was soon exhausted, and with -parched lips and throats the men plodded on, knowing that until the end -of the journey no water could be obtained. Scarce a word was spoken -during the painful journey. Passing over the ground as he came down at -a canter, Angus had thought but little of it; he had done it in less -than four hours, and there was no trouble from the dust. It was very -different now. It was fourteen hours from the time of starting before -they reached Burshoree, the mounted men having to accommodate their -pace to that of the labourers, and the dust rose in dense clouds. - -A part of the cavalry rode ahead, the rest some half a mile behind -the main body of the footmen. But before half the journey was done -these began to straggle, and the dust had no time to settle before the -horsemen came along. Fully half the labourers, indeed, threw themselves -down on the sand incapable of going farther, and lay there until the -cool evening air revived them, and it was long after midnight before -many of them reached Burshoree. Here a considerable number of wells had -already been dug by the party under Major Leech. The water was muddy, -and trickled in but slowly. Still it was water, and men and horses -drank it eagerly as fast as it could be brought up in buckets and -emptied into troughs which had been erected. - -Although the village--a mere collection of native huts, surrounded by -a wall as a protection against the plundering Beloochees--offered a -most uninviting prospect, Angus was well pleased that he had arrived -at the end of his journey, and had not, like Macgregor, another day's -march to perform. The latter started as usual at three o'clock, and an -hour later Angus, with some difficulty, roused his two hundred weary -men and set them to work, promising them that if they laboured hard he -would allow them to rest during the heat of the day. Cheered by the -promise, the labourers set to work under their headmen. Each of these -had charge of twenty workmen; these were divided into two gangs and -worked wells close together. Angus had nothing to do save to exercise a -sort of general superintendence. The soil became much more firm a few -feet below the surface, and as the sides stood satisfactorily it was -not necessary to make the wells of any great depth. It was found that -four men only could be employed on each, two working in the bottom and -the others bringing up the earth with buckets and ropes, consequently, -the number of the wells was largely increased. After three days of -prodigious toil, water was reached in the majority of the wells, and -by the end of the fourth day fifty had been added to those already -dug. The liquid, however, oozed in but slowly, and when a well was -emptied it was two or three hours before water could again be drawn -from it; thus although the amount that could be obtained altogether -was considerable, it was still wholly insufficient for the supply of an -army. Five-and-twenty of the native cavalry were kept constantly on the -alert, for parties of plundering Beloochees hovered round, and several -of the well-diggers who, in spite of orders, ventured to wander some -distance away were robbed and killed. - -The next morning General Thackwell, with a body of cavalry, a small -force of infantry, and some irregular horse, rode into the place. He -brought with him an order from Sir A. Burnes for Angus to accompany -him. The well-diggers were to remain there and continue their work. The -general had intended to stop there for two or three days, but finding -that no forage could be procured, he started the next morning early -and rode through Meerpoor to Oostar, a distance of twenty-seven miles, -where, as had been reported by Major Leech, there was a small reservoir -of water, and a store of straw and grass had been collected. Angus -stopped for an hour at Meerpoor and had a talk with Macgregor, whose -men had also accomplished a great deal of work, and who bewailed his -fate at having to remain there instead of going forward with General -Thackwell. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -THE ADVANCE - - -The cutting of the dam of the Naree did not afford so much aid as had -been hoped for, for the thirsty soil absorbed the water almost as fast -as it poured out, and it was not until many days later that it began to -fill the little irrigation canals at the villages through which the -army passed. After resting two days at Oostar, the force proceeded to -Bhag, a town of some size. Here water was found in abundance, and grain -in considerable quantities, and also a supply of carrots, which were -eagerly purchased by the officers for the use of their horses. At the -various places where they halted Angus acted as interpreter, and rode -out with a small body of cavalry to villages at which they learned a -certain amount of forage could be obtained. - -At Bhag, to his great satisfaction, Sir Alexander Burnes joined the -party. He had paid a visit to the Khan of Khelat, and obtained from -him stringent orders to the headmen of villages and others to do all -in their power to aid the army. The inhabitants were all to be set to -work to dig the holes, for which they would receive payments from the -British. The Khan also promised to despatch to Dadur what supplies he -could gather, but explained that unfortunately there was a much greater -difficulty than usual in collecting provisions, as the previous season -had been a very bad one, and in many parts of the country the villagers -had not been able to gather sufficient for their own needs. As Angus -had heard the same at Candahar, at the village near Quettah, and from -his guide, there could be no doubt that this excuse was a genuine one, -and indeed the officers who had been engaged in Scinde and in the -country bordering the Indus affirmed that the supplies obtainable there -were also vastly smaller than had been anticipated. - -Throughout the next week Angus was continually employed in riding among -the towns in the khanate, interviewing headmen, and expediting the -despatch of convoys. He was always accompanied by a troop of cavalry, -for plundering parties of Beloochees were making their way on all sides -towards the line followed by the army, where they murdered stragglers, -captured lagging camels, and were so bold that they ventured close to -the outskirts of the villages occupied by the British camps, robbed -the natives of the moneys paid them for forage or grain, and rendered -it necessary that every convoy should be protected by a considerable -escort. After a week of this work, Angus received orders to join the -force that was gathering at Dadur. During the last two days' march the -difficulties with regard to water had disappeared. The villages had all -been situated on the Bolan river, and little irrigation canals enabled -the cultivation of a considerable tract of country to be carried on, -which supplied forage in sufficient quantity for the first division of -the army which came along. - -Dadur, a town of some four thousand inhabitants, stands on the eastern -branch of the Bolan river, whose banks were fringed with high reeds and -groves of dwarf trees. The country round was well cultivated, and the -fields were covered with young crops of wheat and barley. Close to the -town were gardens, and the whole presented an agreeable appearance to -the troops, who had for nearly three weeks been painfully making their -way across country which, even at its best points, was little more than -a sandy desert. Here Angus again met Sir Alexander Burnes, who had been -making the greatest efforts to accumulate supplies at the town. His -success, however, had been very small, nor had Major Leech, who was -also at Dadur, been more fortunate. It had been reckoned that twenty -days' supplies for the whole army would have been accumulated there, -but not more than sufficient for two or three days had been gathered, -and General Cotton, on arriving there with the Bengal army, decided -that it was necessary for at least a portion of the army to advance -without delay. - -Sir Alexander Burnes started at once with Major Cureton of the 16th -Lancers, with a troop of that regiment, three companies of the Native -Infantry, and a strong party of sappers and miners, to survey the -pass up to Quettah. Major Leech was sent to Khelat to maintain a -strong pressure upon the Khan, and it was still hoped that stores -might be collected by the time the Bombay army came along. The report -sent down was satisfactory inasmuch as the physical difficulties of -the journey were concerned. In spite of the fact that heavy rains had -fallen, the river had not risen sufficiently to interfere seriously -with the passage of troops and animals, and on the 16th of March the -Horse Artillery, 2nd Light Cavalry, the 13th Regiment of the line, -and the 48th Native Infantry, started early in the morning, forded by -torchlight the Bolan river, and at eight o'clock pitched their camp in -the valley, where they were to rest for the day. - -The road had so far offered no difficulties, except that the river -had to be forded no fewer than eight times. The baggage animals which -started at midnight had already arrived, but the tents were pitched -with some difficulty owing to the rocky nature of the ground, which -necessitated the use of iron tent-pegs instead of the wooden ones -previously used. Fortunately, owing to the pause that had been made by -the advance parties at Dadur, and the abundance of succulent food they -had obtained there, the animals had recovered to a large extent from -their previous fatigues and hardships, and the journey through the pass -was accomplished with less loss and suffering than had occurred during -the march from Sukkar. Vast numbers of animals, however, died, and the -troops, who had started full of life and strength, were sadly changed, -many of them being utterly worn out and a mere shadow of their former -selves. The rumour that had precipitated the march by three weeks, -upset all the transport arrangements, and caused so vast an amount -of suffering, proved to be false--no forward movement had been made -by the Candahar princes, and except for some little trouble with the -marauding villagers, the march was entirely unopposed. - -Once in the Shawl valley the fatigues of the army were over for the -time, but in spite of the efforts of Sir A. Burnes and his assistants, -only a very small amount of food and forage had been collected in -readiness for them. So small indeed was the supply that it was -necessary to place both the troops and native followers on reduced -rations of flour, rice, and ghee. Meat, however, was plentiful. The -proceedings of the Khan of Khelat were not of a character to inspire -confidence in him. While protesting strongly his friendship for us, -he told our officers frankly that he was certain Shah Soojah would -not retain his position for a day after the British troops marched -away; that the whole feeling of the country was against him, and that -although, had he advanced with only a native army raised by himself, he -might have been accepted, the people would never submit to a sovereign -thrust upon them by British bayonets. - -Opinions differed much as to his sincerity. Those who doubted it -pointed to the fact, that although he was said to have large stores of -provisions at Khelat, he had scarcely sold any to our troops, and had -failed in all his promises in that direction. On the other hand, Sir -A. Burnes maintained that the stores of provisions spoken of did not -exist; and that in any case, having no belief in the possibility of -Shah Soojah maintaining himself, it was but natural that he should hang -back until he saw how matters went, for if he were to give any active -aid to the British he would be considered a traitor by his countrymen, -and would imperil his khanate and his life when our protection was -withdrawn from him. The question was never satisfactorily cleared up. -Some of those who took part in the proceedings and wrote on the subject -regarded him as a very ill-used man, while others considered the -measures afterwards taken against him as being fully justified by his -conduct. - -As it was absolutely necessary that food should be obtained, parties -were sent into the villages and a rigorous search instituted, and in -this way a considerable quantity of hidden grain was discovered. This -was taken and paid for at the market price. In Quettah itself one very -large store was found and taken up for the use of the army. - -The climate was pleasant, and in spite of reduced rations the men -benefited by the halt, which was not without its excitement, for large -bands of plunderers hovered round, attacks were frequently made upon -parties going out with camels to graze, and expeditions to punish the -villages to which the marauders belonged were undertaken. At length -General Sir John Keane, who was in command of the whole expedition, -arrived at Quettah, to the satisfaction of the army, for it was -thought that some decision must now be arrived at. It was evident to -all that, unless something were done, famine would ere long stare -them in the face. The European troops could indeed exist upon meat, -but the native troops and camp followers, the greater portion of whom -were not meat-eaters, were already in sore distress, the supply of -grain and rice barely sufficing to keep life together. The hope was -justified. As soon as the general arrived the heads of the departments -were assembled and arrangements were made for an advance. The greater -portion of the Bombay army arrived soon after their commander, and -although the men were still weakened by privation the army was in most -respects perfectly capable of carrying out the work successfully. There -was, however, one serious drawback which threatened to destroy their -efficiency: the horses of the cavalry and artillery and the animals of -the transport were so weakened by want of grain and hay that they were -altogether unfit for hard work. - -It was upon the 7th of April that the army moved forward, seven -weeks having elapsed since they started from Shikarpore. The -march to Candahar was long and painful, several passes had to be -traversed, food became more and more scarce, and hundreds of animals -died daily. Beloochee plunderers during the first portion of the -journey, and Afghan raiders during the second, hung along the line of -march, murdering all who straggled, capturing camels, at times even -threatening an attack in force. They were able to do this, as our -cavalry horses were so broken down that they could scarcely proceed -beyond a walk. The Candahar princes with a large following came out to -give battle; but Hajee Khan Kakur, one of the leading chiefs, had been -bribed by our political officers, and deserting, came into our camp -with a large body of followers, and this so disheartened the princes, -and excited so much fear among them of further treachery, that they -withdrew at once to Candahar, and a few hours after their arrival there -took the northern road. After immense suffering from want of water -and food, the army entered the city on the 26th of April, Shah Soojah -having gone on with Hajee Kakur and made a formal entry into the town -two days previously. - -Angus had had little to do during the march from Quettah. The chances -of obtaining forage or food at the deserted villages near the line -of march were so small that Sir John Keane decided that it would be -useless to endeavour to obtain anything there, especially as an officer -leaving the main body had to be accompanied by a strong escort to -protect him from the bands of marauders, and it was deemed inadvisable -to give the horses any work that could be avoided. Angus's own animal, -being accustomed to the country, suffered less than those from the -plains, and in order to spare it as much as possible, and keep it in -such a condition that it would be fit for work were he ordered to make -any expedition, he generally walked by its side the greater part of the -day, preferring this, indeed, to sitting on horseback and moving at the -snail's pace necessitated by the difficulties of the road and the slow -progress of the weakened animals of the baggage train. Among these the -mortality had been terrible, and one writer estimated that no fewer -than thirty thousand transport animals died on the road between Sukkar -and Candahar. - -Shah Soojah had at first established himself in his camp outside -the city, but two days after the arrival of the army he took up his -abode at the palace. He was accompanied by his own officials and by -Macnaghten and Burnes and their assistants. - -"What are you smiling at, Campbell?" Lieutenant Macgregor, who had been -his companion and tent-fellow since they left Dadur, asked as they rode -together into the city. - -"I am thinking of the difference between my position in this -procession, and the fact that I am going to take up my quarters in the -palace, and the position I occupied when I was last here--a pretended -trader, suspected and watched, and obliged to escape by night." - -"Yes, it is a change, certainly," Macgregor said, "and one for the -better, though, after what we have gone through and all we may have -to go through before we leave this wretched country, I don't think -it would be safe to assert that it is less dangerous now than it was -then. From the time we left Shikarpore till we arrived here three days -ago, we have never had a decent meal, we have practically never had -enough to eat, we have suffered horribly from thirst, we have never -dared to ride a hundred yards beyond the column or camp; we have lived, -in fact, dogs' lives--not the life of a respectable dog in England, -but of a starving cur in an Indian bazaar. We don't know much about -the future; I don't suppose we shall suffer from hunger and thirst as -we have done, but our dangers of other kinds will certainly not be -abated. Everything looks smooth enough here. I don't think there is any -enthusiasm at all for Soojah, but there is no doubt that the princes -were hated, and the people heartily glad to be rid of them. I fancy -that we shall not have much difficulty in reaching Cabul. They say -Ghuznee is a strong place, but we have taken scores of places in India -that the natives considered impregnable. Still, considering the way in -which these marauding Afghans hover round us, I think we shall have a -very uncomfortable time of it." - -As the soldiers were not at first allowed to enter the city, the -merchants there speedily established a temporary bazaar outside -the walls. Here vendors of rose-water, of sherbet, and of a drink -concocted of the juice of fruits, took up their stalls. People from the -country round brought in loads of lucerne, wheat, barley, wood, and -chopped straw. Other merchants displayed posteens, pelisses made of -sheep-skins, with the wool inside and embroidered outside with blue, -red, and yellow thread; fowls, sheep, onions, milk, tobacco, and spices -were also on sale, and before long the horse-dealers of Herat brought -down large numbers of good animals, which were eagerly bought up by -officers who had lost their chargers. As soon as the soldiers were -allowed to enter the town they poured into it. Wheaten cakes, cooked -meat, and mulberries tempted their appetite, and a little later plums -and apricots were brought in in great profusion. - -The scenes in the streets were very amusing. The British soldiers and -Sepoys with their large variety of uniforms mingled with the people of -the town and country round. Some of these wore long cloaks of chintz or -woollen cloth, with large turbans; their hair, beards, and moustaches -being allowed to grow very long, and the beards being dyed red. Others -were closely shaven, and dressed in jackets and trousers of blue linen, -and tunics of brown cloth with long hanging sleeves, their heads being -protected by skull-caps of various colours. - -With May the heat, which already had been great, became even more -oppressive. Water was abundant, but the troops and camp followers were -still on short rations of food. The price of grain was enormously high, -and there was no chance of the magazines being replenished until the -fields were ripe for harvest. - -It was not until nearly three weeks after possession was taken of the -capital that a force was despatched under Brigadier Sale in pursuit of -the princes--a grievous mistake; for Shah Soojah had entered Candahar -on the day they left, and as they were greatly encumbered by their -baggage train, the ladies of the harems, and a host of camp followers, -they might easily have been overtaken; whereas, after their escape, -they became the centre of intrigues against the Ameer. - -In June the harvest ripened, large quantities of grain were bought up -by the commissariat, and preparations began for the advance to Cabul. -Candahar was quiet and apathetic. So far no signs were visible of any -enthusiasm for their new ruler among the people. Not only did none -of the neighbouring chiefs come in to pay their allegiance, but the -Shah's orders were everywhere disregarded. Marauding bands harassed and -sometimes attacked convoys coming up; and even close to the city it -was dangerous for the soldiers to move many hundred yards beyond the -limits of their camps. The health of the troops was far from good. The -plains of Candahar, fertile as they are, are unhealthy, as water can be -found everywhere six or seven feet below the surface. The native troops -suffered comparatively little, but the European soldiers were attacked -by dysentery, jaundice, and fever, and large numbers were carried off -by these diseases. - -At the end of June the necessary amount of grain was accumulated by -the arrival of a large caravan from Mooltan. The army was now to cut -itself entirely free from its former lines of supplies, and would have -to depend solely, upon the country for food, as the ever-increasing -boldness of the Beloochees in the Bolan Pass, and of the Afghan -marauders between Quettah and Candahar, had made it impossible for -convoys, unless very strongly guarded, to make their way up. - -The advance began at two o'clock on the morning of the 28th, and four -hours later, after passing through a fertile district, the troops -encamped at the village of Killa Azim. Here they obtained barley for -their animals, and peasants from other villages brought in an abundance -of chopped straw for the camels. At midnight the trumpet sounded, and -an hour later the army moved forward again as far as Kheil. Four days' -further march brought them to Kelat-i-Ghilzye, the chief town of the -Ghilzye tribes. Two or three hundred of their horsemen galloped away as -the troops approached. - -Marching ten miles a day, the army followed the valley of the Turnak, -which afforded an ample supply of water for all their needs. The -country was mountainous and desolate, the dreariness being only broken -by small villages with their orchards and patches of cultivated ground. -Grain was brought in in abundance. The force was now far above the -plain, the heat ceased to be oppressive even in the middle of the day, -and the mornings and evenings were delightfully cool. Nevertheless, the -number of sick increased, owing to the bad quality of the flour and the -absence of vegetables. The country now became more thickly populated, -little villages, with the fortified dwellings of their chiefs, being -thickly scattered about. The hostile tribesmen followed the march -on both flanks, and many skirmishes took place; on one occasion the -Ghilzye marauders made an attack on the line of march, but were driven -off with heavy loss. On the 17th a nephew of the Ameer rode in with -fifteen followers. He had gone to Ghuznee with his brother to aid in -its defence, but suspicions being entertained by Mohummed Hyder, the -governor, of their fidelity, his brother was seized and put to death, -and he himself only escaped a similar fate by flight. - -As they approached Ghuznee, Sir Alexander Burnes said to Angus: "Mr. -Campbell, I shall be glad if you will resume your Afghan costume and -ride to-morrow at daybreak with a party of six of Hajee Khan Kakur's -men, and ascertain whether the enemy are in strength outside the -fortress and intend to oppose our approach. If they do, we shall leave -the baggage here under a strong guard and proceed to attack them. If -they retire into the fortress, we shall advance as we have been doing, -for possibly the siege may last some time, and it would be as well -to take our ammunition and stores with us. Will you undertake that -mission? I do not wish you, of course, to approach the enemy very -closely. They will naturally take you for a party coming to join them, -and will pay no attention to you. Half a mile will be near enough for -you to go to the fortress. The disguise is only necessary because they -too may have parties out, and should any come suddenly upon you, you -would pass without suspicion or question; and indeed should you be -stopped, your knowledge of the language is quite good enough to pass in -any case. I have requested Hajee Khan to choose well-mounted men. We -shall remain here to-morrow, and the general will send out a troop of -cavalry to meet you on your return half-way between this and Ghuznee, -so that should you be pursued, you will know that you will meet with -succour before going many miles. The fortress itself is some twelve -miles from this camp." - -"I will undertake it willingly, Sir Alexander." - -Accordingly on the following morning Angus set out. Azim asked leave to -accompany him, but he refused. - -"Your horse is not a very fast one," he said. "It is a good beast, but -we may have to ride for our lives, and you would soon be left behind. -It is not a dangerous expedition, but in a country like this there is -always the possibility of a surprise." - -After riding for two miles the fortress of Ghuznee was seen. It was -situated on a high rock and surrounded by a wall of great height and -strength, and was regarded by the Afghans as absolutely impregnable. As -they approached, and could make out the strength of the fortifications, -it seemed to Angus that, except by famine, it would be next to -impossible to capture it. The general had left the few heavy cannon -he had brought with him at Candahar because of the extreme difficulty -of getting transport, and the light field-pieces could make but small -impression indeed on these massive walls. When he approached within a -mile he halted. There were no signs of any Afghan force in front of it. -It was, of course, possible that they might sally out when they saw the -army approaching, but at present there was nothing to show that they -meant to do so. He was about to turn, when he was suddenly seized from -behind, and in a moment his hands were bound tightly to his side by the -sashes of two of his escort. The Afghans burst into a shout of triumph. - -"Infidel dog," one said, "did you think because Hajee Khan Kakur is a -traitor that all his men are also. You came to see Ghuznee. You shall -see the inside as well as the outside." - -Angus was brave, but a shudder ran through him as he thought of the -fate that awaited him. The Afghans never spared those who fell into -their hands, and fortunate were those who were speedily killed, for -in many cases they were tortured before they were done to death. It -had never occurred to him to doubt for a moment the good faith of -the men who accompanied him; and yet, now he thought over it, such a -possibility should have been foreseen, since there was no reason why -the men should be traitors to their race, although for the moment -they had obeyed their commander's orders and ridden with him into the -British camp. They might even have remained faithful to him had not -this opportunity of rejoining their countrymen presented itself. Even -in the midst of his own deadly peril he was glad to think that, by his -refusal to allow Azim to accompany him, he had saved him from the fate -that awaited himself. - -He knew well that no entreaties would avail to soften the heart of the -Afghan commander, and determined that, whatever came, he would maintain -a firm countenance and meet his fate bravely. The gate of the fortress -stood open. The men as they entered said a few words to the guards -stationed there. - -"We were forced," they said, "to accompany the traitor Hajee Khan Kakur -to the camp of the infidel, but we have taken the first opportunity -to desert, and have brought with us this man, who is one of their -officers, as a prisoner." - -"Why trouble to bring him as a prisoner?" - -"We thought that Mohummed Hyder would like to question him, and are -bringing him here to show that we are true men." - -Climbing a steep road, they entered a great courtyard. Here they -dismounted, and their leader, a sub-officer, went forward to the -governor's house, followed by two others, between whom Angus walked. -The leader entered, the others remained outside until he returned. - -"Follow me with the captive," he said, "Mohummed Hyder will speak to -him." - -A minute later Angus stood before the governor. He was seated on a -divan, and several other chiefs of importance were standing or sitting -round. - -"They tell me," the governor said, "that you can speak our tongue?" - -"I can do so," Angus said quietly. - -"Where did you learn it?" - -"In Herat, where I fought during the siege, against the Persians." - -"And now you come hither as a spy?" - -"Not as a spy. I came here only to view the fortress from a distance." - -"Is it true that the kafirs are bringing no big guns with them?" - -As the governor was doubtless well informed as to the strength of the -British army and the number of its guns, Angus felt that there could be -no harm in answering the question. - -"They are not," he said. - -"How do they intend to take Ghuznee? Will they fly over the walls or -burrow through the rock?" the governor said scoffingly. "Are they -madmen, who think they can tear down the walls of Ghuznee with their -finger-nails?" - -"I know nothing of the plans of the general," Angus replied. "But the -British have taken many strong places in India when it seemed that it -could not be done." - -"They will not take Ghuznee. When the first shot is fired at its walls -we will throw over to them your head and your limbs, to show that we -despise them and mock their foolish effort. Take him away, Yakoob. Do -you see him safely bestowed." - -Angus was led to a cell in one of the turrets on the wall. His weapons -had been taken from him when he was first captured, and when he -reached the prison his arms were unbound by the leader of the band, -who carried off the sashes to the men to whom they belonged. A massive -door was closed behind them, and Angus heard two heavy bolts shot--a -proof that the tower was often used as a prison. Listening, he heard -another door at the foot of the turret closed and bolted. The window -was a mere loophole, but it commanded a view of the road by which he -had been brought up. The cell was circular in shape, and some ten feet -in diameter; it was absolutely bare. Angus stood for some little time -looking through the loophole. It was three feet wide on the inner side, -but narrowed to six inches at the outlet; the wall was more than two -feet thick, and of solid stone. - -"It is evident that there is no possibility of escape," he said aloud -as he turned away from the loophole. "Even if I could widen the hole so -to be able to creep through, there is a fall of a hundred feet or so; -and there is nothing of which a rope could be made. I have my knife," -he said, "fortunately they did not think of looking in my pockets; but -though it has a good long blade, and I might at the end sell my life as -dearly as possible, and force them to kill me, it can be of no earthly -use here, for there is nothing to cut except that rough plank in the -corner, which was, I suppose, brought up for some purpose or other and -forgotten." - -The day passed slowly. No one came near him until, just as the sun was -setting, two soldiers came in bringing a jug of water and some bread. -Angus had little sleep that night. He dozed off occasionally, but the -hardness of the stone floor and the cold speedily roused him, and he -was glad indeed when daylight returned and the sun shone out. An hour -later, when looking from his prison window, he perceived a party of -horsemen. Long before he could distinguish their figures he made sure -that they were British troops, from the fact that two or three rode -ahead, and the rest, evidently an escort, in a close body behind them. -They approached within musket-shot. As soon as they did so a fire of -matchlocks broke out from the walls. They drew off a little, and then -turned and rode off. There was no doubt that they were a reconnoitring -party, who had ridden forward to ascertain the best spot for an attack. - -Two hours later three regiments of infantry came up, followed by a -battery. The object of their approach was to discover whether Ghuznee -was held in force, for reports had reached the camp that the greater -portion of the garrison had retired. It answered its purpose, for the -guns of the fortress opened fire, and for an hour there was an exchange -of shot between them and the battery. The object of the reconnaissance -being fulfilled, the British returned to their camp. Not until five -o'clock was any further movement perceptible; then Angus saw a long -dark line ascending the pass. On reaching its head the column made -a wide detour, so as to keep beyond the range of the guns of the -fortress, and then entered a rocky and difficult country to the east. -As he knew that the gates had all been walled up with masonry with the -exception of that through which the road from Cabul entered it, he had -no doubt that it was intended to encamp on that side, thus cutting -off the fortress from relief by the army assembled under another of -the Ameer's sons, and at the same time preventing the flight of the -garrison. As long as it was light the column was still passing on--a -long line of baggage waggons and native followers, guarded by bodies -of troops against any sortie that might be made. During the night -occasional shots were fired from the fortress, and at various points of -the plain and on the surrounding hills fires raised gave indications of -gatherings of tribesmen. - -It had indeed been a painful and difficult march. Several streams and -water-courses swollen by rain had to be crossed, but with enormous -exertions the whole force was established, and on the following -morning tents were erected along the position chosen. Sir John Keane, -accompanied by General Cotton, ascended the heights, took a survey of -the fortress, and decided upon the plan of attack. At two o'clock in -the afternoon a body of Afghan horse suddenly attacked the camp in the -rear, but were beaten off by our own cavalry. Angus heard the outburst -of firing, and concluded that the governor would ere long carry out -his threat. He had no idea what the commander-in-chief's plan was, but -he felt certain that the attack when made would be sudden and sharp, -and would be in the nature of a surprise, for in no other way did it -seem possible that a force, however strong, could without artillery -capture the place. In that case there was just a possibility that in -the excitement of the moment his existence would be forgotten. - -"At any rate," he said to himself, "I will do what I can to defer the -moment of my execution. I don't suppose it will be of the smallest use, -but as I have nothing else to do, I will cut some wedges, and as soon -as the attack begins in earnest I will jam them in round the door." - -For the rest of the day he occupied himself in cutting strips of wood -off the plank and fashioning wedges, of which he made about four dozen, -the work sufficing to keep his thoughts from dwelling upon his probable -fate. He concealed all these in his clothes; then he cut off a stout -piece of plank and fashioned it into the form of a short thick bat, -with which to drive the wedges into their place. Then he laid the -plank in its place again, with the freshly-cut side against the wall, -swept up the chips, and threw them out of the loophole. He thought it -probable that Sir John Keane would attack without any delay, as it was -all-important to capture the citadel before the relieving army from -Cabul and the forces of three or four great chiefs which were also in -the neighbourhood could join hands and attack him in the rear, while -the powerful garrison sallied out and fell upon him in front. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -JUST IN TIME - - -The plan of the British general for the capture of Ghuznee was a -bold one. He knew that his little guns could make no impression upon -the walls, and that it would take weeks before it would be possible -to effect a breach. His idea was to blow in the gate and to pour -his troops in through the opening. His plans were admirably laid. -At midnight six companies of infantry established themselves in the -gardens to the right and left of the spot where the assaulting column -were to take up their position, ready to advance as soon as the gate -was blown in. Two hours later three companies of a native regiment -made a detour and took up a position to the north of the fortress. The -field artillery took up their post on a height. At three o'clock in -the morning the infantry on the north opened a musketry fire. At the -same moment the artillery on the hills began a brisk cannonade, while -a camel battery directed its fire against the walls. The guns of the -fortress at once replied, and the walls were fringed with the musketry -fire. It was still an hour to daylight when Captain Thompson, of the -Royal Engineers, with a party of his men, crept forward to the gate, -carrying with them nine hundred pounds of gunpowder in twelve sacks. - -The movement was altogether unobserved by the garrison, who had been -taken completely by surprise by the sudden fire. The night had been -exceptionally favourable for the attempt. The wind blew so strongly -that the tramp of the columns and the sound of the wheels of the -guns failed to reach the ears of the sentries on the walls. When the -fire broke out the Afghans at once burned numbers of blue lights to -endeavour to obtain a clear view of the attacking force; but the light -failed to pierce the darkness, and the fireworks burned but fitfully -owing to the force of the gale. They therefore distributed themselves -along the whole circuit of walls instead of concentrating upon the -point where the attack was about to take place. - -The Engineers had done their work admirably. They crept silently along -the causeway which afforded a passage across the moat, and then up the -steep ascent which led to the gate, unnoticed by those who manned the -loopholes. Two minutes sufficed to place the sacks in position. The -fuse was then fired, and the party ran back to such cover as they could -find. At this moment the Afghans lit a large and brilliant blue light -immediately over the gate, but before they could obtain any idea of -what was passing below the explosion took place. The gate was blown to -pieces, and masses of masonry and fractured beams fell into the passage -beyond. Then a bugle was sounded by the Engineers, and the storming -party rushed down and crept into the dark, blocked-up passage. Here -they were fiercely opposed. The Afghans had rallied almost instantly -from their first surprise, and rushed down to defend the passage. A -desperate struggle took place in the dark, but British valour was -triumphant, and the four companies of the 2nd and 17th Regiments -fought their way into the interior of the fortress. - -Had they been at once supported by the column behind them, commanded -by Brigadier-general Sale, the capture of Ghuznee would have been -comparatively bloodless; but as he was advancing he met one of the -Engineer officers, who had been terribly bruised and injured by the -explosion. Upon being questioned, the latter said that the gate had -been blown in, but that the passage was blocked with the ruins. As in -that case it would have been madness to advance, the general ordered -the retreat to be sounded. The call was heard by the leading companies, -but not obeyed. Instead of the troops retreating, they halted -irresolutely, rather than carry out an order the most unwelcome that -can be given to British soldiers. Fortunately another Engineer officer -soon came along and assured the brigadier that, although the passage -was greatly blocked, the storming party had made their way through; -whereupon the column at once rushed forward. The delay, however, had -given the garrison time to rally, and large numbers had run down -from the wall to take part in the fight. Many, however, despairing -of successful resistance now that their assailants had won their way -into the town, allowed the storming party to pass and then attempted -to escape through the gateway. But as they did so, General Sale with -the head of his column arrived, and another desperate fight took place -among the ruins of the gate. - -The general himself was cut down, and his assailant endeavoured to -complete his work. Sale succeeded in grasping his sword hand, but, -weakened by his wound, must have been overpowered had not an officer -run up and severely wounded the Afghan. The struggle continued, but the -general managed to gain his feet and cut down his assailant. - -The column was a long time in passing over the heap of ruins, now -further encumbered by wounded and dead. As soon as they had entered, -the reserve, who had been suffering from the fire of the Afghans still -on the walls, followed them, and while General Sale's division ascended -the steep path that led to the citadel, which rose far above the rest -of the fortress, the reserve began the work of clearing out the Afghans -from the houses. Large numbers of Afghans had taken refuge here as -the troops entered, and these, rushing out, flung themselves upon the -troops with the fury of despair. Many of these who had first entered, -exhausted by their exertions, were with the wounded sitting in the -courtyard at the foot of the citadel. Upon these the fanatics rushed, -cutting and slashing with their keen tulwars alike at the soldiers who -started to their feet, the wounded on the ground, and their own horses, -who, mad with terror, were galloping wildly over the courtyard. A -series of desperate hand-to-hand conflicts were waged until the last of -the Afghans were shot or bayoneted. The walls were cleared with little -difficulty, but many soldiers were shot as they passed through the -narrow streets of the native town. All resistance ceased at a quarter -past five. Thus in two hours and a quarter after the first shot was -fired, a fortress deemed impregnable and garrisoned by three thousand -five hundred men was captured. - -Ghuznee had been provisioned for six months, and so certain was -Mohummed Hyder of the ability of the place to hold out that he -had brought with him all the ladies of his zenana. In spite of -the desperate nature of the fighting, not one of the Afghans who -surrendered was injured, nor was the slightest insult offered to the -ladies of the zenana or the women in the native town. The troops -who had ascended to the citadel found the gates open, the Afghan -prince having lost all hope as soon as he found the lower fortress -in possession of the British. He was found hiding in disguise, and -was brought before Shah Soojah. The latter magnanimously said to him: -"What has been has been; you have deserved evil at my hands, but you -have this day behaved like a brave man. I forgive thee the past; go in -peace." The young prince was then handed over to Sir Alexander Burnes -for safe custody. - -The success had been cheaply purchased. Only seventeen non-commissioned -officers and privates had been killed, and eighteen officers and a -hundred and forty-seven men wounded. Of the Afghans, five hundred and -fourteen bodies were buried next day; more than a hundred fugitives -were killed outside the walls; upwards of a thousand horses, a great -number of camels and mules, vast quantities of provisions, ammunition, -and arms fell into the hands of the conquerors, together with more than -fifteen hundred prisoners. Over a thousand made their escape. - -At the first outburst of firing Angus had sprung to his feet; as -the fight increased in fury he was certain that a night attack was -in progress, and he at once proceeded to drive in the wedges he had -prepared. Just as he had completed this he heard the dull roar of the -explosion, followed by loud and excited shouts, but the noise of the -gale prevented him from catching the words. He had no doubt, however, -that either the gate had been blown in or that a mine had been driven -into the wall, and that the explosion of an immense charge of powder -had effected a breach. Then came the sound of a heavy and continuous -rattle of musketry. The cannon of the fortress opened fire, while those -of the besiegers answered. By the occasional fall of masses of masonry, -and the screams of women, he had no doubt that the British artillery -were now directing their fire against the citadel, in order to add to -the confusion among the defenders of the fortress. - -[Illustration: HE TOOK DOWN THE PROP, AND THRUST IT SUDDENLY WITH ALL -HIS FORCE THROUGH THE HOLE.] - -Presently he heard a rush of feet up the staircase, then the bolts of -the door were pulled back, and a yell of rage and surprise arose as the -door did not yield to the push against it. The staircase was a very -narrow one, and but one person could mount at a time. As it terminated -at the door, one man only could use his strength against it, and Angus -felt perfectly sure that it would need a much greater pressure than -this to force it open. He had already propped the plank against it, and -stood with his foot at the lower end to prevent it from slipping. The -man next to the door, finding that it did not yield, began to hammer -with the hilt of his sword, but soon desisted, finding that his blows -did not even shake it. There was a confused sound of talking, and then -silence for a few minutes; then there was a renewed noise, and a heavy -blow was struck at the door. Evidently a large block of wood had been -brought up; but this did not greatly alarm Angus. The staircase was a -circular one, and at most but two men could work the battering-ram, -which on account of the confined space was necessarily short. - -This proving unsuccessful, there was again silence. After an interval -came blows of a sharper sound, an axe of some sort was being used. -During the lulls of the wind the sounds of the struggle below could -be plainly heard, and as it was now dawn Angus could have seen what -was going on had not the loophole been on the opposite side, but from -the sharpness of the sound he had no doubt that the firing was in -the courtyard, and that his countrymen had effected an entrance. The -chopping went on regularly. The door was thick and strong, and it -was half an hour before the edge of the axe first showed through it; -another five minutes and a hole a foot wide appeared some four feet -from the ground. At this rate it would be some time before an opening -large enough for a man to pass through could be made. He took down -the prop, and thrust it suddenly with all his force through the hole, -striking the man who was wielding the axe full in the face. - -There was a terrible cry, mingled with yells of rage from the others. -Presently a pistol was thrust through the hole and fired; he had -expected this, and had stood back. Again and again shots were fired. -It was evident that there was an unwillingness on the part of his -assailants to try the axe again. Presently he heard a shout from below. -The words came up distinctly, "Mohummed Hyder's orders are that the -attack is to cease," and Angus felt that he was saved. The prince, -indeed, seeing that all was lost, had sent an officer in great haste -to put a stop to the attack on his prisoner's cell. He no longer -thought of carrying out his former intentions. The British army was -not after all an impotent enemy to be insulted, but a victorious one -to be appeased, and as soon as he was informed of the attack on his -prisoner's cell he had sent off to put a stop to it. It had not been -made by his orders, but was the act of the soldiers on the wall near -it, who, seeing that the British had entered, had determined to take -vengeance upon the captive. - -A few minutes later Angus heard the triumphant cheers of the troops as -they poured in through the open gate of the citadel. - -It was another hour before the contest in the courtyard below and on -the walls of the fortress came to an end. Shortly afterwards he heard -steps approaching, and through the hole in the door saw a British -officer coming up the stair; behind him was Azim. - -"I am glad indeed to see you, Campbell," the officer said, as he caught -sight of his face. "We had all given you up as dead when we found -that none of your escort came back; but your boy, on questioning the -prisoners, found out that you were confined here, and came at once to -tell me. I see by the state of the door that you have been standing a -siege. Are you uninjured?" - -"Yes, my rascally troops seized me suddenly and brought me here. I will -tell you about it as soon as I have unfastened the door." - -"It is the first time I ever heard of a prison door having bolts on the -inside." - -"They are not bolts, as you will see directly." - -It took some minutes to get all the wedges out. Macgregor then entered -and shook Angus warmly by the hand, while Azim threw himself on his -knees, and seizing his master's hand kissed it again and again, tears -of joy streaming down his cheeks. - -"Where in the world did you get these wedges?" Macgregor asked. - -"I cut them out of this plank. It took me all day yesterday to make -them and this mallet. How the plank came here I don't know, but it -certainly saved my life." - -"That and your wits, Campbell. It was a capital idea, first-rate. I see -there is blood on the staircase." - -"The plank came in useful again. I used it as a battering-ram on the -fellow who was chopping, and as I caught him full in the face, the -blood is accounted for. As you see by the opposite wall, they fired a -few shots through the hole afterwards, but of course I took good care -to be out of the line of fire." - -"Well, come along. Sir Alexander has been asking about you, but could -get no information, and it might have been some time before you were -set free had it not been for your boy." - -On going down into the body of the citadel, Angus was most warmly -greeted by Sir Alexander Burnes and the other officers who knew him, -for all supposed that he had been murdered. He explained to his chief -why his life had been spared. - -"You had a narrow escape indeed," the latter said, "for I have no -doubt whatever that the Afghan would have carried out his threat had -we attacked in a regular way. It is quite in accordance with their -barbarous customs. But I certainly wonder that they did not kill you -when we entered the fortress." - -Macgregor then told the manner in which Angus had converted his little -cell into a fort, and had resisted successfully the attacks made upon -it. - -"A very narrow escape indeed, Mr. Campbell," Sir Alexander Burnes -said. "It was fortunate indeed that that piece of wood had been left -in the cell; but the idea of cutting wedges from it and fastening the -door would not have occurred to everyone. It was a most happy thought, -and certainly was the means of saving your life. It was a treacherous -business indeed of Hajee Khan Kakur, for I have no doubt that he was -the concocter of the plot. He has given us the strongest grounds for -suspicion ever since we left Candahar, and has continually been making -excuses for lagging behind. We have strong reason for believing that if -we had failed here, he would at once have turned against us." - -"I do not think he knew of this, sir. When I was seized, the trooper -said. 'Do you think that because our chief is a traitor we are traitors -too?'" - -"These fellows are very crafty, Mr. Campbell, and Hajee has a special -reputation that way, having before now turned traitor in spite of -promises and vows. He may very well have instructed one of his men -to say this, in order that if, contrary to all probability, you ever -rejoined the army, he himself might be shielded by your repeating -this speech. We have never put any trust in him since he joined us, -though of course it was politic to seem to do so, as other chiefs might -follow his example. He was questioned very sharply as to the orders he -had given his men when you did not return that afternoon. Of course he -swore by the Prophet that he had chosen men in whom he had the greatest -confidence, which was, I have no doubt, true. However, as it was -possible that you and they might have fallen into an ambush, the matter -was dropped for the time. But our suspicions gained ground when, as we -came up here, no signs of a fight were discovered, no bodies either of -men or horses, and I intended to reopen the matter as soon as things -were a little settled down. Well, I can assure you I am heartily glad -to see you back again safe and sound, and I shall not fail to report -the matter to Sir John Keane, and tell him how cleverly you escaped the -fate intended for you." - -The army remained for a week at Ghuznee while preparations were being -made for converting the fortress into a base from which further -operations could be carried on. It was thought well to pause, so that -the full effects of the disaster might be felt throughout the country -before the advance began again. The fall of Ghuznee had indeed entirely -disarranged the plan of campaign that had been decided upon by Dost -Mahomed. The fortress had been provisioned for six months, and it was -confidently believed that it could resist all attacks for that time. -With the approach of winter, the position of a besieging army would -be desperate. The cold would be intense, they would be surrounded on -all sides by swarms of fierce tribesmen, would be unable to obtain -provisions in the country round, and must either retire through the -passes they had ascended, to Candahar, or be forced by famine to -surrender. In the former case, the disaster that afterwards occurred in -endeavouring to retire from Cabul would probably have befallen them. - -This plan was entirely brought to naught by the fall of Ghuznee, and -six days later the brother of Dost Mahomed arrived in camp with an -offer from the Ameer to surrender the government to Shah Soojah, on -condition that he himself should, as the head of the Barukzyes, fill -the hereditary office of wuzeer, or prime minister. As this would -have placed the whole power of the state in his hands, the offer was -refused, and on the 31st of July the army resumed its march. After -three days' march, they learned that the Kuzzilbashes had mutinied. -This body of troops were of Persian descent, and had for very many -years formed an important part of the military power of Cabul, and held -a position similar to that of the Janizaries of Constantinople and the -Mamelukes of Egypt. Under but very slight control, they were constantly -causing trouble by their insolence and exactions, and they now showed -that they entertained no feeling either of loyalty or gratitude towards -the dynasty which they served. - -In spite of the exhortations of the Ameer, they insisted upon his -granting them a discharge from his service, and as it was evident that -the news from Ghuznee had so much dispirited the whole army that no -reliance whatever could be placed on their fidelity, the unfortunate -monarch was obliged to allow the Kuzzilbashes to disband, and the rest -of the army to disperse, and to take to the mountains as a fugitive, -accompanied only by a small party of personal followers. A force was at -once sent in pursuit of him; but as the following of the traitor, Hajee -Khan, formed the principal part of this force, the double-faced chief, -who desired to make himself safe whatever turn affairs might take, so -contrived that Dost Mahomed and his party were not overtaken. In the -meantime the main force marched forward to Cabul wholly unopposed. -Twenty-two guns were found abandoned at the spot where the Ameer's army -had dispersed. These, placed in a strong defile, and supported by a -large force of tribesmen, might have long resisted our advance had the -Kuzzilbashes and other Afghan horsemen swept round on our rear, and -although British valour might have finally succeeded, it could only -have been after a terrible struggle. But now the Ameer was a fugitive, -the guns were in our hands, the Kuzzilbashes and native tribesmen had -come in to salute their new ruler, and nothing remained but to enter -the capital in triumph. - -The entry took place on the 7th of August. The ceremony was an imposing -one. Shah Soojah, after an exile of thirty years, rode at the head -of the cortege, on a white charger with golden trappings. He wore a -jewelled coronet, his arms and garments were ornamented with precious -stones, and his waist encircled with a broad girdle of gold encrusted -with rubies and emeralds. Accompanying him were the commander-in-chief, -and Mr. Macnaghten and Sir Alexander Burnes, who were in full -diplomatic dress. Two of the Shah's sons and a few of the principal -chiefs rode behind him with a number of staff officers in full uniform. -Following him came the army that had performed so long and difficult -a march to place him on his throne. The surrounding country traversed -was rich and fertile in the extreme, and almost covered with orchards -of peaches and other fruits; under these crops of all sorts grew -luxuriantly. On the eminences commanding the plain immense numbers of -tribesmen assembled to witness the martial display. - -On entering the city, the victors found the inhabitants clustered -in the streets through which they passed to the royal residence in -the Bala Hissar, a great citadel situated on a hill commanding the -town, and so strongly fortified that it would have been difficult -to capture it unless by the aid of a regular siege train. The aspect -of the inhabitants was perfectly peaceful; there were no shouts or -exclamations of enthusiasm, but it was evident from the expression -of satisfaction on their faces that the majority were well satisfied -with the termination of the rule of the Barukzyes, whose exactions had -pressed heavily upon them. - -Dost Mahomed himself was popular. He was affable and kindly in -disposition; his decisions on all matters brought before him were just -and fair; he was accessible to all having complaints to bring before -him; and had he possessed a body of trustworthy infantry to overawe the -marauding Kuzzilbashes and the semi-independent chiefs, there can be -no doubt that his rule would have been a wise and beneficial one. Shah -Soojah was the reverse of his rival. Haughty and arrogant, he regarded -and treated with contempt his new subjects, seldom granted audience, or -troubled himself in any way with their affairs, rarely went abroad, and -remained in almost constant seclusion in his palace. - -The shops of Cabul excited the admiration of the officers and men -of the British force. Probably nowhere else in the world could such -a display of fruit have been collected. Here were piles of peaches -equal to the finest product of English hothouses, grapes of five -varieties, rosy apples, juicy pears, several delicious kinds of melons, -almonds, pistachio nuts, walnuts, quinces, cherries, and red and white -mulberries, and vegetables of all kinds. The butchers' shops were -cleanly and well arranged; there were public ovens, in which loaves, -and the cakes of which the Afghans are extremely fond, were baking -when the force entered. In the potters' shops were jars and drinking -vessels of all kinds; Afghan, Persian, and Russian cloths, cloaks, furs -of many kinds, sets of china and Dresden porcelain in the shops of the -wealthier traders; and behind these open shops were inner apartments -with very fine and costly shawls, silks, precious stones, valuable -carpets, and tea imported by way of Bokhara. Conspicuous were the -shops of manufacturers of swords and daggers, and makers of scabbards -and belts, shields and chain armour, and even of bookbinders, who -manufactured covers for manuscript copies of Persian poems and stories. -Unfortunately for the moral of the army, there were also manufactories -of spirits. Since leaving Candahar no spirit rations had been served -out, and the troops had greatly benefited in health during their -arduous work by the privation, but the power to purchase vile spirits -at a very low price now tempted many into drinking to intoxication, and -lowered at once their health and discipline. - -Mr. Macnaghten and his staff had a fine building in the Bala Hissar -allotted to them. Sir Alexander Burnes with his assistants occupied -a house in the city. The position of Burnes was an unsatisfactory -one. He had a right to expect that after his previous residence in -Cabul he would be appointed British resident there, and he had only -accepted a secondary position upon the understanding that Macnaghten's -appointment was a temporary one. He had on the way up rendered much -valuable assistance, but he had no strictly defined duties. His opinion -was seldom asked, and if given, was wholly disregarded. For this he -was himself somewhat to blame. His temperament was a changeable one. -At times he was full of enthusiasm and saw everything in the rosiest -light; at other times he was depressed and despondent, and came to be -regarded as a prophet of evil. Having no serious work to occupy his -mind, he worried over trifles, exaggerated the importance of the bazaar -rumours, and was often filled with the gloomiest anticipations. - -The war had been undertaken altogether in opposition to his advice. -He had been most favourably impressed with Dost Mahomed, and his -remonstrances against the attempt to force Shah Soojah on the Afghans -had been so strong and persistent, that the home government, in -defending themselves from the public indignation excited by subsequent -disaster, even went the length of suppressing some of his despatches -and garbling others, after he was no longer alive to proclaim the -falsification. - -Once at Cabul, his opportunities for doing useful service came to -an end. Macnaghten, who was always sanguine to an extent that, in -the light of subsequent events, seemed to border on insanity, was -all-powerful with the new Ameer. The expression of any opinion which -ran counter to his own was in the highest degree distasteful to him, -and it was only in negotiations for the supply of the troops, and with -the petty chiefs, that Burnes and his staff found any employment. - -Although Pushtoo was the language of the country-people who came in -with goods, the inhabitants of Cabul almost universally spoke Persian, -and Angus Campbell and Azim found themselves quite at home among them. - -On the 3rd of September, a force under Colonel Wade, which had advanced -through the Khyber Pass, arrived at Cabul. It was a mixed body composed -principally of Pathans and Sikhs. It had met with comparatively small -resistance, but had rendered valuable service, as a large force had -been detached from Dost Mahomed's army to oppose its advance, and thus -greatly weakened the army with which the Ameer had intended to meet the -British advance from Candahar. The Afghan force had been recalled in -haste after the news of the fall of Ghuznee, but had not arrived until -after the disbandment of the Ameer's army and his flight to the Bamian -Pass, when it had also broken up, and Wade was therefore able to reach -Cabul without opposition. - -It was now necessary to decide what should be done with the army of -occupation. Macnaghten was pressing by a constant succession of letters -that large reinforcements should be sent up in order to win back for -Shah Soojah the territories that had once formed part of the Afghan -empire. He urged that in order to check Russian aggression an army -should not only occupy Herat, but should extend its operations until it -became paramount at Bokhara; while, on the other hand, Peshawur and the -territory wrested from Afghanistan by the Sikhs should be reconquered, -and the Sikh nation, which was becoming more and more hostile to us, -should be brought into subjection. But fortunately Lord Auckland, now -freed from the pernicious influence of Macnaghten and surrounded by -discreet counsellors, was by no means disposed to turn a favourable ear -to these fantastic projects. The cost of the army of occupation was a -heavy drain on the revenue of India, and so far from any assistance -being rendered by Afghanistan, Shah Soojah was constantly clamouring -for subsidies to enable him to maintain his position. The absence of so -many troops was also much felt in India, for they were greatly needed -on the frontiers of the Beloochees as well as those of the Sikhs. -Macnaghten had so persistently asserted that Shah Soojah was personally -popular with the Afghans, that it was decided that only a comparatively -small force was needed to uphold his authority in case Dost Mahomed -should make an effort to recover his throne, and orders were given -that the greater portion of the Bombay army should march down through -the Kojuk and Bolan Passes, and most of the Bengal troops through the -Khyber, leaving some six regiments, with a proportion of artillery, at -Cabul, with garrisons at Ghuznee, Candahar, Quettah, and Jellalabad. - -Macnaghten in vain remonstrated and entreated. It was settled that the -movement should begin at the end of September, so that the troops -could regain the plains before winter set in in earnest. September -passed quietly. The climate at this time was perfect, and the troops -enjoyed the rest, with the abundance of fruit and vegetables. There -were reviews and races. Shah Soojah established an order of knighthood, -and held a grand durbar, at which the principal officers were invested, -with great ceremony, with the insignia of the new order. On the 18th of -the month the Bombay column started on its march, but news having been -brought down from the force that had occupied the Bamian Pass, that -Dost Mahomed was collecting a formidable army, the authorities were -induced to maintain a great portion of the Bengal force round Cabul. -Great difficulties arose with reference to provisioning these troops -through the winter. There was abundant accommodation for them in the -Bala Hissar and its citadel, but Shah Soojah strongly objected to the -presence of a large body of troops there. Macnaghten, with his usual -weakness, gave way. - -On the 15th of October Sir John Keane, with that portion of the Bengal -force that was to return, set out. The Ameer left two days later, -to spend the winter in the more genial climate of Jellalabad, and -Macnaghten accompanied him. Sanguine as he was, he could not help -feeling uneasy at the situation. The British occupation had greatly -benefited the merchants and traders, the farmers and cultivators -of Cabul, but it had seriously injured the poorer portion of the -community. The natural result of so large an army, well supplied -with money, being stationed in the city, was to raise the price of -all articles of consumption prodigiously, and to cause wide-spread -discontent. The exactions of the native tax-collectors pressed heavily -upon all the tribesmen. The British officers, by the terms of the -treaty with Shah Soojah, were unable to interfere in any way with the -internal affairs of the country; but when the natives revolted against -the unjust exactions it was they who were called upon to suppress them, -consequently the infidel supporters of the Ameer became more and more -hated by the people, and it was soon dangerous for them to go beyond -the limits of their camps. The Ameer himself resented the state of -subjection in which he considered that he was held, though he could -not dispense with British bayonets and British money. Macnaghten left -behind him experienced administrators. Burnes, Conolly, Leech, Todd, -and Lord had all long acquaintance with the country, and if anyone -could, under such circumstances, have reconciled the country to foreign -occupation, they would have done so. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -A MISSION - - -"I wish that we had trustworthy news of what Dost Mahomed is doing," -Sir Alexander Burnes said one morning when he and his assistants were -talking over the work for the day. "Of course one hears from the Hindoo -merchants what rumours are circulating, but these are so contradictory -that they are not to be relied upon. One day it is said that Dost has -retired to Bokhara, another that he has already gathered a formidable -force. It is certain that if he does not recross the Bamian soon he -will not give us any trouble till the spring, for I doubt whether even -the Afghans, hardy as they are, could traverse the passes when winter -has fairly set in. Still, it would be very useful to us to obtain some -sort of inkling as to what his movements and intentions are. He may -intend to make a bold stroke to recover his kingdom, he may wait until -there is a popular rising here. In the first case, our force here must -be maintained at the present strength, and it would be well to warn -Lord Auckland as soon as possible that next spring its strength must be -increased rather than diminished. If, on the other hand, Dost depends -upon a rising here rather than upon any force he may himself gather, -there will be no occasion for more troops than we have, for these -should suffice to crush any tribal rising." - -"I should be happy to undertake the mission if you would confide it -to me, sir," Angus said. "I travelled as a Persian without exciting -suspicion, and I can do the same again. I might obtain a couple -of horse-loads of Indian silk and cashmere goods, and travel as a -Persian trader who has been settled here, but who, fearing that fresh -disturbances might occur, had decided to make a trip himself to Bokhara -with a view of establishing himself there. I see all trade is at -present at a stand-still, as the northern traders dare not venture down -here. The fact that I can also speak Pushtoo will, of course, be an -advantage, and would seem to show that I had, as I gave out, resided -here for some time." - -"It would be a dangerous enterprise, Mr. Campbell." - -"There would be a certain amount of danger in it, sir, but not, it -seems to me, excessive--not more than I met in my journey from Herat. -There is danger, as you have frequently said, even here; and at any -rate, I am ready to take all risks if you think that the mission would -be of utility." - -"That it would certainly be, and I admit that no one would be more -likely to carry it to a successful conclusion, but I fear that it would -be impossible for you to return before the spring." - -"I do not think that I could return across the mountains, but I might -dispose of my goods to the Turkomans. From what we hear, Dost Mahomed -is either at Balkh or Kunduz, or possibly Tashkurgan, half-way between -them. Balkh would, of course, be more convenient, for it is but a -couple of days' journey to Kilif, on the other side of the Oxus. There -I might dispose of my goods, and buy carpets and shawls of Bokhara; and -then travel across the plains to Herat; thence, by the trade route, -to Candahar; and so back through Ghuznee. That would, of course, be a -long journey, but there would be no very lofty passes to traverse. I -need hardly say that I should not enter Herat, as I might be recognized -there; but there would be no fear of recognition elsewhere. As my -servant is really a Persian, and has also picked up Pushtoo, he would -greatly aid me in preserving my disguise. At any rate, I would rather -be doing something than remaining here idle through the winter." - -"Then I accept your offer, Mr. Campbell. The information you would give -as to the feeling of the people on the other side of the mountains -would be invaluable. I will myself question one or two of the Hindoo -merchants as to the goods that are generally sent to Bokhara. I know, -of course, that the bulk of that trade with India is carried on through -Candahar and Herat, but it would be natural that a trader residing -here and wishing to leave should prefer the direct route, however -toilsome it might be. I should say easy loads for three animals would -be sufficient, and as the merchandise would be of light materials, a -considerable value could be carried by three horses. You will need a -fourth for a small stock of provisions, for you will have to depend -on yourselves until you are on the other side of the passes. You will -require two men to look after the four horses. I will obtain two -soldiers from one of the Pathan regiments. It would be dangerous for -you to hire a man in the city; I will get a couple of men of approved -fidelity. They will, of course, be in native dress, and will pass as -peasants hired for the journey by you. Four of you, well armed, should -be able to give a good account of yourselves if you should fall in with -any small party of freebooters, though that is more likely to happen on -your return journey than on your way across the hills." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"Well, to-day is Monday; it will take two or three days to make all the -preparations and get the sort of men you require. Would you be ready to -start on Thursday?" - -"Certainly, sir. As far as I and my man are concerned, we should be -ready to start at a moment's notice, as there will be no difficulty in -buying the clothes we require." - -"Very well, then, it shall be settled for Thursday. I know I need not -tell you to warn your servant to maintain absolute secrecy as to the -fact that you are leaving the town." - -Azim was greatly pleased when Angus told him of the intended -expedition, for, having few duties to perform, he had found the time -hang heavily on his hands, and was glad to hear that he was not to -spend the long winter at Cabul. He purchased in the bazaars all the -garments for his master and himself--high boots lined with fur, and -cloaks of thick cloth similarly lined, and Afghan hats of black lamb's -wool. - -[Illustration: THERE, LYING CLOSE UNDER A ROCK, WAS A YOUNG AFGHAN.] - -On Wednesday evening Sir Alexander Burnes said to Angus: "It is just as -well that you did not make your start this morning, for there has been -a sharp skirmish on the road ten miles off between a squadron of our -cavalry and a party of Afghan horse. I hear the fellows fought well, -but were driven off with considerable loss. I have seen the two men -who have been selected to accompany you, they have both been some time -in our service. Their colonel spoke highly to me of them. I explained -to them the nature of the duty on which they were going, and gave -them the option of declining it, but said that if they carried it -through successfully they would on their return receive a present of -six months' pay and would at once be promoted. They accepted without -hesitation, and I feel certain that you can rely upon them. They were -recruited from the border tribes, which have ever held themselves -independent of the Afghan factions, and have no sympathy whatever -either with the Kuzzilbashes or Soojah himself, and care not a snap -who rules over Afghanistan. If questioned, their story will be that -they came up as camp followers with Colonel Wade's force, and that on -arriving at Cabul their work with the army was at an end, and they -took service with the Persian trader. All the goods and packs have -been marked in Persian characters, with the prices they would fetch in -Persia, and those at which they would probably sell at Bokhara; so that -you will know how to carry on your trading without exciting suspicion -either by asking too little or by demanding an unusual price. Each man -will lead two horses, and I have provided rough ponies for them to -ride. I think you will find that no detail has been neglected. I have -had a thousand rupees sewn up in the saddle of your horse. I sent for -one of the cavalry saddlers, and your man showed him which was your -saddle. Another five hundred are sewn in the saddle of your servant in -case of mishap. Here is a letter to Lieutenant Mackenzie, who commands -the troop of horse artillery which is at Bamian with the Ameer's -Ghoorka regiment. You may be questioned there, so without giving him -any details I have simply requested him to allow the bearer and his -party to pass on without question or interference." - -The start was not made from the house of Sir Alexander Burnes, but from -that of the Hindoo merchant from whom goods had been purchased. As -there was nothing unusual in a trader starting with some horse-loads -of merchandise, no attention was attracted, and the party crossed the -plain four miles farther up, and skirted the foot of the mountains -until they reached the gorge through which the track--for it could not -be called a road--led over the mountains to Bamian. They had decided to -camp here, but they found that it was the scene of the previous day's -combat. Dead horses and men were scattered about, and it was evident -that the Afghans had been lying in ambush here, aware that at times -parties of our cavalry rode some distance up the pass. They determined -to go half a mile farther up the gorge, as there was no danger of -disturbance by the Afghans, who, after their defeat on the previous -day, were not likely to be in the neighbourhood. - -After proceeding a quarter of a mile Angus, who was riding ahead, -suddenly stopped his horse, hearing a deep groan. As the ground was -strewn with rocks on either side of the track, he concluded at once -that some poor fellow had crawled away to die, unnoticed by our cavalry -returning from pursuit. Knowing what tortures he must be suffering from -thirst he dismounted, and filling a pannikin from one of the skins, -he bade Azim bring some fruit, and then made his way to the spot from -which the sound proceeded. There, lying close under a rock, was a young -Afghan, whose clothes showed that he was a chief of some rank. His eyes -were closed, his face pallid and drawn, his lips black and cracked with -thirst. Angus knelt beside him, and poured a few drops of water between -his lips. This he repeated again and again. - -The wounded man opened his eyes with a deep exclamation of -thankfulness. Then his face darkened, and he said: "You meant kindly, -good friend, but you have done me a cruel service. The worst had -passed; I had sunk into unconsciousness, and should have passed into -Paradise without more pain." - -"Where are you wounded?" Angus asked. "Perhaps we can do something for -you." - -The Afghan slightly shook his head. "Nothing can be done for me," he -said. "I have a musket-ball in my shoulder, and my right leg is broken -above the knee." - -"At any rate we can make you comfortable. We were going to camp a short -way ahead, but we will now do so here." - -"May Allah bless you, but it would be better to leave me to die at -once." - -"That I cannot do. Now, have a good drink of water, and then I will cut -a melon into pieces for you to suck while we are preparing our camp." - -The horses' loads were removed and the animals turned loose to graze on -the grass growing among the rocks. Then the tent was erected and the -Afghan carried into the shade of a high rock close by. By this time he -was able to speak more strongly, and said: "You are Persian, I see, by -your dress. How comes it that you have entered this lonely gorge with -your pack-horses and your goods?" - -"We are going to make our road to Bokhara. There are rumours of -disaffection in Cabul, and if there is fighting the houses of the -traders will be looted. Therefore I resolved to leave while I could, -and am taking my Indian goods for sale there." - -"It will be a terrible journey," the young chief said. "There is -already snow in the upper passes. I wish you success. I shall think of -your kindness as I lie here, and pray Allah to protect you. Before you -go I pray you to carry me down to the edge of this stream, so that I -may drink when I will." - -"We will certainly do that, and give you a supply of fruit if we can -do no better. Now we must look and see to your wounds. I can at least -bandage them, and make you somewhat easier." - -To his surprise Angus found no wounds in the leg. "I see no bullet -mark," he said. - -"No, the leg was broken in my fall. My men had fought well, but the -Feringees were too strong for them, and we fled. I was riding in their -rear, when a shot struck me in the shoulder. I fell from my horse, and -when I found that my leg was broken I felt my end was at hand; but I -heard no more shots nor any further sound of galloping horses, and I -knew that by Allah's mercy they had ceased their pursuit. My horse had -galloped on after the others, and my men might not notice that I had -fallen until they had gone some distance, when they would probably -conclude that I had been killed. I managed to crawl out of the road to -the shelter of that rock where you found me, as the infidels might come -up in the morning, and I would rather die quietly there than be shot -down." - -"They would not have injured you," Angus said. "They kill many in -battle, but it is a rule with them never to touch an injured man; and -had they come along they would have taken you back to their camp and -have done all they could for you." - -"I have heard that they were strange in that respect; but I did not -think of it--my only wish was to die quietly and alone. I tried several -times to crawl to the stream, but the agony was so great that I could -not do it." - -Angus while he was speaking was feeling the limb. "The first thing to -do," he said, "is to bring the ends of the bone together; the operation -will be painful, but it will greatly relieve your sufferings." - -"Do as you will, stranger; Allah has sent you to my side, and what you -do must be right." - -"In the first place, I must prepare some splints to keep it in its -place." - -Leaving the Afghan, Angus searched among the bushes until he found a -shrub which was thick enough for the purpose. He and Azim with their -knives cut this down near the root, and then divided it into lengths, -split each of these and smoothed the pieces until they were perfectly -even. He then tore off several long strips of cloth to form bandages, -and calling to the two men, he returned to the wounded Afghan. The -patient was lifted into another position, where he could place his left -foot against a rock. - -"Now, chief," Angus said, "you must with that leg prevent yourself from -being pulled forward; my servant will hold you round the body, so as to -aid you; the other two men will take hold of your right leg and pull -it, while as soon as it is sufficiently stretched I shall press the -broken ends into their position. I am afraid that the pain will be very -severe, but you will be much easier afterwards. At present the ends of -the bones are tearing your flesh." - -"An Afghan can bear pain," the chief said quietly; "do as you will." - -"Now," Angus said to the soldiers, "take a firm hold above the ankle, -and draw as steadily and quietly as you can, but with all your -strength." - -The resistance of the muscles was so great that it was only by -exercising their utmost power that the men got them to yield. At last -Angus felt the end of the bone on which he was pressing suddenly slip -into its place. Then for the first time he looked round. No sound had -escaped the Afghan's lips, but the agony had been so intense that he -had fainted. - -"Now, give me a long bandage, Azim; you need not hold him any longer. -Double up a cloak or something and lift him and put it under him, so -that I can pass the bandage round and round." - -First a wad of thick material soaked in water was placed round the leg -at the point of the fracture, and then bandage was added to bandage, -until the limb down to the knee was surrounded by a casing half an inch -thick; then the splints were applied, some reaching only down to the -knee, others to the ankle. These were held in their place by the three -assistants, while Angus again firmly bandaged them. The operation being -completed, he dashed some water on the Afghan's face. The latter soon -opened his eyes. - -"It is all over, chief; the bones are in their place again, and if all -goes well, in time the ends may knit firmly together." - -"It is easier already," the chief said gratefully. "I no longer feel as -if an evil spirit from Eblis were torturing me with a hot iron." - -"I will now see to your shoulder. The wound has ceased bleeding; -therefore I shall but sponge it with cold water and put a bandage on in -case it should break out afresh." - -This was soon done. Some cloths soaked in water were laid over the -bandage, then some more fruit was given to the wounded man, and he was -left in the shade, and the men set about cooking a meal. Angus from -time to time went across to see him, and had the satisfaction in the -evening of finding that he had fallen asleep. - -"Now, Azim," he said when he returned, "the next thing to do is to -settle what is to be done with him." - -"I have been wondering that ever since we found him, master." - -"There is a choice of two things: one is that I mount my horse, ride -back to Cabul, report having found a wounded man, and ask that a party -with a stretcher may be sent out to fetch him in early in the morning; -the other is to take him on with us." - -Azim looked in surprise. "That would be very difficult, master." - -"No doubt it would be difficult, but I think it might be done. There -is no doubt that from his dress and appearance, and from the fact that -he speaks excellent Persian, he is a chief of considerable standing. -In that case his friendship might be invaluable to us, both on our way -down to the frontier, and possibly in the future, which Sir Alexander -Burnes regards as very threatening. It would be worth while, therefore, -to make some sacrifice to carry him down to his friends. I would not do -it if I thought the journey would harm him, but I believe the cold air -of the mountains would be vastly better for him than the heat of the -plains round Cabul. He may suffer somewhat from jolting, but I think -that we can obviate that if we cut two strong poles about fifteen feet -long, attach them to the pack-saddles of two horses, and by securely -fastening a blanket between them make a hammock, in which he can ride -comfortably. The poles would be elastic enough to save sudden jolts; we -can only go at a foot's pace in these passes, and these native horses -are so sure-footed that I think the chance of any accident is extremely -slight. The horses are but lightly weighted, and as the provisions are -consumed we can move a portion of the weight they carry to the one who -takes our food." - -"Yes, that would be a good plan, master." - -"Another advantage of it would be," Angus went on, "that whereas he -would chafe at being in a hospital in care of the people he hates, -his spirits would naturally rise as he felt that he was returning to -his friends, and this would hasten his recovery. However, I will put -the question to him in the morning. If he decides upon being kept in -camp, I will send you back with a letter to Sir Alexander Burnes for -stretcher-bearers, and you will easily overtake us at our camping-place -to-morrow evening." - -In the morning the young chief was better than Angus had even hoped -for. Once or twice during the night fresh water had been poured gently -over the bandages on the wounded shoulder. Like all people living -chiefly in the open air, accustomed to climbing, and to hard exercise, -the Afghans suffer less from wounds than Europeans do. Abstemious in -their habits, comparatively small meat-eaters, lithe and sinewy in -their figures, they speedily recover from wounds unless of a mortal -nature. Angus found that the chief's forehead and hands were cool, and -there were no signs of fever setting in. - -"I have been thinking over what would be best for you, and decided to -leave the choice to yourself. I am acquainted with Burnes Sahib, and if -I send my servant with a letter I know that he will at once send out a -party to carry you into hospital, where you will be well cared for." - -"I would rather die than accept kindness at their hands," the Afghan -said firmly. - -"In that case there seems no other course but for me to construct -a litter between two of my pack-horses, and to carry you over the -mountains to Kundur." - -"And would you thus burden yourself with a stranger?" the Afghan asked -in a tone of great surprise. - -"Certainly I would for a wounded stranger," Angus said; "but I do not -think that there will be any great trouble, and I will try to make the -journey as easy for you as possible." He then explained how he intended -to carry him. The face of the wounded man lit up. He had permitted -Angus to set his limb because he believed it was destiny that had sent -him to his aid. He felt sure that the man who had taken such trouble -with him would leave a store of provisions within his reach, and that -possibly some of the natives might come along and carry him to their -village, and so tend him until his strength was restored. It was but a -faint hope, for now that winter was approaching the men from the upper -villages would have come down into the plain, and the chances were but -slight that any would enter the gorge. His hope rested chiefly in the -belief that, as he had been so unexpectedly saved from death, his final -deliverance would also be effected; but that this kind trader should -offer to carry him up the passes had never entered his mind, and his -pale cheek flushed with pleasure. - -"Certainly I will go with you if you will take me," he said joyfully; -"nobly indeed do you carry out the precept of the Prophet, to be -compassionate to all those who need it." - -"Let us say no more about it, chief. It will be a pleasure to me to see -you grow stronger, and I doubt not that the mountain air will benefit -you greatly, and I shall have my reward in seeing you regaining your -strength. We have meat with us, but it will be better for you to take -fruit and a little bread." - -Two soldiers were sent out, and presently returned with poles of the -desired length and thickness. Breakfast was then eaten. Afterwards the -poles, a long blanket having been firmly lashed between them, were -securely fastened against the horses' flanks under their burdens. In -this way a hammock was formed in which, while the body and legs were -below the level of the poles, the head was somewhat above them. A cloak -was rolled up to make a pillow, and the chief was then gently lifted -and laid in it. - -They started at daybreak, rested in the shade for three or four hours -in the middle of the day, and then continued their journey till late in -the evening. After two days' travel the halt was no longer necessary, -for they were now far above the level of the plain. The air was fresh -during the day, and at night all were glad to cover themselves with -their long coats lined with sheep-skin. - -Angus had made no attempt to discover the position of the ball in the -shoulder of the wounded chief. Even if he found it, he had neither the -instruments nor the skill necessary for its removal. The only thing -he could do was to keep the cloths bathed with cold water to prevent -inflammation setting in. - -The track they were following sometimes disappeared altogether, and -Angus often congratulated himself upon having the young chief with him, -for the latter had twice before crossed the mountains, and was able to -tell him which line to take. The day's journey varied much in length, -being from fifteen to twenty-five miles, according as they found a -suitable halting-place. They always camped where there was water, -emptying the skins and filling them afresh as often as possible. At -times the ground was covered with snow. This they thawed in a pot over -a fire of brushwood, of which they were careful to gather some at every -opportunity on the day's march. - -The chief and Angus occupied the little tent, while Azim slept with the -two soldiers in a shelter composed of blankets. Every day there was -a visible improvement in the state of the wounded man; the cool air -acted as a tonic to his system. The first two or three days his arm -pained him a good deal, though he had never once complained of it. It -was kept bound to his side, and by means of splints and bandages the -shoulder was held in its natural position; more than this Angus had not -attempted. He believed that the shoulder was broken, but even of this -he was not sure, and could only hope that the bone would knit together -itself. One day, however, in reply to his questions the Afghan admitted -that he felt a burning pain just over the left shoulder, and feeling, -Angus perceived a hard substance apparently but a short distance under -the skin. - -"There is no doubt that this is the ball," he said. "A surgeon would -cut down upon it, and get it out easily enough." - -"Then why do you not do it? you seem very skilful." - -"I have had no practice," he said. "My father was a trader of Tabriz. -He was a good man and very much respected. The poor often came to him -in cases of accidents, and I have many a time seen him bandage broken -limbs, that is why I was able to do it; but of bullet wounds I know -nothing." - -"Take my dagger and cut down to it at once; the pain of a cut is -nothing. Cut fearlessly and deeply, so that you can take hold of the -ball with your fingers." - -After some hesitation Angus agreed to do so, for, by the pain it was -causing, the bullet might set up inflammation. - -"It is a mere nothing," the Afghan said. "I have frequently cut out -bullets from my tribesmen." - -The chief's dagger was as keen as a razor, and seeing that his patient -really wished it, Angus performed the operation. He had to cut three -times before he could manage to get hold of the bullet. The Afghan -himself did not once flinch. - -"That is well," he said, when the ball was extracted. "Now, bring the -edges together again, put a piece of wet rag over them, and then tie a -bandage tightly round me; by the end of a week there will be nothing -but a scar remaining." - -Two days later they arrived at Bamian. As they entered the little town -a native officer of a Ghoorka regiment came out and demanded their -business. For the first time Angus was unable to give an answer in the -language in which he was addressed. Knowing, however, the purport of -the question, he showed his letter to Lieutenant Mackenzie. The native -was unable to read English, but called to an English artilleryman, who -at once came up. On seeing the letter he motioned to the pretended -trader to follow him, and conducted him to the house where Lieutenant -Mackenzie lodged. - -"There is a man outside who has a letter for you, sir," he said -saluting. - -"An Englishman?" - -"No, sir, one of these traders, I think. He has some horses with packs, -and he has a wounded or dead man in a litter." - -"Show him in." - -Angus on entering said in Persian, "My orders are to deliver this -letter to you when alone, sir." - -The lieutenant signed to two orderlies, to whom he had at the time been -giving orders, and Angus then went on in English: "You do not remember -me, Lieutenant Mackenzie. I am Angus Campbell, on the staff of Sir -Alexander Burnes." - -"Oh, yes, I remember you now," the officer said, rising and shaking him -by the hand. "Of course we have met many times, but in that Persian -dress I did not know you again. I suppose you have come to see how we -are getting on?" - -"No. I am on a mission across the mountains to see what Dost Mahomed is -really doing there, as you will see by this letter." - -The officer glanced through it. "I see you do not want the natives -here--there are not many of them--to be asking any questions. Let me -see. We are pretty closely packed, as you may imagine. I could give you -a room here, but that would hardly do." - -"No, it would not do at all," Angus said. "It would appear strange -indeed to the natives if you were to so honour a travelling merchant. -I can do very well without a room, for I have a tent that I have used -on my journey. All I wish is that you give an order that we shall not -be in any way interfered with." - -"That I can do easily enough, and will put a sentry over your -encampment with orders that no one is to enter into conversation with -your followers." - -"Thank you; that is just what I desire." - -"I hear that one of your men is ill, can anything be done for him? We -have a doctor with us, and you could leave the man in hospital, and -he could either make his way back when cured, or follow you--though -I doubt whether that would be possible, as the passes will soon be -completely blocked with snow. As soon as we are sure of this we shall -return to Cabul, so we are looking forward eagerly, as you may imagine, -for the news that they have become impassable." - -"Thank you. The man met with an accident by falling from his horse, but -I doctored him as well as I could, and I think in another day or two he -will be able to sit a horse; and as he knows the passes, I must keep -him with me, for already the paths are in many cases obliterated by -snow, and I should fare badly indeed without him." - -"Yes, I see that. How long are you going to stay here?" - -"I shall start again the day after to-morrow. It is most important that -I should push on, for the passes may be closed any day. I will give the -horses and men one day's rest, that is all that I can afford now. I -will say good-bye, for it would not do for you to be seen speaking to -me again." - -"No, I suppose it would not do for you to come here, but I will after -dark to-night come down and have a chat with you. I have had no news -from Cabul for the last fortnight. There would be no harm in that, -would there?" - -"No; I should be very glad if you would come in that way." - -Half an hour later the tents were erected, and two sentries were placed -near them to warn off all intruders. Angus went into the little town, -and made some purchases from three small traders who had remained -there, and had been well rewarded for doing so by the prices they -obtained from the troops for their stores. Lieutenant Mackenzie, on -his arrival, had ordered them to send all the liquor they had to his -quarters, telling them that unless they agreed to this they would not -be allowed to remain, and promising that the liquor should be returned -to them when the troops left. Their stores were almost exhausted, but -Angus was able to purchase some rice, a pot of ghee, and a sack of -grain for the horses. At eight o'clock Mackenzie came down. Sadut Khan -had been apprised of the intended visit, and had willingly consented to -be carried for the time into the other tent, so that Angus had his to -himself. - -"It is a snug little tent," Mackenzie said when he entered it; "not -much head room, but that is of no consequence, as it is only a place -for sleeping in. I am ashamed to come empty-handed, but I only brought -a couple of bottles of spirits with me, and they are both empty long -ago. I can't drink this beastly native stuff. And besides, the room in -which I stored all there was in the place when I got here is locked -up. I made the traders put their seals to it so that there could be no -dispute about the quantities when I handed them over." - -"Thank you," Angus said; "I don't touch spirits. Whatever may be the -case in other places, I am convinced that men are better off without -them in a country like this. Certainly they are best avoided in hot -weather; and I think even in the cold weather coffee is infinitely -better, and I have brought a good store of that with me. Now, make -yourself as comfortable as you can. Fill your pipe from that jar, it is -the best Persian tobacco. Then when the coffee comes in I will give you -the news from Cabul." - -A large jug of coffee, with two silver horns which Angus had bought -before starting, was soon brought in, and then Angus told what had -happened at Cabul since the last letter Mackenzie had received. - -"Then you don't think things are going on well?" Mackenzie said when he -had concluded. - -"No, there is much disaffection among the lower class in the city. -The tribesmen are restless and discontented. It was a great mistake -to allow Shah Soojah the entire control of all civilian matters; -the consequence is that the people are grievously oppressed by the -tax-gatherers. The Ameer himself is impatient at the slightest attempt -to control him. He renders himself intensely unpopular by hardly ever -appearing in public, by his refusal to grant audiences, and by his -haughtiness and arrogance to those whom he does admit to his presence. -I am certain that he could not maintain himself for a day if we were -to march away, and I don't see how we can leave him to his fate. -Altogether the situation is very difficult, and I am afraid it will end -badly. They want a strong man at the head of affairs. I do not think -that Macnaghten is a strong man. Keane is a good soldier, but it is -said that he will return to England in the spring." - -"And how about Burnes?" - -"Burnes is my chief," Angus said with a smile; "but I can say this, -I believe that if he were in Macnaghten's place things would go on -better. At present, however, he has no authority of any kind. He -differs from Macnaghten on almost every point, and any advice he gives -is almost contemptuously neglected." - -"It is a queer state of affairs," Mackenzie said. "However, I suppose -we shall get out all right in the end. It is a way we have. We -generally make a muddle in the beginning, but our fighting power has -pulled us through. Well, I will be going now; it is eleven o'clock. I -think that it would be better that I should not come again to-morrow." - -"I think so too. If the Afghans here entertained the smallest suspicion -that you were visiting me, they would feel sure that I was not the -trader I pretended to be, and would find means of sending a message -across the mountains, which would result in the failure of my mission -and my own certain death." - -After a hearty farewell, and an expression of the best wishes for the -success of his mission, Mackenzie said good-bye and left the tent. The -Afghan chief was carried back into it, and in a few minutes all in the -little camp were asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -A DANGEROUS JOURNEY - - -Angus made every effort to secure the services of a native well -acquainted with the passes as guide, but was altogether unsuccessful. -The difficulties were, they declared, insurmountable, the danger -overwhelming. - -"I must see what I can do," Sadut Khan said, when Angus informed him -that the natives were all of opinion that the snow was too heavy and -the danger too great for the pass to be attempted. "We stayed here for -some days, when I crossed the hills with Dost Mahomed. There is a petty -chief living in a village two miles away; if he is still there, I -think he would accompany you. Whether or not, I am certain he would not -divulge the secret of my being here to anyone." - -"I will go myself to see him," Angus said. "I hope indeed he will -accompany us, for if not, I fear that our journey has come to an end, -as the offers I have made would have tempted any of the natives here to -go with me if they had thought it possible. Shall I mention your name -to him?" - -"Say to him only that a chief of the Momunds, whom he knew here three -months ago, desires to speak to him." - -Angus at once mounted his horse and rode to the foot of the hill -upon which the village with the tower of its chief was perched. Then -fastening the bridle to a stunted shrub, he made his way up the steep -ascent on foot. The place did not contain more than a dozen houses. As -he passed through these, natives wrapped in sheep-skin jackets came to -the door and gazed at him with angry scowls. As he reached the door of -the tower four armed men came out. - -"What would you here, stranger?" one of them said. - -"I would speak a few words with your chief." - -"He does not want either to buy or to sell," the man said shortly. - -"I do not seek to sell," Angus said. "I have a message of importance to -him." - -One of them went into the tower, and returning in a minute, motioned to -Angus to follow him. The chief, a tall and powerful man of middle age, -was seated on the floor of a room in the upper story of the tower. Near -him was a large earthenware pan, in which a charcoal fire was burning. - -"Why come you here, Persian?" he said, "and what message can one like -you bear to me?" - -Angus repeated the message that Sadut Khan had given him. The chief -rose to his feet suddenly. "You lie!" he said fiercely, "he is dead. -The news came to us a week since." - -"Nevertheless, he gave me that message; and if you will come with me to -Bamian you will see for yourself that he is not dead, though it is true -that he has been sorely hurt." - -"I go not into Bamian," the chief said. "I have not put foot in -the town since the accursed infidels came there. They have held no -communication with me, nor I with them. This may be a trick to lure me -there and make me prisoner." - -"If they had desired to do so," Angus said quietly, "they would have -sent a hundred men with a gun or two, and not a mere trader. Besides, -how could they have told that a Momund chief had been here with Dost -Mahomed when he passed through?" - -"Many could have told you that," the chief said, "seeing that, next to -the Ameer himself, he was the most observed of the party." - -"Well, chief, if you will not go, I have nothing to do but to return -and inform him that you refuse to come and see him." - -"How can he be there, in the midst of the enemy, unless indeed he is a -prisoner?" - -"He is not a prisoner; he lies in my tent. You can see him without -entering Bamian, for my camp is outside the town. What motive, chief, -could I have in deceiving you?" - -"I will go," the chief said suddenly. "It shall not be said that I -refused to answer such a call, however improbable it might seem." - -He threw on a cloak lined with sheep-skins, and telling his men that -unless something befell him he would be back by noon, he led the way -down the hill. Angus mounted his horse when he reached it and rode -beside him. For some distance the Afghan did not speak. - -"Do you know the name of this chief?" he asked abruptly when half the -distance had been traversed. - -"It is Sadut Khan, the fighting chief of the Momunds, and a nephew by -marriage of the Ameer." - -The Afghan had not expected this reply. - -"You must be in his confidence indeed, Persian, or he would not thus -have disclosed himself when in the midst of those who would hail his -capture as one of the most valuable prizes." - -"He has, as you say, faith in me," Angus said quietly, "and will, -doubtless, when you see him, give you his reason for that trust in me." - -"Your story must be true, and I believe it; forgive me for at first -doubting it. But having heard that the chief had been killed, I thought -this was a plot of some kind." - -"It was natural that you should not believe me," Angus said. "You could -scarce credit that he was alive, and, what was still more strange, -that he should be in a town occupied by the English, and yet not be a -prisoner." - -"This is a fortunate day for me, indeed," the Afghan said. "There is -no chief whose name is more honoured in the country than that of Sadut -Khan. He is as brave as a lion, good to his people, and faithful to -Dost Mahomed, when so many have fallen away from him. The Ameer regards -him as if he were a favourite son, and it will gladden his heart -indeed, and lessen his troubles, when he learns that he is still alive." - -Avoiding the town they went straight to Sadut. Angus dismounted and led -the way to his little white tent, and, raising the flap, said to the -chief, "He is here; enter." - -The Afghan did so; and thinking it best to leave them together for a -time, Angus strolled away and saw that his horse was, as usual, well -wrapped up in a thick felt blanket. It was half an hour before the -chief made his appearance at the entrance to the tent and looked round. - -Angus at once spoke to him. - -"My friend," said the chief, "I again ask your pardon for doubting you -for a moment. Allah will surely bless you for the good work you have -done. Sadut Khan has told me all, and it passes my understanding why -a stranger should have cumbered himself with a wounded man of whom he -knew nothing." - -"Does not the Koran bid us succour the afflicted?" - -"That is true, my friend, but there are surely limits. One will do -great things for a friend, one may do something for a stranger, but to -hinder one's journey and cumber one's self with a wounded stranger is -surely more than can be expected of us." - -Angus now entered the tent. - -"My trust in the chief was not misplaced," Sadut Khan said. "He will -act as our guide across the mountains, though he doubts whether it will -be possible to cross the passes. If it is the will of Allah, Persian, -that we should not, we can but die." - -"That is so," Angus said; "but the passes may not be as badly blocked -as we expect." - -"We can hardly hope that," the chief replied, shaking his head. "The -last party that came over reported that they had never known it so bad. -This was a week ago, and since then the sky has always been dull to -the north, and it has surely been snowing there. However, to-day it is -lighter, and maybe no more snow will fall for a time. We had best lose -not an hour in starting. I shall take four of my men with me. We have -no horses, but that matters not at all, for the passage will have to be -made on foot. Let us move to-morrow at daybreak, and travel as far as -we can before it is dark." - -When the arrangements were all settled, Angus went into the village and -bought some more grain, cheese, and other food, also a store of extra -blankets, and two other native tents; these were to be packed on his -horse and Azim's. Among other things he bought two native lamps for -each tent, and a good supply of oil, a roll of flannel for tearing into -strips for winding round the feet and legs, and he was then satisfied -that he had done all in his power to render the enterprise a success. -Before daybreak next morning Hassan, the Afghan chief, arrived with -four of his followers, all strong and sinewy men. The animals were -speedily packed; Sadut's litter was placed between two of the horses -which were more lightly loaded than the others, and they set out just -as daylight was spreading over the sky. - -The speed with which the start was effected was in itself a sign that -all felt the gravity of the task before them. Angus had the evening -before explained to the two soldiers that the journey before them was -one of tremendous difficulty, and offered to leave them in charge of -Lieutenant Mackenzie till spring, when they could return to Cabul and -rejoin their regiment; but they would not hear of it. - -"We are both mountain men," one said, "and if others can get through -we can. At any rate, we will risk anything rather than return with -blackened faces and say that we had feared to follow our officer." - -The morning was bitterly cold, but the sky was clear. - -"We shall do well to-day," Hassan said to Angus, "and the horses are -fresh. As for to-morrow, who can say?" - -The snow was knee-deep when they got beyond the village. The ascent -began almost at once and was heavy work both for men and horses. - -They continued their journey till it was too dark to go farther, then -they halted in a ravine which afforded some shelter from the piercing -wind. All set to work to clear away the snow where the tents were -to be pitched, but before raising these the horses were attended to. -Blankets were girded round them from the ears to the tail, and they -were picketed touching each other for mutual warmth. A supply of corn -was then laid down before each on some square pieces of felt placed -on the snow. When the tents were pitched the lamps were lighted and -the flaps closed, then snow was scraped up outside until the canvas -was covered nearly to the top. In spite of the intense cold all were -thoroughly warmed by their hard work before they turned in. Angus took -Azim into his tent, the rest divided themselves among the other two. At -other times it would have been unpleasant to be so closely packed, but -in such weather it was an advantage. - -Before setting to work to pile the snow against the tents a brass -kettle filled with water had been suspended from the ridge-pole over -the lamps, and the water was almost boiling by the time the work was -finished, and in a few minutes coffee was made. The frozen carcasses of -four sheep had been brought, as well as a large quantity of meat that -had been cooked on the previous day. Some slices of the latter were -thawed over the lamp and eaten with bread that had been purchased at -Bamian. But few words were spoken after the meal was finished, their -fatigue and the warmth of the tent rendering it difficult for them to -keep awake. In a few minutes all were sound asleep. The next day's -march was even more arduous. Sadut had given up his litter and again -mounted his horse, as it was found impossible for the two animals -linked together by the hammock to make their way up the steep place. -The work was toilsome in the extreme, but all worked cheerfully. - -Hassan and his four men laboured with the greatest vigour, carrying -burdens to places which horses when laden could not have climbed, -hauling the animals out of deep drifts into which they frequently -fell, carrying Sadut Khan in his litter at points where the ascent was -so steep that, crippled as he still was by his injured leg, he could -not have retained his seat in the saddle. The party worked in almost -complete silence, but with a stern determination and energy which -showed their consciousness that every moment was of importance. Twelve -miles were the result of as many hours of labour. No signs of a track -had been visible since they left Bamian, and Angus felt how absolutely -impossible it would have been to cross the pass had it not been for -the intimate knowledge of Hassan and his followers; even these were -sometimes at fault. None of them had ever passed over the mountains -when so deeply covered with snow, and consultations constantly took -place between them as to the line to be followed. When they arrived at -their halting-place for the night, Hassan told Angus and the Momund -chief that they were now within two hundred feet of the top of the pass. - -"To-morrow's work will be the most dangerous; the north wind sweeps -across the plateau with terrible force. Moreover, I do not like the -look of the sky this evening. We have been fortunate so far, but I -think that there will be a change." - -"It is well, indeed," Sadut said as they ate their supper, "that we -crossed the highest pass before the snow began in earnest; we certainly -could not have supported that journey had we been ten days later. We -have got through the hardest part of the work, and everything now -depends upon the weather. May Allah grant that there be no more snow. -The pass to-morrow is but twelve miles across, and if all goes well we -shall begin to descend on the following morning. If the snow holds off -we shall be able to do that distance easily, for it is almost a level -plain that we have to traverse. Parts of it will be nearly clear of -snow, which the fierce blasts sweep away as fast as it falls, while in -other places the surface will be hard enough to walk on, the snow being -pressed firmly together by the weight of the wind." - -They were on foot again next morning even earlier than usual. All were -aware of the importance of haste. The tents were pulled down and loaded -with the greatest rapidity. The cold was intense, and but few words -were spoken until they reached the summit of the ascent, by which time -the effort of climbing had restored the heat that had been lost as soon -as they left their warm tents. The sky was cloudless, and Angus felt -hopeful that the day's journey would be accomplished with comparative -ease. He noticed, however, that there was an anxious look on the faces -of the five tribesmen, who, although they were travelling more rapidly -than they had done since they left Bamian, were constantly urging -horses and men to press forward at a greater speed. Angus had expected -that they would have to face very strong wind, but scarce a breath was -blowing. - -As Sadut had predicted, the rock was in many places completely bare. -The fields of snow were so hard that, instead of struggling knee-deep -as before, they now seldom sank over their feet, and sometimes left -scarcely a track upon the surface. The hills on either side stood up -clear and hard, and the silence was almost oppressive. They were, they -calculated, half-way across the pass three hours after leaving their -camp, when Hassan, who was walking beside Angus and Sadut, stopped -suddenly and pointed to the sky. Looking up Angus saw two or three -little wisps of vapour passing overhead with extraordinary speed. - -"The storm!" Hassan exclaimed. "See, others are coming; it will soon be -upon us. We can go no farther, but must prepare to meet it instantly or -we shall be overwhelmed." - -Knowing that Hassan would not have spoken thus unless from the direst -necessity, Angus at once ordered a halt. The plateau was perfectly -flat, and nowhere could any shelter be obtained, and they were now on -an expanse of hard snow. Urged by the shouts and exclamations of Hassan -all hastened to unload the animals. As soon as this was done, Angus -ordered the tents to be pitched. - -"It is useless," Hassan said, "they would be blown down in an instant. -Let them lie open on the snow. Let each man take his two blankets and -keep them by him in readiness, and when the storm begins let him wrap -himself up in these, and then let those who are tent-fellows lie down -together on one side of the tent, pull the other over them, and roll -themselves in it. I and my men will be the last to take shelter, and we -will pile the sacks and saddles over the ends to keep them down. But -first put all the extra blankets over the horses and fasten them over -their heads, and let them hang down well behind. They will turn their -backs to the wind. Make all those that are accustomed to lie down do -so. Range the others close to them." - -Ten minutes of hard work and all was ready. Then they had time to look -round. The sky was hidden from view by masses of black clouds streaming -along. The men took their places on their tents and wrapped their -blankets round in readiness. - -"Lie down at once!" Hassan ordered. "It will be upon us almost -immediately." - -The men did so. Hassan and his followers pulled the felt covering over -them, pushing the edge of the upper side under them as far as possible. -Then they piled baggage and saddles on the ends. Angus, with Azim and -Sadut, remained standing till the last. Hassan ran up to them with his -men. - -"Quick!" he said, "the storm will be upon us immediately." - -Glancing ahead as he lay down, Angus saw what looked like a white mist -in the distance, and knew that it must be snow swept up by the force of -the wind. Half a minute and they were tucked up in the thick felt; this -was weighted at both ends. - -"Allah preserve you!" Hassan shouted, then all was silent. A minute -later the storm struck them with such force that they felt as if -pressed down by a heavy weight. Had they been inclined to speak they -could not have heard each other, so loud was the howl of the wind. -Wrapped up in their sheep-skin posteens and blankets, they did not feel -the cold. For some time Angus lay and wondered how long this would -last. Presently he fell asleep, the warmth, after the bitterly cold air -outside, overpowering even the thought of danger. He was lying between -Sadut and Azim, who, like himself, lay without moving. Indeed, movement -would have been difficult, so tightly was the tent wrapped round them. -He slept for many hours vaguely conscious of the roar and fury of the -gale. When he awoke at last it was with a sense of suffocation, a heavy -weight seemed to press upon him, and the sound of the storm had ceased. - -"Are you awake?" he asked the others, but he had to shake them before -he obtained an answer. - -"Something must be done," he went on, as soon as they were capable of -understanding him. "We shall be suffocated if we don't let some air in." - -"That is true," Sadut said. "The snow is evidently piled up round us. -We must let air in, or we shall perish." - -But in spite of their efforts they found it impossible to move forward -to get to the end of the roll. - -"We must cut our way out; it is our only chance," Angus said, and -turning on to his back, he managed to get out his long Afghan knife, -and cut a slit three feet long in the felt. As he did so, the snow -came pouring in through the opening. - -"Do you both put your hands under my shoulders," he said, "and help me -to sit up." - -It was not until he had cut a transverse slit so as to allow the hole -to open wider that he was able to do so. - -"The snow is not packed very hard," he said, as he pressed it aside. -"It can't be very deep, for I can see light." - -It was not long before he was on his feet, and had pushed the snow -sufficiently back to enable his companions to get out also. The feeling -of suffocation was already relieved, as a sufficient amount of air -made its way through the snow, and after five minutes' hard work they -clambered out. The gale was still blowing, though not so violently as -at first, the snow still falling thickly. Two white mounds marked the -position of the other tents, elsewhere a wide expanse of level snow was -seen. It was evident that, as it drifted, it had first heaped itself -against the tent. More had settled beyond it, and so gradually mounds -had risen until they were seven or eight feet high. - -"We must rescue the others at once," Angus said. - -On the windward side the snow was so hard that their hands made no -impression upon it, but on the sheltered side it was lighter, and -working with their hands they were soon able to clear it away down to -the end of the tent beneath which Hassan and three of his followers -were lying. It was not, like the others, closed there, as its occupants -had been unable to place weights on it after they had rolled themselves -up. As soon as they had cleared the snow and opened the felt out a -little, Sadut called-- - -"Are you awake, Hassan?" - -"I am awake," he replied, "but am bound down hand and foot." - -They cleared the snow off until they saw a foot. Taking hold of this -together they pulled and gradually drew one of the men out. The other -three were extricated more easily. They found that these had not -suffered so much from a sense of suffocation as the first party had -done, as, the ends of the roll being open, a certain amount of air had -found its way through the snow. Half an hour's hard work sufficed to -rescue the occupants of the other tent. The three were unconscious, but -the cold blast speedily brought them round. - -"What is to be done next?" Angus asked Hassan. - -"The gale is still far too severe for us to move," the latter answered. -"We had best clear away the snow over the tents, and then take to them -again." - -After two hours' work the tents were cleared. The men had worked from -above, throwing out the snow over the sides of the mound, so that when -they had finished the tents lay at the bottoms of sloping holes. A meal -was then eaten, and lifting the upper covering of felt they lay down -again and closed it over them. The sun was in the east, and they knew -that some fifteen hours had elapsed since the gale had struck them. -A mound of snow had marked where the horses were lying. They did not -interfere with these, for Hassan said that the horses would be able to -breathe through the snow, and probably the heat of their bodies had -melted it immediately round them, and they would be much warmer than -if the snow were cleared off. Before turning in Hassan and his men -managed to erect the tent of their leaders. Lying as it did in a crater -of snow, it was sheltered from the force of the wind. Holes were made -with a dagger on each side of the slit that Angus had cut, and the -edges tied together by a strip of leather. A couple of lamps and oil -were taken from the sack in which they were carried, and also the bag -of corn, and the little party after filling their vessels with snow and -hanging them over the lamps, and closing the entrance to the tent, -soon felt comfortable again. - -"It has been a narrow escape," Sadut said. "Had it not been for your -thinking of cutting the tent, and so enabling us to make our way out, -the whole caravan would assuredly have perished. Now, we have only an -imprisonment for another day or two at most, and can then proceed on -our journey." - -The next morning the gale had ceased, though the snow continued to -fall. By mid-day the sky cleared, and all issuing out from their -shelters prepared for a start. It took them an hour's work to extricate -the horses; one of these, a weakly animal, had died, the others -appeared uninjured by their imprisonment. All the vessels in the camp -had been used for melting snow, and a drink of warm water with some -flour stirred into it was given to each of the animals, and an extra -feed of corn. As soon as they had eaten this, the baggage was packed on -their backs, and the party moved forward. It was heavy work. The snow -that had fallen since the force of the wind had abated was soft, and -the animals sank fetlock-deep in it. But after three hours' travelling, -they reached the end of the pass and began to descend. Two hours later -they halted at a spot where a wall of rock afforded shelter against the -wind from the north. - -"Allah be praised that we have reached this point!" Hassan said. "Now -the worst is over. I can see that we shall have another storm before an -hour is past, they generally follow each other when they once begin. -But here we are safe, and it was for this that I said 'No' when you -proposed that we should halt at the mouth of the pass." - -The tents were soon erected, great stones being placed on the lower -edge to steady them against the gusts of wind. Then a diligent search -was made for wood, and enough bushes were found to make a good fire. -Strips of meat from one of the frozen sheep were cooked, the kettles -were boiled, cakes of flour and ghee were baked, and the travellers -made a hearty meal. The horses were each given half a bucket of warm -water, thickened with flour, and a double feed of grain. Then all sat -round the fire smoking and talking until it burned low, when, in spite -of their sheep-skin coats, the bitter cold soon made itself felt. -They had scarcely turned into their tents when the storm, as Hassan -had predicted, burst. Except for an occasional gust they felt it but -little, and slept soundly until morning, when they found that light -snow had eddied down, and was lying two feet deep. The day was spent in -cooking and attending to their own wants and those of the horses. - -For two days they were prisoners, then the gale abated, and they -continued their journey, and late that evening arrived at the village -of Chol. Here they were received with hospitality by the natives, -who were astounded that in such weather the caravan should have made -its way over the pass. Resting here for two days, they travelled to -Kala Sarkari. Sadut now took the lead, for the chief of the village -seeing three horses loaded with merchandise demanded toll; but, Sadut -announcing himself as a nephew of Dost Mahomed, and saying that the -whole party were under his protection, the threatening attitude that -the inhabitants began to assume was at once calmed. Four days' travel, -with halts at small villages, took them to Balkh. Here, on declaring -himself, Sadut was received with great honour, and was entertained at -the governor's house, where Dost Mahomed was lying ill. No attention -was bestowed upon Hassan and his followers, who walked behind him, and -were reported as having been the means of his safety. Angus with his -party kept some little distance in the rear and took up their quarters -at a khan unnoticed, but when Sadut was seen to call early the next -morning upon the Persian trader and remain with him for a considerable -time, it was understood that they were under his protection, and no -enquiries were made by the authorities of the town. - -On the third day Sadut said to Angus: "I regret that the Ameer is ill. -Had it not been for that he would have received you. I told him of the -services you have rendered me, and that but for you a few hours would -have ended my life. He said that he would like to see so noble a man, -and to give him a fitting testimonial of gratitude for the service done -to his sister's son. He requested me to bring you to him as soon as he -is able to rise from his couch; and when he enters Cabul in triumph, -as he assuredly will do ere long, he hopes that you will establish -yourself there. I can promise you that your business shall flourish." - -"I thank you heartily, Khan, for having spoken to the Ameer about me," -Angus said gravely, "but I cannot receive a present from Dost Mahomed. -I have intended many times to tell you more about myself, and I feel -that I must do so now. You are my friend, and I cannot remain in a -false position with you. As long as we were travelling together, no -harm was done; it mattered not to you who was the man who had aided -you in your extremity. But the case is different now. You were then a -sorely wounded man, who needed what aid I could give you; now you are -a close relation of Dost Mahomed, and a powerful Afghan chief, so the -case is changed. Dost Mahomed, and no doubt yourself, know what is -passing in Cabul by means of your friends there, who see all that is -going on. The English general, on the other hand, knows nothing of what -is passing beyond the ground patrolled by his cavalry. - -"It was important for him to learn what was passing on this side of the -mountains, and he selected me, an officer in his army, on account of my -knowledge of Persian and Pushtoo, to cross the mountains and ascertain -what prospect there was of Dost Mahomed's returning with an army to -Cabul in the spring. I confide my secret to you as to a friend. You can -see that it would be impossible for me to accept presents from Dost -Mahomed in my character of a Persian merchant, and for the same reason -I should abstain from questioning you, or even allowing you to give -me any information as to the military preparations going on. To do so -would be to take an unfair advantage of the chances that enabled me to -be of service." - -Angus had thought the matter over, and knew that while such work as he -was engaged in would, if discovered, cost him his life, it would be -regarded by the Afghans as a legitimate means of obtaining information; -and although if caught he would be killed as an enemy, his action would -be regarded as showing that he was a man of great bravery thus to place -himself in the power of an enemy. This was the view, indeed, in which -Sadut Khan regarded it. - -"You have done well to tell me," he said gravely. "It was truly the -act of a brave man not only to risk discovery here, but to undertake -the terrible adventure of crossing the passes when winter had fairly -set in, in order to obtain information for your general. Still more -do I wonder that you should have burdened yourself with the care of -an enemy, one who was fighting against your people. It was wonderful -on the part of a Persian trader, it is far more so on the part of one -against whom I was fighting, who is not of my religion, who was engaged -upon an enterprise of such a nature, and to whom speed was a matter of -the greatest importance. Had it not been for the slow pace at which you -travelled with me, you might have crossed all the passes before they -were blocked. I shall fight against your people as before, but I shall -respect them now I see that although our religions differ, there are -good things in their beliefs as in ours, and that even the Koran has -no lessons in charity and kindliness stronger than those that you have -learned from the teaching of your own religion. - -"What I thought wonderful on the part of a Persian merchant is still -more marvellous on the part of an English officer, who could have no -possible interest in saving a dying man; and who, indeed, might have -gained credit by delivering him into the hands of his countrymen, since -so long as I was a prisoner in their hands, I should be a hostage for -the quiet behaviour of my people. You can do no harm to us by your -enquiries here; it is known by all on this side of the mountains that -the Ameer will in the spring endeavour to turn out the usurper; it is -known already to every sheik from Candahar to Jellalabad. Whether he -will come with ten thousand or twenty thousand men matters little; -when he appears, all Afghanistan will rise. Your generals might have -been sure that it would be so without sending to make enquiries. -I cannot tell you with what force we shall come. It will not be a -great army; even in summer a large force could scarcely traverse the -passes. It is not on the force that he will take from here that Dost -Mahomed relies; it is on the host he will gather round him when he -crosses the mountains. We have learned that the disaffection to Soojah -is everywhere on the increase. There were many who did not love the -Barukzyes, but they know now that things are worse instead of better -since the change, for the man has made himself hated by his arrogance, -his contempt for the people in general, and the extortion exercised by -his tax-gatherers. - -"There is no secret in all this, your own officers must know it. What -you will not learn, for the decision will not be made until the spring, -is the line by which the Ameer will advance. There are many passes -by which he may then cross; or he may go round by Herat, and gather -forces as he advances. Or again, he might go east, and crossing by the -passes there, come down through Chitral to Jellalabad." - -"That I can well understand, Khan. Of course I have already learned -that there is no doubt that Dost Mahomed is preparing to cross the -passes in the spring, and that he is sure of the support of the -tribesmen on this side of the mountains." - -"He could gather a very large army if he chose," Sadut said, "but the -difficulty of transporting food for so large a body would be very -great, I think that ten thousand men will be the utmost he could move -with. I am doing no harm in telling you this, because you would soon -learn it in the town, and it is certain that your people could not -prevent his passing the Hindoo Koosh, since he has so many routes to -choose from. His force is not like your army, which, moving with great -trains of baggage, cannon, and ammunition, could only cross by one or -two passes; we can move wherever our horses can climb. And now I will -leave you, for I have some business to attend to; but I will return -this evening." - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -TROUBLES THICKEN - - -Angus saw that as he could not hope to obtain further information, -however long he might stay, and as he had fulfilled the main object -of his mission by discovering that Dost Mahomed would not be content -with remaining master of the northern province, but would certainly -advance in the spring, he could do no good by remaining any longer. -The information that he could give would enable Macnaghten and Burnes -to show the Indian government that their intention of withdrawing -more troops in the early spring would be disastrous; and it was with -this special object in view that he had been sent. He had on the two -previous days sold a portion of his goods, but had held out for the -prices with which they were marked. He was now more willing to bargain, -as he wished to travel in future as lightly as possible. Accordingly, -before nightfall he had disposed of nearly half the stock with which he -had started; but he had at the same time purchased a certain amount of -goods from Turkestan, as these would be more appropriate as merchandise -when he started from Balkh for Herat. Sadut came again in the evening. - -"My friend," he said, "I have been thinking over your position. -Doubtless you might stay here for some time without its being suspected -that you were other than you seemed to be, but a chance word from one -of your men might betray you, and as you have really learned all that -there is to learn, it seems to me that there is no use in your tarrying -any longer here. It is true that Dost Mahomed, for my sake, would -protect you, even were you discovered. Still, you know the nature of -our people, and were it rumoured that you were an infidel, you might be -torn to pieces before either the Ameer or myself knew aught about it." - -"I have come to the same conclusion. If I thought I could gain anything -by remaining I should do so, whatever the risk; but as it would be -useless to stay, I intend to leave to-morrow. I have a long journey to -make via Herat; the sooner I am off the better. My men are now packing -up my goods and preparing for a start at daylight." - -"I felt so sure that this would be your course that I have brought with -me an order from the Ameer to the governor and headmen of all towns -and villages through which you may pass, enjoining them to give you -good treatment, as he holds you in high esteem for having rendered most -valuable services to me." - -"I thank you very heartily," Angus replied. "This will greatly -facilitate my journey and save me from all small annoyances. I trust -that we shall meet again." - -"I hope so indeed. Never shall I forget the debt of gratitude that -I owe you. Perhaps some day I may be able to repay that debt to a -small extent. Remember, that in case of need you may rely upon me -to the utmost. At any rate, you must not refuse to accept this; it -is a present from Dost Mahomed, not to an English officer, but to a -Persian merchant who has saved the life of his sister's son. He talks -continually while with me of the nobility of your action, and when I -told him that you were going he had his turban brought and took out -this gem, which was its chief ornament, and bade me hand it you in -remembrance of the deed. I told him you had said that you would receive -no present for a simple act of humanity. More I could not tell him -without revealing your secret, though I know that it would be safe -with him. You cannot refuse to take this. As for myself, I am here an -exile far away from my own people, and have but this to give you as a -token of my love. It is my signet ring. If you send it to me I will go -through fire and water to come to you. My tribesmen will all recognize -it, and will do anything in their power for its possessor." - -Angus saw that, offered as it was, he should greatly hurt the Afghan's -feelings if he refused the immense ruby surrounded by diamonds that -Dost Mahomed had sent him. - -"I will not refuse the gift of the Ameer so given to me, and shall -cherish it as my most valued possession and the gift of a man whom -I for one, and I may say most British officers, consider to be very -badly treated by us. I know from Sir Alexander Burnes that Dost Mahomed -was most anxious for our alliance. Shah Soojah is as unpopular among -us as among his own people. Of course, as soldiers, it is not our -business to concern ourselves with politics; that is a matter for the -government only. Still we cannot but have our feelings, and I am sure -that should the fortune of war ever place Dost Mahomed in our hands he -would receive honourable treatment. Your gift I shall prize as highly, -as a token of our warm friendship, and trust that the time may never -come when I have to put its virtue to the test, though I well know that -I could in necessity rely upon any help that you might be able to give -me." - -After talking for some time of the best route to follow, Sadut Khan -took an affectionate leave, and Angus started the next morning with his -party. Before setting out he bestowed handsome gifts upon Hassan and -his followers, whom he had learned to like greatly for the devotion -they had shown to Sadut and the energy and courage with which they had -worked during the journey. Travelling from twenty to five-and-twenty -miles a day, with occasional halts, he reached Cabul after two months -of travel. His journey had been greatly facilitated by the order that -he carried from Dost Mahomed. He had not entered Herat, as it was -probable that he would be recognized there. Avoiding the city, he -travelled by the same route as before to Girishk, and then took a road -running a few miles north of Candahar and falling into the main road at -Kelat-i-Ghilzye. - -His first step was to see Sir Alexander Burnes and to report to him -that assuredly Dost Mahomed would come south with a considerable force -as soon as the passes were opened. His following would not itself be -very formidable, but he relied upon being joined by all the tribesmen -south of the hills. - -"Your news is most opportune," the agent said, "and can hardly fail to -induce the Governor-general to alter his determination to withdraw the -greater part of our force in the spring. Already we have not a man too -many for contingencies that may arise. Now, tell me about your journey. -The winter set in so severely directly you left us that I have been -seriously uneasy about you. I had only one message from Mackenzie after -you had left, it was brought by a native; and he told me that you had -passed through, but that the weather had changed for the worse the day -after you started, and the universal opinion among the natives was that -you and your party had perished." - -Angus gave an account of his journey. He had thought over the question -whether it would be wise to mention the episode of the wounded Afghan, -but he concluded that it would be better to do so, as Mackenzie, when -he rejoined the force, might casually mention that he had a sick man -with him; and he therefore told the whole story as it happened. - -"I admire your humanity, Mr. Campbell, though it seems almost quixotic -to burden yourself with a wounded man. But, as you say, it was evident -that if you could manage to carry him through he might be of great -service to you. Undoubtedly he would have been a valuable prisoner to -have in our hands, but his gratitude to you may prove valuable to us, -for the Momunds are a powerful tribe, and your conduct to him cannot -but have inspired him with a better feeling towards us than he has -hitherto shown." - -"He may have less animosity, sir, but I fear that he will still be -found fighting against us. On the way he spoke many times of his -determination to continue the struggle until Afghanistan was free from -the infidel; I am convinced that his indignation at the treatment of -Dost Mahomed, and his fanaticism are so strong that no private matter -is likely to shake them." - -The winter passed quietly, and the attention of Burnes and Macnaghten -was turned rather towards the frontier than to the state of things -round Cabul. Yar Mahomed, virtual ruler of Herat, although he was -receiving large sums of money from us, was known to be intriguing with -Persia, and trying to form an alliance with the Shah to expel the -British from Afghanistan. Russia had sent an expedition against Khiva, -and the conquest of this little state would bring her more closely to -the frontier of Afghanistan. Dost Mahomed, however, had gone on a visit -to the Ameer of Bokhara, and had been detained for the present by that -treacherous ruler; thus for a time the prospect of an invasion on his -part was greatly diminished. - -In the spring Macnaghten and Shah Soojah returned to Cabul. The -former continued to ignore the warnings of Sir A. Burnes, as to the -ever-growing hostility of the Afghans to the British and the man -they had forced upon them. His advice and that of Burnes had been so -far followed that the force at Cabul had not been diminished; but, -not content with this, Macnaghten continued to urge on the Indian -government the necessity of sending a great force to occupy Herat and -another to cross the mountains and thwart the projects of the Russians -by carrying our arms into Bokhara. Moreover, he was continually -applying for money to meet the expenses of Shah Soojah's government. As -if the drain that these demands would entail upon the Indian treasury -and upon the Indian army were not sufficient, he insisted upon the -necessity of conquering the Punjaub, where, since the death of Runjeet -Sing, the attitude of the population had been increasingly hostile. - -It is difficult to understand how any perfectly sane man could have -made such propositions. It would have needed the whole army of India to -carry them out, to say nothing of an enormous outlay of money. Although -the Governor-general and his council firmly declined to enter upon the -wild schemes proposed to them, Macnaghten did not cease to send them -lengthy communications urging the absolute necessity of his advice -being followed. - -As the summer came on there were everywhere signs of unrest. In April -the Ghilzyes cut the communications near Candahar, but were defeated -by a small body of troops sent from that city. The Beloochees, whose -country had been annexed, were bitterly hostile, and convoys were -cut off. Candahar was invested by them, Quettah besieged, and Khelat -captured. With the exception of Macnaghten himself, there was scarcely -an officer in the army but was conscious of the tempest that was -gathering round them. Shah Soojah was as unpopular among them as among -the native population. Macnaghten was almost as unpopular as the Shah. -Everyone knew that it was his influence that had first induced Lord -Auckland to enter upon this war, and the levity with which he replied -to every warning, and the manner in which he deferred to Shah Soojah in -every respect, and allowed him to drive the tribesmen to despair by the -greed of the tax-gatherers, incensed the officers of the army to the -utmost. - -In the spring the little garrison of Bamian were on the point of being -reinforced by a Sepoy battalion when Dr. Lord, who had been sent as -political officer, received information that led him to believe that -Jubbar Khan, one of Dost Mahomed's brothers, who was in charge of -Dost's family at Khooloom, was ready to come in. One of his sons had -already done so, and Lord thought that by sending forward a force to -the fortress of Badjah he would quicken Jubbar Khan's movements. It had -the desired effect, and Jubbar Khan came into Bamian bringing with him -Dost Mahomed's family and a large party of retainers. This, however, -in no way improved the position of the little party at Badjah, for the -natives in the vicinity exhibited the greatest hostility. The officer -in command sent a detachment under Sergeant Douglas to escort another -officer to Badjah. The party was, however, attacked, and although they -made a gallant resistance, they would have been destroyed had not two -companies of Ghoorkas arrived on the spot and beat off the enemy. - -In August the startling news arrived that Dost Mahomed had escaped from -Bokhara. He was received with open arms by the governor of Khooloom -and a large force speedily gathered round him. Early in September he -advanced upon Bamian with eight thousand men. Badjah was attacked, and -although the Ghoorka regiment kept back the assailants, it was evident -that so advanced a post could not be held, and the force retreated, -leaving all their baggage behind them. A regiment of Afghan infantry -had been raised and were stationed at Bamian, but on hearing of Dost -Mahomed's approach they deserted to a man, most of them joining the -enemy. Even Macnaghten could no longer shut his eyes to the serious -nature of the position. Cabul was full of Sikh emissaries, who were -stirring up the population to revolt, promising them that the Sikh -nation would join in driving out the infidel. Reinforcements under -Colonel Dennie reached Bamian on the 14th of September, and on the 17th -Dost Mahomed with his army approached the place. Ignorant that the -whole force was upon him, Dennie sent Mackenzie with two guns and four -companies of native infantry and some four hundred Afghan horse, and -himself followed with four more companies in support. - -On joining the advanced party, he found that the whole of Dost -Mahomed's force was in front of him. In spite of the enormous disparity -of numbers, he determined to attack; a wise resolution, for although in -our Indian wars the natives often fought bravely when they attacked us, -they seldom offered a vigorous opposition when we took the offensive. -Mackenzie's two guns opened fire with shrapnel, which had a terrible -effect upon the dense masses of the enemy. These were unable to -withstand the fire, and soon began to fall back. Mackenzie followed -them, and again opened fire. Before long, Dost Mahomed's levies broke -and fled; and Dennie launched the Afghan horsemen in pursuit. These cut -down great numbers of the enemy, and dispersed them in all directions. -The effect of this signal defeat was at once apparent. The Governor of -Khooloom entered into negotiations without delay, and pledged himself -not to harbour or assist Dost Mahomed; the country south of Khooloom -was divided, he taking half, while the southern portion came under the -authority of Shah Soojah. - -The victory caused great satisfaction in Cabul, but this feeling was -short-lived. Dost Mahomed after his defeat went to Kohistan, where -there was great discontent among the chiefs, some of whom were already -in revolt. General Sale sent a force from Jellalabad, which attacked -a fortified position held by them, but the assault was repulsed with -heavy loss. It was about to be renewed, when the Kohistanees evacuated -the fort and fled. The fact, however, that our troops had met with -a repulse had a great effect upon the minds of the natives. For the -first time the Afghans had successfully withstood an attack by British -soldiers. - -Throughout the month of October Dost Mahomed was busy, and at one time -approached within forty miles of Cabul, when guns were hastily mounted -on the citadel to overawe the town, and orders sent to the force at -Bamian to return at once. Dost, however, moved no nearer. Sir Robert -Sale was pursuing him, and it was not until the 27th that he moved down -again towards Cabul, and on the 29th the greater part of the force -there marched out to give him battle. - -On the 2nd of November the two armies came face to face in the valley -of Purwandurrah. The Ameer at once moved from the village to the -neighbouring heights, and the British cavalry galloped to outflank -the Afghan horse. These were comparatively few in number, but headed -by Dost Mahomed himself, they advanced steadily to meet the Indian -cavalry. Gallantly as Indian troops have fought on numberless fields, -on this occasion they disgraced themselves utterly. Turning rein as the -Afghans approached, they galloped away in headlong flight, pursued by -the Afghans until within range of the British guns. Their officers in -vain attempted to arrest their flight, charging alone into the midst -of the enemy. Two of them were killed when surrounded by enemies, Dr. -Lord was shot, and the other two cut their way through their assailants -and reached the British line covered with wounds. No more disgraceful -affair has taken place in the story of our wars in India than this rout -of Indian cavalry by a third of their number of wild horsemen. - -But even yet the affair might have been retrieved had an officer like -Dennie been in command; had the guns opened and the infantry advanced -it might still have been a repetition of the victory of Bamian. But -Sir A. Burnes was in authority, and, easily discouraged, as was his -nature, he gave no orders, but sent off word to Macnaghten that there -was nothing for it but to fall back to Cabul. Suddenly, however, the -position was changed by Dost Mahomed himself. As he rode back after the -victorious charge he thought over his position. His imprisonment at -Bokhara had not broken his spirit, but it had affected him by showing -him that the Mohammedans of Central Asia could not be trusted to work -together or to unite to beat back the ever-advancing wave of infidel -aggression by the British on the south, and the Russians on the west. -But more than this, the defection of his brother at Khooloom, and the -surrender by him of his family, had convinced him that it would be -vain for him to continue to struggle to regain the throne that he had -lost. The Kohistanees had risen before he joined them, and he had the -satisfaction of showing that his bravery was in no way shaken by his -misfortune, and of gaining a success of a most striking description. -Now at least he could lay down his sword with honour. Accordingly, -without telling anyone of his intention, he rode off the field with a -single attendant, and on the following day reached Cabul and rode to -the British Embassy. - -As he approached it he saw Macnaghten returning from his evening -ride. His attendant galloped forward and asked if the gentleman was -the British envoy, and on Macnaghten saying that he was so, he then -returned to his master; and Dost Mahomed riding forward, dismounted, -saluted the envoy, and handed him his sword, saying that he had come -to surrender and to place himself under his protection. Macnaghten -returned it to him, and told him to remount, and they rode together -into the residency, Dost Mahomed asking eagerly for news of his family, -of whom he had not heard since their surrender. Being assured that they -were well and were honourably treated, he was greatly relieved. A tent -was pitched for him, and he wrote at once to his son, begging him to -follow his example. He conversed freely with Macnaghten, gave him the -history of his wanderings and adventures, and assured him that there -was no occasion to place a guard over him, as his mind had quite been -made up before he came in, and nothing short of force would compel him -to leave. His only anxiety was that he should not be sent to England, -and on Macnaghten assuring him that this would not be the case, and -that an ample maintenance would be assigned to him in India, he became -perfectly contented and calm. - -As a result of his letter, three days later his eldest son, Mahomed -Afzul, came into camp and surrendered. Dost remained two days at -Cabul, where he was visited by many of the British officers, all of -whom were impressed most strongly by him, comparing him very favourably -with the man for whom we had dethroned him. Macnaghten wrote most -warmly in his favour to the Governor-general, urging that he should be -received with honour and a handsome pension assigned to him. He was -sent down to India with a strong escort, where he was kindly received -by the Viceroy, who settled upon him a pension of two lacs of rupees, -equivalent to £20,000. - -Unfortunately, just at the time that the ex-Ameer returned to Cabul -a European regiment, a battery of horse artillery, and a regiment -of native infantry were recalled to India, and with them went Sir -Willoughby Cotton, and the command for the time being remained in the -hands of Sir Robert Sale. - -Angus Campbell had not accompanied Sir A. Burnes when he left Cabul -with the force which marched out to encounter Dost Mahomed, but had -been left in charge of the office at Cabul. He was now his chief's -first civil assistant, his temporary appointment to the civil service -having been approved and confirmed by the Court of Directors at home -in consequence of the very warm report in his favour sent by Eldred -Pottinger and Mr. M'Neill. Sir A. Burnes, too, had in his letters -spoken several times of his energy and usefulness, and on his return -from his expedition through the passes, both Burnes and Macnaghten had -reported most highly both of his volunteering to undertake so dangerous -a mission, and of the manner in which he had carried it out. In return -the directors had sent out an order for his promotion to a higher -grade, and had ordered that a present of £1000 should be given him in -token of their recognition of his conduct. - -"Your foot is well on the ladder now," Sir A. Burnes had said on -acquainting him with the decision of the board. "You will now have -your name on their books as one of the most promising of the younger -officers of the Company, and you may be sure that they will keep -their eye upon you. Macnaghten will shortly return to England, and I -have long been promised the succession to his post. I shall certainly -request, and no doubt my wishes will be acceded to in such a matter, -that you should hold the position of my chief assistant. As such -you will have many opportunities of doing good service, as you will -naturally proceed on missions to the chiefs of neighbouring peoples, -and will so qualify yourself for some important post in the future." - -Macnaghten, indeed, was extremely anxious to leave. Bodily and mentally -he had suffered from the strain and anxiety. He had been promised a -high post in India, probably the succession to the governorship of -Bombay, but it was considered advisable that he should remain at his -present post till the country was more settled. The winter passed -quietly. With the submission of Dost Mahomed and his sons there was now -no rival to Shah Soojah, no head round whom those discontented with -the Ameer's rule could rally. He was the less unwilling to remain, as -he thought that an era of peace had now begun, and that his anxieties -were at an end. He was soon, however, undeceived. On Shah Soojah's -first arrival in India he had naturally looked to the Dooranees for -aid against the Barukzyes, who had so long oppressed them, and had -made many promises of remission of taxation as an incentive to their -zeal. These promises had so far been kept, that no taxes whatever had -been exacted from the Dooranees; but in view of the absolute necessity -of raising an income for the expenses of the government, and for -the personal expenditure of the Ameer and his favourites, it became -necessary that all should contribute to some extent to the revenue. - -Although this tax was but a tithe of that which they had paid under -Barukzye rule, the Dooranees of the district of the north-west of -Candahar rose in rebellion, and General Nott marched out from that city -and defeated them in a pitched battle. For a time the movement was -crushed, but the discontent remained. This was rendered more formidable -by the fact that the Heratees had taken up so offensive an attitude -that our mission there had been withdrawn, and proofs were obtained -that its ruler was fomenting the discontent in the western province, -and was encouraging the disaffected by promising them assistance. - -In May more serious trouble arose, this time with the Ghilzyes. It had -been determined to restore the dismantled fort of Kelat-i-Ghilzye. -The tribesmen viewed the work with hostility, and assembled in larger -numbers, and Nott sent a force against them under Colonel Winder, with -four hundred British troops, a Sepoy battalion, a battery of horse -artillery, and a small body of cavalry. The Ghilzyes advanced to the -attack in great force. The battle was long and desperate, but the -volleys of grape from the guns, and the steady fire from the infantry, -at last turned the scale, and after five hours' fighting the Ghilzyes -retired. The Dooranees were again in arms, and three thousand men were -assembled under their chief at Girishk. A small force, under Colonel -Woodburn, marched out against them and defeated them, but having -no cavalry on which he could rely, he could not prevent the rebels -from retiring in fair order. Major Rawlinson, the political officer -at Candahar, again warned Macnaghten that the situation in western -Afghanistan was extremely threatening, but was answered that this was -an unwarrantable view of our position, and that there were "enough -difficulties, and enough of croakers, without adding to the number -needlessly." - -But Rawlinson was perfectly right, and Macnaghten was living in a -fool's paradise. The defeated chief of the Dooranees was joined by -another, and in August a force of eight hundred cavalry, of whom some -were regulars, three hundred and fifty infantry, and four guns, under -Captain Griffin, met the insurgents. They were strongly posted in a -succession of walled gardens and small forts, but the fire of the -guns and infantry drove them from the enclosure, and the cavalry then -charged them with great effect and scattered them in all directions. -Another defeat was inflicted upon the Ghilzyes in the same month. For -the moment all was quiet again; the only drawback to Macnaghten's -satisfaction was that Akbar Khan, Dost Mahomed's favourite son, was -still in the north, and was reported to be gathering troops somewhere -near Khooloom. In September Macnaghten received news of his appointment -to the governorship of Bombay, and began his preparations for leaving -Cabul, and Burnes looked forward to receiving at last the appointment -for which he had so long waited. His position had been in every respect -irksome. His views differed from those of Macnaghten; he saw the -dangers of the position which Macnaghten refused to recognize. The -reports he addressed to the envoy were generally returned with a few -lines in pencil of contemptuous dissent; but he believed that with -power to act in his hands he should be able to remedy the blunders that -had been made, and to restore peace and contentment in Afghanistan. - -The troops were now commanded by General Elphinstone, who had succeeded -Cotton. He was a brave old officer, but almost incapacitated by -infirmities. He obtained the post simply as senior officer, and was -wholly unfitted for command in such a critical time and in such a -position. Probably had it not been for the assurances of Macnaghten -that all was going on well, and that the trifling risings had been -crushed without difficulty, Lord Auckland would have yielded to the -opinion of his military advisers and appointed General Nott. Had he -done so the greatest disaster that ever fell upon the British army -might have been avoided. - -Nothing could be worse than the position in which the British camp -and mission were established. They were on low ground, commanded on -every side by hills, and surrounded by forts and villages. They were -nearly a mile in extent, defended only by so contemptible a ditch and -rampart, that an English officer for a bet rode a pony across them. -The commissariat compound was near the cantonment, and occupied an -extensive space with the buildings and huts for the officers. It, -too, had a rampart, but this was even less formidable than that which -surrounded the camp. - -Things had now settled down. Many of the officers had sent for their -wives and children, and Lady Macnaghten, Lady Sale, and others were -established in comfortable houses. The climate was exhilarating, -the officers amused themselves with cricket, horse-racing, fishing, -and shooting, and lived as if they had been at a hill station in -India, instead of in a mountainous country surrounded by bitter foes. -October came in quietly, though Pottinger, who was now in Kohistan, -sent unfavourable reports of things there. But these were as usual -pooh-poohed by Macnaghten. The latter's troubles with the Indian -government, however, continued unabated. The expenses of the occupation -of Afghanistan, amounting to a million and a quarter a year, were a -terrible drain upon the revenues of India, and it had become necessary -to raise a loan to meet the outlay, and the question of a withdrawal -from Afghanistan was being seriously discussed. - -None of the good results that had been looked for had been achieved, -nor did it appear likely that the situation would improve; for it was -evident to all unbiassed observers that the Ameer was upheld solely -by British bayonets, and that when these were withdrawn the whole -fabric we had built up at so enormous an expense would collapse. The -uneasiness of the Indian government was increased by the fact that a -change of ministry was imminent at home, and that the Conservatives, -who had always opposed the invasion of Afghanistan, would at once -take steps for the withdrawal of the troops from the country; and the -investigation which would be made into the whole affair would create -intense dissatisfaction in England, and lead to the recall of the -Indian politicians responsible for it. The news stirred Macnaghten -to fury; but he saw that it was necessary to make retrenchments, and -accordingly he largely cut down the subsidies paid to the chiefs. The -consequence was, that the leaders of the whole of the powerful tribes, -including those round Cabul, the Kohistanees, Ghilzyes, and Momunds, at -once entered into a hostile federation against the British. - -Sale's brigade, that was about to start on its way to India, was -ordered to attack the Ghilzyes at Jellalabad, and on the 9th Colonel -Monteith was sent with a Sepoy regiment, a squadron of cavalry, and -a party of sappers and miners, to keep the passes clear. The force -was, however, attacked at the first halting-place, and Sir Robert -Sale marched with the 13th Regiment to clear the pass from his end. -Joined by Monteith's force, he succeeded in driving the natives from -their heights, the Sepoys and the British soldiers vying with each -other in climbing the almost inaccessible crags. The 13th retired down -the valley, and Monteith encamped in the Khoord Cabul pass. He was -attacked at night, the enemy being aided by the treachery of the Afghan -horsemen, who admitted them within their lines. They were, however, -beaten off, and Monteith was joined by Sale on the following day. -Negotiations were then opened with the Ghilzyes; terms were made, but -broken by the treacherous tribesmen a few hours after they had been -signed. - -On his way back to Jellalabad Sale was attacked more than once in -great force, and with difficulty cut his way down. Macnaghten, who -had determined to leave on the 1st of October, but had postponed -his departure for a short time, wrote on that day that he hoped the -business just reported was the expiring effort of the rebels. - -Angus had remained with Burnes at Cabul. The latter was much depressed -by the occurrences that had taken place. He had greatly disapproved of -Macnaghten's wholesale cutting down of the subsidies of the chiefs. - -"How unfortunate am I!" he said many times to Angus. "Had Macnaghten -gone but two months earlier, this would never have happened. It has -been money alone that has kept the tribesmen quiet, and the very worst -form of retrenchment has been chosen. Had he gone I should have acted -in a very different way. In the first place, I should have told the -Ameer frankly that the troubles were solely caused by the rapacity -of the men he had appointed to receive the taxes. These must be -dismissed, and honest and faithful ones appointed in their place. It -is the abominable tyranny with which the taxes--of which I believe but -a small portion ever get into the treasury--are collected that has -brought about the trouble. With proper administration the revenue could -be doubled, and the taxation would press much more lightly upon the -people than it does at present. Now the evil is done, and I shall have -to take over the administration when everything points to a terrible -catastrophe, with which my name will ever be associated." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE MURDER OF SIR A. BURNES - - -October passed quietly, and Macnaghten arranged to leave on the 2nd of -November. Burnes had received several warnings as to the formidable -nature of the confederacy of the chiefs. Mohun Lal, the principal -moonshee, who had been down to Sale's camp, told him that if the -conspiracy was not crushed in its infancy it would become too strong -to be suppressed. Burnes replied that he had no power at present, but -that as soon as Macnaghten left he would conciliate the chiefs by -raising their allowances to the former point. On the 1st of November -Mohun Lal again expressed his opinion of the danger. Burnes replied -that he feared the time was coming when the British would have to leave -the country. He was in one of his moods of depression, but from this -he recovered in the evening, and congratulated Macnaghten upon leaving -when everything was quiet. - -At the very time he was speaking the hostile chiefs were assembled -together, and were discussing the methods that were to be taken to -overthrow the British power. They determined that the first step was -to forge a document in the Ameer's name, ordering all the people to -rise, and at the same time to spread a report that it was the intention -to seize all the principal chiefs and send them prisoners to England. -It was singular that they should not have waited a few days, for the -Indian government had sent peremptory orders that the whole force at -Cabul, with the exception of a single brigade, should return with -Macnaghten to India. - -The chiefs decided that as a first step a tumult should arise in the -city, and this they at once set about exciting. They had no idea that -it would succeed, and none of them ventured to take any part in it, -as it was only intended to excite the passions of the rabble of the -city. Early the next morning a friendly Afghan brought Burnes news -that the residency was about to be attacked. He did not believe the -intelligence, as the city had of late been as quiet as usual; but -on sending out some of his servants into the street they reported -that there was certainly an unusual stir and excitement. He wrote to -Macnaghten saying so, but stating that he did not think the matter at -all serious, although at the same time he requested that a military -guard should be sent to him in order to overawe any disaffected persons. - -Angus had gone out early with Azim. The latter had for some days past -spent his time in the city, and each evening had returned with the -rumours he had gathered. The talk in the lower quarters was all of the -understanding at which the chiefs had arrived, and the general opinion -was that in a few days these would pour down with all their forces and -annihilate the infidels. - -Angus himself noticed the sullen expression on the faces of the lower -class and the manner in which they scowled at him as he passed, and -quite agreed with his follower that the troubles he had long foreseen -were about to come to a head. When in the streets, too, he had an -uneasy consciousness that he was being followed. Several times he -turned sharply round, but in the throng of natives in the streets he -could recognize no face that he knew. This morning the feeling was -particularly strong, although, as he had often done before, he assured -himself that it was pure fancy on his part. - -"I am not conscious of feeling nervous," he said to Azim, "but I must -be getting so. It has been a very anxious time all the year, and I -suppose that without my knowing it it must have told upon me. However, -I will turn down this quiet street, and if anyone is following us we -shall certainly detect him." - -A hundred yards down another lane crossed the one he had taken. Azim -had looked several times, but no one else turned down the lane, which -was entirely deserted. As they passed the corner of the next lane some -men suddenly sprang upon them. Cloths were thrown over their heads, -and in spite of their struggles they were lifted up and carried along -rapidly. In a couple of minutes they stopped. Angus heard a door open. -They were borne along what he thought was a passage, thrust into a -room, and a door was slammed to and locked behind them. They tore off -their mufflers and looked around. It was a room of no great size, -with strongly-barred windows. There were cushions on a divan that ran -along one side. On a low table in the middle of the room were two cold -chickens, a pile of fruit, a large jar of water, and two bottles of -native wine. - -"What on earth does this mean?" Angus said, "and why have we been -carried off?" - -Azim did not attempt to reply. - -"We are prisoners, that is certain," Angus went on; "but it would -certainly look as if they meant to make us comfortable, and the room -must have been prepared in readiness for our reception. I see no -hope of getting away; the windows are very strongly barred, and," he -continued as he walked across and looked out, "this little yard is -surrounded by houses without windows on the ground floor, and with -no door that I can see. I suppose there is one below us; anyhow, if -we could get through these bars we should be no nearer liberty, for -at best we could only re-enter the house, and possibly the door is -fastened on the inside. There are certainly men in the house; I heard -voices in the passage just now, and no doubt one of the fellows is -stationed there. The only reason I can imagine for their carrying us -off is that we are to be kept as hostages. Of course I am known to be -Burnes's chief civilian assistant, and they might think that if I were -in their hands he would be willing to make some concessions to get me -back again. It is of no use worrying over it; we are not so badly off -as we were in that snow-storm in the pass. The best thing we can do for -the present is to make a meal, for we did not take anything before we -started." - -[Illustration: AS THEY PASSED THE CORNER ... SOME MEN SPRANG ON THEM.] - -They had just finished their breakfast when the sound of musketry was -plainly heard. - -"There is fighting going on," Angus exclaimed. "What can it mean? There -are no troops in the city except the native guards at our house and the -treasury next door. It is either a fight between two factions in the -city, or they are attacking our place. It is maddening being fastened -up here just at this moment. The news brought by that Afghan this -morning that we were to be attacked must be true, though Sir Alexander -altogether disbelieved it. He was in one of his happiest humours this -morning, as to-day he was to obtain the goal of his hopes and to be the -resident political officer, with all power in his hands. When he is in -that mood he disbelieves all unpleasant tidings, while in his fits of -depression he gives credit to every rumour that reaches his ear. Still, -the house should be able to hold out against a mob until help arrives -from the camp; but whether or not, my place should be by his side -whatever comes of it." - -"If there is really a rising in the town, sir, we are certainly safer -here than we should be in the streets, or even in the house." - -"That may be," Angus said impatiently, "but my duty is to be there." He -paced restlessly up and down the room. - -Presently Azim said: "I can't think how the men who seized us knew -that we were coming along. It was quite by chance that you turned down -the lane." - -"They must have been close to us when we did so," Angus said, "and must -at once have run round by another lane and posted themselves at the -corner where we were seized. We were not walking fast, and there would -have been time for them to get there before us if they had run. But why -should they have taken this trouble? and why should they have prepared -this place beforehand for our reception? It beats me altogether." - -After the firing had continued for a few minutes it ceased; then they -could hear a confused roar of shouting. - -"Good heavens!" Angus exclaimed, "they must have taken the house. The -troops cannot have arrived in time, or we should have heard sharp -volleys. This is maddening." - -"Well, sir," Azim said philosophically, "if we had not been carried off -we should have been in the house when they attacked it, and should have -shared the fate of the others, whatever it may be." - -"That is true enough," Angus agreed; "still, I ought to have been -there. Ah!" he broke off suddenly, "they have not taken either your -sword or mine, or my pistols"--for although not in military uniform the -civilians generally carried swords, a necessary precaution when the -whole native population always went about armed; and Angus in addition -carried pistols also concealed in his dress. "It is extraordinary that -they should not have disarmed us." - -"I do not think that they intended to do us harm," Azim said; "they -could have cut our throats had they chosen to do so, when they brought -us here, without fear of discovery. Why should they leave us our -swords and provide a good meal for us if they intended to murder us -afterwards?" - -"That is so, Azim, and it makes the affair more incomprehensible. I -tried to get at my pistols as they carried me along, but they held my -arms too tightly for me to do so. It seems to me possible that this -is the work of someone who was aware of the intended attack, and who -doubted whether the troops would not enter the city and slaughter many -of the inhabitants, and so thought that by producing us at the right -moment he would not only clear himself, from any charge of taking part -in the affair, but would earn a reward for having saved our lives. I -certainly have no friend in the city who would be likely to seize me -for any other object. Of course, I was in communication with most of -the important persons here, but it has been simply in an official way." - -"Whoever it is must have been watching you for some days, master, if, -as you thought, he has been following you whenever you went out." - -"I can have no doubt on that subject now, Azim," and Angus sat thinking -for some time. "I think," he said suddenly, "it must be Sadut Khan; -if so, we are safe. We know that he was with the Ameer, and rode with -him when he defeated our cavalry, and it has been reported that he has -since returned to his tribe, though we have no certain information -about it. It is possible that, knowing we were about to be attacked by -the whole force of the tribesmen, he has borne his promise in mind, and -has employed men to watch me and take steps, if necessary, to secure my -safety. That certainly would explain what before it seemed impossible -to understand." - -The noise in the town still continued. At one time there was sound of -heavy musketry firing. - -"The troops have entered the city," Angus exclaimed; "there will be -hard fighting, for in the narrow streets an armed mob can offer a -desperate resistance even to the best troops. But in the end they will -put down this tumult, and if Sir Alexander has been murdered, exact a -heavy penalty for his death." - -In half an hour the firing gradually abated, and the musket shots came -more faintly through the air. "Our men are falling back, Azim, there -can be little doubt about that by the sound. There cannot be any great -number of troops engaged. What on earth can Macnaghten and Elphinstone -be doing?" - -The roar of shouting in the streets became louder, and there was an -occasional sound of firearms. "It is quite evident that the mob are -in entire possession of the city, Azim. They are looting the traders' -quarter, and probably murdering all the whites who have taken up their -residence there." - -These fears were fully justified. The houses of Sir Alexander Burnes -and Captain Johnson, the paymaster of the Ameer's troops, adjoined each -other. Johnson had, fortunately for himself, slept that night in the -camp. Sir Alexander had with him his brother, Lieutenant Burnes, and -Lieutenant Broadfoot, his military secretary, who had just arrived. -Curiously enough, it was the anniversary of the disastrous fight at -Purwandurrah, in which fight Broadfoot's eldest brother had been -killed. Soon after Angus had gone out the Ameer's minister arrived and -repeated the warning already given by the friendly Afghan. Burnes could -no longer doubt that there was danger, but he refused to leave his -house, saying that as soon as the news that there was a tumult reached -the camp, the troops would be at once despatched to put it down. He, -however, wrote urgently to Macnaghten for support, and sent messengers -to the most powerful native chief in the town begging him to calm the -people, and assure them that all grievances should be redressed. - -One of the messengers was killed on the way, the other managed to -return to the house desperately wounded. The gathering in the street -increased every moment. Burnes with the two officers went out on to a -balcony, and from thence harangued the mob. His voice was drowned by -yells and curses, weapons were brandished, and an attack was made on -the doors of both houses. Part of the mob were fanatics, who thought -only of slaying the infidels, but a still larger party were animated -solely by a desire to share in the sack of the Ameer's treasury next -door. The native guards both of Sir Alexander and the treasury opened -fire, and for a time maintained themselves with the greatest bravery. -Of the English officers, Broadfoot was the first to fall, shot through -the heart. The position became more and more desperate. A party of the -insurgents had set fire to the stables and forced their way into the -garden. Burnes was still attempting to lull the fury of the crowd. Long -ere this troops should have arrived to his rescue, but there were no -signs that they were approaching. At last, seeing that all was lost, he -disguised himself and went out into the garden with a man who had sworn -by the Koran to convey him and his brother safely into camp. No sooner, -however, did they issue out than the traitor shouted: "This is Burnes." - -The mob rushed upon the brothers and hewed them to pieces. The -defenders of the two houses fought bravely to the last, but were -finally slaughtered to a man. - -Sir Alexander Burnes owed his death to the faults of others rather -than his own. Having been previously at Cabul as the British agent, -and speaking the language perfectly, it was to him the people made -their complaints, to him they looked for redress. They knew nothing -of Macnaghten. When they found their condition growing from bad to -worse, their taxes increasing, their trade at a stand-still, food -extremely dear, and employment wanting, it was on Burnes that they -laid the blame; and yet he was all the time endeavouring, but in vain, -to persuade Macnaghten that it was absolutely necessary to compel the -Ameer to abandon a course that was exasperating for people of all -classes, from the most powerful chiefs to the poorest inhabitants of -the city. Burnes was unquestionably a man of great ability, and had he -been in Macnaghten's place with full power and responsibility, things -would probably have turned out differently. - -The expedition from the first was a gigantic blunder, undertaken in -the teeth of his remonstrances. In any case it was doomed to failure. -It was impossible that we could maintain on the throne a man hated -by the whole of his subjects--a race of fighting men, jealous to the -last degree of their independence, and able to take full advantage of -the natural strength of the country. But under the administration of -an officer at once firm and resolute, and anxious to conciliate them -in every way, the British force might have remained until the Indian -government could no longer support the expense of the occupation, -and could then have withdrawn quietly with the puppet who had proved -himself so utterly incapable of conciliating the people upon whom we -had thrust him. - -The great fault in the character of Burnes was instability--his -alternate fits of sanguine hopefulness and deep depression, and -his readiness to believe what suited his mood of the moment. These -characteristics were no doubt heightened by the unfortunate position -in which he found himself. He had had every reason to expect that -in view of his previous residence in Cabul and his knowledge of the -character of the people, he would have the post of political officer -of the Afghan capital, and he only accepted a secondary position upon -the understanding that Macnaghten's appointment was a temporary one, -and that he would succeed him. When, however, months and years elapsed, -and he was still without any recognized position whatever, when his -advice was never adopted and his opinions contemptuously set aside by -a man infinitely his inferior, he naturally came to take the worst -view of things, and his fits of depression became more frequent. At -last he fell, not because his house was isolated, for it could have -held out until aid had come, but because the three men whose duty it -was to rescue him--Macnaghten, the Ameer, and Elphinstone--were alike -vacillating, undetermined, and incompetent. - -The Ameer was the only one of these three to take any steps. When he -heard of the riot he sent down a regiment of Hindoostanee troops to -rescue Burnes. Instead, however, of marching outside the town to the -end of the street in which Burnes's house was situated, they entered -the city by the nearest gate, and tried to make their way through a -maze of narrow lanes. Their advance was desperately opposed. From every -house and roof a fire of musketry was kept up, and, after losing two -hundred of their number, they fled in utter confusion to the shelter of -the citadel. Elphinstone in his report says that he received the news -at half-past seven that the town was in a ferment, and shortly after -the envoy came and told him that it was in a state of insurrection, but -that he did not think much of it, and expected the revolt would shortly -subside. Macnaghten suggested that Brigadier Shelton's force should -proceed to the Bala Hissar to operate as might seem expedient, while -the remaining force was concentrated in the cantonment, and assistance -if possible sent to Sir Alexander Burnes. - -It was not, however, until between nine and ten that Shelton received -his orders; and almost directly afterwards another note arrived telling -him not to move, as the Ameer had objected. To this Shelton replied -that in an insurrection of the city there was no time for indecision, -and recommended the general at once to resolve upon what measures he -would adopt. He was then told to march immediately to the Bala Hissar, -where he would receive further instructions from Macnaghten. Just as -he was marching off, a note came from this officer telling him to halt -for further orders. He sent an engineer to ask the reason for this -order, but the officer was cut down by an Afghan while dismounting -just outside the square where the Ameer was sitting. Soon after this -the military secretary himself came with orders for him to enter the -citadel. When he arrived there, the Ameer asked him who sent him and -what he came there for, and he was forbidden to enter the town. All -that he could do was to cover the retreat of the Ameer's Hindoostanee -troops. In consequence of all these delays, it was twelve o'clock -before Shelton moved into the Bala Hissar, by which time Burnes and his -friends had been murdered and the riot had spread. Houses were burned, -shops sacked, and the families of several British officers massacred. - -It is certain that had the slightest energy been shown, and had a small -body of troops been despatched when Burnes's first request for help -arrived, the riot would have been nipped in the bud, for all accounts -agree that for a considerable time not more than three hundred men -took part in the attack, and even when Shelton urged the necessity for -prompt measures Burnes might have been saved. Except in the case of -the rising at Meerut in the Indian Mutiny, never did such disastrous -effects result from the incompetence of a British general. - -The day passed slowly to Angus. It was maddening to be helpless when -great events were happening. Until it became quite dark no one came -near them, but at seven o'clock they heard the bolt of the door -withdrawn, and a man entered with a torch, by whose light they at once -recognized Hassan, their guide over the passes. - -"You here, Hassan!" Angus exclaimed. "I had always thought of you as -back again in your tower near Bamian. Is it you who has thus made us -prisoners?" - -"We were sorry to use force, effendi, but there was no other way. Sadut -Khan charged us to look after your safety, and we have kept you in -sight for some days. He was living in this house in disguise. He was -absent yesterday evening to take part in the conference with the other -chiefs, and did not return until after midnight. Then he said, 'There -will be a tumult in the city to-morrow, Hassan, and probably the house -of the officer Burnes will be attacked. What will come of it I do not -know. I myself and the other chiefs are leaving at once, so that if -things go badly we can disavow any connection with the affair. The -young officer, my friend, is, as you know, at Burnes's house. He must -be rescued. Prepare this room for him. If he leaves the house before -the attack begins, you must seize him and carry him in here. If his -servant is with him, bring him also; he too must be saved. He waited on -me kindly, and did all in his power for me. If he should not leave the -house, then you and your followers must join the mob and keep together, -forcing yourselves to the front, so that you will be the first to enter -the house. Take long cloaks to throw round them, and get them out, even -at the cost of your lives.' - -"I told him that it should be done. You saved his life, and you also -saved ours, for we should have been suffocated in the snow-storm had -you not cut your way out and come to our rescue. So it has been done. -We were glad indeed when we saw you come out. Had you not turned down -that lane, I should have come up and accosted you, and, telling you -that I had an important message to deliver to you, should have asked -you to come with me to a quiet spot, where I might deliver it safely. -As it was, directly you turned down, we ran round, and, as you know, -captured you without noise and without being observed by you. You will, -I trust, pardon me for having laid hands on you; but I had orders from -the Khan, who told me that I should have to use force, as he was sure -you would not, however great the danger, he persuaded to leave Burnes." - -"What has happened?" - -"The Englishman and two others with him have been killed. One of the -Ameer's regiments entered the town, but was driven back. There is -looting going on everywhere. Many have been killed, and many houses -burnt." - -"But what is our army doing?" - -"Nothing. There is a force at the Bala Hissar, the rest are under arms -in their camp." - -"It seems impossible!" Angus exclaimed. "However," he went on, stifling -his indignation for the time, "I have to thank you deeply, Hassan, you -and Sadut Khan, for having saved our lives. Assuredly you took the only -way to do so; for had you only told me of the danger that threatened -Sir Alexander Burnes, I should have returned to warn him and share his -fate, whatever it might be. As it was, I cannot blame myself that I -was absent. I thank you with all my heart. Pray tell the Khan when you -see him that I am deeply grateful to him. He has nobly redeemed his -promise, and I hope some day to thank him in person." - -"Now, sahib, we will start at once," Hassan said. "I have clothes for -you to put over your own, and there is no fear of our being suspected. -We will take you to within shot of your camp." - -He called out, and his four men entered, bringing with them Afghan -disguises. When these were put on, they sallied out at once. The -five men were fully armed, and long Afghan guns were given to Angus -and Azim. The streets were full of people, for the most part in a -state of wild excitement, though the better class looked grave at the -prospect of the retribution that would probably fall upon the city, -perhaps to-morrow or certainly in a day or two. None paid any attention -to the group, who differed in no respect from the majority of those -around them. Issuing from one of the gates, they made their way to -the cantonments. When within a few hundred yards the Afghans stopped. -After a hearty farewell and renewed thanks, Angus and Azim left them. -They had taken off their disguises, and offered them to Hassan to carry -back, but he said, "You had best keep them; you may want them again. -There is no saying what may happen." And they accordingly carried them -with them. - -In a short time they were challenged by a sentry, and halted till the -latter had called a sergeant and four men. Then they went forward. -Angus was recognized at once, as he was known by sight to everyone in -the camp. In a short time they met an officer, who told them the news -of the massacre of Burnes, his brother, and Broadfoot, and their guard, -which was already known, as one man had escaped the general slaughter, -and had, after hiding for some hours, come into the camp. Angus went -at once to Macnaghten's house and sent in his name. The envoy came out -into the hall. "I am glad to see that you have escaped, Mr. Campbell. -I thought that all had perished, though your name is not specially -mentioned as among the victims." - -"I was not in the house, sir," Angus replied. "Sir Alexander Burnes had -sent me out to gather information, and I and my servant were suddenly -seized and carried into a house, where we were kept as prisoners all -day. After it was dark we made our escape, having obtained disguises -from a friendly Afghan." - -"Well, I am glad," Macnaghten said; "but you must excuse me now, for -the general is here, and we are holding a council. You had better for -to-night take up your quarters in poor Burnes's tent. I shall have time -to attend to matters to-morrow." - -Although Burnes had his residence in the city, he had a large tent not -far from the envoy's house. This he occupied when he had business in -camp, and it was here that he received natives who brought him news, or -who had grievances that they wished to report to him. Here Angus lay -down for the night, with a deep feeling of thankfulness that his life -had been spared, mingled with a foreboding that the troubles had only -begun, and that there was yet much peril in store before the army were -safely out of Afghanistan. - -In the morning Angus again went up to the envoy's. "I have been -thinking, Mr. Campbell," Macnaghten said when he entered, "as far as I -have been able to think on any one subject, how your services can be -best utilized temporarily. I think that, if you would not mind, you -might be attached to the commissariat, and assist Captain Boyd and -Captain Johnson." - -"I will gladly do so, sir," Angus said. "I will take up the work at -once." - -"Anticipating your consent, I have already written a letter for you to -take to those officers." - -Glad to have work before him, Angus went at once to the commissariat -camp. The two officers were at breakfast. Both rose and congratulated -him heartily on his escape. "How on earth did you manage it?" - -He gave as brief an account as he had done to Sir William Macnaghten, -and then handed them the letter he had received from the envoy. "That -is good news," Captain Johnson said heartily. "We shall be glad indeed -to have your aid. I will have a tent pitched for you at once by the -side of ours. Of course you have not breakfasted. Sit down with us. -What do you think of the state of affairs? You know a good deal more -than we do of the disposition of the Afghan chiefs." - -"I think things look very bad," Angus said gravely. "After what seems -to me the imbecility shown yesterday, to which the death of my chief is -due, it is impossible to feel anything like confidence in the general." - -"That is the universal feeling in camp," Captain Johnson said. "If we -had Sale here I believe everything would go right, but poor Elphinstone -is only fit for a snug armchair in a comfortable club. He is no more -able to cope with a crisis like this than an old woman would be. In -fact, for choice I would take the average old woman. - -"Orders have been given for an attack upon the town to-day, but it is -more than likely that it will be countermanded. If Elphinstone can make -up his mind to throw his whole force, with the exception of a strong -camp guard, against the city, we should certainly carry it. No doubt -there might be a considerable loss of life, but that could not be -helped. It would certainly be successful. Then I should say we ought to -turn the whole of the Afghan population out of the town, move all our -provisions and stores there, and settle down for the winter. We could -beat off any attack that the Afghans could make against us. As it is, -we are terribly anxious about the stores. You know that I originally -established all the magazines for the Ameer's army in the Bala Hissar. -Then Macnaghten came up with the Ameer from Jellalabad, and he told -me that the Ameer objected to the magazines being there. That was -quite enough for Macnaghten. He always gives in to the Ameer's wishes, -however ridiculous. So we had to leave the storehouses I had built and -move out bag and baggage. - -"The only place that I could get was the camel sheds half-way between -this and the town, and unless a strong garrison is sent down there the -Afghans are certain to take possession of them. But Boyd's stores are -even more important. They are within four hundred yards of the defences -of the camp, and contain all our grain, our hospital stores, our wine -and beer, our sugar, and everything else. And if his stores and mine -are both lost, we shall have starvation staring us in the face at the -end of a week. Just look out over the plain. Since daylight there has -been a steady stream of men from the hills, and from all the villages -round, flocking into the city; they have heard of the capture of my -treasury, and are eager to share in the looting. If they succeed in -capturing the stores and provisions, God help us all." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -A SERIES OF BLUNDERS - - -Numerous as had been the blunders, and great the mismanagement up to -the 2nd of November, matters might yet have been retrieved had the -conduct of affairs been in resolute and energetic hands. Macnaghten was -personally a brave and fearless man. Had he at last felt the necessity -for strong measures, an attack upon the city would certainly have been -attended with success. Now that the first burst of hate and passion had -passed, the inhabitants were filled with apprehension at the punishment -that would fall upon them, and none doubted that the British army would -at once attack the town. The army itself expected this, and, furious at -the treacherous massacre of Sir Alexander Burnes and his comrades, were -burning for the order to attack. - -The troops were under arms early, but no orders were issued for -a forward movement. Some hours later the 35th regiment of Native -Infantry, with two mountain guns, came in from Khoord Cabul, having -brushed aside the opposition it had met with on its march. With this -valuable addition to the fighting strength in the camp all opposition -could have been easily overcome, and yet until three o'clock in the -afternoon nothing whatever was done. By this time what could have -been effected with comparative ease in the early morning had become -a far more difficult operation. Vast numbers of the tribesmen had -been pouring into the city since daybreak, and the two miles of plain -between the camp and the city, which earlier in the day could have -been traversed without a shot being fired, were now covered by a host -of fierce enemies; and yet, after wasting so many valuable hours, the -general, instead of throwing the whole of the force in the cantonments, -and that of Brigadier Shelton at the Bala Hissar, against the city, -sent only three companies of infantry and two guns to the attack. - -Naturally this handful of men failed; and it was well for them that -they did not penetrate into the city, for had they done so they would -assuredly have been overwhelmed before they had gone fifty yards. -However, the officer in command, seeing the impossibility of the task -set him, withdrew his detachment in good order. The result of the day's -operation, if it could be so called, was disastrous, the troops, who -had until then been eager to be led against the enemy, and confident -of success, were irritated and dispirited, and lost all confidence in -their commander; while, on the other hand, the Afghans were jubilant -over what they considered the cowardice of the enemy. The next day the -misfortune invited by the passive attitude of our troops happened. Only -eighty men were in charge of the commissariat fort. The little party -were commanded by Lieutenant Warren. Early in the day a threatening -force of the enemy approached, and Warren sent a messenger urgently -asking for reinforcements. - -But the Afghans had already occupied an old fort that commanded the -road between the camp and the commissariat fort. Considering the -enormous importance of the stores, an overwhelming force should have -been sent out to drive off the assailants, and to occupy the fort in -such strength that it could be held against any assault. Instead of -doing this, two companies only of the 44th Regiment were sent. The -two captains in command were killed by the fire from the Afghan fort, -other officers were wounded, and the men fell so fast that the officer -who was senior in command, seeing the impossibility of reaching the -store, drew them off. Then an order was issued--which was practically -the death-warrant of the army--by General Elphinstone, for a party -of cavalry to go out and bring in the little garrison. This party -suffered even more severely than the preceding one. From every wall, -building, and orchard a storm of musketry broke out, and the troopers, -after suffering great loss, again retired. The news that the general -intended to abandon the store struck dismay into the officers of -the commissariat. Captain Boyd hurried to head-quarters, and urged -the general to send a force that would sweep away all opposition, -and to hold the fort at all hazards. The general promised to send a -reinforcement, but no relief was sent. - -As night was coming on, Captain Boyd and Captain Johnson again went -to the general and pointed out in the strongest language the result -that would follow the abandonment of the stores. The unhappy old man -hesitated, but on a letter being brought in from Lieutenant Warren -saying that the enemy were mining the walls, and some of the Sepoys, -seeing their position was desperate, were deserting, he promised that a -strong detachment should be sent at two o'clock in the morning to storm -the Afghan fort and relieve the guard at the commissariat stores. -Orders were accordingly issued, but these were presently countermanded, -and it was decided that the force should not move until daylight. - -By that time it was too late. Warren had repulsed an attack on the -walls, but seeing that the enemy were preparing to fire the gate and -renew the attack, he retired through a passage that had on the previous -day been dug under the wall, and reached the camp in safety. But this -was not the only disaster that happened that day. Captain Johnson's -store of provisions for the use of the Ameer's troops, on the outskirts -of the city, was also attacked. Captain Mackenzie, who was in command -of the little garrison there, defended his post throughout the day -with the greatest gallantry; but water was scarce, and ammunition -failing, and large numbers of women and children were in the fort, -with great quantities of baggage. Urgent letters were sent asking -for reinforcements, but no reinforcements came. Had they arrived the -situation would have been saved. The Kuzzilbashes were ready to side -with the British. Several of their commanders were with Mackenzie, but -when they saw that no help was sent, they refused to join a cause that -seemed to them lost. All night the fighting went on, and all next day, -until his men were utterly worn out, and the ammunition exhausted. No -more could be done, and when night came on, he moved out of the fort -and fought his way to the cantonments--a brilliant action, which showed -what could be accomplished by a mere handful of men well led. - -While Mackenzie was thus fighting for the stores under his charge, -the troops in the cantonments were condemned to see crowds of Afghans -looting the stores within four hundred yards of our camp, carrying off -the supplies that had been garnered for their subsistence through the -winter, and this without a man being set in motion or a gun brought to -bear upon the plunderers. - -Furious at the imbecility of their leaders, the soldiers clamoured to -be led against the enemy. Unable to resist the demand, the general -ordered the 37th Native Infantry to move out; but instead of being -led straight against the enemy, the officer in command hesitated and -halted, and soon fell back with the indignant Sepoys. - -General Elphinstone was already talking of making terms with the enemy, -and seemed to despair of victory when no attempt had been made to -gain a success. On the 6th, however, a party of the 37th were again -sent out under Major Griffiths. Again it was seen what could be done -by an energetic officer. The Afghan fort was stormed, the enemy were -driven out, and were routed by a party of horse, who dashed at them -gallantly. The troops could be no longer restrained, and cavalry, -infantry, and artillery poured out; but there was no general plan, and -the consequence was, that although desultory fighting went on all day, -nothing was accomplished. Had any general plan of operation been laid -down, and a combined action fought, the enemy would have been utterly -unable to withstand our troops, worked up to fury as these were by the -disgraceful inaction that had been forced upon them. In the meantime, -starvation would have already stared the troops in the face had not -Captains Boyd and Johnson, aided by Angus and other officers of their -department, gone out to the native villages and succeeded in purchasing -a certain amount of grain. But already the troops were on half rations, -and even these scanty supplies could not long be available. - -The general, while his troops were out fighting, wrote to Macnaghten, -urging that negotiations should be opened with the enemy, and saying, -"Our case is not yet desperate, but it is becoming so very fast." - -Macnaghten himself was conscious of this, conscious that, under such -leading, the situation was fast becoming desperate, and he employed -the moonshee, Mohun Lal, who was still in Cabul under the protection of -the Kuzzilbash chief, to endeavour to bribe the chiefs of the Ghilzyes. -Two lacs of rupees were offered. The chiefs gave a favourable reply, -and then Macnaghten, with his usual instability, was seized with a -suspicion that they were not sincere, and abruptly broke off the -negotiations, thereby mortally offending the Ghilzye chiefs. - -Fresh danger was threatening in another direction. Mahomed Akbar Khan, -the second son of Dost Mahomed, was on his way with a force from the -north, and had already advanced as far as Bamian. Mohun Lal suggested -that an emissary should be sent to offer him a large allowance if he -would join the British. His suggestion was carried out, and money was -spent in other quarters lavishly. - -But it was now too late. A quarter of the sum would, a fortnight -earlier, have sufficed to satisfy the demands of all the chiefs of -the tribesmen. Now that success had encouraged the assailants of our -force, and the whole population had taken up arms against us, inspired -alike by fanaticism and hatred and thirsting for blood, it was doubtful -whether even the chiefs could restrain them had they chosen to do so. - -In their letters and journals the officers still spoke with kindness -and respect of their unfortunate general. He had been a brave and able -soldier, but age and terrible infirmities had rendered him altogether -incapacitated for action. He had for months been suffering from gout, -and had almost lost the use of his limbs. Only once or twice, after his -arrival to assume the command, had he been able to sit on horseback; -for the most part he was wholly unable to walk. Sometimes he was -confined altogether to his couch; at others he was able to be taken out -in a palanquin. His mind was also enfeebled by suffering. On the very -day of the first outbreak he had been a little better, and had mounted -his horse; but he had suffered a very severe fall, and was carried back -to his quarters. - -It was altogether inexcusable that Lord Auckland, against the advice -of the commander-in-chief and the remonstrances of his other military -advisers, should have appointed such a man to a command which, beyond -all others in India, demanded the greatest amount of energy and -activity. There were many men who might have been worthily selected, -men with a knowledge of the political conditions of Afghanistan, of the -feelings of the people, of their language and of their country. - -General Elphinstone knew nothing of these things, and depended -entirely upon the advice of others. Had he relied solely upon that of -Macnaghten, things might have gone differently, but he asked advice -from all around him, and took the last that was offered, only to change -his mind again when he heard the opinion of a fresh counsellor. He -was himself conscious that the position was too onerous for him, and -sent down a medical certificate of his incapacity for action, and -requested to be relieved. The request had been granted, and he was to -have returned to India with Macnaghten, but unhappily no other officer -had been appointed to succeed him. It is upon Lord Auckland, rather -than upon the unfortunate officer, who, in the teeth of the advice of -his counsellors and of all common sense, was thrust into a position -for which he was wholly unsuited, that the blame of the catastrophe of -Cabul should be laid. - -Macnaghten, in hopes that Brigadier Shelton, a brave officer, but -hot-tempered and obstinate, would be able to influence the general -and to put an end to the deplorable indecision that paralysed the -army, persuaded Elphinstone to send for him to come in from the Bala -Hissar to the camp and bring in with him a regiment of the Ameer's -troops. He came into the cantonment of the 9th, and his arrival was -hailed with the greatest satisfaction, as it was believed that at last -something would be done. Unfortunately, however, Shelton's energy and -the general's weakness were as oil on water. No two men were less -calculated to pull together. Shelton enforced his arguments with a -vehemence that seemed to the general insubordinate in the extreme; -while the brigadier, on the other hand, was unable to make allowance -for the physical and mental weakness of the general, and was maddened -by the manner in which orders that had but an hour before been issued -were countermanded. - -On the morning of the 10th the enemy mustered in great force, and -occupying a small fort within musket-shot of the defences, opened a -galling fire. Macnaghten only obtained the general's consent to a party -going out to capture the fort by telling him that unless he gave the -order he should himself take the responsibility of doing so, for that -at any risk the fort must be captured. Thereupon Shelton was instructed -to take two thousand men and attack it. When they were on the point of -starting Elphinstone countermanded the orders. Shelton, in a fury, laid -the case before the envoy, who was as eager as himself, and the general -was again persuaded to give the order and the force advanced. - -It was intended to blow open the gate with powder, but by some accident -only a wicket by the side of the main entrance was blown in. Led by -Colonel Mackrell the storming party, consisting of two companies of -Europeans and four of native infantry, advanced. They could with -difficulty make their way through the narrow entrance, for they were -exposed as they did so to a heavy musketry fire, but two officers and -a few soldiers pushed through, and the garrison, believing that the -whole column was following them, fled through the opposite gate. But -unhappily they were not followed. A body of Afghan cavalry threatened -to attack the storming party outside, and these, native and British -alike, were seized with an unaccountable panic and fled. In vain -their officers endeavoured to arrest their flight. The events of the -previous week had terribly demoralized them. Shelton set them a noble -example by remaining on horseback alone, and at last shamed them into -returning. Again the Afghan horse approached, and again they fled. -Again Shelton's expostulations and example brought them back. The guns -in the cantonments drove the Afghans off, and Shelton led his men up to -the capture of the fort. - -In the meantime the handful of men who had entered the fort had been -engaged in a desperate struggle for life. The Afghans, discovering -how small was the number of their assailants, re-entered the fort and -fell upon them in overwhelming numbers. When Shelton's force entered, -Colonel Mackrell had fallen mortally wounded, and was carried into -the cantonments to die. Lieutenant Bird, with two Sepoys, were the -sole survivors. They had, when the enemy poured in, taken possession -of a stable and barricaded themselves there, and had successfully -repulsed every attack. When they were rescued their ammunition was -almost exhausted, but they were uninjured, and no fewer than thirty -dead Afghans lying in front of the stable bore mute testimony to the -steadiness and accuracy of their aim. - -Several small forts were abandoned by the enemy, and a quantity of -grain was found in them, but as no measures were taken to convey it -into the camp, it was lost again when the troops retired. Desultory -fighting went on all the afternoon without any decisive results, and -the next two or three days passed quietly. - -In the meantime the moonshee was making every effort to bring over some -of the chiefs to our side. Macnaghten was sending off letter after -letter to the political officer with Sale, urging the necessity for -an instant advance of the force at Jellalabad. On the 13th the enemy -occupied a hill within range of the cantonment, and planting two guns -there opened a steady fire. Macnaghten spent hours in endeavouring -to persuade the general and brigadier of the absolute necessity for -driving the enemy off the hill, but without success, and it was not -until he took the responsibility upon himself that a detachment under -Shelton was ordered to be sent. It was then four o'clock in the -afternoon. The troops advanced in three columns, and the infantry -rushed forward with such impetuosity that the two guns with them could -not arrive in time to herald their attack. The detachment poured in -a volley within ten yards' distance, but they were unsteady from -their exertions in mounting the hill, and their fire took no effect. -A minute later the Afghan cavalry charged down upon them. The attack -was unexpected, the men in confusion, and the Afghans rode through and -through the ranks. The British troops retreated down the slope, where -they re-formed behind the reserve; the guns opened fire with great -effect, and the infantry again marched up the hill. - -Our cavalry now came into action and drove the enemy before them. The -infantry carried the height, and the enemy fled, abandoning their guns. -It was now getting dark. A party of the Ameer's infantry removed one -of the guns; but the Afghan marksmen were keeping up a heavy musketry -fire, and the troops, British as well as Sepoys, were so demoralized -that they refused to advance and carry off the other. It was therefore -spiked and rolled down the hill, while the smaller gun was brought -by the Ameer's troops into the cantonment. The enemy, now strongly -reinforced, attempted to intercept the retreat, but were beaten off. - -On the 15th Major Pottinger and another officer came in wounded, and -reported that the Ghoorka regiment that had been retiring from Kohistan -had been entirely destroyed. They defended themselves courageously -against overwhelming forces, and held the barracks they occupied until -maddened by thirst; then they rushed to a stream, where the enemy -fell upon them and cut them to pieces, the two mounted officers alone -escaping after innumerable dangers. On the 17th Macnaghten heard that -there was no hope whatever of assistance from Sale, who was himself -surrounded with difficulties. He now urged that the force should all -retire to the Bala Hissar, behind whose strong walls they could have -maintained themselves. But Shelton vehemently opposed the step, which -would have saved the army from destruction, urging that the abandonment -of the cantonments would be an acknowledgment of defeat. - -On the 23rd of November the enemy again appeared on the hill from -which they had been driven, and a strong force moved out against it. -Strangely enough, however, they only took one gun with them. The day -was disgraceful as well as disastrous, for the British force was -signally defeated and the gun was lost, and the troops re-entered the -cantonment in headlong flight, hotly pursued by the Afghans till they -reached the protection of the earthworks. Their conduct showed how -completely the imbecility and vacillation of their commanders, and the -effect of the insufficient rations on which they had to subsist, had -destroyed the moral of the troops. The men who a month before could -have driven the Afghans before them like sheep, were now unable to cope -with them even when in superior numbers. - -On the 24th Elphinstone addressed a letter to Macnaghten stating -his opinion that their position could no longer be maintained, and -that he should at once enter into negotiations with the enemy. He -accordingly sent a message to the insurgent chiefs inviting them to -send in a deputation to discuss the conditions of the treaty. Two of -their leaders came in, but as they demanded that the British should -surrender at discretion, giving themselves up, with all their arms, -ammunition, and treasure, as prisoners of war, Macnaghten resolutely -rejected the offered terms. - -Angus had been constantly employed from the day he reached the -cantonments. His work was to go out with small parties of the natives -employed by the commissariat to bring in the grain that Boyd and -Johnson had purchased. There was no slight risk in the work, for -although the villagers were glad to sell their corn on good terms, -the party who fetched it ran the risk of being cut off by any band of -tribesmen they might encounter. - -Of an evening he talked over the situation and prospects with the two -officers. Absorbed in work as they all were, they were less influenced -by the feeling of hopelessness than those who had nothing to do but to -rage over the trap into which they had fallen through the incapacity of -their leaders. Still, they did not attempt to disguise from themselves -the magnitude of the danger. - -"I have no faith in any treaty that could be made," Boyd said. "An -Afghan is only bound by his word as long as it pays him to keep it. -They will take Macnaghten's money, and will promise that we shall be -allowed to go down the passes without molestation; but I am mistaken -indeed if we shall not be attacked the moment we enter them. If they -do so, few of us will ever get through. The men are weak now from -want of sufficient food. They are utterly dispirited and demoralized, -as is shown by their shameful flight yesterday. Besides, they will -be encumbered with a host of camp followers, women, and children. I -am still of opinion that our only hope is to take refuge in the Bala -Hissar, and Shelton's vehement opposition has already put a stop to -that. For myself, I would rather that they attacked us here, even if -the attack meant our annihilation. It would be better to die so than -cooped up hopelessly in the passes. At best the march would be a -terrible one. The cold is severe already, and we hear that the snow is -deep in the passes; not so deep as to render them impracticable, but -deep enough to render the passage a terrible one." - -"Of course we are bound to stay with the rest and do our best to the -end. Were it not for that, we three might escape. We all speak the -language well enough to pass as natives. You, indeed, have already done -so. However, of course that is not to be thought of; indeed, it would -probably amount to the same thing in the end, for we could scarcely -hope to reach either Jellalabad or Candahar." - -"No, it is not to be thought of, Johnson," his companion said. "We have -to do our duty to the last. I still hope that the general may yet have -an hour of inspiration and deliver battle in good order. I believe that -the troops would fight well if they did but see that they were properly -handled." - -On the following day they learned that Akbar Khan had arrived. He was -greeted with great enthusiasm and much firing of guns. Macnaghten had -a faint hope that he would side with us, as his father, mother, and -brothers were in our hands in India; but, on the other hand, he had -every reason for bitter animosity against the British, who had, without -any ground for complaint, invaded the country and dethroned his father. -The prince bore the reputation of being frank, generous, and far -brighter and more cheerful than the majority of his countrymen; at the -same time he was passionate and impulsive, given to sudden bursts of -anger. The wrongs that he and his family had suffered were, indeed, at -present predominant in his mind. For two years he himself had been an -exile from his country. His father, who had tried so hard to gain the -friendship of the British, had been dethroned by them; and as it was -notorious that their captives were always honourably treated, he felt -that no action upon his part would recoil upon their heads. - -He himself was now the heir to the throne if he could win it. He was -extremely popular among the people, who hailed his advent as giving -them a leader whom they could rely upon, under whom the chiefs of the -tribesmen could lay aside their mutual jealousy and animosity and join -in the effort to drive the foe for ever from their country. He did -not, however, at once assume the chief authority. The Nawab Mahomed -Zemaun Khan, a cousin of Dost Mahomed, had been proclaimed Ameer by the -tribesmen, and all orders were sent forth in his name. He was a man of -humane and honourable nature, of polished manners, and affable address. - -As soon as he learned the state of affairs, Akbar Khan took immediate -steps to prevent further supplies being taken into camp. He burned the -villages where grain had been sold, and placed bands of men to attack -any parties coming out from the camp to purchase grain. Day after day -passed, messengers came and went between Macnaghten and the Nawab, but -nothing was done; the food supply dwindled; only three days' rations -remained in camp. - -The supplies doled out were scarcely sufficient to keep life together. -The oxen and other baggage animals were in such a state of starvation -as to be wholly unfit for service. The store of fuel had long been used -up, some men died of cold, and all suffered much. Macnaghten was still -hopeful, and early in December again urged a retirement, but in vain. -The enemy had now guns planted in several positions, and kept up an -almost constant cannonade on the camp. On the 8th there were but three -days' half rations left, and the general informed Macnaghten by letter -that it was absolutely necessary to surrender upon the best terms -that could be obtained; and the three senior officers also signed the -letter, saying that they concurred in it. On the 11th there was but one -day's food left for the fighting men, the camp followers were starving. -Again and again Macnaghten urged that a force should sally out and at -all costs bring in provisions, but the general knew that the men could -not be relied upon to fight. The time had come when even Macnaghten saw -that all hope had gone save in surrender. He drew out the rough draft -of a treaty, and met the leading chiefs of the Afghans at about a mile -from the river. - -By this treaty the British were to evacuate Afghanistan. They were -to be supplied with provisions for the journey, Shah Soojah was to -abdicate, and to have the option of accompanying them; but if he did -so, his wife and family were to remain as hostages until Dost Mahomed -and his family were released. The troops at Jellalabad were also to -retire, as well as those at Ghuznee and Candahar. Four British officers -were to be left as hostages, to return to India on the arrival of Dost -Mahomed and his family on the frontier. The conference lasted two -hours, and its main stipulations were agreed to. The meeting then broke -up, on the understanding that the British troops were to evacuate the -cantonments in three days, and that provisions should in the meantime -be sent in. The treaty was a humiliating one, but Macnaghten was not -to blame for it. When the three military chiefs had declared that -there was nothing for it but surrender, he was forced to make the best -arrangement he could, and the terms of the treaty were as good as could -have been expected in the circumstances. - -When the conference broke up Captain Trevor, one of Macnaghten's staff, -accompanied the chief to the city as a hostage for the sincerity of -the envoy. On the 11th the Bala Hissar was evacuated. Akbar Khan -pledged himself to conduct the garrison safely to the cantonments, -and kept his promise, succeeding in inducing the crowds of horsemen -who gathered round to let the little detachment pass. The provisions, -however, were not sent in as agreed, and the chiefs refused to send -them until the garrisons were withdrawn from the forts they occupied -round the cantonments. The parties were each suspicious of the other's -good faith. On the 18th snow began to fall heavily. Macnaghten tried -desperately to win over some of the chiefs, lavishing money among -them. The Afghans made fresh demands, and demanded more hostages, and -Lieutenants Conolly and Airey were handed over to them. - -On the 22nd Akbar Khan sent in fresh proposals, to the effect that -the British were to remain in Afghanistan till the spring, and then -to withdraw as if of their own free-will. Shah Soojah was to remain -as Ameer, and Akbar as his minister. As a reward for these services -Akbar was to receive an annuity of £40,000 and a bonus of £300,000. -Macnaghten accepted the terms, and agreed to meet Akbar. The offer was -so strange that Elphinstone and others thought that it was probably a -plot. Macnaghten replied that he did not think that it was so, but in -any case he would go. After breakfast he sent for the officers of his -staff, Lawrence, Mackenzie, and Trevor, who had returned, and begged -them to accompany him to the meeting. An hour later they set out with a -few horsemen. As they rode on Macnaghten admitted to his officers that -he was well aware that it was a dangerous enterprise, but that he was -playing for a heavy stake and the prize was worth the risk. "At all -events," he said, "a thousand deaths are preferable to the life I have -of late been leading." - -The parties met at some hillocks six hundred yards from the -cantonments, where some horse-cloths had been spread upon the snow by -Akbar Khan's servants. Macnaghten presented to Akbar a splendid horse -he had admired. They dismounted, and Macnaghten took his place on the -blankets. Trevor, Mackenzie, and Lawrence sat behind him. Suddenly the -envoy and his companions were violently seized from behind. The three -officers were dragged away, and each compelled to mount horses ridden -by Afghan chiefs, who rode off through the crowd. Trevor unfortunately -slipped from his insecure seat, and was instantly cut to pieces, while -the other two reached Mahomed Khan's fort alive. In the meantime the -envoy himself was struggling desperately on the ground with Akbar Khan. -Exasperated by the resistance of his victim, whom he had only intended -to seize, the Afghan's passion blazed out, and drawing from his girdle -a pistol, which Macnaghten had given him the day before, he shot him -through the body. Instantly his followers closed round and hacked him -to pieces. - -Thus died a gentleman who, in other circumstances, might have made -a great reputation for himself. Possessed of unusual talent, his -course was marred by his propensity to believe all that he wished, to -disbelieve all that ran counter to his own sanguine projects. During -the last month of his life he did all that man could do to avert a -catastrophe, but he had been unable to instil his spirit into any of -the military commanders, or to induce them to take the only course to -redeem the position, by giving battle to the foe that surrounded them. -He was the author of the ill-fated expedition to Afghanistan, he was -its noblest victim. His peculiar temperament was fatal to him. Even -when there was no longer any ground for hope he still continued to be -sanguine. He had all along believed in himself, and scoffed at the -warnings of men who knew the country and people--of Burnes, Rawlinson, -Pottinger, and others. - -He was thoroughly sincere; he was always able to convince himself -that what he believed must be true, and he acted accordingly. He was -not a strong man; had he been so the course of events might have been -altered. He deferred in every way to Shah Soojah's wishes, however much -these might be opposed to his own judgment. He allowed him to misgovern -the country, to drive the natives to desperation by the exactions -of his tax-gatherers, and to excite the bitterest animosity of the -chiefs by the arrogance with which he treated them. A strong man would -have put a stop to all this--would have intimated to the Ameer that -he held the throne solely by the assistance of British bayonets, and -that unless he followed British counsels he would at once yield to the -oft-repeated wishes of the Indian government and order the retirement -of the troops. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -A DOOMED ARMY - - -Even the murder of the British envoy within sight of the camp failed to -arouse the military authorities from their deadly lethargy. Sullenly -the troops remained in their cantonments. Not a man was put in motion -to avenge the deed or to redeem the honour of the army. The only -idea was to renew the negotiations that had been broken short by the -murder of their political chief. The commissariat had nothing to do. -Beleaguered as they were, it was impossible to collect provisions -unless a strong force was sent out, and the military authorities -refused to allow a man to be put in motion. They had no confidence in -their soldiers, and the soldiers had none in them. It was their leaders -who had made them what they were. Macnaghten in his wrath had spoken -of them as miserable cowards, but they were not cowards. They had at -first full confidence in themselves, and if ordered would gladly have -attacked the Afghan forces in the open and have carried Cabul by storm. -But kept in enforced inactivity, while fort after fort was wrested from -them without an effort being made to relieve the garrisons, while the -whole of their provisions for the winter were carried off before their -eyes by an enemy they despised, and feeling that on the few occasions -on which they were led from their entrenchments there was neither plan -nor order--no opportunity for showing their valour, none for engaging -in battle, they lost heart. Day by day they were exposed to continual -insults from their exultant foes, day by day exposed to a heavy cannon -and musketry fire, while the food served out was insufficient to -maintain their strength--almost insufficient to keep them alive. It is -not wonderful that their fighting powers were lost, and that they had -become little more than a rabble in uniform. - -Angus had now no official duties to perform, and he spent much of his -time with his old friend Eldred Pottinger, now a major, who, after -Macnaghten's murder, took his place, by right of seniority as well as -of energy and talent, as chief political officer. He had been employed -in the west, but had been sent to Cabul, and very shortly afterwards -had proceeded to Kohistan, returning almost the sole survivor of -the little force that was stationed there. His counsel since then -had always been for energetic measures, but his voice, like that of -Macnaghten, availed nothing. He had, however, taken no prominent -part in affairs, having been confined to his bed by the wound he had -received. He was now recovering from it, and took up the work with the -same energy as he had displayed at Herat. As he said to Angus, "It -seems to be my fate to have to do with incapable men. At Herat it was -Yar Mahomed and Kamran, here it is Shelton and Elphinstone. Elphinstone -and Kamran have both in their younger days been fighting men. Both are -utterly worn out bodily and mentally by disease and age. - -"Shelton is a brave man, a hard fighter, but his temper overmasters -him. When in the field he shows personal gallantry, but no military -capacity whatever. At first he was always in opposition to the -general; he has given that up as useless, and beyond always -endeavouring to thwart his chief when the latter was roused to -momentary flashes of energy by Macnaghten, he has sunk into a deep -gloom, as if he regarded it as absolutely hopeless to struggle further. -I would that any other than myself had been placed in the position I -now hold. The terms proposed to Macnaghten were hard enough, they will -be still harder, still more disgraceful, now. But however disgraceful -they may be, they will be accepted by the military leaders, and my name -will be associated with the most humiliating treaty a British officer -has ever been called upon to sign." - -His previsions were correct. Negotiations were renewed without the -slightest allusion being made to the murder of Macnaghten, and as if -such an event had never happened. While these were going on, little -food was allowed to enter camp--enough to sustain life, but no more. -At last the terms were settled. The Afghan chiefs agreed to supply -provisions, and to send in baggage animals, upon payment being made for -them. Six officers were to be handed over as hostages, all muskets and -ordnance stores in the magazines, all money in the treasury, and all -goods and property belonging to Dost Mahomed, were to be surrendered, -and Dost himself and his family to be returned. No provision whatever -was made for the safety of the man we had placed upon the throne. -Pottinger endeavoured in vain to obtain better conditions. He received -no support from the military chiefs; and even when at last he agreed to -the terms, he did so with little hope that they would be observed. - -Warnings came from friends in the city that no dependence whatever -could be placed upon the chiefs, and that in spite of all promises -the force would certainly be attacked on its way down through the -passes. No step was taken by the chiefs to send in either provisions or -carriage animals, and the escort that was to accompany them did not -make its appearance. On the 5th of January the military authorities -determined to march out, contrary to the advice of Pottinger, who -argued that without carriage and provisions, and without the protection -of the chiefs as promised, the prospects of four thousand troops and -twelve thousand followers being able to make their way down through the -passes was small indeed. - -Angus had come to rely very much upon Azim for information as to what -was passing outside the cantonment. The latter had during the three -years come to speak the Afghan language perfectly, and in the attire -of a peasant often went out after dark, mixed with the insurgents, -and entered the city. He had each time he went out brought back a -less hopeful report than on the previous one, and Angus was the more -impressed since the young fellow was generally cheery, and disposed to -look on the bright side of things, taking indeed comparatively little -interest in what was going on around him, having absolute confidence -that his master would find some way out of any difficulty that might -confront him. - -"I quite agree with all you say, Azim, but I am powerless to act in any -way. If I were here as a private person I should certainly disguise -myself and endeavour to make my way down to Candahar, but as an officer -I must remain at my post, come what may, and share the fate of the -rest. But if you are disposed to try and get down, I will not throw -any obstacle in your way, and will furnish you with money sufficient -to pay your way either back to Persia or down into India, where, with -your knowledge of languages, you will have no difficulty in finding -employment." - -Azim laughed. "No, master, whatever comes, I will stay with you. Just -as you are in the employment of government and cannot leave, so am I in -your employment." - -Angus did not attempt to push the matter further, for he felt that it -would be useless; and indeed, although he would have done what he could -to procure his follower's safety, he felt that he would be a great -loss to him in many ways. They had been so long together, and had gone -through so many dangers in companionship, that he regarded Azim as a -friend rather than as a servant. - -"When you have been in the city, Azim, have you ever seen our friend -Sadut?" - -"No, sir; I have heard that he has been in the city many times, and -that he was with the Afghan horsemen who drove our people in, but I -have not seen him. Should I speak to him if I do so?" - -"Yes, you might thank him in my name, and your own, for having saved -our lives the other day; but on no account say anything to him about -the future. I cannot make any overtures for help to a man who, though a -friend of my own, is fighting against us. And indeed, however willing -he might be to aid me to the best of his power, he could not do so. If -we are really attacked in the pass, mixed up as we shall be with the -camp followers, we could not be found in the crowd; and you may be sure -that the tribesmen and the Ghazee fanatics will be mad with bloodshed -and hate, and that even a chief would be unable to stand between them -and their victims. Even if he were to send a messenger to me to say -that he and his men would again save me, if I would let him know in -which part of the column I shall ride, I should refuse to do so. It -would be an act of treachery on my part to others, weaker and less able -to take care of themselves than I am." - -On the afternoon of the day when the force moved out of the cantonments -Eldred Pottinger sent for Angus. - -"Are you ready to undertake a hazardous mission?" he asked. "It is -so hazardous that I would send no one upon it, were it not that I -consider that those who stay here are running as great a risk. After -the murder of Burnes and Macnaghten, I have not the smallest faith in -the chiefs keeping to their promises, and the manner in which they have -failed now to carry out the terms of the treaty heightens my distrust -in them. I do not believe that any of the messengers that have been -sent down of late have succeeded in getting through; and indeed, until -to-day it was impossible to say whether we should really start or -not. The messages sent down were necessarily vague, and were indeed -only requests for aid. I know, and no doubt Sale knows, that it is as -difficult for him to fight his way up the passes as it is for us to -make our way down; but now that, in spite of my advice, Elphinstone and -Shelton and the other officers have decided to wait no longer, but to -start at once, a specific message must be sent." - -"I am ready to try to get through," Angus said. "I have no doubt that -while we have been negotiating here, the tribesmen from all the country -round have been gathering in the passes. The only way would be for me -to join some party of men from the villages going that way. Once fairly -in the pass and among the tribesmen, I could leave the party and mingle -with others. Of course it would be slow work going on afoot, but I -should say that it would be quite impossible on horseback." - -"I have not much hope that the mission will be of any real use, for -Sale is himself besieged in Jellalabad. Still, one must make an -attempt. I shall enter in my journals--trusting that they will some -day be recovered--that as a last hope I have accepted the offer of Mr. -Angus Campbell to carry a message to General Sale saying that we are -starting, and begging him, if it be possible, to make a diversion in -our favour by advancing as far as he can to meet us. I will not give -you any written document. You are well known to many of the officers -who went down with Sale, therefore no question can arise as to the -message you bear being a genuine one. If you were searched and any -letter found upon you, it would be your death-warrant. Still, I believe -if anyone could get through alive, you can." - -"I will do my best anyhow," Angus said, "and I will start as soon as it -becomes dark. It is all easy enough as far as Khoord Cabul, after that -I shall keep a sharp look-out; if I overtake any party of villagers I -shall join them." - -"I shall come and say good-bye to you before you start, Campbell." - -Angus returned at once to his tent. "You have my disguise ready and -your own, Azim?" - -"Yes, sir, I have both ready, and have two of their long guns and some -daggers and pistols." - -"I have my own pistols, Azim." - -"Yes, master, and it will be as well to take them; but they would be -seen directly if you had them in your girdle." - -"No doubt they would, Azim, but there are a good many English pistols -among them now. There were three pairs they got at Sir Alexander's -house, and there have been several officers killed since. I can give -out that I took part in the fight at Sir Alexander's and got these -pistols as my share of the plunder." - -"Are you going anywhere, master?" - -"Yes, I am going to try to get down through the passes to Jellalabad. -We shall start as soon as it is dark. It will be a terribly dangerous -journey, but I hardly think it will be more dangerous than going down -with the troops." - -"What are we to take, master? I will get it ready." - -"There is not much that we can take. I will go down to the store myself -and get eight or ten pounds of ground grain. There is not much of it, -for the mills have all been smashed, and we have had to serve the grain -out whole; but I know that there are two or three sacks left in the -stores. There is no meat to be had, nor spirits--not that I would take -spirits if I could get them, for if they were found upon me it would -excite suspicion at once. Another thing, I must stain myself. My face -and hands are nearly as brown as those of the Afghans, but if we were -searched and they took our things off, they would see in an instant -that I was a white. I don't know how we are to get stain." - -"I should think, master, that if we were to bake some grain quite -black, and then pound it and pour boiling water over it so as to make -it like very strong coffee, it might do." - -"A very good idea. Well, I shall not want you for the next two hours. -I shall go round and see some of my friends and say good-bye to them. -Mind, whatever you do don't say a word to anyone about our leaving." - -"I will be sure not to do that, master." - -Azim went out to a little tent of thick native blanket a few yards from -that of his master. There he sat looking through the entrance until he -saw his master leave his tent. Five minutes later he issued out in his -Afghan dress, long coat lined with sheep-skins, black lamb's-wool cap, -high boots, and sheep-skin breeches, and at once set off at a brisk -walk. There were at all times many Afghans in the camp, and indeed -many of the camp followers had, since the cold set in, adopted the -same dress; therefore no attention was paid to him, and no questions -were asked by the sentries as he passed out at the gates. As soon as -he got among the gardens and enclosures he broke into a run, which he -continued until he reached a village a mile and a half away, and here -he entered one of the cottages. - -"Have you news for us?" one of the four men sitting there said. - -"Yes, and good news. My master starts as soon as it is dark. He will -be on foot, and he is going to try and make his way down through the -passes." - -"That is good news indeed," the Afghan said. "I was afraid that we -should never get a chance. Which road will he go by?" - -"I can't say exactly, but he is sure to leave by the western gate. -He would have more chance of getting away unnoticed on that side. Of -course we shall both be in our Afghan dress." - -"We will be on the look-out. I suppose that he will be armed?" - -"Yes, he will carry one of your long guns and a brace of pistols. You -had best choose some spot where you can close on him suddenly, for he -would certainly fight till the last." - -"We will be careful," the man said. "I don't want to get a pistol ball -in my body. We shall follow at a distance until we find a convenient -spot." - -"He is sure to keep along at the foot of the hill so as to avoid your -people on the plain." - -"It will suit us best also, as we shall not have far to carry him." - -"Mind, you must make a struggle when you seize me as if I was violently -resisting. Then, when we start you must order me to walk, and threaten -to blow out my brains if I try to escape. My master can learn the -truth afterwards. If he were to know it now, he would be furious with -me; but in a few days, when fighting is going on in the passes, and a -great disaster occurs, he will thank me for having prevented him from -throwing away his life, especially as he knows perfectly well that the -English in Jellalabad could not come out to assist those here." - -When Angus returned to the tent he found Azim busy roasting the grain. -The Afghan costume had been laid aside. - -"Everything is ready, master. The grain is nearly done, and it won't -take me long to pound it up. I got a few sticks down at the stores and -the kettle is just boiling." - -"Then as soon as it is ready I will stain myself, but I sha'n't put -on the Afghan dress until the last thing. Have you cooked some of the -flour?" - -"Yes, sir, I have made four cakes. They are baking in the ashes now. I -thought perhaps you would eat one before we started, and we can carry -the others for to-morrow." - -"I wish, Azim," Angus said, "that there was some chance of this journey -being useful, but I feel convinced that no good can come of it. The -moonshee has sent in a report that confirms the rumours we heard. -There can be no doubt that General Sale is strongly beleaguered in -Jellalabad, and will have all his work to do to hold the place, and -therefore it will be absolutely impossible for him to fight his way up -the pass." - -"Then why should you go, master?" - -"Because I have been asked to go as a forlorn hope; and also because, -however great the risk I may run, I do not think that it is greater -than it would be if I went down with the army. We have no baggage -animals. We have food for only three days more, and it will only last -that time by cutting down the rations still further. The unfortunate -camp followers are for the most part without warm clothing of any sort, -and will die by thousands. As to the troops, I have no doubt that -most of them will fight when they know that unless they cut their way -through they are doomed, but their chance of victory is small. Here -in the open plain they might even now, if well led and worked up to -enthusiasm by a stirring speech, thrash the Afghans, numerous as these -may be; but pent up in the passes, under a fire from every hillside by -a foe they cannot reach--for in their present weak state they could -never scale the mountains--I believe it will be a massacre rather than -a fight. At any rate, if we are to be killed, I would rather be shot -as a spy than go through such awful scenes as there will be before a -bullet finishes me." - -"I don't want to die at all, master; but if it be the will of Allah, -so be it. But, as you say, I would rather be killed straight off than -struggle on through the snows in the passes and get killed in the end." - -As soon as it became dusk, Angus and his follower put on their -disguises. A few minutes later Eldred Pottinger came in. - -"Well, as far as looks go you will pass anywhere, Campbell, and -certainly as regards language there is no fear of your being suspected. -The real difficulty will be in explaining where you came from. Every -village has sent its contingent of fighting men, and if it happened -that you met anyone from the place you pretended to come from, the -consequences would be very awkward." - -"I intend to give out that I have come down from Arcab, which is a -little village to the south of Ghuznee. I went out there once with a -detachment to buy some cattle. It is hardly likely that any of the men -from that place would have come here, for they would naturally join the -bands that are threatening our garrison there. Of course I can invent -some story to account for my not doing the same." - -Pottinger nodded. "Well, Campbell, I hope that you will get well -through it. As I told you, I have not a shadow of hope that Sale will -be able to lend a hand to us. Still, although it is but one in a -thousand chances, I feel that it ought to be attempted; and in your -case I say honestly that I consider there is no greater risk in your -going down by yourself, and having your own wits to depend upon, -than in going down with the army--if one can call this broken and -dispirited soldiery an army--for in that case the bravest and clearest -head would share the fate, whatever that may be, of the dullest and -most cowardly." - -"I quite see that, and agree with you that nothing can be slighter than -the chances of the army getting down safely. Be assured that whatever -happens, so far from blaming you, I shall consider that you did the -best for me by sending me on this mission." - -"I will walk with you to the gate," Pottinger said. "In the daytime -there is no check upon anyone passing in or out, but at night the -sentries are on the alert, and as you are both armed, you would -certainly be stopped." - -A minute was spent in packing their scanty stores into the pockets of -their coats, then they started for the gate. Here Pottinger, after -seeing them through, shook hands cordially not only with Angus but -with Azim, whom he had learned to like and value for the devotion he -showed to his master in Herat. They proceeded on their way without -meeting any parties of Afghans until they neared the foot of the hill, -then, as they were passing along a path through an orchard, a party of -men suddenly sprang out upon them, and they were thrown down on their -faces before either had time to offer any resistance. Angus, indeed, -had repressed the natural impulse to try to draw one of his pistols. -Resistance would have meant death, and it seemed to him that these -could only be plunderers. - -"What are you doing, fools?" he exclaimed. "Do you not see that we are -friends?" - -No answer was given. His captors were binding his hands tightly to his -side; then before raising him they muffled his head in a blanket. He -was then lifted to his feet. He heard the men say to Azim that he was -to accompany them, and that if he attempted escape he would at once be -shot. A man on each side of him put his hands on his shoulder, and one -said: "You are to walk quietly with us; escape is impossible, and it -were well for you not to attempt it." - -Angus indeed felt that escape was out of the question. He was unable -to conjecture into whose hands he had fallen. They were not bent upon -plunder, for had they been so, they would have taken his arms, searched -him, and probably cut his throat afterwards. It seemed impossible -to him that they could know he was a British officer, and the only -conceivable explanation he could think of was that men had been -scattered all round the cantonment to prevent anyone from leaving, or -going out with messages to one or other of the chiefs, and that they -had seen him and Azim come out, had followed and seized them, and were -now taking them to some chief to be questioned as to why they were -in the British camp after dark, and for what purpose they had left. -Certainly the affair reminded him of his friendly capture at Cabul; but -it seemed to him altogether impossible that Sadut could have learned -that he was about to start on a mission, or that had he even learned -it, he could have known that he and Azim would have followed the road -on which they had been captured. He soon found that the path they were -following was an upward one, and as it became steeper and steeper, he -was sure that he was being taken into the hills. - -Once or twice he addressed his captors, but received no answer. He -walked, as far as he could tell, for two hours. At last there was a -pause. He heard a door open, and felt that he was being taken into a -hut. Then for the first time the pistols and knives were taken from -his sash. His captors, after addressing a few whispered words to some -men who were already in the hut, retired, closing the door behind them -and piling heavy stones against it. The blanket was then taken off -his head. A bright fire was burning in the hut, which he saw was some -fifteen feet square. Four men, armed to the teeth, were standing by -the fire. There was no door save the one by which they had been brought -in, and it was evident that the hut consisted only of this room. - -"You are unhurt, I hope," he said to Azim. - -"Yes. I was knocked down before I had time to think of doing anything." - -"Do you know where they have brought us?" - -"No. They threw a cloth over my head." - -"How could this have happened, Azim? I cannot understand it at all." - -"No more can I, sir." - -"When we started to fight against the infidels we never thought that -we should be attacked by our own countrymen. It seems to me that there -must be some mistake." Then he turned to the Afghans. "Why are we -brought here? What harm have we done?" - -"That I know not," the man said. "You must have done something, or our -comrades would not have brought you here. That is their business." - -"It seems to me," Angus said angrily, "it is our business too. Our -tribe are not at war with any others, and it is a new thing that -Afghans should attack each other when all are uniting to fight the -strangers." - -"I know nothing about it. I only know that our comrades brought you -here, and left us to look after you. There are plenty of traitors among -the men who have taken the infidel's gold. They will all be reckoned -with when we have finished with the white men. Well, they did not tell -us to keep you bound, and we will take off the cords if you swear by -the faith that you will make no attempt to escape." - -Angus hesitated. It seemed to him that if two of the four men slept he -and Azim could, if unbound, snatch at their weapons, and at least make -a fight for it; that chance would be gone if he gave his word. - -"No," he said; "I will make no bargain with men who have deprived me of -my liberty." - -"Well, just as you like," the other said, seating himself by the fire, -"it makes no matter to us." - -"We may as well sit down too," Angus said, and advancing near the fire -he sat down by the side of the Afghans. Azim did the same. - -"Where did you say you came from?" the man who had been the spokesman -of the party asked. Angus briefly named the village he had before -decided upon, and then sat looking silently at the fire. He saw that -his chance of being able to discover at present any plan for escape was -very small. Presently one of the men said, "Let us have supper," and -rising he went to a corner of the hut, where the carcass of a sheep was -hanging from the rafters. He cut off a leg, divided this into slices, -which he spitted on a ramrod, and then put it over the fire. In the -meantime another had unceremoniously placed the four cakes that were -taken from the captives in the embers to warm up. When the meat was -done, the leader said to Angus: "We do not wish to starve you. We will -untie the hands of one of you, and let him eat; when he has done, we -will fasten him up again, and let the other eat in the same way." - -This was done. When they were again securely bound Angus said in -Pushtoo: "You may as well lie down now, friend. Perhaps in the morning -the men who have taken us will find out that they have made a mistake -and will let us go, with apologies for having treated friends so -roughly." They lay down close together, but Angus was afraid even to -whisper to his follower, lest it should excite the suspicion of their -guard. For an hour he remained watchful, then he saw two of the Afghans -lie down, but the other two lighted their pipes, and were evidently -going to keep watch. He had tried quietly once or twice to see if the -cords that bound him could be loosened, but he found that although -they had not been tied unpleasantly tight, they were securely fastened, -and did not yield in the slightest to his efforts. He therefore gave up -the idea of trying to free himself from them; and indeed, even if the -guards should all sleep, the prospect was hopeless, for from the noise -made in rolling the rocks against the door, it was certain that this -could not be opened without waking the sleepers. It would therefore be -necessary as a preliminary to kill all of them, and even then he might -not be able to break open the door. At any rate, there was nothing to -do at present. After trying in vain to discover an explanation of their -capture he fell asleep. He woke several times in the night, but found -that two men were always on guard. The next morning he heard the stones -removed from the door, but no one entered. The Afghans breakfasted, and -this time permitted their captives to share the meal with them. From -time to time one or other of the Afghans went to the door and looked -out, and at two o'clock one of them said, "The infidels are moving." - -The others went out. "Have you thought of any way of escape?" Angus -whispered in Persian to his follower. - -"I can think of nothing," Azim murmured. - -As there seemed no obstacle to their going out Angus joined his -captors. He could see on the snow which covered the plain below, the -dark masses of the troops surrounded by a host of camp followers, while -beyond these hovered hordes of Afghans. From time to time horsemen rode -in, evidently delivered some message, and then went off again. - -The departure of the troops had been fatally delayed. It was ordered to -begin at eight o'clock in the morning, and at that hour they stood to -their arms. The day was clear and bright, and although four miles from -the camp, Angus could clearly see what was going on. Although it was -now two in the afternoon, only a portion of the troops had left the -camp, and it was not till six o'clock, when night had already fallen, -that the rear-guard left it. - -Already confusion had set in; the ranks of the soldiers were broken -up by the terrified camp followers, and presented the appearance of a -vast mob rather than an organized army. Had they started at the hour -fixed they might have reached Khoord Cabul in safety, but the loss -of time was fatal. Only six miles were accomplished, and it was two -o'clock in the morning before the whole gathered, when it was seen that -their numbers were already diminished. The wretched camp followers, -accustomed to the heat of the plains of India, and thinly clad, were -the first to succumb. Hundreds, especially of women and children, sat -down in the snow and were frozen to death. Already the Afghans were -hanging on the flanks, and sometimes making rushes and cutting down -many of the unresisting multitude. - -Soon after two o'clock a native came up to the hut and delivered an -order to the Afghans, who at once cut up the remainder of the sheep, -and divided it between them. Then their leader said, "We are to move." -The ropes that bound the prisoners were loosened. One end was tied -round the wrist of each captive, the other being wound round the -waist of an Afghan, allowing a slack of a yard and a half. As soon as -this was done the party moved off. They descended the hill for some -distance, and then followed the lower slopes in the direction in which -the army was moving. They kept on till long after midnight, and then -halted at a deserted hut. Far behind them they could see the flames of -the burning cantonments, which had been fired by the Afghans as soon -as they had removed everything of the slightest value. In the morning -Angus saw that their halting-place was high up above the entrance of -the Khoord Cabul Pass. There was as yet no sign of the army, but in -the afternoon it was seen approaching in a confused mass. The night -had been a dreadful one; soldiers and camp followers, horses and -baggage and cattle were huddled in a confused mass. No warm clothes had -been served out to the followers, and hundreds were frozen to death -during the night, while others were so badly frost-bitten that they -were unable to walk. - -As soon as the troops started again the Afghan horsemen attacked the -rear, seizing the baggage, capturing the guns, and cutting down all -they encountered. At noon Akbar Khan, with six hundred horsemen, rode -up. Pottinger sent Captain Skinner with six horsemen to communicate -with him. Akbar said that he had been sent out by the Nawab to protect -them from the attacks of the Ghazees. His instructions were to demand -other hostages as security for the evacuation of Jellalabad, and to -arrest the progress of the force, supplying it in the meantime with -everything it required, until news of the evacuation of Jellalabad by -Sale was received. The troops, however, did not halt until they reached -the entrance of the Cabul Pass. The night was even more dreadful -than the preceding day had been. The Sepoys burned their caps and -accoutrements to obtain a little warmth, and numbers were frozen to -death. At daybreak the crowd of soldiers and camp followers began to -push forward, their only thought now being how to escape death. - -Akbar Khan spent some hours in negotiations. Four more hostages were -demanded; Pottinger volunteered to be one of them, Captain Lawrence -had been specially named, and Pottinger chose Mackenzie as the third. -It was agreed that the force should move down through the Khoord Cabul -Pass to Tezeen, there to await tidings of the evacuation of Jellalabad. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -ANNIHILATION OF THE ARMY - - -In terrible confusion the crowd of fugitives--they were now nothing -more--all entered the terrible pass. The Ghilzyes at once commenced -their attack. In vain did Akbar Khan and his chiefs endeavour to -restrain the fanatics. From the hillsides, from every rocky crag they -opened a murderous fire. That day three thousand men fell, either from -the musket fire or from the knives of the Afghans. The dooly-bearers -had all deserted on the first day, the greater portion of the camels -and ponies had been captured. So far the ladies had escaped; they all -rode next to the advanced guard, as this was considered the safest -point, for the soldiers here maintained some sort of order, and the -Afghans, therefore, devoted their attention to the helpless crowd in -the rear. Again the column halted in the snow. - -In the morning the camp followers made another rush ahead, but the -troops, who were ordered to march at ten o'clock, did not move, -for in spite of all the remonstrances of the officers, the general -countermanded the order, believing that Akbar Khan would send in -provisions and troops to protect them. Another terrible night was -passed, and then Captain Skinner rode into camp with a new proposal -from Akbar Khan, namely, that all the English ladies of the force -should be placed under his charge, and that they might be accompanied -by their husbands. Pottinger remembering that Akbar Khan's family were -in the hands of the British, and believing that he was sincere in his -wish to save the ladies and children from destruction, sanctioned the -proposal. Elphinstone at once accepted it. It was the choice of two -evils. On the one hand Akbar Khan had proved faithless, and on the -other certain death awaited the ladies. They were insufficiently clad, -had scarcely tasted food since they left Cabul, and had passed three -terrible nights in the snow. Undoubtedly it was the wiser course to -trust them to Akbar Khan. Accordingly a party of Afghan horse rode -in, and Lady Macnaghten, Lady Sale, and ten other ladies, some twenty -children, and eight officers rode away under their escort. - -The next morning the survivors started. The Sepoys had already lost the -greater portion of their numbers; the remainder threw away their guns, -which they could no longer use owing to their hands being frost-bitten, -and joined the disorganized rabble in front. They were attacked in a -narrow gorge, and the pass was soon choked with dead and dying. Not -a single Sepoy survived. Of the sixteen thousand men, soldiers and -camp followers, that had left Cabul four days before, not more than a -quarter were now alive. Akbar Khan watched the slaughter that was going -on, declaring that he was powerless to restrain the Ghilzyes, whom even -their own chiefs could not control. He advised that the remnant of the -British army should lay down their arms and place themselves under his -protection. The general very properly refused the offer, for Akbar -Khan had already acknowledged that he was incapable of restraining the -tribesmen. - -The march was continued. The rear-guard was commanded by Shelton, and -nobly they did their work, repulsing several attacks of the enemy, -and giving time for those ahead to pursue their way. Before daybreak -they started again in hopes that they might reach Jugduluk that day. -Despair gave the soldiers strength, and they moved off quietly in order -to obtain a start of the camp followers, who paralysed their action. -The latter, however, were soon on their feet, and as usual endeavoured -to push on ahead of the troops. For some miles the retreat was -uninterrupted, but presently a heavy fire opened on the rear-guard. The -camp followers then rushed in a tumultuous crowd past the troops, and -when, a little later, the head of the column was attacked, they again -fled to the rear, not only hampering the movements of the soldiers, but -carrying many of them away by the impetus of their rush. Steadily until -day broke the Afghan marksmen maintained their fire. Soon afterwards -the advanced guard reached a village ten miles from Jugduluk, and -halting only till the rear-guard came up again pushed forward. Shelton, -with a handful of the rear-guard, kept the Afghans at bay, and covered -the retreat until all arrived in Jugduluk, where they took their post -behind some ruined walls. There was, however, little rest for them; the -Afghans, in ever-increasing numbers, posted themselves on the heights -and opened a terrible fire. Three bullocks were found among the camp -followers; these were instantly killed and served out to the famishing -soldiers, who devoured them raw. Again Akbar's party approached, and -Captain Skinner went out to remonstrate with him for permitting the -continued attacks, but the Afghan prince declared himself incapable of -repressing his men, as his orders were disregarded. - -A handful of the 44th Regiment issued out and made a gallant rush at -the enemy and drove them back, but as the main body did not follow -their example, they again retired behind the ruined walls. All night -long and through the next day the force remained at Jugduluk. Akbar -Khan sent in a message inviting the general, Shelton, and Captain -Johnson to a conference, and promised to send in provisions. This -promise he as usual broke, and insisted on retaining the three officers -as hostages. - -The conference was resumed the next morning. Akbar now seemed in -earnest in his desire to put a stop to the slaughter; but the petty -chiefs of the tribes between Jugduluk and Jellalabad were now present, -and these would listen neither to his entreaties nor commands, nor to -the offer of large sums of money. They thirsted for blood, and were -determined to extirpate the infidels. Mahomed Shah Khan, to whose -daughter Akbar was married, then came forward and asked whether the -British would pay two lacs of rupees for safe-conduct to Jellalabad. -The general agreed to this, and it seemed that at last the safety -of the survivors was ensured. At eight o'clock in the evening the -survivors, who now numbered but a hundred and twenty of the 44th and -twenty-five artillerymen, again set forth. No provisions had been -sent in during the two days' halt, and all were terribly reduced by -famine. The Afghans rushed down among the camp followers, killing them -unresistingly. The soldiers, however, held together, and, bayonet -in hand, drove off their assailants until they reached the Jugduluk -Pass. They struggled up the narrow and terribly steep ascent until -when near the summit they came upon a barricade composed of bushes and -branches of trees. Here the column was thrown into great confusion, -the camp followers crowding upon the soldiers. The latter fought with -desperation, while the Afghans massacred the unresisting camp followers. - -Twelve officers fell here. Their number was large in proportion to that -of the men. They had been no better clothed, and had suffered equally -from cold and hunger; but they did not give way to the depression that -during the first two marches had reigned among the troops. They were -upheld, too, by the feeling of responsibility, and the necessity of -keeping up an appearance of cheerfulness and hopefulness in order to -encourage the men. After desperate fighting some twenty officers and -twenty-five soldiers managed to break their way through the barricade, -and at daybreak reached Gundamuck. There were but two rounds of -ammunition remaining in the men's pouches. Most of them were already -wounded, but they were resolute not to lay down their arms, and when -called upon to do so they refused. Then the mob of Afghans rushed -down upon them. One officer and a few privates were taken prisoners, -but seven officers succeeded in cutting their way through, and being -mounted, left the Afghans behind them, and reached Futtehbad, but -sixteen miles from Jellalabad. Here, however, they were attacked by the -peasantry. Two were cut down at once; the others rode off, but were -pursued and overtaken. Four of them were killed, and one only, Dr. -Brydon, reached Jellalabad alive, the sole survivor of four thousand -five hundred fighting men and twelve thousand camp followers, with the -exception only of those who had been taken over by Akbar as hostages. - -This, the greatest disaster that ever befell a British army, was due to -the vacillation and weakness that had characterized every action since -the murder of Sir Alexander Burnes. Had the force pressed forward at -once on the morning when it left its cantonment, the greater portion -would probably have reached Jellalabad, but two days had been lost -before the army reached Khoord Cabul Pass, about ten miles from the -city. There were fresh halts, fresh delays, fresh futile negotiations -again and again, and during the time thus thrown away the enemy from -all the mountains round were gathering in the passes to oppose them, -and building the fatal barricade in the pass of Jugduluk. Had the force -pushed forward with only an occasional halt of a few hours, they would -not have been enfeebled by hunger. By slaying the baggage animals an -abundance of food could have been obtained for all, the opposition they -encountered would have been comparatively feeble, and cold would have -been their only formidable antagonist. Truly it seemed that a curse had -fallen upon the army; that it was Divine retribution for a most unjust -and iniquitous war. - -Each day Angus and his followers had been taken along, always being -halted in positions whence they could see the terrible tragedy that -was being enacted. Angus was half mad with grief and with fury that -he was not in his place among the troops. Azim in vain endeavoured to -comfort him, by pointing out that it was not his fault that he was not -there, but that he had been sent away from the army by the order of his -superior; and that even had he not been taken prisoner, he would not be -a sharer in what was going on in the pass. - -"That is true, Azim, but it is a poor consolation to me. I feel sure -that Pottinger foresaw what would happen, and that it was as an act -of friendship, in giving me a chance of getting through safely, that -he sent me down. It was no doubt kindly meant, but I would a thousand -times rather have shared the fate of the rest." - -"Well, master, for my part I own that I am glad we are up here. I have -no wish to be killed, especially as it would do no good to anyone. Why -should a man throw away his life? Allah has given it to us, and we -shall die when our time comes. But it would be wicked to throw it away -uselessly." - -"It is all very well to talk like that, Azim, when one is in safety, -but when one sees one's comrades being slaughtered, a man would not be -worthy of the name did he not long to be with them and to die fighting -by their side. Indeed, we know not at present whether our lives are to -be saved. We know not into whose hands we have fallen, or why we should -thus be taken along to be spectators of this massacre. The whole thing -is bewildering to me." - -[Illustration: ANGUS WAS HALF MAD WITH GRIEF AND WITH FURY THAT HE WAS -NOT IN HIS PLACE AMONG THE TROOPS] - -They now generally conversed in Persian. Their guards, although -keeping as strict a watch as ever on them, interfered with them but -little. Fortunately the worst scenes took place at night, and were -therefore hidden from those on the hill, the incessant rattle of -musketry alone telling of the relentless pursuit. On the night of the -12th the roar of fire had been louder than ever. At last it ceased -suddenly. Angus and his guards alike remained awake, Angus listening in -agony to the sounds of the combat, the Afghans talking together in low -tones. - -"What do you think has happened?" he asked them when some minutes had -passed without the sound of a shot being heard. - -"Either Akbar Khan has succeeded in persuading the Ghilzye chiefs to -spare what few there are left of the infidels, or the last man has been -slain." - -Angus felt that the latter was by far the more probable solution, and -throwing himself down on the ground he burst into tears. The eight -days of mental suffering had shaken him terribly, and now, feeling -that his worst fears had been realized, he broke down altogether. -Before daybreak his captors moved some distance farther up into the -mountains, and by the cautious manner in which they made their way, -often pausing to look back and round, Angus concluded that they were -desirous of avoiding all contact with their countrymen. He had indeed -before observed how careful they were to avoid the Afghans scattered on -the hillside, and he now concluded that they must be taking him to the -tower of the chief, to be dealt with as he might direct, either shot at -once or held by him as a hostage, for whose delivery he might obtain a -handsome sum should the British again advance up the passes. - -All day they travelled among the hills. At last they came upon a large -village. There were no men about, doubtless all had gone to take part -in the fray. The women came out and eagerly questioned them as to the -fighting on the night before. - -"We know nothing," the leader said. "We believe that the last of the -infidels has fallen, but we know nothing for certain." - -Without pausing they took the two prisoners, whose appearance had -created no surprise, as they were taken for natives, to the chief's -tower, a much larger building than the abodes of most of the petty -chiefs. Standing upon a crag of rock, it overlooked the village; -entrance was only obtainable by a ladder leading to a door some thirty -feet above the rock. Their coming had been observed. An old man stood -at the door. - -"So you are back, Suffyd?" - -"Yes, as you see. Has the chief returned?" - -"No; it is two weeks since we saw him last. He started then with all -the fighting men from here and the other villages; but I expect it will -not be long before he returns, for, from what we have heard, the work -must be nearly done." - -The party ascended the ladder, and the leader spoke a word or two with -the old man, who looked greatly surprised. The captives were taken -into a room, which by its furnishing was evidently one of the chief's -private apartments. - -"You are free to move about the house," the leader said, "but you must -not leave it." - -In a few minutes a woman entered, bringing a dish of boiled grain with -portions of mutton in it. She gave the usual Afghan salutation. She was -followed by another woman with a jug of water, two mugs, and a bottle. -These were placed on a low table, and then without another word they -left the room. A minute later they returned with a large earthenware -dish full of burning charcoal. - -"This is a good beginning, Azim," Angus said, his spirits rising at -the sight of the hot food; for although they had not been actually -starved, they had been on extremely short rations when their supply of -flour was exhausted, their captors being, like themselves, reduced to -a handful of unground grain each day. "This does not look as if they -meant to cut our throats. Evidently our Afghan is acting under orders. -Those orders must have been that we were to be well treated." - -They ate a hearty meal; then Angus said: - -"See what there is in that bottle, Azim." - -The cork had already been taken out, and Azim poured some of the liquor -into a tin, and handed it to his master. The latter smelt it. - -"It is Afghan spirits," he said, "the same as they sell in the bazaars -in Cabul." - -He filled it up with water, and drank it off. - -"Now, Azim, do you do the same." - -Azim, who was not a very strict Mohammedan, and had more than once -tasted the forbidden drink at Cabul, needed no pressing. - -"Well, master," he said, as he put the cup down, "after all this is -better than lying dead and frozen down in the pass." - -Angus, warmed with the good meal and by the draught that he had taken, -could not disagree with his follower. - -"I begin to think that you are right, Azim, though I did not believe so -yesterday. It is certain that had I joined my countrymen I should have -perished with them, and assuredly I have been saved from eight days of -awful suffering and from death--if, indeed, we are saved from death." - -"I think we can feel certain of that, master. This is not the way the -Afghans treat a man whose throat they intend to cut. They certainly do -not make a pillau for him, or provide him with a bottle of spirits." - -"Do you know, I have been thinking, Azim," Angus said after a short -silence, "that if it had been possible for Sadut Khan to know that -we intended to leave camp in disguise, this might be his work again. -But he could not have known it. No one but you and I, and Major -Pottinger, and the three or four officers to whom I said good-bye, knew -anything about it. Besides, he would have sent the men who captured -us before, and who knew us by sight. And even supposing, which seems -to be impossible, that this was his doing, why not have sent us here -straight, instead of taking eight days to do a journey that could have -been made easily in two, and forcing me to witness the awful scenes in -the passes? It is all most extraordinary." - -"However, there is no question, sir, that whoever our captor may be, he -has been the means of saving our lives." - -"There can be no doubt of that, Azim; and though I may not feel that at -present, I shall in the future be very grateful to him. Even if he were -to have us shot directly he comes here, I should still be grateful, for -it would be a sudden death and not a lingering one, as it has been to -those below. Well, it is of no use puzzling ourselves over the matter. -I suppose we shall learn how it all came about when the chief, whoever -he be, returns here. In the meantime we are certainly a great deal -better off than we have been for the past two months in cantonments." - -"That we are, master. To begin with, I am warm for the first time since -the winter set in; and in the next place, I have had a good meal, and -do not feel that I could grumble at anything. As to your mission, you -said yourself that nothing could come of it, even if you succeeded in -getting through, so that in that respect nothing has been lost by our -journey being so suddenly brought to an end." - -The next day some of the men who had been away with their chief -returned, and the old man in charge told Angus that only one man out of -all who had started from Cabul had reached Jellalabad, but that several -officers had been taken as hostages, including the two generals, -Major Pottinger and Captain Johnson, and two others; also, that all -the ladies and children, and the ladies' husbands, had accepted the -protection of Akbar. - -It was a relief, indeed, to Angus to find that his friends Pottinger -and Johnson had been saved, and as Captain Boyd was one of the married -officers, he also must have escaped the massacre. As to the fate of -Elphinstone and Shelton he was indifferent, it was to them that the -misfortune that had befallen the army was largely due; but the thought -that his three greatest friends had escaped gave him much pleasure. -With these exceptions, that but one man out of sixteen thousand five -hundred should have escaped was appalling. That the loss had been -terrible he was well aware, but he was hardly prepared for the total -annihilation of the force. - -Another two days passed. They continued to be well fed and treated, -and the women who waited upon them seemed to regard them as guests -rather than as captives, talking freely with them, and only being -silent when Angus endeavoured to find out the name of their chief. It -was evident that on this point they had orders to keep silent. On the -third day they heard a stir in the village, and shouts of acclamation -and welcome. The room in which they were confined was at the back of -the house, and they were therefore unable to obtain a view of what was -passing. - -"We shall learn our fate now, Azim," Angus said. - -"I have no fear of its being a bad one, master. We cannot doubt that -orders were given that we should be well treated. If we are kept -prisoners till the spring, for my part I shall not grumble if they -continue to treat us as well as they have been doing." - -They heard the sound of many footsteps and loud talking, then the door -opened and Sadut Khan entered. He advanced with both hands outstretched -to Angus. - -"My dear friend," he said, "how thankful I am that you have been saved -where so many have perished!" - -"And so it is you, chief, to whom I owe my life?" Angus said, returning -the warm grasp of Sadut's hand. "I did not thank you at first, for it -seemed to me shameful that an English officer should not share in the -fate of his comrades." - -Sadut smiled. "But in no case would you have shared their fate. It is -not from that I have saved you, but from being killed on your way down. -Knowing that the passes were full of our people, I was sure that you -must have been taken and murdered. No story you could have told would -have availed you. You were not a Ghilzye, nor a member of any of the -tribes there, and you would assuredly have been detected and killed had -I not saved you." - -"That is so, Sadut; and although at first I was half-mad at being -unable to join my countrymen, I saw before the end came that, had I -done so, my life would have been thrown away uselessly." - -"Exactly; and that was why I ordered that you should be enabled to see -all that passed. From what I had seen of you, I was sure that at first -you would bitterly resent being taken prisoner, and that even if you -knew into whose hands you had fallen you would resist; and it was for -that reason that I did not this time employ Hassan and his followers to -seize you, though all through your journey they kept close at hand, to -use my name and authority should any party of tribesmen meet you--not -that I had much fear of your detection had they done so. The men with -you had orders that in case they did meet such a party, they were to -treat you both, not as captives, but as forming part of their own band. -Still, it was as well that Hassan should be at hand in case of need." - -"I thank you with all my heart, Sadut. I could not have done so at -first, but I can do so now; you have indeed saved my life. A few days -ago that seemed to me as nothing, for I felt that I was dishonoured in -looking on at the massacre of my countrymen. I have had time to think -it over since, and I now know that the view I took was exaggerated. -Could I have joined them it was plainly my duty to have done so, but if -I was a prisoner no blame could attach to me. Have you, chief, taken -part in this terrible business?" - -"No. With twenty of my own horsemen I rode with Akbar, who is my friend -and relative, but I had no intention of drawing my sword against your -people. I knew that they had been promised protection, and I thought -that Akbar and his force were going to escort them. His word had been -given, and I did not think he would withdraw it. - -"I do not think it was his intention to do so. He could have done much -more than he did, but he could not have saved the fugitives. The Nawab -was alone among the Afghan chiefs in the sincerity of his assurances. -Akbar had no influence with the Ghilzye chiefs, and even had he -influenced them they could not have restrained their tribesmen and -the Ghazees. The die was cast. It was Allah's will that those who had -invaded the country without any pretext, dethroned Dost Mahomed, who -had eagerly sought their alliance, and forced a man we all hated upon -us, should meet their fate. Over and over again we implored Akbar, for -the sake of his pledge and his word, to assist your people; even if, -in his efforts to do so, he fell, then his name would go down as long -as our nation existed as one who died in defence of his oath and his -honour. He was all along irresolute. At times he did his best short -of attacking the Ghilzyes, at other times he held aloof altogether -from the scene. At any rate, I can feel that my honour is not soiled. -I was not one of those who signed the treaty, but I have done my best -to prevent that treaty from being violated. Had your people sallied out -from the cantonments and given us battle, I should have fought against -them. But even had there been no treaty, I would not have taken part in -the massacre of men who were practically defenceless, and who were in -no way responsible for the crime of their government." - -"I am glad to hear you say so, chief. I should have been grieved -indeed had you taken part in so treacherous and terrible a massacre. -But how did you learn that I was going to try to make my way down to -Jellalabad? That I have never been able to understand." - -"I kept a watch over you the whole time, my friend. Either Hassan, or -one of his men who knew you, was always in the camp, dressed as one of -the camp followers." - -"But even then I cannot imagine how he could have told that I was -going. I knew it myself but a few hours before I started, and only -Major Pottinger and three or four of my friends were aware of it." - -"My watch was a good one," the chief said, "and when two Afghans issued -from your tent you may be sure the news was quickly brought to the men -who had for some days been lying in readiness, and who were prepared to -repeat the adventure in the city." - -Suddenly, to the astonishment of Angus, Azim threw himself on his -knees. "Master!" he exclaimed, "you can kill me, but I own that it was -I who betrayed you. I had met Hassan in the camp, and he told me that -assuredly no white man would escape alive, that it was settled that all -should be attacked and slain in the passes. He said that Sadut Khan -had resolved to save you, but that to do this with certainty it would -be necessary that he should be informed as to your movements, and where -you would ride when the army started. He said that unless I helped them -it might be impossible to save you. Then I agreed to do so, and met him -or one of his men every day. As soon as you had left the tent after -telling me of your expedition, I ran to the spot where I knew I should -find Hassan, and told him that we were going alone. He said at once -that it would be certain death were you to try to go down the pass, and -that you must be carried off as soon as you had left the camp. I knew -well that you would be greatly angered, and that if you suspected me -you would kill me for my treachery; but that was nothing compared to -your life, and so I turned traitor to you, and am willing now that you -should order me to be taken out and beheaded." - -Angus held out his hand to his faithful follower. "I should have been -angry at first--grieved and angry too, but I cannot be angry now. -You did what you believed to be best for me, and I acknowledge that -it has turned out so. Your treachery was but an act of fidelity, and -undoubtedly was the means of saving my life. You did wrong, but it was -with the best intentions. You ought to have confided in me." - -"But I knew that if I did so you would not have consented." - -"That is true enough; still, I was the best judge of what was -consistent with my honour. However, next to Sadut Khan I owe you my -life, and it would be but poor gratitude were I to reproach you. Let us -say no more about it. I shall remember always that you saved my life, -and shall forget that you somewhat betrayed my trust. I have for four -years past regarded you as my friend rather than as my servant, and I -shall esteem you even more so in the future." - -Azim retired with tears of joy in his eyes. Sadut and Angus had a long -talk together. As if by mutual consent, the subject of the late events -was avoided, and the conversation was upon their journey across the -Bamian and Sadut's doings since that time. - -"I stayed at Khooloom until the governor, whom we had trusted -implicitly, handed over Dost Mahomed's family and mine to your people. -I happened to be away at the time, and on my return two days later -was warned by Hassan of what had taken place. When Dost returned from -captivity among the Turkomans, of course I joined him and accompanied -him to Kohistan, and fought by his side in the battle of Purwandurrah. -The Ameer had said no word even to me of his intention to surrender, -and I was thunder-struck when I heard that he had given himself up. I -remained there, and took part in the attack on the Ghoorka regiment, at -Charekar. After that I returned home. My fortress, as you know, lies -far to the west among the Momunds. This place does not belong to me, -but to the husband of a sister of mine. She is at present at my place -with her husband, who is ill; and as I wished to be nearer to the scene -of action, he begged me to use his fort as a residence. I desired to -hold myself aloof from the negotiations, as I knew that most of the -chiefs were open at any moment to betray the cause for British gold. -Still, I was often down in the city, where I own the house to which you -were taken. I no longer hated your people as infidels--your kindness -to me showed me that there was goodness in your religion as well as in -mine--but I was still ready to fight against them as the invaders of my -country." - -"And now, chief, what do you propose to do with me?" - -"That is for you to decide, my friend. I know what you will say, but, -though I may regret it deeply, I shall certainly offer no opposition. -You are my guest, and it is not for me to dictate to you. I should be -happy if you would stay with me till these troubles have passed, but I -place myself wholly at your disposal, whatever you may decide upon." - -"Thank you, indeed. It is clear to me that if it is in my power I -should immediately rejoin our forces." - -"I was sure that that would be your wish, and I will send you down with -a strong escort to Peshawur." - -"I would rather join Sale at Jellalabad." - -Sadut Khan shook his head. "In that case," he said, "I shall have -rescued you in vain. Sale's force is already besieged, and it will -be but a repetition of Cabul. By orders of Akbar Khan, the Ghilzye -chiefs have all risen. The town is practically without fortifications, -though I hear that the white soldiers have been labouring hard to put -the place in a state of defence. But if the army at Cabul could not -withstand us, still less will Sale's force, which is only a third of -its strength, hold Jellalabad." - -"You forget, chief, that they are commanded by a man, and not by an -utterly incapable person. They are not dispirited by forced inaction -or want of food. I do not say that Jellalabad may not be taken, but I -feel sure that it will offer a sturdy resistance, and the news of what -has happened in the passes will only fill the soldiers with fury. At -any rate, Sale's is the only force that remains of the army to which I -was attached, and it is there that it is my duty, with your permission, -to go. I am sure that were you in my place that would also be your -decision." - -"So be it," Sadut said after a long pause. "Were you to go to Peshawur -you might meet your death there also, as doubtless a force will -endeavour to relieve Jellalabad, and in that case you would certainly -go with them. They will never force their way through the Khyber -Pass. From what I hear the Sepoys at Peshawur are almost in a state -of mutiny. The Sikhs have sapped their loyalty, and have assured them -that they will never be able to force the pass; and when they do move -forward they cannot be depended upon to stand by the British troops -so that your danger may be as great one way as another. However, -Jellalabad is your choice and not mine. The citadel there is strong, -and when the town is captured, as it certainly will be soon, the troops -can retire there, and may hold out until they make terms and are -allowed to return to India." - -"I do not think they will make terms, Sadut. They have had a terrible -lesson as to the manner in which treaties are respected by the greater -portion of your chiefs, and are not likely to trust again to any -promises, but will hold out until they have fired their last cartridge." - -"They cannot hope to defend themselves," Sadut said positively. "Akbar -Khan will himself head the army." - -"I do not think, Sadut, that you know yet what a British soldier can do -when well led. There has been no great battle fought since we entered -Afghanistan, and you must not judge them by the small fights that took -place round Cabul; the soldiers there had lost heart and confidence in -their commander. It will be a very different thing when you meet them -confident in themselves and in their leaders. Believe me, your hosts, -however large, do not frighten them. You know how they have overcome -many of the best fighting races in India, and that in the teeth of odds -as great as can be brought against them here. I say not a word against -the courage of your people, but they want discipline and training, and -even a host of men fighting each for himself, cannot withstand the -charge of well-disciplined soldiers." - -"Why did they not come up the passes, then, to aid their friends." - -"Because they were deficient in carriage, they were in a country -altogether hostile to them, they had many sick, and must have left a -strong force to guard them. There may have been other reasons of which -I know not, but these are sufficient. For a force to enter these passes -without animals to carry their food and their wounded would have been -madness. And I believe that Sale has not more than twelve hundred -bayonets, a force sufficient to do wonders in the plains, but which -could hardly fight their way up the passes against thousands of good -marksmen, as the Afghans assuredly are, armed with guns which carry -much farther than their own, and firing in safety behind inaccessible -rocks. But whether Jellalabad can resist all attacks, as I believe, -or whether the place falls, is a matter which does not affect my -resolution. It is my duty to be there, and if you will afford me means -of getting there I will assuredly go." - -"We will start to-morrow, then, and the sooner we are off the better. -The news of what has happened in the passes will spread like flame -through the country, and every fighting man will turn out to complete -the work. There is a pathway from here which goes straight down to -Gundamuck. I will ride with you with half a dozen of my followers; -there are plenty of ponies on the hills. Certainly no questions will be -asked, no suspicions can arise. When we get near Jellalabad we shall -see how you can best enter. I will ride round the place with you. As -I am a friend of Akbar's, it will be supposed that I am examining the -place to see where an attack had best be made. There are many orchards -and small villages round. When we are as near the town as we can get, -you can slip from your horse as we go through an orchard. Keep under -cover in the gardens until close to the walls. When you get within -musket-shot you can tie a white cloth to your gun, and you will then be -safe." - -This plan was carried out, and two days later, after a grateful parting -from his preserver, Angus stood at the edge of the moat opposite one of -the gates. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -JELLALABAD - - -A sentry had already sent down word that two Afghans had approached -carrying a white flag, and an officer appeared on the wall. - -"What do you want?" he asked. - -"We want to come in, Thompson. I am Angus Campbell, and have escaped -almost by a miracle." - -There was a shout of pleasure, and a minute later the gate was opened, -and Thompson ran out and warmly shook Angus by the hand. - -"I am delighted to see you," he said. "We all thought you among the -slain in the passes. What an awful time it has been since we left -Cabul on our way, as we believed, to India! We can scarcely believe -the terrible news even now. We have learnt but little from Brydon, who -was, he thought, the only survivor, except the hostages who, he tells -us, were given over a few days before the end came. He was desperately -wounded, and could scarce sit his horse when he arrived, and has been -too ill to give us any details." - -"I can give very little, for I was not with the army. I started the -evening before they left camp, on a mission from Pottinger to Sir -Robert Sale. Pottinger did not think that any help could possibly come, -but at the same time he thought it right to make one more effort to -communicate with your general, and to tell him that they were on the -point of starting. I had gone but a short distance when I was captured. -Fortunately the men who took me were followers of Sadut Khan. I was -taken to his fort. He was absent at the time; when he returned he at -once gave me my liberty, and escorted me to within a quarter of a mile -of the wall, as a return for a service I had rendered him two years -ago." - -"That was a piece of luck indeed. Then you saw nothing of it?" - -"Yes, I saw a great deal. My captors were, I suppose, anxious to see -what was going on, and we followed the course of the army, keeping on -the hill; and, except for the fighting at night, I saw almost the whole -of the tragedy." - -While they were talking they were approaching the head-quarters of -the general. Angus was well known to Sir Robert, to whom he had often -carried messages and notes from Burnes or Macnaghten. When their first -greeting was over, he repeated the story he had told Captain Thompson. -He thought it best to say no word of his escape being the result of a -preconcerted plan on the part of Sadut Khan, as he felt that some might -suspect that he was privy to the scheme, and had taken advantage of the -friendship of the Momund chief to make his escape. - -"I am not so surprised as I might otherwise have been," the general -said, "since I received a letter from Pottinger yesterday. Akbar -had allowed him to send it down, thinking that the information that -Elphinstone, Shelton, Lawrence, Mackenzie, and Pottinger himself were -all right might induce us to submit to terms. He said, 'I trust that -before this you will have heard that we are about to start from Mr. -Angus Campbell, who nobly accepted the desperate mission of penetrating -through the passes and bringing you word of our intention. Should he -have arrived safely, I beg to recommend him most strongly to the -authorities for accepting the mission, which seemed almost a hopeless -one. He has rendered great service during the time the troops have been -in cantonments, by aiding the commissariat officers in bringing in -grain.' As you had not arrived we naturally feared that you had been -murdered on your way down. I am glad indeed that you have escaped. You -will now, of course, give your assistance to Macgregor, our political -officer." - -"If he cannot utilize my services, sir, and he can have but little -political work to do now, I shall be glad if you will attach me to one -of the regiments where you think I may be most useful." - -"You had better talk it over with Macgregor first. You know him, of -course; and if he does not want you, I will attach you to my own staff. -With your knowledge of the Afghan language, your services might be -invaluable in obtaining information; or, should we make a sortie--and -we have already made one with effect--I should be glad, if you wish it, -to attach you either to the infantry or cavalry, whichever you prefer. -Now that you have told us about yourself, please give us any details -you can of what you saw of the fighting?" - -"It can hardly be said that there was any fighting, sir; until the last -day the troops were so completely surrounded, and I may say overwhelmed -by the camp followers, that they were practically unable to use their -arms. General Shelton with the rear-guard fought nobly, and covered -the retreat into Jugduluk, until the time when he was enticed with -the general into Akbar's camp, and there held as a hostage. By what -I heard, the handful of men left, only about a hundred and fifty all -told, fought desperately to break their way through a barricade with -which the Afghans had blocked the top of the pass. Only ten officers -succeeded in breaking through, and of these all but one were killed -on the road. All the soldiers died fighting at the barricade, and many -officers. The last Sepoy had fallen two days before." - -"It has been a bad business," General Sale said, "bad not only in its -terrible result, but in the manner in which affairs were conducted. -We here received with astonishment the news that four thousand five -hundred British troops were cooped up by a horde of Afghans without -one single attempt being made to bring on a battle in the open. -Officers and men alike were astounded when Pottinger's first letter -arrived, saying that negotiations were continued after the murder of -Macnaghten. However, all this is a matter for future investigation. -And now a personal question. Can you tell me how it was that my wife, -Lady Macnaghten, and the other ladies, escaped uninjured? I only -know from Pottinger that the ladies and children were handed over to -the protection of Akbar, and that those who had husbands were also -accompanied by them." - -"The ladies were always kept close behind the advanced guard, sir. -As these showed an unbroken front, the Afghans allowed them to pass -without opposition, falling upon the confused mass behind them." - -"Do you think that Akbar was a sharer in this treacherous attack?" - -"I think his conduct was doubtful in the extreme, sir. He certainly -did try more than once to persuade the Ghilyze chiefs to allow the -survivors to pass on unmolested, but by that time the passions of the -Afghans were absolutely beyond control. I myself have great doubts -whether he would have interfered had he not been well aware that his -interference would be useless. But this is only my opinion, based upon -the facts, that in the first place he himself shot Macnaghten, whom -he had invited to a conference; in the second place, he took no step -whatever to carry out the condition to supply baggage animals and -provisions; and lastly, because I know that long before the column set -out on its march, he sent out orders to the Ghilzye chiefs to attack -you." - -"The case certainly looks very black against him," the general said; -"but at least we may hope that, as his family are in our hands in -India, he will protect the hostages." - -"I hope, sir, that he will hand them over to the Nawab, who appears -to me to be a thoroughly honest man. Undoubtedly he did his best to -persuade the chiefs to agree to the treaty with us. He certainly did -send in some provisions to the camp, and generally we formed a high -opinion of his kindness of heart. Your fortifications are stronger than -I expected to find them, from what I have heard, sir." - -"Yes, the men have worked incessantly at them ever since we came here. -The mud walls can scarcely be said to have existed when we marched in. -There was no parapet, the ditch was filled in with rubbish, and the -walls had so crumbled away that carts could cross over them at almost -every point. Fortunately the men were in good heart, and all, Europeans -and Sepoys, have worked with an energy beyond praise. The moat has been -cleared out and filled with water, the walls have been scarped, and a -parapet twelve feet high erected. The bastions have been put in order; -and though, had we been seriously attacked at first, we must have -retired to the citadel, we are now ready to withstand any assault." - -Angus next went to Macgregor, who received him most warmly. - -"I am glad indeed to see you, Campbell. Pottinger mentioned you in his -reports as doing invaluable service with Boyd and Johnson. You will -not find much in our line here. When the sword is once drawn, there -is nothing for us to do until it becomes a question of our dictating -terms, a contingency not likely to arise for some time." - -"Had you hard fighting to get here?" Angus asked. - -"No fighting at all. As we marched down from Gundamuck, the natives -all supposed that we were on our way to Peshawur, and when we suddenly -turned and marched towards the city, it was too late for them to think -of resistance, and they simply bolted on one side of the town as we -marched in on the other. We were bitterly disappointed when we saw -the state of the walls, and it was a question for some time whether -we should not content ourselves with holding the citadel only. But -it was at last determined, for a time at least, to hold the town, -as our retirement to the citadel would look like weakness. Another -consideration was, that once in the citadel we should be shut up -entirely, for, as you see, it stands in the middle of the town, and -with the streets crowded with the enemy, there would be no getting out -to obtain provisions. - -"The result has proved the wisdom of the step we took. The walls are -now strong enough to be obstinately defended, and from their extent -we have been able to sally out at one gate or another and bring in -provisions. We had but two days' food when we arrived here; now we -have succeeded in gathering in a sufficient quantity to keep the -troops on half rations for two months, and I hope that before it is -finished we shall be relieved from Peshawur. We gave the natives a -handsome thrashing on the day before we got in here. They attacked us -in great force, trying especially to carry off our baggage, but the -infantry repulsed them splendidly. However, they came on to renew the -attack. The cavalry were placed in ambush, and the troops, after at -first advancing, suddenly wheeled round and went off at the double. -The enemy, believing that they had achieved a great victory, rushed -after them. As soon as they reached an open space, the cavalry fell -upon them. For months they had been inactive, being of no use among the -hills. Now was their chance, and in a moment they were in the thick of -the Afghans. They made terrible havoc among them, and thus it was that -we were able to enter the town without further trouble. The next day, -the 13th of November, Broadfoot was appointed garrison engineer. He had -a small corps of sappers with him, and they soon set to work. - -"On the morning of the 16th, the enemy were thick in the gardens round -the town, the principal body being on the hillside. It was resolved to -give them another lesson. They were, as could be seen from the highest -point in the city, some five thousand strong, and Colonel Monteith of -the 35th Bengal Infantry, took out eleven hundred men at daybreak. The -advance was covered by the guns which had been mounted on the walls, -and their shrapnel soon drove the enemy into the open. The infantry -pressed forward and scattered them, and the cavalry completed their -rout. It was this defeat that so cowed them for a time, that I was -able to fetch in grain, sheep, firewood, and other necessaries. I may -mention that I took upon myself, as soon as we came in here, the post -of commissariat officer. It was not until the end of the month that -they again mustered in force sufficient to attack us; they contented -themselves with hovering round and keeping up a desultory fire. - -"On the 1st of December, however, they gathered in great numbers, and -seemed to threaten an attack. Colonel Dennie commanded this time, and -he took out the greater portion of the garrison and a couple of guns. -It was noon when he sallied out. Abbot's guns commenced the action by -pouring a tremendous fire of grape into the thick mass. They fled in -wild confusion; the cavalry cut them up terribly, and the infantry -overtook and bayoneted many of them. It could scarcely be called a -fight. The day was won directly the guns opened fire, and we did not -lose a single man. Since that time they have not ventured to attack us. - -"News came day after day of the terrible mess at Cabul. The news was -kept as far as possible from the troops, so as not to discourage -them; but, of course, since Brydon came in, the truth of the terrible -massacre had to be told. I am happy to say that, although filling them -with wrath and indignation, it has in no way abated their spirit. -During the six weeks' rest we have had since the battle of the 1st -of December, we have, as you see, really done wonders in the way of -fortification, and consider that we are in a position to repulse any -attack however formidable." - -"When do you expect that a relief column will arrive from Peshawur?" - -"That is a grave question which I cannot answer. Our last news was -that Brigadier-general Wyld was on the point of advancing, but from -the tone in which he wrote he had evidently no great hope of success. -His four Sepoy regiments had been corrupted by the Sikhs, who, having -themselves a great repugnance to enter the passes, had endeavoured, and -successfully, to inspire the Sepoys with the same feeling. The Sikhs, -who were to co-operate with him, were themselves in a state of open -mutiny, and threatened to kill General Avitable if he interfered with -them. He intended, however, to advance, as the case was so urgent, but -with little hope of success. He was without cavalry, and had but two -guns on Sikh carriages, which would probably break down after a few -rounds had been fired. It was the letter of a brave man surrounded with -difficulties, but ready to attempt almost the impossible to bring aid -to us. I fear, however, that there is little chance of our relief until -reinforcements from India reach Peshawur." - -This opinion was justified when, on the 28th, news was brought that -the movement had failed. On the 15th Colonel Moseley had started under -cover of night with the 53rd and 64th native regiments to occupy the -fortress of Ali Musjid, which had been held by a small corps of men -of one of the native tribes under Mr. Mackeson. They had been true to -their salt, and had resisted every attack of the Afridis. Moseley's -force arrived there at daybreak, and met with but little opposition on -the way. But it was discovered that, owing to some blunder, only fifty -supply bullocks had been sent on instead of three hundred and fifty -that should have accompanied the force. Therefore, instead of having -a month's provisions, they had but enough for a few days. Brigadier -Wyld started on the morning of the 19th to relieve them, but on the -preceding day the Sikh troops refused to enter the pass and marched -back to Peshawur. Nevertheless, Wyld determined to press forward with -the two native regiments. As soon, however, as the enemy attacked them -the Sepoys at the head of the column wavered and opened an aimless fire. - -In vain the Brigadier and the officers endeavoured to persuade them to -advance. They would not move forward, nor would the rest of the troops -advance to their assistance. The two guns broke down after a round or -two, and what little spirit remained among the Sepoys evaporated at -once, and the column had to fall back. One of the guns was spiked and -left behind, the Sepoys refusing to make any effort to bring it off. -The Brigadier, who with several of our officers was wounded, saw that -it was impossible to persevere, and the force fell back beyond the -pass. Moseley could obtain no news, and was unaware of the repulse of -the relieving column. Although the troops were on half rations supplies -were nearly exhausted. The water was bad, and numbers of the Sepoys -fell ill, and on the 23rd he determined to evacuate the fortress. Two -officers volunteered to hold it, but the Sepoys would not support -them, and the former native garrison had lost heart; so, on the 24th, -the force marched out. The Afridis mustered strongly to oppose the -retreat. The Sepoys, animated now by the hope of safety, fought well. -Two British officers were killed, most of the baggage lost, and some of -the sick and wounded had to be abandoned, but the main body got through -safely. - -Such was the news that was brought by a native in our pay, together -with a letter from Brigadier Wyld saying that it would be impossible to -renew the attempt until reinforcements of at least one British regiment -with some guns arrived. But the news that help was still far distant -in no way discouraged the garrison of Jellalabad, who redoubled their -efforts to strengthen the fortifications and to prepare by their own -unaided efforts for the worst. - -At Peshawur Wyld's repulse bore the natural consequences. The -discontent among the Sepoy's increased, many deserted, and expressions -of determination never to enter the pass again were common among them. -Sickness broke out, and when on the 25th of February General Pollock, -who had been selected to command the force gathered there, and invested -with full authority on all other matters, arrived, he found a thousand -men in hospital; a week later the number was increased to eighteen -hundred. - -No better man than Pollock could have been chosen. He possessed at once -great firmness, kindness of heart, and a manner calculated to inspire -confidence. He declared to the central authorities at once that, even -with the brigade which had come up with him, to advance up the pass -would be to court another defeat. The four Sepoy regiments that had -been engaged could, in their present state, not be counted on for -service, and the force at his disposal was therefore no greater than -that which Wyld had lost. He set to work in the first place to restore -confidence. It was a difficult task. Many even among the officers had -become affected with the spirit of defection, and did not hesitate to -express their opinion that an advance through the Khyber Pass would -involve a repetition of the Cabul disaster. The new Sepoy regiments -were at once visited by emissaries from those of Wyld's brigade and -from the Sikhs, who endeavoured in every way to persuade them also to -refuse to enter the pass, and succeeded in the case of the 26th native -regiment, who joined the four other battalions in refusing to advance. -On the day after his arrival General Pollock visited all the hospitals, -enquired into the ailments of the sick, and talked encouragingly to -them. Then he went to the Sepoy regiments, enquired into the cause of -their discontent, and exhorted them to return to their duty, and not to -bring disgrace upon regiments that had so many times in the past proved -their courage and loyalty. - -His task was a hard and difficult one, but his method of mildness and -firmness combined gradually restored their spirits and discipline; -and the knowledge that reinforcements were on their way, with a good -proportion of European troops, including cavalry and artillery, greatly -aided his efforts. Still, until these reinforcements arrived, Pollock -could do nothing but reply to the urgent letters of Sale and Macgregor -by pointing out his inability to move. - -On the 19th of February Angus was with Macgregor on the walls of -Jellalabad. The men were as usual working hard and steadily, grateful -in the thought that their long labour had borne its fruits, and that in -a few days they would be able to lay by their picks and shovels, the -work that they had been set to do having been accomplished. - -"Another week," Captain Havelock, who was acting as Persian interpreter -to Macgregor, said to Angus, "and the whole work which Broadfoot traced -out will be finished. In one respect I am sorry that it should be so, -for there is nothing like active work for keeping men's spirits up -and preventing them from feeling the effects of idleness. I think--" -and he stopped abruptly. There was a sudden tremor of the earth and -a deep sound like thunder, then they were both thrown off their feet. -The walls, the houses, the whole city, swayed and shook. Then came -the crash of falling houses, wild shouts of alarm and pain; the earth -crumbled beneath them, and they rolled down together into the moat. On -finding that they were unhurt they scrambled up the slope of earth. A -terrible sight presented itself. A third of the buildings in the town -had fallen. But this was not the worst. Several of the bastions had -been destroyed; almost all the parapets were thrown down; several great -breaches were made in the wall, one of them eighty feet in length; -and the moat had in many places been filled up with the debris of the -wall and parapet. The soldiers were extricating themselves or helping -their comrades from the earth that had almost overwhelmed them; others -were standing gazing with a dazed air at the destruction that had been -wrought. - -"We had better go to head-quarters," Havelock said, "and see what has -happened there." - -They made their way with difficulty through the ruins that blocked the -streets. The movements of the earth still continued, and they had all -they could do to keep their feet. On reaching head-quarters they found -to their satisfaction that all was safe. The general and Macgregor had -both been occupied in writing despatches to Peshawur, and had rushed -out into the little courtyard of the house. The offices round it fell -in ruins at their feet, but the dwelling-house, although it swayed to -and fro, did not fall. Enquiries were at once set on foot, when it was -found that no lives had been lost among the garrison, although two -natives had been killed by the fall of their houses. - -No time was lost. The whole of the garrison were told off into working -parties, and in half an hour were diligently at work repairing the wall -at the most important points. They worked until late at night, by -which time the breaches were scarped, the rubbish all cleared away, and -the ditches dug out again, while a parapet of gabions was erected along -the great breach. A parapet was erected on the remains of the bastion -which flanked the approach to the Cabul gate, that had been entirely -ruined, a trench had been dug, and a temporary parapet raised on every -bastion round the place. Never, probably, was so much work accomplished -by an equal number of men in the same time. Day after day the work was -continued, until by the end of the month the parapets were restored, -the breaches built up, the rampart increased in thickness, every -battery re-established, and the gates entrenched; and yet the troops -were in hourly anxiety that their work might be again destroyed, for -during the month succeeding the great earthquake fully a hundred shocks -were felt. - -So extraordinary was the vigour with which the repairs had been -accomplished, that when Akbar Khan moved down with his forces early in -March and saw the formidable defences, he and his followers were unable -to understand it, and declared that the preservation of Jellalabad -from destruction must have been the result of witchcraft, for no other -town or village had escaped. While at work the garrison had been in -constant expectation of attack, for Akbar's army lay but a few miles -from the town. But the success of the two sorties had shown the Afghan -leader that he had very different foes to deal with from the dispirited -force that had been annihilated in the passes. Here were men ready -to work and to fight, while those at Cabul had done neither; and he -resolved to attempt to starve them out, hoping for the same success as -had attended a similar step at Cabul. He kept on, therefore, drawing -in more closely, harassing the foraging parties, and having occasional -skirmishes with the bodies of cavalry sent out to protect the -grass-cutters. - -On the night of the 10th the enemy threw up sangars, small defences of -earth or stone, at many points round the town, and from behind them -opened a brisk fire. There was a report that behind these shelters -they were mining towards the walls, and a strong party of infantry -and cavalry, with two hundred of Broadfoot's sappers, commanded by -Colonel Dennie, were sent out. As they poured out through the gate, -Akbar advanced with his forces; but the guns on the ramparts received -them with a heavy fire, and although they came on several times as if -prepared to give battle, they eventually drew back, unable to withstand -the storm of shot and shrapnel. The working parties of sappers set to -work to destroy the sangars, and in doing so discovered that there was -no foundation for the report that the enemy were mining. When the work -was done, the troops began to fall back to the town, as ammunition was -beginning to run short. On seeing their retirement the Afghans again -advanced; but on our troops halting and facing them, they at once -turned and fled, having lost considerably by our artillery and musketry -fire. Dennie's force sustained no loss in killed, but Broadfoot was -wounded, and the loss of his services as engineer was serious. - -Time passed quietly. The whole of the ground had been cleared of trees, -houses, and walls for some distance round the town, and the Afghans -were no longer able to crawl up under shelter and keep up a galling -fire on our men. Early in April a messenger brought in news that -Pollock had now received his reinforcements, and would advance in a day -or two, the Sepoys having recovered their health and spirits. His force -had been joined by the 9th Foot, the 3rd Dragoons, nine guns, and the -1st Native Cavalry. - -On the 5th these started from Jumrood. Brigadier Wyld commanded the -advance guard, General M'Caskill the rear. Two columns of infantry were -to scale the height on either side of the pass, Major Davis in command -of that on the right, Colonel Moseley of that on the left. At three -o'clock in the morning they started. The heights on either side and the -pass were crowded with the enemy, who were always well informed of the -British movements by the natives in the town. They expected that the -force would all move along the road, and anticipated an easy success. -The two flanking parties moved off so quietly in the dim light of the -morning that they were not perceived by the enemy until they began to -scale the heights. Then a lively combat began, and the Afghans learned -for the first time that even among their own hills the British could -beat them. - -The difficulties of the ascent were great, but the _moral_ of the -Sepoys was now completely restored, and they stormed the heights on -either side with great gallantry, driving the Afghans before them. -While this was going on, the main column in the valley had cleared -away a formidable barricade that had been erected at the mouth of the -pass, and which could not have been destroyed without much loss had the -Afghans maintained their position on the hills. Pollock now advanced, -and the Afghans, who had assembled in large numbers at the mouth of the -pass, bewildered at finding themselves outflanked, fell back, and the -column with its great convoy of animals moved forward. - -The number of draught animals was very large, although the baggage of -the advancing force had been cut down to the narrowest dimensions, in -order that provisions and ammunition for the garrison at Jellalabad -might be taken on. The march occupied the greater part of the day. -The heat was great, and the troops suffered from thirst; but animated -by their success, they thought little of this, and before nightfall -bivouacked round Ali Musjid, whose garrison had evacuated the place -when they saw that the day had gone against them. All night long the -Afghans kept up a fire from among the hills, but did not attempt an -attack. The Sikhs had joined the main body, as the general, doubtful -as to their fidelity, had sent them by another pass. The general's -estimate of them was not a mistaken one. They were left to occupy Ali -Musjid and guard the pass, but shortly after the army had moved on they -quitted the position and marched away, seizing some of the baggage -animals on their way up, and, throwing their loads on the ground, -employing them to carry their own baggage. - -The crushing and altogether unexpected defeat that the tribesmen had -suffered had its effect. They had found themselves beaten at their own -game and withdrew at once to their fastnesses, and Pollock's force -marched on without meeting with any serious opposition. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -THE ADVANCE ON CABUL - - -The garrison of Jellalabad found themselves pressed for provisions at -the end of March, and on the 1st of April made a gallant sortie, and -swept into the town a flock of five hundred sheep and goats. On the -5th Macgregor's spies brought in news from Akbar's camp that it was -reported there that Pollock had been beaten with great loss in the -Khyber Pass, and on the following morning Akbar's guns fired a royal -salute in honour of the supposed victory. Sale, now confident of the -fighting powers of his men, determined to make a great effort to break -up the blockade; as if Pollock had really been defeated it would be -some time before relief could come to them, and they could not hope -again to make such a capture as that which they had effected on the -1st. A council of war was held, and action was decided upon, as success -would not only free them from all apprehensions of being starved out, -but would effect a diversion in favour of Pollock. - -The force was but a small one for the enterprise which they moved out -to undertake. The centre column, consisting of the 13th Regiment, -mustering five hundred bayonets, was under the command of Colonel -Dennie; the right, consisting of some three hundred and fifty men of -the two native regiments and a detachment of sappers, was commanded -by Captain Havelock; the left column was about the same strength, -under Lieutenant-colonel Monteith; the light field battery and a small -cavalry force were to support them. They advanced from the city at -daylight on the 7th. Akbar Khan drew up his force, six thousand strong, -before his camp, his right resting on a fort, and his left on the Cabul -river. Havelock's column commenced the fight by attacking the enemy's -left, while Dennie advanced to the assault of the fort, which was -vigorously defended. Dennie himself fell mortally wounded by an Afghan -ball, but his men captured the place in gallant style. A general attack -now took place on Akbar's camp. The artillery advanced at a gallop, -and poured their fire into the Afghan centre, the 13th and Colonel -Monteith's column pierced their right, while Havelock drove back their -left from the support afforded by the river. - -The Afghans fought sturdily, their musketry keeping up a heavy fire, -and large bodies of horse again and again threatened Havelock's column, -while three guns from a hidden battery opened fire. The struggle, -however, was a short one. Their cannon were taken, every position held -by them was captured, and by seven o'clock they were in full retreat. -Two cavalry standards were taken, four guns lost by the Cabul and -Gundamuck forces were recaptured, a vast quantity of ordnance stores -destroyed, and the whole of the enemy's tents burnt. The loss of the -Afghans had been heavy, and several chiefs were among the fallen. The -loss of the victors was small indeed. Colonel Dennie and ten Sepoys -were killed, three officers and some fifty men wounded. A day or two -later Pollock's force reached Jellalabad, and the joy of both parties -was great. - -Indeed, no stronger contrast can be found than that between the leading -and conduct of the force at Cabul and that at Jellalabad. The one -showed the British leader and the British soldier at their worst, -the other the British commander and men at their best. It may be -confidently affirmed that had Sale been in the place of Elphinstone, -with full power of action, the fight in the passes would never have -taken place, and within three days of the murder of Burnes the Afghan -host would have been a mob of fugitives, and Cabul would have been in -our hands. The British soldier is always best in the attack. He is -ready and eager to fight against any odds, but when kept in a state -of inaction, under a commander in whom he has lost all confidence, he -speedily deteriorates. Happily there are few examples in our military -history such as those of Cabul and Walcheren, where the British soldier -has been placed in such a position. - -While Pollock was forcing the Khyber Pass the reign of Shah Soojah came -to a sudden end. After the departure of the British no hostility was -shown towards him by the Afghans, and he continued at the Bala Hissar -in the position of nominal sovereign of Afghanistan the Nawab having -willingly resigned the difficult and dangerous post and accepted that -of wuzeer. He himself had his troubles. Most restless and dangerous -of these Afghan leaders was Aneen-oollah-Khan, who had played fast -and loose with the British while secretly working against them. He -demanded the surrender to him of the hostages. The Nawab steadily -refused, and as threats of force were used against him, raised a body -of three thousand men for their protection. These, however, were -corrupted by Aneen, but the Nawab remained faithful to his trust. On -the 4th of April Shah Soojah left the Bala Hissar with his retinue to -go down to join Akbar Khan. An ambush was laid for him by one of the -sons of the Nawab. These poured in a volley, and Shah Soojah fell dead, -shot through the head. The Nawab was filled with horror at the deed, -and swore an oath never again to see his son beneath his roof or suffer -him to be named in his presence. - -While Jellalabad was being besieged, the situation at Candahar had -been precarious. Ghuznee had been captured by the tribesmen after a -gallant defence, and its garrison had been massacred. Kelat-i-Ghilzye -was besieged, and without hope of succour. Candahar was surrounded by -the insurgent Dooranees, but these had been twice defeated by General -Nott. During one of these expeditions the city was in imminent danger, -for the enemy, gradually retiring, drew the sortie-party a considerable -distance from the walls, and then at night slipped away and attacked -the place. One of the gates was destroyed by fire, and for many hours -the issue of the contest was doubtful. At last, however, the assailants -were beaten off with very heavy loss. A force marching up to the relief -of the town, under General England, being very badly handled, were -opposed on their way up from Quettah, and fell back and remained there -until Nott sent a peremptory order for them to advance again. - -He himself marched to meet them, and on the united force arriving at -Candahar, the town was placed beyond all risk of capture. Nott was -preparing to march on Cabul, while Pollock advanced on Jellalabad; -but, to the stupefaction and disappointment of all, an order arrived -from Calcutta for the abandonment of Candahar and the return of the -force to India. There had been a change of governors. Lord Ellenborough -had succeeded Lord Auckland, and immediately set to work to overthrow -the whole policy of his predecessor. Similar orders were sent to -Pollock. The latter, however, mindful of the honour of his country, -and the safety of the hostages and ladies, replied that, being almost -without carriage, it would be impossible for him to retire at once, -thus gaining time, which he utilized by entering into negotiations with -Akbar Khan for the release of their prisoners. - -Both generals wisely kept the order they had received a secret from -the troops, who would have been profoundly disheartened. However, no -secret had been made as to the orders issued in Calcutta, and the -news soon spread all over India, and reached Pollock's camp, that -the army was to be withdrawn. Pollock did his best to throw doubts -upon the truth of the reports by marking out a new camp two miles in -advance, and arranging with the natives to bring in supplies there, so -as to give grounds for a belief that, so far from leaving the town, -he was preparing for an advance. In the meantime he had written an -urgent letter pointing out the evils and difficulties of an immediate -withdrawal, and the immense advantage that would arise by striking -a heavy blow before retiring, and so to some extent retrieving the -reputation of the British army. - -The letter had its influence, and the governor wrote: - - _It would be desirable undoubtedly, before finally quitting - Afghanistan, that you should have an opportunity of striking a blow at - the enemy, and since circumstances seem to compel you to remain there - till October, the governor-general earnestly hopes that you will be - able to draw the enemy into a position in which you may strike such a - blow effectually._ - -This was good news. Every effort was being made to collect carriage -cattle in Hindostan for the purpose of the withdrawal, and Pollock -determined to turn these to account. If there was carriage enough to -enable him to fall back upon Peshawur, there would be carriage enough -for him to advance on Cabul. In the meantime negotiations were going -on for the release of the captives. The married families had, on the -day of their arrival at Akbar's camp, been placed in a small fort with -Pottinger, Lawrence, and Mackenzie. Two days later they were taken down -to Jugduluk, where they found General Elphinstone, Brigadier Shelton, -and Captain Johnson, and thence travelled down to a fort, the property -of the father of Akbar's wife. The party consisted of nine ladies, -twenty officers and fourteen children; seventeen European soldiers, two -women and a child were confined in another part of the fort. - -Here they remained three months. Two more officers were brought in, -and a month after their arrival two other survivors, Major Griffiths -and Captain Souter, were added to the party. On the day after Akbar's -defeat they were hastily taken away and carried to Tezeen, and thence -to a place called Zanda, far up in the hills. General Elphinstone had -been bed-ridden for some weeks, and was left behind at Tezeen, where -he died. Akbar Khan sent in his remains to Jellalabad. Civil war was -raging in Cabul. Shah Soojah's second son had succeeded him, but he -was altogether without power. Some of the chiefs supported him, others -opposed; but finally the Bala Hissar was stormed by Akbar, who was now -the most powerful chief in Afghanistan. Pollock was still harassed -by letters from Lord Ellenborough insisting upon his retiring; but -public opinion throughout India was so opposed to a course that would -bring the deepest disgrace upon the British power, that at last, in -August, he wrote to Nott saying that he must withdraw his force from -Afghanistan, but that if he chose he might take the route through -Ghuznee and Cabul. He similarly issued his orders for Pollock to -retire, but added that "you will be at liberty to first march to Cabul -to meet Nott." - -Both had been preparing for the movement. Pollock had sent several -expeditions against hostile tribesmen, and had recovered one of the -captured guns. On the 20th of August he left Jellalabad with eight -thousand troops, and on the 23rd reached Gundamuck. The next day the -village was cleared of a strong body of the enemy. While concentrating -his troops there and waiting intelligence from Nott, the British -force remained at Gundamuck till the 7th of September. On the 1st, -Futteh Jung, who had succeeded his father, rode into camp. Akbar Khan -had stripped him of all power and all his wealth, and imprisoned him -in the Bala Hissar, from which he had now escaped, and with much -difficulty made his way to Pollock's camp to seek the protection of -the British government. On the 7th the first division of the army, -under the command of Sale, moved forward; the second division, under -General M'Caskill, marched on the following day. Sale found the hills -commanding the roads through the Jugduluk Pass occupied by large -bodies of the enemy, who opened a heavy fire. The guns replied, and -the infantry then in three columns dashed up the hills and drove the -Ghilzyes from them. - -One strong body had taken refuge at an apparently inaccessible point, -but the British storming party scaled the height, and the enemy fled -without waiting for the assault at close quarters. Thus on the hills -where the Afghans had massacred Elphinstone's troops they were now -taught that, if well led, the British soldier could defeat them in a -position they had deemed impregnable. At Tezeen the second division -joined the first. The force halted for a day, and the Afghans, -believing that this betokened indecision, mustered their forces for -a final engagement. Akbar had, as he had threatened to do if they -advanced, sent off the captives to the Bamian Pass, with the intention -of selling them as slaves to the Turkomans. - -On the 13th the two armies were face to face. The valley of Tezeen was -commanded on all sides by lofty hills, and these now swarmed with men. -The enemy's horse entered the valley, but the British squadrons charged -them, drove them in headlong flight, and cut down many. The infantry -climbed the hills on both sides under a terrible fire from the Afghan -guns. To these they made no reply, well knowing that their muskets -were no match for the long firearms of the enemy. As soon, however, as -they reached the summit, they fixed bayonets and charged with a mighty -cheer. Only a few of the enemy stood their ground, and fell, the rest -fled. All day firing was kept up, until at last the enemy occupying -the highest ridges were, in spite of a sturdy resistance, driven off, -fairly beaten on their own ground and in their own style of warfare. - -Our troops fought with extraordinary bravery. They were animated by -a desire to wipe out the disgrace that had fallen on our arms, and -were maddened by the sight of the numerous skeletons of their comrades -in the Jugduluk. Akbar Khan saw that all was up, and fled, while the -tribesmen scattered to their homes, and the army marched forward -without opposition to Cabul. - -In the meantime, Nott had been busy. On the 29th of May he inflicted a -decisive defeat upon the Dooranees outside the walls of Candahar. On -the 7th of August the army evacuated that city, and on the 27th arrived -at Mookoor. Up to this point no opposition whatever had been offered. -The inhabitants had been friendly, and supplies were obtained without -difficulty. But the Afghan governor of Ghuznee had raised all the -country, and had taken up a very strong position near the source of the -Turnuck. - -On the 28th the forces met. The position of the enemy was unknown, -as a thick mist covered the country. The cavalry rode forward to -reconnoitre, cut up a party of Afghan infantry in the plain, and -pursuing them hotly came upon hills crowded by the enemy, who opened -a heavy fire. They fell back in an orderly manner, when a body of the -enemy's horse appeared on the hill above them. A squadron of native -cavalry charged them, but were cut up by the fire of a body of Afghan -foot who had hitherto been hidden. The enemy's horse poured down, and -the troopers, already suffering from the infantry fire, turned and -fled. The panic spread, and the whole of the cavalry were soon in -flight. Two British officers had been killed and three wounded, and -fifty-six men disabled. Nott, on hearing the loss, marched out with his -infantry, but on reaching the scene of the fight found that the enemy -had retired. - -On the afternoon of the next day Nott, marching forward, came upon -a fort held by the enemy. Our artillery opened upon it with little -effect. The Afghan army, some ten thousand strong, had been watching -us, and now opened an artillery fire from the heights, and its foot men -moved forward to the attack; but as they neared us our infantry charged -with a cheer and they broke and fled. Two of their guns, and their -tents, magazines, and stores were captured. On the 5th of September -Nott encamped before Ghuznee, and began to prepare for the assault. The -enemy, however, were in no humour for fighting; the greater portion -of the tribesmen had scattered to their homes after their defeat. -The garrison lost heart altogether and evacuated the city, and the -governor set off with a few followers for Cabul. The next morning the -British entered the town without firing a shot. On the following day, -however, the governor returned with a large number of the tribesmen -who had just arrived, and on the 14th Nott attacked them. A hard -battle was fought, but it was indecisive. On the following morning the -enemy disappeared; they had received the news of the defeat of Akbar -at Tezeen. The column, however, was again harassed when the troops -advanced, but they cleared the way in good style. The tribesmen here -had been actively engaged in the Cabul insurrection, and twenty-six of -their forts were burned as punishment. On the 17th the army encamped -four miles from the city, and learned that Pollock had occupied Cabul -two days previously. - -Angus Campbell had taken no part in the operations of that advance. -On the 26th of August news had arrived at Gundamuck by a messenger -from the moonshee, Mohun Lal, who had throughout kept the force at -Jellalabad well supplied with news of what was passing at Cabul; he -now sent to say that on the previous day Akbar had despatched all -the captives under an escort of three hundred horse to Bamian, and -that they were to be taken on to Khooloom, and there handed over to -the governor. Once there, it was certain that they would remain in -captivity among the tribes until death released them. As soon as he -heard the news Angus went to Macgregor. - -"I am going to ask," he said, "if you will allow me to go on an -expedition on my own account. I was thinking that it was just possible -that the captives might be overtaken. It is probable that they will -halt some time at Bamian, and certainly we could come up to them there. -With so many women and children it will be impossible for the convoy -to move fast, and they may stay at Bamian until the result of our -operations here are known. You have already promised me that the part -taken by Sadut Khan shall be forgiven, seeing that he did his best to -persuade Akbar to give protection to the retreating army, and also -because he showed great kindness to me when I was in his hands. If you -can obtain permission from the general I will start at once in disguise -for his fort in the mountain. I cannot but think that he will aid me, -and I might, with four of his followers, who have come from Bamian, -and are personally well known to me, succeed in some way in rescuing -at least a few of the captives. Eldred Pottinger, Captain Boyd, and -Captain Johnson are all dear friends of mine, and I would willingly run -any risk in the endeavour to save them. Possibly, if we overtake the -party, we may in some way cause a delay which would enable any rescue -party sent off when you reach Cabul to get up in time." - -"It is a brave offer, Campbell, but the enterprise seems to me an -almost desperate one. However, I don't think that I should be justified -in refusing it, and I am sure that if anyone could succeed, you will do -so. When will you start?" - -"In ten minutes, sir, if you will furnish me with an authority to offer -a bribe to the officer in command of their escort." - -"I will go and see the general at once. He is well aware, from the -report that I have made, of the kindness Sadut showed you, and of his -efforts to save our army. I have no doubt that the chief has fought -against us in the last battle, but that was only natural. I feel sure -that above all things Pollock would embrace any offer that promises -the slightest chance of rescuing the hostages, but the risk would be -terrible, Campbell." - -"Of course there would be risk," Angus agreed, "but I do not see how -it would be exceptionally great. I have journeyed as an Afghan two or -three times already without detection, and I could just as well do so -again. At any rate, I am willing to undertake the enterprise. It would, -of course, be useful for me to take a considerable sum of money to win -over the guard; still more useful if the general would authorize me -to offer terms that would tempt the cupidity of the commander, as we -have always found that the Afghans are ready to do almost anything for -bribes." - -"I will take you at once with me to the general. He is well acquainted -with the services you rendered Pottinger at Herat, and have rendered -the army ever since it began its march from the Indus, and he knows the -favourable report that has been sent in by Pottinger and Burnes." - -Angus had, indeed, been introduced by Sir Robert Sale to General -Pollock on his arrival at Cabul. On reaching his tent they found him -for the moment unoccupied. He listened gravely to Macgregor's statement -of the offer that Angus had made. - -"It is a noble proposal, Mr. Campbell," he said, in his usual kindly -and courteous way, "but the risk seems to me terrible, and should -anything happen to you, the service would be deprived of one of its -most promising and meritorious officers. At the same time, there seems -a fair possibility that you may succeed in rescuing one or more of the -captives. Of course it would be quite out of the question that any -of the ladies could escape. There would be a hot pursuit, and only -horsemen well mounted could hope to get off. However, I do not feel -justified in refusing any offer that affords a shadow of hope of saving -such men as Pottinger, and will do all that Mr. Macgregor suggests to -facilitate your operations. You will doubtless pass through Cabul, and -I will at once write a letter to Mohun Lal, requesting him to give you -authority, in his name as well as mine, for payment to the leader of -the prisoners' escort of any sum in reason. At present native opinion -is strong that we shall not be able to force the passes, and the name -of the moonshee may have greater effect than any promise on my part; -but at the same time, until you can get into communication with the -captives and learn something of the officer and his disposition, -it would be madness to attempt to bribe him. The difficulties of -the journey appear to me to be great, but not insuperable. The real -difficulty will only begin when you overtake the captives' escort." - -"I feel that, sir, but I rely greatly upon the men I hope to obtain -from Sadut. Although not of his tribe, they have attached themselves -most strongly to him. They are strong, resolute men, and as one of them -was a petty chief near Bamian, he may be able to gather a few others -to aid me. I shall, of course, be very glad to have authority to offer -a bribe to the officer in command of the party, but I rely chiefly -upon these men and my own efforts, at any rate as far as Pottinger -is concerned. Captains Boyd and Johnson can hardly leave their -families. Possibly, by the aid of these men, I may be able to collect -a sufficient number of fighting men to make a sudden attack upon the -escort, and to carry off all the captives to some hiding-place among -the hills, and there keep them until you send on a force to bring them -in. Of course I must be entirely guided by circumstances, but it is -impossible for me to have any fixed plan until I see how matters stand." - -"I can quite see that, Mr. Campbell, and that, greatly as you may -desire to rescue the whole party, it is Eldred Pottinger who is the -first object of your expedition." - -"That is so, colonel. He was most kind to me in Herat, and it is to -him I owe my present position; therefore he is my first object. If -I can free him it will be a great step gained towards rescuing the -others. I feel sure that he would not think for a moment of leaving -his companions to their fate. But his name as the defender of Herat is -known to every Afghan, and he would be able to bring a great influence -to bear upon the tribesmen round Bamian, whose interests must lie quite -as much with Herat as with Cabul." - -The general nodded approvingly. - -"I see that you have thought matters over well. If you will call here -again in half an hour the letter for the moonshee shall be ready for -you, and a thousand pounds in gold." - -At the appointed time Angus called upon the general, and received the -money and letter; then returning to his own tent, he rode out with -Azim. When fairly away from the camp they dismounted and put on their -Afghan disguises. They had brought an orderly with them, who took back -the clothes they had discarded and Angus's sword to Macgregor's tent, -he having undertaken to have them brought up to Cabul with his own -baggage. They had no difficulty as to the way, as the path they had -followed with Sadut had come down close to Gundamuck. They had little -fear of being interfered with on the road. The Afghans would have -gathered in the passes, and should they meet any they would only have -to say that their village near Gundamuck had been burnt by the British, -and they were now on their way to join Sadut and fight under his orders. - -Although they saw several parties in the distance making their way -towards the pass, they did not encounter any within speaking distance, -and just at sunset reached Sadut's fort. - -They had passed through the village unnoticed. Tribesmen were -frequently coming and going, and there was nothing to distinguish -them from others. They dismounted in front of the fort. A man was -sitting at the top of a ladder, and Angus held up his hand to him, and -Hassan--for it was the man who had twice captured him--at once waved -his hand in welcome, and stood up. - -"You have come willingly this time," he said with a smile, as Angus -reached him. "Of course you wish to see Sadut Khan. He is within. It is -lucky that you have arrived to-day, for to-morrow he sets out." - -Sadut greeted him with pleasure mingled with surprise. - -"I did not expect to see you here, my friend." - -"No, I suppose not, chief; but I am on a mission with which I am sure -you will sympathize, and in which I hope you will aid me, so far as to -spare me Hassan and his four men." - -"What is its nature?" the chief asked. "I know that you would not come -and offer me English money to abstain from fighting again." - -"I should not think of such a thing, Sadut. I know that you are a fair -and open enemy, and I think the better of you for fighting for your -country. I may say that General Pollock has been informed of your -kindness to me, and that you did your utmost to make Akbar keep his -word to grant protection to the retiring army, and I can assure you -that, in any event, no harm will happen to you or yours. I will tell -you what I have come for. Do you know that all the hostages, ladies -and children, have been sent away by Akbar from Cabul, that they are -to be taken over the Bamian Pass to Khooloom, and handed over to the -governor there, and that, doubtless, they will be sold as slaves to the -Turkomans?" - -"I had not heard it," Sadut said angrily. "It is a disgrace to us. They -were delivered up trusting to our word and honour, and it is a foul -deed of Akbar to harm them in any way after taking his oath for their -protection. It is infamous! infamous!" and he walked up and down the -room in fierce indignation. "What should we say," he burst out, "if -the families of Dost Mahomed and Akbar himself were to be sold by your -people as slaves to some barbarous race? Could we complain if, when the -news of this treatment of the hostages becomes known in India, Dost -Mahomed's family should be treated in a similar way?" Then he stopped -abruptly. "What is it that you have come to ask of me? The thing is -done, and cannot be undone. Akbar and I are ill friends now, for I have -bearded him in the council and denounced his conduct. Certainly I have -no influence that could assist you. I am an Afghan, and am pledged -to join the force that will oppose the march of your troops up the -passes, and I am a man of my word. But even were I free to help you, -I could be of little assistance. I have here not more than thirty or -forty fighting men, and I doubt if even these would obey me on such an -enterprise. I might ride to my own fort and summon the Momunds, whom I -have so far kept quiet; but the enterprise would be a desperate one, -we should set all the other tribes against us, and they would not risk -destruction merely for the sake of rescuing a few white men and women. -Their sympathies are all with the tribes round Cabul, and they share in -their hatred of the infidel invaders. It would be as much as I could do -to keep them quiet, and certainly I should fail if I called upon them -to embark on such an enterprise." - -"I have no intention of asking it of you, chief. I am going myself to -see what can be done to save my friends, and have come to ask you to -allow Hassan and his men to go with me. They are from Bamian, and at -Bamian it is likely that the captives will be kept for some time. I -should, of course, pay them well for their aid." - -"You can take them," the chief said at once. "They are good men and -faithful to me, and I rely upon them as I could not do on any of my -own tribesmen. I will call them in at once." - -Hassan and his four men entered the room a minute later. - -"Hassan," Sadut said, "you and your men have proved yourselves true -and faithful followers from the day when you left your homes to carry -me over the passes, although you all thought that there was no hope -of our getting through. You have fought by my side in Kohistan; you -twice at my orders carried off my friend here. He appreciates the -service you did him, and is in sore need of five men upon whom he can -rely to the utmost. He has come to ask me to let you go with him. A -sore disgrace has fallen upon our nation. Akbar Khan has sent the men -who placed themselves in his hands as hostages, and the women whom he -swore to protect, over the Hindoo Koosh to be sold as slaves to the -Usbegs. My word has been given to fight against the army of Gundamuck -if it attempts to ascend the passes, and I at least will keep faith. -This British officer is going to attempt to free some of the captives. -How he will do so I know not, but my best wishes will go with him. He -thinks it likely that the escort of the prisoners will halt for some -little time at Bamian, and you more than any others might therefore be -able to help. I do not order you to go, but I ask you to do so. It is a -good work, and concerns the honour of every Afghan." - -"And moreover," Angus said, "I will pay a thousand rupees to you, and -five hundred to each of your followers. I will hand them over to you at -once, and if we are successful I will pay you as much more." - -The sum was a huge one in their eyes. It would suffice to settle them -in comfort for the rest of their lives. Hassan looked at his men, -and saw by the expression of their faces that they were more than -willing to accept the offer. He held out his hand to Angus, "We are -your servants," he said, "and will serve you truly, and if needs be, -lay down our lives for you, not only for the sake of the money you -offer us, but because Sadut Khan has told us that for the honour of -the nation these people ought to be released. We have been comrades in -danger before, and were nigh dead when you rescued us when buried in -the snow. I see not how this enterprise can be carried out; but we will -do what you tell us, and men cannot do more. When do we start?" - -"Every hour is of consequence," Angus replied. "Can you find your way -across the mountains in the dark? if so, we will start at once." - -"I certainly can find the way." - -"You must all have a meal first," Sadut said. "Besides, you will need -horses. They shall be brought in and got ready for you in an hour. -See that the English officer's horses have a good feed, and that his -servant eats with you. The food will be ready in half an hour." - -No time was lost, and in an hour and a half after the arrival of Angus -at the fort the party set out. Fortunately the moon was nearly full, -and Hassan had so frequently gone down to Cabul from the fort that he -had no difficulty whatever in following the track. This in many places -was so steep that all had to dismount and lead their horses down. -However, they reached Cabul an hour before sunrise, and all lay down in -an empty hut for three or four hours' sleep. - -Then Angus, with Hassan and three of his men, entered the town, leaving -Azim and the other man to look after the horses. As there were numbers -of tribesmen in the streets, they attracted no attention whatever. -Proceeding to the house of the moonshee, Angus enquired if Mohun Lal -was in. - -"He is busy. He does not grant audiences till ten o'clock." - -Angus moved away and returned at half-past nine. Already five or six -persons were waiting to see the moonshee, and by ten the number had -considerably increased. It was eleven before Angus's turn arrived. The -moonshee was alone. Angus took out his letter and handed it to him. -He knew Mohun Lal well, having often taken communications to him from -Burnes. - -The Afghan read the letter, and looked up in surprise. - -"You are well disguised indeed, sahib," he said, rising, "for, often -as I have seen you before, I did not recognize you in the slightest, -but thought it was, as usual, an Afghan peasant with complaints to make -against plunderers. So you have undertaken the dangerous mission of -endeavouring to rescue some of the prisoners. Truly you English have -courage thus to thrust yourself into the midst of enemies, and on such -a mission. However, I will do what I can to help you. I do not say -that it is altogether hopeless, for I know my man; the commander of -the escort is Saleh Mahomed. He is an adventurer, and has served under -many masters. He was at one time a subaltern in one of your native -regiments, but deserted with his men to Dost Mahomed just before the -fight at Bamian. Such a man might be bought over, but not cheaply." - -"General Pollock said he left the sum to be offered to him entirely to -you." - -Mohun Lal thought for some time, and then said: - -"I should say that a pension of a thousand rupees a month, and a -present of thirty thousand would tempt him as much as a larger sum. -It would, I think, be best for you to disguise yourself now as a -Cashmerian. You know Syud Moorteza?" - -"I know him well," Angus said; "he helped Captain Johnson to collect -grain from the villages." - -"It would be as well for you to use his name. As an Afghan, Saleh -might doubt you. Altogether, it would be more likely that a man who -may be considered a neutral should be employed on such a mission, and -the offer to sell goods would make an opening. Of course you could -take the dress you now wear with you in case of necessity. It would -be too dangerous for me to give you a letter, for if Saleh, when you -opened the subject to him, at once ordered you to be arrested, it would -certainly be found on you, and would cost me my life. You will require -to take a small escort with you, or you might be robbed at the first -place you come to." - -"I have five men with me," Angus replied. "They come from Bamian; one -of them is a petty chief there, and might, if I find that Saleh cannot -be approached, persuade or bribe some of the people there to aid." - -"I fear you would not succeed in that way. Saleh had, I believe, two -hundred and fifty men with him. I suppose you will start at once?" - -"Our horses are outside the town, and we shall mount as soon as I -return to them." - -"I wish you good fortune. There are many Afghans who feel deeply -the disgrace Akbar has brought upon himself, and upon all of us, by -breaking his plighted word." - -Taking leave of the moonshee, Angus joined his companions, and after -having bought in the bazaar a costume suitable for a trader from -Cashmere, and two bales of goods from that country, left the city. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE BRITISH CAPTIVES - - -"Why are you going as a Cashmerian?" Hassan asked. "I thought that you -were going in the disguise that you now have on." - -"I had intended to, Hassan; but Mohun Lal suggested that as a trader I -should have more chance of going among the escort than as an Afghan, -and I see that this would be so. And, moreover, as Afghans can enter -into fellowship with the men of the escort better than I can, and as -you come from Bamian, no doubt would arise as to the truth of your -story, namely that, having been absent for more than two years from -home, you were anxious to get home, and that as this trader had offered -you money to serve as his escort it was a good opportunity for you to -return." - -Hassan nodded. "That makes a good story of it, certainly." - -The change of disguise was made, two ponies were purchased to carry the -bales of goods and provisions for the journey, and they then started. -In buying his goods Angus had only purchased two costly shawls, which -he intended as a present for Saleh, or, if he failed with him, for one -of the officers under him. With this exception, the bales were filled -with trifles such as might tempt the soldiers, and with stuffs which -would, he was sure, be very welcome to the ladies, who must, naturally, -be in a sore plight for garments, as what baggage they had started -with must have been lost in the passes, and they could have had little -opportunity of replenishing their wardrobe during their captivity. - -They travelled rapidly, halting only for a few hours when it was -necessary to give their horses a rest. As the ladies were carried in -litters, and there was no reason why they should be hurried on their -journey, Angus knew that he must be gaining fast upon the captives and -their escort, and indeed he reached Bamian only a few hours after them. - -He put up at a little khan, while Hassan and his men went off to their -village to see the families from whom they had been so long separated. -Hassan found his wife in undisturbed possession of the little fort, and -there was great joy in the village when it was found that he and his -men had returned with funds that would enable them to pass the coming -winter in comfort, and largely to increase their stock of animals. That -evening two or three sheep were killed, and a general feast was held -in honour of the return of the chief and his followers. As nothing was -talked of in the little town but the arrival of the British captives, -Angus had no difficulty in learning that these had been lodged in a -little fort close to the place. He did not attempt to open his bales of -goods, although several of the people came to him to ask him to do so, -for so few traders had visited the place since the troubles began, that -the stores had long been empty. There had, too, been a good deal of -plundering since the British force there had retired. Angus was obliged -to explain that he had only brought a few trifles with him, as his -purpose was to buy Turkoman carpets and other goods at Khooloom, and -that he had sold off almost all the stock he had brought from Cashmere -at Cabul. - -Leaving Azim at the khan to see that his goods were not stolen, he -strolled out. The place was full of the men of the escort, who showed -much discontent on finding that neither fruit nor any other of the -little luxuries to which they were accustomed could be bought at -Bamian. Angus had no difficulty in entering into conversation with -some of them. He had brought with him a considerable quantity of good -tobacco, and when he produced a pouch and invited them to fill their -pipes he at once won their good-will. - -"How quickly have you come from Cabul? Was there any news when you left -there?" - -"We have travelled fast," he said. "You have had three days' start of -us, and I arrived here this afternoon. No, there was no news. They say -that the infidels are halting at Gundamuck. The chiefs are gathering in -the passes with all their forces, but have not yet moved." - -"I should have thought that they would have had enough of our passes; -they will meet with the same fate as those who tried to go down them." - -"It should be so," Angus replied. "Who can withstand your people when -they are fighting among your own hills? You must have travelled slowly, -since we gained three days upon you." - -"We made very short journeys," the man said. "You see, we were -encumbered with these women and children, for whom it must have been -rough work, for the nights are already cold. I shall be glad when we -get to Khooloom and hand them over to the governor there. But I will -say for them that they have borne up bravely. I can tell you that we -are all disgusted at having to be making this journey with them instead -of taking our share of the spoil that will be gathered in the passes." - -"Yes, it must be annoying to brave men to be thus wasting their time -when great things are being done, to say nothing of losing their share -of the booty to be gathered. Have you a good commander?" - -"Yes, we have no cause to grumble on that account. Saleh Mahomed is a -bold soldier and a cheerful fellow, is not unduly harsh, and as long -as we keep our arms in good order, and obey his orders, he asks no -questions when one of us comes in with a sheep fastened to his saddle. -But there has been no chance of getting anything to help out our -rations, for the two or three little villages we have passed since we -left the valley are for the most part deserted. There are women there, -but the men have not yet come down from the hills with the flocks, and -none of us have tasted meat since we started. Saleh Mahomed is a man -who has travelled much and seen many things. He was an officer in the -English army, but he would not fight against us, and two years ago, -when Dost Mahomed with his army came here, he went over to him with -his company of Sepoys. He was not a chief, but was a tribesman near -the frontier. There are many of them, they say, in the service of the -infidels; and he had done well for himself." - -"I suppose the captive women must be in want of warm clothes. I have -not a large stock of goods, but among them are several warm robes, -which I would sell cheaply to them, for I wish to clear away my -remaining stock, as I intend to buy Turkoman carpets at Khooloom and -Balkh; and besides these I have some stuff which doubtless the women -here would buy to make garments for the children. Think you that Saleh -would let me traffic with them?" - -"That I could not say; but if you have anything in your pack that would -please him he might perhaps let you do so. You seem a good fellow, if -you like I will take you to him to-morrow morning." - -"Thank you for your offer. When I meet you I will have a pound of good -tobacco, which I shall beg you to accept." - -"I will be here. I shall be one of the guards to-night round the fort, -but shall be free in the morning." - -"Does Saleh Mahomed sleep there?" - -"No, it is a miserable and dirty place. He lodges at the house of the -headman there." - -Early in the morning Hassan came down to the khan. "Now, sahib, you -have only to tell us what you want us to do, and you can rely upon us." - -"For the present there is nothing. I am going to see Saleh Mahomed -this morning, and try to get permission to sell some of my goods to -the captives. I may then be able to learn something of his disposition -towards them, and how he behaved to them during the journey. It is -important that I should know this before giving him the message from -the moonshee." - -"It would be well to do so, master; but from what I hear the moonshee -has been negotiating with many of the chiefs, who are willing enough -to take his money, but who do not carry out their part of the bargain. -However, I have not heard that any of them have denounced him. He is -always considered to be the chief agent of the English, but as he -spends English gold freely, and as it is well to have some one in Cabul -through whom negotiations could be entered into with them, no one -interferes with him." - -"The only thing that you can do for the present is to go round among -your friends, talk to them about the captives, and say that it is a -disgrace that they should be sent as captives among the Usbegs after -having received promises of protection, and having willingly submitted -themselves as hostages. Of course you will do it carefully; but if you -can create a feeling in their favour, and make them afterwards win over -a portion of the escort, something might be done. Of course you can -say, and truly, that Sadut Khan, Dost Mahomed's nephew by marriage, is -most indignant at this breach of faith, and that you believe that many -other chiefs share his feeling." - -"I will set about it at once. The tribesmen here have not the same -animosity against the English as those at Cabul. The English troops -when they were here behaved well; they took no man's goods without -payment, and the tribesmen got better prices for their sheep and -cattle than they had ever got before. They care little who rules at -Cabul, and it is nothing to them whether it is the Barukzyes or a -Dooranee." - -The next morning Angus met the Afghan soldier. "Here is the tobacco I -promised you; it is good stuff." - -"If it is like that you gave me yesterday, I shall be very content. -Now, come with me to Saleh; he is a good fellow if you find him in the -humour." The officer was alone when they entered. "Saleh Mahomed," -the soldier said, "this is a trader from Cashmere, Syud Moorteza; he -will tell you his business. He seems to be a good fellow, and has some -excellent tobacco." - -Having thus introduced Angus he left the room. - -"What is it that you want with me?" Saleh asked in Persian. Angus -replied in the same language, "I am a trader, my lord, and wish to get -rid of some of the wares I am carrying. They are but few, as I am going -north to purchase and not to sell. I would willingly rid myself of a -part of them. Among them are warm dresses and stuffs. I am told that -the persons in your charge are but thinly clad, and I doubt not that -they would willingly buy these goods of me." - -The Afghan laughed. "They would willingly have them, no doubt; but as -to buying, they are altogether without money. Those who were in charge -of them saw to that before they were handed over to me." - -"I should not mind that, my lord. I have had dealings with Englishmen -who have come up to Cashmere, and they generally take a store of shawls -and other things back with them to India. We always find that they are -true to their word, and we take their orders as willingly as gold--more -so, indeed, because the shroffs in India take them anywhere, and it -saves our having to send money there for the purchase of goods in -India. Thus, then, if they gave me orders on their people at Calcutta -or Bombay, I would more willingly accept them than gold, which is a -dangerous commodity to carry." - -"But you say that you are going to purchase goods." - -"That is so, my lord, but I do not carry money to do so. I pay for them -with orders upon a merchant at Herat to whom I am well-known, and who -acts as my agent, and buys for me such goods as I require from Persia. -I have not come empty-handed to you, my lord. It is right that if you -do me the favour of allowing me to trade with your prisoners, you -should share in the benefit. I have with me here a cashmere shawl. I do -not say that it is worthy of your acceptance, but it is handsome and of -the best wool, and will make a warm girdle." - -Saleh was fond of finery. "Let me look at it," he said. - -Angus undid the parcel and held the shawl up, and closely watched the -Afghan as he examined it. He saw that he was pleased with it. However, -the chief said, "I say not that it is not a good shawl, but it is not -of the best quality. I have been at Srinagar." - -"'Tis not of the best, my lord--I would not try to deceive one like -yourself--but it is the best I have, and I can hardly hope to make more -than its value from these people." - -"It is worth about two hundred rupees," Saleh said. - -"Your lordship is not to be deceived, that is the very sum I gave for -it; but it is worth much more here." - -"You seem to be an honest man," Saleh said, throwing the shawl down -on the divan from which he had risen. "And in truth I should be well -content that the prisoners were better supplied with garments in the -cold weather that is setting in. I am ordered to conduct them safely -to Khooloom, but nought was said against my providing them with such -comforts on the way as they could obtain. To-day I am busy; I have -to see that the men are well quartered and fed. To-morrow if you come -here with your goods I will myself take you to the place where they are -confined; but mind that no word is said to them save concerning your -merchandise." - -"What words should I say, my lord? But doubtless one of your men will -be present and see that I confine myself to my business." - -"Then come at this hour to-morrow." - -Angus bowed deeply and then left, delighted that he had obtained -permission to see the captives. - -That day the prisoners were taken to another fort, Saleh being moved by -their complaints of the dirt and want of accommodation in the little -fort in which they were crowded. The place was but a little better than -the one they had left, but there was somewhat more room. - -Hassan came to Angus in the evening. "I have seen many of my friends," -he said, "and have spoken as you told me. They are indignant. I -told them that Dost Mahomed and his family, and that of Akbar, are -honourably treated in India, and are allowed a large income by the -government there, and live with every comfort and luxury, and it is a -disgrace to our nation that such treatment should be meted out to the -officers who are hostages, and the ladies and their families. I do not -say that they will be disposed to hazard their own safety by taking -any active measures, but if the soldiers were to show any disposition -favourable to the captives, they would assuredly take no hostile steps -against them." - -"I have strong hopes that I may succeed with Saleh. He has taken a -bribe from me to permit me to sell goods to the prisoners, and he may -be willing to take a vastly greater one to release them." - -"My men have been going about among the soldiers, sahib. They are -discontented at this journey they have taken, and at the prospect of -a still farther one, and if their commander gave them the order to -return, they would not, I think, hesitate to obey." - -"Let your men continue at that work, but let them be careful not to -appear to be too warmly interested. Let them avoid at present all -mention of captives, and simply inflame the men's minds by talking of -the hardships of their being sent on such a journey when so much booty -is likely to be picked up in the passes. It is not likely that if -Saleh orders them to proceed on their journey they will refuse to do -so, but if he learns from his officers that the men would gladly obey -him if he ordered them to return, it may help him to decide to accept -the offer I have to make him. I shall put off doing so till the last -moment, because at any time news may come that Pollock and Nott are -both beating back all opposition and advancing on Cabul, and in that -case he may see that his interest lies in siding with them rather than -with Akbar." - -In the morning Angus rode with Saleh to the fort, Azim following with -the pony carrying the bales of goods. Two men stood as sentries on the -platform on the top of the plain, half a dozen others were posted round -it. The officer in charge came out. - -"Have you anything to report, Suleiman?" - -"No, captain, except that the prisoners complain that this place is -little better than the last they were confined in." - -"They are particular, these ladies and gentlemen," Saleh said with a -laugh. "The place might be better, no doubt, but they will be lucky if -they do not find themselves very much worse lodged when they get among -the Usbegs." - -"Major Pottinger was asking, captain, that a few blankets should be -given them for the use of the women and children." - -"We will see about it. However, this trader here has some warm robes to -sell, and they may just as well pay for the things themselves as that -I should put my hand into my pocket, for my instructions said nothing -about buying things of this sort for them; and from the manner in -which Prince Akbar gave me my orders, I should say that the more they -suffered the better he would be pleased. However, I am sorry for them, -and have given permission to this Cashmerian to see them and try to -sell his goods to them." - -The officer looked doubtful. "I do not think there is a rupee among -them." - -"No, but the trader has faith that if they give him notes for his -goods, their people will assuredly cash them." - -"He must be a very confiding fellow," the officer said. - -"No; by what he says the shroffs of all the large cities in India are -always ready to take the notes of English officers, and that he himself -has done so in Cashmere. - -"At any rate you can take him up to their apartments, but remain in the -room while he bargains with them. I do not mind his carrying on his -trade, but see that he in no way communicates with them save in the -matter of his business." - -Saleh went up with Angus, followed by the officer and Azim, who was -assisted by the soldiers to carry up the goods. A sentry was sitting -before the door at the top of the stairs with his musket across his -knee. As Saleh came up, he rose and took a key hanging on a nail on the -wall beside him and opened the door. - -"I hear that you are still not content with your lodging, Captain -Johnson," Saleh said as he entered. "Well, what would you have? These -towers are all alike, and do not come up to our ideas of comfort in -Cabul; and as glass is scarcely known in Bamian, no doubt you feel it -cold at night." - -[Illustration: ANGUS SHOWS HIS GOODS TO THE PRISONERS.] - -"If we had a few blankets to hang across the windows the ladies would -not feel it so much, Saleh." - -"That is so; and as I am anxious that they should not, while under my -charge, feel greater discomfort than necessary, I have permitted this -trader, Syud Moorteza, to enter. He has, he tells me, some warm robes -and other things which he is ready to sell, and as I told him that -before you came into my charge all your money had been taken away, he -is ready to take your notes upon a banker at Calcutta or Bombay in -payment." - -Captain Johnson knew the Cashmerian, as he had rendered invaluable -assistance in obtaining grain. Angus, who was acquainted with him, -had the more willingly adopted his name because the man was about his -own height and build, and there was even some resemblance in feature. -Captain Johnson therefore looked with interest at the trader, who was -standing a little behind Saleh. For a moment he seemed puzzled but -Angus had his hand on his chin and suddenly moved two fingers across -his lips and very slightly shook his head. Johnson understood the -gesture, and replied to Saleh: "The man is right; he may be sure that -whatever happens to us our friends will see that he is paid for any -goods we may buy of him. We will write a letter in Persian, which you -can read to our friends, saying that this man has trusted us and that -our orders are to be honoured." - -The ladies, who were in the next room, were called in. The Afghan -commander, who had nothing to do, remained with his officer, being -interested in the contents of the trader's bales. Azim opened them, -and spread the articles out on the floor for inspection. Angus was -greatly concerned at the appearance of the ladies, to all of whom -he was known. His disguise, however, had so completely changed his -appearance that none of them recognized him. His face was darkened, -his eyebrows and hair had been stained black, and by the assistance of -some false hair the latter was arranged in the fashion worn by the man -he represented. Syud Moorteza was of the Hindoo religion, and Angus had -imitated his caste marks on the forehead, which alone greatly altered -his appearance. But the ladies scarcely looked at him. Their delight at -seeing the warm robes and woollen cloths was great indeed. Here was a -prospect that their sufferings from cold would be alleviated, and that -their children could now be warmly clad. - -Among the smaller articles in his bale Angus included a good supply of -needles and thread, buttons, and other small necessaries. The ladies -saw at once that from the soft woolen cloths they would be able to make -an abundance of warm clothing for the children. Angus expatiated after -the manner of a trader on the quality of his goods. Holding up a warm -robe to Captain Johnson, he said: "This would suit you, my lord; it -will keep you warm in the coldest night." - -"You have not more than enough for the ladies," Captain Johnson said. -"If there is anything over after they have made their purchases, we -shall be glad to take the rest of your cloth. We can wind it round us." - -"But feel the quality of this robe, my lord," Angus urged, with a wink -that was understood by the officer, who at once took hold of it. As -he did so Angus slipped a note, which he had folded to the smallest -possible dimensions, into his hands. - -"Yes, it is good material," he said quietly; "but, as I have just said, -these must be for the ladies." And he turned away as if unwilling to be -tempted, and presently sauntered into the next room. In order to keep -up his character Angus asked fully five times the proper value for his -goods. But the captives had no thought of bargaining; for these goods -would be of the greatest comfort to themselves and their children, as -coverings for the night, and as wraps during the passage of the passes, -for in addition to the clothes and cloth, there were silk mufflers -for the neck, and warm jackets lined with astrakhan fur. Nor were the -needles and thread less prized. Their clothes and those of the children -were in rags, and they would be most useful for mending, as well as -the making of new clothes. Some of them almost cried with joy at the -thought of the comfort that this would be to their little ones. - -In a few minutes the greater portion of the contents of the bales was -disposed of. "The best way," Pottinger said, "will be for Lawrence, -Mackenzie, and myself, as the three political officers, to give this -man an order signed by the three of us on our agent at Calcutta, and -I will write an open letter to accompany it, authorizing any British -officer or banker to cash the note when it is presented, and to send it -on to my agent. The man has done us an inestimable service, and it will -facilitate his getting the money. Where are you thinking of cashing -this?" he asked. - -"At Herat." - -"Then I will also give you a note to a trader there. He has a shop -in the great bazaar, and is a friend of mine. He has relations with -business men in India, and will, I am sure, cash it for you at once -should you desire cash, or will furnish you in exchange with bills on -some merchant in Candahar." He then mentioned the trader's name. - -"That will suit me well," Angus said. "I know the man by name, having -been myself at Herat. He is of good repute, and I am sure that he or -any other merchant having dealings in India would gladly cash the -order, as it would be far safer to send than money." - -It was not until the purchases had all been made that Captain Johnson -re-entered the room, came and stood by Angus, asking a few questions -as to the goods; when the two Afghans were looking another way he -passed a note into the pretended merchant's hand. Presently he said: -"But we have no pen and ink to write this order?" - -"I have them, sahib," Angus said, taking an ink-bottle and pen, such -as were always carried by traders, from his pocket, together with -several sheets of paper. The price of all the goods was added up; then -Pottinger wrote an order for the amount, which was signed by himself, -Lawrence, and Mackenzie. Then Johnson took Pottinger aside as if to -discuss the terms of the letters. - -"That man is not Syud Moorteza at all," he said. "Don't turn round and -look at him. He has given me a note, and I am answering it. Who do you -think it is?" - -"I have been a little puzzled, not by his face, but by his voice. I -have it now--it is Angus Campbell." - -"You have guessed right. He has come up by himself through the passes -to try and overtake us. He bears a message from Mohun Lal to Saleh, -saying that he shall be given a pension of a thousand rupees a month -and a present of thirty thousand if he will hand over the captives to -the British general when he reaches Cabul. He has asked my opinion as -to whether it would be safe to make the proposition to the man, or -whether he had better wait until news comes that Pollock has defeated -Akbar in the passes. I have told him that I have already sounded Saleh, -and that though he passed the matter off, I believe he is open to take -a bribe if he hears that Nott and Pollock are making their way up. -He says that if bad news comes--and I think it would then be useless -to approach Saleh--he will make an attempt with some men he has with -him to effect your escape, and also mine, and that of Mackenzie and -Lawrence. Boyd, of course, would not leave his wife and family, and it -would be impossible to take the women and children with us." - -"Campbell is a splendid fellow!" Pottinger said. "He behaved -wonderfully well at Herat, and I was sure that in time he would make -a very fine officer. It is a noble thing, his undertaking such a -tremendous risk." - -The letters were now written and handed to Angus. Saleh, however, -took them from his hands and read them, and then handed them back, -after assuring himself that there was nothing written but what had -been agreed upon. Then he and the officer went downstairs with Angus -and Azim, the latter carrying easily enough the one small bale that -sufficed for the goods unsold. - -"You have made a nice sum out of this," Saleh said. - -"I have had a long journey with my goods," Angus replied humbly; "but -they were well contented, and paid without bargaining the prices I -asked. I feel, my lord, that I am greatly indebted to you for the -opportunity. I have not money with me--we traders never carry cash, -and I shall have to wait many months before I receive the price of the -goods--nevertheless, my lord, I will willingly give you in token of my -gratitude another shawl equal to the last; I have brought with me only -two. And you can select any goods you like from those remaining. There -are many silk things among them, for they only bought such as were -needed for wear." - -Saleh was well satisfied, and telling Angus that he might call round -in the evening with some of the silk embroidered scarfs, he allowed -him to return to the camp. Two days passed, and then a horseman rode -in with the news that Akbar had been defeated at Tezeen, but would -fight another battle, and, as he was being joined by many chiefs, would -doubtless overthrow the infidels. The news spread rapidly and caused -much excitement in the camp, which was heightened by the fact that the -man said that there was a report that Ghuznee had been captured by the -British force that was marching from Candahar. - -Angus went in the evening and requested a private interview with Saleh. -As Johnson had told him in his note, the Afghan had already been -revolving in his mind whether he could not do better for himself by -halting at Bamian until he knew how affairs would turn out at Cabul. -Johnson, who had become very intimate with him on the journey, had said -casually that the British government would assuredly pay a large sum -for the return of the captives. He had taken no notice of the remark -at the time, but had thought a good deal of it. He knew that money had -been lavishly spent among the chiefs, and it seemed to him that he too -might have a share in the golden flood. - -He was a shrewd man as well as an unscrupulous one. He had three times -before deserted his employers when better offers had been made to him, -and it seemed to him that he had it now in his power to procure a sum -that would make him rich for life. He had been told by his sub-officers -that there was a growing disaffection among the men, that many of them -openly grumbled at the prospect of the journey to Khooloom, and that -some of the Bamian petty chiefs had been going among them, and, they -believed, stirring up a feeling against the journey. He had from the -first entertained some suspicion of this Cashmerian trader. Why should -he not have bought a larger store of Indian goods to exchange with the -Turkomans? - -His doubt as to the best course to pursue had been heightened at the -news that he had received that afternoon. What would happen if the -British again settled down at Cabul? They would doubtless send a -force to endeavour to rescue the captives. And although he might be -at Khooloom before they did so, his situation would then be a most -unpleasant one. Akbar, as a fugitive, could no longer pay him and -his troops; they would, of course, leave him, and he would not dare -to return to Cabul. He was thinking over these matters when Angus -was ushered in. The latter had already decided that he would for the -present maintain the character that he had assumed. If Saleh knew that -he was a British officer he would assuredly, if he remained faithful to -his charge, arrest him also; but as merely the agent of Mohun Lal, one -of the most influential men in Cabul, the Afghan would probably allow -him to depart unharmed, even if he refused the offered bribe. - -"I have not come to you this evening to talk of merchandise, Saleh -Mahomed," Angus began. "I have come upon a more important matter. As -you know, the troops from Jellalabad have defeated Akbar, and are -making their way up through the passes. They will defeat him again if -he fights them. The troops from Candahar have reached Ghuznee, and -assuredly there is no force that can arrest their progress to Cabul. -I have only waited for this to speak openly to you. I am sent here by -Mohun Lal. He authorizes me to promise you, in his name and that of -General Pollock, a pension of a thousand rupees a month, and a gift of -thirty thousand rupees, if you will hold the prisoners here until a -British force arrives to carry them back to Cabul." - -The Afghan showed no surprise. "I suspected," he said, "all along that -you had come here for some other motive than trade. What guarantee does -Mohun Lal offer that these terms shall be fulfilled?" - -"It would not have been safe for him to have entrusted such a message -to paper," Angus said, "but he gives you his word." - -"Words are no guarantee," Saleh said, "especially the word of a chief." - -"I would suggest, Saleh Mahomed, that you have it in your power to -obtain a guarantee that even you will acknowledge to be a binding one. -You have in your hands three men whose names are known throughout -Afghanistan and through India as those of men of honour. You have -Major Pottinger, Captain Lawrence, and Mr. Mackenzie, all men whose -word would be accepted unhesitatingly to whatever promise they might -make. They and the other officers would, I am sure, give you a written -guarantee that the offer made by Mohun Lal shall be confirmed and -carried out by the government of India." - -"What should I do with money without employment?" - -"If you desire employment, I have no doubt that you would be granted, -in addition to the money payment, the command of a native regiment -raised among the Pathans of the lower hills." - -"I will think the matter over," the Afghan said, and with a wave of the -hand dismissed Angus. But the latter had seen, by the expression of -Saleh's face when he mentioned the terms, that these were far higher -than he had himself ever thought of, and he had no doubt whatever that -they would be accepted. The first thing in the morning he received -a message from Saleh Mahomed requesting him to accompany him to the -tower. The Afghan, beyond the usual salute, was silent during the ride. -On dismounting Saleh told him to follow him. On entering the prisoners' -apartments the officer said: "You are aware that Prince Akbar's orders -are that I am to take you to Khooloom. I had certainly intended to do -so, but I have received news that leads me to doubt whether he may -be in a position to support you if I carry out the orders. Yesterday -afternoon I heard that he had been defeated at Tezeen. He will fight -again with a stronger force than before, still the issue is doubtful. I -may tell you that the messenger also brought to the fort news that the -force from Candahar had taken Ghuznee." - -An exclamation of joy broke from the prisoners. - -"Another thing has happened," the Afghan went on. "This trader last -night informed me that he really came here on a mission from Mohun -Lal. He promises me, in General Pollock's name, that if I release you -and carry you to Cabul I shall be granted a pension of a thousand -rupees a month and thirty thousand as a present. I know nothing of -General Pollock, and have no great faith in Mohun Lal, but seeing that -Akbar may be even now a fugitive and your two armies in Cabul, if you -gentlemen will swear by your God to make good to me what Syud Moorteza -states he is authorized to offer, I will hand you over to your own -people." - -The offer was joyfully accepted. Angus was requested by Saleh to draw -out a bond to that effect in Persian, and this was signed by Pottinger, -Lawrence, Johnson, and Mackenzie. Another agreement was then drawn -up by Johnson, by which all the officers bound themselves to pay as -many months' pay and allowances, in accordance with their rank, as -should be necessary to carry out the terms of the agreement, thus -satisfying Saleh that, should the English general refuse to ratify the -first agreement, he would receive the money from them. To this all the -prisoners and the ladies signed their names, Brigadier Shelton heading -the list; while Lady Macnaghten and Mrs. Sturt, who were widows, bound -themselves in a codicil to pay such sums as might be demanded from them -by Major Pottinger and Captains Lawrence and Johnson. - -"You are no longer my prisoner, sahibs," Saleh said when the two -documents were handed to him, and he on his part had given a bond to -perform his share of the conditions. "Now, I should like your counsel -as to how I had best proceed. I believe that my men will gladly obey -me in this matter, because they are discontented at being sent so -far away, and I feel sure that a very slight inducement on your part -to them will settle the matter. If I could offer them in your name a -gratuity of four months' pay when we arrive at Cabul, it would settle -matters." - -To this the officers willingly agreed. - -"I have been thinking over the affair all night," he went on. "Which, -think you, would be best--to travel straight for Cabul when you hear -that the British have arrived there, or to wait here? I hear that many -of the petty chiefs in the neighbourhood are indignant that Akbar -Khan should have broken all the promises he made, and have treated so -badly those who placed themselves under his protection, while at the -same time his father, together with his own family, are receiving most -honourable treatment in India. Doubtless you would rather go straight -down to Cabul, but we must remember that if defeated, Akbar with a very -large number of his followers may again fly by this route and make for -Khooloom, as he and Dost Mahomed did when the British first marched to -Cabul. Should they meet us on our way down they would assuredly attack -us, and their numbers might be so great that we should be overwhelmed. -On the other hand, if we stay here we can occupy the largest of these -little forts and set to work to strengthen it, and might then resist -any force Akbar could bring against us until the British troops arrive -to our assistance." - -The officers were silent for a minute, and then Pottinger said: "What -do you think, Brigadier? This is a military matter." - -"I should say the last proposition is the safest," Shelton replied. -"We may be sure that the moment Pollock reaches Cabul he will send -off a body of cavalry to rescue us. Akbar would have at best only -forty-eight hours' start, perhaps not half that, and he would scarcely -venture to stop here to undertake a siege. He will certainly have no -guns with him, and the three hundred men of our escort, with ten or -twelve of us to lead them, could be trusted to withstand any hurried -assault he might make upon us." - -The others all agreed that this would be the safest plan. - -"Very well," Saleh said. "I will go now and harangue my men, and in the -meantime you can prepare to move. I will select the largest and most -defensible of these forts. We will move quietly in there, and then I -will summon the Bamian chiefs, and proclaim that I have abandoned the -cause of Akbar, and now with my British allies summon them to invite -their men to join me, so that when an English force arrives here -they will be free from all molestation, and will receive presents in -accordance with the number of men they furnish." - -So saying he left the room, and the joy of the captives broke out in -general congratulations among the men, and tears of joy from the women. -Pottinger, Johnson, and Boyd gathered round Angus and poured forth -their thanks to him. Nothing had hitherto been said to the ladies as -to the real character of the supposed trader, for it was felt that if -this enterprise failed the disappointment would to them be terrible. As -soon as they learned who he was and what he had done, they too crowded -round, and Angus was for a time quite confused with the expressions of -gratitude showered upon him. - -"I see," Pottinger said, when the din of voices had quieted down, "that -you have not informed Saleh Mahomed of your real character." - -"I thought it better not to do so. I really came from Mohun Lal, and if -he thought I had not done so, he might have doubted whether I had any -authority to make such a proposal; therefore, I thought it would be -well to keep up my present character to the end." - -"Perhaps it is best so," Pottinger agreed. "These Afghans are always -suspicious, and a man who has several times betrayed his employers -would be more suspicious than other people. I quite agree with you that -it is best you should keep up your present character. I suppose Mohun -Lal really did give you the assurance about the ransom?" - -"Yes, General Pollock told me that he would give any sum Mohun Lal -might think it desirable to offer, and that was the figure fixed upon -as being high enough to tempt Saleh, and yet not excessive for such a -service. Besides, he thought that he might ask more, in which case I -should of course have bargained with him." - -"It is a sum that would tempt any Afghan chief," Pottinger said, "and -to a mere military adventurer like Saleh would appear prodigious. -Well, we will hear of your adventures afterwards. He may return at any -moment, and it might put him out of humour if he found that we were not -ready. Not, indeed, that there is much to do. Even the ladies will be -able to pack up their scanty belongings in a few minutes. There would, -in fact, be nothing at all to pack had it not been for the things they -bought of you. The next room is all in confusion, for every one of them -is hard at work making clothes for the children." - -It was half an hour before Saleh Mahomed returned. - -"All is well," he said; "the men did not hesitate for a moment. They -are delighted at the prospect of returning to Cabul, and declare they -will fight till the last if they are attacked. I set them to work at -once to clear out the largest of the forts here. The chief, when I told -him what it was required for, refused his consent, so I at once turned -him out, and have appointed another favourable to us in his place. We -will move there at once." - -The news infused fresh strength into the ladies, several of whom were -suffering from sickness, and all from long-continued anxiety and the -hardships of the journey; they were able to proceed on foot to the -fort. Hassan was the first to come in with ten followers to give in his -adherence to the new order of things. Many others followed the example; -and as Angus was able to supply money, strong parties were soon at work -throwing up entrenchments round the tower. Pottinger, convinced that -audacity was the best policy, at once issued a proclamation calling -upon the people of the town and the chiefs of all the surrounding -villages to come in at once and pay their respects, and it was not long -before they began to arrive. - -The next day still larger numbers were set to work, and by evening the -earthworks were so advanced that they were in a position to offer a -very strong resistance. Late that evening a friendly chief brought in -the news that General Pollock was within a day's march of Cabul, that -all resistance had ceased, and that Akbar had fled no one knew whither. - -It was immediately decided that a start should be made for Cabul on -the following morning. It was evident that Akbar had not retired by -that route--had he done so he would have arrived before the news of his -flight--and that therefore the risk of meeting any strong force on the -road was very slight. They set out at eight o'clock in the morning. -Horses had been procured for the whole party; the officers took the -children before them, the ladies rode. That night all slept on the -rocks within shelter, but at midnight they were awakened by the arrival -of a horseman. He brought a letter from Sir Richmond Shakespere, -General Pollock's military secretary, saying that he was on the point -of starting with six hundred native horse for Bamian. - -At daybreak the party were astir again, pressing their horses eagerly, -their sufferings all forgotten in the hope of speedily meeting their -friends. At noon a cloud of dust was seen to rise from the road far -ahead; then some straggling horsemen were made out, and behind them a -body of cavalry. It was still possible that this might be a body of the -enemy, and preparations were at once made for defence. The drums were -beat, a line formed, and muskets loaded. Soon, however, it could be -made out that an officer riding at the head of the party was in British -uniform, and in a few minutes Shakespere rode up, followed by his men. -The joy of the meeting was almost beyond words. A few days before a -hopeless captivity among wild tribesmen seemed to be their certain lot; -now they were among friends again. They learned from Sir Richmond that -General Sale himself was to set out at the head of a brigade to support -the advanced party. - -The next morning they started again, and on the 20th met Sale's column. -That evening they passed near the camp of the Candahar force, and the -next day rode through Cabul on their way to Pollock's camp, where their -arrival excited unbounded delight, for it had generally been felt that -the victories that they had won would be incomplete indeed unless their -fellow countrymen and women had been rescued. General Pollock thanked -Angus publicly that evening for the service that he had rendered, and -the manner in which he had carried out the perilous scheme he had -volunteered to perform, and he received innumerable congratulations -from all the officers with whom he had shared in the defence of -Jellalabad. - -The army remained but a few days at Cabul, for the winter was at hand. -It was at first proposed to destroy the Bala Hissar, but the idea was -given up, as it was represented that no ruler of Afghanistan would be -able to maintain his position unless he had that fortress to rely upon. -Instead of this the great bazaar, through which Macnaghten's body had -been carried in triumph, was destroyed, and in spite of the efforts of -their officers many of the troops entered the city and punished the -treachery of its inhabitants by sacking a considerable portion of it. -The united army then marched down the passes and retired to India. -Pollock's division met with no resistance whatever; that of Nott, which -followed it, was more than once attacked by large bands of plunderers. - -The report that General Pollock had sent in to the Governor-general on -the day the captives reached the camp gave full credit to Angus for -the courage and devotion that he had shown, and stated that had he not -succeeded in bringing Saleh Mahomed over to our side, the latter would -probably have reached Khooloom with the captives before they could have -been overtaken, and in that case they might have been sent far away on -the approach of Sale's brigade and been lost for ever to their friends. -The consequence was that he was at once appointed political officer to -one of the Rajput states. - -Henceforth his promotion was rapid. Six years later he went to England -on three years' leave. On the ship on which he sailed were four -officers of his acquaintance, some of whom were accompanied by their -wives. From several of these he received the most pressing invitations -to stay with them at their country houses. These he gladly accepted, -for except among military men who had returned home, he was without -friends. Feeling at a loss for employment after a life of such activity -as he had led, he threw up his leave at the end of the year, and took -back with him to India a wife, the daughter of a colonel who had sailed -with him from India. - -At the end of another ten years he returned home for good. His pay -had been large. He had laid by a considerable sum before he first -went home, and this he had placed in the hands of the firm to whom -he had sent his money before leaving Teheran for Herat. It had been -well employed by them, and at the age of forty he returned home with a -considerable fortune, besides a pension, after twenty-three years of -service. He had been reluctant to quit his work, but his wife's health -had suffered from the climate. His three children had been sent home to -her family, and he now bought a place near her people. At first he felt -altogether out of his element, but he gradually fell into the ways of -country life, and no longer regretted that his work in India had come -to an end. - - -THE END. - - - "Wherever English is spoken one imagines that Mr. Henty's name is - known. One cannot enter a schoolroom or look at a boy's bookshelf - without seeing half-a-dozen of his familiar volumes. Mr. Henty - is no doubt the most successful writer for boys, and the one to - whose new volumes they look forward every Christmas with most - pleasure."--_Review of Reviews._ - - - - -A LIST OF BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - - -... By ... - - G.A. HENTY - G.M. FENN - S. BARING-GOULD - KIRK MUNROE - F. FRANKFORT MOORE - GORDON STABLES - ROBERT LEIGHTON - HARRY COLLINGWOOD - ROSA MULHOLLAND - ALICE CORKRAN, ETC. - - Published by - - CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS - - 153 to 157 Fifth Avenue New York - - - - -G.A. HENTY'S NEW STORIES FOR 1901-1902 - -"His books have at once the solidity of history and the charm of -romance."--_Journal of Education._ - - -WITH ROBERTS TO PRETORIA - - A Story of the Boer War. By G.A. Henty. With 12 Illustrations. $1.25 - net. - -The Boer War gives Mr. Henty an unexcelled opportunity for a thrilling -story of present-day interest which the author could not fail to take -advantage of. Every boy reader will find this account of the adventures -of the young hero most exciting, and, at the same time, a wonderfully -accurate description of Lord Roberts's campaign to Pretoria. Boys have -found history in the dress Mr. Henty gives it anything but dull, and -the present book is no exception to the rule. - - -AT THE POINT OF THE BAYONET - - A Story of the British Conquest of India. By G.A. Henty. Illustrated. - 12mo, $1.25 net. - -One hundred years ago the rule of the British in India was only partly -established. The powerful Mahrattas were unsubdued, and with their -skill in intrigue, and great military power, they were exceedingly -dangerous. The story of "At the Point of the Bayonet" begins with the -attempt to conquer this powerful people. Harry Lindsay, an infant when -his father and mother were killed, was saved by his Mahratta ayah, who -carried him to her own people, and brought him up as a native. She -taught him as best she could, and, having told him his parentage, sent -him to Bombay to be educated. At sixteen he obtained a commission in -the English Army, and his knowledge of the Mahratta tongue combined -with his ability and bravery enabled him to render great service in the -Mahratta War, and carried him, through many frightful perils by land -and sea, to high rank. - - -TO HERAT AND CABUL - - A Story of the First Afghan War. By G. A Henty. With Illustrations. - 12mo. $1.25 net. - -The greatest defeat ever experienced by the British Army was that in -the Mountain Passes of Afghanistan. Angus Cameron, the hero of this -book, having been captured by the friendly Afghans, was compelled to be -a witness of the calamity. His whole story is an intensely interesting -one, from his boyhood in Persia; his employment under the Government -at Herat; through the defense of that town against the Persians; to -Cabul, where he shared in all the events which ended in the awful march -through the Passes, from which but one man escaped. Angus is always at -the point of danger, and whether in battle or in hazardous expeditions -shows how much a brave youth, full of resources, can do, even with so -treacherous a foe. His dangers and adventures are thrilling, and his -escapes marvellous. - - -NEW VOLUMES FOR 1900-1901. - -Mr. Henty, the most popular writer of Books of Adventure in England, -adds three new volumes to his list this fall--books that will delight -thousands of boys on this side who have become his ardent admirers. - - -WITH BULLER IN NATAL - - Or, A Born Leader. By G.A. Henty. With 10 Illustrations by W. Rainey. - 12mo, $1.50. - -The breaking out of the Boer War compelled Chris King, the hero of the -story, to flee with his mother from Johannesburg to the sea coast. They -were with many other Uitlanders, and all suffered much from the Boers. -Reaching a place of safety for their families, Chris and twenty of his -friends formed an independent company of scouts. In this service they -were with Gen. Yule at Glencoe, then in Ladysmith, then with Buller. -In each place they had many thrilling adventures. They were in great -battles, and in lonely fights on the Veldt; were taken prisoners and -escaped; and they rendered most valuable service to the English forces. -The story is a most interesting picture of the War in South Africa. - - -OUT WITH GARIBALDI - - A Story of the Liberation of Italy. By G.A. Henty. With 8 - Illustrations by W. Rainey, R.I. 12mo, $1.50. - -Garibaldi himself is the central figure of this brilliant story, and -the little-known history of the struggle for Italian freedom is told -here in the most thrilling way. From the time the hero, a young lad, -son of an English father and an Italian mother, joins Garibaldi's band -of 1,000 men in the first descent upon Sicily, which was garrisoned -by one of the large Neapolitan armies, until the end, when all those -armies are beaten, and the two Sicilys are conquered, we follow with -the keenest interest the exciting adventures of the lad in scouting, in -battle, and in freeing those in prison for liberty's sake. - - -IN THE IRISH BRIGADE - - By G.A. Henty. 12mo, $1.50. - -Desmond Kennedy is a young Irish lad who left Ireland to join the Irish -Brigade in the service of Louis XIV. of France. In Paris he incurred -the deadly hatred of a powerful courtier from whom he had rescued a -young girl who had been kidnapped, and his perils are of absorbing -interest. Captured in an attempted Jacobite invasion of Scotland, he -escaped in a most extraordinary manner. As aide-de-camp to the Duke of -Berwick he experienced thrilling adventures in Flanders. Transferred to -the Army in Spain, he was nearly assassinated, but escaped to return, -when peace was declared, to his native land, having received pardon and -having recovered his estates. The story is filled with adventure, and -the interest never abates. - - -BY G.A. HENTY. - -"Surely Mr. Henty should understand boys' tastes better than any man -living."--_The Times._ - - -WON BY THE SWORD - - A Tale of the Thirty Years' War. With 12 Illustrations by Charles M. - Sheldon, and 4 Plans. 12mo, $1.50. - -The scene of this story is laid in France, during the time of -Richelieu, of Mazarin and Anne of Austria. The hero, Hector Campbell, -is the orphaned son of a Scotch officer in the French Army. How he -attracted the notice of Marshal Turenne and of the Prince of Conde, how -he rose to the rank of Colonel; how he finally had to leave France, -pursued by the deadly hatred of the Duc de Beaufort--all these and much -more the story tells with the most absorbing interest. - - -NO SURRENDER - - The Story of the Revolt in La Vendée. With 8 Illustrations by Stanley - L. Wood. 12mo, $1.50. - -The revolt of La Vendée against the French Republic at the time of -the Revolution forms the groundwork of this absorbing story. Leigh -Stansfield, a young English lad, is drawn into the thickest of the -conflict. Forming a company of boys as scouts for the Vendéan Army, he -greatly aids the peasants. He rescues his sister from the guillotine, -and finally, after many thrilling experiences, when the cause of La -Vendée is lost, he escapes to England. - - -A ROVING COMMISSION - - Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti. With 12 Illustrations by - William Rainey. 12mo, $1.50. - -This is one of the most brilliant of Mr. Henty's books. A story of -the sea, with all its life and action, it is also full of thrilling -adventures on land. So it holds the keenest interest until the end. -The scene is a new one to Mr. Henty's readers, being laid at the time -of the Great Revolt of the Blacks, by which Hayti became independent. -Toussaint l'Overture appears, and an admirable picture is given of him -and of his power. - - -AT ABOUKIR AND ACRE - - A Story of Napoleon's Invasion of Egypt. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by William Rainey, and 3 Plans. 12mo, $1.50. - -The hero, having saved the life of the son of an Arab chief, is taken -into the tribe, has a part in the battle of the Pyramids and the revolt -at Cairo. He is an eye-witness of the famous naval battle of Aboukir, -and later is in the hardest of the defense of Acre. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Mr. Henty is the king of story-tellers for boys."--_Sword and Trowel._ - - -UNDER WELLINGTON'S COMMAND - - A Tale of the Peninsular War. With 12 Illustrations by Wal Paget. - 12mo, $1.50. - -The dashing hero of this book, Terence O'Connor, was the hero of Mr. -Henty's previous book, "With Moore at Corunna," to which this is really -a sequel. He is still at the head of the "Minho" Portuguese regiment. -Being detached on independent and guerilla duty with his regiment, he -renders invaluable service in gaining information and in harassing -the French. His command, being constantly on the edge of the army, is -engaged in frequent skirmishes and some most important battles. - - -BOTH SIDES THE BORDER - - A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower. With 12 full-page Illustrations by - Ralph Peacock. 12mo, $1.50. - -This is a brilliant story of the stirring times of the beginning of the -Wars of the Roses, when the Scotch, under Douglas, and the Welsh, under -Owen Glendower, were attacking the English. The hero of the book lived -near the Scotch border, and saw many a hard fight there. Entering the -service of Lord Percy, he was sent to Wales, where he was knighted, and -where he was captured. Being released, he returned home, and shared in -the fatal battle of Shrewsbury. - - -ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S EVE - - A Tale of the Huguenot Wars. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by H.J. Draper, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The hero, Philip Fletcher, has a French connection on his mother's -side. This induces him to cross the Channel in order to take a share -in the Huguenot wars. Naturally he sides with the Protestants, -distinguishes himself in various battles, and receives rapid promotion -for the zeal and daring with which he carries out several secret -missions. - - -REDSKIN AND COW-BOY - - A Tale of the Western Plains. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Alfred Pearse. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The central interest of this story is found in the many adventures of -an English lad, who seeks employment as a cow-boy on a cattle ranch. -His experiences during a "round-up" present in picturesque form the -toilsome, exciting, adventurous life of a cow-boy; while the perils of -a frontier settlement are vividly set forth in an Indian raid. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "No country nor epoch of history is there which Mr. Henty does not - know, and what is really remarkable is that he always writes well and - interestingly."--_New York Times._ - - -WITH FREDERICK THE GREAT - - A Tale of the Seven Years' War. With 12 full-page Illustrations. 12mo, - $1.50. - -The hero of this story while still a youth entered the service of -Frederick the Great, and by a succession of fortunate circumstances and -perilous adventures, rose to the rank of colonel. Attached to the staff -of the king, he rendered distinguished services in many battles, in one -of which he saved the king's life. Twice captured and imprisoned, he -both times escaped from the Austrian fortresses. - - -A MARCH ON LONDON - - A Story of Wat Tyler's Rising. With 8 full-page Illustrations by W.H. - Margetson. 12mo, $1.50. - -The story of Wat Tyler's Rebellion is but little known, but the hero -of this story passes through that perilous time and takes part in the -civil war in Flanders which followed soon after. Although young he is -thrown into many exciting and dangerous adventures, through which he -passes with great coolness and much credit. - - -WITH MOORE AT CORUNNA - - A Story of the Peninsular War. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Wal - Paget. 12mo, $1.50. - -Terence O'Connor is living with his widowed father, Captain O'Connor of -the Mayo Fusiliers, with the regiment at the time when the Peninsular -war began. Upon the regiment being ordered to Spain, Terence gets -appointed as aid to one of the generals of a division. By his bravery -and great usefulness throughout the war, he is rewarded by a commission -as colonel in the Portuguese army and there rendered great service. - - -ON THE IRRAWADDY - - A Story of the First Burmese War. With 8 full-page Illustrations by - W.H. Overend. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero, having an uncle, a trader on the Indian and Burmese rivers, -goes out to join him. Soon after, war is declared by Burmah against -England and he is drawn into it. He has many experiences and narrow -escapes in battles and in scouting. With half-a-dozen men he rescues -his cousin who had been taken prisoner, and in the flight they are -besieged in an old, ruined temple. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Boys like stirring adventures, and Mr. Henty is a master of this - method of composition."--_New York Times._ - - -AT AGINCOURT - - A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. With 12 full-page Illustrations by - Walter Paget. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The story begins in a grim feudal castle in Normandie. The times were -troublous, and soon the king compelled Lady Margaret de Villeroy with -her children to go to Paris as hostages. Guy Aylmer went with her. -Paris was turbulent. Soon the guild of the butchers, adopting white -hoods as their uniform, seized the city, and besieged the house where -our hero and his charges lived. After desperate fighting, the white -hoods were beaten and our hero and his charges escaped from the city, -and from France. - - -WITH COCHRANE THE DAUNTLESS - - A Tale of the Exploits of Lord Cochrane in South American Waters. - With 12 full-page Illustrations by W.H. Margetson. Crown 8vo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - -The hero of this story accompanies Cochrane as midshipman, and serves -in the war between Chili and Peru. He has many exciting adventures in -battles by sea and land, is taken prisoner and condemned to death by -the Inquisition, but escapes by a long and thrilling flight across -South America and down the Amazon, piloted by two faithful Indians. - - -THE TIGER OF MYSORE - - A Story of the War with Tippoo Saib. With 12 full-page Illustrations - by W.H. Margetson, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -Dick Holland, whose father is supposed to be a captive of Tippoo Saib, -goes to India to help him to escape. He joins the army under Lord -Cornwallis, and takes part in the campaign against Tippoo. Afterwards -he assumes a disguise, enters Seringapatam, and at last he discovers -his father in the great stronghold of Savandroog. The hazardous rescue -is at length accomplished, and the young fellow's dangerous mission is -done. - - -THROUGH RUSSIAN SNOWS - - A Story of Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by W.H. Overend, and 3 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The hero, Julian Wyatt, after several adventures with smugglers, by -whom he is handed over a prisoner to the French, regains his freedom -and joins Napoleon's army in the Russian campaign. When the terrible -retreat begins, Julian finds himself in the rear guard of the French -army, fighting desperately. Ultimately he escapes out of the general -disaster, and returns to England. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Here we have Mr. George Henty--the Boys' Own Author."--_Punch._ - - -A KNIGHT OF THE WHITE CROSS - - A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes. With 12 full-page Illustrations by - Ralph Peacock, and a Plan. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -Gervaise Tresham, the hero of this story, joins the Order of the -Knights of St. John, and proceeds to the stronghold of Rhodes. -Subsequently he is appointed commander of a war-galley, and in his -first voyage destroys a fleet of Moorish corsairs. During one of -his cruises the young knight is attacked on shore, captured after a -desperate struggle, and sold into slavery in Tripoli. He succeeds in -escaping, and returns to Rhodes in time to take part in the defense of -that fortress. - - -WULF THE SAXON - - A Story of the Norman Conquest. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Ralph Peacock. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero is a young thane who wins the favor of Earl Harold and becomes -one of his retinue. When Harold becomes King of England Wulf assists in -the Welsh wars, and takes part against the Norsemen at the Battle of -Stamford Bridge. When William of Normandy invades England, Wulf is with -the English host at Hastings, and stands by his king to the last in the -mighty struggle. - - -BERIC THE BRITON - - A Story of the Roman Invasion. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by W. Parkinson. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -This story deals with the invasion of Britain by the Roman legionaries. -Beric, who is a boy-chief of a British tribe, takes a prominent part in -the insurrection under Boadicea; and after the defeat of that heroic -queen (in A.D. 62) he continues the struggle in the fen-country. -Ultimately Beric is defeated and carried captive to Rome, where he is -trained in the exercise of arms in a school of gladiators. At length he -returns to Britain, where he becomes ruler of his own people. - - -WHEN LONDON BURNED - - A Story of the Plague and the Fire. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by J. Finnemore. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero of this story was the son of a nobleman who had lost his -estates during the troublous times of the Commonwealth. During the -Great Plague and the Great Fire, Cyril was prominent among those who -brought help to the panic-stricken inhabitants. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Ask for Henty, and see that you get him."--_Punch._ - - -THE DASH FOR KHARTOUM - - A Tale of the Nile Expedition. By G.A. Henty. With 10 full-page - Illustrations by John Schönberg and J. Nash. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -In the record of recent British history there is no more captivating -page for boys than the story of the Nile campaign, and the attempt to -rescue General Gordon. For, in the difficulties which the expedition -encountered, in the perils which it overpassed, and in its final tragic -disappointments, are found all the excitements of romance, as well as -the fascination which belongs to real events. - - -BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE - - A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service. The -boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is arrested for aiding a Jacobite -agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches Paris, and -serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills his father's foe -in a duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the adventures of Prince -Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scotland. - - -UNDER DRAKE'S FLAG - - A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the supremacy -of the sea. The heroes sail as lads with Drake in the Pacific -expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. The historical -portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, but this will -perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of exciting adventure -through which the young heroes pass in the course of their voyages. - - -WITH WOLFE IN CANADA - - Or, The Winning of a Continent. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -Mr. Henty here gives an account of the struggle between Britain and -France for supremacy in the North American continent. The fall of -Quebec decided that the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New -World; and that English and American commerce, the English language, -and English literature, should spread right round the globe. - - - - -BY G. A HENTY - - "Mr. Henty is one of the best of story-tellers for young - people."--_Spectator._ - - -BY PIKE AND DYKE - - A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. By G.A. Henty. With 10 - full-page Illustrations by Maynard Brown, and 4 Maps. Crown 8vo, - olivine edges, $1.50. - -This story traces the adventures of an English boy in the household of -William the Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea-captain, -enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is employed by him -in many dangerous and responsible missions, in the discharge of which -he passes through the great sieges of the time. - - -BY ENGLAND'S AID - - Or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604). By G.A. Henty. With - 10 full-page Illustrations by Alfred Pearse, and 4 Maps. Crown 8vo, - olivine edges, $1.50. - -The story of two English lads who go to Holland as pages in the service -of one of "the fighting Veres." After many adventures by sea and land, -one of the lads finds himself on board a Spanish ship at the time of -the defeat of the Armada, and escapes, only to fall into the hands of -the Corsairs. He is successful in getting back to Spain, and regains -his native country after the capture of Cadiz. - - -IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES - - A Story of Adventure in Colorado. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by G.C. Hindley. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero, Tom Wade, goes to seek his uncle in Colorado, who is a hunter -and gold-digger, and he is discovered, after many dangers, out on the -plains with some comrades. Going in quest of a gold mine, the little -band is spied by Indians, chased across the Bad Lands, and overwhelmed -by a snow-storm in the mountains. - - -BY RIGHT OF CONQUEST - - Or, With Cortez in Mexico. By G.A. Henty. With 10 full-page - Illustrations by W.S. Stacey, and 2 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -With the Conquest of Mexico as the groundwork of his story, Mr. Henty -has interwoven the adventures of an English youth. He is beset by many -perils among the natives, but by a ruse he obtains the protection of -the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico he succeeds in regaining -his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec bride. - - -THROUGH THE SIKH WAR - - A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub. By G.A. Henty. With 12 - full-page Illustrations by Hal Hurst, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - -Percy Groves, a spirited English lad, joins his uncle in the Punjaub, -where the natives are in a state of revolt. Percy joins the British -force as a volunteer, and takes a distinguished share in the famous -battles of the Punjaub. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "No living writer of books for boys writes to better purpose than Mr. - G.A. Henty."--_Philadelphia Press._ - - -TRUE TO THE OLD FLAG - - A Tale of the American War of Independence. By G.A. Henty. With 12 - full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -A graphic and vigorous story of the American Revolution, which paints -the scenes with great power, and does full justice to the pluck and -determination of the soldiers during the unfortunate struggle. - - -THE LION OF ST. MARK - - A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth Century. By G.A. Henty. With 10 - full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor were put -to the severest tests. The hero displays a fine sense and manliness -which carry him safely through an atmosphere of intrigue, crime, and -bloodshed. - - -THE LION OF THE NORTH - - A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars of Religion. By G.A. Henty. - With 12 full-page illustrations by John Schönberg. Crown 8vo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - -In this story Mr. Henty gives the history of the first part of the -Thirty Years' War. The issue had its importance, which has extended -to the present day, as it established religious freedom in Germany. -The army of the chivalrous King of Sweden was largely composed of -Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of the story. - - -IN GREEK WATERS - - A Story of the Grecian War of Independence (1821-1827). By G.A. Henty. - With 12 full-page Illustrations by W.S. Stacey, and a Map. Crown 8vo, - olivine edges, $1.50. - -Deals with the revolt of the Greeks in 1821 against Turkish oppression. -Mr. Beveridge and his son Horace fit out a privateer, load it with -military stores, and set sail for Greece. They rescue the Christians, -relieve the captive Greeks, and fight the Turkish war vessels. - - -WITH LEE IN VIRGINIA - - A Story of the American Civil War. By G.A. Henty. With 10 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne, and 6 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The story of a young Virginia planter, who serves under Lee and -Jackson through the most exciting events of the struggle. He has -many hairbreadth escapes, is several times wounded and twice taken -prisoner; but his courage and readiness bring him safely through all -difficulties. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Mr. Henty's books never fail to interest boy readers."--_Academy._ - - -WITH CLIVE IN INDIA - - Or, The Beginnings of an Empire. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The period between the landing of Clive in India and the close of his -career was eventful in the extreme. At its commencement the English -were traders existing on sufferance of the native princes; at its close -they were masters of Bengal and of the greater part of Southern India. -The author has given a full account of the events of that stirring -time, while he combines with his narrative a thrilling tale of daring -and adventure. - - -THE YOUNG CARTHAGINIAN - - A Story of the Times of Hannibal. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by C.J. Staniland, R.I. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -There is no better field for romance-writers in the whole of history -than the momentous struggle between the Romans and Carthaginians for -the empire of the world. Mr. Henty has had the full advantage of much -unexhausted picturesque and impressive material, and has thus been -enabled to form a striking historic background to as exciting a story -of adventure as the keenest appetite could wish. - - -FOR THE TEMPLE - - A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G.A. Henty. With 10 full-page - Illustrations by S.J. Solomon, and a colored Map. Crown 8vo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - -Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable and -attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the march -of the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of Jerusalem, -form the impressive setting to the figure of the lad who becomes the -leader of a guerrilla band of patriots, fights bravely for the Temple, -and after a brief term of slavery at Alexandria, returns to his -Galilean home. - - -THROUGH THE FRAY - - A Story of the Luddite Riots. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by H.M. Paget. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The story is laid in Yorkshire at the commencement of the present -century, when the high price of food induced by the war and the -introduction of machinery drove the working-classes to desperation, -and caused them to band themselves in that wide-spread organization -known as the Luddite Society. There is an abundance of adventure in the -tale, but its chief interest lies in the character of the hero, and -the manner in which he is put on trial for his life, but at last comes -victorious "through the fray." - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "The brightest of all the living writers whose office it is to enchant - the boys."--_Christian Leader._ - - -CAPTAIN BAYLEY'S HEIR - - A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. By G.A. Henty. With 12 - full-page Illustrations by H.M. Paget. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a -considerable property. The former falls into a trap laid by the latter, -and while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves England -for America. He works his passage before the mast, joins a small band -of hunters, crosses a tract of country infested with Indians to the -Californian gold diggings, and is successful both as digger and trader. - - -IN FREEDOM'S CAUSE - - A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G.A. Henty. With 12 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -Relates the stirring tale of the Scottish War of Independence. The -hero of the tale fought under both Wallace and Bruce, and while the -strictest historical accuracy has been maintained with respect to -public events, the work is full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild -adventure. - - -A JACOBITE EXILE - - Being the Adventures of a Young Englishman in the Service of Charles - XII. of Sweden. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Paul - Hardy, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -Sir Marmaduke Carstairs, a Jacobite, is the victim of a conspiracy, and -he is denounced as a plotter against the life of King William. He flies -to Sweden, accompanied by his son Charlie. This youth joins the foreign -legion under Charles XII., and takes a distinguished part in several -famous campaigns against the Russians and Poles. - - -CONDEMNED AS A NIHILIST - - A Story of Escape from Siberia. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero of this story is an English boy resident in St. Petersburg. -Through two student friends he becomes innocently involved in various -political plots, resulting in his seizure by the Russian police and -his exile to Siberia. He ultimately escapes, and, after many exciting -adventures, he reaches Norway, and thence home, after a perilous -journey which lasts nearly two years. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Mr. Henty is one of our most successful writers of historical - tales."--_Scotsman._ - - -IN THE REIGN OF TERROR - - The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by J. Schönberg. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the chateau -of a French marquis, and after various adventures accompanies the -family to Paris at the crisis of the Revolution. Imprisonment and death -reduce their number, and the hero finds himself beset by perils with -the three young daughters of the house in his charge. After hairbreadth -escapes they reach Nantes. There the girls are condemned to death -in the coffinships, but are saved by the unfailing courage of their -boy-protector. - - -ST. GEORGE FOR ENGLAND - - A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - -No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than -that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the destruction -of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death; the Jacquerie -rising; these are treated by the author in "St. George for England." -The hero of the story, although of good family, begins life as a London -apprentice, but after countless adventures and perils becomes by valor -and good conduct the squire, and at last the trusted friend of the -Black Prince. - - -A CHAPTER OF ADVENTURES - - Or, Through the Bombardment of Alexandria. By G.A. Henty. With 6 - full-page Illustrations by W.H. Overend. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -A coast fishing lad, by an act of heroism, secures the interest of a -ship-owner, who places him as an apprentice on board one of his ships. -In company with two of his fellow-apprentices he is left behind, at -Alexandria, in the hands of the revolted Egyptian troops, and is -present through the bombardment and the scenes of riot and bloodshed -which accompanied it. - - -HELD FAST FOR ENGLAND - - A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -This story deals with one of the most memorable sieges in history--the -siege of Gibraltar in 1779-83 by the united forces of France and -Spain. With land forces, fleets, and floating batteries, the combined -resources of two great nations, this grim fortress was vainly besieged -and bombarded. The hero of the tale, an English lad resident in -Gibraltar, takes a brave and worthy part in the long defence, and it -is through his varied experiences that we learn with what bravery, -resource, and tenacity the Rock was held for England. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Among writers of stories of adventures for boys Mr. Henty stands in - the very first rank."--_Academy._ - - -FOR NAME AND FAME - - Or, Through Afghan Passes. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero, after -being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the -Malays, finds his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regiment proceeding -to join the army at the Afghan passes. He accompanies the force under -General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, -carried to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes part -in the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan. - - -ORANGE AND GREEN - - A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The record of two typical families--the Davenants, who, having come -over with Strongbow, had allied themselves in feeling to the original -inhabitants; and the Whitefoots, who had been placed by Cromwell -over certain domains of the Davenants. In the children the spirit of -contention has given place to friendship, and though they take opposite -sides in the struggle between James and William, their good-will and -mutual service are never interrupted, and in the end the Davenants come -happily to their own again. - - -MAORI AND SETTLER - - A Story of the New Zealand War. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Alfred Pearce. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The Renshaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of the war -with the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, courageous lad, is -the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend Mr. Atherton, a -botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and unfailing nerve and -humor. In the adventures among the Maoris, there are many breathless -moments in which the odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they -succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasant New -Zealand valleys. - - -A FINAL RECKONING - - A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by W.B. Wollen. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero, a young English lad, after rather a stormy boyhood, emigrates -to Australia and gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. -A few years of active work on the frontier, where he has many a brush -with both natives and bush-rangers, gain him promotion to a captaincy, -and he eventually settles down to the peaceful life of a squatter. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Mr. Henty's books are welcome visitors in the home circle."--_Daily - News._ - - -THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE - - Or, With Peterborough in Spain. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by H.M. Paget. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so completely -fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. This is -largely due to the fact that they were overshadowed by the glory and -successes of Marlborough. His career as General extended over little -more than a year, and yet, in that time, he showed a genius for warfare -which has never been surpassed. - - -THE DRAGON AND THE RAVEN - - Or, The Days of King Alfred. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by C.J. Staniland, R.I. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle -between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid -picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the -ravages of the sea-wolves. The hero, a young Saxon thane, takes part -in all the battles fought by King Alfred. He is driven from his home, -takes to the sea, and resists the Danes on their own element, and being -pursued by them up the Seine, is present at the long and desperate -siege of Paris. - - -FACING DEATH - - Or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of the Coal Mines. By G.A. - Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, - olivine edges, $1.50. - -"Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that -a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise -in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship -to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the -story is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, generous, and though -"shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of -duty. - - -BY SHEER PLUCK - - A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details -of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. His hero, -after many exciting adventures in the interior, is detained a prisoner -by the king just before the outbreak of the war, but escapes, and -accompanies the English expedition on their march to Coomassie. - - - - -BY G.A. HENTY - - "Mr. Henty might with entire propriety be called the boys' Sir Walter - Scott."--_Philadelphia Press._ - - -THE CAT OF BUBASTES - - A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight into the -customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the Rebu nation, is -carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery. They become inmates -of the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high-priest, and are happy in his -service until the priest's son accidentally kills the sacred cat of -Bubastes. In an outburst of popular fury Ameres is killed, and it rests -with Jethro and Amuba to secure the escape of the high-priest's son and -daughter. - - -ONE OF THE 28TH - - A Tale of Waterloo. By G.A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by - W.H. Overend, and 2 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero of this story, Ralph Conway, has many varied and exciting -adventures. He enters the army, and after some rough service in Ireland -takes part in the Waterloo campaign, from which he returns with the -loss of an arm, but with a substantial fortune. - - -STURDY AND STRONG - - Or, How George Andrews made his Way. By G.A. Henty. With 4 full-page - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - -The history of a hero of everyday life, whose love of truth, clothing -of modesty, and innate pluck, carry him, naturally, from poverty to -affluence. George Andrews is an example of character with nothing to -cavil at, and stands as a good instance of chivalry in domestic life. - - -TALES OF DARING AND DANGER - -By G.A. Henty. With 2 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, 75 cents. - -Containing five stories, varied in scene and character, but all of -adventurous interest and telling of youthful heroism under dangerous -and trying circumstances on land and on sea. - - -YARNS ON THE BEACH - - By G.A. Henty. With 2 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, 75 cents. - -This book should find special favor among boys. The yarns are spun by -old sailors, and are admirably calculated to foster a manly spirit. - - - - -DROLL DOINGS - - Illustrated by Harry B. Neilson, with verses by the Cockiolly Bird. - 4to, decorated boards. $2.00. - -A new, original, and very amusing book of animal pictures in color. - - - - -BY CARTON MOORE PARK - - -A BOOK OF BIRDS - - Profusely Illustrated with full-page plates, vignettes, cover design, - &c., &c. Demy 4to (13 inches by 10 inches). $2.00. - -No artist has caught more thoroughly the individualities of the bird -world, or has reproduced them with more lifelike vivacity and charm. - - -AN ALPHABET OF ANIMALS - - With 26 full-page Plates, a large number of vignettes, and cover - design by Carton Moore Park. Demy 4to (13 inches by 10 inches), $2.00. - -A strikingly artistic alphabet book. Mr. Park's drawings are marked -by extraordinary boldness and vigor of treatment; but they display in -addition a rare appreciation of the subtler characteristics of the -animal world. Of these individual traits Mr. Park has an intuitive -perception, and his pictures may almost be said to live upon the page. - - -BRIGHT AND ORIGINAL FAIRY TALES - - -THE PRINCESS OF HEARTS - - By Sheila E. Braine. With 70 illustrations by Alice B. Woodward, and - Frontispiece in Colors. Square 8vo, gilt edges, $2.00. - - -GO TELL THE KING THE SKY IS FALLING - - By Sheila E. Braine. With 85 Illustrations by Alice B. Woodward. - Square crown 8vo, $1.75. - - -THE LITTLE BROWNS - - By Mabel E. Wolton. With 80 Illustrations by H.M. Brock, and a Colored - Frontispiece. Square 8vo, gilt edges, $2.00. - -The little Browns are a delightful set of youngsters, more than usually -individual and self-reliant. During their parents' absence they extend -hospitality to a stranger, under the belief that he is their uncle from -Australia. The supposed uncle is really a burglar, and by their courage -and childish resource they outwit him. _The Little Browns_ is the work -of a true child-lover. - - - - -BY PROFESSOR A.J. CHURCH - - -LORDS OF THE WORLD - - A Story of the Fall of Carthage and Corinth. By Professor A.J. Church. - With 12 full-page Illustrations by Ralph Peacock. Crown 8vo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - -The scene of this story centres in the destruction of Carthage by -the Romans. The young hero is captured by the Romans, but wearing -the dress of his twin sister, escapes death. Entering the army of -Carthage he is in the thick of the long conflict and passes through -many thrilling adventures. He is present at the final scene, and that -awful catastrophe is most vividly told. The story is full of valuable -historical details and the interest never flags. - - -TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO - - Or, The Adventures of a Roman Boy. By Professor A.J. Church. With 12 - full-page Illustrations by Adrien Marie. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The hero is a young Roman who has a very chequered career, being now a -captive in the hands of Spartacus, again an officer on board a vessel -detailed for the suppression of the pirates, and anon a captive once -more, on a pirate ship. - - - - -BY S. BARING-GOULD - - -GRETTIR THE OUTLAW - - A Story of Iceland. By S. Baring-Gould. With 10 full-page - Illustrations by M. Zeno Diemer, and a Colored Map. Crown 8vo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - -No boy will be able to withstand the magic of such scenes as the fight -of Grettir with twelve bearserks, and the wrestle with Karr the Old in -the chamber of the dead. - - - - -BY F. FRANKFORT MOORE - - -HIGHWAYS AND HIGH SEAS - - Cyril Harley's Adventures on Both. By F. Frankfort Moore. With 8 - full-page Illustrations by Alfred Pearse. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The story belongs to a period when highways meant post-chaises, -coaches, and highwaymen, and when high seas meant privateers and -smugglers. - - -UNDER HATCHES - - Or, Ned Woodthorpe's Adventures. By F. Frankfort Moore. With 8 - full-page Illustrations by A. Forestier. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -In rescuing another lad from drowning, Ned Woodthorpe is taken on board -a convict ship. After a series of exciting events the convicts and crew -obtain the mastery. Ultimately the ship is recaptured and Ned and his -friends escape from their troubles. - - - - -CAPT. F.S. BRERETON - - -WITH RIFLE AND BAYONET - - A Story of the Boer War. With 8 Illustrations by Wal. Paget. Crown - 8vo, olivine edges. $1.50. - -Jack Somerten, the hero of _With Rifle and Bayonet_, is an English boy -who chances to be spending a vacation at the home of a school friend -in the Transvaal just before the outbreak of the Boer war. Jack is the -first Uitlander to find actual evidence that the Boers are importing -arms and ammunition in large quantities, but the Boers soon learn -that he has discovered their secret and from that time his life is in -constant danger. The account of his adventures and escapes during this -time and throughout the war makes one of the best war tales of many -years. - -The story gives also the most interesting details of Transvaal history, -who the Boers were, how they came to settle the Transvaal, and the -Government and customs that have arisen among them. - - -IN THE KING'S SERVICE - - A Tale of Cromwell's Invasion of Ireland. With eight page - Illustrations by Stanley L. Wood. Crown 8vo, olivine edges. $1.50. - -Dick Granville is the son of a Royalist who is driven from his home -in Cheshire and takes refuge at Castle Driscoe, in Ireland. When the -Parliamentary army crosses to Ireland young Dick Granville and his -cousin join a body of Royalist horse. They take part in the defense -of Drogheda, only escaping from the slaughter there by a miracle, and -afterwards go through a series of thrilling adventures and narrow -escapes in which Dick displays extraordinary skill and resource. - - -WITH SHIELD AND ASSEGAI - - A Tale of the Zulu War. With 6 Illustrations by Stanley L. Wood. Crown - 8vo. $1.25. - -Donald Stewart, the son of an English missionary in Zululand, when -at school in England, is wrongfully accused of theft. He runs away, -enlists in the British army, and is sent to Africa. There he learns -that his sister and a friend are in the hands of Cetewayo. Disguised as -a Zulu, he rescues the two girls; and after the attack upon Ulundi, he -hears from a dying officer a confession of the theft of which he was -accused. - - -FIGHTING THE MATABELE - - By J. Chalmers. With 6 Illustrations by Stanley L. Wood. 12mo. $1.25. - - -A STOUT ENGLISH BOWMAN - - Being a Story of Chivalry in the Days of Henry III. By Edgar - Pickering. With 6 illustrations. Price, $1.25. - - -IN PRESS-GANG DAYS - - By Edgar Pickering. With 6 full page Illustrations by W. S. Stacey. - Crown 8vo. $1.25. - - - - -BY ROBERT LEIGHTON - - "Mr. Leighton's place is in the front rank of writers of boys' - books."--_Standard._ - - -THE GOLDEN GALLEON - - Illustrated, crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -This is a story of Queen Elizabeth's time, just after the defeat of -the Spanish Armada. Mr. Leighton introduces in his work the great -sea-fighters of Plymouth town--Hawkins, Drake, Raleigh, and Richard -Grenville. - - -OLAF THE GLORIOUS - - By Robert Leighton. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Ralph Peacock. - Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -This story of Olaf, King of Norway, opens with his being found living -as a bond-slave in Esthonia, and follows him through his romantic youth -in Russia. Then come his adventures as a Viking, his raids upon the -coasts of Scotland and England, and his conversion to Christianity. He -returns to Norway as king, and converts his people to the Christian -faith. - - -WRECK OF "THE GOLDEN FLEECE" - - The Story of a North Sea Fisher-boy. By Robert Leighton. With 8 - full-page Illustrations by Frank Brangwyn. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -The hero is a parson's son who is apprenticed on board a Lowestoft -fishing lugger. The lad suffers many buffets from his shipmates, while -the storms and dangers which he braved are set forth with intense power. - - -THE THIRSTY SWORD - - A Story of the Norse Invasion of Scotland (1262-63). By Robert - Leighton. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Alfred Pearse, and a Map. - Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -This story tells how Roderic MacAlpin, the sea-rover, came to the Isle -of Bute; how he slew his brother in Rothesay Castle; how the earl's -eldest son was likewise slain; how young Kenric now became king of -Bute, and vowed vengeance against the slayer of his brother and father; -and finally, how this vow was kept, when Kenric and the murderous -sea-rover met at midnight and ended their feud in one last great fight. - - -THE PILOTS OF POMONA - - A Story of the Orkney Islands. By Robert Leighton. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by John Leighton, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - -Halcro Ericson, the hero, happens upon many exciting adventures and -hardy experiences, through which he carries himself with quiet courage. -The story gives a vivid presentation of life in these far northern -islands. - - - - -BY KIRK MUNROE - - -MIDSHIPMAN STUART - - Or, the Last Cruise of the Essex. A Tale of the War of 1812. - Illustrated. 12mo, $1.25 - - -IN PIRATE WATERS - - A Tale of the American Navy. Illustrated by I.W. Taber. 12mo, $1.25. - -The hero of the story becomes a midshipman in the navy just at the time -of the war with Tripoli. His own wild adventures among the Turks and -his love romance are thoroughly interwoven with the stirring history of -that time. - - -THE "WHITE CONQUERORS" SERIES - - -WITH CROCKETT AND BOWIE - - Or, Fighting for the Lone Star Flag. A Tale of Texas. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by Victor Pérard. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -The story is of the Texas revolution in 1835, when American Texans -under Sam Houston, Bowie, Crockett and Travis, fought for relief from -the intolerable tyranny of the Mexican Santa Aña. The hero, Rex Hardin, -son of a Texan ranchman and graduate of an American military school, -takes a prominent part in the heroic defense of the Alamo, and the -final triumph at San Jacinto. - - -THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE - - A Tale of the Seminole War. By Kirk Munroe. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by V. Pérard. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -Coacoochee, the hero of the story, is the son of Philip the chieftain -of the Seminoles. He grows up to lead his tribe in the long struggle -which resulted in the Indians being driven from the north of Florida -down to the distant southern wilderness. - - -AT WAR WITH PONTIAC - - Or, The Totem of the Bear. A Tale of Redcoat and Redskin. By Kirk - Munroe. With 8 full-page Illustrations by J. Finnemore. Crown 8vo, - $1.25. - -A story when the shores of Lake Erie were held by hostile Indians. The -hero, Donald Hester, goes in search of his sister Edith, who has been -captured by the Indians. Strange and terrible are his experiences; for -he is wounded, taken prisoner, condemned to be burned, but contrives to -escape. In the end all things terminate happily. - - -THE WHITE CONQUERORS - - A Tale of Toltec and Aztec. By Kirk Munroe. With 8 full-page - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -This story deals with the Conquest of Mexico by Cortes and his -Spaniards, the "White Conquerors," who, after many deeds of valor, -pushed their way into the great Aztec kingdom and established their -power in the wondrous city where Montezuma reigned in splendor. - - - - -BY DR. GORDON STABLES - - -COURAGE TRUE HEART - - A Brilliant New Story of Danger and Daring on the Sea. By Gordon - Stables, M.D., C.M. Illustrated, crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -A NAVAL CADET - - A Story of Adventure by Sea. By Gordon Stables, M.D., C.M. - Illustrated, crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY - - A Story of Battle by Land and Sea By Gordon Stables, M.D., C.M. With 8 - full-page Illustrations by Sidney Paget. 12mo, $1.50. - -The story of an English boy who runs from home and joins the southern -army in the late Civil War. His chum enters the navy, and their various -adventures are set forth with great vigor and interest. - - -TO GREENLAND AND THE POLE - - A Story of Adventure in the Arctic Regions. By Gordon Stables, M.D., - C.M. With 8 full-page Illustrations by G.C. Hindley, and a Map. Crown - 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The author is himself an old Arctic voyager, and he deals with -deer-hunting in Norway, sealing in the Arctic Seas, bear-stalking on -the ice-floes, the hardships of a journey across Greenland, and a -successful voyage to the back of the North Pole. - - -WESTWARD WITH COLUMBUS - - By Gordon Stables, M.D., C.M. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Alfred - Pearse. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The hero of this story is Columbus himself. His career is traced from -boyhood onward through the many hazardous enterprises in which he was -at various times engaged. The narrative deals chiefly, however, with -the great naval venture which resulted in the discovery of the American -continent. - - -'TWIXT SCHOOL AND COLLEGE - - A Tale of Self-reliance. By Gordon Stables, M.D., C.M. With 8 - full-page Illustrations by W. Parkinson. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - - - - -BY HARRY COLLINGWOOD - - -THE LOG OF A PRIVATEERSMAN - - By Harry Collingwood. With 12 full-page Illustrations by W. Rainey, - R.I. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -In the war between Napoleon and the British, many privateers were sent -out from England to seize and destroy the French merchant vessels. On -one of these George Bowen went as second mate. Long distance duels at -sea, fights at close quarters, fierce boarding attacks, capture and -recapture, flight and pursuit, storm and wreck, fire at sea and days -without food or water in a small boat on the ocean, are some of the -many thrilling experiences our hero passed through. - - -THE LOG OF "THE FLYING FISH." - - A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure. By Harry - Collingwood. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown - 8vo, $1.00. - -In this story the aim of the author has been, not only to interest and -amuse, but also to stimulate a taste for scientific study. - - -THE MISSING MERCHANTMAN. - - By Harry Collingwood. With 6 full-page Pictures by W. H. Overend. - Crown 8vo, $1.00. - -A fine Australian clipper is seized by the crew; the passengers are -landed on one deserted island, the captain and a junior officer on -another; and the young hero of the story is kept on board to navigate -the ship, which the mutineers refit as a private vessel. After many -adventures Ned succeeded in carrying off the ship, and in picking up -the captain and the passengers. - - -THE CONGO ROVERS - - A Tale of the Slave Squadron. By Harry Collingwood. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by J. Schönberg. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - -The scene of this thrilling tale is laid on the west coast of Africa -among the slavers. - - -THE ROVER'S SECRET - - A Tale of the Pirate Cays and Lagoons of Cuba. By Harry Collingwood. - With 6 full-page Illustrations by W.C. Symons. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - -The hero of "The Rover's Secret," a young officer of the British navy, -narrates his peculiar experiences in childhood and his subsequent -perils and achievements. - - -THE PIRATE ISLAND - - A Story of the South Pacific. By Harry Collingwood. Illustrated by 8 - full-page Pictures by C.J. Staniland and J.R. Wells. Olivine edges. - Crown 8vo, $1.50. - -This story details the adventures of a lad who was found in his infancy -on board a wreck, and is adopted by a fisherman. Going to sea, he forms -one of a party who, after being burned out of their ship, are picked up -by a pirate brig and taken to the "Pirate Island," where they have many -thrilling adventures. - - - - -BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN - - "Mr. Fenn is in the front rank of writers for boys."--_Liverpool - Mercury._ - - -DICK O' THE FENS - - A Romance of the Great East Swamp. With 12 full-page Illustrations by - Frank Dadd. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - - -BROWNSMITH'S BOY - -With 6 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - - -YUSSUF THE GUIDE - - Being the Strange Story of Travels in Asia Minor. With 8 full page - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - - -THE GOLDEN MAGNET - -A Tale of the Land of the Incas. With 12 full-page Pictures by Gordon -Browne. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - - -NAT THE NATURALIST - - A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern Seas. Illustrated by 8 full-page - Pictures by George Browne. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - - -QUICKSILVER - - Or, A Boy with no Skid to his Wheel. With 10 full-page Illustrations - by Frank Dadd. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -DEVON BOYS - - A Tale of the North Shore. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon - Browne. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - - -MOTHER CAREY'S CHICKEN - - Her Voyage to the Unknown Isle. With 8 full-page Illustrations. Crown - 8vo, $1.00. - - -BUNYIP LAND - - The Story of a Wild Journey in New Guinea. With 6 full-page - Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -IN THE KING'S NAME - - Or, The Cruise of the _Kestrel_. Illustrated by 12 full-page Pictures - by Gordon Browne. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - - -MENHARDOC - - A Story of Cornish Nets and Mines. With 6 full-page Illustrations by - C.J. Staniland. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - - -PATIENCE WINS - - Or, War in the Works. With 6 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo. $1.00. - - - - -STORIES OF ADVENTURE BY SEA AND LAND - - -PARIS AT BAY - - A Story of the Siege and the Commune. By Herbert Hayens. With 8 - full-page Illustrations by Stanley L. Wood. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, - $1.50. - - -THE TURKISH AUTOMATON - - A Tale of the Time of Catharine the Great of Russia. By Sheila E. - Braine. With 6 full-page Illustrations by William Rainey, R.I. Crown - 8vo, $1.25. - - -A MYSTERY OF THE PACIFIC - - By Oliphant Smeaton. With 8 Illustrations by Wal Paget. 12mo, olivine - edges, $1.50. - - -GOLD, GOLD, IN CARIBOO - - A Story of Adventure in British Columbia. By Clive Phillipps-Wolley. - With 6 full-page Illustrations by G.C. Hindley. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -HIS FIRST KANGAROO - - An Australian Story for Boys. By Arthur Ferres. With 6 Illustrations - by P.B.S. Spener. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -SOU'WESTER AND SWORD - - By Hugh St. Leger. With 6 full-page Illustrations by Hal Hurst. Crown - 8vo, $1.50. - - -WITH THE SEA KINGS - - A Story of the Days of Lord Nelson. By F.H. Winder. With 6 full-page - Illustrations by W.S. Stacey. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - - -THE WIGWAM AND THE WAR-PATH - - Stories of the Red Indians. By Ascott R. Hope. Illustrated by Gordon - Browne. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - -"Mr. Hope's 'Wigwam and War-path' is notably good; It gives a very -vivid picture of life among the Indians."--_Spectator._ - - -THE SEVEN WISE SCHOLARS - - By Ascott R. Hope. Illustrated by Gordon Browne. Square 8vo, $1.50. - - -YOUNG TRAVELLERS' TALES - - By Ascott R. Hope. With 6 full-page Illustrations by H.J. Draper. - Crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -WULFRIC THE WEAPON THANE - - The Story of the Danish Conquest of East Anglia. By Charles W. - Whistler. With 6 Illustrations by W.H. Margetson. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -A tale in which is set forth:--How Wulfric saved the Danish warrior's -life; how he fought in the Viking ship; how he was accused falsely; -how he joined King Eadmund, as his weapon-thane; how he fought for the -king; and how he won the lady Osritha and brought her to his home. - - -TOMMY THE ADVENTUROUS - - The Story of a Brother and Sister. By S.E. Cartwright. With 3 - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00. - - -SILAS VERNEY - - A Tale of the Time of Charles II. By Edgar Pickering. With 6 full-page - Illustrations by Alfred Pearse. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - - -AN OCEAN OUTLAW - - A Story of Adventure in the good ship _Margaret_. By Hugh St. Leger. - With 6 page Illustrations by Wm. Rainey, R.I. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -This is a breezy sea-yarn in which the reader is made acquainted with -Jimmy Ducks, a tiptop sailor-man and a hero at cutlass work; and all -his cleverness was needed when he and his messmates came to tackle the -Ocean Outlaw. - - -THE LOSS OF JOHN HUMBLE - - What Led to It, and what Came of It. By G. Norway. With 8 full-page - Illustrations by John Schönberg. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50. - - -HAL HUNGERFORD - - Or, The Strange Adventures of a Boy Emigrant. By J.R. Hutchinson. With - 4 full-page Illustrations by Stanley Berkeley. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -"There is no question whatever as to the spirited manner in which the -story is told; the death of the mate of the smuggler by the teeth of -the dog is especially effective."--_London Spectator._ - - -SIR WALTER'S WARD - - A Tale of the Crusades. By William Everard. Illustrated by Walter - Paget. Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -"A highly fascinating work, dealing with a period which is always -suggestive of romance and deeds of daring."--_Schoolmaster._ - - -HUGH HERBERT'S INHERITANCE - - By Caroline Austin. With 6 full-page Illustrations by C.T. Garland. - Crown 8vo, $1.25. - -"A story that teaches patience as well as courage in fighting the -battles of life."--_Daily Chronicle._ - - -JONES THE MYSTERIOUS - - By Charles Edwardes. With 3 Illustrations by Harold Copping. 12mo, 75 - cts. - -A bright story of English schoolboy life, with mysterious happenings to -the hero, who has a secret and weird "power," bestowed upon him by his -East Indian bearer. - - -THE HISTORY OF GUTTA-PERCHA WILLIE - - The Working Genius. By George Macdonald. With 8 Illustrations by - Arthur Hughes. New Edition. 12mo, 75 cts. - - -"Hallowe'en" Ahoy! - - Or, Lost on the Crozet Islands. By Hugh St. Leger. With 6 page - Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.50. - - -The Search for the Talisman - - A Tale of Labrador. 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A. Henty - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: To Herat and Cabul - A Story of The First Afghan War - -Author: G. A. Henty - -Illustrator: Charles M. Sheldon - -Release Date: October 20, 2017 [EBook #55779] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TO HERAT AND CABUL *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Graeme Mackreth and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<div class="hidehand"> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" /> -</p> -</div> - - - - - - -<p class="ph1" style="margin-top: 5em;">TO HERAT AND CABUL</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus01.jpg" alt="walls" /> -<a id="illus01" name="illus01"></a> -</p> - - -<p class="caption"> ANGUS AND POTTINGER WATCHING THE FIGHT FROM THE WALLS OF -HERAT.</p> - - - - - - - - -<p class="ph1" style="margin-top: 5em;">TO HERAT AND CABUL</p> - -<p class="ph3">A STORY OF</p> - -<p class="ph2">THE FIRST AFGHAN WAR</p> - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top:5em;">BY</p> - -<p class="ph3">G.A. HENTY</p> - -<p class="ph5">Author of "With Buller in Natal" "At the Point of the Bayonet"<br /> -"The Bravest of the Brave" "Won by the Sword" &c.</p> - -<p class="ph4" style="margin-top:5em;"><i>WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHARLES M. SHELDON</i></p> - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top:5em;">NEW YORK</p> - -<p class="ph4">CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</p> -<p class="ph6">1901</p> - - - - - -<p class="ph5" style="margin-top:5em;"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1901, by</span></p> - -<p class="ph5">CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</p> - -<p class="ph6"><i>Published September, 1901</i></p> - - - -<p class="ph6" style="margin-top:5em;">THE CAXTON PRESS<br /> -NEW YORK. -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</a></p> - - -<p>In the military history of this country there is no darker page than -the destruction of a considerable British force in the terrible defiles -between Cabul and Jellalabad in January, 1842. Of all the wars in which -our troops have taken part never was one entered upon so recklessly -or so unjustifiably. The ruler of Afghanistan, Dost Mahomed, was -sincerely anxious for our friendship. He was alarmed at the menacing -attitude of Russia, which, in conjunction with Persia, was threatening -his dominions and intriguing with the princes at Candahar. Our -commissioner at Cabul, Mr. Burnes, was convinced of the Ameer's honesty -of intention, and protested most strongly against the course taken by -the Indian government, who determined upon setting up a discredited -prince, who had for many years been a fugitive in India, in place of -Dost Mahomed.</p> - -<p>In spite of his remonstrances, the war was undertaken. Nothing could -have been worse than the arrangements for it, and the troops suffered -terribly from thirst and want of transport. However, they reached -Cabul with comparatively little fighting. Dost Mahomed fled, and the -puppet Shah Soojah was set up in his place; but he was only kept -there by British bayonets, and for two years he was so protected. -Gradually, however, the British force was withdrawn, until only some -five thousand troops remained to support him. Well led, they would -have been amply sufficient for the purpose, for though the Afghan -tribesmen were dangerous among their mountains, they could not for -a moment have stood against them in the open field. Unhappily the -general was old and infirm, incapable of decision of any kind, and in -his imbecile hands the troops, who in October could have met the whole -forces of Afghanistan in fight, were kept inactive, while the Afghans -pillaged the stores with the provisions for the winter, and insulted -and bearded them in every way. Thus a fine body of fighting men were -reduced to such depths of discontent and shame that when the unworthy -order for retreat before their exulting enemy was given they had lost -all confidence in themselves or their officers, and, weakened by hunger -and hampered by an enormous train of camp followers, they went as sheep -to the slaughter in the trap the Afghans had prepared for them. It -would almost seem that their fate was a punishment for the injustice -of the war. Misfortunes have befallen our arms, but never one so dark -and disgraceful as this. The shame of the disaster was redeemed only by -the heroic garrison of Jellalabad, which, although but one-fourth of -the strength of that at Cabul, sallied out after a noble defence and -routed the army which Dost Mahomed's son Akbar had assembled for their -destruction.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph2">CONTENTS</p> -<table summary="toc" width="60%"> -<tr> -<td align="right"><small>CHAP.</small> -</td> -<td> -</td> -<td align="right"><small>PAGE</small> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">I. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><span class="smcap">Alone in the World</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">1 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">II. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><span class="smcap">An Unexpected Meeting</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">19 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">III. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><span class="smcap">The Siege of Herat</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">36 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">IV. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><span class="smcap">A Sturdy Defence</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">54 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">V. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><span class="smcap">In Candahar</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">72 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VI. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><span class="smcap">An Escape</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">89 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VII. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><span class="smcap">In the Service</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">108 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VIII. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><span class="smcap">The Advance</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">126 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">IX. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><span class="smcap">Just in Time</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">144 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">X. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_X"><span class="smcap">A Mission</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">161 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XI. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><span class="smcap">A Dangerous Journey</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">180 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XII. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><span class="smcap">Troubles Thicken</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">198 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIII. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><span class="smcap">The Murder of Sir A. Burnes</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">216 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIV. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><span class="smcap">A Series of Blunders</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">232 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XV. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><span class="smcap">A Doomed Army</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">249 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVI. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><span class="smcap">Annihilation of the Army</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">267 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVII. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><span class="smcap">Jellalabad</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">286 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVIII. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><span class="smcap">The Advance on Cabul</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">301 -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIX. -</td> -<td><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><span class="smcap">The British Captives</span></a> -</td> -<td align="right">321 -</td> -</tr> -</table> - - - - - - -<p class="ph2">ILLUSTRATIONS</p> - - -<ul> -<li><a href="#illus01"><span class="smcap">Angus and Pottinger watching the fight from the -walls of Herat</span></a> <i>Frontispiece</i><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus02"><span class="smcap">A man walking just in front of him ... was knocked -down</span></a><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus03"><span class="smcap">Azim surprises the spy</span></a><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus05"><span class="smcap">He took down the prop, and thrust it suddenly with -all his force through the hole</span></a><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus06"><span class="smcap">There, lying close under a rock, was a young Afghan</span></a><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus07"><span class="smcap">As they passed the corner ... some men sprang on -them</span></a><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus08"><span class="smcap">Angus was half-mad with grief and with fury that -he was not in his place among the troops</span></a><br /></li> - -<li><a href="#illus09"><span class="smcap">Angus shows his goods to the prisoners</span></a></li> - - - - -<li><a href="#illus04"><span class="smcap">Map of Afghanistan and North-west Frontier of India</span></a></li> -</ul> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="TO_HERAT_AND_CABUL" id="TO_HERAT_AND_CABUL">TO HERAT AND CABUL</a></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I</a></p> - -<p class="center">ALONE IN THE WORLD</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">On</span> the 20th of September, 1837, a lad was standing before Mr. M'Neill, -the British minister at the Persian court. Both looked grave, for -the interview was an important one. The former felt that it was -the turning-point of his life, the opening of a fresh career, the -introduction to a service in which he might gain honourable distinction -and credit. To the British minister it was of scarcely less importance, -for the interests of Great Britain were gravely involved in the success -of the mission that he was now entrusting to this young clerk in the -employment of the embassy. It was nothing less than thwarting the -designs of Persia, aided and instigated by Russia, to capture Herat and -to conquer at least the western portion of Afghanistan, the alliance of -the princes of Candahar having already been secured.</p> - -<p>Angus Campbell was now about sixteen years old. His father was a -trader, who had for twelve years been settled in Tabriz, carrying on -business on his own account in some branches of trade, and as agent -for a Scotch firm in others. The boy had been left with some relations -in Scotland until he was twelve years old, when his parents had paid -a short<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> visit to their friends in Scotland, and had brought him back -with them. The change of life was not an agreeable one to him. In the -eight years that had elapsed since he had last seen his parents, he -had, of course, almost forgotten them, and it would be some time before -any real affection for them would spring up. It was the companionship -of his school-fellows that he missed rather than that of his aunt, a -strict woman, who made no allowance whatever for a boy's restlessness -and love of fun, and who was continually shocked by the complaints made -by members of her chapel as to the conduct of the boys at Dr. Murray's.</p> - -<p>It was the principal school in the little town. The teaching was good, -the application of the rod frequent, but neither teaching nor thrashing -availed to soften the manners of the healthy and somewhat riotous -lads, who once out of school threw themselves with all their hearts -into their favourite diversions, among which the most conspicuous -were fishing in forbidden parts of the river, bird-nesting in woods -which were kept strictly private and guarded by keepers, playing -hare-and-hounds across the fields of the crustiest of farmers, and -above all engaging in desperate battles with the boys of other schools. -In all these pastimes Angus Campbell took as large a share as his age -entitled him to, and the state of his clothes and his face when he -returned home was a source of continual amazement and irritation to his -aunt.</p> - -<p>She had even endeavoured to arrange for a deputation to wait upon Dr. -Murray with a list of grievances suffered by the townspeople, such as -broken windows, the yells and shouts of conflict, and the destruction -of the boys' garments caused by the various fights, and to propose -that the hours of play should be shortened, and that some sort of -supervision should be exercised at all times over the boys. However, -although there were many who agreed with her that the present state of -things was disgraceful, nothing came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> of the movement; for the fathers, -remembering their own boyhood, were to a man against the idea.</p> - -<p>"We did just the same in our young days," they said, "and are none the -worse for it now. Lads cannot be like lassies, and we don't want them -to be even if they could; if you were to speak to the doctor, he would -just laugh in your faces, and would tell you that he kept a school for -boys and not for girls. If you have complaints to make against any of -his scholars, make them, and he will punish the lads as they deserve. -His boys are no worse than others, and he does not wish to see them -better. If they do some mischief occasionally, it is because they are -in good health and in good spirits, and a lad of that kind is far more -likely to turn out well than one who spends all his spare time in -poring over his books."</p> - -<p>As the doctor's opinions on these subjects were known to all the town, -Miss Campbell's proposal came to nothing. She would herself have gone -to him to complain of the doings of her nephew, but there was a strong -feeling in the town that while all things connected with the school -were under the doctor's charge, parents should take other matters into -their own hands, and maintain discipline by the use of the tawse in -their own dwellings, and that they had no right to trouble Dr. Murray -about private delinquencies.</p> - -<p>He had, indeed, sufficient on his hands, for although no actual -supervision was maintained when the lads were once dismissed from -school, there were bounds set beyond which they were not allowed to -go, and when they were caught upon any of their frequent forays beyond -these limits, he had to adjudicate and punish the offenders. But it was -not often that this happened; for while the boys considered it not only -justifiable but meritorious to break bounds, they looked upon anyone -caught in the act of showing a want of craft and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> of judgment, and so, -having good legs and lungs, they were generally able to outdistance -their pursuers.</p> - -<p>Thus, then, when his parents returned to Scotland they found Angus a -healthy, active, and high-spirited boy, somewhat rough in manners, but -straightforward and honourable, for it was a tradition in the school -that no boy should ever try to screen himself by a lie. When questioned -by his father, he acknowledged that he would like to stay at school for -a few years longer.</p> - -<p>"And I should like you to do so too, Angus; but it is a long, long -journey, and a difficult one, from Tabriz to Scotland, and it may be -many years before I return home again. It is a journey that it is -impossible for a boy to make alone. But this is not the only reason why -I wish to take you back. I want to train you to help me in my business, -and until you speak Persian fluently you will be of no use whatever to -me. At your age you will pick it up rapidly, far more rapidly than you -could if you did not begin till you were seventeen or eighteen. We will -generally speak to you in Persian, and you will have many opportunities -for practising it. In two years you ought to speak it like a native. -Arabic will also be very useful to you. I have constant communications -with India, with Turkey, and with Herat. I buy goods from all these -countries; and sell Persian products to them. In Afghanistan, indeed, -Persian is spoken generally by the trading and upper classes; but -Arabic is essential to trade with Constantinople and Smyrna, with -Bokhara and the Turkomans; and it is our chief medium of communication -with India traders, who, although speaking several distinct languages, -all have more or less knowledge of Arabic. It has been a great -privation to your mother and myself to be so many years without you. We -have no other children, and it would be a great joy and comfort to our -lives, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> well as a great assistance to me in my business, to have you -with me."</p> - -<p>"I understand, Father," the boy said; "I did not think of these things -before. I am sure I should be very glad to be able to help you, and I -won't say another word about being sorry to leave all my friends."</p> - -<p>"It is quite natural that you should be sorry, Angus; it would be -strange indeed if you were not. However, I don't think you will dislike -the life out there when you get accustomed to it. We will certainly do -our best to make you happy."</p> - -<p>So Angus had returned with them, and soon settled down to his new life. -Devoting himself earnestly to acquiring the language, at the end of -six months he came to speak it fairly, and before he had been out a -year could have passed as a Persian lad; at the same time he had made -considerable progress in Arabic. His father had then dressed him in -Persian fashion. There was a good deal of ill-feeling among the lower -class against foreigners, and the pugnacity that had been fostered in -Angus at school had frequent opportunities of displaying itself; for, -in spite of good resolutions to the contrary, he was often goaded into -fury by the taunts and abuse with which the boys assailed him when he -went out alone, and had thrown himself upon them, and used his fists -with such effect that he had sometimes put to flight half a dozen -lads of his own age. But in Persian costume he could move about the -streets unnoticed; and although he did not like the change at first, -he acknowledged that it was useful, for his father pointed out to him -that it was essential that nothing should take place that could add to -the dislike with which foreigners were regarded. Already several angry -complaints had been made by neighbours of the state in which their sons -had come home after an encounter with him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> - -<p>Nearly four years after Angus arrived at Tabriz the plague made its -appearance in Persia. It spread rapidly, and Tabriz was one of the -cities which suffered most severely. One evening Mr. Campbell returned -home from a visit to a customer and complained of feeling unwell. The -next morning it was too evident that he had caught the infection. -Before nightfall his wife also sickened. Twenty-four hours later both -were dead. Mr. Campbell had a long talk with his son as soon as the -disease manifested itself in the case of his wife.</p> - -<p>"Angus," he said, "you must prepare for the worst. The cases of -recovery are few indeed. The servants have already fled, and even did I -wish you to leave us, I know that it would be too late now. God's will -be done, my boy, and I can only hope that you may be spared. However -that is in His hands. You have been my assistant now for the past three -years, and know how matters stand. I have no debts. The books will -show you how much is due to me from the house at home and how much by -my agent at Bombay. The stock of goods in the warehouse is worth a -considerable sum. I am unable to think very clearly now, or to advise -you what to do should you be left alone; but it is clear to me that you -are too young yet to manage the business, and it is not likely that the -firm would entrust their affairs to a lad of your age. I should say, -therefore, that you had best dispose of all the goods; the books will -show you their prices. As for yourself, I will give you no advice. It -will be open to you to return to England or to go to Bombay, and I have -no doubt my agent there will obtain employment for you, especially as -you will have money to embark in any business you may go into. But do -not invest a penny until you become of age; you will by that time be -able to judge wisely whether the business you are in is that in which -you can best employ your mind.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Whatever you do, do not remain in Tabriz. As is always the case -in times of plague or famine, there is sedition and trouble, and -foreigners become the object of hatred, for the poor people have some -sort of superstitious idea that they are responsible for the scourge. -The best thing you can do is to consult our Armenian friend, who is -also our vice-consul; he will view matters more clearly than I can do -at present. Put your trust always in God, my boy. My own opinion is -that you had better remain in the East. Your knowledge of languages -would be absolutely useless to you at home, and you could only hope to -obtain a place in a counting-house."</p> - -<p>"I will do as you tell me, father," Angus said, trying to speak -steadily. "I will try always to be what you would wish me."</p> - -<p>His grief was terrible when his mother expired two or three hours -after his father. He roused himself, however, to see to the simple -preparations for their funeral, and late that evening buried them in -the garden behind the house.</p> - -<p>The next day as he was sitting alone he heard a tumult in the street. -Looking out, he saw that several houses, which he knew belonged to -foreign traders, were in flames, and a mob of maddened men were rushing -down the street towards his house. Resistance would have been madness. -He ran to the safe, seized the bag containing the cash, and had just -time to run out at the back of the house and escape by the gate in the -garden when the rioters burst in.</p> - -<p>For a few minutes they were engaged in the work of pillage. Shawls from -Cashmere, native embroidered silks, costly goods from India, Turkish, -Persian, Turkoman, and Heratee carpets, and British goods of all kinds -were scrambled and fought for. When the house was sacked from top to -bottom it was set on fire, and as a volume of smoke rose from it, Angus -turned away from the spot where from a distance he had been watching -the scene, and made his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> way to the house of the Armenian merchant. -The loss of the house and the contents of the warehouse affected -him little—although he knew that it had cost him more than half -his inheritance—but this was as nothing to what he had so recently -suffered.</p> - -<p>The vice-consul had been an intimate friend of the family. On -approaching his house Angus stood some distance from the door and -called. A servant looked out. "Will you tell Izaac effendi that I -desire greatly to speak to him?"</p> - -<p>The Armenian quickly came to the door. "My poor lad," he said, "I -grieve deeply for you. I heard of your losses, and the news has just -been brought in of the burning of the house and magazine. But why do -you stand so far away?"</p> - -<p>"Because I would not bring contagion near you, effendi. I came to tell -you what had happened, and to say that I shall buy some food and go out -into the country, and there remain until I die of the plague or can be -sure that I have escaped contagion."</p> - -<p>"You will come in here at once," the Armenian said. "Does not one -in the street run against persons who may be affected. Many of my -compatriots have come here to ask my advice, and some of them have -stricken friends in their houses. Since I came to reside here I have -four times seen the plague raging, and each time it has passed me over. -Whether it is the will of God that I should thus be spared I know not, -but I am in His hands. Come in, lad, I will take no denial. Shall I -desert my friends when they most need comfort and aid? What is my -friendship worth if I should, now in your hour of need, turn my back -upon you? Come in, I pray you."</p> - -<p>Seeing that the old man was thoroughly in earnest, Angus, too greatly -touched by his kindness even to speak, silently entered the house.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will take you through at once to the pavilion in the garden," the -merchant said. "Although I have no fear myself, there are my servants -and clerks. 'Tis like enough that some of them may be stricken, for -they, like all of us, are liable to be smitten when they go into the -streets, and should this be so they might blame me for your presence -here; therefore 'tis best that you should for three or four days live -in the pavilion; I will bring you out cushions and pillows. But I do -not think that you will be attacked; had you taken the plague you would -probably have shown symptoms of it ere now. Keep your thoughts from -dwelling on it. I will bring you out some books; try to fix your mind -on them and abstain as much as possible from dwelling on the past. I -will bring your food out to you, and we will talk together to-morrow, -there is much that you will have to consider."</p> - -<p>"What are you thinking of doing?" his host asked him when he came in to -see him on the morning after his arrival.</p> - -<p>"I have been trying to think, but I cannot decide on anything. I do not -wish to go back to Scotland. I have an aunt living there, but she would -not welcome me warmly. Besides, if I were to do so, I do not see how -I could earn my living; for my knowledge of Persian and Arabic would -be of no use to me. If I had been ten years older the firm for whom my -father was agent might have appointed me in his place, but of course -I am a great deal too young for that. They acted as his agents also, -and bought for him the goods in which he dealt outside their business; -and he told me when he was taken suddenly ill that they had about a -thousand pounds of his money in their hands. That would be of no use to -me now, and I should very much prefer not to touch it until I am old -enough to set up in trade."</p> - -<p>"The position is certainly a grave one, Angus. I agree with you that -it would be better for you on all accounts to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> remain out here, at any -rate for a time. Your father had correspondents also in Bombay, had he -not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, he made purchases of Persian goods for a house there; but he did -not do much for them, as the trade is principally in the hands of the -Parsees."</p> - -<p>"There is one thing that you might do," the Armenian said, after -thinking for some time. "I have heard that Mr. M'Neill is on his way to -Teheran as British minister there. You might be able to obtain a post -in his Embassy. You can write both Persian and Arabic, and might be -useful in many ways. It would not be necessary for you to ask a large -salary, but, however small, it might lead the way to better things. At -present there is much political disturbance. The Shah is meditating -an attack upon Herat, and has already given orders for an army to -be collected. Certainly the British government will feel jealous of -any movement that would extend the power of Persia farther towards -Afghanistan, especially as they are, I hear, about to take steps to -interfere in that country by placing a rival of Dost Mahomed on the -throne. Then, too, it is no secret that Russia is encouraging the Shah, -and it is probable that Russian influence will become predominant in -Persia. The conquest of Herat would matter little to England were it -by Persia alone, for Persia is powerless to damage India; but with -Persia acting as the tool of Russia, which some day or other will -assuredly swallow her up, the matter is very much more serious. This -being so, there can be little doubt that the new British minister will -be charged with a mission to counteract the designs of Russia as much -as possible, and might be glad to take into his employment one who -knows the language well and could gather news for him in the guise of a -native—for there are so many dialects spoken in different parts of the -country that any imperfection of speech would pass unnoticed."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I think that would be an excellent plan, sir, if it could be carried -out."</p> - -<p>"I will give you a letter stating the circumstances, speaking of the -esteem in which your father was held, and vouching for your character. -If you decide to take this course, think it would be well for you to -leave at once, for from what I hear of the new minister's course you -would then arrive at Teheran within two or three days of his getting -there, and might have a better chance, therefore, of obtaining a post -in his office. As to the money you speak of, it seems to me that, as -your country is a long way off, it would be better if it could be sent -to the house with which you father had dealings at Bombay, since there -are constantly vessels sailing thither from ports in the Persian Gulf; -and whether you saw an opportunity for doing a trade with India, or -thought of going there yourself, it would be an advantage to have your -money ready to your hand. You must already know a good deal of trade -matters, having, as I know, worked as your father's assistant for the -past two years. At any rate a year or two at Teheran in the service of -the British minister would be an advantage to you in many respects. -There is a caravan starting to-morrow, that is why I suggested that you -should leave at once. A merchant who travels with it is a friend of -mine, and I can recommend you to his care, but it would certainly be -best for you to travel as a native."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, sir, very heartily, and shall certainly do as you advise -me, for as an English lad going alone with a caravan I could scarcely -hope to escape trouble with camel-drivers and others. If I fail to -obtain employment at the Embassy, I shall probably travel down with a -caravan to Bushire, and take ship to Bombay. I have plenty of money -to do that, for the expense of travelling with a caravan is very -small—nothing is needed except for food—and the pas<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>sage in a native -craft would not be more than a pound or two. I have nearly two hundred, -so that I could live for a long time in Bombay if I failed to obtain -employment there. When it is gone, I could at least enlist in one of -the British regiments."</p> - -<p>"It is a poor trade soldiering, lad, though in your case it might not -do you harm for a few years, especially if you turned your attention to -learning some of the Indian languages. With such knowledge you should -certainly have no difficulty in making your way with the little capital -you will receive from home."</p> - -<p>And so it was settled, and Angus travelled to Teheran. The journey -did him good. He had bought a donkey, and trotting along by the side -of the merchant to whom his friend had introduced him, the novelty of -the life, the strangeness of passing as a native among the travellers, -and the conversation of the Persian merchant kept him from brooding -over his sorrows. He felt that, suddenly thrown as he was upon his -own resources, and compelled to think and act for himself, when but a -fortnight before he had others to think and care for him, he must bear -himself like a man. It was only at night, when rolled in a blanket he -prepared to sleep, that he gave way and lay for hours weeping over his -loss.</p> - -<p>The merchant, who had been much pleased with his conversation, and had -made many enquiries as to the ways of his countrymen, and to whom he -had told his plans, invited Angus to take up his abode with him at a -khan until he found whether he could obtain employment at the British -minister's. Issuing into the town, after having seen his animals -attended to and his goods stowed away, the merchant went to see some -friends, and on his return told Angus that the new British minister had -arrived two days before. The next morning Angus went to the envoy's, -and sent in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> letter with which the Armenian had furnished him, -together with the translation which he had made and the vice-consul -had signed and stamped. He had not waited many minutes when one of the -attendants came to him and led him in to the minister's room.</p> - -<p>"You are Mr. Campbell, the young gentleman of whom our vice-consul at -Tabriz writes to me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"It is a sad story that he has told me, and I would willingly do -anything in my power for a young countryman thus left so sadly and -suddenly on his own resources in a foreign land. He tells me that -you speak Arabic as well as Persian, and have some acquaintance with -Armenian colloquially, though you cannot write it as you can the two -former languages. Do you know any other language at all?"</p> - -<p>"I know some Kurdish. One of my father's porters was a Kurd, and I was -able to get on fairly with him."</p> - -<p>"He tells me that it is your wish to obtain employment of some sort -with me, as at present you are not old enough to enter upon trade for -yourself, and that you do not wish to return to Scotland."</p> - -<p>"No, sir. I have been away for four years, and were I to go back I -should lose the advantage that I have gained in learning these Eastern -languages."</p> - -<p>"Quite right; very sensibly decided," the minister said. "And I suppose -that you know something of trade?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, my father took much pains in instructing me, and for the -past two years I have acted as his assistant, and have learned the -value of most articles of trade."</p> - -<p>The minister nodded.</p> - -<p>"Very good; it will doubtless be of value to you hereafter. However, I -can at present utilize your services here. I have with me my secretary, -and I have the dragoman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> employed by my predecessor, who speaks half a -dozen languages; but in many ways a sharp young fellow like yourself, -able if necessary to mix with the people as one of themselves, and to -gather me information as to popular opinion, and who can read and write -Persian fluently, would be a welcome addition to my staff. Of course I -cannot offer you high pay, as I have an allowance for the expenses of -my office upon the same scale as that of my predecessor."</p> - -<p>"The pay is quite a secondary matter with me, sir. Even if there were -no pay, I should be glad to accept a temporary post under you, as it -would be a great advantage to me afterwards to have been employed by -you, and I should at least have time to decide what to do next."</p> - -<p>"I will think the matter over," the minister said; "at any rate there -will be a room assigned to you in the house, and for the present thirty -shillings a week for your living. You had better continue to wear your -Persian attire. Have you European clothes with you?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, everything was burnt."</p> - -<p>The next day Angus was installed in a small room next to that of the -secretary, and set to work translating Persian proclamations, edicts, -and other matters. A fortnight later the minister decided that he -should be dressed as a European when in the house, and a tailor was -sent for and ordered to make him clothes of the same style as a suit of -the secretary's, which was given him to use as a pattern. The minister -nodded approvingly when he entered the little office on the day when -Angus first wore his new suit. His work was now changed, and while -visitors of distinction were ushered in directly to the minister, and -others of less importance were first interviewed by the secretary, -people coming in with complaints or petitions were shown in to Angus, -who took down what they had to say, and then dismissed them to call -the next day for an answer. He was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> amused at the general impression -prevailing among these people that if the British minister could be -induced to take up their cases he could obtain justice and redress for -them, and how evidently they disbelieved his assurances that a foreign -official could not interfere in such matters.</p> - -<p>Six months passed, the Shah had started with his army towards Herat, -and the evidences that Russia was at the bottom of the movement, and -that he was acting in accordance with her advice, became stronger and -stronger. Angus stood high in the minister's good opinion, from the -steadiness with which he worked, the tact and good temper that he -showed with the natives he interviewed, and the willingness with which -he would, after the office was closed, work until late at night at -his translations. Sometimes he changed his attire again, and slightly -darkening his face, and tucking away his light hair, would go out into -the streets, mingle with the crowd in busy quarters, and listen to -the talk. From the fact that the expedition against Herat was seldom -spoken of, he gathered that the war was not popular except among the -trading class, who thought that the possession of Herat would lead to -a large increase of trade with Afghanistan, and even through Candahar -to Northern India. It was, however, but seldom that he went on these -expeditions, for it was certain that any private arrangement that had -been made between the Shah and Russia would be known only to two of the -former's principal officers.</p> - -<p>One evening Mr. M'Neill summoned him to his own apartment, and said: -"I have obtained information from a source I can rely upon that Russia -is encouraging the Shah, and that there are other Russian officers -besides their accredited envoy in the Shah's camp. Mr. Corbould started -half an hour ago, and will carry the news himself to London; it is too -important to be trusted to other hands. I have no doubt whatever that -orders will be sent to me at once to mediate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> between the parties, and -to put a certain amount of pressure upon the Shah. Herat is considered -the key of Afghanistan, and although we could do nothing to assist its -defenders, even were a force to start at once from Bombay, I fancy that -I should be authorized to say to the Shah that England would greatly -resent the town being permanently occupied; and that she might even -go so far as to blockade the ports on the Persian Gulf, and so put a -stop to the whole trade of Persia with India. The great question, of -course, is how long Herat can hold out against the Persians. The place -has the reputation of being strong, but I hear that the fortifications -are much dilapidated. The Afghans are likely to fight well up to a -certain point, but they might, and probably would, get disheartened -after a time. I am anxious to assure them that if they will but hold -out, England will do all in her power to induce the Persians to give up -the siege. The messenger I send must at once be altogether trustworthy, -must be able to make his way through the country as a native, and must -have a sufficient knowledge of Arabic to make himself understood there, -although this is less important, as there must be many traders in the -town who understand Persian."</p> - -<p>"If you would entrust me with the message, sir, I would gladly -undertake to carry it to Herat."</p> - -<p>"That was my purpose in sending for you, Mr. Campbell. I have the -greatest confidence in you, and as your Persian is good enough to pass -in Teheran, it is certainly good enough for the country districts. -But it is not only because I should trust you thoroughly, and have -every faith in your being able to carry out the mission, but also -because I thought that it would be of great utility to you to be -engaged in the performance of such a mission. If Herat defends itself -successfully until relieved either by Afghan troops, or as a result -of our diplomacy, it will undoubtedly be a feather in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> the cap of the -gentleman I select to undertake the commission of encouraging the -Heratees to hold out; and, with my report of the valuable services that -you have rendered here, might obtain for you a better position in the -diplomatic service than I can offer you, or some post in India where -your knowledge of Persian and Arabic would be valuable."</p> - -<p>"I thank you very much indeed, sir. The change to an active life would -not only be very pleasant to me, but I can quite understand that if -good comes of it I might benefit greatly. Would you wish me to return -as soon as I have delivered your message?"</p> - -<p>"No, I think it would be better for you to remain there. I myself will -shortly join the Shah in his camp; the office here will be closed."</p> - -<p>On the following day Angus started. The back of his head having been -shaved, his hair was completely covered by his turban. He wore wide -Turkish trousers, a loosely fitting blue embroidered vest, and a long -kaftan thickly padded and falling below his knees, a coloured sash, -with two long-barrelled pistols, and a curved sword. His attire was -that of a Persian trader. He rode on a camel, which, although not a -handsome animal to look at, was of good blood and fast. Slung over -his shoulder was a long matchlock; he carried behind him a great bale -of goods. Accompanying him was a Persian boy, whose father was a -door-keeper at the mission; the boy himself was a hanger-on there. He -was a bright-faced lad of some fifteen years old, who ran messages, -and made himself generally useful. Between him and Angus a sort of -friendship had sprung up, and of an evening when the latter went out he -often took the boy with him, his shrewdness and chatter being a relief -after a long day's work in the office.</p> - -<p>Azim had accepted with delight Angus's proposal that he should -accompany him, as his attendant, on a journey that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> he was about to -make. The matter was settled in a few minutes, a donkey purchased -for him, suitable clothes for travel, and a couple of Kurd blankets. -Angus himself had a large fur-lined coat reaching to his feet, and -four blankets, two of which were of very large size and capable of -being made into a tent, for he knew that the khans and the houses in -the villages swarmed with insects, and was determined that, unless -circumstances prevented it, he would always encamp in the open air. -Azim's camel carried, in addition to a bale of goods, two water-skins, -a sufficient supply of flour for the journey, a bag of ground coffee, -and another of sugar; meat would always be procurable.</p> - -<p>It was a long journey, but Angus enjoyed it. The road was a frequented -one, for a considerable trade was carried on between Herat and Persia, -and traders frequently passed along. Azim turned out a bright and -intelligent companion, and no suspicion was anywhere entertained that -Angus was aught but what he seemed. Some little surprise, however, -was occasionally expressed that he should be making the journey at a -time when the Persian army was marching against Herat. To such remarks -he always replied that he should probably stay there but a few days, -and hoped to be well on the road to Candahar before the army arrived -at Herat. He was certain that he should arrive in time, for the army -with its huge baggage train had already taken nearly six months in -accomplishing a journey that he had performed in little over as many -weeks.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II</a></p> - -<p class="center">AN UNEXPECTED MEETING</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">When</span> near the frontier Angus sold the camels. He had already parted -with all the goods that he had carried, and he now bought peasant -dresses, such as those worn by the Afghan cultivators, for himself and -Azim. It was but some seventy miles on to Herat, but the Persian army -was on the direct road, having just laid siege to Ghorian, and it was -necessary to make a detour to avoid both the plundering parties of -the Persians and the Afghan horsemen who would be hovering round the -enemy's camp. Before crossing the frontier he purchased sufficient food -to last for four days, as it would be dangerous to enter any place -where they might be accosted, as their ignorance of the language would -seem to prove that they were Persian spies.</p> - -<p>Both carried swords and long knives, as a protection rather from the -attacks of village dogs than from trouble with men. As it was now -November and the weather was becoming cold at night, they were glad of -the long coats lined with sheep-skin. The country through which they -were passing was fertile, and when on the afternoon of the third day -they came in sight of Herat, even Azim was struck with the richness and -fertility of the country. It was well watered by several small streams; -fortified villages were scattered here and there over the plain. Round -these were gardens, orchards, and vineyards, the intervening spaces -being in summer covered by wide expanses of corn. As they neared the -city they saw that numbers of people from the villages were making -their way towards it, many with bullock waggons carrying stores of -grain and household<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> goods, while women and men were alike loaded. They -entered the gate of the city unquestioned and unnoticed in the crowd of -horse and footmen, cattle, bullock-carts, sheep, and goats.</p> - -<p>Striking as was the appearance of the town without, inside everything -showed signs of neglect and poverty. Herat contained some forty-five -thousand inhabitants; the majority of these were Persian Sheeahs. Once -the capital of the great empire of Tamerlane, it had greatly fallen -from its former splendour, its decline having been rapid since its -capture from the Persians by the Afghans in 1715. It had been retaken -by the Persians, and recaptured by the Afghans, under whose savage -rule its prosperity had greatly diminished. It was still an important -trading centre, being situated on the one great thoroughfare between -India and Russia, and being celebrated for the beauty of its carpets -and for the temper of its sword-blades. Its trade was principally in -the hands of Hindoos, who numbered no fewer than a thousand, some of -whom were traders, while others were occupied in the various branches -of work to which they had been accustomed in India. There were several -families of Armenians and a few Jews.</p> - -<p>The city had for years suffered under the horrible tyranny of Shah -Kamran, now an old and feeble man, and of his wuzeer or minister, Yar -Mahomed Khan, who held the post of governor of the city. Under these -men neither life nor property was respected; men and women were seized -and sold into slavery under the smallest pretext, often without any -attempt whatever to justify the action. Armed bands of ruffians broke -into the houses and plundered at their will, and the peaceful portion -of the population were in a state of utter misery and despair.</p> - -<p>On entering the gate, Angus proceeded along the bazaar, an arched -street about a mile long, which extended from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> one side of the city to -the other. This was crossed at right angles by another bazaar of equal -length, and the city, which was built in the form of a square, was thus -divided into four quarters. Round the wall was a wide ditch, which was -at all times kept full of water from springs rising in the town.</p> - -<p>When he had proceeded some distance, Angus heard two traders in one of -the shops speaking in Armenian. He at once entered. "Effendi," he said -in that language, "I am a stranger here and but newly arrived. Can you -tell me where I can procure a lodging?"</p> - -<p>The two men looked in surprise at this Afghan peasant who addressed -them in their own tongue, and one of them, after a moment's hesitation, -bade him come into his private apartment behind the shop.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" he said; "and how come you to speak our language?"</p> - -<p>"I learned it in conversation with some of your people in Tabriz, and -especially from one who was the British vice-consul there. I also speak -Persian and Arabic."</p> - -<p>The trader's surprise increased as Angus spoke. "But who are you, then, -who have travelled so far, and how is it that having learned so many -languages you are now here as a peasant?"</p> - -<p>"It is a disguise," Angus said. "My father was a British merchant at -Tabriz, and I myself am in the service of the British minister at -Teheran, and am the bearer of a letter from him to Shah Kamran."</p> - -<p>"You are young indeed, my son, to be engaged on so difficult and -dangerous a mission. Surely I can find you a lodging. All trade is at -a stand-still now, and we Armenians suffer like the rest. My brother, -whom you saw in the shop, is a weaver of carpets; but none will buy -carpets now. He has a house larger than his needs, and would, I am -sure, gladly take you in."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p>He called his brother in from the front, and explained to him who this -strange visitor was and what he wanted.</p> - -<p>"I have money," Angus said, "and am prepared to pay well for -my accommodation. I have a servant with me, he is the son of a -door-keeper at the embassy, and is altogether faithful and trustworthy. -Unfortunately, I do not speak the Afghan tongue."</p> - -<p>"That will matter little in the town; the majority of the people still -speak Persian, although they may know Pushtoo. It is the same with -many of the fugitives who have come in from the plain. You will have -difficulty in seeing the prince. He is old and feeble, and for the -greater part of his time he is drunk. Everything is therefore in the -hands of the wuzeer, who is one of the worst of men—cruel, avaricious, -and unscrupulous. We have had many tyrants, but he is the worst; and -I can assure you that the success of the Persians would fill all but -the Afghan portion of the population with the deepest joy. It will be -necessary for you to see him first before you see Shah Kamran. The -hour is getting late, and I shall close my shop shortly. If you will -go round with my brother to his house I will join you there presently. -We all love and respect the English. They have always been our good -friends, and glad indeed should we be were they masters here as they -are in India; for I have been there, and know how just is their -rule—how they oppress no one, and will not suffer others to do so. -This would be a happy city indeed if your people were our masters."</p> - -<p>A short walk brought Angus and Azim to the house of the carpet-weaver. -It was of some size, but bore a neglected and poverty-stricken aspect, -which was not belied by its appearance when they entered. The doors -stood open, and it could be seen that looms stood idle now in all -the rooms. The man led the way upstairs, and unlocking a door there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> -entered the family apartments. The contrast between these and the floor -below was great indeed. Afghan carpets covered the passages and floors, -well-stuffed divans ran round the rooms, and although there were no -signs of wealth, everything pointed to comfort. The Armenian led them -into a room, where his wife and two daughters were seated. They rose -in some surprise at seeing him enter accompanied by an Afghan peasant. -Azim had remained in the passage without.</p> - -<p>"Do not be surprised," the trader said; "this person is not what he -looks, but is an English effendi, the bearer of a letter from his -minister at Teheran to Shah Kamran. He is going to do us the honour to -lodge here for a time. He speaks our language as well as Persian."</p> - -<p>"He is welcome," his wife said courteously; "and indeed his presence -here will afford us a protection which we shall need more than ever -when the passions of the people are excited by the siege."</p> - -<p>"As you are accustomed to our ways," the husband said, "you will not be -surprised at my bringing you in here or at seeing the women unveiled. -As a rule, everywhere in the East we adopt the customs of the country -so far that our women veil when they go out, and my wife and daughters -would do the same here if they were to walk through the streets. But my -daughters have not left the house since they were children; my wife has -not done so since we took up our abode here twenty-three years ago."</p> - -<p>Angus uttered an exclamation of surprise.</p> - -<p>"You would not be astonished if you knew the lawlessness that prevails -here. No young woman can venture safely into the streets, for as -soon as a report that she was good-looking reached Kamran she would -be seized and carried off to his harem even in broad daylight. No -respectable woman would think of going out save with an armed escort."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is indeed a terrible state of things."</p> - -<p>"We are accustomed to it now, effendi, and at any rate we are not -molested here. I make a present now and then to Yar Mahomed Khan and -also to his principal officer, and I am let alone by them. My brother -does the same. They know that I am a carpet-weaver employing eight -or ten men, and as they believe I could not be squeezed to any large -amount, they are satisfied to let us go on. So as long as we keep -quietly at home we are not molested, and we both intend ere long to -move from here to Teheran or Tabriz. We have only been waiting until we -can manage to get away with our belongings without attracting notice. -We have done very well since we came here, for trade has been good. -My brother buys up the products of many other looms, and we have both -made good profits, but we take care that we do not keep more money than -is necessary here. Now I will show you the room that will be at your -disposal. You will, I hope, join us at our family meals, so that we -shall not have to cook for you separately."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, it would be very much more pleasant for me."</p> - -<p>The terms were arranged without difficulty, for the Armenian felt that -it might be a great protection for them to have an Englishman in the -house. The merchant then arranged to obtain a dress for Angus similar -to that worn by himself and his brother. This was brought in on the -following morning. Having put it on, Angus went out accompanied by -Azim. He decided to wait for a day or two before seeing the wuzeer, so -as to ascertain the state of things in the town and the preparations -for defence. He was going through one of the narrow streets when -a loaded camel came along behind him, its paniers nearly touching -the houses on each side. Its rider did not give the usual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> shout of -warning, and Angus had but just time to jump into a doorway when it -brushed past him, the Afghan driver grinning maliciously at so nearly -upsetting one whom he regarded as a Sheeah trader. A man walking just -in front of him, who was not quick enough to get out of the camel's -way, was knocked down. As he got up Angus to his astonishment heard -him mutter angrily, "Confound you! I wish I had you outside this town, -I would give you a lesson you would not forget!" Astonished to find -another Englishman here in Afghan costume, Angus stepped up to him and -said, "I did not expect to find an Englishman here, sir."</p> - -<p>The other turned sharply round. "I am as surprised as you can be, sir! -But we had better not be speaking English here. I am lodging within -fifty yards of this, if you will follow me I will take you there, and -we can then introduce ourselves properly."</p> - -<p>In three minutes they were in the room occupied by the stranger. "As -host I will introduce myself first," he said with a smile. "My name -is Eldred Pottinger; I have been travelling through Afghanistan on an -unofficial mission to explore and report on the country to my uncle, -Colonel Pottinger, Resident in Scinde. Happening to arrive here at the -present crisis, and thinking that I might be useful if the city is -besieged, I have declared myself to the wuzeer, and although I still -retain my disguise there are many who know that I am an Englishman."</p> - -<p>"My name is Angus Campbell, Mr. Pottinger. I am in the employment of -the British minister at Teheran, and am the bearer of a letter from him -to Shah Kamran encouraging him to maintain the defence of the city as -long as possible, and holding out hopes that the British government, -which would view the attack upon Herat with grave dissatisfaction, -will endeavour to mediate between him and the Shah,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> and may even take -measures to put pressure upon the latter to withdraw his forces."</p> - -<p>"That is very satisfactory. Of course I have had no shadow of authority -to speak in that way, and could only assure him generally that he -would have the good will of the English, and that as an English -officer I would on my own part put any military skill that I possess -at his service, and, being myself an artillery officer, might be of -considerable assistance to him in the management and working of the -guns. But your letter will place me in a more favourable position. What -are your instructions? Are you going to return to the embassy or remain -here?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. M'Neill left it to myself. He will join the Shah's army, as the -Russian ambassador is also with it. As he takes the dragoman of the -legation down with him, he has no absolute occasion for my services. -From what I have seen of the place so far, though I only arrived -yesterday, it does not seem to me possible that these mud walls can -withstand a battering fire. The place will therefore very likely be -taken in a few days; and as I should not care about being in a town -sacked by Persian troops, I had intended to leave it as soon as I -delivered my letter."</p> - -<p>"There is no doubt about the weakness of the place; a European army -would carry it in three days. But the Persians have never been -remarkable for their courage, while the Afghans are undoubtedly a -fighting people. I think it is quite possible that the siege may last -for months. You know the dilatory way in which these Eastern people go -to work. Of course I can give no opinion whatever as to what would be -your best course. It would depend upon so many things—your position -at the embassy, your chances of promotion there, and other matters of -which I am altogether ignorant. I suppose you speak Persian well?"</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus02.jpg" alt="man" /> -<a id="illus02" name="illus02"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> A MAN WALKING JUST IN FRONT OF HIM ... WAS KNOCKED DOWN.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and also Arabic, and I can get on in Armenian and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> Kurdish. -As to my position, it is scarcely an official one. I am the son of a -Scottish trader who for twelve years carried on business at Tabriz. -He and my mother were carried off eight months ago by an outbreak of -plague, and his house and store were burned in some street riots. I -consulted the British vice-consul there, an Armenian who was a friend -of my father, and we agreed that from my knowledge of languages I ought -to be able to get on better in the East than at home, where it would be -of no use to me. I had acted as my father's assistant for the last two -years of his life, and had therefore acquired a knowledge of trading; -and I have a small capital with which, when I get older, I can either -enter into business myself or join someone already established. I was -very glad to obtain this place in the embassy as a temporary employment -until I could see my way, for although Mr. M'Neill kindly took me on as -an extra assistant, of course his successor, whoever he may be, may not -want me."</p> - -<p>"I think you have done very wisely. How old are you now?"</p> - -<p>"I am a few months over sixteen."</p> - -<p>"You are young indeed," Pottinger laughed, "to be engaged in political -affairs. Well, I should say that if the Afghans really mean to fight, -as I believe they will, they can hold the town for some time, and -you will therefore be able to learn their language, which would be -invaluable to you if you go in for commerce, or in fact whatever you do -out here. Things are in a disturbed state in Afghanistan, and I should -be surprised if the Indian Government does not interfere there before -long; and in that case anyone acquainted with Pushtoo and with Arabic -and Persian will have no difficulty in finding employment with the -army, and through my uncle I might be able to put you in the way of it. -And now about your mission.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The wuzeer for some reason or other—I own I don't see why—has been -exceedingly civil to me. On my arrival I sent to say that I was a -stranger and a traveller, and that, should it be pleasing to him, I -would wait upon him. He sent down at once to say that he would see me -the next day. Of course on occasions of this sort it is usual to make a -present. The only thing that I could give him was a brace of detonating -pistols. He had never seen any but flint-locks before, and accepted -them graciously. Finding that I was a British artillery officer, he at -once asked my opinion on a variety of matters, and took me round the -walls with him, consulting me as to how they had best be strengthened, -and so on.</p> - -<p>"I will go up and see him presently, and tell him that you have arrived -and are the bearer of a letter from our minister to Shah Kamran. I -shall of course mention that you have come in disguise, and that you -have therefore been unable to bring the customary presents, and I -shall point out to him that you possess the confidence of the British -minister. I shall say that for that reason I have persuaded you to -remain here during the siege, and that I am sure you will act with me, -and moreover will endeavour to keep M'Neill well informed of everything -going on here, and will continually urge him to impress upon the -British government the importance of the position and the necessity for -interfering to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Persians. -As to its importance there is no doubt, especially as Russia appears -to be making Persia a cat's-paw in the matter. That is why I feel that -while fighting for these Heratees—who between ourselves seem to me to -be unmitigated ruffians—I am merely fighting for England, for it is of -the utmost importance that the gate of India should not be in the hands -of Persia, especially if, as you say, Russian influence is dominant at -Teheran."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am sure I shall be delighted if you will accept me as your -assistant, though I don't see at present what possible service I can -be."</p> - -<p>"You will be of use. There will be no end of things to see about." Then -he burst out laughing. "It does seem absurd, doesn't it, that we two, I -a young lieutenant and you a lad not yet seventeen, should be proposing -to take a prominent part in the defence of a city like this against an -army commanded by the Shah of Persia in person."</p> - -<p>Angus joined in the laugh. "It is not ridiculous for you," he said, -"because as an artillery officer you must know a great deal more about -the defence of towns than these Afghans can do; but it certainly is -absurd my having anything to do in it."</p> - -<p>Pottinger went with Angus to the house of the Armenian in order that -he might know where to find him. Leaving him there he went up to the -citadel, which stood on rising ground at one corner of the town. He -returned in an hour, and said that the wuzeer would receive him at once.</p> - -<p>"He is a good deal impressed," he went on, "with the fact that our -minister should have sent a messenger here with the letter. At first -he did not see why England should be interested in the matter, and -I had to explain to him about the Russian intrigue in Persia, and -that there was no doubt that sooner or later they would invade India, -and that this would be rendered comparatively easy by Herat being -in the hands of their friends the Persians. He enquired of me what -rank you held. I told him that you were a member of the embassy, -acting as assistant-secretary to the minister, and, as was evident -by his entrusting you with so important a despatch, were deep in his -confidence."</p> - -<p>On arriving at the citadel they were at once conducted to the apartment -of the wuzeer. Yar Mahomed rose from his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> seat and greeted them -politely. Angus walked forward, bowed, and delivered his letter.</p> - -<p>"You speak Persian, your excellency?" the minister said. Angus had -difficulty in restraining a smile at his new dignity, but said gravely: -"Yes, your highness, I speak it and Arabic."</p> - -<p>"You journeyed here comfortably, I hope?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; there were a few adventures on the way, but not more than I had -expected."</p> - -<p>Yar Mahomed opened and read the letter.</p> - -<p>"You are aware of its contents?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I learned them by heart before I left Teheran, in case I should -be robbed of the letter on the way."</p> - -<p>The wuzeer sat in thought for a minute.</p> - -<p>"But how," he said doubtfully, "can your country, which is, as I hear, -very far distant, exercise any influence with the Shah? Surely you -could not send an army all that distance?"</p> - -<p>"Not from England, your highness; but we could send a fleet that could -shut up all the ports in the Persian Gulf, and we could send troops -from India to occupy those places, and so destroy all their trade. -Moreover, we could put a stop to all trade passing by land through this -town to Scinde, and send a great army by sea and invade Persia, and, as -our soldiers are much better than the Persians, might even take Tabriz -and Teheran. The Shah knows that they have done great things in India, -and will see how they might bring ruin on Persia."</p> - -<p>"Yes, what your minister says is true; but will he do this at once?"</p> - -<p>"That I cannot say," Angus replied. "At first, no doubt, the government -of England would say, 'Herat is very far off; it will fall before we -can do anything.' But if they find that it holds out bravely, they will -say, 'We must help these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> people who are fighting so well.' There is -another thing. It is said that there are already some Russian officers -with the Shah's army. The English are very jealous of the Russians, and -when they come to understand that it is Russia who has sent the Shah -to capture Herat their anger will speedily be roused, and they will -bid their minister say to the Shah, 'If you continue to fight against -Herat, we shall send our ships and our army against you.' The Shah -knows that we have conquered in India people far more warlike than the -Persians, and he will say to himself, 'Why should I run the risk of -losing my kingdom merely to please the Russians, who are really much -more dangerous neighbours than the English?'"</p> - -<p>"The words of your excellency are wise," the wuzeer said. "You will -see that we shall hold out for months, or even for years if necessary. -I can understand now why the British minister has confidence in you -though you look so young. How many years has your excellency?"</p> - -<p>"I am not yet thirty," Angus said calmly.</p> - -<p>The wuzeer looked surprised.</p> - -<p>"It is because your face is smooth that you look so young. We Afghans -wear our beards; I see that you do not, for even this brave officer, -who has come to fight for us, has no hair on his face. He has told me -that you will stay here, and assist with your advice."</p> - -<p>"So far as I am able to do so, I will; but I am not greatly skilled in -such matters. Still, I will assist him so far as I can."</p> - -<p>"It is good," the Afghan said.</p> - -<p>"It would be better, your highness, that it should not be known that -I am an agent of the British minister; though of course you can, if -you find it necessary, cheer your soldiers by telling them if they -fight bravely and well the British minister will try and mediate -between you and the Shah, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> to persuade him to draw off his army. -But were the Shah to know that the British minister has an agent here, -he would be wroth with him, and might not listen so willingly to his -representations. Let it then, I beg you, be supposed that, like Mr. -Pottinger, I am but an English traveller, who, chancing to be here, is -willing to do all that he can to aid in the defence of the town against -the Persians."</p> - -<p>"Your words are good; so let it be. Where are you dwelling now?"</p> - -<p>"At the house of the Armenian carpet-weaver Kajar. The times being bad, -his looms are at a stand-still, and he was glad to let me an apartment."</p> - -<p>"He is a good man," the wuzeer said, "a good man and honest, but not -rich."</p> - -<p>Angus felt that the last words were rather a question than an -assertion, and he said:</p> - -<p>"Surely no. His rooms are very simple, but they are clean, and if a -traveller can but find a clean lodging, he cares not how poor it is."</p> - -<p>"Shall you be sending a message to the minister?"</p> - -<p>"I shall endeavour to do so by a servant lad I have brought with me. I -will tell him that his mind may be at ease, for Herat can hold out."</p> - -<p>"The Persians are cowards!" the wuzeer said angrily. "My horsemen have -been round them for many days, but they give them no chance. They keep -together like a flock of sheep, with their guns and their infantry, -instead of riding out bravely to bring in plunder and fight with their -enemies when they meet them."</p> - -<p>Then turning to Pottinger he went on:</p> - -<p>"I have sent out, as you advised me, to cut down all the trees within -half a mile of the town, so that the Persians will have no shelter from -our guns; and as all the granaries are emptied for miles round, they -will have a long way to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> go to get food. A number of men are also at -work at the place where, as you showed me, the wall was rotten; and -others are clearing out the ditch, and making the bank steeper where it -has slipped down, so that if they should be so mad as to rush forward -and try to cross the moat, they will not be able to climb up."</p> - -<p>"That is important, Wuzeer, and still more so is it that the little -wall at the foot of the mount of earth that surrounds the city wall -should be repaired. That is of the greatest importance. They may manage -to fill up the moat and cross it, but as long as the lower wall stands -they cannot climb up, even if a breach was made in the main wall."</p> - -<p>"I will go round now with you," the wuzeer said, "and we will see where -the worst places are."</p> - -<p>Angus accompanied them, and found that Pottinger's statement as to the -weakness of the fortifications was well founded. From a distance the -wall had looked imposing, for it was of considerable height and great -thickness, but it was entirely constructed of dried mud, and heavy -guns could effect a breach anywhere in the course of a day or two. It -was evident that if the place was to hold out, it must depend upon the -bravery of its troops and not upon the strength of its walls.</p> - -<p>For the next week the work went on incessantly. Every able-bodied man -in the town was employed in the repairs of the wall and in cutting down -trees, while the work of destroying grain and all kinds of necessaries -which could not be brought into the town was performed by the troops. -These were all Afghans, were in regular pay, and formed the fighting -army of the ruler of Herat. Their discipline was at all times very -lax, and the permission to destroy and burn, which naturally included -looting everything of value for their own benefit, rendered them even -less amenable to discipline than before.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> - -<p>Eldred Pottinger, as far as he could venture, tried to induce the -wuzeer to have the work executed in a more regular manner and under -strict supervision by officers told off for the purpose, but Yar -Mahomed viewed the matter with indifference.</p> - -<p>"What does it matter," he said, "whether the soldiers take things or -not? It would be all the same to the owners whether they have them, or -whether they are destroyed, or fall into the hands of the Persians. In -a few days the enemy will be here, and it would be foolish to cause -dissatisfaction among the soldiers over a matter of no consequence -whatever."</p> - -<p>The country, indeed, was now deserted by all its inhabitants. Immense -stores of food had been brought into the city, every unoccupied piece -of ground between the city walls was crowded with cattle, sheep, and -horses, and there was no fear that famine would for a very long period -be a serious trouble to the besieged. Eldred Pottinger's time was -principally occupied in seeing to the repair of the guns and their -carriages. Without any definite rank having been given to him, it was -understood that all his orders had the support of the wuzeer, and were -to be obeyed as if they came directly from him, and that the young -man with him was also an Englishman of some importance, and possessed -similar powers.</p> - -<p>While Pottinger looked chiefly after the military work performed by the -Afghans who had come into the town, Angus superintended that upon which -the Sheeahs were engaged. These Persian-speaking people carried out his -instructions cheerfully, because they were given in their own language, -and were not accompanied by the contemptuous haughtiness and animosity -which would have characterized the orders of an Afghan, the hostility -between the two great religious sects of Islam being even greater than -that entertained by both against the infidel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p>Pottinger had now taken up his abode at the house of Kajar, where there -were several apartments unoccupied. As he did not speak Armenian, and -knew but little Persian, Angus and he arranged to have a mess of their -own, engaging a man recommended to them by the Armenian as a good cook. -This had been rendered the more necessary, as the trader with whom -Angus had first spoken had also moved with his wife to his brother's -house.</p> - -<p>He had taken this step because he foresaw that as the siege went on the -position of the Sheeahs would become more and more unbearable, and that -the protection the presence of the two Englishmen could afford would -be most valuable. Indeed Kajar, as soon as he saw that Angus had been -favourably received by the wuzeer, had himself suggested that Pottinger -might also be offered accommodation at his house.</p> - -<p>"There need be no further talk of payment, effendi, between us. Your -presence here will be of vastly greater importance than any money you -could give us. No one can say what will happen here. It is not only our -property, but our lives which will be at stake; but with you as inmates -here, no one would dare interfere with us, and we all regard the fact -that you should almost accidentally have been brought here as a special -blessing that has been sent from heaven to us."</p> - -<p>The young Englishmen thus strangely thrown together soon became fast -friends, and it was pleasant indeed to them to enjoy their evenings -together, after each had been engaged during the whole day at the -duties they had undertaken. A couple of hours, however, were always -spent by them, each in his own room. Pottinger engaged the services of -a mollah, or priest of the Sheeah sect, to give him lessons in Persian, -while Angus worked at Pushtoo with Kajar, who spoke the Afghan language -perfectly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE SIEGE OF HERAT</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">On</span> 22nd of November, a fortnight after Angus arrived at Herat, the -Persian army took up its position on the plain to the north-west of -the city. The inhabitants crowded the walls to watch the advancing -host—the Afghan portion of the population with scowling faces and -muttered imprecations, the Sheeahs prudently abstaining from all -demonstrations of their feelings, but filled with hopes of deliverance -from their tyrants. Pottinger learned that the Afghan horse were going -to make a sortie, and he and Angus went together to the north-west -angle of the wall.</p> - -<p>"A good deal will depend upon this first fight," Pottinger said. -"If the Persians easily repulse the assault, it will cause a deep -depression among the Afghans. If, on the other hand, the Heratees -obtain a fair amount of success, it will so encourage them that they -will not fear another time to encounter the enemy, and will fight -strongly when the walls are attacked."</p> - -<p>In a short time the Afghan horse were seen pouring out of the western -gate. There was but small attempt at anything like military order. -It was a mob of horsemen; individually splendid riders, and for -skirmishing purposes unsurpassed, but, as Pottinger remarked to his -companion, quite unfit to stand against a charge of regular cavalry -equally endowed with courage. Keeping near the city wall until facing -the Persian position, where a regiment of cavalry were hastily -mounting, they wheeled round and rode against the enemy with loud -shouts. The Persians rode to meet them, but were unable to withstand -the impetuosity of the charge, and, amidst the exulting shouts of the -Afghans on the wall,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> wheeled round and fled in disorder. The Afghans -then turning, flung themselves upon a strong body of infantry that -was advancing against them in good order. These, however, stood firm, -emptying many saddles by a heavy volley they poured in when the Afghans -were close, and presenting so steady a line of bayonets that the -horsemen recoiled.</p> - -<p>As they did so, the Persian artillery opened upon the Afghans, who -retired until near the wall, and then dismounted and opened fire with -their long matchlocks upon the Persian gunners. Pottinger ran at once -to a couple of guns close to where they were standing, and under his -directions the Afghans in charge of them at once replied to the Persian -guns. A number of the Afghan footmen ran out from the gate on that -side, and, joining the dismounted men, kept up a hot fire, while those -on the wall also joined in the conflict. As the Persian guns could -effect little against the infantry lying in shelter, they were now -directed against the wall, causing a rapid dispersal of the peaceable -portion of the spectators. The effect of their fire showed at once the -rottenness of the fortifications. Although but light guns, they knocked -down portions of the parapet, which crumbled as if it had been made of -rotten timber. Pottinger shook his head as he and Angus walked along -to watch the effect of the fire. "If a six-pound shot can effect such -damage as this, it is clear that when they get their siege guns to work -a few hours will effect a breach in the wall itself."</p> - -<p>On their side the Persians also sent out skirmishers. These pushed -forward to a point where they could take the Afghans in flank, and -cause them to retire nearer to the walls. The fighting was continued -until dark, when the Persians drew off, and the Afghans retired into -the city. No material advantage had been gained by either side, but the -Heratees were well content with the result. They had shown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> themselves -superior to the Persian cavalry, and had maintained themselves against -the infantry.</p> - -<p>The Persians lost no time, and during the night pushed forward and -occupied all the gardens and enclosures on the west of the city, and -placed a strong force among the ruins of a village there. In the -morning they began to advance against the wall. The Afghans sallied -out horse and foot; the cavalry, unable to act in such broken ground, -moved round, and hanging on the flanks of the Persian camp, continually -threatened an attack. The infantry, taking advantage of every wall and -bush, maintained a heavy fire upon the enemy. The artillery on both -sides opened fire, but at the end of the day neither party had gained -any advantage.</p> - -<p>The Afghans brought in the heads of several whom they had killed, and -a few prisoners. The heads were placed on pikes and exhibited on the -walls. The prisoners were bartered as slaves in exchange for horses to -the Turkomans, of whom a considerable party were encamped at a short -distance from the walls.</p> - -<p>"It is horrible and disgusting," Pottinger said to his companion that -evening as they sat together, "this custom of cutting off heads, but as -it is, I believe, universal in the East, it would be worse than useless -to protest against it. It is the custom always to reward a soldier for -bringing in a head as a proof of his valour, though, in fact, it is -no proof, as he may simply, as he advances, cut it from the body of -a man shot by someone else. Putting aside the brutality, it operates -badly, for instead of following up an advantage hotly, the men stop -to collect these miserable trophies, and so give time to an enemy to -escape or rally. I have read in the accounts of the campaigns of the -Turkish conquerors that the heads were always brought in to the general -and piled before his tent, and that each soldier was rewarded according -to the number he brought in, and I fancy it was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> same thing with -Mohammedan conquerors in India. Well, I am afraid that we shall see a -number of things that will disgust us before the siege is over. If I -were fighting solely for the Heratees, I should certainly retire if -they continue these barbarities. But I have no interest whatever in -them; in fact, I see that the greater portion of the population would -be benefited by living under the Persian rule. I go into this matter -solely because it is one I consider of vital interest to England, and -therefore, as an Englishman I am willing to do my utmost to keep, not -the Persians, but the Russians from seizing this place."</p> - -<p>Angus had now completely caught the enthusiasm of the young -artilleryman. He was perhaps less horrified than his companion, for he -had seen so much of Eastern modes of punishment, that he had learned to -regard them with less horror than that felt by Europeans unaccustomed -to Oriental methods.</p> - -<p>"I have been accustomed to look on at acts of brutality," he said, "for -from the time when I first came out, my father always impressed upon -me that we were strangers in this part of the world, and must be very -cautious not to show any aversion to its customs. It would lead us into -endless trouble if we were to show in any way that what to them seems -only natural, was to us revolting; and though I have often been tempted -to interfere when I have seen some act of brutality, I have always -followed my father's instructions, and walked away without showing any -anger or disgust. I agree with you that it is horrid, but it is not -like seeing living men tortured; at least, when one is dead it can make -no great difference if one is buried with a head or without one."</p> - -<p>Pottinger laughed. "That is certainly one way of looking at it, and I -can understand that as the custom has prevailed among these peoples for -centuries they can scarcely under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>stand our feelings of abhorrence and -indignation. However, I am determined that, whatever I do or feel, I -will keep my mouth shut, and not say a word that would anger the wuzeer -and shake my influence with him. At present he is well disposed towards -me, and I have been of real assistance to him. When things become -critical I may be of vital service. From what Kajar says there is a -strong suspicion that he is not personally brave, which I can quite -believe, as very few thorough-paced brutes are. Now old Shah Kamran -is, I must own, an exception; an absolutely greater scoundrel than he -has proved himself to be probably never existed, but he is known to -have been in his earlier days as brave as a lion. If he had been some -twenty years younger I should have stronger hopes of eventual success -than I have now. Personal bravery in a general is of no extraordinary -advantage in a European army, where he is not expected to lead men -into battle, but with irregular troops like these Heratees it is of -vital importance. They will follow their leader anywhere, but if he -sends them into danger while he himself remains at a distance, they -lose their enthusiasm directly, and are half thrashed before the battle -begins."</p> - -<p>"Do you not think that Kamran will be able at any important moment to -come forward and show himself among the defenders of the breach? I hear -that only a month or so ago he returned from a campaign."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not. I have seen him twice, and although it cannot be said -that he is an imbecile, he is next door to it. He understands what -is going on, but his nerves are utterly shattered by drink; he is in -what may be termed the lachrymose condition of drunkenness. He works -himself into a state of childish passion; sometimes he raves, then he -whimpers. Certainly his appearance would have no inspiring effect upon -these rough Afghan soldiers. They want a man who would rush sword in -hand at their head, call upon them to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> follow him, and then dash into -the middle of the foe, and the miserable old man could scarcely hold a -sword in his shaking hand."</p> - -<p>"Well, at any rate, the Afghans have fought bravely yesterday and -to-day."</p> - -<p>"Excellently; but it is the work they are accustomed to. An Afghan -battle consists of two sets of men snugly hidden away among the rocks, -firing away at each other until one side loses a few men and then -retires. So they were quite at home at their skirmishing work, and -certainly more than a match for the same number of Persians. What they -will do when an attack on a breach is made by a column remains to be -seen."</p> - -<p>Night and day the Heratees worked at their defences, while the Persians -raised batteries and fortified their camp against sudden attacks. After -four or five days of comparative quiet a heavy cannonade broke out. -Artillery played upon the walls, mortars threw shell into the town, -and rockets whizzed overhead. For a time the consternation in the city -was prodigious; the rockets especially, which were altogether new to -them, appalled the inhabitants, who, as night came on, gathered on -the roofs of their houses and watched with affright the sharp trains -of light, and shuddered at the sound of the fiery missiles. The sound -of lamentation, the cries of fear, and the prayers to Allah resounded -over the city; but the panic abated somewhat when it was found that -comparatively little injury was effected. But while the peaceful -inhabitants wailed and prayed, the troops and the men who had come in -from the Afghan villages laboured steadily and silently at the work of -repairing the damages effected by the fire of the Persian batteries.</p> - -<p>But little could be done to the face of the wall, but the crumbling -parapets and earth dug up from open spaces were used to construct a -fresh wall behind the old one at points<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> against which the Persian -guns played most fiercely, so that when a breach was formed the -assailants would find an unlooked-for obstacle to their entrance into -the town. This work was directed by Pottinger, who took but little -rest, remaining constantly at his post, and only snatching an hour's -sleep now and then. Angus assisted to the best of his power, always -taking his place when his comrade could no longer battle against -sleep, and seeing that everything went on well. The Afghans yielded a -willing obedience to the orders of these young strangers. They saw the -utility of the work upon which they were engaged, and laboured well and -steadily. The Persian artillery were, fortunately for the besieged, -badly commanded. Instead of concentrating their fire upon one spot, -in which case a breach would have been effected in a few hours, each -gunner directed his aim as he thought best, and the shot which, if -poured upon a single point, would have brought down the crumbling wall, -effected no material damage, scattered as it was over a face a mile in -length.</p> - -<p>It was all the less effective, inasmuch as the artillerymen generally -aimed at the parapet of the wall instead of the solid portion below it. -It was a delight to them to see a portion of the parapet knocked down -by their shot, whereas when the wall itself was hit comparatively small -show was made. Many of the shot flew high and passed over the town into -the fields beyond it, and at the end of four days' almost continuous -firing, Herat was stronger and more capable of resistance than it was -when the Persians first appeared before the walls. The absence of any -tangible result evidently lowered the spirits of the besiegers, while -it proportionately raised those of the defenders. Moreover, the immense -expenditure of projectiles by the Persians showed the Shah and his -generals that, large as was the store of ammunition they had brought -with them, it might prove insufficient, and the labour and time which -would be entailed in renewing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> supply from the magazines at the -capital would be enormous. Consequently the fire became irregular, -sometimes for an hour or two all the batteries would play, while at -other times only a few guns would be discharged in the course of an -hour.</p> - -<p>The shells that were thrown into the city did much more damage than -the round shot of the batteries. Many houses were almost destroyed by -them, and whole families killed. These, however, were for the most part -peaceable Sheeahs, and the matter in no way affected the defenders of -the wall, whose spirits rose daily as they perceived that the Persian -artillery was by no means so formidable as they had anticipated. The -Persians made no attempt to blockade the city, evidently fearing the -sorties the defenders made, and confined their operations to that side -of the city before which they were encamped. This was a great advantage -to the besieged. Three out of the five gates of the city stood open, -communications were maintained with the surrounding country, the cattle -and other animals went out to graze, and firewood and other commodities -passed freely into the town.</p> - -<p>Throughout December the Persians were harassed by nightly attacks. -The working parties in their entrenchments were driven out, tools -carried off, the workmen killed, and the work performed during the day -destroyed, the assailants retiring before heavy masses of infantry -could be brought up to repel them. Upon many days scarce a shot was -fired, then for a few hours there would be a lively cannonade, but of -the same scattered and wasteful fashion as before.</p> - -<p>On December 26th all the Persian prisoners who had been captured in -the sorties were sent off for sale to the frontier of the Turkoman -country. The Shah retaliated by putting to death in various cruel -manners the Afghan prisoners who had fallen into his hands. Two days -later a mine was sprung and a breach effected in the wall. The Persians -advanced to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> storm it, but were met with the greatest resolution by the -Heratees, who repulsed them with considerable loss, their leader being -severely wounded, and a deserter from Herat, a man of high military -reputation among the Afghans, killed—a fact that caused almost as -much joy to the defenders as the repulse of the assault. The success, -however, of the mine, and the knowledge that the Persians were engaged -in driving several tunnels towards the wall, caused a considerable -feeling of uneasiness. Nevertheless, the 30th, which was the day of -the termination of the long Mohammedan fast, was celebrated with the -usual rejoicings, which the besieged were enabled to take part in -without fear of an attack, as the day was being celebrated with similar -festivities in the Persian camp.</p> - -<p>Shah Kamran went with his family in procession to the principal mosque, -and after the conclusion of the prayers usual to the occasion, observed -the custom of scattering sweetmeats to be scrambled for by the priests. -To their disappointment, however, he did not follow this up by inviting -them to a banquet, but sent extra provisions to the troops and the -workers on the walls. There was now a pause in active operations for -more than three weeks. The Persians laboured at their mines, but either -from ignorance of their work, or on account of the water flowing -from the moat into their galleries, no damage resulted. The Heratees -countermined under the advice of Pottinger, but beyond proving that the -Persian galleries were not being driven where they expected, nothing -came of it. But on the 26th of January the Afghans determined to give -battle to the Persians in the open. Again the whole population gathered -on the walls, and the two young Englishmen were also there.</p> - -<p>"The wuzeer asked me this morning whether I would go out with them," -Pottinger said to Angus, "but I replied that, although acquainted -with artillery and siege operations, I did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> not know enough of the -Afghan way of fighting to accept even a small command in the field. -I am useful here," he went on, "and I should be of no use whatever -outside. The Afghans have their own ideas as to when to advance and -when to retreat; besides, it might offend some of the leaders were -I, a stranger, to interfere in any way. There is no jealousy of me -at present, at least I think not. They know nothing of sieges, and -there is no one who holds any special post in connection with the -fortifications. No one therefore feels superseded. In the next place, -the work is for the most part carried out by labourers, who get paid -for their services, and not by the troops, and it is nothing to them -whether they get their orders from an Englishman or an Afghan. In -an attack on a breach I should certainly fight; in the first place, -because I consider it my duty, and in the second, because, if the -Persians get inside the walls, you may be sure that there will be -something like a general massacre."</p> - -<p>The Afghan cavalry and infantry poured out from the gate, and spread -themselves over the open country to the east of the Persian camp. The -men on foot took possession of a village, and established themselves -in its houses and the gardens surrounding it. From the wall a view -could be obtained of the movements in the enemy's camp. The vedettes -had fallen back as soon as the Afghans issued out, drums were beaten -and horns sounded, the troops ran hastily together, and their general, -Mahomed Khan, could be seen galloping about issuing orders. Presently a -strong column moved out. It was headed by cavalry; and as soon as these -made their appearance the Afghan horse galloped across the plain, while -the crowd on the walls burst into shouts of encouragement, although the -troops were too far off to hear them.</p> - -<p>"It is a pretty sight, Angus, but about as unlike modern warfare as -could well be. European cavalry seeing a mob of horsemen coming down -upon them in such disorder would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> ride at them, and no irregular horse -could withstand the impact of a well-disciplined and compact cavalry -charge. There, the Persians are forming line; but there is no smartness -about it, it is done in a half-hearted sort of way, as if they did not -like the business before them. There, they are off; but they are too -slow, they won't be fairly in a gallop before the Afghans are upon -them."</p> - -<p>For a minute or two the contending bodies were mixed in a confused -mass, then the shouts of the spectators rose high as the Persians could -be seen flying towards their infantry hotly pursued by the Afghans. -Then came the rattle of musketry, the quick reports of cannon, as the -infantry and artillery covered the retreat of their cavalry. Presently -the Heratee horse were seen retiring from the village in which the -struggle had taken place; another body, which had not yet been engaged, -instead of riding forward to support them, also, turned, and for a time -all rode off, while the Persian cavalry were reinforced from the camp -and pursued them. The Heratees soon recovered themselves and again -charged, but again the leading squadrons were badly supported by those -behind. These were under another leader, who was probably influenced by -jealousy or by tribal hostility, and the Persian horse, well supported -by their infantry, gradually gained the advantage, their own infantry -coming to the support. The Afghan footmen also advanced, and the fight -was maintained during the whole day.</p> - -<p>"It is like playing at war," Pottinger said irritably; "except in that -first charge they have never really come to blows. It is skirmishing -rather than fighting. Here there are some ten or twelve thousand men, -taking both sides, cavalry, infantry, and a few guns. I don't think -that when our men come in again it will be found that they have lost a -hundred, and I don't suppose the Persians have lost much more. It is a -fair field for fighting, and between two Euro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>pean forces of the same -strength a long day's battle would probably have caused three or four -thousand casualties. One would think that neither party was in earnest. -Certainly the Heratees are, though I don't suppose the Persian soldiers -have any particular personal interest in the matter."</p> - -<p>The action was altogether indecisive, and at the end of the day the -Persians held no ground beyond the village where their infantry first -opened fire, while the Heratees had gained nothing by their sortie. -When the Afghans re-entered the walls it was found that Pottinger's -estimate as to the amount of loss was very near the truth; there were -between twenty-five and thirty killed, and some four times as many -wounded, more or less seriously. They of course claimed a victory, and -were highly satisfied with their own doings, but the operations only -tended to show that neither party had any eagerness for real fighting.</p> - -<p>On the 7th of February Pottinger said: "I have received permission to -go into the Persian camp to-morrow. Kamran has given me a message on -his part to the Persian king. It is an appeal to him to retire. He -says that when Khorassan was in rebellion he refused the entreaties -of its chief to aid them, although at that time he could have raised -ten thousand horsemen, and might, with the rebels of Khorassan, -have marched to Teheran. He had sent one of his highest officers to -congratulate the Shah on his succession, and now the latter is without -provocation marching against him. He prays him therefore to retire, -to aid him with guns and men to recover the dominions he has lost in -Afghanistan, and if he be successful he will hand over Herat to him. -Yar Mahomed has also given me a message to the Persian minister, just -the sort of message I should have expected from him. He declares that -he is devoted to the Shah and to him, but that he is bound to stand -by his master. That whatever might be his own wish, the Afghans would -never surrender the city, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> that he dare not propose such a thing to -them, but that he shall ever remain the faithful servant of the Shah -and of the minister whom he regards as his father. I will take you with -me if you wish, but that must be a matter for your own consideration."</p> - -<p>"I should, of course, like to go," Angus said, "but I do not know that -it would be wise for me to do so. Mr. M'Neill may be in the Persian -camp. It is not probable that I should be recognized, still there must -be many officials there who came frequently to see him at the embassy, -and who would know me. Should one of these declare that I was a member -of the mission, it might create a very bad impression against M'Neill, -as it would seem that he was in secret communication with Kamran."</p> - -<p>"That is just what I was thinking," Pottinger said, "and I must say -that I agree with you. It certainly would be awkward for him if it -were known that one of his suite was in Herat. Yes, I think it would -be better that you should not go. We shall certainly be the centre of -curiosity while we are in the camp, and there would be no possibility -of private communications between you and M'Neill. But should I see him -have you any message for him? I think we have agreed that when this -business is over it will be much better for you to go with me back to -India than to return to Teheran."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have quite settled that," Angus said. "With the kind offer you -have made to present me to your uncle I should think that the prospect -of my obtaining advancement there is very much greater than it is in -Persia, where I might be left altogether in the lurch if M'Neill were -recalled. I shall be obliged, therefore, if you will tell him of my -intention, and thank him for me very heartily for his kindness. He -will, I am sure, approve of the step, for he has several times told me -that he was sorry he could see no chance of my ob<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>taining more than -a clerkship at the mission, and advised me on no account to think of -remaining there if I could see my way to doing better for myself."</p> - -<p>"I will be sure to give M'Neill the message if I see him but I don't -expect to be long in the camp. I am charged with such a ridiculous -message that there is no likelihood of any discussion taking place. -The minister will, of course, scoff at Yar Mahomed's declarations of -respect for the Shah and affection for himself, and the Shah, after -taking the trouble to collect an army and come here himself, is not -likely to retire at the request of Kamran. My real hope in going is -that I may find a British officer with the Persians. There is almost -certain to be one, as the Russians have, it is said, several. Through -him I may send messages to friends at home and to my uncle in Scinde. -They must all begin to feel anxious about me."</p> - -<p>Angus saw his companion ride out the next morning with some anxiety -as to his reception, but with no particular regret that he did not -accompany him. He had often been in the encampments of the Persian -troops before the army left Teheran, and there would therefore be -nothing new to him in the scene. Pottinger as usual wore the dress of -an Afghan of some standing, and was accompanied only by one mounted -attendant and a runner to hold his horse. A small party of Afghans rode -with him for some distance beyond the walls, and then, shouting good -wishes for his return in safety, left him. Angus continued to watch -the men at their work for two or three hours, and then took his place -on the walls again and watched for his comrade's return. It was not, -however, till the 10th that he came back to Herat.</p> - -<p>On the previous day he was prevented from returning by a violent -storm which raged from morning till night, and considerable anxiety -was felt in the town. That he had gone on a mission from Kamran was -generally known, but none<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> save the Shah and his wuzeer were aware of -its nature. Angus was much alarmed, as he thought it too probable that -his friend had been shot by the Persian outposts as soon as he arrived -among them, for there was nothing to show that he came as an envoy. -He was therefore greatly relieved when a native brought the news to -him that the Englishman was returning. As the news spread it caused -great excitement. When Pottinger rode in at the gate a great crowd had -assembled there, and all thronged round him asking for information. He -replied that they must enquire of the wuzeer, who alone could deliver -it. As he saw Angus in the crowd he shouted to him, "As I expected, -nothing has come of it; meet me at the house."</p> - -<p>An hour later Pottinger arrived there. "I was getting very anxious -about you," Angus said, "and was beginning to fear that you had been -shot by the Persian outposts."</p> - -<p>"I was a little uncomfortable myself, and I kept a good look-out, as -you may suppose. The roads led through those ruined villages, and at -any moment I might have a bullet whizzing about my ears. Presently I -saw some Persian soldiers running towards the road, and I told my man -to take off his turban and wave it to show that our intentions were -peaceable. When they perceived this they came straggling up. I told -them that I was an English officer, and the bearer of messages to the -Shah and his minister. They seemed delighted, chiefly perhaps from the -fact of my being an Englishman, but also because they hoped that I -had come with an offer of surrender. However, they shouted 'Welcome, -welcome! the English were always friends of the Shah.' The officer who -commanded the picket turned out to be a major who had served under -Major Hart, and who knew all the English officers who had of late years -been in Persia. He took me to the major-general commanding the attack, -who turned out to be a Russian in the Persian service command<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>ing -a corps of Russians—men who had left their own country for doubtless -good reasons. At any rate, he received me courteously. We had tea, and -smoked a pipe together, and he then sent me on with an escort to the -Persian camp.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus04.jpg" alt="map" /> -<a id="illus04" name="illus04"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption">AFGHANISTAN<br /> - -AND<br /> - -NORTH WEST FRONTIER<br /> - -OF INDIA</p> - -<p>"The news that someone had come in from Herat to arrange terms for its -submission having preceded me, almost the whole camp came out to see -me, and if my escort had not used their iron ramrods most vigorously -upon the heads and shoulders of the crowd I should never have got -through. When I reached the minister's tent he received me graciously, -but we did not enter into business; it was necessary that the Shah -should first decide whether he would receive me.</p> - -<p>"I had learned from the Russian general that Colonel Stoddart was in -camp. As it was known before I left India that he would accompany the -Persians I had letters for him, and received permission to go to his -tent to deliver them. His astonishment at finding that I was a British -officer was, as you may imagine, great. However, I had but little time -to talk, for in a few minutes a message came that I was to go back at -once to the minister, or, as he is called there as well as here, the -wuzeer. Stoddart accompanied me. The Persian asked me what were the -messages that, as he had been informed, Kamran and Yar Mahomed had sent -to the Shah and himself. I told him that I could only deliver Kamran's -message to the Shah, and that I thought his own message had better be -given him privately.</p> - -<p>"The wuzeer, who is a bilious and excitable little man, sent everyone -out from the tent but Stoddart and myself, and I then delivered the -message. We had a long discussion. The wuzeer declared that the English -themselves had put down Herat as forming part of the Persian dominions -in the map that Burnes had made. I said that I thought not. He produced -the map to convince me, but to the little man's intense<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> disgust he -found that he was altogether wrong. He then appealed to Stoddart. The -latter, as our military representative at the Shah's court, replied -diplomatically that he had no instructions on the subject, and would -refer the case to the envoy at Teheran. (M'Neill, by the by, has not -yet reached the camp.) Stoddart said that he was not aware that the -Persian government had annexed Herat, as its ruler had, both with the -British government and the late Shah, been acknowledged as sovereign in -Afghanistan; so, as I expected, nothing came of the interview. We went -back to Stoddart's tent, and shortly afterwards were sent for by the -Shah. He received us with courtesy, and I delivered Kamran's message.</p> - -<p>"The Shah replied, speaking with dignity and calmness, and stating -his complaints against Kamran, that he had permitted his soldiers -constantly to make incursions into Persian dominions, robbing and -slaying, and carrying off Persian subjects to sell as slaves; then -gradually warming up as he recited a number of such forays and -depredations, he denounced Kamran as a treacherous liar, and said that -he would not rest satisfied until he had planted a Persian garrison -in the city of Herat. Of course there was nothing more to be said. We -were formally, though courteously, dismissed, and I went back with -Stoddart to his tent, where I remained till this morning. I was by no -means sorry that the tremendous storm yesterday afforded an excuse for -stopping, and I enjoyed my day of quiet talk with Stoddart immensely.</p> - -<p>"He thinks that if the Persians do but make an attack with all their -strength the town must be taken, in which I entirely agree with him. -He said, however, that, as the slackness of their fire for some time -past has shown, the Persians are heartily sick of the business, and -if the Shah had some really good excuse for retiring he would gladly -do so. I said that the best excuse would be some strong action on the -part of our government. He replied that he had himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> urged this upon -M'Neill, and that the envoy had already written urgently home in that -sense. Of course I told him of your being there. He had already heard -from M'Neill that he had sent you here to encourage Kamran to hold out. -He asked a good deal about you, and quite agreed with me that with -your knowledge of languages—and I told him that in the three months -during which you had been here you had already learned enough Pushtoo -to converse in it freely—you would be sure to get an appointment in -India, as it was extremely probable that an army would shortly be -sent into Afghanistan to support Shah Soojah against Dost Mahomed, -especially as the latter had received Vickovich, an aide-de-camp to the -governor of Orenburg, as an envoy at Cabul.</p> - -<p>"Of course I had heard about the intention of supporting Dost Mahomed -before I started. I know that my uncle and Mr. Burnes, who is our -agent at Cabul, are both strongly opposed to this. Dost Mahomed has -always defeated Shah Soojah, he is firmly established on his throne, -and Burnes believes that he is very well disposed towards us. However, -that is not our affair; but if there should be such an expedition it -much increases your chance of obtaining an official post. I took the -opportunity to write to my uncle and to send my report to the Indian -government, and in both cases I stated that I had received the most -valuable assistance from a young gentleman who was temporarily attached -to the mission at Teheran, and who, speaking as he did, Persian, -Pushtoo, and Arabic, would, I considered, be of great service should -any difficulties arise with Afghanistan. I said that I had seized the -opportunity of recommending you, as it was possible that I myself might -fall in the defence of Herat."</p> - -<p>"It was awfully kind of you, Pottinger, and I am extremely obliged to -you."</p> - -<p>"I felt that I was acting in the interest of the Indian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> government as -well as of yourself. The siege may last for another month yet, and by -the end of that time you will be able to pass as easily as an Afghan as -you now can as a Persian, and may be invaluable; for as we have as yet -had very little contact with Afghanistan there are not, I should say, -half a dozen officers in our service who can speak Pushtoo—probably -not one who could do so well enough to pass as a native. I myself knew -but little of it when I started, so my disguise was that of a Cutch -horse-dealer, and I passed through Afghanistan as a native of India. -Even now I do not speak Pushtoo as well as you do, having devoted -myself to Persian, while you have been working at Afghan. For your sake -I hope that the siege may last for some time yet, as it may be a great -advantage to you when you apply for an official post to be able to say -that you can pass anywhere as a native."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV</a></p> - -<p class="center">A STURDY DEFENCE</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">Pottinger's</span> belief that the Shah was anxious to bring the war to -a conclusion was confirmed by the arrival of the major he had met -when going into the Persian camp, with instructions from the Russian -general, endorsed by the minister, to endeavour to persuade the Afghans -to consent to the terms offered by the Shah. It was better, he urged, -for them to settle their differences among themselves than to employ -mediation. He warned them that as the English had come to India under -the pretence of trading, and had finally conquered the whole country, -they should on no account be trusted. He assured them that the Shah -had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> no desire to interfere in the internal administration of Herat, -the present movement was not an expedition against Herat but against -Hindostan, and that all true Mohammedans should join the Shah's army, -and that he would lead them to the conquest and plunder of all India -and Turkestan.</p> - -<p>Pottinger was sent for privately, and consulted by the Kamran and the -wuzeer as to what answer should be sent. His advice was taken, and -the next day the envoy returned to his camp with vague assurances of -regard, and the suggestion that if the Persians were really inclined -for peace, the best proof that they could give of the sincerity of -their inclination would be the retirement of the besieging force. -There was much excitement in the city when the proposals brought by -the Persian officer became known, and many of the older men began to -argue that it did not matter much whether Kamran was called prince -or king, or whether the supremacy of the Persian Shah was or was not -acknowledged in Herat, as long as no Persian garrison was placed in -the city. The wuzeer, however, remained firm. He declared that he -had no confidence in the Persians, that he desired to be guided by -the advice and be aided by the mediation of the English, and that -if the Shah would place the conduct of negotiations in the hands of -Colonel Stoddart, he on his part would trust everything to Lieutenant -Pottinger, and would accept whatever was decided upon by the two -English officers.</p> - -<p>"That was his own decision, and not mine," Pottinger said, when he -returned from an interview with the wuzeer. "There is no doubt that, -ruffian as he is in many respects, he is a clever man. You see, he -shifts all the responsibility for the continuance of the war off his -shoulders on to those of the Persians, for their refusal to accept -the decision of the British officer in their camp will convince the -Afghans that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> the Persians will be satisfied with nothing but their -destruction."</p> - -<p>Two days later the Persian officer returned to Herat with a letter -stating that the Shah had no desire to possess himself of the town, but -only claimed that his sovereignty should be acknowledged. The answer -was the same as before. Kamran was willing to do all that was required -if the Persian army would but retire. The negotiations were carried on -for a day or two longer, but though both parties desired peace, the -one would not surrender, the other would not retire and acknowledge -failure. Hostilities, therefore, continued without intermission, and -a fortnight later the Persians gained possession of a fortified place -three hundred yards from the north-east angle of the wall. The Afghans -stationed there had made but a poor resistance, and upon entering the -town their faces were smeared with mud, and they were sent through the -city accompanied by a crier who proclaimed their cowardice.</p> - -<p>A month passed without any incident of importance, and at the end of -that time M'Neill arrived at the Persian camp. Every effort had been -made to hinder him on his way from Teheran, and he was at first coldly -received. A week later he had an audience with the Shah, and stated to -him that the attack upon Herat was an obvious violation of the treaty -between Great Britain and Herat, and the British government would -therefore be justified in taking active measures to enforce its terms. -The Shah upon this consented to accept the British mediation.</p> - -<p>Three days later, however, the Persians made a serious attack. Some new -batteries opened against the ramparts near the great mosque. Their fire -was this time concentrated, and the wall crumbled so rapidly that by -the evening a practicable breach had been made. The Afghans, however, -did not lose heart, declaring that they trusted to themselves,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> and -not to their walls, to defend the city. They had, indeed, gained an -advantage in the middle of the day. They blew in a mine that had been -carried almost up to the wall, and taking advantage of the alarm caused -by the explosion rushed out and furiously attacked the besiegers, -carrying the trenches for some distance before a strong Persian force -came up and drove them back again. So heavy a fire was then opened from -the trenches on the musketeers on the walls, that these were completely -overpowered, and were unable to show a head above the parapets. As -evening came on the Persians shouted that an English officer wished -to enter the town, but the wuzeer shouted back that no one would -be allowed to enter at that hour. The next day Major Todd, who was -attached to the embassy, entered the town. He was in full regimentals, -and his appearance excited the most lively admiration of the populace. -He announced that the Shah was ready to accept the mediation of the -British government. He was received with the greatest courtesy by Shah -Kamran, who after the interview took a cloak from his own shoulders and -sent it by the wuzeer to Major Todd, who returned to the Persian camp -with the assurance of Kamran's desire to accept the mediation of the -British minister.</p> - -<p>But though apparently both parties had at last arrived at an -understanding, that evening the aspect of affairs became more warlike -than ever. The Persian trenches were filled with men, the bodies of -horse and foot on the line of investment were strengthened, and there -were all appearances that an assault would be made that evening; and -the Afghan chiefs were called together and each had his post assigned -to him. But scarcely had they separated when Mr. M'Neill himself -arrived. He was conducted at once to Kamran's palace, and the greater -part of the night was spent in discussion. It was nearly dawn when the -minister accompanied Pottinger to the latter's residence. As he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> -arranged when he arrived that he would sleep at Pottinger's, a room had -been prepared for him, Angus sat up for several hours, but then feeling -sure that the minister would at once retire to bed on his return, had -lain down. When he awoke it was half-past six, and dressing hastily -he went into the sitting-room that he shared with Pottinger, and to -his surprise found Mr. M'Neill writing there. The minister greeted him -cordially.</p> - -<p>"I heard all about you from Colonel Stoddart, and approve highly of -your remaining here to give Pottinger what aid you can during the -siege. I also think that you have done very wisely in determining, -as Pottinger told Stoddart you had done, to go to India. I myself -will write to the English government saying what you have done, how -intelligently you carried on your work at the mission, and recommending -you for an appointment on the northern frontier either with the army -or the resident at Scinde, or perhaps better still, with Mr. Burnes at -Cabul."</p> - -<p>At this moment Pottinger entered the room, and he was as surprised as -Angus had been at seeing the minister at work after only a couple of -hours in bed. There was another meeting with Kamran, who placed himself -entirely in the hands of the British envoy, and said that he would -gladly consent to any terms agreed upon by him. At the conclusion of -the meeting Mr. M'Neill returned at once to the Persian camp.</p> - -<p>To the disappointment of all, Major Todd rode in two days later with -the surprising news that the Shah had entirely changed his attitude, -and absolutely refused to submit the dispute to British arbitration, -and that unless the whole people of Herat acknowledged themselves -his subjects, he would take possession of the city by force of arms. -This sudden change was the result of the arrival of the Russian -representative, Count Symonwich, on the morning of the day of M'Neill's -visit to the city. The Russian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> party at once became ascendant. He -himself took the conduct of the operations of the siege, the officers -with him taught the Persian soldiers how to construct batteries, and -Russian money was freely distributed among them. Pottinger's task of -explaining to Kamran the news brought by Major Todd was an unpleasant -one; but the old man took the news quietly, and said that he never -expected anything else, for the Persians had always been noted for -their treachery and want of faith. The news, however, caused great -discouragement in the town, and it was determined at a meeting of -the chiefs that they would send to the Russian ambassador and place -themselves under the protection of his master. Meeting after meeting -was held, at all of which Pottinger was present. Sometimes he was -received and listened to with respect, and other times he was treated -with marked discourtesy.</p> - -<p>The influence of Mr. M'Neill at the Persian court declined rapidly, -while that of the Russians became supreme. For some months past he had -failed to obtain any satisfaction for matters of serious complaint. As -far back as October a courier bearing despatches from Colonel Stoddart -to him at Teheran had been seized by a Russian officer, stripped and -imprisoned by the Persians, and his despatches taken from him. The -British resident in the Persian Gulf had been grossly insulted by the -governor of Bushire, and the Persian government had continued to evade -its obligations under the commercial treaty between the two nations. -So marked was the indignity with which M'Neill was now treated in the -Persian camp, that on the 7th of June he left it with Colonel Stoddart -and all his suite and attendants, a step equivalent to a rupture of the -relations between Great Britain and Persia.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the pressure of famine and sickness became more and -more intense in Herat. The city was alto<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>gether without drainage, and -the stench from the bodies of those who had died or been killed, and -of the dead animals, was dreadful. But although much depressed, the -courage of the Afghans still sustained them, and when on the 13th of -June the Persians surprised the outer works, they held the connecting -passage and defended it until assistance came, when the garrison poured -out, rushed down the slope, and dislodged the assailants with much -slaughter. Another attempt on the same day at a fresh point was equally -unsuccessful, and the storming party were twice repulsed. Pottinger was -now armed with an authority that he had not before possessed, for he -had been appointed by M'Neill British envoy at Herat. The news of the -departure of the embassy, and Pottinger's assurances that this was a -prelude to war between England and Persia, had but little effect. It -was certain that the city could not possibly hold out many weeks, and -it might be months before the arrival of a British fleet and army could -influence the Persians.</p> - -<p>Happily, however, Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India, had not -waited for instructions from home, but at the news of the investment -of Herat, and the outrage upon our resident in the Persian Gulf, had -begun to take steps early in the spring; and on the 4th of June two -transports and some vessels of war left Bombay harbour with detachments -of two British regiments and a marine battalion, and on the 19th -anchored off the island of Karrack in the Persian Gulf.</p> - -<p>Upon the 24th of June Herat went through the most terrible experience -of the siege. At daybreak a heavy fire opened from the Persian -batteries on all four sides of the city. It ceased suddenly after a -time. Pottinger, who was at breakfast, exclaimed to Angus, as he leapt -up from his seat: "They are going to assault; the batteries have done -their work. Quick, to the wall!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> - -<p>Warning the soldiers they came upon as they ran, they made their way -to the wall. Just as they arrived there another gun was fired, and at -the signal the batteries on all sides again broke into life. A storm of -rockets carried dismay into the town, the mortars dropped their shells -into it, and most conclusive of all, a rattle of musketry broke out, -growing every moment in power. Against five points was the assault -directed. That on the gate of Candahar was repulsed, and the enemy -chased back to their trenches. That upon the south-west angle was but a -feint, and was never pushed home against the western gate. The Russian -regiment under Sampson, and a strong force under a Persian officer, -pressed up to the breach; but the Persian was killed and Sampson -carried off wounded, and the troops fled after suffering immense loss. -The attack on the north-western face was similarly repulsed, but the -fifth contest was desperate. The storming party gained the <i>fausse -braye</i>. The Afghans defending it fought desperately, and all fell -at their post. The storming party rushed up the slope. The officers -and leading men were mown down by a heavy musketry fire, but after a -fierce struggle the upper <i>fausse braye</i> was carried, and some of the -assailants gained the head of the breach.</p> - -<p>But now the Afghan reserves were brought up, and the Persians on the -breach were driven back. Again and again, the Persians fighting this -time with desperate courage, struggled to effect a lodgment, only to -be repulsed, and fell back in confusion on their comrades behind. For -a long time the issue was doubtful; a desperate hand-to-hand conflict -raged, the assailants and defenders swayed up and down the breach, -which was covered with corpses and slippery with blood.</p> - -<p>Yar Mahomed arrived almost at the same time as Pottinger and Angus, -for these, before coming here, had seen that all was going well at the -other points attacked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<p>They had observed as they came along men leaving the breach by twos -and threes under pretence of assisting wounded comrades, and Pottinger -saw to his dismay that the men were losing heart. As they came to the -breach they found other soldiers coming up. The wuzeer was sitting -down close by. Pottinger ran up to him. "You must encourage your men, -wuzeer; go forward and join them, or all will be lost."</p> - -<p>The Afghan scarcely seemed to hear what he said. "You must come," -Pottinger repeated loudly; "there is no time to be lost." Then he -turned to Angus: "Do what you can," he said. "I must rouse the wuzeer; -evidently his nerves have suddenly given way."</p> - -<p>Glad at last to be free to join in the struggle, Angus drew his sword -and ran down, thrusting back those who were mounting, and pushed his -way forward to the front, shouting in Pushtoo: "Fight, men! fight for -your faith, your wives, and your children! Everything is going on well -elsewhere. Are you alone going to fail?"</p> - -<p>The bearded Afghans, astonished at seeing this young Englishman rushing -forward in advance of them, followed him, and again the Persians were -beaten back. But although the Afghans in front had been animated by -the lad's example, those behind were still dropping off. The wuzeer, -aroused by the vigorous exhortations of Pottinger, had risen up and -neared the breach. The Persians were renewing their attack, and the -wuzeer called upon his men to fight. The fugitives paused irresolute. -The wuzeer's heart failed him again, and he turned back, his action -still further discouraging the men. Pottinger, in the most vehement -language, exhorted him to set an example. Again he turned and advanced, -but again shrank back. Pottinger now instead of entreating reviled and -threatened him, called him opprobrious names, and at last, seizing -him by his arm, dragged him forward to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> breach. This astounding -treatment maddened the Afghan. He shouted to the soldiers to fight, -and as they continued to fall back, seized a large staff, and, rushing -like a madman upon the soldiers, drove them forward again with a shower -of heavy blows, while Pottinger sword in hand seconded him. Cooped up -as they were, and seeing no other outlet of escape, many of them leapt -wildly down over the parapet, rushed down the slope, and fell upon -the Persian stormers. Believing that great reinforcements must have -arrived, these were seized by a panic, abandoned their position, and -fled.</p> - -<p>Herat was saved entirely by the energy and courage of the young English -lieutenant. Pottinger's first question was as to his companion. He -had, while urging the wuzeer to advance, caught sight of him fighting -desperately in the midst of the Persians, and he at once made his -way down to that spot. He was not long in discovering Angus, who was -lying insensible, bleeding from a number of sabre wounds. Calling four -Afghans, he ordered him to be carried on to the wall. There he bandaged -his wounds, and then had him placed on a stretcher and carried to their -lodging, taking on himself to send an order to the wuzeer's own medical -attendant to go there at once and attend to his wounds. Then he turned -his attention to the wuzeer. The mind of the minister had been almost -unhinged by the terrible events, and he was still wandering about in a -confused and bewildered way. Several of the other chiefs were similarly -affected, and were unable for days afterwards to perform their usual -duties.</p> - -<p>The soldiers themselves, instead of being excited over their victory, -were as gloomy and depressed as if they had suffered a defeat. The -peril had been so great, the city had been so nearly lost, that there -was a general feeling that another such attack would be successful. -Their confidence hitherto had rested upon the wuzeer, and on the -conviction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> that their courage was infinitely greater than that of the -Persians, and they had found that the Persians could now fight as well -and stoutly as they themselves. They were humiliated by knowing that -it was to a young English officer they owed it that the Persians had -failed in their object, and that another young Englishman, scarce more -than a boy, had led their best and bravest into the thick of the fray, -and had himself penetrated beyond them into the midst of the Persians -and had fallen there. None appreciate bravery more than do the Afghans. -It was not so much that Pottinger had exposed himself recklessly to the -shower of bullets with which the Persians in their trenches swept the -spot where he was standing with the wuzeer, but that he should have -ventured to abuse, revile, and even forcibly drag their dreaded leader -forward astounded them.</p> - -<p>All Herat felt that it was he who had saved the city, and the fame -of the deed spread through the country round, and men when they came -in sought him out and kissed his hand with enthusiasm. A deep gloom, -however, hung over the city. Even the work of repairing the damaged -fortifications was carried on apathetically. They had repulsed the -Persians, but it was felt that nothing but a miracle could enable them -to withstand another such assault. Food was all but exhausted, the -treasury was empty, the inhabitants could not be fed, the soldiers -could not be paid. But an equal amount of depression was felt in -the Persian camp. Five assaults had all failed, and some eighteen -hundred of their best troops had fallen. The loss of officers had been -enormous; the Russian general, Berowski, had been killed, and two of -the principal Persian generals. Another Russian general, Sampson, and -two pashas had been wounded, and almost all the field officers of the -regiments engaged in the attack were hors de combat.</p> - -<p>Pottinger's position was a very painful one. The need<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> for money to -pay the troops was absolute, and the wuzeer, when he had recovered -from the effects of his scare, instituted a reign of terror even -more terrible than anything the wretched inhabitants had ever before -felt. The soldiers went from house to house, and all suspected of -possessing money were seized and tortured. Even ladies of rank were -so treated, and the very inmates of Kamran's zenana were threatened -and had to contribute their jewels. Pottinger felt that it was solely -owing to his influence that the city had so long held out, and as he -went through the streets starving men reproached him as the author of -their sufferings. He did all that he could, but that was little. Men -of all ranks came to him imploring his aid and protection. Some he was -able to save, but for others he could do nothing. Never was a young -soldier placed in so terrible a dilemma. As a man he was agonized by -the sufferings he saw round him—sufferings he could at once bring -to an end by advising the wuzeer to surrender: as a soldier and an -Englishman, he felt that it was his duty to hold out to the bitter end.</p> - -<p>His position became still more difficult when, a fortnight after the -assault, the Persians again opened negotiations, demanding, however, -as a first step that he should be expelled from the city. Pottinger -declared that no thought of personal safety should persuade him to -stand in the way of any arrangement conducive to the safety of Herat -and the welfare of his country, and that if these could be gained by -his departure he would willingly leave the town. But Yar Mahomed was -undecided. He felt that the dismissal of the man who had saved Herat -would be a stain on his character, and, moreover, that the Persians -having obtained his dismissal, would become still more exorbitant in -their demands. He had long expected the arrival of a relieving force of -Turkomans, and Pottinger was convinced that ere long the intervention -of England would compel the Persians<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> to fall back. The bombardment of -the city had not been renewed since the repulse of the attack, and the -Persians relied now solely upon famine to reduce it, and maintained a -strict blockade.</p> - -<p>In order to mitigate the horrors he saw around him, Pottinger undertook -that all who voluntarily brought in their money should be reimbursed at -his recommendation by the British government. This brought some money -in, though slowly, and July passed. Then a deserter from the Persian -camp brought in news that there was a report that a great British army -had landed in the Persian Gulf, had taken Bushire, and was advancing. -This report had fortunately enormously magnified the strength of the -British expedition, and the news gave fresh life to the defenders of -Herat. The Persians again opened negotiations, waiving the question -of the expulsion of Pottinger, but the wuzeer was less inclined than -before to yield to the Persian demands.</p> - -<p>M'Neill was on his way to the frontier when he was informed of the -arrival of the British expedition to the Persian Gulf, and at the same -time received instructions from the Foreign Office in anticipation of -the refusal of the Shah to retire from before Herat. Fortified by these -instructions, he despatched Colonel Stoddart to the Persian camp with -a message to the Shah. He arrived there on the 11th of August, and on -the next day had an interview with the Shah, who welcomed him with -cordiality, and listened to the message from the British government.</p> - -<p>"It means, then," he said, "that if I do not leave Herat there will be -war?"</p> - -<p>"It all depends upon your Majesty's answer," Stoddart replied.</p> - -<p>Two days later Stoddart was again summoned to the royal presence. "We -consent," the Shah said, "to the whole of the demands from the British -government. We will not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> go to war. Were it not for the sake of their -friendship, we should not return from before Herat. Had we known that -by our coming here we should risk the loss of their friendship, we -certainly should not have come at all."</p> - -<p>In reply, Colonel Stoddart said he thanked God that his Majesty had -taken so wise a view of the real interests of Persia. But as he left -the audience, he hinted to the Persian minister that although the -Shah's answer was very satisfactory, it would be more satisfactory -still to see it at once reduced to practice. Although rumours reached -the city that the Persians were about to leave, it was not for another -week that the rumours became a certainty. An effort was made to induce -the wuzeer to make some concessions that would give a better grace -to the withdrawal of the Shah. Some of the conditions suggested were -refused by Pottinger's advice; but on the 4th of September the Persian -prisoners in the town were sent into camp, and on the 9th the Persian -army began their march back to Teheran.</p> - -<p>It was time indeed that they did so, for they had but three or four -days' supply of forage remaining, and their flour and grain were almost -all exhausted. Their failure to capture so weakly fortified a place -was, in Pottinger's opinion, due to the fact that there was no union -of effort. The commanders of the various sections of the army acted -independently, and except when, under the command of the Russians, -they made a simultaneous attack, they never acted in concert with each -other. It was his opinion that the Shah might have carried the city -by assault the very first day that he reached Herat. He declared that -the Persians were equally as brave as and far better soldiers than the -Afghans, and that they had an ample supply of artillery to capture a -strong fortress if properly employed.</p> - -<p>For a week after the struggle of the 24th of June Angus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> Campbell lay -between life and death. He had lost a great quantity of blood, and -when first carried to his room his Armenian friends believed him to be -dead. Pottinger, who had hurried back as soon as he saw that there was -no chance of a renewal of the assault, went to Kamran's and obtained -some spirits, and with the aid of these the action of the heart, -which had before been so slight that the pulse could not be felt, was -stimulated, and respiration grew stronger. Kamran's doctor had already -declared that none of the wounds were in themselves dangerous, but -that he despaired of the patient recovering. Pottinger, however, by no -means despaired; he procured some fresh meat, and ordered a servant to -make the strongest broth possible, and to pour a spoonful between the -patient's lips every few minutes. Angus was wrapped in warm blankets, -and a large bottle of hot water placed against his feet. The wounds -had already been carefully dressed and bandaged by the surgeon, for -although almost entirely ignorant as to the use of drugs, Afghan -doctors had abundant practice in the treatment of wounds.</p> - -<p>Pottinger remained two or three hours, and then, seeing that Angus was -breathing regularly though feebly, and that the pulse could now be felt -at the wrist, hurried off to see that the work of repairing the breach -had been taken in hand, Kajar's wife undertaking to look after the -patient. For a week the issue of the struggle was doubtful; then the -improvement, although slow, was distinct, and day by day some slight -advance was made. The ladies of Kamran's zenana were much interested in -the young Englishman, and frequently sent down presents of fruit and -perfumes. Both were welcome. The air of Herat was very unfavourable to -wounds, but a little scent sprinkled on a muslin curtain drawn across -the window to some extent neutralized the terrible stenches of the -town, and a handkerchief steeped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> in water to which a little of the -perfume had been added, was laid lightly over the bandages.</p> - -<p>In three weeks Angus was able to sit up for a time, and a week later -he walked across the room. His progress was now more rapid, and by the -end of July he was able to sit on a donkey as far as the city wall, -where he could breathe a purer air than that of the city, and by the -end of August he could walk freely about the town. But he was listless -and without energy. It was now certain that in a very short time the -Persians would draw off.</p> - -<p>"You must be out of this as soon as you can, Angus," Pottinger said to -him one evening. "What you want is some mountain air. You will never -get better as long as you remain in this pestilential atmosphere. It -is enough to kill a healthy dog, and I only wonder that the whole -population has not been swept away. When M'Neill was here, he told me -that if our people interfered and Herat was saved he should appoint -me officially as the British resident envoy. He said that he was sure -the British government would send money and do all that was possible -to alleviate the misery that has been suffered by the inhabitants; and -although I would infinitely rather have other employment, it seems to -me that it is clearly my duty to stay here. It is largely owing to me -that these poor people have suffered for ten months the horrors of the -siege, and the least I can do is to help them now, for if I did not -you may be sure that any money sent by England would simply remain in -the coffers of Kamran and the wuzeer. It is said, and I quite believe -it, that a large proportion of the money wrung by torture from these -wretched people has been retained by Yar Mahomed. It is therefore -absolutely necessary, if the people are to be fed, their houses -rebuilt, and matters tided over till trade recovers, that a British -officer be here to receive and superintend the distribution of British<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> -money. But the very day the gate is open you had better be off. You -speak Afghan now perfectly, and I am glad to see that Azim has picked -it up too. He is a capital fellow, and has watched over you since you -have been ill as if you had been his father. The question is, do you -feel strong enough to travel through the mountains? If not, there is -nothing for it but for you to return to Teheran and stay there till -your strength is restored."</p> - -<p>Angus shook his head. "I don't think that I could stand the journey -across the plains," he said, "nor that I should pick up much at -Teheran, while I believe that in the hills I should soon get braced -up. There is nothing really the matter with me now, except that I feel -lazy. If there had been fighting going on, and there was something I -must do, I should soon shake it off; but what with the sight of the -misery of the people here, and the stinks, and the heat, I feel myself -that I am making no progress. I believe I shall be a different man as -soon as I am once out of this place and on my way to the hills. It will -soon be getting cold up there, and in a fortnight I shall be fit for -anything."</p> - -<p>"I think you are right, Angus; I would give a good deal myself for a -few hours in the fresh mountain air. I do think that you are strong -enough to travel quietly. Of course you will have to do so, as I did, -in disguise; and indeed this will be much more necessary now than it -was a year ago. It is well known that the chiefs at Candahar have been -long negotiating with Persia, and have offered to place themselves -under the Shah's protection, and that, encouraged and pushed on by -Russia, they have meditated an invasion of India. The news of the -failure here will no doubt moderate their ardour, but from all that has -been learned from Afghans who have come into the town during the siege, -there is throughout the whole country a feeling of deep excitement at -the prospect of another Mohammedan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> invasion of India, and a conviction -that the whole country would rise and join the Persians were they to -advance to Candahar.</p> - -<p>"The Afghans consider that Russian influence really means Persian -influence, whereas we know that it is just the other way, and that -Russia only uses Persia as her cat's-paw. As for the Persians, we -know now what they are worth, and that a British division would be -sufficient to smash them up. But the Afghans don't know that. They -believe that Persia is the Persia of old, and that with her aid they -could assuredly drive the British out of India. This being the state -of feeling, your chance of getting through were it discovered that -you were British would be small indeed. You must pass as a Persian -who, having long traded with Herat, has learnt the Afghan language. It -would be a natural story that, finding that Herat is ruined, and that -there can be no trade between it and Persia for a long time, you are -travelling south with the intention of fixing yourself at Candahar, and -of trading between that town and India on the one side and Persia on -the other. You can account for your not having merchandise with you by -saying that owing to the presence of the Persian army, and marauders -from Herat, and the general disturbance of the country, it would not -have been safe to travel with merchandise."</p> - -<p>"I will certainly carry out your plan," Angus said. "I don't think -there will be any difficulty in getting through. But I do wish that you -were coming with me."</p> - -<p>"I hope it will not be very long before I follow you, for I think there -will be some stirring work there soon."</p> - -<p>Angus was well provided with money. He had received from Mr. M'Neill a -sum that would not only cover all the expenses of his journey to Herat, -but would enable him either to return to Teheran or proceed to India, -as circumstances might determine. In addition to this, he had received<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> -a year's salary in recognition of the risk he incurred. He had this sum -still in his possession. The money he had brought from Tabriz he had -left at the embassy, Mr. M'Neill promising to send an order for the -amount should he write for it from India.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V</a></p> - -<p class="center">IN CANDAHAR</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">On</span> the 15th of September Angus started, after a tearful farewell -from his Armenian friends. Their gratitude to him and Pottinger was -unbounded. The presence and influence of their two English guests had -preserved them from the rapacity and cruelty of the wuzeer, while all -other merchants and traders in the town had been maltreated and robbed, -and in many cases had died under the tortures inflicted to wring from -them treasures it was believed they possessed. Kajar and his brother -and their families alone enjoyed an immunity from persecution. Both -had determined that they would leave Herat, and taking with them their -workmen, establish themselves at Teheran or Tabriz, where the profit of -their work might be less, but they would at least be able to enjoy it -in security, such as could never be hoped for as long as Yar Mahomed -was the virtual ruler of Herat.</p> - -<p>The period that had elapsed since Angus left Teheran had changed him -much. He was no longer a boy, for he had been doing man's work. He was -now nearly eighteen years old, and had attained his full height of -nearly six feet. His illness had pulled him down much, and sharpened -his features, and except for his lighter colour, he really more -closely resembled an Afghan than the Persian trader he was dressed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> to -represent. The pallor caused by his illness had been succeeded by a -deep tan, caused by his passing so many hours daily in the sun during -his convalescence.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to be out of Herat," Azim said, as he looked back at the -walls.</p> - -<p>"So am I, Azim. I thought at one time that I was never coming out at -all."</p> - -<p>"It is a very bad place, master. In Persia the governors squeeze the -people a bit, and sometimes there is much grumbling, but the worst of -them are very much better than Yar Mahomed, who is a son of Sheitan, -whom may Allah confound."</p> - -<p>"He is a scoundrel," Angus agreed heartily. "I wonder myself that the -people of Herat have not long since risen and torn him to pieces. I -know that if I had been a merchant there I should have tried to stir -them up to do it."</p> - -<p>Azim shook his head. "They cannot trust each other, effendi. There are -many who would like to do as you have said, but there are many who -cannot trust their own neighbours."</p> - -<p>"Then I would do it myself. Look how many old men were tortured to -death; some of them must have had sons. Had my father been so tortured -I would have lain in wait for the wuzeer day after day in some empty -house—there are plenty of them in one of the streets by which he -usually went from his palace to the walls—and as he rode past I would -have put a bullet in his head. I would then have escaped from the back -of the house if possible. No one would have seen who had fired the -shot, and I should have been safe if once away. If I were overtaken I -would put a pistol to my head, so as to avoid being tortured to death. -I cannot understand thirty or forty thousand people continuing to -support the rule of a tyrant, when one bold man could put an end to -it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> - -<p>Once on his way Angus felt new life in his veins, and in a week he had -entirely shaken off the feeling of lassitude that had oppressed him in -the poisoned air of Herat, and felt equal to any ordinary exertion. As -he had expected, he met with no difficulties whatever on his way, for -on the road between Herat and Candahar the Afghans were accustomed to -see Persian traders passing, and no suspicion whatever was felt that -Angus and his attendant were other than they represented themselves -to be. The journey was a long one, but Angus did not hurry. It was -pleasant to him, after being for a year cooped up in the besieged -city, to travel quietly in the fresh mountain air. The scenery was all -new to him, and though Azim felt the cold a good deal, Angus enjoyed -it immensely. He made short stages, and never exceeded twenty miles -a day, and often, when he arrived at a village which offered fair -accommodation, he was content to stay when only fourteen or fifteen -had been traversed. As this was the great high-road of trade there -were khans in almost every village, and there was no difficulty in -purchasing the necessaries of life. Everywhere the talk was of war.</p> - -<p>Once beyond the territory over which Shah Mahomed ruled, the news that -the Persians had failed to take Herat and had retired had excited -regret. It had been regarded as certain that the place would fall, -and all had anticipated the march of a Persian and Russian army to -Candahar, to be followed by a grand invasion of India. The mountaineers -had felt sure that the army would gladly pay whatever was demanded for -permission to pass unmolested; that they would be ready to pay high -prices for provisions and the hire of transport animals, so that they -would enrich themselves in the first place, and then have a chance of -sharing in the plunder of India, and the destruction of the infidels. -Angus was appealed to by all with whom he conversed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> explain how it -was that the Shah with his great army had failed to take Herat. He was -eagerly questioned, too, with regard to Russia, a country of which they -had heard many strange rumours. Were they very strong? were they really -in alliance with Persia? were they infidels? if so, how was it that the -Shah was friendly with them?</p> - -<p>To the first of these questions Angus could only reply that, not having -been in the Persian camp, he was unable to give them information. There -were certainly Russian generals and officers leading the Persians at -the siege of Herat. They were infidels, and neighbours of the Persians. -For himself, he thought that while no doubt the Shah wished to be at -peace with such powerful neighbours, he would be wise not to trust them -very far. He could not really wish for them to become more powerful, -and if they aided him, it could only be for their own objects. As a -peaceful man he himself only desired to trade, and left these matters -to wiser heads. But at the same time he knew that Russia was constantly -extending its dominions at the expense of its neighbours; and that, -as it was a Christian country, it certainly could not be thinking of -invading India for the benefit of the Mohammedans of that country, or -those of Afghanistan—certainly not those of Persia. Whatever the Shah -and the military officers might think, the trading classes were uneasy -at the influence that Russia was gaining, and apprehensive of the -growing power and proximity of a neighbour possessed of such immense -forces, and of ambitious views.</p> - -<p>Two months after leaving Herat Angus entered Candahar. The journey -had been wholly without any incident of importance. The appearance of -Candahar somewhat resembled that of Herat. Situated in a fertile plain, -with a range of craggy hills at no great distance, and surrounded by -a wall, it was incapable of offering any prolonged resistance to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> -attack of a European force provided with siege artillery. The town was -a comparatively modern one, being founded in 1754 on the site of an -ancient city. It was built on a regular plan, the streets all crossing -each other at right angles. Like Herat, it had four principal streets -meeting in the centre, each of these 150 feet wide, and lined with -shops. Streams of water ran down almost every street.</p> - -<p>The town made a very favourable impression on Angus after the ruin -and dirt of Herat. As a Persian he felt at home here, for Persian -inscriptions and names met his eye everywhere, as throughout -Afghanistan the whole of the trade is carried on by Persians or by -natives of India, the Afghans themselves deeming the profession of arms -the only one honourable. The upper classes among them all habitually -spoke Persian; which language was generally employed in writing and in -all official communications. Angus put up at a khan which he learned -was frequented by traders passing through the city, and soon made the -acquaintance of several merchants lodging there. From them he learned -much more of the state of affairs than he had gathered in the Afghan -villages he had passed through on the journey. The English were, it was -said, gathering a great army in Scinde with the intention of placing -Shah Soojah on the throne of Afghanistan instead of Dost Mahomed.</p> - -<p>Of all the blunders that have been committed from the time of our -first arrival in India, none is comparable, in point of injustice, -hopeless blundering, or misfortune, to the policy thus inaugurated in -Afghanistan. Shah Soojah was the head of the Dooranee tribe, and had -been overthrown by the Barukzyes, who had gradually attained a power -which the Dooranee monarch was unable to withstand. The four princes -of that tribe divided the kingdom between themselves, and after waging -many wars against each other Dost Mahomed, the youngest of the four -brothers, became<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> ruler of Cabul. During these wars Peshawur had been -captured by the great Sikh ruler, Runjeet Sing. In 1834 Shah Soojah -made an effort to recover his kingdom, but was defeated, and again -became a fugitive in British India.</p> - -<p>Dost Mahomed, alarmed at the preparations made by the Sikhs for -still further dismembering his country, and by the fact that his -two brothers, who were Lords of Candahar, might at any moment take -advantage of his troubles with the Sikhs to throw off his authority -altogether, was anxious to enter into an alliance with the British, -all the more so as he had learned of the ever-increasing influence of -Russia in Persia. Lord Auckland sent Captain Burnes to Cabul; nominally -his purpose was to arrange for a larger commercial intercourse between -the two countries. He was received with great honour in Cabul, but he -had come altogether unprovided with the customary presents, and Dost -Mahomed reasonably felt this as a studied slight. Nevertheless he -exerted himself to the utmost to obtain the alliance of the British. -But Burnes had no authority whatever to treat with him, and could give -him no assurances that aid would be forthcoming if, on the fall of -Herat, which was considered certain, the Persians and Russians, aided -by the Candahar chiefs, who were known to be in correspondence with -them, were to invade his territory. Nor could he obtain any promise -that the British would use their influence with Runjeet Sing to restore -Peshawur.</p> - -<p>Burnes saw how sincere was the desire of the Ameer for a close -friendship with England, and wrote strongly to Lord Auckland in favour -of an alliance with him. He pointed out that Dost Mahomed was firmly -seated at Cabul, where he had reigned for ten years, that Shah Soojah -had no adherents, and even if placed on the throne could not maintain -himself there. Colonel Pottinger, the resident in Scinde, also gave the -same advice, but Lord Auckland paid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> no attention whatever to their -representations. A weak man, he was guided chiefly by Mr. Macnaghten, -his secretary, a comparatively young man, with great ambition and -an unbounded belief in himself, but, as events proved, with few of -the qualities required in a man placed in a highly responsible and -difficult position in India. Burnes was instructed to insist upon the -Ameer's binding himself to make no alliances whatever without the -consent of England, and at the same time he was to refuse to give any -pledges in return for such a concession.</p> - -<p>A more preposterous demand was never made upon an independent -sovereign. For a long time the Ameer strove in vain to obtain some sort -of conditions, and at length, finding this hopeless, he threw himself -into the arms of the Russian agent, whom he had hitherto treated with -great coldness. Burnes's position became intolerable, and he was -recalled; and Lord Auckland at once prepared to place Shah Soojah on -the throne by force. Runjeet Sing was asked to join in the undertaking, -and at a great durbar held in the Punjaub, the conditions were -arranged, under which Shah Soojah was to pay a large amount to Runjeet -as well as to the British for the aid they were to give him. As if it -was not enough to have united all Afghanistan against us, the people of -Scinde, who had hitherto been on good terms with us, were treated as if -they were enemies. They were ordered to furnish provisions and carriage -for the army, and to pay large sums of money, although they had, by the -terms of a treaty with us, been guaranteed against any claim whatever -for money or services. It would seem, indeed, that Lord Auckland and -Mr. Macnaghten had neglected no step whatever that could ensure the -failure of their enterprise. When, after the war, the papers relating -to the policy that had occasioned it were published in the form of -a blue-book, it is significant that the passages in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> letters of -Burnes and Pottinger remonstrating against the course proposed by Lord -Auckland were suppressed, dishonesty being thus added to the terrible -blunders of the weakest and most obstinate of the governor-generals of -India—blunders that caused not only the utter destruction of a British -army, but led to an almost equally unjust war for the conquest of -Scinde.</p> - -<p>As far as Angus could learn the Candahar princes were making no -preparations whatever to take part in the war. The general idea was -that they would gladly see Dost Mahomed overthrown and Shah Soojah -placed on the throne, feeling certain that the latter would not be able -to retain his position, and that they would have a far better chance of -becoming masters of the whole of Afghanistan then than they could have -so long as their brother remained on the throne. Three days after his -arrival an officer from the palace called upon Angus and requested him -to accompany him there, as the princes wished to question him as to the -reasons for the Persians retiring from before Herat. On arriving at the -palace he was shown into a small chamber, where Kihur-el-Khan, with two -of his brothers, was sitting.</p> - -<p>"I have heard that you have arrived here, and that you passed by Herat -just as your Shah had left with his army."</p> - -<p>"That is so, Prince," Angus said, bowing deeply.</p> - -<p>"You have come hither for purposes of trade? From what city do you -come?"</p> - -<p>"From Tabriz. I represent one of the largest merchants there." And -he mentioned the name of a well-known trader. "When I left it was -considered certain that Herat would speedily be captured, and that -the Shah would move forward here, having, it was said, entered into -an alliance with you. 'Therefore,' my patron said to me, 'go you to -Candahar. Doubtless, in future, trade with Northern India will go by -that route instead of by sea, and Candahar will be a mighty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> centre -of trade. Therefore go and see for yourself what are the prospects, -and the price at which goods can be carried from the present frontier -to that city and thence into Scinde. Find out for me whether there -are any hindrances to trade along the road, what are the charges for -permission to travel through the passes held by various tribes, and the -disposition of the people towards traders.'"</p> - -<p>"How was it that you did not turn back when you found that your army -was retiring without having captured Herat?"</p> - -<p>"I thought it best still to go on as I had come so far," Angus replied. -"The Shah, it is true, was retiring, but he might return in the spring; -and I could not doubt that with your powerful friendship he would the -next time succeed, and the information that I should gain would enable -my patron to send off without delay a large caravan of merchandise if -he found it expedient to do so."</p> - -<p>"Were you in the Persian camp?"</p> - -<p>"No, your highness. An army when it is retiring is best avoided by -peaceful men. When all goes well the camp officers see that traders -are not meddled with by the soldiers, but when things are not going -favourably and there is discontent in camp, discipline is relaxed, -and it is useless for those who are robbed or maltreated to make -complaints."</p> - -<p>"That is no doubt true, but doubtless you heard a good deal from those -who have been in the camp. How did men say it was that they failed to -capture Herat, which is but a weak town?"</p> - -<p>"Some say one thing and some another, your highness. Some declare that -had it not been for a British officer who happened to be there the -place would have fallen in a very short time. Others say that it could -have been taken easily had all the Persian generals been of one mind, -but that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> each acted for himself, and that only once did all attack at -the same time."</p> - -<p>The Prince nodded. He had seen very many times the evil of divided -counsels, and knew how necessary it was that there should be a strong -leader who could make himself obeyed by all.</p> - -<p>"And what do people say about the Russians? We know that they had -officers there. We hear that they are a great people, and are good -friends with Persians."</p> - -<p>"Opinions are divided, Prince. There are those who believe that their -friendship will indeed be a great advantage to Persia. There are -others, especially among the trading class, who think otherwise, and -believe that Russia is too strong to be a real friend, and that it -would be far better to maintain a close alliance with England, which -would support them against Russia, and which lies so far away across -the seas that it could gain nothing by meddling in her affairs or -taking her territory."</p> - -<p>"But it is reported that it is the English who have now interfered and -have saved Herat, and are sending a fleet and an army to compel Persia -to desist."</p> - -<p>"That is what was reported and generally believed, Prince, but I cannot -say how truly; I merely heard the common talk on the way."</p> - -<p>"But why should England have interfered? What does it matter to them -whether Herat belongs to Persia or to the Suddozye, Prince Kamran."</p> - -<p>"According to the opinion of the traders in Tabriz, England would not -have cared at all had Persia been strong and been fighting only for the -conquest of Herat, but it was known that England regards with great -jealousy the approach of Russia to India, and considers that as Persia -was certainly acting under the influence of Russia, it was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> latter -who would be the real masters of Herat, and not the Persians. Then, -too, it was said—though we know that rumour often lies—that Russia -and Persia had many friends in Afghanistan, and that the conquest of -Herat would only be the first step to further advances south."</p> - -<p>Kihur-el-Khan frowned. Such an undertaking had certainly been made by -him and his brothers, but the retreat of the Persians from Herat at -the dictation of the English, and the fact that the latter were now -gathering an army with the avowed purpose of placing Shah Soojah on the -throne of Afghanistan, gravely altered the position. They had no love -for their brother, and had a British force advanced through the Khyber -passes to Cabul, and placed Shah Soojah on the throne, they would -certainly have rendered no assistance to Dost Mahomed, for they felt -sure that Soojah would not be able to maintain himself, and saw that -there was a good chance that in the confusion which would prevail, they -themselves might obtain the mastery of Cabul. But as the English army -was evidently intending to advance through the Bolan Pass, it would -probably in the first place march on Candahar, and they themselves -would, in consequence of their intrigues with Persia and Russia, be -regarded as enemies. He was therefore silent for a minute or two, -and then said: "If the Shah has retired because he is afraid of the -English, he will not venture to send another army to aid us against -them."</p> - -<p>"I do not think that he could do so. His army suffered very heavily."</p> - -<p>"I hear that you speak the language of our country. How is that?" the -Afghan asked suddenly.</p> - -<p>"I do not speak it well, your highness," replied Angus, who had thought -is possible that this question might be asked him. "Having known for -some time that I should make this journey hither, I studied for a -time with a slave who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> had been bought by a merchant of my employer's -acquaintance, who had himself bought him from the Turkomans in a -journey that he made in their country. But I speak it only well enough -to make my way through the country, and to obtain such necessaries as -may be required on the journey, and to converse in some fashion with -such travellers as I might meet on the road or in the khans."</p> - -<p>"It was reported to me that you spoke so that all could understand -you," he said. "It was this that seemed strange to me that you, a -Persian, should speak Pushtoo. I will speak to you further another day."</p> - -<p>As Angus returned to the khan, he felt that he was an object of -suspicion. Up to the point when the Prince had sharply and suddenly -asked how he came to speak Pushtoo, his bland manner had led him to -believe that he had been simply desirous of obtaining the last news -from the frontier. But this showed him unmistakably that the Prince had -learned something which had excited his suspicions that he was there -either as an emissary from Kamran, or of Russia or Persia, desirous of -ascertaining the position of affairs at Candahar, the forces at the -disposal of the princes, and the feeling among the people in general -with reference to a protectorate, or occupation by one or other of -those powers. Angus knew the naturally suspicious character of Eastern -princes. In Persia no one ever ventured to discuss any public affairs -openly. In Herat, hated as Kamran and Yar Mahomed were, no one dared -breathe a word of aught but adulation, for the slightest suspicion -of disloyalty sufficed to bring about the ruin and death of the -unfortunate man on whom it fell.</p> - -<p>The last words of the Prince were in fact a sentence of imprisonment -to the city for an indefinite time. The Prince might not send for him -again for months. But the mere intimation that he would do so was -sufficient. He could not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> continue his journey without running the -risk of being pursued and brought back again, in which case he might -first be tortured to extract any secret he might possess, and then be -put to death. He might, for aught he knew, be already spied upon, and -everything that he said or did reported. Consequently, when he reached -the khan, he took care to evince no appearance of thoughtfulness or -uneasiness, but chatted with the traders there upon commercial matters, -respecting the advantages of Cabul and Candahar as trading centres, -the amount of the taxes laid upon goods in the two cities, and other -topics that would naturally be of interest to a merchant intending to -establish himself in Afghanistan.</p> - -<p>He was under no uneasiness as to Azim. He had instructed him carefully -in the account he should give of himself, the city from which he came, -the merchants whose agent he was, the route he had followed, and -other similar matters, so that their stories should correspond in all -respects. When all had lain down for the night, Angus was able to think -over quietly what was to be done. As to remaining where he was, it -was clearly out of the question. For aught he knew, the British force -said to be gathering to advance on Cabul might be months before it was -put in motion, or the expedition might be abandoned altogether. Even -if the advance was made, it might not pass through Candahar, and he -might be detained in that city for an indefinite time. It was evident, -therefore, that he must somehow escape. The question was how this could -be managed. What disguise could he adopt, and how could he evade the -vigilance of those who were watching him? The matter was rendered all -the more difficult by the fact that there were practically but two -roads open to him, that through the Kojak Pass to Quettah, and that -to the north-east through Kelat-i-Ghilzye and Ghuznee to Cabul. If he -moved off either of these regular lines of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> traffic he would be unable -to give any reason for his divergence, and in any case would be subject -to plunder. Even on these roads it was only as a travelling merchant he -would be respected, and as a travelling merchant he would be quickly -overtaken by the Prince's followers.</p> - -<p>Think as he would, no plan occurred to him, and he at last went to -sleep determining to consult Azim, in whose sharpness he had much -faith. In the morning, accordingly, as soon as he was up, he sauntered -across the yard to where the boy was watching the horses feed, and -preventing other less fortunate animals from robbing them.</p> - -<p>"Azim," he said, "the Princes have their suspicions of me, and have -as much as ordered me not to leave the town; try and think over -some manner in which we may get away, and if overtaken may not be -recognized. I do not wish to talk with you now, because for aught we -know a spy may be at present watching us, but at mid-day I will come -out and speak to you again. In the meantime think it over. Now, when -the horses have done feeding, take your basket, go into the bazaar, -and buy food for our dinner, so that anyone who may be watching us may -suppose that I have merely been giving you orders what to purchase."</p> - -<p>He then went out into the town, and spent the morning looking into the -shops, and asking questions as to the prices of the goods, so that he -might appear to be ascertaining what profits would be made. He also -went to several shops which happened to be untenanted, asked the rent, -and made enquiries about the accommodation. At dinner-time he went over -to where Azim was squatting, attending to two earthenware pots that -were simmering over a small charcoal fire, which he was fanning to keep -it going.</p> - -<p>"I can think of nothing, master."</p> - -<p>"Then to-night, Azim, after everyone is asleep, get up quietly and go -round to the back of the khan. I will join<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> you there, and we will talk -it over together. Do not be surprised if I keep you waiting some time. -Some of these people may sit up late talking. I cannot move till all -are asleep. It is quite possible that someone who is lodging at the -khan may be watching us."</p> - -<p>It was indeed late before the talk ceased and all lay down to sleep. -Angus waited for another hour and then got up quietly and went out. Two -minutes later he joined Azim. "Well, lad, have you thought of any plan -yet?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, master; unless we leave our animals and goods behind us."</p> - -<p>"That we could do," Angus said. "I can get rid of the goods to-morrow. -Why leave the animals?"</p> - -<p>"Because, sir, they will be looking for a man with a fair complexion, -and a boy, mounted on horses."</p> - -<p>"That is so; but if we left the horses behind us and walked it would be -just as bad."</p> - -<p>"I did not think of walking, master. I thought that perhaps you might -buy a camel and go on that."</p> - -<p>"That would be better certainly, Azim. We might both darken our faces, -and in my Afghan dress might make our way easily enough, if it were -not that we should be hotly pursued, and then a man and boy, however -they were dressed, or however they were travelling, would be sure to -be closely examined. I have it!" he said after a pause. "You might -go as a woman; well wrapped up, little more than your eyes would be -seen. You might ride on the camel, and I might lead it. In that way -we might pass as natives of some village among the hills. The first -difficulty, however, is how to buy a camel. I have my Afghan dress, -and, if I were sure that I was not watched, could get to some quiet -spot, change my Persian dress for it, and go boldly into a shop and buy -a woman's clothes for you; I could then go down into the quarter where -the tribesmen encamp and buy a camel. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> if I were caught doing so, -it would be almost proof positive that I was going to try to leave the -city, and in that case I should no doubt be arrested and thrown into -prison at once."</p> - -<p>"We might steal one," Azim suggested. "There are many always grazing -outside the wall while their masters are here doing their business."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but they have not saddles. However, I will think it over, Azim. -Your idea about having a camel has certainly shown me a way in which we -can get away if it is managed well, and I ought to be able to find some -plan by which we can carry it out. It is of no use talking any longer -over it, there is no hurry for a day or two; and the longer I appear to -be really engaged in looking for a place of business, the more careless -the watch may become."</p> - -<p>Angus did not go to sleep that night, but thinking the situation over -in every way decided that the first step to be taken was to ascertain -for certain whether they were watched. If they were not, the matter -would be comparatively easy, but if his every movement were followed, -he could see no way out of the difficulty. When he paid his usual visit -to Azim in the morning, he said: "I want to find out if I am followed. -I will walk straight along this street towards the southern gate. When -I get to the last turning to the left, I will turn up it; then I shall -be out of the crowd. Do you keep a good long way behind me. I shall go -on for some distance, and then mount the wall and walk along there, -looking over the country. I want you to observe if any man follows -me. You must be so far off that even if he looks round he will not -recognize you. I don't want you to find out this time who he is, we can -do that later on; I only want to know if I am followed. Each time I -turn a corner he is likely to look round before he turns, so when you -see him getting near a corner that I have turned, hide yourself if you -can."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I understand, master."</p> - -<p>Accordingly, when half an hour later Angus came out, the lad waited for -a time, and then followed him. His master was out of sight, and Azim -walked quickly till he saw him looking as usual into one of the shops, -and then dropped behind again and followed slowly until Angus turned -off the street that he had named. Azim walked still more slowly, and on -reaching the corner saw him a considerable distance ahead. There were -but a few people about, for beyond the four principal streets were many -large open spaces dotted here and there with ruined walls of houses -that had stood there at the time when the city was far more populous -than it was at present. Angus was walking at a steady pace, as if he -had some definite object in view, and of the various people in sight -only one, who was about half way between him and Azim, was walking at -anything like the same rate. A hundred yards farther Angus turned to -the right. Azim kept on until he saw the man he was watching was close -to that point; he then stepped aside into an empty piece of ground -between two houses. Half a minute later he looked out; the man was no -longer visible. He walked on fast until he reached the corner, and saw -the man again turn off after Angus. They were near the wall now, and -the boy went forward with greater caution than before. When he got to -where he had last seen his master, he caught sight of him on the wall -some fifty yards away. The man who had been following him had stopped -at a low wall, and over it was watching Angus furtively. That settled -the point, and Azim at once returned to the khan. It was an hour later -before Angus came in. He did not pay any attention to Azim, but went in -and engaged in talk as usual with some of the occupants. It was an hour -before he came out to the yard.</p> - -<p>"Well, lad?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"You were watched, master. A man followed you all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> way, and hid -behind a wall to watch you when you went on the wall. I thought at the -time that I might have crept up to him and stabbed him if I had wanted -to, but of course I would not without your orders."</p> - -<p>"No, that would not have done at all till we are ready to go; and I -don't like stabbing anyhow. Still, I will think it over. Come round -again to the same meeting-place to-night; by that time I shall have -decided what to do."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI</a></p> - -<p class="center">AN ESCAPE</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">"I think</span>, Azim," Angus said, when they met that night "you must buy -some clothes for yourself. You may be pretty sure that no one is -watching you. You must not get them at any shop in the main street, -because there are always passers-by who stop and listen to the bargains -made; but there are some by-streets where there are a few shops. Of -course you will go into a Persian's. If you give a fair price—not too -high, you know, so as to seem too anxious to buy—I don't suppose he -will trouble much what you may want them for. You must make out some -likely story—say, for example, that your master keeps a sharp look-out -over you, and that you want to be able to go out sometimes in such a -dress that he would not know you if he met you. I don't know that that -is a good excuse, but I am unable to think of a better one. All you -will want will be a long white robe coming over the head and down to -the eyebrows, and falling to the feet; and a white cloth coming across -the face below the eyes, and falling down over the throat. There is no -occasion to buy other garments. A rug torn asunder and wrapped round -the waist,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> falling to the feet, so as to fill up the outside robe, -is all that will be required. But the more I think of it, Azim, the -greater appears the difficulty about the camel; indeed, now that we -have ascertained about this spy, it seems to me hardly possible to make -a start without being pursued at once."</p> - -<p>Azim nodded approvingly. "That is just what I think, master. But I -could put a knife into him, and then all trouble would be over."</p> - -<p>"I don't like the idea of killing the man, Azim."</p> - -<p>"You killed many men at Herat."</p> - -<p>"That was in battle, which is a very different thing from stabbing a -man to enable us to get away."</p> - -<p>Azim shook his head. This was quite beyond him. "He is fighting against -you now, master. If the princes find out that you are English they will -put you in a dungeon and most likely kill you, and kill me too, so as -to shut my mouth. This man is paid to act as a spy on you. Why not -kill him? Thousands of people were killed or died at Herat. I cannot -understand why one man should not be killed, when we can perhaps get -free away if he is dead."</p> - -<p>"If he found us escaping and attacked us, we could kill him, Azim, but -it is not an Englishman's way to kill men, except in fight."</p> - -<p>Azim shook his head. To his mind this was very foolish. "Perhaps we -might make him prisoner, Azim."</p> - -<p>"Where could we put him in prison?" Azim enquired, with his eyes wide -open in surprise.</p> - -<p>"I don't mean in a prison, Azim, I mean in some empty house or some -out-of-the-way place; we might tie his arms and legs and gag him."</p> - -<p>Azim's eyes twinkled. "I see, master, you do not like to use a knife. -Good, we can bind and hide him. Perhaps no one would come for a long -time, may be a year, and, finding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> only a skeleton, would not bother -about him. He would just say it was some fellow killed by robbers."</p> - -<p>"No, no, Azim," Angus said in a tone of horror. "I never thought of -such a thing. No doubt someone would come along and let him out."</p> - -<p>"Someone might come, master. He might come a few minutes after we had -gone, then they would catch us at once. If someone did not come in an -hour, why should he come in a week or a month?"</p> - -<p>Angus was silent. "No, Azim, you don't quite understand me. I meant -that he should be gagged and bound after dark, and then be left in some -place a little distance from the road, where he would not be seen till -morning. Then the first person who came along would turn aside and look -at him, and he would be loosed, but we should have got twelve hours' -start."</p> - -<p>"That would be a good plan, master. But how should we get the camel?"</p> - -<p>"In that case we should make a start without it, for we might ride -fifty miles, perhaps a good deal more than that, before it would be -discovered that we had gone. We could do that in our present dress, and -then I could put on my Afghan clothes and go into a village off the -road and say that the horses were tired and that I wanted to go on, and -so buy a camel."</p> - -<p>Azim shook his head. "Anyone who wanted to go on fast, master, would -not buy a camel."</p> - -<p>Angus uttered an exclamation of disgust, and Azim struck another blow -at his plan by saying, "How would you get the horses out, master? The -gates are shut at dark. You could not tie up the spy till after the -gates were shut, and in the morning he might be found, and we should be -caught as we went out."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am getting altogether stupid," Angus said. "Of course you are -right; the horses could not be sent out beforehand, for if the spy saw -them going out he would at once inform his employers, and I should be -arrested. Ah, I have an idea! That trader from Scinde, who arrived here -yesterday, was saying that as he intended to stay here for some time he -would sell his horses if he could get a fair price for them. I might -say that I would buy two of them, as they are better than mine, and as -I wanted to travel fast, I would give him my two and some money for -them. I dare say he would be willing to do that, as our horses would -sell more easily than his. One can always sell a poor horse, while one -might have to wait some time before finding a purchaser for a good one. -I don't suppose really there is much difference in value between his -and mine, and he would think he was making a good bargain. I should say -that for certain reasons, which it would not be necessary to explain -to him, it must be a part of the bargain that he should deliver them -outside the city, and that one of his men should take them out during -the day and wait for us at a spot we could agree upon."</p> - -<p>"That would be a capital plan, master."</p> - -<p>"Then we will carry it out, Azim."</p> - -<p>"Shall I get the woman's dress?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, you may as well do that. We may want all sorts of disguises -before we get down. We need not talk any longer now; at any rate we -certainly shall not try the plan to-morrow. We must not appear in any -hurry with the trader, and there are several things we shall have to -talk over when I have struck a bargain with him."</p> - -<p>The next night Angus was able to inform his follower that he had made -his arrangements with the Scinde trader. "I am to buy his horses," he -said, "and he will deliver them in the way I want. Without saying it, -he evidently understood that I wanted to get quietly out of the city to -escape<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> some trouble. He asked a very reasonable price, but he would -have nothing to do with my horses. He said that if there should be -any trouble about my leaving, the change of horses might be noticed. -If he said he had bought them of me, and sold me two of his, he might -get into trouble too. However, I afterwards talked to one of the other -merchants, who was going away in a day or two, and told him that I -might be kept here for a considerable time, and should therefore be -glad to get rid of my horses. He said he would be glad to buy them, as -he was taking down a number of Heratee carpets and other things. So we -struck a bargain at once, and he paid me the money and I gave him the -receipt.</p> - -<p>"I said that you would continue to look after the horses as usual until -we started, so that matter is quite arranged. The Scinde man will keep -the horses I have bought with his others till he sends them out through -the gate. When he does so, he will put our saddles on them. Now for our -plans to-morrow. I shall go out as usual in the morning; the spy will -of course follow me. While I am away make up our rugs and disguises -and fasten them upon the saddles, and take these to the new horses, so -that the trader's servant will put them on with the saddles and take -them out with the horses before sunset. He is to stop at those three -palm-trees that grow by the roadside a quarter of a mile out of the -town. Even if the spy is looking on as they go out of the yard, he will -have no idea that I have anything to do with the horses.</p> - -<p>"When you have seen to that, you will buy twenty yards of rope for us -to get down over the wall. I shall start at about four o'clock. I shall -go exactly the same way as I did the last time you followed me. It is -a very lonely part there. He is sure to watch me very closely, as he -will wonder why I choose that way for my walks. I shall stay there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> -for a bit, and shall lean over the wall as if I were calculating its -depth and intended to make my escape there. He is sure to be intent on -watching my movements, and will get up as close as he can. Then is your -time to steal up. Do you think that you can do it without his hearing -you? If not, I should think that a better plan will be for you to hide -close to the way we shall come back. I shall not return till it is -beginning to get dark, and he will probably keep closer to me than he -would going, so as to better watch my movements. When he comes along -you will spring out and knock him down, and I will, as you shout, run -back to your assistance."</p> - -<p>"I shall not want any assistance, master," Azim said confidently. "I am -sure I am quite as strong as he is, and as I shall take him by surprise -I shall have no difficulty in managing him."</p> - -<p>"Don't use your sword, Azim."</p> - -<p>"No, master, I will get a thick stick."</p> - -<p>"Of course you will bring the rope with you, Azim; the twenty yards -will be ample to spare a length to tie him up with, and to reach to -the ground from the top of the wall. You may as well put enough food -for a couple of days in the saddle-bags, and a supply of grain for the -horses, then we shall not have to stop to buy anything."</p> - -<p>The day passed quietly. Azim bought the heaviest staff that he could -find, and brought it back and stowed it away during his master's -absence, as he did not think that the latter would approve of its -weight. He considered his master's objection to his stabbing the spy to -be a weakness which he was quite unable to understand. At four o'clock -Angus started, and a few minutes later the trader's servant led the two -horses he had bought through the streets and out at the southern gate. -Azim waited till he saw him go, as there was no occasion for him to -follow the spy closely,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> and indeed it had been arranged that he should -not do so, lest the spy should this time notice him and perhaps take -alarm. He therefore strolled leisurely along until he neared the spot -where Angus was standing on the wall. The spy had taken up his post -nearer to him than before, and was evidently watching narrowly what he -was doing. As he might turn round suddenly, Azim seated himself behind -a ruined hut within a couple of yards of the road, and there patiently -waited until, as darkness fell, Angus came along.</p> - -<p>"I am here, master," Azim said.</p> - -<p>"Take care of yourself," Angus replied without stopping; "he will -probably have pistols, and certainly a knife."</p> - -<p>"All right, master."</p> - -<p>Azim stood up now grasping the heavy staff firmly in both hands. -Listening intently he heard a minute later a soft footstep, and the spy -passed him keeping his eye fixedly on the figure ahead of him. Azim -sprang out, and swinging his staff round his head, brought it with all -his strength against the back of the man's head, just below his turban. -He fell without a sound.</p> - -<p>"He is down, master," the lad cried.</p> - -<p>Angus, who had been listening for the sound of a struggle and had heard -the blow, came running back.</p> - -<p>"Why, it was almost like the sound of a pistol," he said, as he saw the -motionless figure.</p> - -<p>"Yes, master, I was obliged to hit him hard, because, as you said, he -might have pistols."</p> - -<p>"You have stunned him," Angus went on, going up to the prostrate -figure. "Now, cut off a length of that rope and we will tie him up -securely."</p> - -<p>He tied the man's legs, and then turned him over. The inertness of the -body struck him, and he placed his ear over his heart. "He is dead," he -said. "He is not breathing, and his heart is not beating. You have hit -him too hard."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, I did hit him hard, master. It is a misfortune, but perhaps it -is all for the best. Undoubtedly it was Allah's will that he should -die."</p> - -<p>"Well, it cannot be helped," Angus said, "and undoubtedly it will make -it safer for us. Well, let us move on."</p> - -<p>"Do you go on, master, and I will take his clothes off and drag him -into this hut. He may lie there for months before anyone comes along -and looks in."</p> - -<p>"Very well, I will walk on to the wall; don't be long."</p> - -<p>Five minutes later Azim rejoined him carrying a bundle.</p> - -<p>"We do not want to be bothered with the clothes," Angus said.</p> - -<p>"No, master; but if we left them there, they might be found to-morrow -morning. Someone might recognize the man by them, so I thought it would -be better to carry them away with us for a few miles, and then throw -them in some bushes. I have got his pistols and knife. He was well -paid, master; he had ten gold pieces in his sash—here they are."</p> - -<p>"Put them in your own pocket, Azim. I do not want to have anything to -do with them; they are your spoil."</p> - -<p>Azim, who had no compunction in the matter, at once put the little bag -into his sash. The rope was now fastened to the battlement, and they -slid down. The wall was about forty feet high, and unprovided with a -moat. They started at once for the place where the horses were to be -waiting for them; a quarter of an hour's brisk walk took them there. -Angus made a present to the man in charge of them, who, while they were -tightening the girths, at once wrapped himself in the blanket he had -brought out and lay down to sleep till morning.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus03.jpg" alt="spy" /> -<a id="illus03" name="illus03"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> AZIM SURPRISES THE SPY.</p> - -<p>"We need not press the horses," Angus said as they rode off. "We shall -certainly have twelve hours' start, and I hope twenty-four. It all -depends on how often the man reports to his employer, who is no doubt -an official at the palace.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> Probably he goes once a day, though, as -there has been nothing suspicious about our movements and no signs of -any intention of leaving, he may have been ordered to go only every -two or three days unless he has news to give. Of course in that case -we are all right; but if he reports every evening, how long a start we -shall get depends entirely upon what sort of a man the official is. In -any case, he would hardly give a thought to his spy not coming in this -evening, but would suppose that I had been out till late. When he does -not appear in the morning, if the official is of a suspicious nature he -will enquire for the man, and when he is not found will send down to -the khan to see if he is there, and to ascertain if things are going on -as usual.</p> - -<p>"When the news is brought him that the man is not there, and that we -have been out all night, he will become alarmed. He will go himself -and question the traders there, and will doubtless ascertain that I -have sold our horses. I don't suppose he will hear that we have bought -others. The trader will see that there is going to be trouble about -it, and is likely to hold his tongue and tell his servant to be silent -on the subject; and as the official could have no reason for imagining -that we should sell our horses and buy others, he will conclude that we -have made our escape over the wall on foot. That is the report which he -will probably make to the Prince, and we may safely calculate that it -will be afternoon before parties of horse are sent off in pursuit by -the Herat, Ghuznee, and Quettah roads, and will probably be instructed -to enquire for two young Persians on foot. They will lose time by -stopping at every village to make enquiries, and after going forty or -fifty miles will begin to feel sure that we have not come along that -road, but have gone by one of the others, or perhaps hidden up in some -village at a distance from the road.</p> - -<p>"They may have instructions to go as far as Quettah; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> suppose they -get thirty miles before sunset—and they certainly won't get farther -than that, as they will have to make enquiries, and will probably halt -as soon as it gets dark,—we shall have a start of nearly sixty miles -before morning, and will hide up and go on as soon as it is dark, and -shall be another thirty or forty before they start next day; so we -shall then be some sixty miles ahead of them and within from twenty to -thirty from Quettah. We will skirt round the town without going into -it, and then make down the Bolan Pass. I don't think there is the least -chance of any pursuit being kept up beyond Quettah, and we can travel -at our own pace down the pass. We shall have to lay in a good stock of -provisions at the last village we pass before beginning to descend, -and must travel at night, for otherwise we may be plundered by the -tribesmen, who have the worst possible reputation."</p> - -<p>"How long is the pass, master?"</p> - -<p>"Fifty-five miles long, Mr. Pottinger told me. He says that it is -a frightful place. A river runs through it, and in the wet season -anyone caught in it would be drowned, for in some places the sides are -perpendicular, and the channel is only sixty or seventy feet wide. -There are caves along there in which the tribesmen hide, and rush -out and plunder, and often kill, travellers. We must get through in -two nights, and must be extremely careful where we stop for the day, -choosing some place where we can hide ourselves and our horses."</p> - -<p>"Well, master," Azim said after a pause, "if it is the will of Allah -that we are to get through, we shall; if not, not."</p> - -<p>"That is it, Azim. I do not think that there is much fear of our lives. -We know that travellers do use that pass. I believe they generally pay -so much to one of the chiefs of the tribesmen, and we will do the same -if, on arriving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> at the top of the pass, we find that we can arrange -it. We shall want money to take us from Dadur across the plain to the -Indus. It is a barren and desolate country, and we shall have to buy -some supplies at Dadur. Coming down without merchandise, the tribesmen -will make sure that we have money, as we should naturally have sold -the goods we brought from Persia at Candahar, and must intend buying a -fresh stock in India. Therefore, you may be sure, that if captured we -should be stripped of every penny we have about us."</p> - -<p>They rode for eight hours, and reckoned that they had made some fifty -miles. They gave the horses a good feed and lay down until daylight, -for they were now at the foot of the Kojuk, a gorge so steep and -difficult that it could not be passed at night. Just as they were -starting, three tribesmen rode up, and in the name of the local chief -demanded two gold tomauns, one for each horse and rider, as tribute for -a free passage. As the money was paid without question, they rode off -without giving further trouble. The passage was long and difficult, and -in many cases they had to lead their horses. Once through, they allowed -the animals another hour's rest and a feed, and then mounting, rode on -briskly again. A few miles farther on they halted in a clump of trees, -and slept until nightfall, and then rode another twenty miles. As speed -was of less consequence than keeping their horses in fair condition, -they turned off at a little stream, followed it for half a mile up, -and then halted in a dip through which it ran. Here there was good -grass for the horses. They remained for the rest of that day, and until -within three hours of daybreak next morning. As Angus had calculated, -they saw at sunrise the mud fort and town of Quettah standing on its -rocky eminence. They made a detour, and came down upon the road again -round the town, and then rode briskly down the Shawl valley. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> -country round was rich and fertile, and dotted with villages, orchards, -and vineyards. They stopped late in the afternoon at a village near the -entrance to the pass. Two armed men came out from a hut as they drew -up. The leader said, "Our chief is master of the pass, travellers find -it wise to pay for right of passage."</p> - -<p>"That we are ready to do," Angus said. "But does your chief guarantee -that we shall go unmolested down to Dadur?"</p> - -<p>"The chief cannot guarantee that, he can only guarantee you from hurt -or damage from his people. He is lord of the eastern side of the pass, -but there are others—men of no account, and who own no chief—among -the mountains to the west. They sometimes waylay travellers. Our chief -punishes them when he can do so; but it is seldom that he is able to -catch them. He does all that he can, for he wishes well to traders and -others who pass along, for when ill happens to them others are afraid -to pass, and he loses his tribute. When a large caravan comes up, and -is able to pay handsomely, he furnishes an escort of twenty men or -more; but he will not send less than twenty, for a smaller party might -not be able to defend the caravan, and he would suffer loss of honour -from failing to give protection to those to whom he guaranteed it."</p> - -<p>"We cannot afford to pay for an escort of twenty men, and have but -little to be robbed of, for you see we carry no merchandise, having -disposed of what we bought at Herat and Candahar, and sent the proceeds -by sure hands back to Persia."</p> - -<p>As their attire gave no signs of their being men of substance, the -tribesman said: "In that case you will only have to pay one tomaun -each; that is the price for a man and horse, and the same for each -camel- or horse-load of goods; that is the regular toll."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That we can pay. As to the brigands you speak of, we must take our -chance."</p> - -<p>He handed the money to the man, who in return gave him a little -white-and-red flag, which he was to show should he encounter any of -his tribesmen. They stopped here all day, and purchased food for their -journey.</p> - -<p>"I should think it would be a very good thing, Azim," Angus said in the -afternoon, "if we could engage a guide. We might break our necks making -our way down here in the dark. I will speak to those two fellows. I -suppose they are on duty here, and cannot go themselves, but there may -be others of the tribe in the village; or, if not, some of the people -here may be accustomed to going down the pass with caravans."</p> - -<p>Angus went to the hut occupied by the two tribesmen and called them -out. "We are intending to travel at night," he said, after offering -them a packet of tobacco. "In that way we may escape being seen by -these brigands."</p> - -<p>"It will be almost impossible for you to go at night—quite impossible -without a guide."</p> - -<p>"That is what we came to you about. Are there any of your tribe who -would act as a guide for us? How long would it take us?"</p> - -<p>"It would take you four nights' journey. You could do it in two stages -if your horses are sure-footed and you travelled in the day, but at -night it would take four at least. How much would you be willing to -pay?"</p> - -<p>"How much would be charged?" Angus said quietly.</p> - -<p>"You should have two men," the man answered, "two men who know the pass -well. Yakoob and I could go with you. We have been here six days, and -two others will come to take our places and collect tolls to-morrow, -so we shall be free. We know every foot of the pass, having travelled -up and down it scores of times. We cannot guarantee your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> safety, but -you would have a better chance with us than with others. We will take -you into Dadur. We do not promise to fight; when twenty attack four, -fighting is foolish. We have our horses; there are parts where the pass -opens out and the bottom is level."</p> - -<p>"Well, how much would you charge?"</p> - -<p>The two men talked together in an undertone, and then the one who had -before spoken turned again to Angus. "We would take you for three gold -pieces each."</p> - -<p>"It is a large sum," Angus said; "but as I hear in the village that it -is not safe to go unless with a large caravan, and that it might be -three weeks or a month before a sufficiently large number of travellers -arrive, we will pay you that."</p> - -<p>"It is a bargain, then," the man said. "We had best start at four -o'clock; the descent here is very steep, and it is not overlooked from -the hills to the west. Therefore, we can go down there by daylight, -and then rest our horses for an hour and move forward again when it is -quite dark. You had better buy four black blankets, to cut up and tie -round the horses' feet, so that when we are passing the bad points, -where the brigands generally lurk, no noise will be made in climbing -over the boulders or slipping on smooth rocks. It will be necessary, of -course, to get food for us all and for the horses."</p> - -<p>"I will buy that to-morrow," Angus said. "I suppose it would be of no -use taking torches?"</p> - -<p>"You might take some," the man said. "In some places the rocks are so -steep that no one could look down from above, and at these points there -are no caves where the thieves would be hiding, and we should certainly -get on a good deal faster with torches."</p> - -<p>"I will take some then. Have you ever been through by night before?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> - -<p>The man shook his head. "We have not. It is seldom attempted; but it -is because you are willing to travel so that we are ready to accompany -you, for the brigands would expect no one at that time, and will most -likely be asleep."</p> - -<p>"Then, if we are attacked we must be taken prisoners?"</p> - -<p>"No," the man said; "there are many places where the hills can be -ascended by men who know them. Should we be attacked near one of these -spots we must leave our horses and fly; that is what we should do, and -what I should advise you to do also. A man's life is worth more than a -horse and saddle. Of course in the daytime there would be no escape in -that way, for they would bring us down with their matchlocks; but at -night we could elude them, and if they did follow us we could defend -ourselves, taking shelter and shooting them as they came up."</p> - -<p>"Well, it is a satisfaction, anyhow," Angus said, "that there would be -a chance for us. Our horses are good beasts, but we value our lives -more."</p> - -<p>"I think they are honest fellows," he went on after telling Azim the -substance of his conversation with the tribesmen. "They say that the -Afghans have a treacherous disposition, but I believe these men can -be trusted to keep their engagements. They did not exaggerate the -difficulties of the journey as some would have done, nor did they -pretend that they would join in a hopeless fight. In fact, although -of course the actual difficulties of the journey would be very much -greater in the dark than in daylight, they evidently considered that -the danger from the other tribesmen would be by no means great."</p> - -<p>It was, however, a terrible journey, and Angus felt that without the -guidance of the tribesmen it would have been an impossible one. They -knew exactly where the river was fordable, and on which side the pass -was most free from great boulders and obstruction, and where torches -could be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> safely used. But at times progress was terribly slow, their -horses having to pick their way among rocks and boulders, and taking -more than an hour to cover a mile. At other times they were able to -go at a brisk walk, and even break into a trot. Whenever they neared -spots where the caves frequented by the robbers were situated, the -horses' feet were muffled, and they were led with the greatest care. -It was indeed comparatively seldom that the riders mounted; where it -was dangerous to have torches, they walked along by the side of their -horses, allowing the animals to pick their own way, which they were -able to do better than they could have done if led.</p> - -<p>The horses Angus had bought having made the ascent of the pass were to -some extent accustomed to the work, and not having to carry the weight -of the riders were able, save in exceptional places, to get along more -easily than Angus and Azim were able to do. Both of these had many -falls, and would have had many more had not their guides at such times -stood close beside them and rendered them assistance, often warning -them of obstacles of which they themselves were unable to make out the -faintest outline.</p> - -<p>Several times they saw the glow of fires burning in the caverns. At -such points the strictest silence was observed. They had purchased -Afghan shoes at the village, and round these had wound strips of thick -woollen stuff like felt, so that their steps were as noiseless as those -of the horses. The stirrups were fastened over the animals' backs so as -to avoid contact with rocks; and any slight sound that might be made -was to a great extent drowned by the murmur and rattle of the rapid -stream.</p> - -<p>The long halts during the daytime were made at points, carefully chosen -by the guides, at the foot of precipitous rocks. Fragments that had -fallen from above formed a bank at a short distance from the foot, the -greater part of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> the rocks having bounded outwards with the impetus -of their fall. Between the bank and the cliff there was a depression -partly filled with splinters of rock. It was, however, considerably -lower than the bank, and the men and horses stationed in it were hid -alike from observation from above and from the eye of those passing -along the valley. Here they slept on beds composed of their saddles and -rugs laid on the rough stones, their guides by turn keeping watch. As -a whole they got on faster than the guides had anticipated, and were -fairly down at the mouth of the pass at daybreak on the fourth morning -after their start. Here the tribesmen received their pay, Angus adding -another pound to the amount agreed on, for the care and assistance -given. They waited two days at Dadur to allow their horses rest. Here -they were fortunate in finding two men well acquainted with the road. -They had so far guided a party who were proceeding up the pass to -Quettah, and as they were now returning, were glad enough to accept -the offer of a couple of pounds to act as guides across the desert. -In accordance with their advice two rough ponies were bought to carry -water-skins and provisions, while smaller skins were to be taken on -their own horses, as the country to be traversed was for a considerable -distance a waterless desert. Even this part of the journey would not be -accomplished without danger, for the Belooches of the district were to -a man plunderers, and cared nothing for the authority of the Khan of -Khelat. The distance from Dadur to Shikarpore is nearly a hundred and -fifty miles across a flat and dreary country, almost unpopulated; but -as they were unencumbered by baggage, and carried sufficient water for -their wants and those of their horses, it was performed in seven days. -At Rojhan they came upon Captain Thompson, who was in command of a -party which had gone forward to examine the state of the water-supply, -and if necessary to sink more wells. He was surprised when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> a young -Persian trader addressed him in English, and informed him that he had -just come through from Herat. This was quite enough to assure a warm -welcome, and the officer put him up for the night in his own tent and -made him in all respects comfortable.</p> - -<p>After hearing something of the siege of Herat, and of his journey, -he asked anxiously as to the water-supply in the villages on the way -to Dadur. On hearing that few of them were much better supplied than -Rojhan he threw up his hands in despair.</p> - -<p>"Two or three thousand natives ought to have been engaged," he said, -"and a couple of hundred set to work to dig deep wells in these -villages. A hundred wells would be little enough for the army, its -horses and baggage animals, and its native followers. Even when they -are dug the water runs into them slowly. I have sent down my report -from here. There are only three wells, one of which Sir Alexander -Burnes sank when he was here a week ago; the others contain such bad -water as to be quite unfit for human use. I am really frightened at the -thought of what will take place before the army gets to Dadur. However, -I hear that they will not advance for another month, and that some very -energetic steps will be made to secure a water-supply before they come -along."</p> - -<p>On the following day Angus passed several working parties who were -engaged under the superintendence of Major Leech, assistant to Sir -Alexander Burnes—for Captain Burnes had been knighted as a reward -for his services in Cabul. With the exception of these parties they -scarcely encountered a human being on the way down, except in the -miserable little villages which were situated where the soil permitted -the cultivation of a scanty crop, which was for the most part cut when -green and sold to passing travellers. Angus was heartily glad when -Shikarpore came in sight. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> had learned from Captain Thompson that -Shah Soojah had arrived there with a native army which he had raised, -that the Bengal army under General Cotton, which had marched down by -the Indus, was expected to arrive there in a day or two, and that the -Bombay army under Sir John Keane was but a few days behind.</p> - -<p>Upon entering the town he was glad to see British uniforms in the -street, and addressing in English the first officer he met, he found -that the division of General Cotton had arrived two days before.</p> - -<p>"I have just come from Herat," Angus said. "I left there after the -siege was raised. I have some despatches from Lieutenant Pottinger, -which should be given either to Colonel Pottinger or to Sir Alexander -Burnes."</p> - -<p>"Burnes is here. I think that Colonel Pottinger is at Sukkar, he was -there a few days ago; you will find Burnes at the head-quarters. He is -the political officer and so forth of the army; but Macnaghten is envoy -and commissioner to Soojah, and generally at the head of all political -business."</p> - -<p>The army was encamped round the town, and Angus had no difficulty in -finding the quarters of Sir Alexander Burnes. Dismounting a short -distance away, he left Azim to look after the horses and went towards -the tent. He was stopped by a sentry, who on learning that he wished -to see Sir Alexander, called an attendant. The latter, coming up, took -Angus's name in, and reappearing at the entrance almost immediately, -signed to him to enter.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII</a></p> - -<p class="center">IN THE SERVICE</p> - - -<p class="drop"> <span class="uppercase">"I am</span> glad to see you, Mr. Campbell," Sir Alexander Burnes said as the -lad entered his tent. "Colonel Pottinger was asking me only three or -four days ago to keep a look-out for you. He had received a letter from -his nephew saying that you were going to travel down <i>via</i> Candahar, -and that he was afraid that you would not manage to get through. I -myself received a letter from Lieutenant Pottinger speaking very highly -of services that you had rendered, and I understand that both he and -Mr. M'Neill, our minister in Persia, spoke very favourably of you in -their despatches to the Governor-general. How have you got through?"</p> - -<p>"I had very little difficulty, sir, except that I was detained at -Candahar, and had to effect my escape secretly." And he gave a short -account of his journey, and the manner in which he had escaped from -Candahar and avoided recapture.</p> - -<p>"You managed it very cleverly, Mr. Campbell. I will take you in at -once to Macnaghten, who is supreme here, for Shah Soojah is at present -little more than a puppet. I have no doubt that he will be very glad -to learn what is the feeling throughout the country as to Shah Soojah. -I may tell you in confidence that I am convinced that a terrible -blunder has been made in taking up his cause. I was, as you no doubt -know, several months at Cabul, and I am convinced that Dost Mahomed -was sincere in his desire for our friendship, and that he can support -himself against his brothers at Candahar, who have, as we know, been -intriguing with Persia and Russia. I have all along urged the Indian -Government to give him warm support and to enter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> into a firm alliance -with him. However, the Governor-general and his advisers have taken the -other view, and I have only to do my best to carry out their orders, -although I have strongly represented my own opinion.</p> - -<p>"I do not think that Government has any idea of the difficulties to be -encountered. So far as fighting goes there is no doubt whatever that -the Afghans cannot stand against us, but the operation of feeding the -troops and animals will be a troublesome one indeed. The heat will -increase every day, and even the march up to Quettah will present -enormous difficulties, as you who have just descended the pass will -readily understand; but the great problem will not be how to place -Shah Soojah on the throne but how to maintain him there. I tell you -this because Macnaghten, who really knows nothing of the matter, is -extremely sanguine. I warn you that it will be as well that you should -not express any strong opinion against the enterprise. It is determined -upon, and will be carried out, and without in any way shaking his -opinion you would only set him against you and might seriously injure -your own prospects. As it is, he has much to irritate him. There have -already been serious troubles with the Ameers of Scinde, who have been -treated in a very high-handed manner instead of being conciliated in -every possible way. This alone has vastly added to the difficulty, by -rendering it almost impossible to obtain carriage or provisions.</p> - -<p>"Then he differs greatly from General Cotton, who, since his arrival -here two days ago, has shown himself an officer who has an immense -opinion of his own dignity. As general in command he declines to take -any orders, or indeed to listen to any advice, from Macnaghten. This -is certainly not Macnaghten's fault, who, although, as I consider, -mistaken in his opinions, is very conciliating in his manner, and would -willingly avoid all friction, which can but be disadvantageous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> to the -enterprise on which he has set his heart. Cotton's transport is really -insufficient for his own army; Shah Soojah has hardly any transport at -all. Cotton cares not in the slightest about the Shah or the Shah's -army, and, to say the truth, they are of no great value.</p> - -<p>"Macnaghten, however, attaches, and reasonably from his point of -view, great importance to the fact that Shah Soojah should appear as -arriving to claim his throne as an independent prince with his own -army, supported by his allies the British, and not as a mere puppet -forced upon the Afghans by British bayonets; and he is therefore most -anxious that he and his force should occupy as prominent a position -as possible. It is as well for me to give you these hints as to the -situation before you see Macnaghten, and to warn you against speaking -to him strongly of any hostile opinions as to Shah Soojah's chances -that you may have gathered on your journey. When a man has an open mind -it is well to give him both sides of the case, but when he has pledged -his reputation and thrown himself heart and soul into one side of the -case it is worse than useless to endeavour to turn him, especially -when the die is cast and the day for drawing back is past. If my -opinion, gathered from nine months' residence in Cabul and almost daily -interviews with Dost Mahomed, has been altogether unheeded, certainly -yours, gathered in a passing trip through the country, would have no -effect whatever beyond setting him against you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir, I will be careful; and indeed my opinion would in any -case be of little value. I certainly conversed a good deal with the -natives on my way from Herat to Candahar, but at that city I spoke only -to Persian merchants, and had no intercourse whatever on my way down, -except with my guides in the Bolan passes."</p> - -<p>"Well we will call on him now," Sir Alexander Burnes said, taking his -cap.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> - -<p>Mr. Macnaghten's tent was next to his own, and he at once took Angus in -with him.</p> - -<p>"I have come, Mr. Macnaghten, to introduce to you Mr. Angus Campbell, -who has just come down through Candahar from Herat. His name was, I -know, very favourably mentioned both by Lieutenant Pottinger and Mr. -M'Neill. He has brought down letters of introduction to me and Colonel -Pottinger."</p> - -<p>"I know your name well, sir," Macnaghten said. "Mr. M'Neill told us -that you had been in his service, and had gone to Herat on a mission -to induce Shah Kamran to hold out to the last, and that when the siege -was raised you had started from there with the intention of journeying -down through Afghanistan into Scinde, in hopes of obtaining employment -in some capacity where your knowledge of Persian and Arabic would be of -service. I also understand, by Lieutenant Pottinger's last despatch, -that you have learned Pushtoo. The Governor-general was very favourably -impressed with these reports, and authorized me to employ you at once -as one of the junior assistants. I should think, Sir Alexander, that -you can employ Mr. Campbell to greater advantage than I can, as the -work of making the arrangements for the advance of the army is in your -hands."</p> - -<p>"I shall be very glad of an addition to my staff, for as we get on I -foresee that the three officers who now assist me will be altogether -insufficient; and the high terms in which Mr. M'Neill and Lieutenant -Pottinger have written about him, and the fact that he has been able to -travel about the country unsuspected, shows his fitness for such work."</p> - -<p>"You must understand, Mr. Campbell," Macnaghten said, "I cannot -guarantee that the position will be a permanent one, as all such -appointments in the service must be confirmed by the Court of -Directors; but I shall at once acquaint Lord Auckland of your arrival -here and of your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> nomination, and I have no doubt that he will himself -confirm it so far as this expedition continues, and will strongly -recommend the Court of Directors that your appointment to the service -shall be a permanent one, in view of your exceptional knowledge of -Persian and Pushtoo."</p> - -<p>"I thank you very much indeed, sir, and will do my best to merit your -good opinion."</p> - -<p>As Angus left the tent with Sir Alexander Burnes he said: "I am indeed -obliged to you, sir. I had hoped that I might obtain an appointment of -some sort, but I never hoped for one like this. It is the work, too, of -all others that I should like, and you may rely on me to carry out your -orders to the full extent of my power."</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt you will, Mr. Campbell. I am glad to have one of my -officers speak Pushtoo, for although both in Scinde and Afghanistan -Persian is the language most spoken by the upper classes, it is of no -use with the peasants. In the work of digging wells, bargaining for -fodder for the horses, and so forth, Pushtoo will be very useful, for -although it differs from the language of the Belooches, it is near -enough for them to understand it; and, of course, when we are once -through the Bolan it is the language of all the countrymen."</p> - -<p>"May I ask what dress it will be proper for me to wear?"</p> - -<p>"As it is a civil appointment you will not wear uniform, but either -the ordinary civilian dress, or, if you like, a dress of oriental -character. I generally dress so, and it certainly has its advantages, -and favourably predisposes chiefs you may have to visit. A British -uniform they understand, but a purely civilian dress is too simple for -them, and does not convey any sense of importance."</p> - -<p>"Very well, sir; I am glad that you have decided so. I have no civilian -clothes with me, and should find it very difficult, if not impossible, -to get them here."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Your appointment will be a thousand rupees a month, so long as the -campaign lasts; after that it would, of course, depend upon the future -employment you might have. If you would like to draw a month's pay in -advance you can do so."</p> - -<p>"No, thank you, sir; I am fairly provided with money."</p> - -<p>"I have four officers employed on similar duty, Mr. Campbell, I will -introduce you to them at once; and you will, of course, mess with our -party."</p> - -<p>Major Leech, the chief assistant, was away on duty, but the other three -officers were at once sent for. "Captain Jones, Captain Arbuthnot, -and Lieutenant Macgregor, I wish to introduce to you Mr. Campbell, -whom I have just appointed as one of my political assistants. He has -distinguished himself greatly under Lieutenant Pottinger throughout -the siege of Herat, and was previously an assistant to Mr. M'Neill, -our ambassador at the court of Persia. He speaks Persian, Arabic, and -Pushtoo, and has been specially recommended to the Governor-general by -Mr. M'Neill and Pottinger. He has now made his way from Herat through -Candahar, and the fact that he has done so safely shows that he knows -how to use these languages to advantage."</p> - -<p>As Lieutenant Pottinger's gallant defence of Herat was the theme of -general admiration throughout India, Angus could not have had a better -introduction, and he was warmly received by the three officers, who at -once took him away with them.</p> - -<p>"You will share my tent with me," Lieutenant Macgregor said. "I am -alone at present. You have a horse, of course, and a servant, I -suppose?"</p> - -<p>"I have a very fair horse, and an excellent servant, who is a young -fellow, a Persian, the son of a door-keeper at the embassy. He was -with me through the siege, and I found him invaluable. He is a strong -fellow, and has plenty of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> courage and shrewdness; I should never have -got away out of Candahar had it not been for his assistance.</p> - -<p>"Sir Alexander has advised me to get an Eastern dress, as I cannot wear -uniform; and I must see about that at once, for this Persian dress -would in any case have been out of place, and my journey down the Bolan -has ruined it altogether. But in the first place, I shall be obliged if -you will tell me where my two horses are to be put up."</p> - -<p>"Your horse will be picketed with ours in our tents; our servants' -horses are in the line behind them. Is that your man over there with -the two horses? I will send an orderly to tell him to take them over -and picket them. Now, I suppose you want something to eat? We had -tiffin an hour ago, but the servants can get something for you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you; I will go down into the town. I had something before -mounting this morning, and I own I should not care about going into the -mess-tent till I have got something to wear a little more respectable -than these clothes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is nonsense. Besides, you need not go into the mess-tent. -I will order them to warm something up at once, and to bring it into -my tent. We are all wanting to hear more about Herat. The official -despatches only give us bare facts."</p> - -<p>For the next two hours Angus was fully occupied in relating his -experiences of the siege to the three officers; after that he went down -with Azim to the town. There he bought for himself a dress such as -would be worn by a native of some rank—a white turban, a blue tunic -opening at the breast and showing a white cambric shirt, several white -robes, and loose white linen trousers tightened in at the ankle. He -bought a good supply of under-linen and a couple of pairs of native -riding-boots. For Azim he bought clothes appropriate to a retainer -of a Mohammedan gentleman. As he was unable to procure a camp bed of -European make, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> bought a native charpoy, which could be taken to -pieces and conveniently carried. He had found that his fellow-officers -had each three native servants—a butler or body servant, a syce for -their riding horses, and a man who looked after and led on the line of -march two baggage animals. He had no difficulty in engaging a syce, and -let the question of the baggage animals stand over until next day.</p> - -<p>Azim would, of course, act as his personal servant. The lad, who had -during the past year become imbued with the spirit of adventure, was -delighted to hear that his master was to accompany the army. He had, -during his stay in Herat, picked up the language, and could converse in -it as fluently as Angus himself was able to do; and although he had no -pleasant recollections of the journey from Candahar, he felt sure that -it would be a very different affair when accompanying a British army. -He expressed as much to his master, who said:</p> - -<p>"I should not make so sure of that, Azim. We had no great difficulty -in obtaining provisions for ourselves, but it will be a very different -thing with an army of thousands of men, with an even larger number of -camp followers and five or six thousand camels. Except just round one -of those little villages, we did not see a blade of grass from the time -we left the Shawl valley, and how the animals will exist till we get up -to Quettah I have no idea. Once there no doubt we shall do fairly well, -but we shall have a very bad time on the journey, unless I am mistaken. -If I had the management of affairs, I should send off at once the whole -of the camels with a sufficient escort as far as Dadur. There they -should leave the provisions and forage they took up, and return here -to accompany the army with a further supply. No doubt it would cause a -month's delay, but it would be better to do that than to lose half our -baggage animals and to risk famine for the troops."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I believe," Captain Arbuthnot said when Angus joined the others, -"that ten days' supply are ready at Dadur, and twenty days' supply at -Quettah."</p> - -<p>"Certainly there were no supplies at Dadur when I came through, but I -know nothing about Quettah," Angus said; "still I think that if any -supplies of consequence had been collected there I should have heard -about it from the men who guided us through the pass."</p> - -<p>"There were no troops there, then?"</p> - -<p>"No, not the slightest sign of them, nor did we pass any on the march -down from Candahar; but of course the Khan of Khelat may have collected -a great force of Belooches, and if he did so, he would naturally keep -them at Khelat until he heard that the army was approaching, as it -would be an immense deal of trouble to victual them in the pass."</p> - -<p>"I know that Mr. Macnaghten received news which induced him to believe -that a large force would be likely to march down from Candahar, and -that the attitude of the princes was altogether hostile. It is on -account of that news that we are going to advance in two or three -days' time, instead of waiting for another three weeks for a larger -stock of supplies to be collected. It was but ten days ago that the -commissary-general sent off four thousand camels to bring up supplies -from the rear. However, they will be useful for the Bombay column which -is coming up, as it is arranged that we shall collect transport and -supplies for them.</p> - -<p>"Therefore the decision has been taken to march at once, so that we -can ascend the pass before the enemy send a sufficient force to hold -it against us. No doubt the report that we were not going to leave -here for another three weeks has been sent up to Candahar. The Prince -is sure to have agents and spies here. We ought to be at the foot of -the Bolan before it is known in Candahar that we have started.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> As to -Khelat, the Khan has sent in assurances of his friendship, and I expect -he will make himself safe by assuming neutrality; but the Belooches -are a warlike people, and born plunderers, and his authority is very -slight, except in Khelat and the district near it. We are sure to have -trouble with the mountaineers, but beyond having to protect the convoy -strongly, I do not suppose we shall have serious fighting with them. I -expect that we shall be sent off to-morrow or next day to Khelat and -Quettah, perhaps one of us may even go to Candahar. I know that Mr. -Macnaghten thinks that possibly the princes may not take an active part -on Dost Mahomed's side. Everyone knows that they have no great love for -their brother; which is not surprising, for he, who is the youngest -of the family, has managed to secure the sovereignty. Besides, they -would see that if they took up arms in his favour the whole brunt of -the fighting would fall upon them, for Cabul could render them no real -assistance. They are very shifty gentlemen, and though they may make a -show of force at first, it would probably be only for the purpose of -securing advantageous terms for themselves."</p> - -<p>"I saw them when I was at Candahar," Angus said, "and they, or at least -one of them, questioned me closely; but supposing me to be a Persian -just arrived from Herat, he naturally said nothing about a British -invasion. His great anxiety was to know what the intentions and power -of Russia and Persia were. No doubt the plans that were formed were -entirely disconcerted by the Shah's retreat from before Herat. I saw no -signs whatever of any gatherings of the Afghans, nor was the subject -ever alluded to in the conversations I had with traders at the place -where I lodged."</p> - -<p>At this moment a native officer came in and said that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> Sir Alexander -desired to see Captains Arbuthnot and Jones. As they buckled on their -swords the latter said: "You have told us about Herat, Mr. Campbell, -and this evening I hope you will tell us about your journey down."</p> - -<p>When the officers returned Angus found that Arbuthnot was not mistaken -as to the probable work they would have to perform, for he was to -accompany Major Todd the next morning with an escort of cavalry for -Khelat. They were to see the Khan and arrange with him for supplies to -be sent to Dadur. Captain Jones was to remain there to see that his -promises were carried out, and Arbuthnot, unless he learned that a -force from Candahar had arrived at Quettah, was to go on there and see -to the collection of grain and cattle.</p> - -<p>"A squadron of cavalry is going forward to-morrow morning, Campbell. -Four hundred labourers are going with it, and you are to be in special -charge of half of them. Of course, they will have eight or ten headmen, -but they will want looking after all the same. They are to dig wells -at Burshoree; the other half, under you, Macgregor, are to do the same -thing at Meerpoor. It is a thousand pities it was not done before, for -the army is to begin its advance the day after to-morrow. However, you -will gain a couple of days on them, and that is something. If you meet -Major Leech, who is at work improving the roads, you will, of course, -report yourself to him, and he will doubtless be able to advise you as -to the best place for the wells."</p> - -<p>Angus heard the news with much satisfaction. In the first place it -meant active work, and in the second it would save him from the -slow and toilsome march of the army, which would, he felt sure, be -accompanied with enormous hardship. The four officers dined together. -Sir A. Burnes was not present, as he was dining with General Cotton and -Mr. Macnaghten. After dinner Angus related his adven<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>ture at Candahar; -how he evaded pursuit, and his passage through the pass. He had hardly -finished when he was sent for to the general's tent.</p> - -<p>"I have just been telling General Cotton, Mr. Campbell," said Mr. -Macnaghten, "that you arrived this morning from Candahar. He wishes to -learn as much as you can tell him of the state of the pass at present, -and of the country between Dadur and this place. I told him that I had -not been able to find time to question you on these points."</p> - -<p>"In the first place," the general said, "what is the state of the -Bolan?"</p> - -<p>"As I only travelled during the night I cannot tell you very much about -it. The river is not high, and there is no difficulty whatever on that -score. The ground is generally extremely rough, and covered not only -with rounded boulders, but by rocks that will prove very trying to the -feet of the animals. We bandaged very thickly the hoofs of our horses -to deaden the sound, and so saved them from being lamed, which they -otherwise would certainly have been. The bandages were of felt, and -these were completely cut to pieces the first night. After that we cut -up one of the water-skins I had with me, and we covered the felt with -the leather, but even this was cut to pieces, and had to be renewed -the next night. Although this is the general character of the pass, -there are places at which, by skirting the foot of the hills at points -where the pass opens out—and the hills are not precipitous, although -everywhere steep—it is possible for mounted men to go along at a fast -walk, the stones being much smaller, and like, I should think, what I -have heard of a sea-beach, though I never saw one, at least that I can -remember."</p> - -<p>"Still, there were no insurmountable difficulties, Mr. Campbell?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No, sir, though there were places where certainly not more than two -laden camels could pass abreast."</p> - -<p>"Well, next as to the country between this place and Dadur. We know -about it as far as the edge of Beloochee Desert; what is it beyond -that? Did you suffer from want of water?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, at the villages where we stopped there was always water; but -there were, as far as I saw, but a few small wells, which would seem to -me very insufficient for the supply of an army and its train."</p> - -<p>"Well, we are going to dig more wells," Mr. Macnaghten said rather -impatiently. "If the water will run into three or four wells it would -run into fifty. Now, about forage?"</p> - -<p>"There were small patches of cultivation round each of the villages; at -Bhag more than elsewhere, as it lies nearer to the foot of the hills; -but at Meerpoor, Burshoree, and Rojhan I should not say there were more -than twenty or thirty acres of cultivated land. At Bhag I was strongly -advised to take the road at the foot of the hills to Dundeaver down -to Larkhanna, and from there to follow the Indus up to Sukkar; but -the guides said that I should be more likely to be troubled by the -Beloochees along that route, and as it was also twice as far I took the -straight way here."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. We will not detain you any longer, Mr. Campbell, and we are -obliged for the information that you have given us."</p> - -<p>Angus bowed and retired. He felt that Mr. Macnaghten was vexed that -he could not report better upon the chances of obtaining sufficient -supplies of forage and water. But he felt that it was clearly better -that he should give, in the plainest terms, the true state of affairs, -for when, as he was sure would be the case, there was immense suffering -of men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> and animals, the blame would fall upon him if he had given a -more hopeful account than the facts warranted.</p> - -<p>Sir A. Burnes sent for him on leaving the general's tent.</p> - -<p>"You did quite right in not giving a rose-coloured description of -the state of things along the line of march, Mr. Campbell. Of course -neither Mr. Macnaghten nor General Cotton liked it. Neither of them, in -fact, has the slightest idea of the troubles ahead of them, and both -were inclined to view me as a pessimist. However, it will not matter -to you very greatly whether Macnaghten is pleased with you or not, -because your reports will be sent in to me. This sort of work will not -last very long. I have only undertaken it because Major Garden, General -Cotton's quarter-master-general, has been taken ill. Major Craikie, the -adjutant-general, will go forward with me the day after to-morrow to -superintend matters generally. I hope by that time to have a thousand -more men for well-digging. Major Leech has gone to Sebee to cut a -dam there on the river Naree, which it is hoped will fill the small -water-courses and greatly assist us. I have more fear about forage than -water. You can dig wells and cut dams, but you can't get a crop to grow -at a day's notice. However, we must hope for the best."</p> - -<p>The next morning at three o'clock Angus and Lieutenant Macgregor -started with the labourers and an escort of fifty native cavalry.</p> - -<p>"I am very glad to be off, Campbell," Macgregor said. "It has been -disheartening work for some time. Somehow or other nothing has gone -smoothly since we started. Of course I am only a sub, but certainly -it seems to me that so far there has been an enormous amount of -unnecessary friction, and that the chiefs have not gone the right -way to work. I don't believe myself in this Shah<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> whom we are going -to force upon the Afghans. Dost Mahomed is worth a dozen of him, and -no one who knows anything of the affairs of Afghanistan is able to -understand why Lord Auckland and Macnaghten and the rest of them should -ever have conceived the idea of supplanting a man who has shown himself -really desirous of our alliance and friendship, and who undoubtedly -possesses the support of a majority of his countrymen, by one who has -never shown any talent, who has no party whatever in Afghanistan, and -is a member of a discredited and fallen family.</p> - -<p>"Still, that is their affair; but matters have been complicated by -the manner in which the Emirs of Scinde have been treated. Instead of -regarding them, as they have always shown themselves, as friendly to -us, we have gone out of our way to render them hostile, by the manner -in which we have, in absolute contradiction of the terms of their -treaty with us, compelled them to furnish carriage, provisions, and -money. Had they been a conquered country we could not have carried -matters with a higher hand. It will be sure to lead to trouble some -day, and certainly adds immensely to our difficulties. Now, the -very fact that, in the days when he was for a short time ruler in -Afghanistan, Soojah advanced all sorts of preposterous claims of -suzerainty over a large portion of Scinde, was in itself a reason why, -if we took the absurd step of placing him on the throne of Cabul, we -should have advanced from Peshawur through Jellalabad direct, instead -of taking this roundabout journey through Scinde. Of course there would -have been great difficulties in the Khyber, and we should have had to -encounter fierce opposition from the hill-tribesmen, but that will have -to be met in any case. And after installing Soojah at Cabul, we could -have gradually extended his power—or ours, for of course he would be -but a puppet in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> our hands—through Ghuznee to Candahar. Of course -you won't hear any talk like this among the officers of the Bombay or -Bengal army. They know and care nothing about the matter. It is just -among the men who have been employed here in the north, and who know -something about it, that there is any doubt as to the wisdom of the -affair. I know Burnes considers that the whole thing is a mistake. -Colonel Pottinger, who, as our resident in Scinde, knows a great -deal about the Afghans, says little, but I know that he disapproves -of it; and so, I think, do all of us juniors, who have worked either -under him, or with Burnes, or up in the Punjaub, and have, of course, -always taken an interest in the affairs of Afghanistan, especially -since Russian influence has become so preponderant in Persia. Well, -we can only hope for the best, and do our best in our own little way. -Thank goodness, whatever comes of it, we have no responsibility in the -affair."</p> - -<p>"I really know very little about it," Angus said; "but I do know that -it will be a terrible business getting the army to Quettah, and that -directly it was determined to come this way arrangements should have -been made to dig sufficient wells to ensure a supply of water at every -watering-place, and to collect stores of forage and grain. I really -don't see how it is to be done now. From all that I could hear as I -came down, there will be a lot of trouble with the Beloochees."</p> - -<p>The difficulties of the advance had already been felt. Great numbers -of camels had died between Sukkar and Shikarpore, and those that -accompanied the party of well-diggers were enfeebled, and looked as -if they had accomplished a long forced march instead of the strong -and fresh animals one would expect to see setting out on such an -enterprise. The first halting-place was Jagan. The next day they -started at the same early hour and proceeded to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> Janeedera. Here they -had passed beyond the boundary of the Scinde Ameers, and had entered -the territory over which the Khan of Khelat held nominal authority. -At this place there was a small mud fort, outside of which straw had -been collected for the use of the cavalry, and to guard this a small -party of Shah Soojah's troops had been posted. These, however, had been -attacked and driven off by a Beloochee band, and the straw carried -away. However, there was sufficient water in the wells for the men and -animals.</p> - -<p>The next day's march was a long one, but at Rojhan a certain amount -of forage had been collected, and there was a fair supply of water. -The country so far had been barren, with occasional bushes, but beyond -Rojhan they had nothing but an absolutely flat surface of sand, without -a blade of grass or a bush to break the level expanse; across this -desert the party toiled on for twenty-seven miles. A little water was -carried by the camels, but this supply was soon exhausted, and with -parched lips and throats the men plodded on, knowing that until the end -of the journey no water could be obtained. Scarce a word was spoken -during the painful journey. Passing over the ground as he came down at -a canter, Angus had thought but little of it; he had done it in less -than four hours, and there was no trouble from the dust. It was very -different now. It was fourteen hours from the time of starting before -they reached Burshoree, the mounted men having to accommodate their -pace to that of the labourers, and the dust rose in dense clouds.</p> - -<p>A part of the cavalry rode ahead, the rest some half a mile behind -the main body of the footmen. But before half the journey was done -these began to straggle, and the dust had no time to settle before the -horsemen came along. Fully half the labourers, indeed, threw themselves -down on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> the sand incapable of going farther, and lay there until the -cool evening air revived them, and it was long after midnight before -many of them reached Burshoree. Here a considerable number of wells had -already been dug by the party under Major Leech. The water was muddy, -and trickled in but slowly. Still it was water, and men and horses -drank it eagerly as fast as it could be brought up in buckets and -emptied into troughs which had been erected.</p> - -<p>Although the village—a mere collection of native huts, surrounded by -a wall as a protection against the plundering Beloochees—offered a -most uninviting prospect, Angus was well pleased that he had arrived -at the end of his journey, and had not, like Macgregor, another day's -march to perform. The latter started as usual at three o'clock, and an -hour later Angus, with some difficulty, roused his two hundred weary -men and set them to work, promising them that if they laboured hard he -would allow them to rest during the heat of the day. Cheered by the -promise, the labourers set to work under their headmen. Each of these -had charge of twenty workmen; these were divided into two gangs and -worked wells close together. Angus had nothing to do save to exercise a -sort of general superintendence. The soil became much more firm a few -feet below the surface, and as the sides stood satisfactorily it was -not necessary to make the wells of any great depth. It was found that -four men only could be employed on each, two working in the bottom and -the others bringing up the earth with buckets and ropes, consequently, -the number of the wells was largely increased. After three days of -prodigious toil, water was reached in the majority of the wells, and -by the end of the fourth day fifty had been added to those already -dug. The liquid, however, oozed in but slowly, and when a well was -emptied it was two or three hours before water could again be drawn -from it; thus although the amount<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> that could be obtained altogether -was considerable, it was still wholly insufficient for the supply of an -army. Five-and-twenty of the native cavalry were kept constantly on the -alert, for parties of plundering Beloochees hovered round, and several -of the well-diggers who, in spite of orders, ventured to wander some -distance away were robbed and killed.</p> - -<p>The next morning General Thackwell, with a body of cavalry, a small -force of infantry, and some irregular horse, rode into the place. He -brought with him an order from Sir A. Burnes for Angus to accompany -him. The well-diggers were to remain there and continue their work. The -general had intended to stop there for two or three days, but finding -that no forage could be procured, he started the next morning early -and rode through Meerpoor to Oostar, a distance of twenty-seven miles, -where, as had been reported by Major Leech, there was a small reservoir -of water, and a store of straw and grass had been collected. Angus -stopped for an hour at Meerpoor and had a talk with Macgregor, whose -men had also accomplished a great deal of work, and who bewailed his -fate at having to remain there instead of going forward with General -Thackwell.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE ADVANCE</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">The</span> cutting of the dam of the Naree did not afford so much aid as had -been hoped for, for the thirsty soil absorbed the water almost as fast -as it poured out, and it was not until many days later that it began to -fill the little irrigation canals at the villages through which the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> -army passed. After resting two days at Oostar, the force proceeded to -Bhag, a town of some size. Here water was found in abundance, and grain -in considerable quantities, and also a supply of carrots, which were -eagerly purchased by the officers for the use of their horses. At the -various places where they halted Angus acted as interpreter, and rode -out with a small body of cavalry to villages at which they learned a -certain amount of forage could be obtained.</p> - -<p>At Bhag, to his great satisfaction, Sir Alexander Burnes joined the -party. He had paid a visit to the Khan of Khelat, and obtained from -him stringent orders to the headmen of villages and others to do all -in their power to aid the army. The inhabitants were all to be set to -work to dig the holes, for which they would receive payments from the -British. The Khan also promised to despatch to Dadur what supplies he -could gather, but explained that unfortunately there was a much greater -difficulty than usual in collecting provisions, as the previous season -had been a very bad one, and in many parts of the country the villagers -had not been able to gather sufficient for their own needs. As Angus -had heard the same at Candahar, at the village near Quettah, and from -his guide, there could be no doubt that this excuse was a genuine one, -and indeed the officers who had been engaged in Scinde and in the -country bordering the Indus affirmed that the supplies obtainable there -were also vastly smaller than had been anticipated.</p> - -<p>Throughout the next week Angus was continually employed in riding among -the towns in the khanate, interviewing headmen, and expediting the -despatch of convoys. He was always accompanied by a troop of cavalry, -for plundering parties of Beloochees were making their way on all sides -towards the line followed by the army, where they murdered stragglers, -captured lagging camels, and were so bold that they ventured close to -the outskirts of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> the villages occupied by the British camps, robbed -the natives of the moneys paid them for forage or grain, and rendered -it necessary that every convoy should be protected by a considerable -escort. After a week of this work, Angus received orders to join the -force that was gathering at Dadur. During the last two days' march the -difficulties with regard to water had disappeared. The villages had all -been situated on the Bolan river, and little irrigation canals enabled -the cultivation of a considerable tract of country to be carried on, -which supplied forage in sufficient quantity for the first division of -the army which came along.</p> - -<p>Dadur, a town of some four thousand inhabitants, stands on the eastern -branch of the Bolan river, whose banks were fringed with high reeds and -groves of dwarf trees. The country round was well cultivated, and the -fields were covered with young crops of wheat and barley. Close to the -town were gardens, and the whole presented an agreeable appearance to -the troops, who had for nearly three weeks been painfully making their -way across country which, even at its best points, was little more than -a sandy desert. Here Angus again met Sir Alexander Burnes, who had been -making the greatest efforts to accumulate supplies at the town. His -success, however, had been very small, nor had Major Leech, who was -also at Dadur, been more fortunate. It had been reckoned that twenty -days' supplies for the whole army would have been accumulated there, -but not more than sufficient for two or three days had been gathered, -and General Cotton, on arriving there with the Bengal army, decided -that it was necessary for at least a portion of the army to advance -without delay.</p> - -<p>Sir Alexander Burnes started at once with Major Cureton of the 16th -Lancers, with a troop of that regiment, three companies of the Native -Infantry, and a strong party of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> sappers and miners, to survey the -pass up to Quettah. Major Leech was sent to Khelat to maintain a -strong pressure upon the Khan, and it was still hoped that stores -might be collected by the time the Bombay army came along. The report -sent down was satisfactory inasmuch as the physical difficulties of -the journey were concerned. In spite of the fact that heavy rains had -fallen, the river had not risen sufficiently to interfere seriously -with the passage of troops and animals, and on the 16th of March the -Horse Artillery, 2nd Light Cavalry, the 13th Regiment of the line, -and the 48th Native Infantry, started early in the morning, forded by -torchlight the Bolan river, and at eight o'clock pitched their camp in -the valley, where they were to rest for the day.</p> - -<p>The road had so far offered no difficulties, except that the river -had to be forded no fewer than eight times. The baggage animals which -started at midnight had already arrived, but the tents were pitched -with some difficulty owing to the rocky nature of the ground, which -necessitated the use of iron tent-pegs instead of the wooden ones -previously used. Fortunately, owing to the pause that had been made by -the advance parties at Dadur, and the abundance of succulent food they -had obtained there, the animals had recovered to a large extent from -their previous fatigues and hardships, and the journey through the pass -was accomplished with less loss and suffering than had occurred during -the march from Sukkar. Vast numbers of animals, however, died, and the -troops, who had started full of life and strength, were sadly changed, -many of them being utterly worn out and a mere shadow of their former -selves. The rumour that had precipitated the march by three weeks, -upset all the transport arrangements, and caused so vast an amount -of suffering, proved to be false—no for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>ward movement had been made -by the Candahar princes, and except for some little trouble with the -marauding villagers, the march was entirely unopposed.</p> - -<p>Once in the Shawl valley the fatigues of the army were over for the -time, but in spite of the efforts of Sir A. Burnes and his assistants, -only a very small amount of food and forage had been collected in -readiness for them. So small indeed was the supply that it was -necessary to place both the troops and native followers on reduced -rations of flour, rice, and ghee. Meat, however, was plentiful. The -proceedings of the Khan of Khelat were not of a character to inspire -confidence in him. While protesting strongly his friendship for us, -he told our officers frankly that he was certain Shah Soojah would -not retain his position for a day after the British troops marched -away; that the whole feeling of the country was against him, and that -although, had he advanced with only a native army raised by himself, he -might have been accepted, the people would never submit to a sovereign -thrust upon them by British bayonets.</p> - -<p>Opinions differed much as to his sincerity. Those who doubted it -pointed to the fact, that although he was said to have large stores of -provisions at Khelat, he had scarcely sold any to our troops, and had -failed in all his promises in that direction. On the other hand, Sir -A. Burnes maintained that the stores of provisions spoken of did not -exist; and that in any case, having no belief in the possibility of -Shah Soojah maintaining himself, it was but natural that he should hang -back until he saw how matters went, for if he were to give any active -aid to the British he would be considered a traitor by his countrymen, -and would imperil his khanate and his life when our protection was -withdrawn from him. The question was never satisfactorily cleared up. -Some of those who took part in the proceedings and wrote on the subject -regarded him as a very ill-used man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> while others considered the -measures afterwards taken against him as being fully justified by his -conduct.</p> - -<p>As it was absolutely necessary that food should be obtained, parties -were sent into the villages and a rigorous search instituted, and in -this way a considerable quantity of hidden grain was discovered. This -was taken and paid for at the market price. In Quettah itself one very -large store was found and taken up for the use of the army.</p> - -<p>The climate was pleasant, and in spite of reduced rations the men -benefited by the halt, which was not without its excitement, for large -bands of plunderers hovered round, attacks were frequently made upon -parties going out with camels to graze, and expeditions to punish the -villages to which the marauders belonged were undertaken. At length -General Sir John Keane, who was in command of the whole expedition, -arrived at Quettah, to the satisfaction of the army, for it was -thought that some decision must now be arrived at. It was evident to -all that, unless something were done, famine would ere long stare -them in the face. The European troops could indeed exist upon meat, -but the native troops and camp followers, the greater portion of whom -were not meat-eaters, were already in sore distress, the supply of -grain and rice barely sufficing to keep life together. The hope was -justified. As soon as the general arrived the heads of the departments -were assembled and arrangements were made for an advance. The greater -portion of the Bombay army arrived soon after their commander, and -although the men were still weakened by privation the army was in most -respects perfectly capable of carrying out the work successfully. There -was, however, one serious drawback which threatened to destroy their -efficiency: the horses of the cavalry and artillery and the animals of -the transport were so weakened by want of grain and hay that they were -altogether unfit for hard work.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was upon the 7th of April that the army moved forward, seven -weeks having elapsed since they started from Shikarpore. The -march to Candahar was long and painful, several passes had to be -traversed, food became more and more scarce, and hundreds of animals -died daily. Beloochee plunderers during the first portion of the -journey, and Afghan raiders during the second, hung along the line of -march, murdering all who straggled, capturing camels, at times even -threatening an attack in force. They were able to do this, as our -cavalry horses were so broken down that they could scarcely proceed -beyond a walk. The Candahar princes with a large following came out to -give battle; but Hajee Khan Kakur, one of the leading chiefs, had been -bribed by our political officers, and deserting, came into our camp -with a large body of followers, and this so disheartened the princes, -and excited so much fear among them of further treachery, that they -withdrew at once to Candahar, and a few hours after their arrival there -took the northern road. After immense suffering from want of water -and food, the army entered the city on the 26th of April, Shah Soojah -having gone on with Hajee Kakur and made a formal entry into the town -two days previously.</p> - -<p>Angus had had little to do during the march from Quettah. The chances -of obtaining forage or food at the deserted villages near the line -of march were so small that Sir John Keane decided that it would be -useless to endeavour to obtain anything there, especially as an officer -leaving the main body had to be accompanied by a strong escort to -protect him from the bands of marauders, and it was deemed inadvisable -to give the horses any work that could be avoided. Angus's own animal, -being accustomed to the country, suffered less than those from the -plains, and in order to spare it as much as possible, and keep it in -such a condition that it would be fit for work were he ordered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> to make -any expedition, he generally walked by its side the greater part of the -day, preferring this, indeed, to sitting on horseback and moving at the -snail's pace necessitated by the difficulties of the road and the slow -progress of the weakened animals of the baggage train. Among these the -mortality had been terrible, and one writer estimated that no fewer -than thirty thousand transport animals died on the road between Sukkar -and Candahar.</p> - -<p>Shah Soojah had at first established himself in his camp outside -the city, but two days after the arrival of the army he took up his -abode at the palace. He was accompanied by his own officials and by -Macnaghten and Burnes and their assistants.</p> - -<p>"What are you smiling at, Campbell?" Lieutenant Macgregor, who had been -his companion and tent-fellow since they left Dadur, asked as they rode -together into the city.</p> - -<p>"I am thinking of the difference between my position in this -procession, and the fact that I am going to take up my quarters in the -palace, and the position I occupied when I was last here—a pretended -trader, suspected and watched, and obliged to escape by night."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is a change, certainly," Macgregor said, "and one for the -better, though, after what we have gone through and all we may have -to go through before we leave this wretched country, I don't think -it would be safe to assert that it is less dangerous now than it was -then. From the time we left Shikarpore till we arrived here three days -ago, we have never had a decent meal, we have practically never had -enough to eat, we have suffered horribly from thirst, we have never -dared to ride a hundred yards beyond the column or camp; we have lived, -in fact, dogs' lives—not the life of a respectable dog in England, -but of a starving cur in an Indian bazaar. We don't know much about -the future; I don't suppose we shall suffer from hunger and thirst as -we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> have done, but our dangers of other kinds will certainly not be -abated. Everything looks smooth enough here. I don't think there is any -enthusiasm at all for Soojah, but there is no doubt that the princes -were hated, and the people heartily glad to be rid of them. I fancy -that we shall not have much difficulty in reaching Cabul. They say -Ghuznee is a strong place, but we have taken scores of places in India -that the natives considered impregnable. Still, considering the way in -which these marauding Afghans hover round us, I think we shall have a -very uncomfortable time of it."</p> - -<p>As the soldiers were not at first allowed to enter the city, the -merchants there speedily established a temporary bazaar outside -the walls. Here vendors of rose-water, of sherbet, and of a drink -concocted of the juice of fruits, took up their stalls. People from the -country round brought in loads of lucerne, wheat, barley, wood, and -chopped straw. Other merchants displayed posteens, pelisses made of -sheep-skins, with the wool inside and embroidered outside with blue, -red, and yellow thread; fowls, sheep, onions, milk, tobacco, and spices -were also on sale, and before long the horse-dealers of Herat brought -down large numbers of good animals, which were eagerly bought up by -officers who had lost their chargers. As soon as the soldiers were -allowed to enter the town they poured into it. Wheaten cakes, cooked -meat, and mulberries tempted their appetite, and a little later plums -and apricots were brought in in great profusion.</p> - -<p>The scenes in the streets were very amusing. The British soldiers and -Sepoys with their large variety of uniforms mingled with the people of -the town and country round. Some of these wore long cloaks of chintz or -woollen cloth, with large turbans; their hair, beards, and moustaches -being allowed to grow very long, and the beards being dyed red.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> Others -were closely shaven, and dressed in jackets and trousers of blue linen, -and tunics of brown cloth with long hanging sleeves, their heads being -protected by skull-caps of various colours.</p> - -<p>With May the heat, which already had been great, became even more -oppressive. Water was abundant, but the troops and camp followers were -still on short rations of food. The price of grain was enormously high, -and there was no chance of the magazines being replenished until the -fields were ripe for harvest.</p> - -<p>It was not until nearly three weeks after possession was taken of the -capital that a force was despatched under Brigadier Sale in pursuit of -the princes—a grievous mistake; for Shah Soojah had entered Candahar -on the day they left, and as they were greatly encumbered by their -baggage train, the ladies of the harems, and a host of camp followers, -they might easily have been overtaken; whereas, after their escape, -they became the centre of intrigues against the Ameer.</p> - -<p>In June the harvest ripened, large quantities of grain were bought up -by the commissariat, and preparations began for the advance to Cabul. -Candahar was quiet and apathetic. So far no signs were visible of any -enthusiasm for their new ruler among the people. Not only did none -of the neighbouring chiefs come in to pay their allegiance, but the -Shah's orders were everywhere disregarded. Marauding bands harassed and -sometimes attacked convoys coming up; and even close to the city it -was dangerous for the soldiers to move many hundred yards beyond the -limits of their camps. The health of the troops was far from good. The -plains of Candahar, fertile as they are, are unhealthy, as water can be -found everywhere six or seven feet below the surface. The native troops -suffered comparatively little, but the European soldiers were attacked -by dysentery, jaun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>dice, and fever, and large numbers were carried off -by these diseases.</p> - -<p>At the end of June the necessary amount of grain was accumulated by -the arrival of a large caravan from Mooltan. The army was now to cut -itself entirely free from its former lines of supplies, and would have -to depend solely, upon the country for food, as the ever-increasing -boldness of the Beloochees in the Bolan Pass, and of the Afghan -marauders between Quettah and Candahar, had made it impossible for -convoys, unless very strongly guarded, to make their way up.</p> - -<p>The advance began at two o'clock on the morning of the 28th, and four -hours later, after passing through a fertile district, the troops -encamped at the village of Killa Azim. Here they obtained barley for -their animals, and peasants from other villages brought in an abundance -of chopped straw for the camels. At midnight the trumpet sounded, and -an hour later the army moved forward again as far as Kheil. Four days' -further march brought them to Kelat-i-Ghilzye, the chief town of the -Ghilzye tribes. Two or three hundred of their horsemen galloped away as -the troops approached.</p> - -<p>Marching ten miles a day, the army followed the valley of the Turnak, -which afforded an ample supply of water for all their needs. The -country was mountainous and desolate, the dreariness being only broken -by small villages with their orchards and patches of cultivated ground. -Grain was brought in in abundance. The force was now far above the -plain, the heat ceased to be oppressive even in the middle of the day, -and the mornings and evenings were delightfully cool. Nevertheless, the -number of sick increased, owing to the bad quality of the flour and the -absence of vegetables. The country now became more thickly populated, -little villages, with the fortified dwellings of their chiefs, being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> -thickly scattered about. The hostile tribesmen followed the march -on both flanks, and many skirmishes took place; on one occasion the -Ghilzye marauders made an attack on the line of march, but were driven -off with heavy loss. On the 17th a nephew of the Ameer rode in with -fifteen followers. He had gone to Ghuznee with his brother to aid in -its defence, but suspicions being entertained by Mohummed Hyder, the -governor, of their fidelity, his brother was seized and put to death, -and he himself only escaped a similar fate by flight.</p> - -<p>As they approached Ghuznee, Sir Alexander Burnes said to Angus: "Mr. -Campbell, I shall be glad if you will resume your Afghan costume and -ride to-morrow at daybreak with a party of six of Hajee Khan Kakur's -men, and ascertain whether the enemy are in strength outside the -fortress and intend to oppose our approach. If they do, we shall leave -the baggage here under a strong guard and proceed to attack them. If -they retire into the fortress, we shall advance as we have been doing, -for possibly the siege may last some time, and it would be as well -to take our ammunition and stores with us. Will you undertake that -mission? I do not wish you, of course, to approach the enemy very -closely. They will naturally take you for a party coming to join them, -and will pay no attention to you. Half a mile will be near enough for -you to go to the fortress. The disguise is only necessary because they -too may have parties out, and should any come suddenly upon you, you -would pass without suspicion or question; and indeed should you be -stopped, your knowledge of the language is quite good enough to pass in -any case. I have requested Hajee Khan to choose well-mounted men. We -shall remain here to-morrow, and the general will send out a troop of -cavalry to meet you on your return half-way between this and Ghuznee, -so that should you be pursued, you will know that you will meet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> with -succour before going many miles. The fortress itself is some twelve -miles from this camp."</p> - -<p>"I will undertake it willingly, Sir Alexander."</p> - -<p>Accordingly on the following morning Angus set out. Azim asked leave to -accompany him, but he refused.</p> - -<p>"Your horse is not a very fast one," he said. "It is a good beast, but -we may have to ride for our lives, and you would soon be left behind. -It is not a dangerous expedition, but in a country like this there is -always the possibility of a surprise."</p> - -<p>After riding for two miles the fortress of Ghuznee was seen. It was -situated on a high rock and surrounded by a wall of great height and -strength, and was regarded by the Afghans as absolutely impregnable. As -they approached, and could make out the strength of the fortifications, -it seemed to Angus that, except by famine, it would be next to -impossible to capture it. The general had left the few heavy cannon -he had brought with him at Candahar because of the extreme difficulty -of getting transport, and the light field-pieces could make but small -impression indeed on these massive walls. When he approached within a -mile he halted. There were no signs of any Afghan force in front of it. -It was, of course, possible that they might sally out when they saw the -army approaching, but at present there was nothing to show that they -meant to do so. He was about to turn, when he was suddenly seized from -behind, and in a moment his hands were bound tightly to his side by the -sashes of two of his escort. The Afghans burst into a shout of triumph.</p> - -<p>"Infidel dog," one said, "did you think because Hajee Khan Kakur is a -traitor that all his men are also. You came to see Ghuznee. You shall -see the inside as well as the outside."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> - -<p>Angus was brave, but a shudder ran through him as he thought of the -fate that awaited him. The Afghans never spared those who fell into -their hands, and fortunate were those who were speedily killed, for -in many cases they were tortured before they were done to death. It -had never occurred to him to doubt for a moment the good faith of -the men who accompanied him; and yet, now he thought over it, such a -possibility should have been foreseen, since there was no reason why -the men should be traitors to their race, although for the moment -they had obeyed their commander's orders and ridden with him into the -British camp. They might even have remained faithful to him had not -this opportunity of rejoining their countrymen presented itself. Even -in the midst of his own deadly peril he was glad to think that, by his -refusal to allow Azim to accompany him, he had saved him from the fate -that awaited himself.</p> - -<p>He knew well that no entreaties would avail to soften the heart of the -Afghan commander, and determined that, whatever came, he would maintain -a firm countenance and meet his fate bravely. The gate of the fortress -stood open. The men as they entered said a few words to the guards -stationed there.</p> - -<p>"We were forced," they said, "to accompany the traitor Hajee Khan Kakur -to the camp of the infidel, but we have taken the first opportunity -to desert, and have brought with us this man, who is one of their -officers, as a prisoner."</p> - -<p>"Why trouble to bring him as a prisoner?"</p> - -<p>"We thought that Mohummed Hyder would like to question him, and are -bringing him here to show that we are true men."</p> - -<p>Climbing a steep road, they entered a great courtyard. Here they -dismounted, and their leader, a sub-officer, went<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> forward to the -governor's house, followed by two others, between whom Angus walked. -The leader entered, the others remained outside until he returned.</p> - -<p>"Follow me with the captive," he said, "Mohummed Hyder will speak to -him."</p> - -<p>A minute later Angus stood before the governor. He was seated on a -divan, and several other chiefs of importance were standing or sitting -round.</p> - -<p>"They tell me," the governor said, "that you can speak our tongue?"</p> - -<p>"I can do so," Angus said quietly.</p> - -<p>"Where did you learn it?"</p> - -<p>"In Herat, where I fought during the siege, against the Persians."</p> - -<p>"And now you come hither as a spy?"</p> - -<p>"Not as a spy. I came here only to view the fortress from a distance."</p> - -<p>"Is it true that the kafirs are bringing no big guns with them?"</p> - -<p>As the governor was doubtless well informed as to the strength of the -British army and the number of its guns, Angus felt that there could be -no harm in answering the question.</p> - -<p>"They are not," he said.</p> - -<p>"How do they intend to take Ghuznee? Will they fly over the walls or -burrow through the rock?" the governor said scoffingly. "Are they -madmen, who think they can tear down the walls of Ghuznee with their -finger-nails?"</p> - -<p>"I know nothing of the plans of the general," Angus replied. "But the -British have taken many strong places in India when it seemed that it -could not be done."</p> - -<p>"They will not take Ghuznee. When the first shot is fired at its walls -we will throw over to them your head and your limbs, to show that we -despise them and mock their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> foolish effort. Take him away, Yakoob. Do -you see him safely bestowed."</p> - -<p>Angus was led to a cell in one of the turrets on the wall. His weapons -had been taken from him when he was first captured, and when he -reached the prison his arms were unbound by the leader of the band, -who carried off the sashes to the men to whom they belonged. A massive -door was closed behind them, and Angus heard two heavy bolts shot—a -proof that the tower was often used as a prison. Listening, he heard -another door at the foot of the turret closed and bolted. The window -was a mere loophole, but it commanded a view of the road by which he -had been brought up. The cell was circular in shape, and some ten feet -in diameter; it was absolutely bare. Angus stood for some little time -looking through the loophole. It was three feet wide on the inner side, -but narrowed to six inches at the outlet; the wall was more than two -feet thick, and of solid stone.</p> - -<p>"It is evident that there is no possibility of escape," he said aloud -as he turned away from the loophole. "Even if I could widen the hole so -to be able to creep through, there is a fall of a hundred feet or so; -and there is nothing of which a rope could be made. I have my knife," -he said, "fortunately they did not think of looking in my pockets; but -though it has a good long blade, and I might at the end sell my life as -dearly as possible, and force them to kill me, it can be of no earthly -use here, for there is nothing to cut except that rough plank in the -corner, which was, I suppose, brought up for some purpose or other and -forgotten."</p> - -<p>The day passed slowly. No one came near him until, just as the sun was -setting, two soldiers came in bringing a jug of water and some bread. -Angus had little sleep that night. He dozed off occasionally, but the -hardness of the stone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> floor and the cold speedily roused him, and he -was glad indeed when daylight returned and the sun shone out. An hour -later, when looking from his prison window, he perceived a party of -horsemen. Long before he could distinguish their figures he made sure -that they were British troops, from the fact that two or three rode -ahead, and the rest, evidently an escort, in a close body behind them. -They approached within musket-shot. As soon as they did so a fire of -matchlocks broke out from the walls. They drew off a little, and then -turned and rode off. There was no doubt that they were a reconnoitring -party, who had ridden forward to ascertain the best spot for an attack.</p> - -<p>Two hours later three regiments of infantry came up, followed by a -battery. The object of their approach was to discover whether Ghuznee -was held in force, for reports had reached the camp that the greater -portion of the garrison had retired. It answered its purpose, for the -guns of the fortress opened fire, and for an hour there was an exchange -of shot between them and the battery. The object of the reconnaissance -being fulfilled, the British returned to their camp. Not until five -o'clock was any further movement perceptible; then Angus saw a long -dark line ascending the pass. On reaching its head the column made -a wide detour, so as to keep beyond the range of the guns of the -fortress, and then entered a rocky and difficult country to the east. -As he knew that the gates had all been walled up with masonry with the -exception of that through which the road from Cabul entered it, he had -no doubt that it was intended to encamp on that side, thus cutting -off the fortress from relief by the army assembled under another of -the Ameer's sons, and at the same time preventing the flight of the -garrison. As long as it was light the column was still passing on—a -long line of baggage waggons and native followers, guarded by bodies -of troops against any sortie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> that might be made. During the night -occasional shots were fired from the fortress, and at various points of -the plain and on the surrounding hills fires raised gave indications of -gatherings of tribesmen.</p> - -<p>It had indeed been a painful and difficult march. Several streams and -water-courses swollen by rain had to be crossed, but with enormous -exertions the whole force was established, and on the following -morning tents were erected along the position chosen. Sir John Keane, -accompanied by General Cotton, ascended the heights, took a survey of -the fortress, and decided upon the plan of attack. At two o'clock in -the afternoon a body of Afghan horse suddenly attacked the camp in the -rear, but were beaten off by our own cavalry. Angus heard the outburst -of firing, and concluded that the governor would ere long carry out -his threat. He had no idea what the commander-in-chief's plan was, but -he felt certain that the attack when made would be sudden and sharp, -and would be in the nature of a surprise, for in no other way did it -seem possible that a force, however strong, could without artillery -capture the place. In that case there was just a possibility that in -the excitement of the moment his existence would be forgotten.</p> - -<p>"At any rate," he said to himself, "I will do what I can to defer the -moment of my execution. I don't suppose it will be of the smallest use, -but as I have nothing else to do, I will cut some wedges, and as soon -as the attack begins in earnest I will jam them in round the door."</p> - -<p>For the rest of the day he occupied himself in cutting strips of wood -off the plank and fashioning wedges, of which he made about four dozen, -the work sufficing to keep his thoughts from dwelling upon his probable -fate. He concealed all these in his clothes; then he cut off a stout -piece of plank and fashioned it into the form of a short thick bat, -with which to drive the wedges into their place.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> Then he laid the -plank in its place again, with the freshly-cut side against the wall, -swept up the chips, and threw them out of the loophole. He thought it -probable that Sir John Keane would attack without any delay, as it was -all-important to capture the citadel before the relieving army from -Cabul and the forces of three or four great chiefs which were also in -the neighbourhood could join hands and attack him in the rear, while -the powerful garrison sallied out and fell upon him in front.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX</a></p> - -<p class="center">JUST IN TIME</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">The</span> plan of the British general for the capture of Ghuznee was a -bold one. He knew that his little guns could make no impression upon -the walls, and that it would take weeks before it would be possible -to effect a breach. His idea was to blow in the gate and to pour -his troops in through the opening. His plans were admirably laid. -At midnight six companies of infantry established themselves in the -gardens to the right and left of the spot where the assaulting column -were to take up their position, ready to advance as soon as the gate -was blown in. Two hours later three companies of a native regiment -made a detour and took up a position to the north of the fortress. The -field artillery took up their post on a height. At three o'clock in -the morning the infantry on the north opened a musketry fire. At the -same moment the artillery on the hills began a brisk cannonade, while -a camel battery directed its fire against the walls. The guns of the -fortress at once replied, and the walls were fringed with the musketry -fire.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> It was still an hour to daylight when Captain Thompson, of the -Royal Engineers, with a party of his men, crept forward to the gate, -carrying with them nine hundred pounds of gunpowder in twelve sacks.</p> - -<p>The movement was altogether unobserved by the garrison, who had been -taken completely by surprise by the sudden fire. The night had been -exceptionally favourable for the attempt. The wind blew so strongly -that the tramp of the columns and the sound of the wheels of the -guns failed to reach the ears of the sentries on the walls. When the -fire broke out the Afghans at once burned numbers of blue lights to -endeavour to obtain a clear view of the attacking force; but the light -failed to pierce the darkness, and the fireworks burned but fitfully -owing to the force of the gale. They therefore distributed themselves -along the whole circuit of walls instead of concentrating upon the -point where the attack was about to take place.</p> - -<p>The Engineers had done their work admirably. They crept silently along -the causeway which afforded a passage across the moat, and then up the -steep ascent which led to the gate, unnoticed by those who manned the -loopholes. Two minutes sufficed to place the sacks in position. The -fuse was then fired, and the party ran back to such cover as they could -find. At this moment the Afghans lit a large and brilliant blue light -immediately over the gate, but before they could obtain any idea of -what was passing below the explosion took place. The gate was blown to -pieces, and masses of masonry and fractured beams fell into the passage -beyond. Then a bugle was sounded by the Engineers, and the storming -party rushed down and crept into the dark, blocked-up passage. Here -they were fiercely opposed. The Afghans had rallied almost instantly -from their first surprise, and rushed down to defend the passage. A -desperate struggle took place in the dark, but British valour was -tri<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>umphant, and the four companies of the 2nd and 17th Regiments -fought their way into the interior of the fortress.</p> - -<p>Had they been at once supported by the column behind them, commanded -by Brigadier-general Sale, the capture of Ghuznee would have been -comparatively bloodless; but as he was advancing he met one of the -Engineer officers, who had been terribly bruised and injured by the -explosion. Upon being questioned, the latter said that the gate had -been blown in, but that the passage was blocked with the ruins. As in -that case it would have been madness to advance, the general ordered -the retreat to be sounded. The call was heard by the leading companies, -but not obeyed. Instead of the troops retreating, they halted -irresolutely, rather than carry out an order the most unwelcome that -can be given to British soldiers. Fortunately another Engineer officer -soon came along and assured the brigadier that, although the passage -was greatly blocked, the storming party had made their way through; -whereupon the column at once rushed forward. The delay, however, had -given the garrison time to rally, and large numbers had run down -from the wall to take part in the fight. Many, however, despairing -of successful resistance now that their assailants had won their way -into the town, allowed the storming party to pass and then attempted -to escape through the gateway. But as they did so, General Sale with -the head of his column arrived, and another desperate fight took place -among the ruins of the gate.</p> - -<p>The general himself was cut down, and his assailant endeavoured to -complete his work. Sale succeeded in grasping his sword hand, but, -weakened by his wound, must have been overpowered had not an officer -run up and severely wounded the Afghan. The struggle continued, but the -general managed to gain his feet and cut down his assailant.</p> - -<p>The column was a long time in passing over the heap of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> ruins, now -further encumbered by wounded and dead. As soon as they had entered, -the reserve, who had been suffering from the fire of the Afghans still -on the walls, followed them, and while General Sale's division ascended -the steep path that led to the citadel, which rose far above the rest -of the fortress, the reserve began the work of clearing out the Afghans -from the houses. Large numbers of Afghans had taken refuge here as -the troops entered, and these, rushing out, flung themselves upon the -troops with the fury of despair. Many of these who had first entered, -exhausted by their exertions, were with the wounded sitting in the -courtyard at the foot of the citadel. Upon these the fanatics rushed, -cutting and slashing with their keen tulwars alike at the soldiers who -started to their feet, the wounded on the ground, and their own horses, -who, mad with terror, were galloping wildly over the courtyard. A -series of desperate hand-to-hand conflicts were waged until the last of -the Afghans were shot or bayoneted. The walls were cleared with little -difficulty, but many soldiers were shot as they passed through the -narrow streets of the native town. All resistance ceased at a quarter -past five. Thus in two hours and a quarter after the first shot was -fired, a fortress deemed impregnable and garrisoned by three thousand -five hundred men was captured.</p> - -<p>Ghuznee had been provisioned for six months, and so certain was -Mohummed Hyder of the ability of the place to hold out that he -had brought with him all the ladies of his zenana. In spite of -the desperate nature of the fighting, not one of the Afghans who -surrendered was injured, nor was the slightest insult offered to the -ladies of the zenana or the women in the native town. The troops -who had ascended to the citadel found the gates open, the Afghan -prince having lost all hope as soon as he found the lower fortress -in possession of the British. He was found hiding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> in disguise, and -was brought before Shah Soojah. The latter magnanimously said to him: -"What has been has been; you have deserved evil at my hands, but you -have this day behaved like a brave man. I forgive thee the past; go in -peace." The young prince was then handed over to Sir Alexander Burnes -for safe custody.</p> - -<p>The success had been cheaply purchased. Only seventeen non-commissioned -officers and privates had been killed, and eighteen officers and a -hundred and forty-seven men wounded. Of the Afghans, five hundred and -fourteen bodies were buried next day; more than a hundred fugitives -were killed outside the walls; upwards of a thousand horses, a great -number of camels and mules, vast quantities of provisions, ammunition, -and arms fell into the hands of the conquerors, together with more than -fifteen hundred prisoners. Over a thousand made their escape.</p> - -<p>At the first outburst of firing Angus had sprung to his feet; as -the fight increased in fury he was certain that a night attack was -in progress, and he at once proceeded to drive in the wedges he had -prepared. Just as he had completed this he heard the dull roar of the -explosion, followed by loud and excited shouts, but the noise of the -gale prevented him from catching the words. He had no doubt, however, -that either the gate had been blown in or that a mine had been driven -into the wall, and that the explosion of an immense charge of powder -had effected a breach. Then came the sound of a heavy and continuous -rattle of musketry. The cannon of the fortress opened fire, while those -of the besiegers answered. By the occasional fall of masses of masonry, -and the screams of women, he had no doubt that the British artillery -were now directing their fire against the citadel, in order to add to -the confusion among the defenders of the fortress.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus05.jpg" alt="prop" /> -<a id="illus05" name="illus05"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> HE TOOK DOWN THE PROP, AND THRUST IT SUDDENLY WITH ALL -HIS FORCE THROUGH THE HOLE.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> - -<p>Presently he heard a rush of feet up the staircase, then the bolts of -the door were pulled back, and a yell of rage and surprise arose as the -door did not yield to the push against it. The staircase was a very -narrow one, and but one person could mount at a time. As it terminated -at the door, one man only could use his strength against it, and Angus -felt perfectly sure that it would need a much greater pressure than -this to force it open. He had already propped the plank against it, and -stood with his foot at the lower end to prevent it from slipping. The -man next to the door, finding that it did not yield, began to hammer -with the hilt of his sword, but soon desisted, finding that his blows -did not even shake it. There was a confused sound of talking, and then -silence for a few minutes; then there was a renewed noise, and a heavy -blow was struck at the door. Evidently a large block of wood had been -brought up; but this did not greatly alarm Angus. The staircase was a -circular one, and at most but two men could work the battering-ram, -which on account of the confined space was necessarily short.</p> - -<p>This proving unsuccessful, there was again silence. After an interval -came blows of a sharper sound, an axe of some sort was being used. -During the lulls of the wind the sounds of the struggle below could -be plainly heard, and as it was now dawn Angus could have seen what -was going on had not the loophole been on the opposite side, but from -the sharpness of the sound he had no doubt that the firing was in -the courtyard, and that his countrymen had effected an entrance. The -chopping went on regularly. The door was thick and strong, and it -was half an hour before the edge of the axe first showed through it; -another five minutes and a hole a foot wide appeared some four feet -from the ground. At this rate it would be some time before an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> opening -large enough for a man to pass through could be made. He took down -the prop, and thrust it suddenly with all his force through the hole, -striking the man who was wielding the axe full in the face.</p> - -<p>There was a terrible cry, mingled with yells of rage from the others. -Presently a pistol was thrust through the hole and fired; he had -expected this, and had stood back. Again and again shots were fired. -It was evident that there was an unwillingness on the part of his -assailants to try the axe again. Presently he heard a shout from below. -The words came up distinctly, "Mohummed Hyder's orders are that the -attack is to cease," and Angus felt that he was saved. The prince, -indeed, seeing that all was lost, had sent an officer in great haste -to put a stop to the attack on his prisoner's cell. He no longer -thought of carrying out his former intentions. The British army was -not after all an impotent enemy to be insulted, but a victorious one -to be appeased, and as soon as he was informed of the attack on his -prisoner's cell he had sent off to put a stop to it. It had not been -made by his orders, but was the act of the soldiers on the wall near -it, who, seeing that the British had entered, had determined to take -vengeance upon the captive.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later Angus heard the triumphant cheers of the troops as -they poured in through the open gate of the citadel.</p> - -<p>It was another hour before the contest in the courtyard below and on -the walls of the fortress came to an end. Shortly afterwards he heard -steps approaching, and through the hole in the door saw a British -officer coming up the stair; behind him was Azim.</p> - -<p>"I am glad indeed to see you, Campbell," the officer said, as he caught -sight of his face. "We had all given you up as dead when we found -that none of your escort came back;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> but your boy, on questioning the -prisoners, found out that you were confined here, and came at once to -tell me. I see by the state of the door that you have been standing a -siege. Are you uninjured?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my rascally troops seized me suddenly and brought me here. I will -tell you about it as soon as I have unfastened the door."</p> - -<p>"It is the first time I ever heard of a prison door having bolts on the -inside."</p> - -<p>"They are not bolts, as you will see directly."</p> - -<p>It took some minutes to get all the wedges out. Macgregor then entered -and shook Angus warmly by the hand, while Azim threw himself on his -knees, and seizing his master's hand kissed it again and again, tears -of joy streaming down his cheeks.</p> - -<p>"Where in the world did you get these wedges?" Macgregor asked.</p> - -<p>"I cut them out of this plank. It took me all day yesterday to make -them and this mallet. How the plank came here I don't know, but it -certainly saved my life."</p> - -<p>"That and your wits, Campbell. It was a capital idea, first-rate. I see -there is blood on the staircase."</p> - -<p>"The plank came in useful again. I used it as a battering-ram on the -fellow who was chopping, and as I caught him full in the face, the -blood is accounted for. As you see by the opposite wall, they fired a -few shots through the hole afterwards, but of course I took good care -to be out of the line of fire."</p> - -<p>"Well, come along. Sir Alexander has been asking about you, but could -get no information, and it might have been some time before you were -set free had it not been for your boy."</p> - -<p>On going down into the body of the citadel, Angus was most warmly -greeted by Sir Alexander Burnes and the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> officers who knew him, -for all supposed that he had been murdered. He explained to his chief -why his life had been spared.</p> - -<p>"You had a narrow escape indeed," the latter said, "for I have no -doubt whatever that the Afghan would have carried out his threat had -we attacked in a regular way. It is quite in accordance with their -barbarous customs. But I certainly wonder that they did not kill you -when we entered the fortress."</p> - -<p>Macgregor then told the manner in which Angus had converted his little -cell into a fort, and had resisted successfully the attacks made upon -it.</p> - -<p>"A very narrow escape indeed, Mr. Campbell," Sir Alexander Burnes -said. "It was fortunate indeed that that piece of wood had been left -in the cell; but the idea of cutting wedges from it and fastening the -door would not have occurred to everyone. It was a most happy thought, -and certainly was the means of saving your life. It was a treacherous -business indeed of Hajee Khan Kakur, for I have no doubt that he was -the concocter of the plot. He has given us the strongest grounds for -suspicion ever since we left Candahar, and has continually been making -excuses for lagging behind. We have strong reason for believing that if -we had failed here, he would at once have turned against us."</p> - -<p>"I do not think he knew of this, sir. When I was seized, the trooper -said. 'Do you think that because our chief is a traitor we are traitors -too?'"</p> - -<p>"These fellows are very crafty, Mr. Campbell, and Hajee has a special -reputation that way, having before now turned traitor in spite of -promises and vows. He may very well have instructed one of his men -to say this, in order that if, contrary to all probability, you ever -rejoined the army, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> himself might be shielded by your repeating -this speech. We have never put any trust in him since he joined us, -though of course it was politic to seem to do so, as other chiefs might -follow his example. He was questioned very sharply as to the orders he -had given his men when you did not return that afternoon. Of course he -swore by the Prophet that he had chosen men in whom he had the greatest -confidence, which was, I have no doubt, true. However, as it was -possible that you and they might have fallen into an ambush, the matter -was dropped for the time. But our suspicions gained ground when, as we -came up here, no signs of a fight were discovered, no bodies either of -men or horses, and I intended to reopen the matter as soon as things -were a little settled down. Well, I can assure you I am heartily glad -to see you back again safe and sound, and I shall not fail to report -the matter to Sir John Keane, and tell him how cleverly you escaped the -fate intended for you."</p> - -<p>The army remained for a week at Ghuznee while preparations were being -made for converting the fortress into a base from which further -operations could be carried on. It was thought well to pause, so that -the full effects of the disaster might be felt throughout the country -before the advance began again. The fall of Ghuznee had indeed entirely -disarranged the plan of campaign that had been decided upon by Dost -Mahomed. The fortress had been provisioned for six months, and it was -confidently believed that it could resist all attacks for that time. -With the approach of winter, the position of a besieging army would -be desperate. The cold would be intense, they would be surrounded on -all sides by swarms of fierce tribesmen, would be unable to obtain -provisions in the country round, and must either retire through the -passes they had ascended, to Candahar,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> or be forced by famine to -surrender. In the former case, the disaster that afterwards occurred in -endeavouring to retire from Cabul would probably have befallen them.</p> - -<p>This plan was entirely brought to naught by the fall of Ghuznee, and -six days later the brother of Dost Mahomed arrived in camp with an -offer from the Ameer to surrender the government to Shah Soojah, on -condition that he himself should, as the head of the Barukzyes, fill -the hereditary office of wuzeer, or prime minister. As this would -have placed the whole power of the state in his hands, the offer was -refused, and on the 31st of July the army resumed its march. After -three days' march, they learned that the Kuzzilbashes had mutinied. -This body of troops were of Persian descent, and had for very many -years formed an important part of the military power of Cabul, and held -a position similar to that of the Janizaries of Constantinople and the -Mamelukes of Egypt. Under but very slight control, they were constantly -causing trouble by their insolence and exactions, and they now showed -that they entertained no feeling either of loyalty or gratitude towards -the dynasty which they served.</p> - -<p>In spite of the exhortations of the Ameer, they insisted upon his -granting them a discharge from his service, and as it was evident that -the news from Ghuznee had so much dispirited the whole army that no -reliance whatever could be placed on their fidelity, the unfortunate -monarch was obliged to allow the Kuzzilbashes to disband, and the rest -of the army to disperse, and to take to the mountains as a fugitive, -accompanied only by a small party of personal followers. A force was at -once sent in pursuit of him; but as the following of the traitor, Hajee -Khan, formed the principal part of this force, the double-faced chief, -who desired to make himself safe whatever turn affairs might take, so -contrived that Dost Mahomed and his party were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> not overtaken. In the -meantime the main force marched forward to Cabul wholly unopposed. -Twenty-two guns were found abandoned at the spot where the Ameer's army -had dispersed. These, placed in a strong defile, and supported by a -large force of tribesmen, might have long resisted our advance had the -Kuzzilbashes and other Afghan horsemen swept round on our rear, and -although British valour might have finally succeeded, it could only -have been after a terrible struggle. But now the Ameer was a fugitive, -the guns were in our hands, the Kuzzilbashes and native tribesmen had -come in to salute their new ruler, and nothing remained but to enter -the capital in triumph.</p> - -<p>The entry took place on the 7th of August. The ceremony was an imposing -one. Shah Soojah, after an exile of thirty years, rode at the head -of the cortege, on a white charger with golden trappings. He wore a -jewelled coronet, his arms and garments were ornamented with precious -stones, and his waist encircled with a broad girdle of gold encrusted -with rubies and emeralds. Accompanying him were the commander-in-chief, -and Mr. Macnaghten and Sir Alexander Burnes, who were in full -diplomatic dress. Two of the Shah's sons and a few of the principal -chiefs rode behind him with a number of staff officers in full uniform. -Following him came the army that had performed so long and difficult -a march to place him on his throne. The surrounding country traversed -was rich and fertile in the extreme, and almost covered with orchards -of peaches and other fruits; under these crops of all sorts grew -luxuriantly. On the eminences commanding the plain immense numbers of -tribesmen assembled to witness the martial display.</p> - -<p>On entering the city, the victors found the inhabitants clustered -in the streets through which they passed to the royal residence in -the Bala Hissar, a great citadel situated on a hill commanding the -town, and so strongly fortified that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> it would have been difficult -to capture it unless by the aid of a regular siege train. The aspect -of the inhabitants was perfectly peaceful; there were no shouts or -exclamations of enthusiasm, but it was evident from the expression -of satisfaction on their faces that the majority were well satisfied -with the termination of the rule of the Barukzyes, whose exactions had -pressed heavily upon them.</p> - -<p>Dost Mahomed himself was popular. He was affable and kindly in -disposition; his decisions on all matters brought before him were just -and fair; he was accessible to all having complaints to bring before -him; and had he possessed a body of trustworthy infantry to overawe the -marauding Kuzzilbashes and the semi-independent chiefs, there can be -no doubt that his rule would have been a wise and beneficial one. Shah -Soojah was the reverse of his rival. Haughty and arrogant, he regarded -and treated with contempt his new subjects, seldom granted audience, or -troubled himself in any way with their affairs, rarely went abroad, and -remained in almost constant seclusion in his palace.</p> - -<p>The shops of Cabul excited the admiration of the officers and men -of the British force. Probably nowhere else in the world could such -a display of fruit have been collected. Here were piles of peaches -equal to the finest product of English hothouses, grapes of five -varieties, rosy apples, juicy pears, several delicious kinds of melons, -almonds, pistachio nuts, walnuts, quinces, cherries, and red and white -mulberries, and vegetables of all kinds. The butchers' shops were -cleanly and well arranged; there were public ovens, in which loaves, -and the cakes of which the Afghans are extremely fond, were baking -when the force entered. In the potters' shops were jars and drinking -vessels of all kinds; Afghan, Persian, and Russian cloths, cloaks, furs -of many kinds, sets of china and Dresden porcelain in the shops of the -wealthier traders; and behind these open shops<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> were inner apartments -with very fine and costly shawls, silks, precious stones, valuable -carpets, and tea imported by way of Bokhara. Conspicuous were the -shops of manufacturers of swords and daggers, and makers of scabbards -and belts, shields and chain armour, and even of bookbinders, who -manufactured covers for manuscript copies of Persian poems and stories. -Unfortunately for the moral of the army, there were also manufactories -of spirits. Since leaving Candahar no spirit rations had been served -out, and the troops had greatly benefited in health during their -arduous work by the privation, but the power to purchase vile spirits -at a very low price now tempted many into drinking to intoxication, and -lowered at once their health and discipline.</p> - -<p>Mr. Macnaghten and his staff had a fine building in the Bala Hissar -allotted to them. Sir Alexander Burnes with his assistants occupied -a house in the city. The position of Burnes was an unsatisfactory -one. He had a right to expect that after his previous residence in -Cabul he would be appointed British resident there, and he had only -accepted a secondary position upon the understanding that Macnaghten's -appointment was a temporary one. He had on the way up rendered much -valuable assistance, but he had no strictly defined duties. His opinion -was seldom asked, and if given, was wholly disregarded. For this he -was himself somewhat to blame. His temperament was a changeable one. -At times he was full of enthusiasm and saw everything in the rosiest -light; at other times he was depressed and despondent, and came to be -regarded as a prophet of evil. Having no serious work to occupy his -mind, he worried over trifles, exaggerated the importance of the bazaar -rumours, and was often filled with the gloomiest anticipations.</p> - -<p>The war had been undertaken altogether in opposition to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> his advice. -He had been most favourably impressed with Dost Mahomed, and his -remonstrances against the attempt to force Shah Soojah on the Afghans -had been so strong and persistent, that the home government, in -defending themselves from the public indignation excited by subsequent -disaster, even went the length of suppressing some of his despatches -and garbling others, after he was no longer alive to proclaim the -falsification.</p> - -<p>Once at Cabul, his opportunities for doing useful service came to -an end. Macnaghten, who was always sanguine to an extent that, in -the light of subsequent events, seemed to border on insanity, was -all-powerful with the new Ameer. The expression of any opinion which -ran counter to his own was in the highest degree distasteful to him, -and it was only in negotiations for the supply of the troops, and with -the petty chiefs, that Burnes and his staff found any employment.</p> - -<p>Although Pushtoo was the language of the country-people who came in -with goods, the inhabitants of Cabul almost universally spoke Persian, -and Angus Campbell and Azim found themselves quite at home among them.</p> - -<p>On the 3rd of September, a force under Colonel Wade, which had advanced -through the Khyber Pass, arrived at Cabul. It was a mixed body composed -principally of Pathans and Sikhs. It had met with comparatively small -resistance, but had rendered valuable service, as a large force had -been detached from Dost Mahomed's army to oppose its advance, and thus -greatly weakened the army with which the Ameer had intended to meet the -British advance from Candahar. The Afghan force had been recalled in -haste after the news of the fall of Ghuznee, but had not arrived until -after the disbandment of the Ameer's army and his flight to the Bamian -Pass, when it had also broken up, and Wade was therefore able to reach -Cabul without opposition.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was now necessary to decide what should be done with the army of -occupation. Macnaghten was pressing by a constant succession of letters -that large reinforcements should be sent up in order to win back for -Shah Soojah the territories that had once formed part of the Afghan -empire. He urged that in order to check Russian aggression an army -should not only occupy Herat, but should extend its operations until it -became paramount at Bokhara; while, on the other hand, Peshawur and the -territory wrested from Afghanistan by the Sikhs should be reconquered, -and the Sikh nation, which was becoming more and more hostile to us, -should be brought into subjection. But fortunately Lord Auckland, now -freed from the pernicious influence of Macnaghten and surrounded by -discreet counsellors, was by no means disposed to turn a favourable ear -to these fantastic projects. The cost of the army of occupation was a -heavy drain on the revenue of India, and so far from any assistance -being rendered by Afghanistan, Shah Soojah was constantly clamouring -for subsidies to enable him to maintain his position. The absence of so -many troops was also much felt in India, for they were greatly needed -on the frontiers of the Beloochees as well as those of the Sikhs. -Macnaghten had so persistently asserted that Shah Soojah was personally -popular with the Afghans, that it was decided that only a comparatively -small force was needed to uphold his authority in case Dost Mahomed -should make an effort to recover his throne, and orders were given -that the greater portion of the Bombay army should march down through -the Kojuk and Bolan Passes, and most of the Bengal troops through the -Khyber, leaving some six regiments, with a proportion of artillery, at -Cabul, with garrisons at Ghuznee, Candahar, Quettah, and Jellalabad.</p> - -<p>Macnaghten in vain remonstrated and entreated. It was settled that the -movement should begin at the end of Sep<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>tember, so that the troops -could regain the plains before winter set in in earnest. September -passed quietly. The climate at this time was perfect, and the troops -enjoyed the rest, with the abundance of fruit and vegetables. There -were reviews and races. Shah Soojah established an order of knighthood, -and held a grand durbar, at which the principal officers were invested, -with great ceremony, with the insignia of the new order. On the 18th of -the month the Bombay column started on its march, but news having been -brought down from the force that had occupied the Bamian Pass, that -Dost Mahomed was collecting a formidable army, the authorities were -induced to maintain a great portion of the Bengal force round Cabul. -Great difficulties arose with reference to provisioning these troops -through the winter. There was abundant accommodation for them in the -Bala Hissar and its citadel, but Shah Soojah strongly objected to the -presence of a large body of troops there. Macnaghten, with his usual -weakness, gave way.</p> - -<p>On the 15th of October Sir John Keane, with that portion of the Bengal -force that was to return, set out. The Ameer left two days later, -to spend the winter in the more genial climate of Jellalabad, and -Macnaghten accompanied him. Sanguine as he was, he could not help -feeling uneasy at the situation. The British occupation had greatly -benefited the merchants and traders, the farmers and cultivators -of Cabul, but it had seriously injured the poorer portion of the -community. The natural result of so large an army, well supplied -with money, being stationed in the city, was to raise the price of -all articles of consumption prodigiously, and to cause wide-spread -discontent. The exactions of the native tax-collectors pressed heavily -upon all the tribesmen. The British officers, by the terms of the -treaty with Shah Soojah, were unable to interfere in any way with the -internal affairs of the country; but when the natives revolted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> against -the unjust exactions it was they who were called upon to suppress them, -consequently the infidel supporters of the Ameer became more and more -hated by the people, and it was soon dangerous for them to go beyond -the limits of their camps. The Ameer himself resented the state of -subjection in which he considered that he was held, though he could -not dispense with British bayonets and British money. Macnaghten left -behind him experienced administrators. Burnes, Conolly, Leech, Todd, -and Lord had all long acquaintance with the country, and if anyone -could, under such circumstances, have reconciled the country to foreign -occupation, they would have done so.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X</a></p> - -<p class="center">A MISSION</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">"I wish</span> that we had trustworthy news of what Dost Mahomed is doing," -Sir Alexander Burnes said one morning when he and his assistants were -talking over the work for the day. "Of course one hears from the Hindoo -merchants what rumours are circulating, but these are so contradictory -that they are not to be relied upon. One day it is said that Dost has -retired to Bokhara, another that he has already gathered a formidable -force. It is certain that if he does not recross the Bamian soon he -will not give us any trouble till the spring, for I doubt whether even -the Afghans, hardy as they are, could traverse the passes when winter -has fairly set in. Still, it would be very useful to us to obtain some -sort of inkling as to what his movements and intentions are. He may -intend to make a bold stroke to recover his kingdom, he may wait until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> -there is a popular rising here. In the first case, our force here must -be maintained at the present strength, and it would be well to warn -Lord Auckland as soon as possible that next spring its strength must be -increased rather than diminished. If, on the other hand, Dost depends -upon a rising here rather than upon any force he may himself gather, -there will be no occasion for more troops than we have, for these -should suffice to crush any tribal rising."</p> - -<p>"I should be happy to undertake the mission if you would confide it -to me, sir," Angus said. "I travelled as a Persian without exciting -suspicion, and I can do the same again. I might obtain a couple -of horse-loads of Indian silk and cashmere goods, and travel as a -Persian trader who has been settled here, but who, fearing that fresh -disturbances might occur, had decided to make a trip himself to Bokhara -with a view of establishing himself there. I see all trade is at -present at a stand-still, as the northern traders dare not venture down -here. The fact that I can also speak Pushtoo will, of course, be an -advantage, and would seem to show that I had, as I gave out, resided -here for some time."</p> - -<p>"It would be a dangerous enterprise, Mr. Campbell."</p> - -<p>"There would be a certain amount of danger in it, sir, but not, it -seems to me, excessive—not more than I met in my journey from Herat. -There is danger, as you have frequently said, even here; and at any -rate, I am ready to take all risks if you think that the mission would -be of utility."</p> - -<p>"That it would certainly be, and I admit that no one would be more -likely to carry it to a successful conclusion, but I fear that it would -be impossible for you to return before the spring."</p> - -<p>"I do not think that I could return across the mountains, but I might -dispose of my goods to the Turkomans.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> From what we hear, Dost Mahomed -is either at Balkh or Kunduz, or possibly Tashkurgan, half-way between -them. Balkh would, of course, be more convenient, for it is but a -couple of days' journey to Kilif, on the other side of the Oxus. There -I might dispose of my goods, and buy carpets and shawls of Bokhara; and -then travel across the plains to Herat; thence, by the trade route, -to Candahar; and so back through Ghuznee. That would, of course, be a -long journey, but there would be no very lofty passes to traverse. I -need hardly say that I should not enter Herat, as I might be recognized -there; but there would be no fear of recognition elsewhere. As my -servant is really a Persian, and has also picked up Pushtoo, he would -greatly aid me in preserving my disguise. At any rate, I would rather -be doing something than remaining here idle through the winter."</p> - -<p>"Then I accept your offer, Mr. Campbell. The information you would give -as to the feeling of the people on the other side of the mountains -would be invaluable. I will myself question one or two of the Hindoo -merchants as to the goods that are generally sent to Bokhara. I know, -of course, that the bulk of that trade with India is carried on through -Candahar and Herat, but it would be natural that a trader residing -here and wishing to leave should prefer the direct route, however -toilsome it might be. I should say easy loads for three animals would -be sufficient, and as the merchandise would be of light materials, a -considerable value could be carried by three horses. You will need a -fourth for a small stock of provisions, for you will have to depend -on yourselves until you are on the other side of the passes. You will -require two men to look after the four horses. I will obtain two -soldiers from one of the Pathan regiments. It would be dangerous for -you to hire a man in the city; I will get a couple of men of approved -fidelity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> They will, of course, be in native dress, and will pass as -peasants hired for the journey by you. Four of you, well armed, should -be able to give a good account of yourselves if you should fall in with -any small party of freebooters, though that is more likely to happen on -your return journey than on your way across the hills."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"Well, to-day is Monday; it will take two or three days to make all the -preparations and get the sort of men you require. Would you be ready to -start on Thursday?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir. As far as I and my man are concerned, we should be -ready to start at a moment's notice, as there will be no difficulty in -buying the clothes we require."</p> - -<p>"Very well, then, it shall be settled for Thursday. I know I need not -tell you to warn your servant to maintain absolute secrecy as to the -fact that you are leaving the town."</p> - -<p>Azim was greatly pleased when Angus told him of the intended -expedition, for, having few duties to perform, he had found the time -hang heavily on his hands, and was glad to hear that he was not to -spend the long winter at Cabul. He purchased in the bazaars all the -garments for his master and himself—high boots lined with fur, and -cloaks of thick cloth similarly lined, and Afghan hats of black lamb's -wool.</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus06.jpg" alt="rock" /> -<a id="illus06" name="illus06"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> THERE, LYING CLOSE UNDER A ROCK, WAS A YOUNG AFGHAN.</p> - -<p>On Wednesday evening Sir Alexander Burnes said to Angus: "It is just as -well that you did not make your start this morning, for there has been -a sharp skirmish on the road ten miles off between a squadron of our -cavalry and a party of Afghan horse. I hear the fellows fought well, -but were driven off with considerable loss. I have seen the two men -who have been selected to accompany you, they have both been some time -in our service. Their colonel spoke highly to me of them. I explained -to them the nature<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> of the duty on which they were going, and gave -them the option of declining it, but said that if they carried it -through successfully they would on their return receive a present of -six months' pay and would at once be promoted. They accepted without -hesitation, and I feel certain that you can rely upon them. They were -recruited from the border tribes, which have ever held themselves -independent of the Afghan factions, and have no sympathy whatever -either with the Kuzzilbashes or Soojah himself, and care not a snap -who rules over Afghanistan. If questioned, their story will be that -they came up as camp followers with Colonel Wade's force, and that on -arriving at Cabul their work with the army was at an end, and they -took service with the Persian trader. All the goods and packs have -been marked in Persian characters, with the prices they would fetch in -Persia, and those at which they would probably sell at Bokhara; so that -you will know how to carry on your trading without exciting suspicion -either by asking too little or by demanding an unusual price. Each man -will lead two horses, and I have provided rough ponies for them to -ride. I think you will find that no detail has been neglected. I have -had a thousand rupees sewn up in the saddle of your horse. I sent for -one of the cavalry saddlers, and your man showed him which was your -saddle. Another five hundred are sewn in the saddle of your servant in -case of mishap. Here is a letter to Lieutenant Mackenzie, who commands -the troop of horse artillery which is at Bamian with the Ameer's -Ghoorka regiment. You may be questioned there, so without giving him -any details I have simply requested him to allow the bearer and his -party to pass on without question or interference."</p> - -<p>The start was not made from the house of Sir Alexander Burnes, but from -that of the Hindoo merchant from whom goods had been purchased. As -there was nothing unusual in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> a trader starting with some horse-loads -of merchandise, no attention was attracted, and the party crossed the -plain four miles farther up, and skirted the foot of the mountains -until they reached the gorge through which the track—for it could not -be called a road—led over the mountains to Bamian. They had decided to -camp here, but they found that it was the scene of the previous day's -combat. Dead horses and men were scattered about, and it was evident -that the Afghans had been lying in ambush here, aware that at times -parties of our cavalry rode some distance up the pass. They determined -to go half a mile farther up the gorge, as there was no danger of -disturbance by the Afghans, who, after their defeat on the previous -day, were not likely to be in the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p>After proceeding a quarter of a mile Angus, who was riding ahead, -suddenly stopped his horse, hearing a deep groan. As the ground was -strewn with rocks on either side of the track, he concluded at once -that some poor fellow had crawled away to die, unnoticed by our cavalry -returning from pursuit. Knowing what tortures he must be suffering from -thirst he dismounted, and filling a pannikin from one of the skins, -he bade Azim bring some fruit, and then made his way to the spot from -which the sound proceeded. There, lying close under a rock, was a young -Afghan, whose clothes showed that he was a chief of some rank. His eyes -were closed, his face pallid and drawn, his lips black and cracked with -thirst. Angus knelt beside him, and poured a few drops of water between -his lips. This he repeated again and again.</p> - -<p>The wounded man opened his eyes with a deep exclamation of -thankfulness. Then his face darkened, and he said: "You meant kindly, -good friend, but you have done me a cruel service. The worst had -passed; I had sunk into un<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>consciousness, and should have passed into -Paradise without more pain."</p> - -<p>"Where are you wounded?" Angus asked. "Perhaps we can do something for -you."</p> - -<p>The Afghan slightly shook his head. "Nothing can be done for me," he -said. "I have a musket-ball in my shoulder, and my right leg is broken -above the knee."</p> - -<p>"At any rate we can make you comfortable. We were going to camp a short -way ahead, but we will now do so here."</p> - -<p>"May Allah bless you, but it would be better to leave me to die at -once."</p> - -<p>"That I cannot do. Now, have a good drink of water, and then I will cut -a melon into pieces for you to suck while we are preparing our camp."</p> - -<p>The horses' loads were removed and the animals turned loose to graze on -the grass growing among the rocks. Then the tent was erected and the -Afghan carried into the shade of a high rock close by. By this time he -was able to speak more strongly, and said: "You are Persian, I see, by -your dress. How comes it that you have entered this lonely gorge with -your pack-horses and your goods?"</p> - -<p>"We are going to make our road to Bokhara. There are rumours of -disaffection in Cabul, and if there is fighting the houses of the -traders will be looted. Therefore I resolved to leave while I could, -and am taking my Indian goods for sale there."</p> - -<p>"It will be a terrible journey," the young chief said. "There is -already snow in the upper passes. I wish you success. I shall think of -your kindness as I lie here, and pray Allah to protect you. Before you -go I pray you to carry me down to the edge of this stream, so that I -may drink when I will."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> - -<p>"We will certainly do that, and give you a supply of fruit if we can -do no better. Now we must look and see to your wounds. I can at least -bandage them, and make you somewhat easier."</p> - -<p>To his surprise Angus found no wounds in the leg. "I see no bullet -mark," he said.</p> - -<p>"No, the leg was broken in my fall. My men had fought well, but the -Feringees were too strong for them, and we fled. I was riding in their -rear, when a shot struck me in the shoulder. I fell from my horse, and -when I found that my leg was broken I felt my end was at hand; but I -heard no more shots nor any further sound of galloping horses, and I -knew that by Allah's mercy they had ceased their pursuit. My horse had -galloped on after the others, and my men might not notice that I had -fallen until they had gone some distance, when they would probably -conclude that I had been killed. I managed to crawl out of the road to -the shelter of that rock where you found me, as the infidels might come -up in the morning, and I would rather die quietly there than be shot -down."</p> - -<p>"They would not have injured you," Angus said. "They kill many in -battle, but it is a rule with them never to touch an injured man; and -had they come along they would have taken you back to their camp and -have done all they could for you."</p> - -<p>"I have heard that they were strange in that respect; but I did not -think of it—my only wish was to die quietly and alone. I tried several -times to crawl to the stream, but the agony was so great that I could -not do it."</p> - -<p>Angus while he was speaking was feeling the limb. "The first thing to -do," he said, "is to bring the ends of the bone together; the operation -will be painful, but it will greatly relieve your sufferings."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do as you will, stranger; Allah has sent you to my side, and what you -do must be right."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, I must prepare some splints to keep it in its -place."</p> - -<p>Leaving the Afghan, Angus searched among the bushes until he found a -shrub which was thick enough for the purpose. He and Azim with their -knives cut this down near the root, and then divided it into lengths, -split each of these and smoothed the pieces until they were perfectly -even. He then tore off several long strips of cloth to form bandages, -and calling to the two men, he returned to the wounded Afghan. The -patient was lifted into another position, where he could place his left -foot against a rock.</p> - -<p>"Now, chief," Angus said, "you must with that leg prevent yourself from -being pulled forward; my servant will hold you round the body, so as to -aid you; the other two men will take hold of your right leg and pull -it, while as soon as it is sufficiently stretched I shall press the -broken ends into their position. I am afraid that the pain will be very -severe, but you will be much easier afterwards. At present the ends of -the bones are tearing your flesh."</p> - -<p>"An Afghan can bear pain," the chief said quietly; "do as you will."</p> - -<p>"Now," Angus said to the soldiers, "take a firm hold above the ankle, -and draw as steadily and quietly as you can, but with all your -strength."</p> - -<p>The resistance of the muscles was so great that it was only by -exercising their utmost power that the men got them to yield. At last -Angus felt the end of the bone on which he was pressing suddenly slip -into its place. Then for the first time he looked round. No sound had -escaped the Afghan's lips, but the agony had been so intense that he -had fainted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Now, give me a long bandage, Azim; you need not hold him any longer. -Double up a cloak or something and lift him and put it under him, so -that I can pass the bandage round and round."</p> - -<p>First a wad of thick material soaked in water was placed round the leg -at the point of the fracture, and then bandage was added to bandage, -until the limb down to the knee was surrounded by a casing half an inch -thick; then the splints were applied, some reaching only down to the -knee, others to the ankle. These were held in their place by the three -assistants, while Angus again firmly bandaged them. The operation being -completed, he dashed some water on the Afghan's face. The latter soon -opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>"It is all over, chief; the bones are in their place again, and if all -goes well, in time the ends may knit firmly together."</p> - -<p>"It is easier already," the chief said gratefully. "I no longer feel as -if an evil spirit from Eblis were torturing me with a hot iron."</p> - -<p>"I will now see to your shoulder. The wound has ceased bleeding; -therefore I shall but sponge it with cold water and put a bandage on in -case it should break out afresh."</p> - -<p>This was soon done. Some cloths soaked in water were laid over the -bandage, then some more fruit was given to the wounded man, and he was -left in the shade, and the men set about cooking a meal. Angus from -time to time went across to see him, and had the satisfaction in the -evening of finding that he had fallen asleep.</p> - -<p>"Now, Azim," he said when he returned, "the next thing to do is to -settle what is to be done with him."</p> - -<p>"I have been wondering that ever since we found him, master."</p> - -<p>"There is a choice of two things: one is that I mount my horse, ride -back to Cabul, report having found a wounded man, and ask that a party -with a stretcher may be sent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> out to fetch him in early in the morning; -the other is to take him on with us."</p> - -<p>Azim looked in surprise. "That would be very difficult, master."</p> - -<p>"No doubt it would be difficult, but I think it might be done. There -is no doubt that from his dress and appearance, and from the fact that -he speaks excellent Persian, he is a chief of considerable standing. -In that case his friendship might be invaluable to us, both on our way -down to the frontier, and possibly in the future, which Sir Alexander -Burnes regards as very threatening. It would be worth while, therefore, -to make some sacrifice to carry him down to his friends. I would not do -it if I thought the journey would harm him, but I believe the cold air -of the mountains would be vastly better for him than the heat of the -plains round Cabul. He may suffer somewhat from jolting, but I think -that we can obviate that if we cut two strong poles about fifteen feet -long, attach them to the pack-saddles of two horses, and by securely -fastening a blanket between them make a hammock, in which he can ride -comfortably. The poles would be elastic enough to save sudden jolts; we -can only go at a foot's pace in these passes, and these native horses -are so sure-footed that I think the chance of any accident is extremely -slight. The horses are but lightly weighted, and as the provisions are -consumed we can move a portion of the weight they carry to the one who -takes our food."</p> - -<p>"Yes, that would be a good plan, master."</p> - -<p>"Another advantage of it would be," Angus went on, "that whereas he -would chafe at being in a hospital in care of the people he hates, -his spirits would naturally rise as he felt that he was returning to -his friends, and this would hasten his recovery. However, I will put -the question to him in the morning. If he decides upon being kept in -camp,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> I will send you back with a letter to Sir Alexander Burnes for -stretcher-bearers, and you will easily overtake us at our camping-place -to-morrow evening."</p> - -<p>In the morning the young chief was better than Angus had even hoped -for. Once or twice during the night fresh water had been poured gently -over the bandages on the wounded shoulder. Like all people living -chiefly in the open air, accustomed to climbing, and to hard exercise, -the Afghans suffer less from wounds than Europeans do. Abstemious in -their habits, comparatively small meat-eaters, lithe and sinewy in -their figures, they speedily recover from wounds unless of a mortal -nature. Angus found that the chief's forehead and hands were cool, and -there were no signs of fever setting in.</p> - -<p>"I have been thinking over what would be best for you, and decided to -leave the choice to yourself. I am acquainted with Burnes Sahib, and if -I send my servant with a letter I know that he will at once send out a -party to carry you into hospital, where you will be well cared for."</p> - -<p>"I would rather die than accept kindness at their hands," the Afghan -said firmly.</p> - -<p>"In that case there seems no other course but for me to construct -a litter between two of my pack-horses, and to carry you over the -mountains to Kundur."</p> - -<p>"And would you thus burden yourself with a stranger?" the Afghan asked -in a tone of great surprise.</p> - -<p>"Certainly I would for a wounded stranger," Angus said; "but I do not -think that there will be any great trouble, and I will try to make the -journey as easy for you as possible." He then explained how he intended -to carry him. The face of the wounded man lit up. He had permitted -Angus to set his limb because he believed it was destiny that had sent -him to his aid. He felt sure that the man who had taken such trouble -with him would leave a store of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> provisions within his reach, and that -possibly some of the natives might come along and carry him to their -village, and so tend him until his strength was restored. It was but a -faint hope, for now that winter was approaching the men from the upper -villages would have come down into the plain, and the chances were but -slight that any would enter the gorge. His hope rested chiefly in the -belief that, as he had been so unexpectedly saved from death, his final -deliverance would also be effected; but that this kind trader should -offer to carry him up the passes had never entered his mind, and his -pale cheek flushed with pleasure.</p> - -<p>"Certainly I will go with you if you will take me," he said joyfully; -"nobly indeed do you carry out the precept of the Prophet, to be -compassionate to all those who need it."</p> - -<p>"Let us say no more about it, chief. It will be a pleasure to me to see -you grow stronger, and I doubt not that the mountain air will benefit -you greatly, and I shall have my reward in seeing you regaining your -strength. We have meat with us, but it will be better for you to take -fruit and a little bread."</p> - -<p>Two soldiers were sent out, and presently returned with poles of the -desired length and thickness. Breakfast was then eaten. Afterwards the -poles, a long blanket having been firmly lashed between them, were -securely fastened against the horses' flanks under their burdens. In -this way a hammock was formed in which, while the body and legs were -below the level of the poles, the head was somewhat above them. A cloak -was rolled up to make a pillow, and the chief was then gently lifted -and laid in it.</p> - -<p>They started at daybreak, rested in the shade for three or four hours -in the middle of the day, and then continued their journey till late in -the evening. After two days' travel the halt was no longer necessary, -for they were now far<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> above the level of the plain. The air was fresh -during the day, and at night all were glad to cover themselves with -their long coats lined with sheep-skin.</p> - -<p>Angus had made no attempt to discover the position of the ball in the -shoulder of the wounded chief. Even if he found it, he had neither the -instruments nor the skill necessary for its removal. The only thing -he could do was to keep the cloths bathed with cold water to prevent -inflammation setting in.</p> - -<p>The track they were following sometimes disappeared altogether, and -Angus often congratulated himself upon having the young chief with him, -for the latter had twice before crossed the mountains, and was able to -tell him which line to take. The day's journey varied much in length, -being from fifteen to twenty-five miles, according as they found a -suitable halting-place. They always camped where there was water, -emptying the skins and filling them afresh as often as possible. At -times the ground was covered with snow. This they thawed in a pot over -a fire of brushwood, of which they were careful to gather some at every -opportunity on the day's march.</p> - -<p>The chief and Angus occupied the little tent, while Azim slept with the -two soldiers in a shelter composed of blankets. Every day there was -a visible improvement in the state of the wounded man; the cool air -acted as a tonic to his system. The first two or three days his arm -pained him a good deal, though he had never once complained of it. It -was kept bound to his side, and by means of splints and bandages the -shoulder was held in its natural position; more than this Angus had not -attempted. He believed that the shoulder was broken, but even of this -he was not sure, and could only hope that the bone would knit together -itself. One day, however, in reply to his questions the Afghan admitted -that he felt a burning pain just over the left shoulder,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> and feeling, -Angus perceived a hard substance apparently but a short distance under -the skin.</p> - -<p>"There is no doubt that this is the ball," he said. "A surgeon would -cut down upon it, and get it out easily enough."</p> - -<p>"Then why do you not do it? you seem very skilful."</p> - -<p>"I have had no practice," he said. "My father was a trader of Tabriz. -He was a good man and very much respected. The poor often came to him -in cases of accidents, and I have many a time seen him bandage broken -limbs, that is why I was able to do it; but of bullet wounds I know -nothing."</p> - -<p>"Take my dagger and cut down to it at once; the pain of a cut is -nothing. Cut fearlessly and deeply, so that you can take hold of the -ball with your fingers."</p> - -<p>After some hesitation Angus agreed to do so, for, by the pain it was -causing, the bullet might set up inflammation.</p> - -<p>"It is a mere nothing," the Afghan said. "I have frequently cut out -bullets from my tribesmen."</p> - -<p>The chief's dagger was as keen as a razor, and seeing that his patient -really wished it, Angus performed the operation. He had to cut three -times before he could manage to get hold of the bullet. The Afghan -himself did not once flinch.</p> - -<p>"That is well," he said, when the ball was extracted. "Now, bring the -edges together again, put a piece of wet rag over them, and then tie a -bandage tightly round me; by the end of a week there will be nothing -but a scar remaining."</p> - -<p>Two days later they arrived at Bamian. As they entered the little town -a native officer of a Ghoorka regiment came out and demanded their -business. For the first time Angus was unable to give an answer in the -language in which he was addressed. Knowing, however, the purport of -the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> question, he showed his letter to Lieutenant Mackenzie. The native -was unable to read English, but called to an English artilleryman, who -at once came up. On seeing the letter he motioned to the pretended -trader to follow him, and conducted him to the house where Lieutenant -Mackenzie lodged.</p> - -<p>"There is a man outside who has a letter for you, sir," he said -saluting.</p> - -<p>"An Englishman?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, one of these traders, I think. He has some horses with packs, -and he has a wounded or dead man in a litter."</p> - -<p>"Show him in."</p> - -<p>Angus on entering said in Persian, "My orders are to deliver this -letter to you when alone, sir."</p> - -<p>The lieutenant signed to two orderlies, to whom he had at the time been -giving orders, and Angus then went on in English: "You do not remember -me, Lieutenant Mackenzie. I am Angus Campbell, on the staff of Sir -Alexander Burnes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, I remember you now," the officer said, rising and shaking him -by the hand. "Of course we have met many times, but in that Persian -dress I did not know you again. I suppose you have come to see how we -are getting on?"</p> - -<p>"No. I am on a mission across the mountains to see what Dost Mahomed is -really doing there, as you will see by this letter."</p> - -<p>The officer glanced through it. "I see you do not want the natives -here—there are not many of them—to be asking any questions. Let me -see. We are pretty closely packed, as you may imagine. I could give you -a room here, but that would hardly do."</p> - -<p>"No, it would not do at all," Angus said. "It would appear strange -indeed to the natives if you were to so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> honour a travelling merchant. -I can do very well without a room, for I have a tent that I have used -on my journey. All I wish is that you give an order that we shall not -be in any way interfered with."</p> - -<p>"That I can do easily enough, and will put a sentry over your -encampment with orders that no one is to enter into conversation with -your followers."</p> - -<p>"Thank you; that is just what I desire."</p> - -<p>"I hear that one of your men is ill, can anything be done for him? We -have a doctor with us, and you could leave the man in hospital, and -he could either make his way back when cured, or follow you—though -I doubt whether that would be possible, as the passes will soon be -completely blocked with snow. As soon as we are sure of this we shall -return to Cabul, so we are looking forward eagerly, as you may imagine, -for the news that they have become impassable."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. The man met with an accident by falling from his horse, but -I doctored him as well as I could, and I think in another day or two he -will be able to sit a horse; and as he knows the passes, I must keep -him with me, for already the paths are in many cases obliterated by -snow, and I should fare badly indeed without him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I see that. How long are you going to stay here?"</p> - -<p>"I shall start again the day after to-morrow. It is most important that -I should push on, for the passes may be closed any day. I will give the -horses and men one day's rest, that is all that I can afford now. I -will say good-bye, for it would not do for you to be seen speaking to -me again."</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose it would not do for you to come here, but I will after -dark to-night come down and have a chat with you. I have had no news -from Cabul for the last fortnight. There would be no harm in that, -would there?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No; I should be very glad if you would come in that way."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later the tents were erected, and two sentries were placed -near them to warn off all intruders. Angus went into the little town, -and made some purchases from three small traders who had remained -there, and had been well rewarded for doing so by the prices they -obtained from the troops for their stores. Lieutenant Mackenzie, on -his arrival, had ordered them to send all the liquor they had to his -quarters, telling them that unless they agreed to this they would not -be allowed to remain, and promising that the liquor should be returned -to them when the troops left. Their stores were almost exhausted, but -Angus was able to purchase some rice, a pot of ghee, and a sack of -grain for the horses. At eight o'clock Mackenzie came down. Sadut Khan -had been apprised of the intended visit, and had willingly consented to -be carried for the time into the other tent, so that Angus had his to -himself.</p> - -<p>"It is a snug little tent," Mackenzie said when he entered it; "not -much head room, but that is of no consequence, as it is only a place -for sleeping in. I am ashamed to come empty-handed, but I only brought -a couple of bottles of spirits with me, and they are both empty long -ago. I can't drink this beastly native stuff. And besides, the room in -which I stored all there was in the place when I got here is locked -up. I made the traders put their seals to it so that there could be no -dispute about the quantities when I handed them over."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," Angus said; "I don't touch spirits. Whatever may be the -case in other places, I am convinced that men are better off without -them in a country like this. Certainly they are best avoided in hot -weather; and I think even in the cold weather coffee is infinitely -better, and I have brought a good store of that with me. Now, make<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> -yourself as comfortable as you can. Fill your pipe from that jar, it is -the best Persian tobacco. Then when the coffee comes in I will give you -the news from Cabul."</p> - -<p>A large jug of coffee, with two silver horns which Angus had bought -before starting, was soon brought in, and then Angus told what had -happened at Cabul since the last letter Mackenzie had received.</p> - -<p>"Then you don't think things are going on well?" Mackenzie said when he -had concluded.</p> - -<p>"No, there is much disaffection among the lower class in the city. -The tribesmen are restless and discontented. It was a great mistake -to allow Shah Soojah the entire control of all civilian matters; -the consequence is that the people are grievously oppressed by the -tax-gatherers. The Ameer himself is impatient at the slightest attempt -to control him. He renders himself intensely unpopular by hardly ever -appearing in public, by his refusal to grant audiences, and by his -haughtiness and arrogance to those whom he does admit to his presence. -I am certain that he could not maintain himself for a day if we were -to march away, and I don't see how we can leave him to his fate. -Altogether the situation is very difficult, and I am afraid it will end -badly. They want a strong man at the head of affairs. I do not think -that Macnaghten is a strong man. Keane is a good soldier, but it is -said that he will return to England in the spring."</p> - -<p>"And how about Burnes?"</p> - -<p>"Burnes is my chief," Angus said with a smile; "but I can say this, -I believe that if he were in Macnaghten's place things would go on -better. At present, however, he has no authority of any kind. He -differs from Macnaghten on almost every point, and any advice he gives -is almost contemptuously neglected."</p> - -<p>"It is a queer state of affairs," Mackenzie said. "How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>ever, I suppose -we shall get out all right in the end. It is a way we have. We -generally make a muddle in the beginning, but our fighting power has -pulled us through. Well, I will be going now; it is eleven o'clock. I -think that it would be better that I should not come again to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"I think so too. If the Afghans here entertained the smallest suspicion -that you were visiting me, they would feel sure that I was not the -trader I pretended to be, and would find means of sending a message -across the mountains, which would result in the failure of my mission -and my own certain death."</p> - -<p>After a hearty farewell, and an expression of the best wishes for the -success of his mission, Mackenzie said good-bye and left the tent. The -Afghan chief was carried back into it, and in a few minutes all in the -little camp were asleep.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI</a></p> - -<p class="center">A DANGEROUS JOURNEY</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">Angus</span> made every effort to secure the services of a native well -acquainted with the passes as guide, but was altogether unsuccessful. -The difficulties were, they declared, insurmountable, the danger -overwhelming.</p> - -<p>"I must see what I can do," Sadut Khan said, when Angus informed him -that the natives were all of opinion that the snow was too heavy and -the danger too great for the pass to be attempted. "We stayed here for -some days, when I crossed the hills with Dost Mahomed. There is a petty -chief living in a village two miles away; if he is still there,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> I -think he would accompany you. Whether or not, I am certain he would not -divulge the secret of my being here to anyone."</p> - -<p>"I will go myself to see him," Angus said. "I hope indeed he will -accompany us, for if not, I fear that our journey has come to an end, -as the offers I have made would have tempted any of the natives here to -go with me if they had thought it possible. Shall I mention your name -to him?"</p> - -<p>"Say to him only that a chief of the Momunds, whom he knew here three -months ago, desires to speak to him."</p> - -<p>Angus at once mounted his horse and rode to the foot of the hill -upon which the village with the tower of its chief was perched. Then -fastening the bridle to a stunted shrub, he made his way up the steep -ascent on foot. The place did not contain more than a dozen houses. As -he passed through these, natives wrapped in sheep-skin jackets came to -the door and gazed at him with angry scowls. As he reached the door of -the tower four armed men came out.</p> - -<p>"What would you here, stranger?" one of them said.</p> - -<p>"I would speak a few words with your chief."</p> - -<p>"He does not want either to buy or to sell," the man said shortly.</p> - -<p>"I do not seek to sell," Angus said. "I have a message of importance to -him."</p> - -<p>One of them went into the tower, and returning in a minute, motioned to -Angus to follow him. The chief, a tall and powerful man of middle age, -was seated on the floor of a room in the upper story of the tower. Near -him was a large earthenware pan, in which a charcoal fire was burning.</p> - -<p>"Why come you here, Persian?" he said, "and what message can one like -you bear to me?"</p> - -<p>Angus repeated the message that Sadut Khan had given him. The chief -rose to his feet suddenly. "You lie!" he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> said fiercely, "he is dead. -The news came to us a week since."</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless, he gave me that message; and if you will come with me to -Bamian you will see for yourself that he is not dead, though it is true -that he has been sorely hurt."</p> - -<p>"I go not into Bamian," the chief said. "I have not put foot in -the town since the accursed infidels came there. They have held no -communication with me, nor I with them. This may be a trick to lure me -there and make me prisoner."</p> - -<p>"If they had desired to do so," Angus said quietly, "they would have -sent a hundred men with a gun or two, and not a mere trader. Besides, -how could they have told that a Momund chief had been here with Dost -Mahomed when he passed through?"</p> - -<p>"Many could have told you that," the chief said, "seeing that, next to -the Ameer himself, he was the most observed of the party."</p> - -<p>"Well, chief, if you will not go, I have nothing to do but to return -and inform him that you refuse to come and see him."</p> - -<p>"How can he be there, in the midst of the enemy, unless indeed he is a -prisoner?"</p> - -<p>"He is not a prisoner; he lies in my tent. You can see him without -entering Bamian, for my camp is outside the town. What motive, chief, -could I have in deceiving you?"</p> - -<p>"I will go," the chief said suddenly. "It shall not be said that I -refused to answer such a call, however improbable it might seem."</p> - -<p>He threw on a cloak lined with sheep-skins, and telling his men that -unless something befell him he would be back by noon, he led the way -down the hill. Angus mounted his horse when he reached it and rode -beside him. For some distance the Afghan did not speak.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you know the name of this chief?" he asked abruptly when half the -distance had been traversed.</p> - -<p>"It is Sadut Khan, the fighting chief of the Momunds, and a nephew by -marriage of the Ameer."</p> - -<p>The Afghan had not expected this reply.</p> - -<p>"You must be in his confidence indeed, Persian, or he would not thus -have disclosed himself when in the midst of those who would hail his -capture as one of the most valuable prizes."</p> - -<p>"He has, as you say, faith in me," Angus said quietly, "and will, -doubtless, when you see him, give you his reason for that trust in me."</p> - -<p>"Your story must be true, and I believe it; forgive me for at first -doubting it. But having heard that the chief had been killed, I thought -this was a plot of some kind."</p> - -<p>"It was natural that you should not believe me," Angus said. "You could -scarce credit that he was alive, and, what was still more strange, -that he should be in a town occupied by the English, and yet not be a -prisoner."</p> - -<p>"This is a fortunate day for me, indeed," the Afghan said. "There is -no chief whose name is more honoured in the country than that of Sadut -Khan. He is as brave as a lion, good to his people, and faithful to -Dost Mahomed, when so many have fallen away from him. The Ameer regards -him as if he were a favourite son, and it will gladden his heart -indeed, and lessen his troubles, when he learns that he is still alive."</p> - -<p>Avoiding the town they went straight to Sadut. Angus dismounted and led -the way to his little white tent, and, raising the flap, said to the -chief, "He is here; enter."</p> - -<p>The Afghan did so; and thinking it best to leave them together for a -time, Angus strolled away and saw that his horse was, as usual, well -wrapped up in a thick felt blanket.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> It was half an hour before the -chief made his appearance at the entrance to the tent and looked round.</p> - -<p>Angus at once spoke to him.</p> - -<p>"My friend," said the chief, "I again ask your pardon for doubting you -for a moment. Allah will surely bless you for the good work you have -done. Sadut Khan has told me all, and it passes my understanding why -a stranger should have cumbered himself with a wounded man of whom he -knew nothing."</p> - -<p>"Does not the Koran bid us succour the afflicted?"</p> - -<p>"That is true, my friend, but there are surely limits. One will do -great things for a friend, one may do something for a stranger, but to -hinder one's journey and cumber one's self with a wounded stranger is -surely more than can be expected of us."</p> - -<p>Angus now entered the tent.</p> - -<p>"My trust in the chief was not misplaced," Sadut Khan said. "He will -act as our guide across the mountains, though he doubts whether it will -be possible to cross the passes. If it is the will of Allah, Persian, -that we should not, we can but die."</p> - -<p>"That is so," Angus said; "but the passes may not be as badly blocked -as we expect."</p> - -<p>"We can hardly hope that," the chief replied, shaking his head. "The -last party that came over reported that they had never known it so bad. -This was a week ago, and since then the sky has always been dull to -the north, and it has surely been snowing there. However, to-day it is -lighter, and maybe no more snow will fall for a time. We had best lose -not an hour in starting. I shall take four of my men with me. We have -no horses, but that matters not at all, for the passage will have to be -made on foot. Let us move to-morrow at daybreak, and travel as far as -we can before it is dark."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> - -<p>When the arrangements were all settled, Angus went into the village and -bought some more grain, cheese, and other food, also a store of extra -blankets, and two other native tents; these were to be packed on his -horse and Azim's. Among other things he bought two native lamps for -each tent, and a good supply of oil, a roll of flannel for tearing into -strips for winding round the feet and legs, and he was then satisfied -that he had done all in his power to render the enterprise a success. -Before daybreak next morning Hassan, the Afghan chief, arrived with -four of his followers, all strong and sinewy men. The animals were -speedily packed; Sadut's litter was placed between two of the horses -which were more lightly loaded than the others, and they set out just -as daylight was spreading over the sky.</p> - -<p>The speed with which the start was effected was in itself a sign that -all felt the gravity of the task before them. Angus had the evening -before explained to the two soldiers that the journey before them was -one of tremendous difficulty, and offered to leave them in charge of -Lieutenant Mackenzie till spring, when they could return to Cabul and -rejoin their regiment; but they would not hear of it.</p> - -<p>"We are both mountain men," one said, "and if others can get through -we can. At any rate, we will risk anything rather than return with -blackened faces and say that we had feared to follow our officer."</p> - -<p>The morning was bitterly cold, but the sky was clear.</p> - -<p>"We shall do well to-day," Hassan said to Angus, "and the horses are -fresh. As for to-morrow, who can say?"</p> - -<p>The snow was knee-deep when they got beyond the village. The ascent -began almost at once and was heavy work both for men and horses.</p> - -<p>They continued their journey till it was too dark to go farther, then -they halted in a ravine which afforded some shelter from the piercing -wind. All set to work to clear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> away the snow where the tents were -to be pitched, but before raising these the horses were attended to. -Blankets were girded round them from the ears to the tail, and they -were picketed touching each other for mutual warmth. A supply of corn -was then laid down before each on some square pieces of felt placed -on the snow. When the tents were pitched the lamps were lighted and -the flaps closed, then snow was scraped up outside until the canvas -was covered nearly to the top. In spite of the intense cold all were -thoroughly warmed by their hard work before they turned in. Angus took -Azim into his tent, the rest divided themselves among the other two. At -other times it would have been unpleasant to be so closely packed, but -in such weather it was an advantage.</p> - -<p>Before setting to work to pile the snow against the tents a brass -kettle filled with water had been suspended from the ridge-pole over -the lamps, and the water was almost boiling by the time the work was -finished, and in a few minutes coffee was made. The frozen carcasses of -four sheep had been brought, as well as a large quantity of meat that -had been cooked on the previous day. Some slices of the latter were -thawed over the lamp and eaten with bread that had been purchased at -Bamian. But few words were spoken after the meal was finished, their -fatigue and the warmth of the tent rendering it difficult for them to -keep awake. In a few minutes all were sound asleep. The next day's -march was even more arduous. Sadut had given up his litter and again -mounted his horse, as it was found impossible for the two animals -linked together by the hammock to make their way up the steep place. -The work was toilsome in the extreme, but all worked cheerfully.</p> - -<p>Hassan and his four men laboured with the greatest vigour, carrying -burdens to places which horses when laden could not have climbed, -hauling the animals out of deep drifts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> into which they frequently -fell, carrying Sadut Khan in his litter at points where the ascent was -so steep that, crippled as he still was by his injured leg, he could -not have retained his seat in the saddle. The party worked in almost -complete silence, but with a stern determination and energy which -showed their consciousness that every moment was of importance. Twelve -miles were the result of as many hours of labour. No signs of a track -had been visible since they left Bamian, and Angus felt how absolutely -impossible it would have been to cross the pass had it not been for -the intimate knowledge of Hassan and his followers; even these were -sometimes at fault. None of them had ever passed over the mountains -when so deeply covered with snow, and consultations constantly took -place between them as to the line to be followed. When they arrived at -their halting-place for the night, Hassan told Angus and the Momund -chief that they were now within two hundred feet of the top of the pass.</p> - -<p>"To-morrow's work will be the most dangerous; the north wind sweeps -across the plateau with terrible force. Moreover, I do not like the -look of the sky this evening. We have been fortunate so far, but I -think that there will be a change."</p> - -<p>"It is well, indeed," Sadut said as they ate their supper, "that we -crossed the highest pass before the snow began in earnest; we certainly -could not have supported that journey had we been ten days later. We -have got through the hardest part of the work, and everything now -depends upon the weather. May Allah grant that there be no more snow. -The pass to-morrow is but twelve miles across, and if all goes well we -shall begin to descend on the following morning. If the snow holds off -we shall be able to do that distance easily, for it is almost a level -plain that we have to traverse. Parts of it will be nearly clear of -snow, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> the fierce blasts sweep away as fast as it falls, while in -other places the surface will be hard enough to walk on, the snow being -pressed firmly together by the weight of the wind."</p> - -<p>They were on foot again next morning even earlier than usual. All were -aware of the importance of haste. The tents were pulled down and loaded -with the greatest rapidity. The cold was intense, and but few words -were spoken until they reached the summit of the ascent, by which time -the effort of climbing had restored the heat that had been lost as soon -as they left their warm tents. The sky was cloudless, and Angus felt -hopeful that the day's journey would be accomplished with comparative -ease. He noticed, however, that there was an anxious look on the faces -of the five tribesmen, who, although they were travelling more rapidly -than they had done since they left Bamian, were constantly urging -horses and men to press forward at a greater speed. Angus had expected -that they would have to face very strong wind, but scarce a breath was -blowing.</p> - -<p>As Sadut had predicted, the rock was in many places completely bare. -The fields of snow were so hard that, instead of struggling knee-deep -as before, they now seldom sank over their feet, and sometimes left -scarcely a track upon the surface. The hills on either side stood up -clear and hard, and the silence was almost oppressive. They were, they -calculated, half-way across the pass three hours after leaving their -camp, when Hassan, who was walking beside Angus and Sadut, stopped -suddenly and pointed to the sky. Looking up Angus saw two or three -little wisps of vapour passing overhead with extraordinary speed.</p> - -<p>"The storm!" Hassan exclaimed. "See, others are coming; it will soon be -upon us. We can go no farther, but must prepare to meet it instantly or -we shall be overwhelmed."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> - -<p>Knowing that Hassan would not have spoken thus unless from the direst -necessity, Angus at once ordered a halt. The plateau was perfectly -flat, and nowhere could any shelter be obtained, and they were now on -an expanse of hard snow. Urged by the shouts and exclamations of Hassan -all hastened to unload the animals. As soon as this was done, Angus -ordered the tents to be pitched.</p> - -<p>"It is useless," Hassan said, "they would be blown down in an instant. -Let them lie open on the snow. Let each man take his two blankets and -keep them by him in readiness, and when the storm begins let him wrap -himself up in these, and then let those who are tent-fellows lie down -together on one side of the tent, pull the other over them, and roll -themselves in it. I and my men will be the last to take shelter, and we -will pile the sacks and saddles over the ends to keep them down. But -first put all the extra blankets over the horses and fasten them over -their heads, and let them hang down well behind. They will turn their -backs to the wind. Make all those that are accustomed to lie down do -so. Range the others close to them."</p> - -<p>Ten minutes of hard work and all was ready. Then they had time to look -round. The sky was hidden from view by masses of black clouds streaming -along. The men took their places on their tents and wrapped their -blankets round in readiness.</p> - -<p>"Lie down at once!" Hassan ordered. "It will be upon us almost -immediately."</p> - -<p>The men did so. Hassan and his followers pulled the felt covering over -them, pushing the edge of the upper side under them as far as possible. -Then they piled baggage and saddles on the ends. Angus, with Azim and -Sadut, remained standing till the last. Hassan ran up to them with his -men.</p> - -<p>"Quick!" he said, "the storm will be upon us immediately."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> - -<p>Glancing ahead as he lay down, Angus saw what looked like a white mist -in the distance, and knew that it must be snow swept up by the force of -the wind. Half a minute and they were tucked up in the thick felt; this -was weighted at both ends.</p> - -<p>"Allah preserve you!" Hassan shouted, then all was silent. A minute -later the storm struck them with such force that they felt as if -pressed down by a heavy weight. Had they been inclined to speak they -could not have heard each other, so loud was the howl of the wind. -Wrapped up in their sheep-skin posteens and blankets, they did not feel -the cold. For some time Angus lay and wondered how long this would -last. Presently he fell asleep, the warmth, after the bitterly cold air -outside, overpowering even the thought of danger. He was lying between -Sadut and Azim, who, like himself, lay without moving. Indeed, movement -would have been difficult, so tightly was the tent wrapped round them. -He slept for many hours vaguely conscious of the roar and fury of the -gale. When he awoke at last it was with a sense of suffocation, a heavy -weight seemed to press upon him, and the sound of the storm had ceased.</p> - -<p>"Are you awake?" he asked the others, but he had to shake them before -he obtained an answer.</p> - -<p>"Something must be done," he went on, as soon as they were capable of -understanding him. "We shall be suffocated if we don't let some air in."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Sadut said. "The snow is evidently piled up round us. -We must let air in, or we shall perish."</p> - -<p>But in spite of their efforts they found it impossible to move forward -to get to the end of the roll.</p> - -<p>"We must cut our way out; it is our only chance," Angus said, and -turning on to his back, he managed to get out his long Afghan knife, -and cut a slit three feet long in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> the felt. As he did so, the snow -came pouring in through the opening.</p> - -<p>"Do you both put your hands under my shoulders," he said, "and help me -to sit up."</p> - -<p>It was not until he had cut a transverse slit so as to allow the hole -to open wider that he was able to do so.</p> - -<p>"The snow is not packed very hard," he said, as he pressed it aside. -"It can't be very deep, for I can see light."</p> - -<p>It was not long before he was on his feet, and had pushed the snow -sufficiently back to enable his companions to get out also. The feeling -of suffocation was already relieved, as a sufficient amount of air -made its way through the snow, and after five minutes' hard work they -clambered out. The gale was still blowing, though not so violently as -at first, the snow still falling thickly. Two white mounds marked the -position of the other tents, elsewhere a wide expanse of level snow was -seen. It was evident that, as it drifted, it had first heaped itself -against the tent. More had settled beyond it, and so gradually mounds -had risen until they were seven or eight feet high.</p> - -<p>"We must rescue the others at once," Angus said.</p> - -<p>On the windward side the snow was so hard that their hands made no -impression upon it, but on the sheltered side it was lighter, and -working with their hands they were soon able to clear it away down to -the end of the tent beneath which Hassan and three of his followers -were lying. It was not, like the others, closed there, as its occupants -had been unable to place weights on it after they had rolled themselves -up. As soon as they had cleared the snow and opened the felt out a -little, Sadut called—</p> - -<p>"Are you awake, Hassan?"</p> - -<p>"I am awake," he replied, "but am bound down hand and foot."</p> - -<p>They cleared the snow off until they saw a foot. Taking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> hold of this -together they pulled and gradually drew one of the men out. The other -three were extricated more easily. They found that these had not -suffered so much from a sense of suffocation as the first party had -done, as, the ends of the roll being open, a certain amount of air had -found its way through the snow. Half an hour's hard work sufficed to -rescue the occupants of the other tent. The three were unconscious, but -the cold blast speedily brought them round.</p> - -<p>"What is to be done next?" Angus asked Hassan.</p> - -<p>"The gale is still far too severe for us to move," the latter answered. -"We had best clear away the snow over the tents, and then take to them -again."</p> - -<p>After two hours' work the tents were cleared. The men had worked from -above, throwing out the snow over the sides of the mound, so that when -they had finished the tents lay at the bottoms of sloping holes. A meal -was then eaten, and lifting the upper covering of felt they lay down -again and closed it over them. The sun was in the east, and they knew -that some fifteen hours had elapsed since the gale had struck them. -A mound of snow had marked where the horses were lying. They did not -interfere with these, for Hassan said that the horses would be able to -breathe through the snow, and probably the heat of their bodies had -melted it immediately round them, and they would be much warmer than -if the snow were cleared off. Before turning in Hassan and his men -managed to erect the tent of their leaders. Lying as it did in a crater -of snow, it was sheltered from the force of the wind. Holes were made -with a dagger on each side of the slit that Angus had cut, and the -edges tied together by a strip of leather. A couple of lamps and oil -were taken from the sack in which they were carried, and also the bag -of corn, and the little party after filling their vessels with snow and -hang<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>ing them over the lamps, and closing the entrance to the tent, -soon felt comfortable again.</p> - -<p>"It has been a narrow escape," Sadut said. "Had it not been for your -thinking of cutting the tent, and so enabling us to make our way out, -the whole caravan would assuredly have perished. Now, we have only an -imprisonment for another day or two at most, and can then proceed on -our journey."</p> - -<p>The next morning the gale had ceased, though the snow continued to -fall. By mid-day the sky cleared, and all issuing out from their -shelters prepared for a start. It took them an hour's work to extricate -the horses; one of these, a weakly animal, had died, the others -appeared uninjured by their imprisonment. All the vessels in the camp -had been used for melting snow, and a drink of warm water with some -flour stirred into it was given to each of the animals, and an extra -feed of corn. As soon as they had eaten this, the baggage was packed on -their backs, and the party moved forward. It was heavy work. The snow -that had fallen since the force of the wind had abated was soft, and -the animals sank fetlock-deep in it. But after three hours' travelling, -they reached the end of the pass and began to descend. Two hours later -they halted at a spot where a wall of rock afforded shelter against the -wind from the north.</p> - -<p>"Allah be praised that we have reached this point!" Hassan said. "Now -the worst is over. I can see that we shall have another storm before an -hour is past, they generally follow each other when they once begin. -But here we are safe, and it was for this that I said 'No' when you -proposed that we should halt at the mouth of the pass."</p> - -<p>The tents were soon erected, great stones being placed on the lower -edge to steady them against the gusts of wind. Then a diligent search -was made for wood, and enough bushes were found to make a good fire. -Strips of meat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> from one of the frozen sheep were cooked, the kettles -were boiled, cakes of flour and ghee were baked, and the travellers -made a hearty meal. The horses were each given half a bucket of warm -water, thickened with flour, and a double feed of grain. Then all sat -round the fire smoking and talking until it burned low, when, in spite -of their sheep-skin coats, the bitter cold soon made itself felt. -They had scarcely turned into their tents when the storm, as Hassan -had predicted, burst. Except for an occasional gust they felt it but -little, and slept soundly until morning, when they found that light -snow had eddied down, and was lying two feet deep. The day was spent in -cooking and attending to their own wants and those of the horses.</p> - -<p>For two days they were prisoners, then the gale abated, and they -continued their journey, and late that evening arrived at the village -of Chol. Here they were received with hospitality by the natives, -who were astounded that in such weather the caravan should have made -its way over the pass. Resting here for two days, they travelled to -Kala Sarkari. Sadut now took the lead, for the chief of the village -seeing three horses loaded with merchandise demanded toll; but, Sadut -announcing himself as a nephew of Dost Mahomed, and saying that the -whole party were under his protection, the threatening attitude that -the inhabitants began to assume was at once calmed. Four days' travel, -with halts at small villages, took them to Balkh. Here, on declaring -himself, Sadut was received with great honour, and was entertained at -the governor's house, where Dost Mahomed was lying ill. No attention -was bestowed upon Hassan and his followers, who walked behind him, and -were reported as having been the means of his safety. Angus with his -party kept some little distance in the rear and took up their quarters -at a khan unnoticed, but when Sadut was seen to call early the next -morning upon the Persian trader<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> and remain with him for a considerable -time, it was understood that they were under his protection, and no -enquiries were made by the authorities of the town.</p> - -<p>On the third day Sadut said to Angus: "I regret that the Ameer is ill. -Had it not been for that he would have received you. I told him of the -services you have rendered me, and that but for you a few hours would -have ended my life. He said that he would like to see so noble a man, -and to give him a fitting testimonial of gratitude for the service done -to his sister's son. He requested me to bring you to him as soon as he -is able to rise from his couch; and when he enters Cabul in triumph, -as he assuredly will do ere long, he hopes that you will establish -yourself there. I can promise you that your business shall flourish."</p> - -<p>"I thank you heartily, Khan, for having spoken to the Ameer about me," -Angus said gravely, "but I cannot receive a present from Dost Mahomed. -I have intended many times to tell you more about myself, and I feel -that I must do so now. You are my friend, and I cannot remain in a -false position with you. As long as we were travelling together, no -harm was done; it mattered not to you who was the man who had aided -you in your extremity. But the case is different now. You were then a -sorely wounded man, who needed what aid I could give you; now you are -a close relation of Dost Mahomed, and a powerful Afghan chief, so the -case is changed. Dost Mahomed, and no doubt yourself, know what is -passing in Cabul by means of your friends there, who see all that is -going on. The English general, on the other hand, knows nothing of what -is passing beyond the ground patrolled by his cavalry.</p> - -<p>"It was important for him to learn what was passing on this side of the -mountains, and he selected me, an officer in his army, on account of my -knowledge of Persian and Pushtoo, to cross the mountains and ascertain -what prospect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> there was of Dost Mahomed's returning with an army to -Cabul in the spring. I confide my secret to you as to a friend. You can -see that it would be impossible for me to accept presents from Dost -Mahomed in my character of a Persian merchant, and for the same reason -I should abstain from questioning you, or even allowing you to give -me any information as to the military preparations going on. To do so -would be to take an unfair advantage of the chances that enabled me to -be of service."</p> - -<p>Angus had thought the matter over, and knew that while such work as he -was engaged in would, if discovered, cost him his life, it would be -regarded by the Afghans as a legitimate means of obtaining information; -and although if caught he would be killed as an enemy, his action would -be regarded as showing that he was a man of great bravery thus to place -himself in the power of an enemy. This was the view, indeed, in which -Sadut Khan regarded it.</p> - -<p>"You have done well to tell me," he said gravely. "It was truly the -act of a brave man not only to risk discovery here, but to undertake -the terrible adventure of crossing the passes when winter had fairly -set in, in order to obtain information for your general. Still more -do I wonder that you should have burdened yourself with the care of -an enemy, one who was fighting against your people. It was wonderful -on the part of a Persian trader, it is far more so on the part of one -against whom I was fighting, who is not of my religion, who was engaged -upon an enterprise of such a nature, and to whom speed was a matter of -the greatest importance. Had it not been for the slow pace at which you -travelled with me, you might have crossed all the passes before they -were blocked. I shall fight against your people as before, but I shall -respect them now I see that although our religions differ, there are -good things in their beliefs as in ours, and that even the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> Koran has -no lessons in charity and kindliness stronger than those that you have -learned from the teaching of your own religion.</p> - -<p>"What I thought wonderful on the part of a Persian merchant is still -more marvellous on the part of an English officer, who could have no -possible interest in saving a dying man; and who, indeed, might have -gained credit by delivering him into the hands of his countrymen, since -so long as I was a prisoner in their hands, I should be a hostage for -the quiet behaviour of my people. You can do no harm to us by your -enquiries here; it is known by all on this side of the mountains that -the Ameer will in the spring endeavour to turn out the usurper; it is -known already to every sheik from Candahar to Jellalabad. Whether he -will come with ten thousand or twenty thousand men matters little; -when he appears, all Afghanistan will rise. Your generals might have -been sure that it would be so without sending to make enquiries. -I cannot tell you with what force we shall come. It will not be a -great army; even in summer a large force could scarcely traverse the -passes. It is not on the force that he will take from here that Dost -Mahomed relies; it is on the host he will gather round him when he -crosses the mountains. We have learned that the disaffection to Soojah -is everywhere on the increase. There were many who did not love the -Barukzyes, but they know now that things are worse instead of better -since the change, for the man has made himself hated by his arrogance, -his contempt for the people in general, and the extortion exercised by -his tax-gatherers.</p> - -<p>"There is no secret in all this, your own officers must know it. What -you will not learn, for the decision will not be made until the spring, -is the line by which the Ameer will advance. There are many passes -by which he may then cross; or he may go round by Herat, and gather<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> -forces as he advances. Or again, he might go east, and crossing by the -passes there, come down through Chitral to Jellalabad."</p> - -<p>"That I can well understand, Khan. Of course I have already learned -that there is no doubt that Dost Mahomed is preparing to cross the -passes in the spring, and that he is sure of the support of the -tribesmen on this side of the mountains."</p> - -<p>"He could gather a very large army if he chose," Sadut said, "but the -difficulty of transporting food for so large a body would be very -great, I think that ten thousand men will be the utmost he could move -with. I am doing no harm in telling you this, because you would soon -learn it in the town, and it is certain that your people could not -prevent his passing the Hindoo Koosh, since he has so many routes to -choose from. His force is not like your army, which, moving with great -trains of baggage, cannon, and ammunition, could only cross by one or -two passes; we can move wherever our horses can climb. And now I will -leave you, for I have some business to attend to; but I will return -this evening."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII</a></p> - -<p class="center">TROUBLES THICKEN</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">Angus</span> saw that as he could not hope to obtain further information, -however long he might stay, and as he had fulfilled the main object -of his mission by discovering that Dost Mahomed would not be content -with remaining master of the northern province, but would certainly -advance in the spring, he could do no good by remaining any longer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> -The information that he could give would enable Macnaghten and Burnes -to show the Indian government that their intention of withdrawing -more troops in the early spring would be disastrous; and it was with -this special object in view that he had been sent. He had on the two -previous days sold a portion of his goods, but had held out for the -prices with which they were marked. He was now more willing to bargain, -as he wished to travel in future as lightly as possible. Accordingly, -before nightfall he had disposed of nearly half the stock with which he -had started; but he had at the same time purchased a certain amount of -goods from Turkestan, as these would be more appropriate as merchandise -when he started from Balkh for Herat. Sadut came again in the evening.</p> - -<p>"My friend," he said, "I have been thinking over your position. -Doubtless you might stay here for some time without its being suspected -that you were other than you seemed to be, but a chance word from one -of your men might betray you, and as you have really learned all that -there is to learn, it seems to me that there is no use in your tarrying -any longer here. It is true that Dost Mahomed, for my sake, would -protect you, even were you discovered. Still, you know the nature of -our people, and were it rumoured that you were an infidel, you might be -torn to pieces before either the Ameer or myself knew aught about it."</p> - -<p>"I have come to the same conclusion. If I thought I could gain anything -by remaining I should do so, whatever the risk; but as it would be -useless to stay, I intend to leave to-morrow. I have a long journey to -make via Herat; the sooner I am off the better. My men are now packing -up my goods and preparing for a start at daylight."</p> - -<p>"I felt so sure that this would be your course that I have brought with -me an order from the Ameer to the governor and headmen of all towns -and villages through which you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> may pass, enjoining them to give you -good treatment, as he holds you in high esteem for having rendered most -valuable services to me."</p> - -<p>"I thank you very heartily," Angus replied. "This will greatly -facilitate my journey and save me from all small annoyances. I trust -that we shall meet again."</p> - -<p>"I hope so indeed. Never shall I forget the debt of gratitude that -I owe you. Perhaps some day I may be able to repay that debt to a -small extent. Remember, that in case of need you may rely upon me -to the utmost. At any rate, you must not refuse to accept this; it -is a present from Dost Mahomed, not to an English officer, but to a -Persian merchant who has saved the life of his sister's son. He talks -continually while with me of the nobility of your action, and when I -told him that you were going he had his turban brought and took out -this gem, which was its chief ornament, and bade me hand it you in -remembrance of the deed. I told him you had said that you would receive -no present for a simple act of humanity. More I could not tell him -without revealing your secret, though I know that it would be safe -with him. You cannot refuse to take this. As for myself, I am here an -exile far away from my own people, and have but this to give you as a -token of my love. It is my signet ring. If you send it to me I will go -through fire and water to come to you. My tribesmen will all recognize -it, and will do anything in their power for its possessor."</p> - -<p>Angus saw that, offered as it was, he should greatly hurt the Afghan's -feelings if he refused the immense ruby surrounded by diamonds that -Dost Mahomed had sent him.</p> - -<p>"I will not refuse the gift of the Ameer so given to me, and shall -cherish it as my most valued possession and the gift of a man whom -I for one, and I may say most British officers, consider to be very -badly treated by us. I know from Sir Alexander Burnes that Dost Mahomed -was most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> anxious for our alliance. Shah Soojah is as unpopular among -us as among his own people. Of course, as soldiers, it is not our -business to concern ourselves with politics; that is a matter for the -government only. Still we cannot but have our feelings, and I am sure -that should the fortune of war ever place Dost Mahomed in our hands he -would receive honourable treatment. Your gift I shall prize as highly, -as a token of our warm friendship, and trust that the time may never -come when I have to put its virtue to the test, though I well know that -I could in necessity rely upon any help that you might be able to give -me."</p> - -<p>After talking for some time of the best route to follow, Sadut Khan -took an affectionate leave, and Angus started the next morning with his -party. Before setting out he bestowed handsome gifts upon Hassan and -his followers, whom he had learned to like greatly for the devotion -they had shown to Sadut and the energy and courage with which they had -worked during the journey. Travelling from twenty to five-and-twenty -miles a day, with occasional halts, he reached Cabul after two months -of travel. His journey had been greatly facilitated by the order that -he carried from Dost Mahomed. He had not entered Herat, as it was -probable that he would be recognized there. Avoiding the city, he -travelled by the same route as before to Girishk, and then took a road -running a few miles north of Candahar and falling into the main road at -Kelat-i-Ghilzye.</p> - -<p>His first step was to see Sir Alexander Burnes and to report to him -that assuredly Dost Mahomed would come south with a considerable force -as soon as the passes were opened. His following would not itself be -very formidable, but he relied upon being joined by all the tribesmen -south of the hills.</p> - -<p>"Your news is most opportune," the agent said, "and can hardly fail to -induce the Governor-general to alter his deter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>mination to withdraw the -greater part of our force in the spring. Already we have not a man too -many for contingencies that may arise. Now, tell me about your journey. -The winter set in so severely directly you left us that I have been -seriously uneasy about you. I had only one message from Mackenzie after -you had left, it was brought by a native; and he told me that you had -passed through, but that the weather had changed for the worse the day -after you started, and the universal opinion among the natives was that -you and your party had perished."</p> - -<p>Angus gave an account of his journey. He had thought over the question -whether it would be wise to mention the episode of the wounded Afghan, -but he concluded that it would be better to do so, as Mackenzie, when -he rejoined the force, might casually mention that he had a sick man -with him; and he therefore told the whole story as it happened.</p> - -<p>"I admire your humanity, Mr. Campbell, though it seems almost quixotic -to burden yourself with a wounded man. But, as you say, it was evident -that if you could manage to carry him through he might be of great -service to you. Undoubtedly he would have been a valuable prisoner to -have in our hands, but his gratitude to you may prove valuable to us, -for the Momunds are a powerful tribe, and your conduct to him cannot -but have inspired him with a better feeling towards us than he has -hitherto shown."</p> - -<p>"He may have less animosity, sir, but I fear that he will still be -found fighting against us. On the way he spoke many times of his -determination to continue the struggle until Afghanistan was free from -the infidel; I am convinced that his indignation at the treatment of -Dost Mahomed, and his fanaticism are so strong that no private matter -is likely to shake them."</p> - -<p>The winter passed quietly, and the attention of Burnes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> and Macnaghten -was turned rather towards the frontier than to the state of things -round Cabul. Yar Mahomed, virtual ruler of Herat, although he was -receiving large sums of money from us, was known to be intriguing with -Persia, and trying to form an alliance with the Shah to expel the -British from Afghanistan. Russia had sent an expedition against Khiva, -and the conquest of this little state would bring her more closely to -the frontier of Afghanistan. Dost Mahomed, however, had gone on a visit -to the Ameer of Bokhara, and had been detained for the present by that -treacherous ruler; thus for a time the prospect of an invasion on his -part was greatly diminished.</p> - -<p>In the spring Macnaghten and Shah Soojah returned to Cabul. The -former continued to ignore the warnings of Sir A. Burnes, as to the -ever-growing hostility of the Afghans to the British and the man -they had forced upon them. His advice and that of Burnes had been so -far followed that the force at Cabul had not been diminished; but, -not content with this, Macnaghten continued to urge on the Indian -government the necessity of sending a great force to occupy Herat and -another to cross the mountains and thwart the projects of the Russians -by carrying our arms into Bokhara. Moreover, he was continually -applying for money to meet the expenses of Shah Soojah's government. As -if the drain that these demands would entail upon the Indian treasury -and upon the Indian army were not sufficient, he insisted upon the -necessity of conquering the Punjaub, where, since the death of Runjeet -Sing, the attitude of the population had been increasingly hostile.</p> - -<p>It is difficult to understand how any perfectly sane man could have -made such propositions. It would have needed the whole army of India to -carry them out, to say nothing of an enormous outlay of money. Although -the Governor-general and his council firmly declined to enter upon the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> -wild schemes proposed to them, Macnaghten did not cease to send them -lengthy communications urging the absolute necessity of his advice -being followed.</p> - -<p>As the summer came on there were everywhere signs of unrest. In April -the Ghilzyes cut the communications near Candahar, but were defeated -by a small body of troops sent from that city. The Beloochees, whose -country had been annexed, were bitterly hostile, and convoys were -cut off. Candahar was invested by them, Quettah besieged, and Khelat -captured. With the exception of Macnaghten himself, there was scarcely -an officer in the army but was conscious of the tempest that was -gathering round them. Shah Soojah was as unpopular among them as among -the native population. Macnaghten was almost as unpopular as the Shah. -Everyone knew that it was his influence that had first induced Lord -Auckland to enter upon this war, and the levity with which he replied -to every warning, and the manner in which he deferred to Shah Soojah in -every respect, and allowed him to drive the tribesmen to despair by the -greed of the tax-gatherers, incensed the officers of the army to the -utmost.</p> - -<p>In the spring the little garrison of Bamian were on the point of being -reinforced by a Sepoy battalion when Dr. Lord, who had been sent as -political officer, received information that led him to believe that -Jubbar Khan, one of Dost Mahomed's brothers, who was in charge of -Dost's family at Khooloom, was ready to come in. One of his sons had -already done so, and Lord thought that by sending forward a force to -the fortress of Badjah he would quicken Jubbar Khan's movements. It had -the desired effect, and Jubbar Khan came into Bamian bringing with him -Dost Mahomed's family and a large party of retainers. This, however, -in no way improved the position of the little party at Badjah, for the -natives in the vicinity exhibited the greatest hostility. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> officer -in command sent a detachment under Sergeant Douglas to escort another -officer to Badjah. The party was, however, attacked, and although they -made a gallant resistance, they would have been destroyed had not two -companies of Ghoorkas arrived on the spot and beat off the enemy.</p> - -<p>In August the startling news arrived that Dost Mahomed had escaped from -Bokhara. He was received with open arms by the governor of Khooloom -and a large force speedily gathered round him. Early in September he -advanced upon Bamian with eight thousand men. Badjah was attacked, and -although the Ghoorka regiment kept back the assailants, it was evident -that so advanced a post could not be held, and the force retreated, -leaving all their baggage behind them. A regiment of Afghan infantry -had been raised and were stationed at Bamian, but on hearing of Dost -Mahomed's approach they deserted to a man, most of them joining the -enemy. Even Macnaghten could no longer shut his eyes to the serious -nature of the position. Cabul was full of Sikh emissaries, who were -stirring up the population to revolt, promising them that the Sikh -nation would join in driving out the infidel. Reinforcements under -Colonel Dennie reached Bamian on the 14th of September, and on the 17th -Dost Mahomed with his army approached the place. Ignorant that the -whole force was upon him, Dennie sent Mackenzie with two guns and four -companies of native infantry and some four hundred Afghan horse, and -himself followed with four more companies in support.</p> - -<p>On joining the advanced party, he found that the whole of Dost -Mahomed's force was in front of him. In spite of the enormous disparity -of numbers, he determined to attack; a wise resolution, for although in -our Indian wars the natives often fought bravely when they attacked us, -they seldom offered a vigorous opposition when we took the offensive. -Mackenzie's two guns opened fire with shrapnel, which had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> a terrible -effect upon the dense masses of the enemy. These were unable to -withstand the fire, and soon began to fall back. Mackenzie followed -them, and again opened fire. Before long, Dost Mahomed's levies broke -and fled; and Dennie launched the Afghan horsemen in pursuit. These cut -down great numbers of the enemy, and dispersed them in all directions. -The effect of this signal defeat was at once apparent. The Governor of -Khooloom entered into negotiations without delay, and pledged himself -not to harbour or assist Dost Mahomed; the country south of Khooloom -was divided, he taking half, while the southern portion came under the -authority of Shah Soojah.</p> - -<p>The victory caused great satisfaction in Cabul, but this feeling was -short-lived. Dost Mahomed after his defeat went to Kohistan, where -there was great discontent among the chiefs, some of whom were already -in revolt. General Sale sent a force from Jellalabad, which attacked -a fortified position held by them, but the assault was repulsed with -heavy loss. It was about to be renewed, when the Kohistanees evacuated -the fort and fled. The fact, however, that our troops had met with -a repulse had a great effect upon the minds of the natives. For the -first time the Afghans had successfully withstood an attack by British -soldiers.</p> - -<p>Throughout the month of October Dost Mahomed was busy, and at one time -approached within forty miles of Cabul, when guns were hastily mounted -on the citadel to overawe the town, and orders sent to the force at -Bamian to return at once. Dost, however, moved no nearer. Sir Robert -Sale was pursuing him, and it was not until the 27th that he moved down -again towards Cabul, and on the 29th the greater part of the force -there marched out to give him battle.</p> - -<p>On the 2nd of November the two armies came face to face in the valley -of Purwandurrah. The Ameer at once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> moved from the village to the -neighbouring heights, and the British cavalry galloped to outflank -the Afghan horse. These were comparatively few in number, but headed -by Dost Mahomed himself, they advanced steadily to meet the Indian -cavalry. Gallantly as Indian troops have fought on numberless fields, -on this occasion they disgraced themselves utterly. Turning rein as the -Afghans approached, they galloped away in headlong flight, pursued by -the Afghans until within range of the British guns. Their officers in -vain attempted to arrest their flight, charging alone into the midst -of the enemy. Two of them were killed when surrounded by enemies, Dr. -Lord was shot, and the other two cut their way through their assailants -and reached the British line covered with wounds. No more disgraceful -affair has taken place in the story of our wars in India than this rout -of Indian cavalry by a third of their number of wild horsemen.</p> - -<p>But even yet the affair might have been retrieved had an officer like -Dennie been in command; had the guns opened and the infantry advanced -it might still have been a repetition of the victory of Bamian. But -Sir A. Burnes was in authority, and, easily discouraged, as was his -nature, he gave no orders, but sent off word to Macnaghten that there -was nothing for it but to fall back to Cabul. Suddenly, however, the -position was changed by Dost Mahomed himself. As he rode back after the -victorious charge he thought over his position. His imprisonment at -Bokhara had not broken his spirit, but it had affected him by showing -him that the Mohammedans of Central Asia could not be trusted to work -together or to unite to beat back the ever-advancing wave of infidel -aggression by the British on the south, and the Russians on the west. -But more than this, the defection of his brother at Khooloom, and the -surrender by him of his family, had convinced him that it would be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> -vain for him to continue to struggle to regain the throne that he had -lost. The Kohistanees had risen before he joined them, and he had the -satisfaction of showing that his bravery was in no way shaken by his -misfortune, and of gaining a success of a most striking description. -Now at least he could lay down his sword with honour. Accordingly, -without telling anyone of his intention, he rode off the field with a -single attendant, and on the following day reached Cabul and rode to -the British Embassy.</p> - -<p>As he approached it he saw Macnaghten returning from his evening -ride. His attendant galloped forward and asked if the gentleman was -the British envoy, and on Macnaghten saying that he was so, he then -returned to his master; and Dost Mahomed riding forward, dismounted, -saluted the envoy, and handed him his sword, saying that he had come -to surrender and to place himself under his protection. Macnaghten -returned it to him, and told him to remount, and they rode together -into the residency, Dost Mahomed asking eagerly for news of his family, -of whom he had not heard since their surrender. Being assured that they -were well and were honourably treated, he was greatly relieved. A tent -was pitched for him, and he wrote at once to his son, begging him to -follow his example. He conversed freely with Macnaghten, gave him the -history of his wanderings and adventures, and assured him that there -was no occasion to place a guard over him, as his mind had quite been -made up before he came in, and nothing short of force would compel him -to leave. His only anxiety was that he should not be sent to England, -and on Macnaghten assuring him that this would not be the case, and -that an ample maintenance would be assigned to him in India, he became -perfectly contented and calm.</p> - -<p>As a result of his letter, three days later his eldest son, Mahomed -Afzul, came into camp and surrendered. Dost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> remained two days at -Cabul, where he was visited by many of the British officers, all of -whom were impressed most strongly by him, comparing him very favourably -with the man for whom we had dethroned him. Macnaghten wrote most -warmly in his favour to the Governor-general, urging that he should be -received with honour and a handsome pension assigned to him. He was -sent down to India with a strong escort, where he was kindly received -by the Viceroy, who settled upon him a pension of two lacs of rupees, -equivalent to £20,000.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately, just at the time that the ex-Ameer returned to Cabul -a European regiment, a battery of horse artillery, and a regiment -of native infantry were recalled to India, and with them went Sir -Willoughby Cotton, and the command for the time being remained in the -hands of Sir Robert Sale.</p> - -<p>Angus Campbell had not accompanied Sir A. Burnes when he left Cabul -with the force which marched out to encounter Dost Mahomed, but had -been left in charge of the office at Cabul. He was now his chief's -first civil assistant, his temporary appointment to the civil service -having been approved and confirmed by the Court of Directors at home -in consequence of the very warm report in his favour sent by Eldred -Pottinger and Mr. M'Neill. Sir A. Burnes, too, had in his letters -spoken several times of his energy and usefulness, and on his return -from his expedition through the passes, both Burnes and Macnaghten had -reported most highly both of his volunteering to undertake so dangerous -a mission, and of the manner in which he had carried it out. In return -the directors had sent out an order for his promotion to a higher -grade, and had ordered that a present of £1000 should be given him in -token of their recognition of his conduct.</p> - -<p>"Your foot is well on the ladder now," Sir A. Burnes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> had said on -acquainting him with the decision of the board. "You will now have -your name on their books as one of the most promising of the younger -officers of the Company, and you may be sure that they will keep -their eye upon you. Macnaghten will shortly return to England, and I -have long been promised the succession to his post. I shall certainly -request, and no doubt my wishes will be acceded to in such a matter, -that you should hold the position of my chief assistant. As such -you will have many opportunities of doing good service, as you will -naturally proceed on missions to the chiefs of neighbouring peoples, -and will so qualify yourself for some important post in the future."</p> - -<p>Macnaghten, indeed, was extremely anxious to leave. Bodily and mentally -he had suffered from the strain and anxiety. He had been promised a -high post in India, probably the succession to the governorship of -Bombay, but it was considered advisable that he should remain at his -present post till the country was more settled. The winter passed -quietly. With the submission of Dost Mahomed and his sons there was now -no rival to Shah Soojah, no head round whom those discontented with -the Ameer's rule could rally. He was the less unwilling to remain, as -he thought that an era of peace had now begun, and that his anxieties -were at an end. He was soon, however, undeceived. On Shah Soojah's -first arrival in India he had naturally looked to the Dooranees for -aid against the Barukzyes, who had so long oppressed them, and had -made many promises of remission of taxation as an incentive to their -zeal. These promises had so far been kept, that no taxes whatever had -been exacted from the Dooranees; but in view of the absolute necessity -of raising an income for the expenses of the government, and for -the personal expenditure of the Ameer and his favourites, it became -necessary that all should contribute to some extent to the revenue.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> - -<p>Although this tax was but a tithe of that which they had paid under -Barukzye rule, the Dooranees of the district of the north-west of -Candahar rose in rebellion, and General Nott marched out from that city -and defeated them in a pitched battle. For a time the movement was -crushed, but the discontent remained. This was rendered more formidable -by the fact that the Heratees had taken up so offensive an attitude -that our mission there had been withdrawn, and proofs were obtained -that its ruler was fomenting the discontent in the western province, -and was encouraging the disaffected by promising them assistance.</p> - -<p>In May more serious trouble arose, this time with the Ghilzyes. It had -been determined to restore the dismantled fort of Kelat-i-Ghilzye. -The tribesmen viewed the work with hostility, and assembled in larger -numbers, and Nott sent a force against them under Colonel Winder, with -four hundred British troops, a Sepoy battalion, a battery of horse -artillery, and a small body of cavalry. The Ghilzyes advanced to the -attack in great force. The battle was long and desperate, but the -volleys of grape from the guns, and the steady fire from the infantry, -at last turned the scale, and after five hours' fighting the Ghilzyes -retired. The Dooranees were again in arms, and three thousand men were -assembled under their chief at Girishk. A small force, under Colonel -Woodburn, marched out against them and defeated them, but having -no cavalry on which he could rely, he could not prevent the rebels -from retiring in fair order. Major Rawlinson, the political officer -at Candahar, again warned Macnaghten that the situation in western -Afghanistan was extremely threatening, but was answered that this was -an unwarrantable view of our position, and that there were "enough -difficulties, and enough of croakers, without adding to the number -needlessly."</p> - -<p>But Rawlinson was perfectly right, and Macnaghten was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> living in a -fool's paradise. The defeated chief of the Dooranees was joined by -another, and in August a force of eight hundred cavalry, of whom some -were regulars, three hundred and fifty infantry, and four guns, under -Captain Griffin, met the insurgents. They were strongly posted in a -succession of walled gardens and small forts, but the fire of the -guns and infantry drove them from the enclosure, and the cavalry then -charged them with great effect and scattered them in all directions. -Another defeat was inflicted upon the Ghilzyes in the same month. For -the moment all was quiet again; the only drawback to Macnaghten's -satisfaction was that Akbar Khan, Dost Mahomed's favourite son, was -still in the north, and was reported to be gathering troops somewhere -near Khooloom. In September Macnaghten received news of his appointment -to the governorship of Bombay, and began his preparations for leaving -Cabul, and Burnes looked forward to receiving at last the appointment -for which he had so long waited. His position had been in every respect -irksome. His views differed from those of Macnaghten; he saw the -dangers of the position which Macnaghten refused to recognize. The -reports he addressed to the envoy were generally returned with a few -lines in pencil of contemptuous dissent; but he believed that with -power to act in his hands he should be able to remedy the blunders that -had been made, and to restore peace and contentment in Afghanistan.</p> - -<p>The troops were now commanded by General Elphinstone, who had succeeded -Cotton. He was a brave old officer, but almost incapacitated by -infirmities. He obtained the post simply as senior officer, and was -wholly unfitted for command in such a critical time and in such a -position. Probably had it not been for the assurances of Macnaghten -that all was going on well, and that the trifling risings had been -crushed without difficulty, Lord Auckland would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> yielded to the -opinion of his military advisers and appointed General Nott. Had he -done so the greatest disaster that ever fell upon the British army -might have been avoided.</p> - -<p>Nothing could be worse than the position in which the British camp -and mission were established. They were on low ground, commanded on -every side by hills, and surrounded by forts and villages. They were -nearly a mile in extent, defended only by so contemptible a ditch and -rampart, that an English officer for a bet rode a pony across them. -The commissariat compound was near the cantonment, and occupied an -extensive space with the buildings and huts for the officers. It, -too, had a rampart, but this was even less formidable than that which -surrounded the camp.</p> - -<p>Things had now settled down. Many of the officers had sent for their -wives and children, and Lady Macnaghten, Lady Sale, and others were -established in comfortable houses. The climate was exhilarating, -the officers amused themselves with cricket, horse-racing, fishing, -and shooting, and lived as if they had been at a hill station in -India, instead of in a mountainous country surrounded by bitter foes. -October came in quietly, though Pottinger, who was now in Kohistan, -sent unfavourable reports of things there. But these were as usual -pooh-poohed by Macnaghten. The latter's troubles with the Indian -government, however, continued unabated. The expenses of the occupation -of Afghanistan, amounting to a million and a quarter a year, were a -terrible drain upon the revenues of India, and it had become necessary -to raise a loan to meet the outlay, and the question of a withdrawal -from Afghanistan was being seriously discussed.</p> - -<p>None of the good results that had been looked for had been achieved, -nor did it appear likely that the situation would improve; for it was -evident to all unbiassed observers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> that the Ameer was upheld solely -by British bayonets, and that when these were withdrawn the whole -fabric we had built up at so enormous an expense would collapse. The -uneasiness of the Indian government was increased by the fact that a -change of ministry was imminent at home, and that the Conservatives, -who had always opposed the invasion of Afghanistan, would at once -take steps for the withdrawal of the troops from the country; and the -investigation which would be made into the whole affair would create -intense dissatisfaction in England, and lead to the recall of the -Indian politicians responsible for it. The news stirred Macnaghten -to fury; but he saw that it was necessary to make retrenchments, and -accordingly he largely cut down the subsidies paid to the chiefs. The -consequence was, that the leaders of the whole of the powerful tribes, -including those round Cabul, the Kohistanees, Ghilzyes, and Momunds, at -once entered into a hostile federation against the British.</p> - -<p>Sale's brigade, that was about to start on its way to India, was -ordered to attack the Ghilzyes at Jellalabad, and on the 9th Colonel -Monteith was sent with a Sepoy regiment, a squadron of cavalry, and -a party of sappers and miners, to keep the passes clear. The force -was, however, attacked at the first halting-place, and Sir Robert -Sale marched with the 13th Regiment to clear the pass from his end. -Joined by Monteith's force, he succeeded in driving the natives from -their heights, the Sepoys and the British soldiers vying with each -other in climbing the almost inaccessible crags. The 13th retired down -the valley, and Monteith encamped in the Khoord Cabul pass. He was -attacked at night, the enemy being aided by the treachery of the Afghan -horsemen, who admitted them within their lines. They were, however, -beaten off, and Monteith was joined by Sale on the following day. -Negotiations were then opened with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> the Ghilzyes; terms were made, but -broken by the treacherous tribesmen a few hours after they had been -signed.</p> - -<p>On his way back to Jellalabad Sale was attacked more than once in -great force, and with difficulty cut his way down. Macnaghten, who -had determined to leave on the 1st of October, but had postponed -his departure for a short time, wrote on that day that he hoped the -business just reported was the expiring effort of the rebels.</p> - -<p>Angus had remained with Burnes at Cabul. The latter was much depressed -by the occurrences that had taken place. He had greatly disapproved of -Macnaghten's wholesale cutting down of the subsidies of the chiefs.</p> - -<p>"How unfortunate am I!" he said many times to Angus. "Had Macnaghten -gone but two months earlier, this would never have happened. It has -been money alone that has kept the tribesmen quiet, and the very worst -form of retrenchment has been chosen. Had he gone I should have acted -in a very different way. In the first place, I should have told the -Ameer frankly that the troubles were solely caused by the rapacity -of the men he had appointed to receive the taxes. These must be -dismissed, and honest and faithful ones appointed in their place. It -is the abominable tyranny with which the taxes—of which I believe but -a small portion ever get into the treasury—are collected that has -brought about the trouble. With proper administration the revenue could -be doubled, and the taxation would press much more lightly upon the -people than it does at present. Now the evil is done, and I shall have -to take over the administration when everything points to a terrible -catastrophe, with which my name will ever be associated."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE MURDER OF SIR A. BURNES</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">October</span> passed quietly, and Macnaghten arranged to leave on the 2nd of -November. Burnes had received several warnings as to the formidable -nature of the confederacy of the chiefs. Mohun Lal, the principal -moonshee, who had been down to Sale's camp, told him that if the -conspiracy was not crushed in its infancy it would become too strong -to be suppressed. Burnes replied that he had no power at present, but -that as soon as Macnaghten left he would conciliate the chiefs by -raising their allowances to the former point. On the 1st of November -Mohun Lal again expressed his opinion of the danger. Burnes replied -that he feared the time was coming when the British would have to leave -the country. He was in one of his moods of depression, but from this -he recovered in the evening, and congratulated Macnaghten upon leaving -when everything was quiet.</p> - -<p>At the very time he was speaking the hostile chiefs were assembled -together, and were discussing the methods that were to be taken to -overthrow the British power. They determined that the first step was -to forge a document in the Ameer's name, ordering all the people to -rise, and at the same time to spread a report that it was the intention -to seize all the principal chiefs and send them prisoners to England. -It was singular that they should not have waited a few days, for the -Indian government had sent peremptory orders that the whole force at -Cabul, with the exception of a single brigade, should return with -Macnaghten to India.</p> - -<p>The chiefs decided that as a first step a tumult should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> arise in the -city, and this they at once set about exciting. They had no idea that -it would succeed, and none of them ventured to take any part in it, -as it was only intended to excite the passions of the rabble of the -city. Early the next morning a friendly Afghan brought Burnes news -that the residency was about to be attacked. He did not believe the -intelligence, as the city had of late been as quiet as usual; but -on sending out some of his servants into the street they reported -that there was certainly an unusual stir and excitement. He wrote to -Macnaghten saying so, but stating that he did not think the matter at -all serious, although at the same time he requested that a military -guard should be sent to him in order to overawe any disaffected persons.</p> - -<p>Angus had gone out early with Azim. The latter had for some days past -spent his time in the city, and each evening had returned with the -rumours he had gathered. The talk in the lower quarters was all of the -understanding at which the chiefs had arrived, and the general opinion -was that in a few days these would pour down with all their forces and -annihilate the infidels.</p> - -<p>Angus himself noticed the sullen expression on the faces of the lower -class and the manner in which they scowled at him as he passed, and -quite agreed with his follower that the troubles he had long foreseen -were about to come to a head. When in the streets, too, he had an -uneasy consciousness that he was being followed. Several times he -turned sharply round, but in the throng of natives in the streets he -could recognize no face that he knew. This morning the feeling was -particularly strong, although, as he had often done before, he assured -himself that it was pure fancy on his part.</p> - -<p>"I am not conscious of feeling nervous," he said to Azim, "but I must -be getting so. It has been a very anxious time all the year, and I -suppose that without my knowing it it must have told upon me. However, -I will turn down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> this quiet street, and if anyone is following us we -shall certainly detect him."</p> - -<p>A hundred yards down another lane crossed the one he had taken. Azim -had looked several times, but no one else turned down the lane, which -was entirely deserted. As they passed the corner of the next lane some -men suddenly sprang upon them. Cloths were thrown over their heads, -and in spite of their struggles they were lifted up and carried along -rapidly. In a couple of minutes they stopped. Angus heard a door open. -They were borne along what he thought was a passage, thrust into a -room, and a door was slammed to and locked behind them. They tore off -their mufflers and looked around. It was a room of no great size, -with strongly-barred windows. There were cushions on a divan that ran -along one side. On a low table in the middle of the room were two cold -chickens, a pile of fruit, a large jar of water, and two bottles of -native wine.</p> - -<p>"What on earth does this mean?" Angus said, "and why have we been -carried off?"</p> - -<p>Azim did not attempt to reply.</p> - -<p>"We are prisoners, that is certain," Angus went on; "but it would -certainly look as if they meant to make us comfortable, and the room -must have been prepared in readiness for our reception. I see no -hope of getting away; the windows are very strongly barred, and," he -continued as he walked across and looked out, "this little yard is -surrounded by houses without windows on the ground floor, and with -no door that I can see. I suppose there is one below us; anyhow, if -we could get through these bars we should be no nearer liberty, for -at best we could only re-enter the house, and possibly the door is -fastened on the inside. There are certainly men in the house; I heard -voices in the passage just now, and no doubt one of the fellows is -stationed there.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> The only reason I can imagine for their carrying us off -is that we are to be kept as hostages. Of course I am known to be -Burnes's chief civilian assistant, and they might think that if I -were in their hands he would be willing to make some concessions to -get me back again. It is of no use worrying over it; we are not so -badly off as we were in that snow-storm in the pass. The best thing -we can do for the present is to make a meal, for we did not take -anything before we started."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus07.jpg" alt="corner" /> -<a id="illus07" name="illus07"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption">AS THEY PASSED THE CORNER ... SOME MEN SPRANG ON THEM.</p> - -<p>They had just finished their breakfast when the sound of musketry was -plainly heard.</p> - -<p>"There is fighting going on," Angus exclaimed. "What can it mean? There -are no troops in the city except the native guards at our house and the -treasury next door. It is either a fight between two factions in the -city, or they are attacking our place. It is maddening being fastened -up here just at this moment. The news brought by that Afghan this -morning that we were to be attacked must be true, though Sir Alexander -altogether disbelieved it. He was in one of his happiest humours this -morning, as to-day he was to obtain the goal of his hopes and to be the -resident political officer, with all power in his hands. When he is in -that mood he disbelieves all unpleasant tidings, while in his fits of -depression he gives credit to every rumour that reaches his ear. Still, -the house should be able to hold out against a mob until help arrives -from the camp; but whether or not, my place should be by his side -whatever comes of it."</p> - -<p>"If there is really a rising in the town, sir, we are certainly safer -here than we should be in the streets, or even in the house."</p> - -<p>"That may be," Angus said impatiently, "but my duty is to be there." He -paced restlessly up and down the room.</p> - -<p>Presently Azim said: "I can't think how the men who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> seized us knew -that we were coming along. It was quite by chance that you turned down -the lane."</p> - -<p>"They must have been close to us when we did so," Angus said, "and must -at once have run round by another lane and posted themselves at the -corner where we were seized. We were not walking fast, and there would -have been time for them to get there before us if they had run. But why -should they have taken this trouble? and why should they have prepared -this place beforehand for our reception? It beats me altogether."</p> - -<p>After the firing had continued for a few minutes it ceased; then they -could hear a confused roar of shouting.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens!" Angus exclaimed, "they must have taken the house. The -troops cannot have arrived in time, or we should have heard sharp -volleys. This is maddening."</p> - -<p>"Well, sir," Azim said philosophically, "if we had not been carried off -we should have been in the house when they attacked it, and should have -shared the fate of the others, whatever it may be."</p> - -<p>"That is true enough," Angus agreed; "still, I ought to have been -there. Ah!" he broke off suddenly, "they have not taken either your -sword or mine, or my pistols"—for although not in military uniform the -civilians generally carried swords, a necessary precaution when the -whole native population always went about armed; and Angus in addition -carried pistols also concealed in his dress. "It is extraordinary that -they should not have disarmed us."</p> - -<p>"I do not think that they intended to do us harm," Azim said; "they -could have cut our throats had they chosen to do so, when they brought -us here, without fear of discovery. Why should they leave us our -swords and provide a good meal for us if they intended to murder us -afterwards?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is so, Azim, and it makes the affair more incomprehensible. I -tried to get at my pistols as they carried me along, but they held my -arms too tightly for me to do so. It seems to me possible that this -is the work of someone who was aware of the intended attack, and who -doubted whether the troops would not enter the city and slaughter many -of the inhabitants, and so thought that by producing us at the right -moment he would not only clear himself, from any charge of taking part -in the affair, but would earn a reward for having saved our lives. I -certainly have no friend in the city who would be likely to seize me -for any other object. Of course, I was in communication with most of -the important persons here, but it has been simply in an official way."</p> - -<p>"Whoever it is must have been watching you for some days, master, if, -as you thought, he has been following you whenever you went out."</p> - -<p>"I can have no doubt on that subject now, Azim," and Angus sat thinking -for some time. "I think," he said suddenly, "it must be Sadut Khan; -if so, we are safe. We know that he was with the Ameer, and rode with -him when he defeated our cavalry, and it has been reported that he has -since returned to his tribe, though we have no certain information -about it. It is possible that, knowing we were about to be attacked by -the whole force of the tribesmen, he has borne his promise in mind, and -has employed men to watch me and take steps, if necessary, to secure my -safety. That certainly would explain what before it seemed impossible -to understand."</p> - -<p>The noise in the town still continued. At one time there was sound of -heavy musketry firing.</p> - -<p>"The troops have entered the city," Angus exclaimed; "there will be -hard fighting, for in the narrow streets an armed mob can offer a -desperate resistance even to the best<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> troops. But in the end they will -put down this tumult, and if Sir Alexander has been murdered, exact a -heavy penalty for his death."</p> - -<p>In half an hour the firing gradually abated, and the musket shots came -more faintly through the air. "Our men are falling back, Azim, there -can be little doubt about that by the sound. There cannot be any great -number of troops engaged. What on earth can Macnaghten and Elphinstone -be doing?"</p> - -<p>The roar of shouting in the streets became louder, and there was an -occasional sound of firearms. "It is quite evident that the mob are -in entire possession of the city, Azim. They are looting the traders' -quarter, and probably murdering all the whites who have taken up their -residence there."</p> - -<p>These fears were fully justified. The houses of Sir Alexander Burnes -and Captain Johnson, the paymaster of the Ameer's troops, adjoined each -other. Johnson had, fortunately for himself, slept that night in the -camp. Sir Alexander had with him his brother, Lieutenant Burnes, and -Lieutenant Broadfoot, his military secretary, who had just arrived. -Curiously enough, it was the anniversary of the disastrous fight at -Purwandurrah, in which fight Broadfoot's eldest brother had been -killed. Soon after Angus had gone out the Ameer's minister arrived and -repeated the warning already given by the friendly Afghan. Burnes could -no longer doubt that there was danger, but he refused to leave his -house, saying that as soon as the news that there was a tumult reached -the camp, the troops would be at once despatched to put it down. He, -however, wrote urgently to Macnaghten for support, and sent messengers -to the most powerful native chief in the town begging him to calm the -people, and assure them that all grievances should be redressed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> - -<p>One of the messengers was killed on the way, the other managed to -return to the house desperately wounded. The gathering in the street -increased every moment. Burnes with the two officers went out on to a -balcony, and from thence harangued the mob. His voice was drowned by -yells and curses, weapons were brandished, and an attack was made on -the doors of both houses. Part of the mob were fanatics, who thought -only of slaying the infidels, but a still larger party were animated -solely by a desire to share in the sack of the Ameer's treasury next -door. The native guards both of Sir Alexander and the treasury opened -fire, and for a time maintained themselves with the greatest bravery. -Of the English officers, Broadfoot was the first to fall, shot through -the heart. The position became more and more desperate. A party of the -insurgents had set fire to the stables and forced their way into the -garden. Burnes was still attempting to lull the fury of the crowd. Long -ere this troops should have arrived to his rescue, but there were no -signs that they were approaching. At last, seeing that all was lost, he -disguised himself and went out into the garden with a man who had sworn -by the Koran to convey him and his brother safely into camp. No sooner, -however, did they issue out than the traitor shouted: "This is Burnes."</p> - -<p>The mob rushed upon the brothers and hewed them to pieces. The -defenders of the two houses fought bravely to the last, but were -finally slaughtered to a man.</p> - -<p>Sir Alexander Burnes owed his death to the faults of others rather -than his own. Having been previously at Cabul as the British agent, -and speaking the language perfectly, it was to him the people made -their complaints, to him they looked for redress. They knew nothing -of Macnaghten. When they found their condition growing from bad to -worse, their taxes increasing, their trade at a stand-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>still, food -extremely dear, and employment wanting, it was on Burnes that they -laid the blame; and yet he was all the time endeavouring, but in vain, -to persuade Macnaghten that it was absolutely necessary to compel the -Ameer to abandon a course that was exasperating for people of all -classes, from the most powerful chiefs to the poorest inhabitants of -the city. Burnes was unquestionably a man of great ability, and had he -been in Macnaghten's place with full power and responsibility, things -would probably have turned out differently.</p> - -<p>The expedition from the first was a gigantic blunder, undertaken in -the teeth of his remonstrances. In any case it was doomed to failure. -It was impossible that we could maintain on the throne a man hated -by the whole of his subjects—a race of fighting men, jealous to the -last degree of their independence, and able to take full advantage of -the natural strength of the country. But under the administration of -an officer at once firm and resolute, and anxious to conciliate them -in every way, the British force might have remained until the Indian -government could no longer support the expense of the occupation, -and could then have withdrawn quietly with the puppet who had proved -himself so utterly incapable of conciliating the people upon whom we -had thrust him.</p> - -<p>The great fault in the character of Burnes was instability—his -alternate fits of sanguine hopefulness and deep depression, and -his readiness to believe what suited his mood of the moment. These -characteristics were no doubt heightened by the unfortunate position -in which he found himself. He had had every reason to expect that -in view of his previous residence in Cabul and his knowledge of the -character of the people, he would have the post of political officer -of the Afghan capital, and he only accepted a secondary position upon -the understanding that Macnaghten's appointment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> was a temporary one, -and that he would succeed him. When, however, months and years elapsed, -and he was still without any recognized position whatever, when his -advice was never adopted and his opinions contemptuously set aside by -a man infinitely his inferior, he naturally came to take the worst -view of things, and his fits of depression became more frequent. At -last he fell, not because his house was isolated, for it could have -held out until aid had come, but because the three men whose duty it -was to rescue him—Macnaghten, the Ameer, and Elphinstone—were alike -vacillating, undetermined, and incompetent.</p> - -<p>The Ameer was the only one of these three to take any steps. When he -heard of the riot he sent down a regiment of Hindoostanee troops to -rescue Burnes. Instead, however, of marching outside the town to the -end of the street in which Burnes's house was situated, they entered -the city by the nearest gate, and tried to make their way through a -maze of narrow lanes. Their advance was desperately opposed. From every -house and roof a fire of musketry was kept up, and, after losing two -hundred of their number, they fled in utter confusion to the shelter of -the citadel. Elphinstone in his report says that he received the news -at half-past seven that the town was in a ferment, and shortly after -the envoy came and told him that it was in a state of insurrection, but -that he did not think much of it, and expected the revolt would shortly -subside. Macnaghten suggested that Brigadier Shelton's force should -proceed to the Bala Hissar to operate as might seem expedient, while -the remaining force was concentrated in the cantonment, and assistance -if possible sent to Sir Alexander Burnes.</p> - -<p>It was not, however, until between nine and ten that Shelton received -his orders; and almost directly afterwards another note arrived telling -him not to move, as the Ameer had objected. To this Shelton replied -that in an insurrec<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>tion of the city there was no time for indecision, -and recommended the general at once to resolve upon what measures he -would adopt. He was then told to march immediately to the Bala Hissar, -where he would receive further instructions from Macnaghten. Just as -he was marching off, a note came from this officer telling him to halt -for further orders. He sent an engineer to ask the reason for this -order, but the officer was cut down by an Afghan while dismounting -just outside the square where the Ameer was sitting. Soon after this -the military secretary himself came with orders for him to enter the -citadel. When he arrived there, the Ameer asked him who sent him and -what he came there for, and he was forbidden to enter the town. All -that he could do was to cover the retreat of the Ameer's Hindoostanee -troops. In consequence of all these delays, it was twelve o'clock -before Shelton moved into the Bala Hissar, by which time Burnes and his -friends had been murdered and the riot had spread. Houses were burned, -shops sacked, and the families of several British officers massacred.</p> - -<p>It is certain that had the slightest energy been shown, and had a small -body of troops been despatched when Burnes's first request for help -arrived, the riot would have been nipped in the bud, for all accounts -agree that for a considerable time not more than three hundred men -took part in the attack, and even when Shelton urged the necessity for -prompt measures Burnes might have been saved. Except in the case of -the rising at Meerut in the Indian Mutiny, never did such disastrous -effects result from the incompetence of a British general.</p> - -<p>The day passed slowly to Angus. It was maddening to be helpless when -great events were happening. Until it became quite dark no one came -near them, but at seven o'clock they heard the bolt of the door -withdrawn, and a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> man entered with a torch, by whose light they at once -recognized Hassan, their guide over the passes.</p> - -<p>"You here, Hassan!" Angus exclaimed. "I had always thought of you as -back again in your tower near Bamian. Is it you who has thus made us -prisoners?"</p> - -<p>"We were sorry to use force, effendi, but there was no other way. Sadut -Khan charged us to look after your safety, and we have kept you in -sight for some days. He was living in this house in disguise. He was -absent yesterday evening to take part in the conference with the other -chiefs, and did not return until after midnight. Then he said, 'There -will be a tumult in the city to-morrow, Hassan, and probably the house -of the officer Burnes will be attacked. What will come of it I do not -know. I myself and the other chiefs are leaving at once, so that if -things go badly we can disavow any connection with the affair. The -young officer, my friend, is, as you know, at Burnes's house. He must -be rescued. Prepare this room for him. If he leaves the house before -the attack begins, you must seize him and carry him in here. If his -servant is with him, bring him also; he too must be saved. He waited on -me kindly, and did all in his power for me. If he should not leave the -house, then you and your followers must join the mob and keep together, -forcing yourselves to the front, so that you will be the first to enter -the house. Take long cloaks to throw round them, and get them out, even -at the cost of your lives.'</p> - -<p>"I told him that it should be done. You saved his life, and you also -saved ours, for we should have been suffocated in the snow-storm had -you not cut your way out and come to our rescue. So it has been done. -We were glad indeed when we saw you come out. Had you not turned down -that lane, I should have come up and accosted you, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> telling you -that I had an important message to deliver to you, should have asked -you to come with me to a quiet spot, where I might deliver it safely. -As it was, directly you turned down, we ran round, and, as you know, -captured you without noise and without being observed by you. You will, -I trust, pardon me for having laid hands on you; but I had orders from -the Khan, who told me that I should have to use force, as he was sure -you would not, however great the danger, he persuaded to leave Burnes."</p> - -<p>"What has happened?"</p> - -<p>"The Englishman and two others with him have been killed. One of the -Ameer's regiments entered the town, but was driven back. There is -looting going on everywhere. Many have been killed, and many houses -burnt."</p> - -<p>"But what is our army doing?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing. There is a force at the Bala Hissar, the rest are under arms -in their camp."</p> - -<p>"It seems impossible!" Angus exclaimed. "However," he went on, stifling -his indignation for the time, "I have to thank you deeply, Hassan, you -and Sadut Khan, for having saved our lives. Assuredly you took the only -way to do so; for had you only told me of the danger that threatened -Sir Alexander Burnes, I should have returned to warn him and share his -fate, whatever it might be. As it was, I cannot blame myself that I -was absent. I thank you with all my heart. Pray tell the Khan when you -see him that I am deeply grateful to him. He has nobly redeemed his -promise, and I hope some day to thank him in person."</p> - -<p>"Now, sahib, we will start at once," Hassan said. "I have clothes for -you to put over your own, and there is no fear of our being suspected. -We will take you to within shot of your camp."</p> - -<p>He called out, and his four men entered, bringing with them Afghan -disguises. When these were put on, they sallied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> out at once. The -five men were fully armed, and long Afghan guns were given to Angus -and Azim. The streets were full of people, for the most part in a -state of wild excitement, though the better class looked grave at the -prospect of the retribution that would probably fall upon the city, -perhaps to-morrow or certainly in a day or two. None paid any attention -to the group, who differed in no respect from the majority of those -around them. Issuing from one of the gates, they made their way to -the cantonments. When within a few hundred yards the Afghans stopped. -After a hearty farewell and renewed thanks, Angus and Azim left them. -They had taken off their disguises, and offered them to Hassan to carry -back, but he said, "You had best keep them; you may want them again. -There is no saying what may happen." And they accordingly carried them -with them.</p> - -<p>In a short time they were challenged by a sentry, and halted till the -latter had called a sergeant and four men. Then they went forward. -Angus was recognized at once, as he was known by sight to everyone in -the camp. In a short time they met an officer, who told them the news -of the massacre of Burnes, his brother, and Broadfoot, and their guard, -which was already known, as one man had escaped the general slaughter, -and had, after hiding for some hours, come into the camp. Angus went -at once to Macnaghten's house and sent in his name. The envoy came out -into the hall. "I am glad to see that you have escaped, Mr. Campbell. -I thought that all had perished, though your name is not specially -mentioned as among the victims."</p> - -<p>"I was not in the house, sir," Angus replied. "Sir Alexander Burnes had -sent me out to gather information, and I and my servant were suddenly -seized and carried into a house, where we were kept as prisoners all -day. After it was dark we made our escape, having obtained disguises -from a friendly Afghan."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, I am glad," Macnaghten said; "but you must excuse me now, for -the general is here, and we are holding a council. You had better for -to-night take up your quarters in poor Burnes's tent. I shall have time -to attend to matters to-morrow."</p> - -<p>Although Burnes had his residence in the city, he had a large tent not -far from the envoy's house. This he occupied when he had business in -camp, and it was here that he received natives who brought him news, or -who had grievances that they wished to report to him. Here Angus lay -down for the night, with a deep feeling of thankfulness that his life -had been spared, mingled with a foreboding that the troubles had only -begun, and that there was yet much peril in store before the army were -safely out of Afghanistan.</p> - -<p>In the morning Angus again went up to the envoy's. "I have been -thinking, Mr. Campbell," Macnaghten said when he entered, "as far as I -have been able to think on any one subject, how your services can be -best utilized temporarily. I think that, if you would not mind, you -might be attached to the commissariat, and assist Captain Boyd and -Captain Johnson."</p> - -<p>"I will gladly do so, sir," Angus said. "I will take up the work at -once."</p> - -<p>"Anticipating your consent, I have already written a letter for you to -take to those officers."</p> - -<p>Glad to have work before him, Angus went at once to the commissariat -camp. The two officers were at breakfast. Both rose and congratulated -him heartily on his escape. "How on earth did you manage it?"</p> - -<p>He gave as brief an account as he had done to Sir William Macnaghten, -and then handed them the letter he had received from the envoy. "That -is good news," Captain Johnson said heartily. "We shall be glad indeed -to have your aid. I will have a tent pitched for you at once by the -side<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> of ours. Of course you have not breakfasted. Sit down with us. -What do you think of the state of affairs? You know a good deal more -than we do of the disposition of the Afghan chiefs."</p> - -<p>"I think things look very bad," Angus said gravely. "After what seems -to me the imbecility shown yesterday, to which the death of my chief is -due, it is impossible to feel anything like confidence in the general."</p> - -<p>"That is the universal feeling in camp," Captain Johnson said. "If we -had Sale here I believe everything would go right, but poor Elphinstone -is only fit for a snug armchair in a comfortable club. He is no more -able to cope with a crisis like this than an old woman would be. In -fact, for choice I would take the average old woman.</p> - -<p>"Orders have been given for an attack upon the town to-day, but it is -more than likely that it will be countermanded. If Elphinstone can make -up his mind to throw his whole force, with the exception of a strong -camp guard, against the city, we should certainly carry it. No doubt -there might be a considerable loss of life, but that could not be -helped. It would certainly be successful. Then I should say we ought to -turn the whole of the Afghan population out of the town, move all our -provisions and stores there, and settle down for the winter. We could -beat off any attack that the Afghans could make against us. As it is, -we are terribly anxious about the stores. You know that I originally -established all the magazines for the Ameer's army in the Bala Hissar. -Then Macnaghten came up with the Ameer from Jellalabad, and he told -me that the Ameer objected to the magazines being there. That was -quite enough for Macnaghten. He always gives in to the Ameer's wishes, -however ridiculous. So we had to leave the storehouses I had built and -move out bag and baggage.</p> - -<p>"The only place that I could get was the camel sheds<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> half-way between -this and the town, and unless a strong garrison is sent down there the -Afghans are certain to take possession of them. But Boyd's stores are -even more important. They are within four hundred yards of the defences -of the camp, and contain all our grain, our hospital stores, our wine -and beer, our sugar, and everything else. And if his stores and mine -are both lost, we shall have starvation staring us in the face at the -end of a week. Just look out over the plain. Since daylight there has -been a steady stream of men from the hills, and from all the villages -round, flocking into the city; they have heard of the capture of my -treasury, and are eager to share in the looting. If they succeed in -capturing the stores and provisions, God help us all."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV</a></p> - -<p class="center">A SERIES OF BLUNDERS</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">Numerous</span> as had been the blunders, and great the mismanagement up to -the 2nd of November, matters might yet have been retrieved had the -conduct of affairs been in resolute and energetic hands. Macnaghten was -personally a brave and fearless man. Had he at last felt the necessity -for strong measures, an attack upon the city would certainly have been -attended with success. Now that the first burst of hate and passion had -passed, the inhabitants were filled with apprehension at the punishment -that would fall upon them, and none doubted that the British army would -at once attack the town. The army itself expected this, and, furious at -the treacherous massacre of Sir Alexander Burnes and his comrades, were -burning for the order to attack.</p> - -<p>The troops were under arms early, but no orders were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> issued for -a forward movement. Some hours later the 35th regiment of Native -Infantry, with two mountain guns, came in from Khoord Cabul, having -brushed aside the opposition it had met with on its march. With this -valuable addition to the fighting strength in the camp all opposition -could have been easily overcome, and yet until three o'clock in the -afternoon nothing whatever was done. By this time what could have -been effected with comparative ease in the early morning had become -a far more difficult operation. Vast numbers of the tribesmen had -been pouring into the city since daybreak, and the two miles of plain -between the camp and the city, which earlier in the day could have -been traversed without a shot being fired, were now covered by a host -of fierce enemies; and yet, after wasting so many valuable hours, the -general, instead of throwing the whole of the force in the cantonments, -and that of Brigadier Shelton at the Bala Hissar, against the city, -sent only three companies of infantry and two guns to the attack.</p> - -<p>Naturally this handful of men failed; and it was well for them that -they did not penetrate into the city, for had they done so they would -assuredly have been overwhelmed before they had gone fifty yards. -However, the officer in command, seeing the impossibility of the task -set him, withdrew his detachment in good order. The result of the day's -operation, if it could be so called, was disastrous, the troops, who -had until then been eager to be led against the enemy, and confident -of success, were irritated and dispirited, and lost all confidence in -their commander; while, on the other hand, the Afghans were jubilant -over what they considered the cowardice of the enemy. The next day the -misfortune invited by the passive attitude of our troops happened. Only -eighty men were in charge of the commissariat fort. The little party -were commanded by Lieutenant Warren. Early in the day a threatening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> -force of the enemy approached, and Warren sent a messenger urgently -asking for reinforcements.</p> - -<p>But the Afghans had already occupied an old fort that commanded the -road between the camp and the commissariat fort. Considering the -enormous importance of the stores, an overwhelming force should have -been sent out to drive off the assailants, and to occupy the fort in -such strength that it could be held against any assault. Instead of -doing this, two companies only of the 44th Regiment were sent. The -two captains in command were killed by the fire from the Afghan fort, -other officers were wounded, and the men fell so fast that the officer -who was senior in command, seeing the impossibility of reaching the -store, drew them off. Then an order was issued—which was practically -the death-warrant of the army—by General Elphinstone, for a party -of cavalry to go out and bring in the little garrison. This party -suffered even more severely than the preceding one. From every wall, -building, and orchard a storm of musketry broke out, and the troopers, -after suffering great loss, again retired. The news that the general -intended to abandon the store struck dismay into the officers of -the commissariat. Captain Boyd hurried to head-quarters, and urged -the general to send a force that would sweep away all opposition, -and to hold the fort at all hazards. The general promised to send a -reinforcement, but no relief was sent.</p> - -<p>As night was coming on, Captain Boyd and Captain Johnson again went -to the general and pointed out in the strongest language the result -that would follow the abandonment of the stores. The unhappy old man -hesitated, but on a letter being brought in from Lieutenant Warren -saying that the enemy were mining the walls, and some of the Sepoys, -seeing their position was desperate, were deserting, he promised that a -strong detachment should be sent at two o'clock in the morning to storm -the Afghan fort and relieve the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> guard at the commissariat stores. -Orders were accordingly issued, but these were presently countermanded, -and it was decided that the force should not move until daylight.</p> - -<p>By that time it was too late. Warren had repulsed an attack on the -walls, but seeing that the enemy were preparing to fire the gate and -renew the attack, he retired through a passage that had on the previous -day been dug under the wall, and reached the camp in safety. But this -was not the only disaster that happened that day. Captain Johnson's -store of provisions for the use of the Ameer's troops, on the outskirts -of the city, was also attacked. Captain Mackenzie, who was in command -of the little garrison there, defended his post throughout the day -with the greatest gallantry; but water was scarce, and ammunition -failing, and large numbers of women and children were in the fort, -with great quantities of baggage. Urgent letters were sent asking -for reinforcements, but no reinforcements came. Had they arrived the -situation would have been saved. The Kuzzilbashes were ready to side -with the British. Several of their commanders were with Mackenzie, but -when they saw that no help was sent, they refused to join a cause that -seemed to them lost. All night the fighting went on, and all next day, -until his men were utterly worn out, and the ammunition exhausted. No -more could be done, and when night came on, he moved out of the fort -and fought his way to the cantonments—a brilliant action, which showed -what could be accomplished by a mere handful of men well led.</p> - -<p>While Mackenzie was thus fighting for the stores under his charge, -the troops in the cantonments were condemned to see crowds of Afghans -looting the stores within four hundred yards of our camp, carrying off -the supplies that had been garnered for their subsistence through the -winter, and this without a man being set in motion or a gun brought to -bear upon the plunderers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p> - -<p>Furious at the imbecility of their leaders, the soldiers clamoured to -be led against the enemy. Unable to resist the demand, the general -ordered the 37th Native Infantry to move out; but instead of being -led straight against the enemy, the officer in command hesitated and -halted, and soon fell back with the indignant Sepoys.</p> - -<p>General Elphinstone was already talking of making terms with the enemy, -and seemed to despair of victory when no attempt had been made to -gain a success. On the 6th, however, a party of the 37th were again -sent out under Major Griffiths. Again it was seen what could be done -by an energetic officer. The Afghan fort was stormed, the enemy were -driven out, and were routed by a party of horse, who dashed at them -gallantly. The troops could be no longer restrained, and cavalry, -infantry, and artillery poured out; but there was no general plan, and -the consequence was, that although desultory fighting went on all day, -nothing was accomplished. Had any general plan of operation been laid -down, and a combined action fought, the enemy would have been utterly -unable to withstand our troops, worked up to fury as these were by the -disgraceful inaction that had been forced upon them. In the meantime, -starvation would have already stared the troops in the face had not -Captains Boyd and Johnson, aided by Angus and other officers of their -department, gone out to the native villages and succeeded in purchasing -a certain amount of grain. But already the troops were on half rations, -and even these scanty supplies could not long be available.</p> - -<p>The general, while his troops were out fighting, wrote to Macnaghten, -urging that negotiations should be opened with the enemy, and saying, -"Our case is not yet desperate, but it is becoming so very fast."</p> - -<p>Macnaghten himself was conscious of this, conscious that, under such -leading, the situation was fast becoming desper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>ate, and he employed -the moonshee, Mohun Lal, who was still in Cabul under the protection of -the Kuzzilbash chief, to endeavour to bribe the chiefs of the Ghilzyes. -Two lacs of rupees were offered. The chiefs gave a favourable reply, -and then Macnaghten, with his usual instability, was seized with a -suspicion that they were not sincere, and abruptly broke off the -negotiations, thereby mortally offending the Ghilzye chiefs.</p> - -<p>Fresh danger was threatening in another direction. Mahomed Akbar Khan, -the second son of Dost Mahomed, was on his way with a force from the -north, and had already advanced as far as Bamian. Mohun Lal suggested -that an emissary should be sent to offer him a large allowance if he -would join the British. His suggestion was carried out, and money was -spent in other quarters lavishly.</p> - -<p>But it was now too late. A quarter of the sum would, a fortnight -earlier, have sufficed to satisfy the demands of all the chiefs of -the tribesmen. Now that success had encouraged the assailants of our -force, and the whole population had taken up arms against us, inspired -alike by fanaticism and hatred and thirsting for blood, it was doubtful -whether even the chiefs could restrain them had they chosen to do so.</p> - -<p>In their letters and journals the officers still spoke with kindness -and respect of their unfortunate general. He had been a brave and able -soldier, but age and terrible infirmities had rendered him altogether -incapacitated for action. He had for months been suffering from gout, -and had almost lost the use of his limbs. Only once or twice, after his -arrival to assume the command, had he been able to sit on horseback; -for the most part he was wholly unable to walk. Sometimes he was -confined altogether to his couch; at others he was able to be taken out -in a palanquin. His mind was also enfeebled by suffering. On the very -day of the first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> outbreak he had been a little better, and had mounted -his horse; but he had suffered a very severe fall, and was carried back -to his quarters.</p> - -<p>It was altogether inexcusable that Lord Auckland, against the advice -of the commander-in-chief and the remonstrances of his other military -advisers, should have appointed such a man to a command which, beyond -all others in India, demanded the greatest amount of energy and -activity. There were many men who might have been worthily selected, -men with a knowledge of the political conditions of Afghanistan, of the -feelings of the people, of their language and of their country.</p> - -<p>General Elphinstone knew nothing of these things, and depended -entirely upon the advice of others. Had he relied solely upon that of -Macnaghten, things might have gone differently, but he asked advice -from all around him, and took the last that was offered, only to change -his mind again when he heard the opinion of a fresh counsellor. He -was himself conscious that the position was too onerous for him, and -sent down a medical certificate of his incapacity for action, and -requested to be relieved. The request had been granted, and he was to -have returned to India with Macnaghten, but unhappily no other officer -had been appointed to succeed him. It is upon Lord Auckland, rather -than upon the unfortunate officer, who, in the teeth of the advice of -his counsellors and of all common sense, was thrust into a position -for which he was wholly unsuited, that the blame of the catastrophe of -Cabul should be laid.</p> - -<p>Macnaghten, in hopes that Brigadier Shelton, a brave officer, but -hot-tempered and obstinate, would be able to influence the general -and to put an end to the deplorable indecision that paralysed the -army, persuaded Elphinstone to send for him to come in from the Bala -Hissar to the camp and bring in with him a regiment of the Ameer's -troops. He came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> into the cantonment of the 9th, and his arrival was -hailed with the greatest satisfaction, as it was believed that at last -something would be done. Unfortunately, however, Shelton's energy and -the general's weakness were as oil on water. No two men were less -calculated to pull together. Shelton enforced his arguments with a -vehemence that seemed to the general insubordinate in the extreme; -while the brigadier, on the other hand, was unable to make allowance -for the physical and mental weakness of the general, and was maddened -by the manner in which orders that had but an hour before been issued -were countermanded.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 10th the enemy mustered in great force, and -occupying a small fort within musket-shot of the defences, opened a -galling fire. Macnaghten only obtained the general's consent to a party -going out to capture the fort by telling him that unless he gave the -order he should himself take the responsibility of doing so, for that -at any risk the fort must be captured. Thereupon Shelton was instructed -to take two thousand men and attack it. When they were on the point of -starting Elphinstone countermanded the orders. Shelton, in a fury, laid -the case before the envoy, who was as eager as himself, and the general -was again persuaded to give the order and the force advanced.</p> - -<p>It was intended to blow open the gate with powder, but by some accident -only a wicket by the side of the main entrance was blown in. Led by -Colonel Mackrell the storming party, consisting of two companies of -Europeans and four of native infantry, advanced. They could with -difficulty make their way through the narrow entrance, for they were -exposed as they did so to a heavy musketry fire, but two officers and -a few soldiers pushed through, and the garrison, believing that the -whole column was following them, fled through the opposite gate. But -unhappily they were not followed. A body of Afghan cavalry threatened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> -to attack the storming party outside, and these, native and British -alike, were seized with an unaccountable panic and fled. In vain -their officers endeavoured to arrest their flight. The events of the -previous week had terribly demoralized them. Shelton set them a noble -example by remaining on horseback alone, and at last shamed them into -returning. Again the Afghan horse approached, and again they fled. -Again Shelton's expostulations and example brought them back. The guns -in the cantonments drove the Afghans off, and Shelton led his men up to -the capture of the fort.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the handful of men who had entered the fort had been -engaged in a desperate struggle for life. The Afghans, discovering -how small was the number of their assailants, re-entered the fort and -fell upon them in overwhelming numbers. When Shelton's force entered, -Colonel Mackrell had fallen mortally wounded, and was carried into -the cantonments to die. Lieutenant Bird, with two Sepoys, were the -sole survivors. They had, when the enemy poured in, taken possession -of a stable and barricaded themselves there, and had successfully -repulsed every attack. When they were rescued their ammunition was -almost exhausted, but they were uninjured, and no fewer than thirty -dead Afghans lying in front of the stable bore mute testimony to the -steadiness and accuracy of their aim.</p> - -<p>Several small forts were abandoned by the enemy, and a quantity of -grain was found in them, but as no measures were taken to convey it -into the camp, it was lost again when the troops retired. Desultory -fighting went on all the afternoon without any decisive results, and -the next two or three days passed quietly.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the moonshee was making every effort to bring over some -of the chiefs to our side. Macnaghten was sending off letter after -letter to the political officer with Sale, urging the necessity for -an instant advance of the force<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> at Jellalabad. On the 13th the enemy -occupied a hill within range of the cantonment, and planting two guns -there opened a steady fire. Macnaghten spent hours in endeavouring -to persuade the general and brigadier of the absolute necessity for -driving the enemy off the hill, but without success, and it was not -until he took the responsibility upon himself that a detachment under -Shelton was ordered to be sent. It was then four o'clock in the -afternoon. The troops advanced in three columns, and the infantry -rushed forward with such impetuosity that the two guns with them could -not arrive in time to herald their attack. The detachment poured in -a volley within ten yards' distance, but they were unsteady from -their exertions in mounting the hill, and their fire took no effect. -A minute later the Afghan cavalry charged down upon them. The attack -was unexpected, the men in confusion, and the Afghans rode through and -through the ranks. The British troops retreated down the slope, where -they re-formed behind the reserve; the guns opened fire with great -effect, and the infantry again marched up the hill.</p> - -<p>Our cavalry now came into action and drove the enemy before them. The -infantry carried the height, and the enemy fled, abandoning their guns. -It was now getting dark. A party of the Ameer's infantry removed one -of the guns; but the Afghan marksmen were keeping up a heavy musketry -fire, and the troops, British as well as Sepoys, were so demoralized -that they refused to advance and carry off the other. It was therefore -spiked and rolled down the hill, while the smaller gun was brought -by the Ameer's troops into the cantonment. The enemy, now strongly -reinforced, attempted to intercept the retreat, but were beaten off.</p> - -<p>On the 15th Major Pottinger and another officer came in wounded, and -reported that the Ghoorka regiment that had been retiring from Kohistan -had been entirely destroyed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> They defended themselves courageously -against overwhelming forces, and held the barracks they occupied until -maddened by thirst; then they rushed to a stream, where the enemy -fell upon them and cut them to pieces, the two mounted officers alone -escaping after innumerable dangers. On the 17th Macnaghten heard that -there was no hope whatever of assistance from Sale, who was himself -surrounded with difficulties. He now urged that the force should all -retire to the Bala Hissar, behind whose strong walls they could have -maintained themselves. But Shelton vehemently opposed the step, which -would have saved the army from destruction, urging that the abandonment -of the cantonments would be an acknowledgment of defeat.</p> - -<p>On the 23rd of November the enemy again appeared on the hill from -which they had been driven, and a strong force moved out against it. -Strangely enough, however, they only took one gun with them. The day -was disgraceful as well as disastrous, for the British force was -signally defeated and the gun was lost, and the troops re-entered the -cantonment in headlong flight, hotly pursued by the Afghans till they -reached the protection of the earthworks. Their conduct showed how -completely the imbecility and vacillation of their commanders, and the -effect of the insufficient rations on which they had to subsist, had -destroyed the moral of the troops. The men who a month before could -have driven the Afghans before them like sheep, were now unable to cope -with them even when in superior numbers.</p> - -<p>On the 24th Elphinstone addressed a letter to Macnaghten stating -his opinion that their position could no longer be maintained, and -that he should at once enter into negotiations with the enemy. He -accordingly sent a message to the insurgent chiefs inviting them to -send in a deputation to discuss the conditions of the treaty. Two of -their leaders came in, but as they demanded that the British should -sur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>render at discretion, giving themselves up, with all their arms, -ammunition, and treasure, as prisoners of war, Macnaghten resolutely -rejected the offered terms.</p> - -<p>Angus had been constantly employed from the day he reached the -cantonments. His work was to go out with small parties of the natives -employed by the commissariat to bring in the grain that Boyd and -Johnson had purchased. There was no slight risk in the work, for -although the villagers were glad to sell their corn on good terms, -the party who fetched it ran the risk of being cut off by any band of -tribesmen they might encounter.</p> - -<p>Of an evening he talked over the situation and prospects with the two -officers. Absorbed in work as they all were, they were less influenced -by the feeling of hopelessness than those who had nothing to do but to -rage over the trap into which they had fallen through the incapacity of -their leaders. Still, they did not attempt to disguise from themselves -the magnitude of the danger.</p> - -<p>"I have no faith in any treaty that could be made," Boyd said. "An -Afghan is only bound by his word as long as it pays him to keep it. -They will take Macnaghten's money, and will promise that we shall be -allowed to go down the passes without molestation; but I am mistaken -indeed if we shall not be attacked the moment we enter them. If they -do so, few of us will ever get through. The men are weak now from -want of sufficient food. They are utterly dispirited and demoralized, -as is shown by their shameful flight yesterday. Besides, they will -be encumbered with a host of camp followers, women, and children. I -am still of opinion that our only hope is to take refuge in the Bala -Hissar, and Shelton's vehement opposition has already put a stop to -that. For myself, I would rather that they attacked us here, even if -the attack meant our annihilation. It would be better to die so than -cooped up hopelessly in the passes. At best the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> march would be a -terrible one. The cold is severe already, and we hear that the snow is -deep in the passes; not so deep as to render them impracticable, but -deep enough to render the passage a terrible one."</p> - -<p>"Of course we are bound to stay with the rest and do our best to the -end. Were it not for that, we three might escape. We all speak the -language well enough to pass as natives. You, indeed, have already done -so. However, of course that is not to be thought of; indeed, it would -probably amount to the same thing in the end, for we could scarcely -hope to reach either Jellalabad or Candahar."</p> - -<p>"No, it is not to be thought of, Johnson," his companion said. "We have -to do our duty to the last. I still hope that the general may yet have -an hour of inspiration and deliver battle in good order. I believe that -the troops would fight well if they did but see that they were properly -handled."</p> - -<p>On the following day they learned that Akbar Khan had arrived. He was -greeted with great enthusiasm and much firing of guns. Macnaghten had -a faint hope that he would side with us, as his father, mother, and -brothers were in our hands in India; but, on the other hand, he had -every reason for bitter animosity against the British, who had, without -any ground for complaint, invaded the country and dethroned his father. -The prince bore the reputation of being frank, generous, and far -brighter and more cheerful than the majority of his countrymen; at the -same time he was passionate and impulsive, given to sudden bursts of -anger. The wrongs that he and his family had suffered were, indeed, at -present predominant in his mind. For two years he himself had been an -exile from his country. His father, who had tried so hard to gain the -friendship of the British, had been dethroned by them; and as it was -notorious that their captives were always honourably treated, he felt -that no action upon his part would recoil upon their heads.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> - -<p>He himself was now the heir to the throne if he could win it. He was -extremely popular among the people, who hailed his advent as giving -them a leader whom they could rely upon, under whom the chiefs of the -tribesmen could lay aside their mutual jealousy and animosity and join -in the effort to drive the foe for ever from their country. He did -not, however, at once assume the chief authority. The Nawab Mahomed -Zemaun Khan, a cousin of Dost Mahomed, had been proclaimed Ameer by the -tribesmen, and all orders were sent forth in his name. He was a man of -humane and honourable nature, of polished manners, and affable address.</p> - -<p>As soon as he learned the state of affairs, Akbar Khan took immediate -steps to prevent further supplies being taken into camp. He burned the -villages where grain had been sold, and placed bands of men to attack -any parties coming out from the camp to purchase grain. Day after day -passed, messengers came and went between Macnaghten and the Nawab, but -nothing was done; the food supply dwindled; only three days' rations -remained in camp.</p> - -<p>The supplies doled out were scarcely sufficient to keep life together. -The oxen and other baggage animals were in such a state of starvation -as to be wholly unfit for service. The store of fuel had long been used -up, some men died of cold, and all suffered much. Macnaghten was still -hopeful, and early in December again urged a retirement, but in vain. -The enemy had now guns planted in several positions, and kept up an -almost constant cannonade on the camp. On the 8th there were but three -days' half rations left, and the general informed Macnaghten by letter -that it was absolutely necessary to surrender upon the best terms -that could be obtained; and the three senior officers also signed the -letter, saying that they concurred in it. On the 11th there was but one -day's food left for the fighting men, the camp followers were starving. -Again and again Macnaghten urged that a force<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> should sally out and at -all costs bring in provisions, but the general knew that the men could -not be relied upon to fight. The time had come when even Macnaghten saw -that all hope had gone save in surrender. He drew out the rough draft -of a treaty, and met the leading chiefs of the Afghans at about a mile -from the river.</p> - -<p>By this treaty the British were to evacuate Afghanistan. They were -to be supplied with provisions for the journey, Shah Soojah was to -abdicate, and to have the option of accompanying them; but if he did -so, his wife and family were to remain as hostages until Dost Mahomed -and his family were released. The troops at Jellalabad were also to -retire, as well as those at Ghuznee and Candahar. Four British officers -were to be left as hostages, to return to India on the arrival of Dost -Mahomed and his family on the frontier. The conference lasted two -hours, and its main stipulations were agreed to. The meeting then broke -up, on the understanding that the British troops were to evacuate the -cantonments in three days, and that provisions should in the meantime -be sent in. The treaty was a humiliating one, but Macnaghten was not -to blame for it. When the three military chiefs had declared that -there was nothing for it but surrender, he was forced to make the best -arrangement he could, and the terms of the treaty were as good as could -have been expected in the circumstances.</p> - -<p>When the conference broke up Captain Trevor, one of Macnaghten's staff, -accompanied the chief to the city as a hostage for the sincerity of -the envoy. On the 11th the Bala Hissar was evacuated. Akbar Khan -pledged himself to conduct the garrison safely to the cantonments, -and kept his promise, succeeding in inducing the crowds of horsemen -who gathered round to let the little detachment pass. The provisions, -however, were not sent in as agreed, and the chiefs refused to send -them until the garrisons were with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>drawn from the forts they occupied -round the cantonments. The parties were each suspicious of the other's -good faith. On the 18th snow began to fall heavily. Macnaghten tried -desperately to win over some of the chiefs, lavishing money among -them. The Afghans made fresh demands, and demanded more hostages, and -Lieutenants Conolly and Airey were handed over to them.</p> - -<p>On the 22nd Akbar Khan sent in fresh proposals, to the effect that -the British were to remain in Afghanistan till the spring, and then -to withdraw as if of their own free-will. Shah Soojah was to remain -as Ameer, and Akbar as his minister. As a reward for these services -Akbar was to receive an annuity of £40,000 and a bonus of £300,000. -Macnaghten accepted the terms, and agreed to meet Akbar. The offer was -so strange that Elphinstone and others thought that it was probably a -plot. Macnaghten replied that he did not think that it was so, but in -any case he would go. After breakfast he sent for the officers of his -staff, Lawrence, Mackenzie, and Trevor, who had returned, and begged -them to accompany him to the meeting. An hour later they set out with a -few horsemen. As they rode on Macnaghten admitted to his officers that -he was well aware that it was a dangerous enterprise, but that he was -playing for a heavy stake and the prize was worth the risk. "At all -events," he said, "a thousand deaths are preferable to the life I have -of late been leading."</p> - -<p>The parties met at some hillocks six hundred yards from the -cantonments, where some horse-cloths had been spread upon the snow by -Akbar Khan's servants. Macnaghten presented to Akbar a splendid horse -he had admired. They dismounted, and Macnaghten took his place on the -blankets. Trevor, Mackenzie, and Lawrence sat behind him. Suddenly the -envoy and his companions were violently seized from behind. The three -officers were dragged away, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> each compelled to mount horses ridden -by Afghan chiefs, who rode off through the crowd. Trevor unfortunately -slipped from his insecure seat, and was instantly cut to pieces, while -the other two reached Mahomed Khan's fort alive. In the meantime the -envoy himself was struggling desperately on the ground with Akbar Khan. -Exasperated by the resistance of his victim, whom he had only intended -to seize, the Afghan's passion blazed out, and drawing from his girdle -a pistol, which Macnaghten had given him the day before, he shot him -through the body. Instantly his followers closed round and hacked him -to pieces.</p> - -<p>Thus died a gentleman who, in other circumstances, might have made -a great reputation for himself. Possessed of unusual talent, his -course was marred by his propensity to believe all that he wished, to -disbelieve all that ran counter to his own sanguine projects. During -the last month of his life he did all that man could do to avert a -catastrophe, but he had been unable to instil his spirit into any of -the military commanders, or to induce them to take the only course to -redeem the position, by giving battle to the foe that surrounded them. -He was the author of the ill-fated expedition to Afghanistan, he was -its noblest victim. His peculiar temperament was fatal to him. Even -when there was no longer any ground for hope he still continued to be -sanguine. He had all along believed in himself, and scoffed at the -warnings of men who knew the country and people—of Burnes, Rawlinson, -Pottinger, and others.</p> - -<p>He was thoroughly sincere; he was always able to convince himself -that what he believed must be true, and he acted accordingly. He was -not a strong man; had he been so the course of events might have been -altered. He deferred in every way to Shah Soojah's wishes, however much -these might be opposed to his own judgment. He allowed him to misgovern -the country, to drive the natives to desperation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> by the exactions -of his tax-gatherers, and to excite the bitterest animosity of the -chiefs by the arrogance with which he treated them. A strong man would -have put a stop to all this—would have intimated to the Ameer that -he held the throne solely by the assistance of British bayonets, and -that unless he followed British counsels he would at once yield to the -oft-repeated wishes of the Indian government and order the retirement -of the troops.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV</a></p> - -<p class="center">A DOOMED ARMY</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">Even </span>the murder of the British envoy within sight of the camp failed to -arouse the military authorities from their deadly lethargy. Sullenly -the troops remained in their cantonments. Not a man was put in motion -to avenge the deed or to redeem the honour of the army. The only -idea was to renew the negotiations that had been broken short by the -murder of their political chief. The commissariat had nothing to do. -Beleaguered as they were, it was impossible to collect provisions -unless a strong force was sent out, and the military authorities -refused to allow a man to be put in motion. They had no confidence in -their soldiers, and the soldiers had none in them. It was their leaders -who had made them what they were. Macnaghten in his wrath had spoken -of them as miserable cowards, but they were not cowards. They had at -first full confidence in themselves, and if ordered would gladly have -attacked the Afghan forces in the open and have carried Cabul by storm. -But kept in enforced inactivity, while fort after fort was wrested from -them without an effort being made to relieve the garrisons,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> while the -whole of their provisions for the winter were carried off before their -eyes by an enemy they despised, and feeling that on the few occasions -on which they were led from their entrenchments there was neither plan -nor order—no opportunity for showing their valour, none for engaging -in battle, they lost heart. Day by day they were exposed to continual -insults from their exultant foes, day by day exposed to a heavy cannon -and musketry fire, while the food served out was insufficient to -maintain their strength—almost insufficient to keep them alive. It is -not wonderful that their fighting powers were lost, and that they had -become little more than a rabble in uniform.</p> - -<p>Angus had now no official duties to perform, and he spent much of his -time with his old friend Eldred Pottinger, now a major, who, after -Macnaghten's murder, took his place, by right of seniority as well as -of energy and talent, as chief political officer. He had been employed -in the west, but had been sent to Cabul, and very shortly afterwards -had proceeded to Kohistan, returning almost the sole survivor of -the little force that was stationed there. His counsel since then -had always been for energetic measures, but his voice, like that of -Macnaghten, availed nothing. He had, however, taken no prominent -part in affairs, having been confined to his bed by the wound he had -received. He was now recovering from it, and took up the work with the -same energy as he had displayed at Herat. As he said to Angus, "It -seems to be my fate to have to do with incapable men. At Herat it was -Yar Mahomed and Kamran, here it is Shelton and Elphinstone. Elphinstone -and Kamran have both in their younger days been fighting men. Both are -utterly worn out bodily and mentally by disease and age.</p> - -<p>"Shelton is a brave man, a hard fighter, but his temper overmasters -him. When in the field he shows personal gallantry, but no military -capacity whatever. At first he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> always in opposition to the -general; he has given that up as useless, and beyond always -endeavouring to thwart his chief when the latter was roused to -momentary flashes of energy by Macnaghten, he has sunk into a deep -gloom, as if he regarded it as absolutely hopeless to struggle further. -I would that any other than myself had been placed in the position I -now hold. The terms proposed to Macnaghten were hard enough, they will -be still harder, still more disgraceful, now. But however disgraceful -they may be, they will be accepted by the military leaders, and my name -will be associated with the most humiliating treaty a British officer -has ever been called upon to sign."</p> - -<p>His previsions were correct. Negotiations were renewed without the -slightest allusion being made to the murder of Macnaghten, and as if -such an event had never happened. While these were going on, little -food was allowed to enter camp—enough to sustain life, but no more. -At last the terms were settled. The Afghan chiefs agreed to supply -provisions, and to send in baggage animals, upon payment being made for -them. Six officers were to be handed over as hostages, all muskets and -ordnance stores in the magazines, all money in the treasury, and all -goods and property belonging to Dost Mahomed, were to be surrendered, -and Dost himself and his family to be returned. No provision whatever -was made for the safety of the man we had placed upon the throne. -Pottinger endeavoured in vain to obtain better conditions. He received -no support from the military chiefs; and even when at last he agreed to -the terms, he did so with little hope that they would be observed.</p> - -<p>Warnings came from friends in the city that no dependence whatever -could be placed upon the chiefs, and that in spite of all promises -the force would certainly be attacked on its way down through the -passes. No step was taken by the chiefs to send in either provisions or -carriage animals,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> and the escort that was to accompany them did not -make its appearance. On the 5th of January the military authorities -determined to march out, contrary to the advice of Pottinger, who -argued that without carriage and provisions, and without the protection -of the chiefs as promised, the prospects of four thousand troops and -twelve thousand followers being able to make their way down through the -passes was small indeed.</p> - -<p>Angus had come to rely very much upon Azim for information as to what -was passing outside the cantonment. The latter had during the three -years come to speak the Afghan language perfectly, and in the attire -of a peasant often went out after dark, mixed with the insurgents, -and entered the city. He had each time he went out brought back a -less hopeful report than on the previous one, and Angus was the more -impressed since the young fellow was generally cheery, and disposed to -look on the bright side of things, taking indeed comparatively little -interest in what was going on around him, having absolute confidence -that his master would find some way out of any difficulty that might -confront him.</p> - -<p>"I quite agree with all you say, Azim, but I am powerless to act in any -way. If I were here as a private person I should certainly disguise -myself and endeavour to make my way down to Candahar, but as an officer -I must remain at my post, come what may, and share the fate of the -rest. But if you are disposed to try and get down, I will not throw -any obstacle in your way, and will furnish you with money sufficient -to pay your way either back to Persia or down into India, where, with -your knowledge of languages, you will have no difficulty in finding -employment."</p> - -<p>Azim laughed. "No, master, whatever comes, I will stay with you. Just -as you are in the employment of government and cannot leave, so am I in -your employment."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span></p> - -<p>Angus did not attempt to push the matter further, for he felt that it -would be useless; and indeed, although he would have done what he could -to procure his follower's safety, he felt that he would be a great -loss to him in many ways. They had been so long together, and had gone -through so many dangers in companionship, that he regarded Azim as a -friend rather than as a servant.</p> - -<p>"When you have been in the city, Azim, have you ever seen our friend -Sadut?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I have heard that he has been in the city many times, and -that he was with the Afghan horsemen who drove our people in, but I -have not seen him. Should I speak to him if I do so?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, you might thank him in my name, and your own, for having saved -our lives the other day; but on no account say anything to him about -the future. I cannot make any overtures for help to a man who, though a -friend of my own, is fighting against us. And indeed, however willing -he might be to aid me to the best of his power, he could not do so. If -we are really attacked in the pass, mixed up as we shall be with the -camp followers, we could not be found in the crowd; and you may be sure -that the tribesmen and the Ghazee fanatics will be mad with bloodshed -and hate, and that even a chief would be unable to stand between them -and their victims. Even if he were to send a messenger to me to say -that he and his men would again save me, if I would let him know in -which part of the column I shall ride, I should refuse to do so. It -would be an act of treachery on my part to others, weaker and less able -to take care of themselves than I am."</p> - -<p>On the afternoon of the day when the force moved out of the cantonments -Eldred Pottinger sent for Angus.</p> - -<p>"Are you ready to undertake a hazardous mission?" he asked. "It is -so hazardous that I would send no one upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> it, were it not that I -consider that those who stay here are running as great a risk. After -the murder of Burnes and Macnaghten, I have not the smallest faith in -the chiefs keeping to their promises, and the manner in which they have -failed now to carry out the terms of the treaty heightens my distrust -in them. I do not believe that any of the messengers that have been -sent down of late have succeeded in getting through; and indeed, until -to-day it was impossible to say whether we should really start or -not. The messages sent down were necessarily vague, and were indeed -only requests for aid. I know, and no doubt Sale knows, that it is as -difficult for him to fight his way up the passes as it is for us to -make our way down; but now that, in spite of my advice, Elphinstone and -Shelton and the other officers have decided to wait no longer, but to -start at once, a specific message must be sent."</p> - -<p>"I am ready to try to get through," Angus said. "I have no doubt that -while we have been negotiating here, the tribesmen from all the country -round have been gathering in the passes. The only way would be for me -to join some party of men from the villages going that way. Once fairly -in the pass and among the tribesmen, I could leave the party and mingle -with others. Of course it would be slow work going on afoot, but I -should say that it would be quite impossible on horseback."</p> - -<p>"I have not much hope that the mission will be of any real use, for -Sale is himself besieged in Jellalabad. Still, one must make an -attempt. I shall enter in my journals—trusting that they will some -day be recovered—that as a last hope I have accepted the offer of Mr. -Angus Campbell to carry a message to General Sale saying that we are -starting, and begging him, if it be possible, to make a diversion in -our favour by advancing as far as he can to meet us. I will not give -you any written document. You are well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> known to many of the officers -who went down with Sale, therefore no question can arise as to the -message you bear being a genuine one. If you were searched and any -letter found upon you, it would be your death-warrant. Still, I believe -if anyone could get through alive, you can."</p> - -<p>"I will do my best anyhow," Angus said, "and I will start as soon as it -becomes dark. It is all easy enough as far as Khoord Cabul, after that -I shall keep a sharp look-out; if I overtake any party of villagers I -shall join them."</p> - -<p>"I shall come and say good-bye to you before you start, Campbell."</p> - -<p>Angus returned at once to his tent. "You have my disguise ready and -your own, Azim?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I have both ready, and have two of their long guns and some -daggers and pistols."</p> - -<p>"I have my own pistols, Azim."</p> - -<p>"Yes, master, and it will be as well to take them; but they would be -seen directly if you had them in your girdle."</p> - -<p>"No doubt they would, Azim, but there are a good many English pistols -among them now. There were three pairs they got at Sir Alexander's -house, and there have been several officers killed since. I can give -out that I took part in the fight at Sir Alexander's and got these -pistols as my share of the plunder."</p> - -<p>"Are you going anywhere, master?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am going to try to get down through the passes to Jellalabad. -We shall start as soon as it is dark. It will be a terribly dangerous -journey, but I hardly think it will be more dangerous than going down -with the troops."</p> - -<p>"What are we to take, master? I will get it ready."</p> - -<p>"There is not much that we can take. I will go down to the store myself -and get eight or ten pounds of ground grain. There is not much of it, -for the mills have all been smashed, and we have had to serve the grain -out whole;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> but I know that there are two or three sacks left in the -stores. There is no meat to be had, nor spirits—not that I would take -spirits if I could get them, for if they were found upon me it would -excite suspicion at once. Another thing, I must stain myself. My face -and hands are nearly as brown as those of the Afghans, but if we were -searched and they took our things off, they would see in an instant -that I was a white. I don't know how we are to get stain."</p> - -<p>"I should think, master, that if we were to bake some grain quite -black, and then pound it and pour boiling water over it so as to make -it like very strong coffee, it might do."</p> - -<p>"A very good idea. Well, I shall not want you for the next two hours. -I shall go round and see some of my friends and say good-bye to them. -Mind, whatever you do don't say a word to anyone about our leaving."</p> - -<p>"I will be sure not to do that, master."</p> - -<p>Azim went out to a little tent of thick native blanket a few yards from -that of his master. There he sat looking through the entrance until he -saw his master leave his tent. Five minutes later he issued out in his -Afghan dress, long coat lined with sheep-skins, black lamb's-wool cap, -high boots, and sheep-skin breeches, and at once set off at a brisk -walk. There were at all times many Afghans in the camp, and indeed -many of the camp followers had, since the cold set in, adopted the -same dress; therefore no attention was paid to him, and no questions -were asked by the sentries as he passed out at the gates. As soon as -he got among the gardens and enclosures he broke into a run, which he -continued until he reached a village a mile and a half away, and here -he entered one of the cottages.</p> - -<p>"Have you news for us?" one of the four men sitting there said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and good news. My master starts as soon as it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> dark. He will -be on foot, and he is going to try and make his way down through the -passes."</p> - -<p>"That is good news indeed," the Afghan said. "I was afraid that we -should never get a chance. Which road will he go by?"</p> - -<p>"I can't say exactly, but he is sure to leave by the western gate. -He would have more chance of getting away unnoticed on that side. Of -course we shall both be in our Afghan dress."</p> - -<p>"We will be on the look-out. I suppose that he will be armed?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, he will carry one of your long guns and a brace of pistols. You -had best choose some spot where you can close on him suddenly, for he -would certainly fight till the last."</p> - -<p>"We will be careful," the man said. "I don't want to get a pistol ball -in my body. We shall follow at a distance until we find a convenient -spot."</p> - -<p>"He is sure to keep along at the foot of the hill so as to avoid your -people on the plain."</p> - -<p>"It will suit us best also, as we shall not have far to carry him."</p> - -<p>"Mind, you must make a struggle when you seize me as if I was violently -resisting. Then, when we start you must order me to walk, and threaten -to blow out my brains if I try to escape. My master can learn the -truth afterwards. If he were to know it now, he would be furious with -me; but in a few days, when fighting is going on in the passes, and a -great disaster occurs, he will thank me for having prevented him from -throwing away his life, especially as he knows perfectly well that the -English in Jellalabad could not come out to assist those here."</p> - -<p>When Angus returned to the tent he found Azim busy roasting the grain. -The Afghan costume had been laid aside.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Everything is ready, master. The grain is nearly done, and it won't -take me long to pound it up. I got a few sticks down at the stores and -the kettle is just boiling."</p> - -<p>"Then as soon as it is ready I will stain myself, but I sha'n't put -on the Afghan dress until the last thing. Have you cooked some of the -flour?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I have made four cakes. They are baking in the ashes now. I -thought perhaps you would eat one before we started, and we can carry -the others for to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"I wish, Azim," Angus said, "that there was some chance of this journey -being useful, but I feel convinced that no good can come of it. The -moonshee has sent in a report that confirms the rumours we heard. -There can be no doubt that General Sale is strongly beleaguered in -Jellalabad, and will have all his work to do to hold the place, and -therefore it will be absolutely impossible for him to fight his way up -the pass."</p> - -<p>"Then why should you go, master?"</p> - -<p>"Because I have been asked to go as a forlorn hope; and also because, -however great the risk I may run, I do not think that it is greater -than it would be if I went down with the army. We have no baggage -animals. We have food for only three days more, and it will only last -that time by cutting down the rations still further. The unfortunate -camp followers are for the most part without warm clothing of any sort, -and will die by thousands. As to the troops, I have no doubt that -most of them will fight when they know that unless they cut their way -through they are doomed, but their chance of victory is small. Here -in the open plain they might even now, if well led and worked up to -enthusiasm by a stirring speech, thrash the Afghans, numerous as these -may be; but pent up in the passes, under a fire from every hillside by -a foe they cannot reach—for in their present weak state they could -never scale the moun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>tains—I believe it will be a massacre rather than -a fight. At any rate, if we are to be killed, I would rather be shot -as a spy than go through such awful scenes as there will be before a -bullet finishes me."</p> - -<p>"I don't want to die at all, master; but if it be the will of Allah, -so be it. But, as you say, I would rather be killed straight off than -struggle on through the snows in the passes and get killed in the end."</p> - -<p>As soon as it became dusk, Angus and his follower put on their -disguises. A few minutes later Eldred Pottinger came in.</p> - -<p>"Well, as far as looks go you will pass anywhere, Campbell, and -certainly as regards language there is no fear of your being suspected. -The real difficulty will be in explaining where you came from. Every -village has sent its contingent of fighting men, and if it happened -that you met anyone from the place you pretended to come from, the -consequences would be very awkward."</p> - -<p>"I intend to give out that I have come down from Arcab, which is a -little village to the south of Ghuznee. I went out there once with a -detachment to buy some cattle. It is hardly likely that any of the men -from that place would have come here, for they would naturally join the -bands that are threatening our garrison there. Of course I can invent -some story to account for my not doing the same."</p> - -<p>Pottinger nodded. "Well, Campbell, I hope that you will get well -through it. As I told you, I have not a shadow of hope that Sale will -be able to lend a hand to us. Still, although it is but one in a -thousand chances, I feel that it ought to be attempted; and in your -case I say honestly that I consider there is no greater risk in your -going down by yourself, and having your own wits to depend upon, -than in going down with the army—if one can call this broken and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> -dispirited soldiery an army—for in that case the bravest and clearest -head would share the fate, whatever that may be, of the dullest and -most cowardly."</p> - -<p>"I quite see that, and agree with you that nothing can be slighter than -the chances of the army getting down safely. Be assured that whatever -happens, so far from blaming you, I shall consider that you did the -best for me by sending me on this mission."</p> - -<p>"I will walk with you to the gate," Pottinger said. "In the daytime -there is no check upon anyone passing in or out, but at night the -sentries are on the alert, and as you are both armed, you would -certainly be stopped."</p> - -<p>A minute was spent in packing their scanty stores into the pockets of -their coats, then they started for the gate. Here Pottinger, after -seeing them through, shook hands cordially not only with Angus but -with Azim, whom he had learned to like and value for the devotion he -showed to his master in Herat. They proceeded on their way without -meeting any parties of Afghans until they neared the foot of the hill, -then, as they were passing along a path through an orchard, a party of -men suddenly sprang out upon them, and they were thrown down on their -faces before either had time to offer any resistance. Angus, indeed, -had repressed the natural impulse to try to draw one of his pistols. -Resistance would have meant death, and it seemed to him that these -could only be plunderers.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing, fools?" he exclaimed. "Do you not see that we are -friends?"</p> - -<p>No answer was given. His captors were binding his hands tightly to his -side; then before raising him they muffled his head in a blanket. He -was then lifted to his feet. He heard the men say to Azim that he was -to accompany them, and that if he attempted escape he would at once be -shot. A man on each side of him put his hands on his shoulder,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> and one -said: "You are to walk quietly with us; escape is impossible, and it -were well for you not to attempt it."</p> - -<p>Angus indeed felt that escape was out of the question. He was unable -to conjecture into whose hands he had fallen. They were not bent upon -plunder, for had they been so, they would have taken his arms, searched -him, and probably cut his throat afterwards. It seemed impossible -to him that they could know he was a British officer, and the only -conceivable explanation he could think of was that men had been -scattered all round the cantonment to prevent anyone from leaving, or -going out with messages to one or other of the chiefs, and that they -had seen him and Azim come out, had followed and seized them, and were -now taking them to some chief to be questioned as to why they were -in the British camp after dark, and for what purpose they had left. -Certainly the affair reminded him of his friendly capture at Cabul; but -it seemed to him altogether impossible that Sadut could have learned -that he was about to start on a mission, or that had he even learned -it, he could have known that he and Azim would have followed the road -on which they had been captured. He soon found that the path they were -following was an upward one, and as it became steeper and steeper, he -was sure that he was being taken into the hills.</p> - -<p>Once or twice he addressed his captors, but received no answer. He -walked, as far as he could tell, for two hours. At last there was a -pause. He heard a door open, and felt that he was being taken into a -hut. Then for the first time the pistols and knives were taken from -his sash. His captors, after addressing a few whispered words to some -men who were already in the hut, retired, closing the door behind them -and piling heavy stones against it. The blanket was then taken off -his head. A bright fire was burning in the hut, which he saw was some -fifteen feet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> square. Four men, armed to the teeth, were standing by -the fire. There was no door save the one by which they had been brought -in, and it was evident that the hut consisted only of this room.</p> - -<p>"You are unhurt, I hope," he said to Azim.</p> - -<p>"Yes. I was knocked down before I had time to think of doing anything."</p> - -<p>"Do you know where they have brought us?"</p> - -<p>"No. They threw a cloth over my head."</p> - -<p>"How could this have happened, Azim? I cannot understand it at all."</p> - -<p>"No more can I, sir."</p> - -<p>"When we started to fight against the infidels we never thought that -we should be attacked by our own countrymen. It seems to me that there -must be some mistake." Then he turned to the Afghans. "Why are we -brought here? What harm have we done?"</p> - -<p>"That I know not," the man said. "You must have done something, or our -comrades would not have brought you here. That is their business."</p> - -<p>"It seems to me," Angus said angrily, "it is our business too. Our -tribe are not at war with any others, and it is a new thing that -Afghans should attack each other when all are uniting to fight the -strangers."</p> - -<p>"I know nothing about it. I only know that our comrades brought you -here, and left us to look after you. There are plenty of traitors among -the men who have taken the infidel's gold. They will all be reckoned -with when we have finished with the white men. Well, they did not tell -us to keep you bound, and we will take off the cords if you swear by -the faith that you will make no attempt to escape."</p> - -<p>Angus hesitated. It seemed to him that if two of the four men slept he -and Azim could, if unbound, snatch at their weapons, and at least make -a fight for it; that chance would be gone if he gave his word.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No," he said; "I will make no bargain with men who have deprived me of -my liberty."</p> - -<p>"Well, just as you like," the other said, seating himself by the fire, -"it makes no matter to us."</p> - -<p>"We may as well sit down too," Angus said, and advancing near the fire -he sat down by the side of the Afghans. Azim did the same.</p> - -<p>"Where did you say you came from?" the man who had been the spokesman -of the party asked. Angus briefly named the village he had before -decided upon, and then sat looking silently at the fire. He saw that -his chance of being able to discover at present any plan for escape was -very small. Presently one of the men said, "Let us have supper," and -rising he went to a corner of the hut, where the carcass of a sheep was -hanging from the rafters. He cut off a leg, divided this into slices, -which he spitted on a ramrod, and then put it over the fire. In the -meantime another had unceremoniously placed the four cakes that were -taken from the captives in the embers to warm up. When the meat was -done, the leader said to Angus: "We do not wish to starve you. We will -untie the hands of one of you, and let him eat; when he has done, we -will fasten him up again, and let the other eat in the same way."</p> - -<p>This was done. When they were again securely bound Angus said in -Pushtoo: "You may as well lie down now, friend. Perhaps in the morning -the men who have taken us will find out that they have made a mistake -and will let us go, with apologies for having treated friends so -roughly." They lay down close together, but Angus was afraid even to -whisper to his follower, lest it should excite the suspicion of their -guard. For an hour he remained watchful, then he saw two of the Afghans -lie down, but the other two lighted their pipes, and were evidently -going to keep watch. He had tried quietly once or twice to see if the -cords that bound him could be loosened, but he found that although<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> -they had not been tied unpleasantly tight, they were securely fastened, -and did not yield in the slightest to his efforts. He therefore gave up -the idea of trying to free himself from them; and indeed, even if the -guards should all sleep, the prospect was hopeless, for from the noise -made in rolling the rocks against the door, it was certain that this -could not be opened without waking the sleepers. It would therefore be -necessary as a preliminary to kill all of them, and even then he might -not be able to break open the door. At any rate, there was nothing to -do at present. After trying in vain to discover an explanation of their -capture he fell asleep. He woke several times in the night, but found -that two men were always on guard. The next morning he heard the stones -removed from the door, but no one entered. The Afghans breakfasted, and -this time permitted their captives to share the meal with them. From -time to time one or other of the Afghans went to the door and looked -out, and at two o'clock one of them said, "The infidels are moving."</p> - -<p>The others went out. "Have you thought of any way of escape?" Angus -whispered in Persian to his follower.</p> - -<p>"I can think of nothing," Azim murmured.</p> - -<p>As there seemed no obstacle to their going out Angus joined his -captors. He could see on the snow which covered the plain below, the -dark masses of the troops surrounded by a host of camp followers, while -beyond these hovered hordes of Afghans. From time to time horsemen rode -in, evidently delivered some message, and then went off again.</p> - -<p>The departure of the troops had been fatally delayed. It was ordered to -begin at eight o'clock in the morning, and at that hour they stood to -their arms. The day was clear and bright, and although four miles from -the camp, Angus could clearly see what was going on. Although it was -now two in the afternoon, only a portion of the troops<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> had left the -camp, and it was not till six o'clock, when night had already fallen, -that the rear-guard left it.</p> - -<p>Already confusion had set in; the ranks of the soldiers were broken -up by the terrified camp followers, and presented the appearance of a -vast mob rather than an organized army. Had they started at the hour -fixed they might have reached Khoord Cabul in safety, but the loss -of time was fatal. Only six miles were accomplished, and it was two -o'clock in the morning before the whole gathered, when it was seen that -their numbers were already diminished. The wretched camp followers, -accustomed to the heat of the plains of India, and thinly clad, were -the first to succumb. Hundreds, especially of women and children, sat -down in the snow and were frozen to death. Already the Afghans were -hanging on the flanks, and sometimes making rushes and cutting down -many of the unresisting multitude.</p> - -<p>Soon after two o'clock a native came up to the hut and delivered an -order to the Afghans, who at once cut up the remainder of the sheep, -and divided it between them. Then their leader said, "We are to move." -The ropes that bound the prisoners were loosened. One end was tied -round the wrist of each captive, the other being wound round the -waist of an Afghan, allowing a slack of a yard and a half. As soon as -this was done the party moved off. They descended the hill for some -distance, and then followed the lower slopes in the direction in which -the army was moving. They kept on till long after midnight, and then -halted at a deserted hut. Far behind them they could see the flames of -the burning cantonments, which had been fired by the Afghans as soon -as they had removed everything of the slightest value. In the morning -Angus saw that their halting-place was high up above the entrance of -the Khoord Cabul Pass. There was as yet no sign of the army, but in -the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> afternoon it was seen approaching in a confused mass. The night -had been a dreadful one; soldiers and camp followers, horses and -baggage and cattle were huddled in a confused mass. No warm clothes had -been served out to the followers, and hundreds were frozen to death -during the night, while others were so badly frost-bitten that they -were unable to walk.</p> - -<p>As soon as the troops started again the Afghan horsemen attacked the -rear, seizing the baggage, capturing the guns, and cutting down all -they encountered. At noon Akbar Khan, with six hundred horsemen, rode -up. Pottinger sent Captain Skinner with six horsemen to communicate -with him. Akbar said that he had been sent out by the Nawab to protect -them from the attacks of the Ghazees. His instructions were to demand -other hostages as security for the evacuation of Jellalabad, and to -arrest the progress of the force, supplying it in the meantime with -everything it required, until news of the evacuation of Jellalabad by -Sale was received. The troops, however, did not halt until they reached -the entrance of the Cabul Pass. The night was even more dreadful -than the preceding day had been. The Sepoys burned their caps and -accoutrements to obtain a little warmth, and numbers were frozen to -death. At daybreak the crowd of soldiers and camp followers began to -push forward, their only thought now being how to escape death.</p> - -<p>Akbar Khan spent some hours in negotiations. Four more hostages were -demanded; Pottinger volunteered to be one of them, Captain Lawrence -had been specially named, and Pottinger chose Mackenzie as the third. -It was agreed that the force should move down through the Khoord Cabul -Pass to Tezeen, there to await tidings of the evacuation of Jellalabad.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI</a></p> - -<p class="center">ANNIHILATION OF THE ARMY</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">In</span> terrible confusion the crowd of fugitives—they were now nothing -more—all entered the terrible pass. The Ghilzyes at once commenced -their attack. In vain did Akbar Khan and his chiefs endeavour to -restrain the fanatics. From the hillsides, from every rocky crag they -opened a murderous fire. That day three thousand men fell, either from -the musket fire or from the knives of the Afghans. The dooly-bearers -had all deserted on the first day, the greater portion of the camels -and ponies had been captured. So far the ladies had escaped; they all -rode next to the advanced guard, as this was considered the safest -point, for the soldiers here maintained some sort of order, and the -Afghans, therefore, devoted their attention to the helpless crowd in -the rear. Again the column halted in the snow.</p> - -<p>In the morning the camp followers made another rush ahead, but the -troops, who were ordered to march at ten o'clock, did not move, -for in spite of all the remonstrances of the officers, the general -countermanded the order, believing that Akbar Khan would send in -provisions and troops to protect them. Another terrible night was -passed, and then Captain Skinner rode into camp with a new proposal -from Akbar Khan, namely, that all the English ladies of the force -should be placed under his charge, and that they might be accompanied -by their husbands. Pottinger remembering that Akbar Khan's family were -in the hands of the British, and believing that he was sincere in his -wish to save the ladies and children from destruction, sanctioned the -proposal. Elphinstone at once accepted it. It was the choice of two -evils. On the one hand Akbar Khan had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> proved faithless, and on the -other certain death awaited the ladies. They were insufficiently clad, -had scarcely tasted food since they left Cabul, and had passed three -terrible nights in the snow. Undoubtedly it was the wiser course to -trust them to Akbar Khan. Accordingly a party of Afghan horse rode -in, and Lady Macnaghten, Lady Sale, and ten other ladies, some twenty -children, and eight officers rode away under their escort.</p> - -<p>The next morning the survivors started. The Sepoys had already lost the -greater portion of their numbers; the remainder threw away their guns, -which they could no longer use owing to their hands being frost-bitten, -and joined the disorganized rabble in front. They were attacked in a -narrow gorge, and the pass was soon choked with dead and dying. Not -a single Sepoy survived. Of the sixteen thousand men, soldiers and -camp followers, that had left Cabul four days before, not more than a -quarter were now alive. Akbar Khan watched the slaughter that was going -on, declaring that he was powerless to restrain the Ghilzyes, whom even -their own chiefs could not control. He advised that the remnant of the -British army should lay down their arms and place themselves under his -protection. The general very properly refused the offer, for Akbar -Khan had already acknowledged that he was incapable of restraining the -tribesmen.</p> - -<p>The march was continued. The rear-guard was commanded by Shelton, and -nobly they did their work, repulsing several attacks of the enemy, -and giving time for those ahead to pursue their way. Before daybreak -they started again in hopes that they might reach Jugduluk that day. -Despair gave the soldiers strength, and they moved off quietly in order -to obtain a start of the camp followers, who paralysed their action. -The latter, however, were soon on their feet, and as usual endeavoured -to push on ahead<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> of the troops. For some miles the retreat was -uninterrupted, but presently a heavy fire opened on the rear-guard. The -camp followers then rushed in a tumultuous crowd past the troops, and -when, a little later, the head of the column was attacked, they again -fled to the rear, not only hampering the movements of the soldiers, but -carrying many of them away by the impetus of their rush. Steadily until -day broke the Afghan marksmen maintained their fire. Soon afterwards -the advanced guard reached a village ten miles from Jugduluk, and -halting only till the rear-guard came up again pushed forward. Shelton, -with a handful of the rear-guard, kept the Afghans at bay, and covered -the retreat until all arrived in Jugduluk, where they took their post -behind some ruined walls. There was, however, little rest for them; the -Afghans, in ever-increasing numbers, posted themselves on the heights -and opened a terrible fire. Three bullocks were found among the camp -followers; these were instantly killed and served out to the famishing -soldiers, who devoured them raw. Again Akbar's party approached, and -Captain Skinner went out to remonstrate with him for permitting the -continued attacks, but the Afghan prince declared himself incapable of -repressing his men, as his orders were disregarded.</p> - -<p>A handful of the 44th Regiment issued out and made a gallant rush at -the enemy and drove them back, but as the main body did not follow -their example, they again retired behind the ruined walls. All night -long and through the next day the force remained at Jugduluk. Akbar -Khan sent in a message inviting the general, Shelton, and Captain -Johnson to a conference, and promised to send in provisions. This -promise he as usual broke, and insisted on retaining the three officers -as hostages.</p> - -<p>The conference was resumed the next morning. Akbar now seemed in -earnest in his desire to put a stop to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> slaughter; but the petty -chiefs of the tribes between Jugduluk and Jellalabad were now present, -and these would listen neither to his entreaties nor commands, nor to -the offer of large sums of money. They thirsted for blood, and were -determined to extirpate the infidels. Mahomed Shah Khan, to whose -daughter Akbar was married, then came forward and asked whether the -British would pay two lacs of rupees for safe-conduct to Jellalabad. -The general agreed to this, and it seemed that at last the safety -of the survivors was ensured. At eight o'clock in the evening the -survivors, who now numbered but a hundred and twenty of the 44th and -twenty-five artillerymen, again set forth. No provisions had been -sent in during the two days' halt, and all were terribly reduced by -famine. The Afghans rushed down among the camp followers, killing them -unresistingly. The soldiers, however, held together, and, bayonet -in hand, drove off their assailants until they reached the Jugduluk -Pass. They struggled up the narrow and terribly steep ascent until -when near the summit they came upon a barricade composed of bushes and -branches of trees. Here the column was thrown into great confusion, -the camp followers crowding upon the soldiers. The latter fought with -desperation, while the Afghans massacred the unresisting camp followers.</p> - -<p>Twelve officers fell here. Their number was large in proportion to that -of the men. They had been no better clothed, and had suffered equally -from cold and hunger; but they did not give way to the depression that -during the first two marches had reigned among the troops. They were -upheld, too, by the feeling of responsibility, and the necessity of -keeping up an appearance of cheerfulness and hopefulness in order to -encourage the men. After desperate fighting some twenty officers and -twenty-five soldiers managed to break their way through the barricade, -and at daybreak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> reached Gundamuck. There were but two rounds of -ammunition remaining in the men's pouches. Most of them were already -wounded, but they were resolute not to lay down their arms, and when -called upon to do so they refused. Then the mob of Afghans rushed -down upon them. One officer and a few privates were taken prisoners, -but seven officers succeeded in cutting their way through, and being -mounted, left the Afghans behind them, and reached Futtehbad, but -sixteen miles from Jellalabad. Here, however, they were attacked by the -peasantry. Two were cut down at once; the others rode off, but were -pursued and overtaken. Four of them were killed, and one only, Dr. -Brydon, reached Jellalabad alive, the sole survivor of four thousand -five hundred fighting men and twelve thousand camp followers, with the -exception only of those who had been taken over by Akbar as hostages.</p> - -<p>This, the greatest disaster that ever befell a British army, was due to -the vacillation and weakness that had characterized every action since -the murder of Sir Alexander Burnes. Had the force pressed forward at -once on the morning when it left its cantonment, the greater portion -would probably have reached Jellalabad, but two days had been lost -before the army reached Khoord Cabul Pass, about ten miles from the -city. There were fresh halts, fresh delays, fresh futile negotiations -again and again, and during the time thus thrown away the enemy from -all the mountains round were gathering in the passes to oppose them, -and building the fatal barricade in the pass of Jugduluk. Had the force -pushed forward with only an occasional halt of a few hours, they would -not have been enfeebled by hunger. By slaying the baggage animals an -abundance of food could have been obtained for all, the opposition they -encountered would have been comparatively feeble, and cold would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> -been their only formidable antagonist. Truly it seemed that a curse had -fallen upon the army; that it was Divine retribution for a most unjust -and iniquitous war.</p> - -<p>Each day Angus and his followers had been taken along, always being -halted in positions whence they could see the terrible tragedy that -was being enacted. Angus was half mad with grief and with fury that -he was not in his place among the troops. Azim in vain endeavoured to -comfort him, by pointing out that it was not his fault that he was not -there, but that he had been sent away from the army by the order of his -superior; and that even had he not been taken prisoner, he would not be -a sharer in what was going on in the pass.</p> - -<p>"That is true, Azim, but it is a poor consolation to me. I feel sure -that Pottinger foresaw what would happen, and that it was as an act -of friendship, in giving me a chance of getting through safely, that -he sent me down. It was no doubt kindly meant, but I would a thousand -times rather have shared the fate of the rest."</p> - -<p>"Well, master, for my part I own that I am glad we are up here. I have -no wish to be killed, especially as it would do no good to anyone. Why -should a man throw away his life? Allah has given it to us, and we -shall die when our time comes. But it would be wicked to throw it away -uselessly."</p> - -<p>"It is all very well to talk like that, Azim, when one is in safety, -but when one sees one's comrades being slaughtered, a man would not be -worthy of the name did he not long to be with them and to die fighting -by their side. Indeed, we know not at present whether our lives are to -be saved. We know not into whose hands we have fallen, or why we should -thus be taken along to be spectators of this massacre. The whole thing -is bewildering to me."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus08.jpg" alt="mad" /> -<a id="illus08" name="illus08"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> ANGUS WAS HALF MAD WITH GRIEF AND WITH FURY THAT HE WAS -NOT IN HIS PLACE AMONG THE TROOPS</p> - -<p>They now generally conversed in Persian. Their guards,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> although -keeping as strict a watch as ever on them, interfered with them but -little. Fortunately the worst scenes took place at night, and were -therefore hidden from those on the hill, the incessant rattle of -musketry alone telling of the relentless pursuit. On the night of the -12th the roar of fire had been louder than ever. At last it ceased -suddenly. Angus and his guards alike remained awake, Angus listening in -agony to the sounds of the combat, the Afghans talking together in low -tones.</p> - -<p>"What do you think has happened?" he asked them when some minutes had -passed without the sound of a shot being heard.</p> - -<p>"Either Akbar Khan has succeeded in persuading the Ghilzye chiefs to -spare what few there are left of the infidels, or the last man has been -slain."</p> - -<p>Angus felt that the latter was by far the more probable solution, and -throwing himself down on the ground he burst into tears. The eight -days of mental suffering had shaken him terribly, and now, feeling -that his worst fears had been realized, he broke down altogether. -Before daybreak his captors moved some distance farther up into the -mountains, and by the cautious manner in which they made their way, -often pausing to look back and round, Angus concluded that they were -desirous of avoiding all contact with their countrymen. He had indeed -before observed how careful they were to avoid the Afghans scattered on -the hillside, and he now concluded that they must be taking him to the -tower of the chief, to be dealt with as he might direct, either shot at -once or held by him as a hostage, for whose delivery he might obtain a -handsome sum should the British again advance up the passes.</p> - -<p>All day they travelled among the hills. At last they came upon a large -village. There were no men about, doubtless all had gone to take part -in the fray. The women came out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> and eagerly questioned them as to the -fighting on the night before.</p> - -<p>"We know nothing," the leader said. "We believe that the last of the -infidels has fallen, but we know nothing for certain."</p> - -<p>Without pausing they took the two prisoners, whose appearance had -created no surprise, as they were taken for natives, to the chief's -tower, a much larger building than the abodes of most of the petty -chiefs. Standing upon a crag of rock, it overlooked the village; -entrance was only obtainable by a ladder leading to a door some thirty -feet above the rock. Their coming had been observed. An old man stood -at the door.</p> - -<p>"So you are back, Suffyd?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, as you see. Has the chief returned?"</p> - -<p>"No; it is two weeks since we saw him last. He started then with all -the fighting men from here and the other villages; but I expect it will -not be long before he returns, for, from what we have heard, the work -must be nearly done."</p> - -<p>The party ascended the ladder, and the leader spoke a word or two with -the old man, who looked greatly surprised. The captives were taken -into a room, which by its furnishing was evidently one of the chief's -private apartments.</p> - -<p>"You are free to move about the house," the leader said, "but you must -not leave it."</p> - -<p>In a few minutes a woman entered, bringing a dish of boiled grain with -portions of mutton in it. She gave the usual Afghan salutation. She was -followed by another woman with a jug of water, two mugs, and a bottle. -These were placed on a low table, and then without another word they -left the room. A minute later they returned with a large earthenware -dish full of burning charcoal.</p> - -<p>"This is a good beginning, Azim," Angus said, his spirits<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> rising at -the sight of the hot food; for although they had not been actually -starved, they had been on extremely short rations when their supply of -flour was exhausted, their captors being, like themselves, reduced to -a handful of unground grain each day. "This does not look as if they -meant to cut our throats. Evidently our Afghan is acting under orders. -Those orders must have been that we were to be well treated."</p> - -<p>They ate a hearty meal; then Angus said:</p> - -<p>"See what there is in that bottle, Azim."</p> - -<p>The cork had already been taken out, and Azim poured some of the liquor -into a tin, and handed it to his master. The latter smelt it.</p> - -<p>"It is Afghan spirits," he said, "the same as they sell in the bazaars -in Cabul."</p> - -<p>He filled it up with water, and drank it off.</p> - -<p>"Now, Azim, do you do the same."</p> - -<p>Azim, who was not a very strict Mohammedan, and had more than once -tasted the forbidden drink at Cabul, needed no pressing.</p> - -<p>"Well, master," he said, as he put the cup down, "after all this is -better than lying dead and frozen down in the pass."</p> - -<p>Angus, warmed with the good meal and by the draught that he had taken, -could not disagree with his follower.</p> - -<p>"I begin to think that you are right, Azim, though I did not believe so -yesterday. It is certain that had I joined my countrymen I should have -perished with them, and assuredly I have been saved from eight days of -awful suffering and from death—if, indeed, we are saved from death."</p> - -<p>"I think we can feel certain of that, master. This is not the way the -Afghans treat a man whose throat they intend to cut. They certainly do -not make a pillau for him, or provide him with a bottle of spirits."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you know, I have been thinking, Azim," Angus said after a short -silence, "that if it had been possible for Sadut Khan to know that -we intended to leave camp in disguise, this might be his work again. -But he could not have known it. No one but you and I, and Major -Pottinger, and the three or four officers to whom I said good-bye, knew -anything about it. Besides, he would have sent the men who captured -us before, and who knew us by sight. And even supposing, which seems -to be impossible, that this was his doing, why not have sent us here -straight, instead of taking eight days to do a journey that could have -been made easily in two, and forcing me to witness the awful scenes in -the passes? It is all most extraordinary."</p> - -<p>"However, there is no question, sir, that whoever our captor may be, he -has been the means of saving our lives."</p> - -<p>"There can be no doubt of that, Azim; and though I may not feel that at -present, I shall in the future be very grateful to him. Even if he were -to have us shot directly he comes here, I should still be grateful, for -it would be a sudden death and not a lingering one, as it has been to -those below. Well, it is of no use puzzling ourselves over the matter. -I suppose we shall learn how it all came about when the chief, whoever -he be, returns here. In the meantime we are certainly a great deal -better off than we have been for the past two months in cantonments."</p> - -<p>"That we are, master. To begin with, I am warm for the first time since -the winter set in; and in the next place, I have had a good meal, and -do not feel that I could grumble at anything. As to your mission, you -said yourself that nothing could come of it, even if you succeeded in -getting through, so that in that respect nothing has been lost by our -journey being so suddenly brought to an end."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next day some of the men who had been away with their chief -returned, and the old man in charge told Angus that only one man out of -all who had started from Cabul had reached Jellalabad, but that several -officers had been taken as hostages, including the two generals, -Major Pottinger and Captain Johnson, and two others; also, that all -the ladies and children, and the ladies' husbands, had accepted the -protection of Akbar.</p> - -<p>It was a relief, indeed, to Angus to find that his friends Pottinger -and Johnson had been saved, and as Captain Boyd was one of the married -officers, he also must have escaped the massacre. As to the fate of -Elphinstone and Shelton he was indifferent, it was to them that the -misfortune that had befallen the army was largely due; but the thought -that his three greatest friends had escaped gave him much pleasure. -With these exceptions, that but one man out of sixteen thousand five -hundred should have escaped was appalling. That the loss had been -terrible he was well aware, but he was hardly prepared for the total -annihilation of the force.</p> - -<p>Another two days passed. They continued to be well fed and treated, -and the women who waited upon them seemed to regard them as guests -rather than as captives, talking freely with them, and only being -silent when Angus endeavoured to find out the name of their chief. It -was evident that on this point they had orders to keep silent. On the -third day they heard a stir in the village, and shouts of acclamation -and welcome. The room in which they were confined was at the back of -the house, and they were therefore unable to obtain a view of what was -passing.</p> - -<p>"We shall learn our fate now, Azim," Angus said.</p> - -<p>"I have no fear of its being a bad one, master. We cannot doubt that -orders were given that we should be well treated. If we are kept -prisoners till the spring, for my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> part I shall not grumble if they -continue to treat us as well as they have been doing."</p> - -<p>They heard the sound of many footsteps and loud talking, then the door -opened and Sadut Khan entered. He advanced with both hands outstretched -to Angus.</p> - -<p>"My dear friend," he said, "how thankful I am that you have been saved -where so many have perished!"</p> - -<p>"And so it is you, chief, to whom I owe my life?" Angus said, returning -the warm grasp of Sadut's hand. "I did not thank you at first, for it -seemed to me shameful that an English officer should not share in the -fate of his comrades."</p> - -<p>Sadut smiled. "But in no case would you have shared their fate. It is -not from that I have saved you, but from being killed on your way down. -Knowing that the passes were full of our people, I was sure that you -must have been taken and murdered. No story you could have told would -have availed you. You were not a Ghilzye, nor a member of any of the -tribes there, and you would assuredly have been detected and killed had -I not saved you."</p> - -<p>"That is so, Sadut; and although at first I was half-mad at being -unable to join my countrymen, I saw before the end came that, had I -done so, my life would have been thrown away uselessly."</p> - -<p>"Exactly; and that was why I ordered that you should be enabled to see -all that passed. From what I had seen of you, I was sure that at first -you would bitterly resent being taken prisoner, and that even if you -knew into whose hands you had fallen you would resist; and it was for -that reason that I did not this time employ Hassan and his followers to -seize you, though all through your journey they kept close at hand, to -use my name and authority should any party of tribesmen meet you—not -that I had much fear of your detection had they done so. The men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> with -you had orders that in case they did meet such a party, they were to -treat you both, not as captives, but as forming part of their own band. -Still, it was as well that Hassan should be at hand in case of need."</p> - -<p>"I thank you with all my heart, Sadut. I could not have done so at -first, but I can do so now; you have indeed saved my life. A few days -ago that seemed to me as nothing, for I felt that I was dishonoured in -looking on at the massacre of my countrymen. I have had time to think -it over since, and I now know that the view I took was exaggerated. -Could I have joined them it was plainly my duty to have done so, but if -I was a prisoner no blame could attach to me. Have you, chief, taken -part in this terrible business?"</p> - -<p>"No. With twenty of my own horsemen I rode with Akbar, who is my friend -and relative, but I had no intention of drawing my sword against your -people. I knew that they had been promised protection, and I thought -that Akbar and his force were going to escort them. His word had been -given, and I did not think he would withdraw it.</p> - -<p>"I do not think it was his intention to do so. He could have done much -more than he did, but he could not have saved the fugitives. The Nawab -was alone among the Afghan chiefs in the sincerity of his assurances. -Akbar had no influence with the Ghilzye chiefs, and even had he -influenced them they could not have restrained their tribesmen and -the Ghazees. The die was cast. It was Allah's will that those who had -invaded the country without any pretext, dethroned Dost Mahomed, who -had eagerly sought their alliance, and forced a man we all hated upon -us, should meet their fate. Over and over again we implored Akbar, for -the sake of his pledge and his word, to assist your people; even if, -in his efforts to do so, he fell, then his name would go down as long -as our nation existed as one who died in defence of his oath and his -honour. He was all along<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> irresolute. At times he did his best short -of attacking the Ghilzyes, at other times he held aloof altogether -from the scene. At any rate, I can feel that my honour is not soiled. -I was not one of those who signed the treaty, but I have done my best -to prevent that treaty from being violated. Had your people sallied out -from the cantonments and given us battle, I should have fought against -them. But even had there been no treaty, I would not have taken part in -the massacre of men who were practically defenceless, and who were in -no way responsible for the crime of their government."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear you say so, chief. I should have been grieved -indeed had you taken part in so treacherous and terrible a massacre. -But how did you learn that I was going to try to make my way down to -Jellalabad? That I have never been able to understand."</p> - -<p>"I kept a watch over you the whole time, my friend. Either Hassan, or -one of his men who knew you, was always in the camp, dressed as one of -the camp followers."</p> - -<p>"But even then I cannot imagine how he could have told that I was -going. I knew it myself but a few hours before I started, and only -Major Pottinger and three or four of my friends were aware of it."</p> - -<p>"My watch was a good one," the chief said, "and when two Afghans issued -from your tent you may be sure the news was quickly brought to the men -who had for some days been lying in readiness, and who were prepared to -repeat the adventure in the city."</p> - -<p>Suddenly, to the astonishment of Angus, Azim threw himself on his -knees. "Master!" he exclaimed, "you can kill me, but I own that it was -I who betrayed you. I had met Hassan in the camp, and he told me that -assuredly no white man would escape alive, that it was settled that all -should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> be attacked and slain in the passes. He said that Sadut Khan -had resolved to save you, but that to do this with certainty it would -be necessary that he should be informed as to your movements, and where -you would ride when the army started. He said that unless I helped them -it might be impossible to save you. Then I agreed to do so, and met him -or one of his men every day. As soon as you had left the tent after -telling me of your expedition, I ran to the spot where I knew I should -find Hassan, and told him that we were going alone. He said at once -that it would be certain death were you to try to go down the pass, and -that you must be carried off as soon as you had left the camp. I knew -well that you would be greatly angered, and that if you suspected me -you would kill me for my treachery; but that was nothing compared to -your life, and so I turned traitor to you, and am willing now that you -should order me to be taken out and beheaded."</p> - -<p>Angus held out his hand to his faithful follower. "I should have been -angry at first—grieved and angry too, but I cannot be angry now. -You did what you believed to be best for me, and I acknowledge that -it has turned out so. Your treachery was but an act of fidelity, and -undoubtedly was the means of saving my life. You did wrong, but it was -with the best intentions. You ought to have confided in me."</p> - -<p>"But I knew that if I did so you would not have consented."</p> - -<p>"That is true enough; still, I was the best judge of what was -consistent with my honour. However, next to Sadut Khan I owe you my -life, and it would be but poor gratitude were I to reproach you. Let us -say no more about it. I shall remember always that you saved my life, -and shall forget that you somewhat betrayed my trust. I have for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> four -years past regarded you as my friend rather than as my servant, and I -shall esteem you even more so in the future."</p> - -<p>Azim retired with tears of joy in his eyes. Sadut and Angus had a long -talk together. As if by mutual consent, the subject of the late events -was avoided, and the conversation was upon their journey across the -Bamian and Sadut's doings since that time.</p> - -<p>"I stayed at Khooloom until the governor, whom we had trusted -implicitly, handed over Dost Mahomed's family and mine to your people. -I happened to be away at the time, and on my return two days later -was warned by Hassan of what had taken place. When Dost returned from -captivity among the Turkomans, of course I joined him and accompanied -him to Kohistan, and fought by his side in the battle of Purwandurrah. -The Ameer had said no word even to me of his intention to surrender, -and I was thunder-struck when I heard that he had given himself up. I -remained there, and took part in the attack on the Ghoorka regiment, at -Charekar. After that I returned home. My fortress, as you know, lies -far to the west among the Momunds. This place does not belong to me, -but to the husband of a sister of mine. She is at present at my place -with her husband, who is ill; and as I wished to be nearer to the scene -of action, he begged me to use his fort as a residence. I desired to -hold myself aloof from the negotiations, as I knew that most of the -chiefs were open at any moment to betray the cause for British gold. -Still, I was often down in the city, where I own the house to which you -were taken. I no longer hated your people as infidels—your kindness -to me showed me that there was goodness in your religion as well as in -mine—but I was still ready to fight against them as the invaders of my -country."</p> - -<p>"And now, chief, what do you propose to do with me?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is for you to decide, my friend. I know what you will say, but, -though I may regret it deeply, I shall certainly offer no opposition. -You are my guest, and it is not for me to dictate to you. I should be -happy if you would stay with me till these troubles have passed, but I -place myself wholly at your disposal, whatever you may decide upon."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, indeed. It is clear to me that if it is in my power I -should immediately rejoin our forces."</p> - -<p>"I was sure that that would be your wish, and I will send you down with -a strong escort to Peshawur."</p> - -<p>"I would rather join Sale at Jellalabad."</p> - -<p>Sadut Khan shook his head. "In that case," he said, "I shall have -rescued you in vain. Sale's force is already besieged, and it will -be but a repetition of Cabul. By orders of Akbar Khan, the Ghilzye -chiefs have all risen. The town is practically without fortifications, -though I hear that the white soldiers have been labouring hard to put -the place in a state of defence. But if the army at Cabul could not -withstand us, still less will Sale's force, which is only a third of -its strength, hold Jellalabad."</p> - -<p>"You forget, chief, that they are commanded by a man, and not by an -utterly incapable person. They are not dispirited by forced inaction -or want of food. I do not say that Jellalabad may not be taken, but I -feel sure that it will offer a sturdy resistance, and the news of what -has happened in the passes will only fill the soldiers with fury. At -any rate, Sale's is the only force that remains of the army to which I -was attached, and it is there that it is my duty, with your permission, -to go. I am sure that were you in my place that would also be your -decision."</p> - -<p>"So be it," Sadut said after a long pause. "Were you to go to Peshawur -you might meet your death there also, as doubtless a force will -endeavour to relieve Jellalabad,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> and in that case you would certainly -go with them. They will never force their way through the Khyber -Pass. From what I hear the Sepoys at Peshawur are almost in a state -of mutiny. The Sikhs have sapped their loyalty, and have assured them -that they will never be able to force the pass; and when they do move -forward they cannot be depended upon to stand by the British troops -so that your danger may be as great one way as another. However, -Jellalabad is your choice and not mine. The citadel there is strong, -and when the town is captured, as it certainly will be soon, the troops -can retire there, and may hold out until they make terms and are -allowed to return to India."</p> - -<p>"I do not think they will make terms, Sadut. They have had a terrible -lesson as to the manner in which treaties are respected by the greater -portion of your chiefs, and are not likely to trust again to any -promises, but will hold out until they have fired their last cartridge."</p> - -<p>"They cannot hope to defend themselves," Sadut said positively. "Akbar -Khan will himself head the army."</p> - -<p>"I do not think, Sadut, that you know yet what a British soldier can do -when well led. There has been no great battle fought since we entered -Afghanistan, and you must not judge them by the small fights that took -place round Cabul; the soldiers there had lost heart and confidence in -their commander. It will be a very different thing when you meet them -confident in themselves and in their leaders. Believe me, your hosts, -however large, do not frighten them. You know how they have overcome -many of the best fighting races in India, and that in the teeth of odds -as great as can be brought against them here. I say not a word against -the courage of your people, but they want discipline and training, and -even a host of men fighting each for himself, cannot withstand the -charge of well-disciplined soldiers."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why did they not come up the passes, then, to aid their friends."</p> - -<p>"Because they were deficient in carriage, they were in a country -altogether hostile to them, they had many sick, and must have left a -strong force to guard them. There may have been other reasons of which -I know not, but these are sufficient. For a force to enter these passes -without animals to carry their food and their wounded would have been -madness. And I believe that Sale has not more than twelve hundred -bayonets, a force sufficient to do wonders in the plains, but which -could hardly fight their way up the passes against thousands of good -marksmen, as the Afghans assuredly are, armed with guns which carry -much farther than their own, and firing in safety behind inaccessible -rocks. But whether Jellalabad can resist all attacks, as I believe, -or whether the place falls, is a matter which does not affect my -resolution. It is my duty to be there, and if you will afford me means -of getting there I will assuredly go."</p> - -<p>"We will start to-morrow, then, and the sooner we are off the better. -The news of what has happened in the passes will spread like flame -through the country, and every fighting man will turn out to complete -the work. There is a pathway from here which goes straight down to -Gundamuck. I will ride with you with half a dozen of my followers; -there are plenty of ponies on the hills. Certainly no questions will be -asked, no suspicions can arise. When we get near Jellalabad we shall -see how you can best enter. I will ride round the place with you. As -I am a friend of Akbar's, it will be supposed that I am examining the -place to see where an attack had best be made. There are many orchards -and small villages round. When we are as near the town as we can get, -you can slip from your horse as we go through an orchard. Keep under -cover in the gardens until close to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> walls. When you get within -musket-shot you can tie a white cloth to your gun, and you will then be -safe."</p> - -<p>This plan was carried out, and two days later, after a grateful parting -from his preserver, Angus stood at the edge of the moat opposite one of -the gates.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII</a></p> - -<p class="center">JELLALABAD</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">A sentry</span> had already sent down word that two Afghans had approached -carrying a white flag, and an officer appeared on the wall.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"We want to come in, Thompson. I am Angus Campbell, and have escaped -almost by a miracle."</p> - -<p>There was a shout of pleasure, and a minute later the gate was opened, -and Thompson ran out and warmly shook Angus by the hand.</p> - -<p>"I am delighted to see you," he said. "We all thought you among the -slain in the passes. What an awful time it has been since we left -Cabul on our way, as we believed, to India! We can scarcely believe -the terrible news even now. We have learnt but little from Brydon, who -was, he thought, the only survivor, except the hostages who, he tells -us, were given over a few days before the end came. He was desperately -wounded, and could scarce sit his horse when he arrived, and has been -too ill to give us any details."</p> - -<p>"I can give very little, for I was not with the army. I started the -evening before they left camp, on a mission from Pottinger to Sir -Robert Sale. Pottinger did not think that any help could possibly come, -but at the same time he thought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> it right to make one more effort to -communicate with your general, and to tell him that they were on the -point of starting. I had gone but a short distance when I was captured. -Fortunately the men who took me were followers of Sadut Khan. I was -taken to his fort. He was absent at the time; when he returned he at -once gave me my liberty, and escorted me to within a quarter of a mile -of the wall, as a return for a service I had rendered him two years -ago."</p> - -<p>"That was a piece of luck indeed. Then you saw nothing of it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I saw a great deal. My captors were, I suppose, anxious to see -what was going on, and we followed the course of the army, keeping on -the hill; and, except for the fighting at night, I saw almost the whole -of the tragedy."</p> - -<p>While they were talking they were approaching the head-quarters of -the general. Angus was well known to Sir Robert, to whom he had often -carried messages and notes from Burnes or Macnaghten. When their first -greeting was over, he repeated the story he had told Captain Thompson. -He thought it best to say no word of his escape being the result of a -preconcerted plan on the part of Sadut Khan, as he felt that some might -suspect that he was privy to the scheme, and had taken advantage of the -friendship of the Momund chief to make his escape.</p> - -<p>"I am not so surprised as I might otherwise have been," the general -said, "since I received a letter from Pottinger yesterday. Akbar -had allowed him to send it down, thinking that the information that -Elphinstone, Shelton, Lawrence, Mackenzie, and Pottinger himself were -all right might induce us to submit to terms. He said, 'I trust that -before this you will have heard that we are about to start from Mr. -Angus Campbell, who nobly accepted the desperate mission of penetrating -through the passes and bringing you word of our intention. Should he -have arrived safely, I beg to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> recommend him most strongly to the -authorities for accepting the mission, which seemed almost a hopeless -one. He has rendered great service during the time the troops have been -in cantonments, by aiding the commissariat officers in bringing in -grain.' As you had not arrived we naturally feared that you had been -murdered on your way down. I am glad indeed that you have escaped. You -will now, of course, give your assistance to Macgregor, our political -officer."</p> - -<p>"If he cannot utilize my services, sir, and he can have but little -political work to do now, I shall be glad if you will attach me to one -of the regiments where you think I may be most useful."</p> - -<p>"You had better talk it over with Macgregor first. You know him, of -course; and if he does not want you, I will attach you to my own staff. -With your knowledge of the Afghan language, your services might be -invaluable in obtaining information; or, should we make a sortie—and -we have already made one with effect—I should be glad, if you wish it, -to attach you either to the infantry or cavalry, whichever you prefer. -Now that you have told us about yourself, please give us any details -you can of what you saw of the fighting?"</p> - -<p>"It can hardly be said that there was any fighting, sir; until the last -day the troops were so completely surrounded, and I may say overwhelmed -by the camp followers, that they were practically unable to use their -arms. General Shelton with the rear-guard fought nobly, and covered -the retreat into Jugduluk, until the time when he was enticed with -the general into Akbar's camp, and there held as a hostage. By what -I heard, the handful of men left, only about a hundred and fifty all -told, fought desperately to break their way through a barricade with -which the Afghans had blocked the top of the pass. Only ten officers -succeeded in breaking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> through, and of these all but one were killed -on the road. All the soldiers died fighting at the barricade, and many -officers. The last Sepoy had fallen two days before."</p> - -<p>"It has been a bad business," General Sale said, "bad not only in its -terrible result, but in the manner in which affairs were conducted. -We here received with astonishment the news that four thousand five -hundred British troops were cooped up by a horde of Afghans without -one single attempt being made to bring on a battle in the open. -Officers and men alike were astounded when Pottinger's first letter -arrived, saying that negotiations were continued after the murder of -Macnaghten. However, all this is a matter for future investigation. -And now a personal question. Can you tell me how it was that my wife, -Lady Macnaghten, and the other ladies, escaped uninjured? I only -know from Pottinger that the ladies and children were handed over to -the protection of Akbar, and that those who had husbands were also -accompanied by them."</p> - -<p>"The ladies were always kept close behind the advanced guard, sir. -As these showed an unbroken front, the Afghans allowed them to pass -without opposition, falling upon the confused mass behind them."</p> - -<p>"Do you think that Akbar was a sharer in this treacherous attack?"</p> - -<p>"I think his conduct was doubtful in the extreme, sir. He certainly -did try more than once to persuade the Ghilyze chiefs to allow the -survivors to pass on unmolested, but by that time the passions of the -Afghans were absolutely beyond control. I myself have great doubts -whether he would have interfered had he not been well aware that his -interference would be useless. But this is only my opinion, based upon -the facts, that in the first place he himself shot Macnaghten, whom -he had invited to a conference; in the second place, he took no step -whatever to carry out the condition<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> to supply baggage animals and -provisions; and lastly, because I know that long before the column set -out on its march, he sent out orders to the Ghilzye chiefs to attack -you."</p> - -<p>"The case certainly looks very black against him," the general said; -"but at least we may hope that, as his family are in our hands in -India, he will protect the hostages."</p> - -<p>"I hope, sir, that he will hand them over to the Nawab, who appears -to me to be a thoroughly honest man. Undoubtedly he did his best to -persuade the chiefs to agree to the treaty with us. He certainly did -send in some provisions to the camp, and generally we formed a high -opinion of his kindness of heart. Your fortifications are stronger than -I expected to find them, from what I have heard, sir."</p> - -<p>"Yes, the men have worked incessantly at them ever since we came here. -The mud walls can scarcely be said to have existed when we marched in. -There was no parapet, the ditch was filled in with rubbish, and the -walls had so crumbled away that carts could cross over them at almost -every point. Fortunately the men were in good heart, and all, Europeans -and Sepoys, have worked with an energy beyond praise. The moat has been -cleared out and filled with water, the walls have been scarped, and a -parapet twelve feet high erected. The bastions have been put in order; -and though, had we been seriously attacked at first, we must have -retired to the citadel, we are now ready to withstand any assault."</p> - -<p>Angus next went to Macgregor, who received him most warmly.</p> - -<p>"I am glad indeed to see you, Campbell. Pottinger mentioned you in his -reports as doing invaluable service with Boyd and Johnson. You will -not find much in our line here. When the sword is once drawn, there -is nothing for us to do until it becomes a question of our dictating -terms, a contingency not likely to arise for some time."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Had you hard fighting to get here?" Angus asked.</p> - -<p>"No fighting at all. As we marched down from Gundamuck, the natives -all supposed that we were on our way to Peshawur, and when we suddenly -turned and marched towards the city, it was too late for them to think -of resistance, and they simply bolted on one side of the town as we -marched in on the other. We were bitterly disappointed when we saw -the state of the walls, and it was a question for some time whether -we should not content ourselves with holding the citadel only. But -it was at last determined, for a time at least, to hold the town, -as our retirement to the citadel would look like weakness. Another -consideration was, that once in the citadel we should be shut up -entirely, for, as you see, it stands in the middle of the town, and -with the streets crowded with the enemy, there would be no getting out -to obtain provisions.</p> - -<p>"The result has proved the wisdom of the step we took. The walls are -now strong enough to be obstinately defended, and from their extent -we have been able to sally out at one gate or another and bring in -provisions. We had but two days' food when we arrived here; now we -have succeeded in gathering in a sufficient quantity to keep the -troops on half rations for two months, and I hope that before it is -finished we shall be relieved from Peshawur. We gave the natives a -handsome thrashing on the day before we got in here. They attacked us -in great force, trying especially to carry off our baggage, but the -infantry repulsed them splendidly. However, they came on to renew the -attack. The cavalry were placed in ambush, and the troops, after at -first advancing, suddenly wheeled round and went off at the double. -The enemy, believing that they had achieved a great victory, rushed -after them. As soon as they reached an open space, the cavalry fell -upon them. For months they had been inactive, being of no use among the -hills. Now was their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> chance, and in a moment they were in the thick of -the Afghans. They made terrible havoc among them, and thus it was that -we were able to enter the town without further trouble. The next day, -the 13th of November, Broadfoot was appointed garrison engineer. He had -a small corps of sappers with him, and they soon set to work.</p> - -<p>"On the morning of the 16th, the enemy were thick in the gardens round -the town, the principal body being on the hillside. It was resolved to -give them another lesson. They were, as could be seen from the highest -point in the city, some five thousand strong, and Colonel Monteith of -the 35th Bengal Infantry, took out eleven hundred men at daybreak. The -advance was covered by the guns which had been mounted on the walls, -and their shrapnel soon drove the enemy into the open. The infantry -pressed forward and scattered them, and the cavalry completed their -rout. It was this defeat that so cowed them for a time, that I was -able to fetch in grain, sheep, firewood, and other necessaries. I may -mention that I took upon myself, as soon as we came in here, the post -of commissariat officer. It was not until the end of the month that -they again mustered in force sufficient to attack us; they contented -themselves with hovering round and keeping up a desultory fire.</p> - -<p>"On the 1st of December, however, they gathered in great numbers, and -seemed to threaten an attack. Colonel Dennie commanded this time, and -he took out the greater portion of the garrison and a couple of guns. -It was noon when he sallied out. Abbot's guns commenced the action by -pouring a tremendous fire of grape into the thick mass. They fled in -wild confusion; the cavalry cut them up terribly, and the infantry -overtook and bayoneted many of them. It could scarcely be called a -fight. The day was won directly the guns opened fire, and we did not -lose a single man. Since that time they have not ventured to attack us.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p> - -<p>"News came day after day of the terrible mess at Cabul. The news was -kept as far as possible from the troops, so as not to discourage -them; but, of course, since Brydon came in, the truth of the terrible -massacre had to be told. I am happy to say that, although filling them -with wrath and indignation, it has in no way abated their spirit. -During the six weeks' rest we have had since the battle of the 1st -of December, we have, as you see, really done wonders in the way of -fortification, and consider that we are in a position to repulse any -attack however formidable."</p> - -<p>"When do you expect that a relief column will arrive from Peshawur?"</p> - -<p>"That is a grave question which I cannot answer. Our last news was -that Brigadier-general Wyld was on the point of advancing, but from -the tone in which he wrote he had evidently no great hope of success. -His four Sepoy regiments had been corrupted by the Sikhs, who, having -themselves a great repugnance to enter the passes, had endeavoured, and -successfully, to inspire the Sepoys with the same feeling. The Sikhs, -who were to co-operate with him, were themselves in a state of open -mutiny, and threatened to kill General Avitable if he interfered with -them. He intended, however, to advance, as the case was so urgent, but -with little hope of success. He was without cavalry, and had but two -guns on Sikh carriages, which would probably break down after a few -rounds had been fired. It was the letter of a brave man surrounded with -difficulties, but ready to attempt almost the impossible to bring aid -to us. I fear, however, that there is little chance of our relief until -reinforcements from India reach Peshawur."</p> - -<p>This opinion was justified when, on the 28th, news was brought that -the movement had failed. On the 15th Colonel Moseley had started under -cover of night with the 53rd and 64th native regiments to occupy the -fortress of Ali Musjid,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> which had been held by a small corps of men -of one of the native tribes under Mr. Mackeson. They had been true to -their salt, and had resisted every attack of the Afridis. Moseley's -force arrived there at daybreak, and met with but little opposition on -the way. But it was discovered that, owing to some blunder, only fifty -supply bullocks had been sent on instead of three hundred and fifty -that should have accompanied the force. Therefore, instead of having -a month's provisions, they had but enough for a few days. Brigadier -Wyld started on the morning of the 19th to relieve them, but on the -preceding day the Sikh troops refused to enter the pass and marched -back to Peshawur. Nevertheless, Wyld determined to press forward with -the two native regiments. As soon, however, as the enemy attacked them -the Sepoys at the head of the column wavered and opened an aimless fire.</p> - -<p>In vain the Brigadier and the officers endeavoured to persuade them to -advance. They would not move forward, nor would the rest of the troops -advance to their assistance. The two guns broke down after a round or -two, and what little spirit remained among the Sepoys evaporated at -once, and the column had to fall back. One of the guns was spiked and -left behind, the Sepoys refusing to make any effort to bring it off. -The Brigadier, who with several of our officers was wounded, saw that -it was impossible to persevere, and the force fell back beyond the -pass. Moseley could obtain no news, and was unaware of the repulse of -the relieving column. Although the troops were on half rations supplies -were nearly exhausted. The water was bad, and numbers of the Sepoys -fell ill, and on the 23rd he determined to evacuate the fortress. Two -officers volunteered to hold it, but the Sepoys would not support -them, and the former native garrison had lost heart; so, on the 24th, -the force marched out. The Afridis mustered strongly to oppose the -retreat. The Sepoys,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> animated now by the hope of safety, fought well. -Two British officers were killed, most of the baggage lost, and some of -the sick and wounded had to be abandoned, but the main body got through -safely.</p> - -<p>Such was the news that was brought by a native in our pay, together -with a letter from Brigadier Wyld saying that it would be impossible to -renew the attempt until reinforcements of at least one British regiment -with some guns arrived. But the news that help was still far distant -in no way discouraged the garrison of Jellalabad, who redoubled their -efforts to strengthen the fortifications and to prepare by their own -unaided efforts for the worst.</p> - -<p>At Peshawur Wyld's repulse bore the natural consequences. The -discontent among the Sepoy's increased, many deserted, and expressions -of determination never to enter the pass again were common among them. -Sickness broke out, and when on the 25th of February General Pollock, -who had been selected to command the force gathered there, and invested -with full authority on all other matters, arrived, he found a thousand -men in hospital; a week later the number was increased to eighteen -hundred.</p> - -<p>No better man than Pollock could have been chosen. He possessed at once -great firmness, kindness of heart, and a manner calculated to inspire -confidence. He declared to the central authorities at once that, even -with the brigade which had come up with him, to advance up the pass -would be to court another defeat. The four Sepoy regiments that had -been engaged could, in their present state, not be counted on for -service, and the force at his disposal was therefore no greater than -that which Wyld had lost. He set to work in the first place to restore -confidence. It was a difficult task. Many even among the officers had -become affected with the spirit of defection, and did not hesitate to -express their opinion that an advance through the Khyber Pass would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> -involve a repetition of the Cabul disaster. The new Sepoy regiments -were at once visited by emissaries from those of Wyld's brigade and -from the Sikhs, who endeavoured in every way to persuade them also to -refuse to enter the pass, and succeeded in the case of the 26th native -regiment, who joined the four other battalions in refusing to advance. -On the day after his arrival General Pollock visited all the hospitals, -enquired into the ailments of the sick, and talked encouragingly to -them. Then he went to the Sepoy regiments, enquired into the cause of -their discontent, and exhorted them to return to their duty, and not to -bring disgrace upon regiments that had so many times in the past proved -their courage and loyalty.</p> - -<p>His task was a hard and difficult one, but his method of mildness and -firmness combined gradually restored their spirits and discipline; -and the knowledge that reinforcements were on their way, with a good -proportion of European troops, including cavalry and artillery, greatly -aided his efforts. Still, until these reinforcements arrived, Pollock -could do nothing but reply to the urgent letters of Sale and Macgregor -by pointing out his inability to move.</p> - -<p>On the 19th of February Angus was with Macgregor on the walls of -Jellalabad. The men were as usual working hard and steadily, grateful -in the thought that their long labour had borne its fruits, and that in -a few days they would be able to lay by their picks and shovels, the -work that they had been set to do having been accomplished.</p> - -<p>"Another week," Captain Havelock, who was acting as Persian interpreter -to Macgregor, said to Angus, "and the whole work which Broadfoot traced -out will be finished. In one respect I am sorry that it should be so, -for there is nothing like active work for keeping men's spirits up -and preventing them from feeling the effects of idleness. I think—" -and he stopped abruptly. There was a sudden<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> tremor of the earth and -a deep sound like thunder, then they were both thrown off their feet. -The walls, the houses, the whole city, swayed and shook. Then came -the crash of falling houses, wild shouts of alarm and pain; the earth -crumbled beneath them, and they rolled down together into the moat. On -finding that they were unhurt they scrambled up the slope of earth. A -terrible sight presented itself. A third of the buildings in the town -had fallen. But this was not the worst. Several of the bastions had -been destroyed; almost all the parapets were thrown down; several great -breaches were made in the wall, one of them eighty feet in length; -and the moat had in many places been filled up with the debris of the -wall and parapet. The soldiers were extricating themselves or helping -their comrades from the earth that had almost overwhelmed them; others -were standing gazing with a dazed air at the destruction that had been -wrought.</p> - -<p>"We had better go to head-quarters," Havelock said, "and see what has -happened there."</p> - -<p>They made their way with difficulty through the ruins that blocked the -streets. The movements of the earth still continued, and they had all -they could do to keep their feet. On reaching head-quarters they found -to their satisfaction that all was safe. The general and Macgregor had -both been occupied in writing despatches to Peshawur, and had rushed -out into the little courtyard of the house. The offices round it fell -in ruins at their feet, but the dwelling-house, although it swayed to -and fro, did not fall. Enquiries were at once set on foot, when it was -found that no lives had been lost among the garrison, although two -natives had been killed by the fall of their houses.</p> - -<p>No time was lost. The whole of the garrison were told off into working -parties, and in half an hour were diligently at work repairing the wall -at the most important points.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> They worked until late at night, by -which time the breaches were scarped, the rubbish all cleared away, and -the ditches dug out again, while a parapet of gabions was erected along -the great breach. A parapet was erected on the remains of the bastion -which flanked the approach to the Cabul gate, that had been entirely -ruined, a trench had been dug, and a temporary parapet raised on every -bastion round the place. Never, probably, was so much work accomplished -by an equal number of men in the same time. Day after day the work was -continued, until by the end of the month the parapets were restored, -the breaches built up, the rampart increased in thickness, every -battery re-established, and the gates entrenched; and yet the troops -were in hourly anxiety that their work might be again destroyed, for -during the month succeeding the great earthquake fully a hundred shocks -were felt.</p> - -<p>So extraordinary was the vigour with which the repairs had been -accomplished, that when Akbar Khan moved down with his forces early in -March and saw the formidable defences, he and his followers were unable -to understand it, and declared that the preservation of Jellalabad -from destruction must have been the result of witchcraft, for no other -town or village had escaped. While at work the garrison had been in -constant expectation of attack, for Akbar's army lay but a few miles -from the town. But the success of the two sorties had shown the Afghan -leader that he had very different foes to deal with from the dispirited -force that had been annihilated in the passes. Here were men ready -to work and to fight, while those at Cabul had done neither; and he -resolved to attempt to starve them out, hoping for the same success as -had attended a similar step at Cabul. He kept on, therefore, drawing -in more closely, harassing the foraging parties, and having occasional -skir<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>mishes with the bodies of cavalry sent out to protect the -grass-cutters.</p> - -<p>On the night of the 10th the enemy threw up sangars, small defences of -earth or stone, at many points round the town, and from behind them -opened a brisk fire. There was a report that behind these shelters -they were mining towards the walls, and a strong party of infantry -and cavalry, with two hundred of Broadfoot's sappers, commanded by -Colonel Dennie, were sent out. As they poured out through the gate, -Akbar advanced with his forces; but the guns on the ramparts received -them with a heavy fire, and although they came on several times as if -prepared to give battle, they eventually drew back, unable to withstand -the storm of shot and shrapnel. The working parties of sappers set to -work to destroy the sangars, and in doing so discovered that there was -no foundation for the report that the enemy were mining. When the work -was done, the troops began to fall back to the town, as ammunition was -beginning to run short. On seeing their retirement the Afghans again -advanced; but on our troops halting and facing them, they at once -turned and fled, having lost considerably by our artillery and musketry -fire. Dennie's force sustained no loss in killed, but Broadfoot was -wounded, and the loss of his services as engineer was serious.</p> - -<p>Time passed quietly. The whole of the ground had been cleared of trees, -houses, and walls for some distance round the town, and the Afghans -were no longer able to crawl up under shelter and keep up a galling -fire on our men. Early in April a messenger brought in news that -Pollock had now received his reinforcements, and would advance in a day -or two, the Sepoys having recovered their health and spirits. His force -had been joined by the 9th Foot, the 3rd Dragoons, nine guns, and the -1st Native Cavalry.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p> - -<p>On the 5th these started from Jumrood. Brigadier Wyld commanded the -advance guard, General M'Caskill the rear. Two columns of infantry were -to scale the height on either side of the pass, Major Davis in command -of that on the right, Colonel Moseley of that on the left. At three -o'clock in the morning they started. The heights on either side and the -pass were crowded with the enemy, who were always well informed of the -British movements by the natives in the town. They expected that the -force would all move along the road, and anticipated an easy success. -The two flanking parties moved off so quietly in the dim light of the -morning that they were not perceived by the enemy until they began to -scale the heights. Then a lively combat began, and the Afghans learned -for the first time that even among their own hills the British could -beat them.</p> - -<p>The difficulties of the ascent were great, but the <i>moral</i> of the -Sepoys was now completely restored, and they stormed the heights on -either side with great gallantry, driving the Afghans before them. -While this was going on, the main column in the valley had cleared -away a formidable barricade that had been erected at the mouth of the -pass, and which could not have been destroyed without much loss had the -Afghans maintained their position on the hills. Pollock now advanced, -and the Afghans, who had assembled in large numbers at the mouth of the -pass, bewildered at finding themselves outflanked, fell back, and the -column with its great convoy of animals moved forward.</p> - -<p>The number of draught animals was very large, although the baggage of -the advancing force had been cut down to the narrowest dimensions, in -order that provisions and ammunition for the garrison at Jellalabad -might be taken on. The march occupied the greater part of the day. -The heat was great, and the troops suffered from thirst; but animated -by their success, they thought little of this, and before night<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>fall -bivouacked round Ali Musjid, whose garrison had evacuated the place -when they saw that the day had gone against them. All night long the -Afghans kept up a fire from among the hills, but did not attempt an -attack. The Sikhs had joined the main body, as the general, doubtful -as to their fidelity, had sent them by another pass. The general's -estimate of them was not a mistaken one. They were left to occupy Ali -Musjid and guard the pass, but shortly after the army had moved on they -quitted the position and marched away, seizing some of the baggage -animals on their way up, and, throwing their loads on the ground, -employing them to carry their own baggage.</p> - -<p>The crushing and altogether unexpected defeat that the tribesmen had -suffered had its effect. They had found themselves beaten at their own -game and withdrew at once to their fastnesses, and Pollock's force -marched on without meeting with any serious opposition.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE ADVANCE ON CABUL</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">The</span> garrison of Jellalabad found themselves pressed for provisions at -the end of March, and on the 1st of April made a gallant sortie, and -swept into the town a flock of five hundred sheep and goats. On the -5th Macgregor's spies brought in news from Akbar's camp that it was -reported there that Pollock had been beaten with great loss in the -Khyber Pass, and on the following morning Akbar's guns fired a royal -salute in honour of the supposed victory. Sale, now confident of the -fighting powers of his men, determined to make a great effort to break -up the blockade; as if Pollock<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> had really been defeated it would be -some time before relief could come to them, and they could not hope -again to make such a capture as that which they had effected on the -1st. A council of war was held, and action was decided upon, as success -would not only free them from all apprehensions of being starved out, -but would effect a diversion in favour of Pollock.</p> - -<p>The force was but a small one for the enterprise which they moved out -to undertake. The centre column, consisting of the 13th Regiment, -mustering five hundred bayonets, was under the command of Colonel -Dennie; the right, consisting of some three hundred and fifty men of -the two native regiments and a detachment of sappers, was commanded -by Captain Havelock; the left column was about the same strength, -under Lieutenant-colonel Monteith; the light field battery and a small -cavalry force were to support them. They advanced from the city at -daylight on the 7th. Akbar Khan drew up his force, six thousand strong, -before his camp, his right resting on a fort, and his left on the Cabul -river. Havelock's column commenced the fight by attacking the enemy's -left, while Dennie advanced to the assault of the fort, which was -vigorously defended. Dennie himself fell mortally wounded by an Afghan -ball, but his men captured the place in gallant style. A general attack -now took place on Akbar's camp. The artillery advanced at a gallop, -and poured their fire into the Afghan centre, the 13th and Colonel -Monteith's column pierced their right, while Havelock drove back their -left from the support afforded by the river.</p> - -<p>The Afghans fought sturdily, their musketry keeping up a heavy fire, -and large bodies of horse again and again threatened Havelock's column, -while three guns from a hidden battery opened fire. The struggle, -however, was a short one. Their cannon were taken, every position held -by them was captured, and by seven o'clock they were in full<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> retreat. -Two cavalry standards were taken, four guns lost by the Cabul and -Gundamuck forces were recaptured, a vast quantity of ordnance stores -destroyed, and the whole of the enemy's tents burnt. The loss of the -Afghans had been heavy, and several chiefs were among the fallen. The -loss of the victors was small indeed. Colonel Dennie and ten Sepoys -were killed, three officers and some fifty men wounded. A day or two -later Pollock's force reached Jellalabad, and the joy of both parties -was great.</p> - -<p>Indeed, no stronger contrast can be found than that between the leading -and conduct of the force at Cabul and that at Jellalabad. The one -showed the British leader and the British soldier at their worst, -the other the British commander and men at their best. It may be -confidently affirmed that had Sale been in the place of Elphinstone, -with full power of action, the fight in the passes would never have -taken place, and within three days of the murder of Burnes the Afghan -host would have been a mob of fugitives, and Cabul would have been in -our hands. The British soldier is always best in the attack. He is -ready and eager to fight against any odds, but when kept in a state -of inaction, under a commander in whom he has lost all confidence, he -speedily deteriorates. Happily there are few examples in our military -history such as those of Cabul and Walcheren, where the British soldier -has been placed in such a position.</p> - -<p>While Pollock was forcing the Khyber Pass the reign of Shah Soojah came -to a sudden end. After the departure of the British no hostility was -shown towards him by the Afghans, and he continued at the Bala Hissar -in the position of nominal sovereign of Afghanistan the Nawab having -willingly resigned the difficult and dangerous post and accepted that -of wuzeer. He himself had his troubles. Most restless and dangerous -of these Afghan leaders was Aneen-oollah-Khan, who had played fast -and loose with the British while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> secretly working against them. He -demanded the surrender to him of the hostages. The Nawab steadily -refused, and as threats of force were used against him, raised a body -of three thousand men for their protection. These, however, were -corrupted by Aneen, but the Nawab remained faithful to his trust. On -the 4th of April Shah Soojah left the Bala Hissar with his retinue to -go down to join Akbar Khan. An ambush was laid for him by one of the -sons of the Nawab. These poured in a volley, and Shah Soojah fell dead, -shot through the head. The Nawab was filled with horror at the deed, -and swore an oath never again to see his son beneath his roof or suffer -him to be named in his presence.</p> - -<p>While Jellalabad was being besieged, the situation at Candahar had -been precarious. Ghuznee had been captured by the tribesmen after a -gallant defence, and its garrison had been massacred. Kelat-i-Ghilzye -was besieged, and without hope of succour. Candahar was surrounded by -the insurgent Dooranees, but these had been twice defeated by General -Nott. During one of these expeditions the city was in imminent danger, -for the enemy, gradually retiring, drew the sortie-party a considerable -distance from the walls, and then at night slipped away and attacked -the place. One of the gates was destroyed by fire, and for many hours -the issue of the contest was doubtful. At last, however, the assailants -were beaten off with very heavy loss. A force marching up to the relief -of the town, under General England, being very badly handled, were -opposed on their way up from Quettah, and fell back and remained there -until Nott sent a peremptory order for them to advance again.</p> - -<p>He himself marched to meet them, and on the united force arriving at -Candahar, the town was placed beyond all risk of capture. Nott was -preparing to march on Cabul,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> while Pollock advanced on Jellalabad; -but, to the stupefaction and disappointment of all, an order arrived -from Calcutta for the abandonment of Candahar and the return of the -force to India. There had been a change of governors. Lord Ellenborough -had succeeded Lord Auckland, and immediately set to work to overthrow -the whole policy of his predecessor. Similar orders were sent to -Pollock. The latter, however, mindful of the honour of his country, -and the safety of the hostages and ladies, replied that, being almost -without carriage, it would be impossible for him to retire at once, -thus gaining time, which he utilized by entering into negotiations with -Akbar Khan for the release of their prisoners.</p> - -<p>Both generals wisely kept the order they had received a secret from -the troops, who would have been profoundly disheartened. However, no -secret had been made as to the orders issued in Calcutta, and the -news soon spread all over India, and reached Pollock's camp, that -the army was to be withdrawn. Pollock did his best to throw doubts -upon the truth of the reports by marking out a new camp two miles in -advance, and arranging with the natives to bring in supplies there, so -as to give grounds for a belief that, so far from leaving the town, -he was preparing for an advance. In the meantime he had written an -urgent letter pointing out the evils and difficulties of an immediate -withdrawal, and the immense advantage that would arise by striking -a heavy blow before retiring, and so to some extent retrieving the -reputation of the British army.</p> - -<p>The letter had its influence, and the governor wrote:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p><i>It would be desirable undoubtedly, before finally quitting -Afghanistan, that you should have an opportunity of striking a blow at -the enemy, and since circumstances seem to com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>pel you to remain there -till October, the governor-general earnestly hopes that you will be -able to draw the enemy into a position in which you may strike such a -blow effectually.</i></p></blockquote> - -<p>This was good news. Every effort was being made to collect carriage -cattle in Hindostan for the purpose of the withdrawal, and Pollock -determined to turn these to account. If there was carriage enough to -enable him to fall back upon Peshawur, there would be carriage enough -for him to advance on Cabul. In the meantime negotiations were going -on for the release of the captives. The married families had, on the -day of their arrival at Akbar's camp, been placed in a small fort with -Pottinger, Lawrence, and Mackenzie. Two days later they were taken down -to Jugduluk, where they found General Elphinstone, Brigadier Shelton, -and Captain Johnson, and thence travelled down to a fort, the property -of the father of Akbar's wife. The party consisted of nine ladies, -twenty officers and fourteen children; seventeen European soldiers, two -women and a child were confined in another part of the fort.</p> - -<p>Here they remained three months. Two more officers were brought in, -and a month after their arrival two other survivors, Major Griffiths -and Captain Souter, were added to the party. On the day after Akbar's -defeat they were hastily taken away and carried to Tezeen, and thence -to a place called Zanda, far up in the hills. General Elphinstone had -been bed-ridden for some weeks, and was left behind at Tezeen, where -he died. Akbar Khan sent in his remains to Jellalabad. Civil war was -raging in Cabul. Shah Soojah's second son had succeeded him, but he -was altogether without power. Some of the chiefs supported him, others -opposed; but finally the Bala Hissar was stormed by Akbar, who was now -the most powerful chief in Afghanistan. Pollock was still harassed -by letters from Lord Ellenborough insisting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> upon his retiring; but -public opinion throughout India was so opposed to a course that would -bring the deepest disgrace upon the British power, that at last, in -August, he wrote to Nott saying that he must withdraw his force from -Afghanistan, but that if he chose he might take the route through -Ghuznee and Cabul. He similarly issued his orders for Pollock to -retire, but added that "you will be at liberty to first march to Cabul -to meet Nott."</p> - -<p>Both had been preparing for the movement. Pollock had sent several -expeditions against hostile tribesmen, and had recovered one of the -captured guns. On the 20th of August he left Jellalabad with eight -thousand troops, and on the 23rd reached Gundamuck. The next day the -village was cleared of a strong body of the enemy. While concentrating -his troops there and waiting intelligence from Nott, the British -force remained at Gundamuck till the 7th of September. On the 1st, -Futteh Jung, who had succeeded his father, rode into camp. Akbar Khan -had stripped him of all power and all his wealth, and imprisoned him -in the Bala Hissar, from which he had now escaped, and with much -difficulty made his way to Pollock's camp to seek the protection of -the British government. On the 7th the first division of the army, -under the command of Sale, moved forward; the second division, under -General M'Caskill, marched on the following day. Sale found the hills -commanding the roads through the Jugduluk Pass occupied by large -bodies of the enemy, who opened a heavy fire. The guns replied, and -the infantry then in three columns dashed up the hills and drove the -Ghilzyes from them.</p> - -<p>One strong body had taken refuge at an apparently inaccessible point, -but the British storming party scaled the height, and the enemy fled -without waiting for the assault at close quarters. Thus on the hills -where the Afghans had massacred Elphinstone's troops they were now -taught that,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> if well led, the British soldier could defeat them in a -position they had deemed impregnable. At Tezeen the second division -joined the first. The force halted for a day, and the Afghans, -believing that this betokened indecision, mustered their forces for -a final engagement. Akbar had, as he had threatened to do if they -advanced, sent off the captives to the Bamian Pass, with the intention -of selling them as slaves to the Turkomans.</p> - -<p>On the 13th the two armies were face to face. The valley of Tezeen was -commanded on all sides by lofty hills, and these now swarmed with men. -The enemy's horse entered the valley, but the British squadrons charged -them, drove them in headlong flight, and cut down many. The infantry -climbed the hills on both sides under a terrible fire from the Afghan -guns. To these they made no reply, well knowing that their muskets -were no match for the long firearms of the enemy. As soon, however, as -they reached the summit, they fixed bayonets and charged with a mighty -cheer. Only a few of the enemy stood their ground, and fell, the rest -fled. All day firing was kept up, until at last the enemy occupying -the highest ridges were, in spite of a sturdy resistance, driven off, -fairly beaten on their own ground and in their own style of warfare.</p> - -<p>Our troops fought with extraordinary bravery. They were animated by -a desire to wipe out the disgrace that had fallen on our arms, and -were maddened by the sight of the numerous skeletons of their comrades -in the Jugduluk. Akbar Khan saw that all was up, and fled, while the -tribesmen scattered to their homes, and the army marched forward -without opposition to Cabul.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, Nott had been busy. On the 29th of May he inflicted a -decisive defeat upon the Dooranees outside the walls of Candahar. On -the 7th of August the army evacuated that city, and on the 27th arrived -at Mookoor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> Up to this point no opposition whatever had been offered. -The inhabitants had been friendly, and supplies were obtained without -difficulty. But the Afghan governor of Ghuznee had raised all the -country, and had taken up a very strong position near the source of the -Turnuck.</p> - -<p>On the 28th the forces met. The position of the enemy was unknown, -as a thick mist covered the country. The cavalry rode forward to -reconnoitre, cut up a party of Afghan infantry in the plain, and -pursuing them hotly came upon hills crowded by the enemy, who opened -a heavy fire. They fell back in an orderly manner, when a body of the -enemy's horse appeared on the hill above them. A squadron of native -cavalry charged them, but were cut up by the fire of a body of Afghan -foot who had hitherto been hidden. The enemy's horse poured down, and -the troopers, already suffering from the infantry fire, turned and -fled. The panic spread, and the whole of the cavalry were soon in -flight. Two British officers had been killed and three wounded, and -fifty-six men disabled. Nott, on hearing the loss, marched out with his -infantry, but on reaching the scene of the fight found that the enemy -had retired.</p> - -<p>On the afternoon of the next day Nott, marching forward, came upon -a fort held by the enemy. Our artillery opened upon it with little -effect. The Afghan army, some ten thousand strong, had been watching -us, and now opened an artillery fire from the heights, and its foot men -moved forward to the attack; but as they neared us our infantry charged -with a cheer and they broke and fled. Two of their guns, and their -tents, magazines, and stores were captured. On the 5th of September -Nott encamped before Ghuznee, and began to prepare for the assault. The -enemy, however, were in no humour for fighting; the greater portion -of the tribesmen had scattered to their homes after their defeat. -The garrison lost heart altogether and evacuated the city,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> and the -governor set off with a few followers for Cabul. The next morning the -British entered the town without firing a shot. On the following day, -however, the governor returned with a large number of the tribesmen -who had just arrived, and on the 14th Nott attacked them. A hard -battle was fought, but it was indecisive. On the following morning the -enemy disappeared; they had received the news of the defeat of Akbar -at Tezeen. The column, however, was again harassed when the troops -advanced, but they cleared the way in good style. The tribesmen here -had been actively engaged in the Cabul insurrection, and twenty-six of -their forts were burned as punishment. On the 17th the army encamped -four miles from the city, and learned that Pollock had occupied Cabul -two days previously.</p> - -<p>Angus Campbell had taken no part in the operations of that advance. -On the 26th of August news had arrived at Gundamuck by a messenger -from the moonshee, Mohun Lal, who had throughout kept the force at -Jellalabad well supplied with news of what was passing at Cabul; he -now sent to say that on the previous day Akbar had despatched all -the captives under an escort of three hundred horse to Bamian, and -that they were to be taken on to Khooloom, and there handed over to -the governor. Once there, it was certain that they would remain in -captivity among the tribes until death released them. As soon as he -heard the news Angus went to Macgregor.</p> - -<p>"I am going to ask," he said, "if you will allow me to go on an -expedition on my own account. I was thinking that it was just possible -that the captives might be overtaken. It is probable that they will -halt some time at Bamian, and certainly we could come up to them there. -With so many women and children it will be impossible for the convoy -to move fast, and they may stay at Bamian until the result of our -operations here are known. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> have already promised me that the part -taken by Sadut Khan shall be forgiven, seeing that he did his best to -persuade Akbar to give protection to the retreating army, and also -because he showed great kindness to me when I was in his hands. If you -can obtain permission from the general I will start at once in disguise -for his fort in the mountain. I cannot but think that he will aid me, -and I might, with four of his followers, who have come from Bamian, -and are personally well known to me, succeed in some way in rescuing -at least a few of the captives. Eldred Pottinger, Captain Boyd, and -Captain Johnson are all dear friends of mine, and I would willingly run -any risk in the endeavour to save them. Possibly, if we overtake the -party, we may in some way cause a delay which would enable any rescue -party sent off when you reach Cabul to get up in time."</p> - -<p>"It is a brave offer, Campbell, but the enterprise seems to me an -almost desperate one. However, I don't think that I should be justified -in refusing it, and I am sure that if anyone could succeed, you will do -so. When will you start?"</p> - -<p>"In ten minutes, sir, if you will furnish me with an authority to offer -a bribe to the officer in command of their escort."</p> - -<p>"I will go and see the general at once. He is well aware, from the -report that I have made, of the kindness Sadut showed you, and of his -efforts to save our army. I have no doubt that the chief has fought -against us in the last battle, but that was only natural. I feel sure -that above all things Pollock would embrace any offer that promises -the slightest chance of rescuing the hostages, but the risk would be -terrible, Campbell."</p> - -<p>"Of course there would be risk," Angus agreed, "but I do not see how -it would be exceptionally great. I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> journeyed as an Afghan two or -three times already without detection, and I could just as well do so -again. At any rate, I am willing to undertake the enterprise. It would, -of course, be useful for me to take a considerable sum of money to win -over the guard; still more useful if the general would authorize me -to offer terms that would tempt the cupidity of the commander, as we -have always found that the Afghans are ready to do almost anything for -bribes."</p> - -<p>"I will take you at once with me to the general. He is well acquainted -with the services you rendered Pottinger at Herat, and have rendered -the army ever since it began its march from the Indus, and he knows the -favourable report that has been sent in by Pottinger and Burnes."</p> - -<p>Angus had, indeed, been introduced by Sir Robert Sale to General -Pollock on his arrival at Cabul. On reaching his tent they found him -for the moment unoccupied. He listened gravely to Macgregor's statement -of the offer that Angus had made.</p> - -<p>"It is a noble proposal, Mr. Campbell," he said, in his usual kindly -and courteous way, "but the risk seems to me terrible, and should -anything happen to you, the service would be deprived of one of its -most promising and meritorious officers. At the same time, there seems -a fair possibility that you may succeed in rescuing one or more of the -captives. Of course it would be quite out of the question that any -of the ladies could escape. There would be a hot pursuit, and only -horsemen well mounted could hope to get off. However, I do not feel -justified in refusing any offer that affords a shadow of hope of saving -such men as Pottinger, and will do all that Mr. Macgregor suggests to -facilitate your operations. You will doubtless pass through Cabul, and -I will at once write a letter to Mohun Lal, requesting him to give you -authority, in his name as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> well as mine, for payment to the leader of -the prisoners' escort of any sum in reason. At present native opinion -is strong that we shall not be able to force the passes, and the name -of the moonshee may have greater effect than any promise on my part; -but at the same time, until you can get into communication with the -captives and learn something of the officer and his disposition, -it would be madness to attempt to bribe him. The difficulties of -the journey appear to me to be great, but not insuperable. The real -difficulty will only begin when you overtake the captives' escort."</p> - -<p>"I feel that, sir, but I rely greatly upon the men I hope to obtain -from Sadut. Although not of his tribe, they have attached themselves -most strongly to him. They are strong, resolute men, and as one of them -was a petty chief near Bamian, he may be able to gather a few others -to aid me. I shall, of course, be very glad to have authority to offer -a bribe to the officer in command of the party, but I rely chiefly -upon these men and my own efforts, at any rate as far as Pottinger -is concerned. Captains Boyd and Johnson can hardly leave their -families. Possibly, by the aid of these men, I may be able to collect -a sufficient number of fighting men to make a sudden attack upon the -escort, and to carry off all the captives to some hiding-place among -the hills, and there keep them until you send on a force to bring them -in. Of course I must be entirely guided by circumstances, but it is -impossible for me to have any fixed plan until I see how matters stand."</p> - -<p>"I can quite see that, Mr. Campbell, and that, greatly as you may -desire to rescue the whole party, it is Eldred Pottinger who is the -first object of your expedition."</p> - -<p>"That is so, colonel. He was most kind to me in Herat, and it is to -him I owe my present position; therefore he is my first object. If -I can free him it will be a great step<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> gained towards rescuing the -others. I feel sure that he would not think for a moment of leaving -his companions to their fate. But his name as the defender of Herat is -known to every Afghan, and he would be able to bring a great influence -to bear upon the tribesmen round Bamian, whose interests must lie quite -as much with Herat as with Cabul."</p> - -<p>The general nodded approvingly.</p> - -<p>"I see that you have thought matters over well. If you will call here -again in half an hour the letter for the moonshee shall be ready for -you, and a thousand pounds in gold."</p> - -<p>At the appointed time Angus called upon the general, and received the -money and letter; then returning to his own tent, he rode out with -Azim. When fairly away from the camp they dismounted and put on their -Afghan disguises. They had brought an orderly with them, who took back -the clothes they had discarded and Angus's sword to Macgregor's tent, -he having undertaken to have them brought up to Cabul with his own -baggage. They had no difficulty as to the way, as the path they had -followed with Sadut had come down close to Gundamuck. They had little -fear of being interfered with on the road. The Afghans would have -gathered in the passes, and should they meet any they would only have -to say that their village near Gundamuck had been burnt by the British, -and they were now on their way to join Sadut and fight under his orders.</p> - -<p>Although they saw several parties in the distance making their way -towards the pass, they did not encounter any within speaking distance, -and just at sunset reached Sadut's fort.</p> - -<p>They had passed through the village unnoticed. Tribesmen were -frequently coming and going, and there was nothing to distinguish -them from others. They dismounted in front of the fort. A man was -sitting at the top of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> ladder, and Angus held up his hand to him, and -Hassan—for it was the man who had twice captured him—at once waved -his hand in welcome, and stood up.</p> - -<p>"You have come willingly this time," he said with a smile, as Angus -reached him. "Of course you wish to see Sadut Khan. He is within. It is -lucky that you have arrived to-day, for to-morrow he sets out."</p> - -<p>Sadut greeted him with pleasure mingled with surprise.</p> - -<p>"I did not expect to see you here, my friend."</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose not, chief; but I am on a mission with which I am sure -you will sympathize, and in which I hope you will aid me, so far as to -spare me Hassan and his four men."</p> - -<p>"What is its nature?" the chief asked. "I know that you would not come -and offer me English money to abstain from fighting again."</p> - -<p>"I should not think of such a thing, Sadut. I know that you are a fair -and open enemy, and I think the better of you for fighting for your -country. I may say that General Pollock has been informed of your -kindness to me, and that you did your utmost to make Akbar keep his -word to grant protection to the retiring army, and I can assure you -that, in any event, no harm will happen to you or yours. I will tell -you what I have come for. Do you know that all the hostages, ladies -and children, have been sent away by Akbar from Cabul, that they are -to be taken over the Bamian Pass to Khooloom, and handed over to the -governor there, and that, doubtless, they will be sold as slaves to the -Turkomans?"</p> - -<p>"I had not heard it," Sadut said angrily. "It is a disgrace to us. They -were delivered up trusting to our word and honour, and it is a foul -deed of Akbar to harm them in any way after taking his oath for their -protection. It is infamous! infamous!" and he walked up and down the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> -room in fierce indignation. "What should we say," he burst out, "if -the families of Dost Mahomed and Akbar himself were to be sold by your -people as slaves to some barbarous race? Could we complain if, when the -news of this treatment of the hostages becomes known in India, Dost -Mahomed's family should be treated in a similar way?" Then he stopped -abruptly. "What is it that you have come to ask of me? The thing is -done, and cannot be undone. Akbar and I are ill friends now, for I have -bearded him in the council and denounced his conduct. Certainly I have -no influence that could assist you. I am an Afghan, and am pledged -to join the force that will oppose the march of your troops up the -passes, and I am a man of my word. But even were I free to help you, -I could be of little assistance. I have here not more than thirty or -forty fighting men, and I doubt if even these would obey me on such an -enterprise. I might ride to my own fort and summon the Momunds, whom I -have so far kept quiet; but the enterprise would be a desperate one, -we should set all the other tribes against us, and they would not risk -destruction merely for the sake of rescuing a few white men and women. -Their sympathies are all with the tribes round Cabul, and they share in -their hatred of the infidel invaders. It would be as much as I could do -to keep them quiet, and certainly I should fail if I called upon them -to embark on such an enterprise."</p> - -<p>"I have no intention of asking it of you, chief. I am going myself to -see what can be done to save my friends, and have come to ask you to -allow Hassan and his men to go with me. They are from Bamian, and at -Bamian it is likely that the captives will be kept for some time. I -should, of course, pay them well for their aid."</p> - -<p>"You can take them," the chief said at once. "They are good men and -faithful to me, and I rely upon them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> as I could not do on any of my -own tribesmen. I will call them in at once."</p> - -<p>Hassan and his four men entered the room a minute later.</p> - -<p>"Hassan," Sadut said, "you and your men have proved yourselves true -and faithful followers from the day when you left your homes to carry -me over the passes, although you all thought that there was no hope -of our getting through. You have fought by my side in Kohistan; you -twice at my orders carried off my friend here. He appreciates the -service you did him, and is in sore need of five men upon whom he can -rely to the utmost. He has come to ask me to let you go with him. A -sore disgrace has fallen upon our nation. Akbar Khan has sent the men -who placed themselves in his hands as hostages, and the women whom he -swore to protect, over the Hindoo Koosh to be sold as slaves to the -Usbegs. My word has been given to fight against the army of Gundamuck -if it attempts to ascend the passes, and I at least will keep faith. -This British officer is going to attempt to free some of the captives. -How he will do so I know not, but my best wishes will go with him. He -thinks it likely that the escort of the prisoners will halt for some -little time at Bamian, and you more than any others might therefore be -able to help. I do not order you to go, but I ask you to do so. It is a -good work, and concerns the honour of every Afghan."</p> - -<p>"And moreover," Angus said, "I will pay a thousand rupees to you, and -five hundred to each of your followers. I will hand them over to you at -once, and if we are successful I will pay you as much more."</p> - -<p>The sum was a huge one in their eyes. It would suffice to settle them -in comfort for the rest of their lives. Hassan looked at his men, -and saw by the expression of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> faces that they were more than -willing to accept the offer. He held out his hand to Angus, "We are -your servants," he said, "and will serve you truly, and if needs be, -lay down our lives for you, not only for the sake of the money you -offer us, but because Sadut Khan has told us that for the honour of -the nation these people ought to be released. We have been comrades in -danger before, and were nigh dead when you rescued us when buried in -the snow. I see not how this enterprise can be carried out; but we will -do what you tell us, and men cannot do more. When do we start?"</p> - -<p>"Every hour is of consequence," Angus replied. "Can you find your way -across the mountains in the dark? if so, we will start at once."</p> - -<p>"I certainly can find the way."</p> - -<p>"You must all have a meal first," Sadut said. "Besides, you will need -horses. They shall be brought in and got ready for you in an hour. -See that the English officer's horses have a good feed, and that his -servant eats with you. The food will be ready in half an hour."</p> - -<p>No time was lost, and in an hour and a half after the arrival of Angus -at the fort the party set out. Fortunately the moon was nearly full, -and Hassan had so frequently gone down to Cabul from the fort that he -had no difficulty whatever in following the track. This in many places -was so steep that all had to dismount and lead their horses down. -However, they reached Cabul an hour before sunrise, and all lay down in -an empty hut for three or four hours' sleep.</p> - -<p>Then Angus, with Hassan and three of his men, entered the town, leaving -Azim and the other man to look after the horses. As there were numbers -of tribesmen in the streets, they attracted no attention whatever. -Proceeding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> to the house of the moonshee, Angus enquired if Mohun Lal -was in.</p> - -<p>"He is busy. He does not grant audiences till ten o'clock."</p> - -<p>Angus moved away and returned at half-past nine. Already five or six -persons were waiting to see the moonshee, and by ten the number had -considerably increased. It was eleven before Angus's turn arrived. The -moonshee was alone. Angus took out his letter and handed it to him. -He knew Mohun Lal well, having often taken communications to him from -Burnes.</p> - -<p>The Afghan read the letter, and looked up in surprise.</p> - -<p>"You are well disguised indeed, sahib," he said, rising, "for, often -as I have seen you before, I did not recognize you in the slightest, -but thought it was, as usual, an Afghan peasant with complaints to make -against plunderers. So you have undertaken the dangerous mission of -endeavouring to rescue some of the prisoners. Truly you English have -courage thus to thrust yourself into the midst of enemies, and on such -a mission. However, I will do what I can to help you. I do not say -that it is altogether hopeless, for I know my man; the commander of -the escort is Saleh Mahomed. He is an adventurer, and has served under -many masters. He was at one time a subaltern in one of your native -regiments, but deserted with his men to Dost Mahomed just before the -fight at Bamian. Such a man might be bought over, but not cheaply."</p> - -<p>"General Pollock said he left the sum to be offered to him entirely to -you."</p> - -<p>Mohun Lal thought for some time, and then said:</p> - -<p>"I should say that a pension of a thousand rupees a month, and a -present of thirty thousand would tempt him as much as a larger sum. -It would, I think, be best for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> you to disguise yourself now as a -Cashmerian. You know Syud Moorteza?"</p> - -<p>"I know him well," Angus said; "he helped Captain Johnson to collect -grain from the villages."</p> - -<p>"It would be as well for you to use his name. As an Afghan, Saleh -might doubt you. Altogether, it would be more likely that a man who -may be considered a neutral should be employed on such a mission, and -the offer to sell goods would make an opening. Of course you could -take the dress you now wear with you in case of necessity. It would -be too dangerous for me to give you a letter, for if Saleh, when you -opened the subject to him, at once ordered you to be arrested, it would -certainly be found on you, and would cost me my life. You will require -to take a small escort with you, or you might be robbed at the first -place you come to."</p> - -<p>"I have five men with me," Angus replied. "They come from Bamian; one -of them is a petty chief there, and might, if I find that Saleh cannot -be approached, persuade or bribe some of the people there to aid."</p> - -<p>"I fear you would not succeed in that way. Saleh had, I believe, two -hundred and fifty men with him. I suppose you will start at once?"</p> - -<p>"Our horses are outside the town, and we shall mount as soon as I -return to them."</p> - -<p>"I wish you good fortune. There are many Afghans who feel deeply -the disgrace Akbar has brought upon himself, and upon all of us, by -breaking his plighted word."</p> - -<p>Taking leave of the moonshee, Angus joined his companions, and after -having bought in the bazaar a costume suitable for a trader from -Cashmere, and two bales of goods from that country, left the city.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p> - - - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX</a></p> - -<p class="center">THE BRITISH CAPTIVES</p> - - -<p class="drop"><span class="uppercase">"Why</span> are you going as a Cashmerian?" Hassan asked. "I thought that you -were going in the disguise that you now have on."</p> - -<p>"I had intended to, Hassan; but Mohun Lal suggested that as a trader I -should have more chance of going among the escort than as an Afghan, -and I see that this would be so. And, moreover, as Afghans can enter -into fellowship with the men of the escort better than I can, and as -you come from Bamian, no doubt would arise as to the truth of your -story, namely that, having been absent for more than two years from -home, you were anxious to get home, and that as this trader had offered -you money to serve as his escort it was a good opportunity for you to -return."</p> - -<p>Hassan nodded. "That makes a good story of it, certainly."</p> - -<p>The change of disguise was made, two ponies were purchased to carry the -bales of goods and provisions for the journey, and they then started. -In buying his goods Angus had only purchased two costly shawls, which -he intended as a present for Saleh, or, if he failed with him, for one -of the officers under him. With this exception, the bales were filled -with trifles such as might tempt the soldiers, and with stuffs which -would, he was sure, be very welcome to the ladies, who must, naturally, -be in a sore plight for garments, as what baggage they had started -with must have been lost in the passes, and they could have had little -opportunity of replenishing their wardrobe during their captivity.</p> - -<p>They travelled rapidly, halting only for a few hours when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> it was -necessary to give their horses a rest. As the ladies were carried in -litters, and there was no reason why they should be hurried on their -journey, Angus knew that he must be gaining fast upon the captives and -their escort, and indeed he reached Bamian only a few hours after them.</p> - -<p>He put up at a little khan, while Hassan and his men went off to their -village to see the families from whom they had been so long separated. -Hassan found his wife in undisturbed possession of the little fort, and -there was great joy in the village when it was found that he and his -men had returned with funds that would enable them to pass the coming -winter in comfort, and largely to increase their stock of animals. That -evening two or three sheep were killed, and a general feast was held -in honour of the return of the chief and his followers. As nothing was -talked of in the little town but the arrival of the British captives, -Angus had no difficulty in learning that these had been lodged in a -little fort close to the place. He did not attempt to open his bales of -goods, although several of the people came to him to ask him to do so, -for so few traders had visited the place since the troubles began, that -the stores had long been empty. There had, too, been a good deal of -plundering since the British force there had retired. Angus was obliged -to explain that he had only brought a few trifles with him, as his -purpose was to buy Turkoman carpets and other goods at Khooloom, and -that he had sold off almost all the stock he had brought from Cashmere -at Cabul.</p> - -<p>Leaving Azim at the khan to see that his goods were not stolen, he -strolled out. The place was full of the men of the escort, who showed -much discontent on finding that neither fruit nor any other of the -little luxuries to which they were accustomed could be bought at -Bamian. Angus had no difficulty in entering into conversation with -some of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> them. He had brought with him a considerable quantity of good -tobacco, and when he produced a pouch and invited them to fill their -pipes he at once won their good-will.</p> - -<p>"How quickly have you come from Cabul? Was there any news when you left -there?"</p> - -<p>"We have travelled fast," he said. "You have had three days' start of -us, and I arrived here this afternoon. No, there was no news. They say -that the infidels are halting at Gundamuck. The chiefs are gathering in -the passes with all their forces, but have not yet moved."</p> - -<p>"I should have thought that they would have had enough of our passes; -they will meet with the same fate as those who tried to go down them."</p> - -<p>"It should be so," Angus replied. "Who can withstand your people when -they are fighting among your own hills? You must have travelled slowly, -since we gained three days upon you."</p> - -<p>"We made very short journeys," the man said. "You see, we were -encumbered with these women and children, for whom it must have been -rough work, for the nights are already cold. I shall be glad when we -get to Khooloom and hand them over to the governor there. But I will -say for them that they have borne up bravely. I can tell you that we -are all disgusted at having to be making this journey with them instead -of taking our share of the spoil that will be gathered in the passes."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it must be annoying to brave men to be thus wasting their time -when great things are being done, to say nothing of losing their share -of the booty to be gathered. Have you a good commander?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, we have no cause to grumble on that account. Saleh Mahomed is a -bold soldier and a cheerful fellow, is not unduly harsh, and as long -as we keep our arms in good order, and obey his orders, he asks no -questions when one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> of us comes in with a sheep fastened to his saddle. -But there has been no chance of getting anything to help out our -rations, for the two or three little villages we have passed since we -left the valley are for the most part deserted. There are women there, -but the men have not yet come down from the hills with the flocks, and -none of us have tasted meat since we started. Saleh Mahomed is a man -who has travelled much and seen many things. He was an officer in the -English army, but he would not fight against us, and two years ago, -when Dost Mahomed with his army came here, he went over to him with -his company of Sepoys. He was not a chief, but was a tribesman near -the frontier. There are many of them, they say, in the service of the -infidels; and he had done well for himself."</p> - -<p>"I suppose the captive women must be in want of warm clothes. I have -not a large stock of goods, but among them are several warm robes, -which I would sell cheaply to them, for I wish to clear away my -remaining stock, as I intend to buy Turkoman carpets at Khooloom and -Balkh; and besides these I have some stuff which doubtless the women -here would buy to make garments for the children. Think you that Saleh -would let me traffic with them?"</p> - -<p>"That I could not say; but if you have anything in your pack that would -please him he might perhaps let you do so. You seem a good fellow, if -you like I will take you to him to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p>"Thank you for your offer. When I meet you I will have a pound of good -tobacco, which I shall beg you to accept."</p> - -<p>"I will be here. I shall be one of the guards to-night round the fort, -but shall be free in the morning."</p> - -<p>"Does Saleh Mahomed sleep there?"</p> - -<p>"No, it is a miserable and dirty place. He lodges at the house of the -headman there."</p> - -<p>Early in the morning Hassan came down to the khan.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> "Now, sahib, you -have only to tell us what you want us to do, and you can rely upon us."</p> - -<p>"For the present there is nothing. I am going to see Saleh Mahomed -this morning, and try to get permission to sell some of my goods to -the captives. I may then be able to learn something of his disposition -towards them, and how he behaved to them during the journey. It is -important that I should know this before giving him the message from -the moonshee."</p> - -<p>"It would be well to do so, master; but from what I hear the moonshee -has been negotiating with many of the chiefs, who are willing enough -to take his money, but who do not carry out their part of the bargain. -However, I have not heard that any of them have denounced him. He is -always considered to be the chief agent of the English, but as he -spends English gold freely, and as it is well to have some one in Cabul -through whom negotiations could be entered into with them, no one -interferes with him."</p> - -<p>"The only thing that you can do for the present is to go round among -your friends, talk to them about the captives, and say that it is a -disgrace that they should be sent as captives among the Usbegs after -having received promises of protection, and having willingly submitted -themselves as hostages. Of course you will do it carefully; but if you -can create a feeling in their favour, and make them afterwards win over -a portion of the escort, something might be done. Of course you can -say, and truly, that Sadut Khan, Dost Mahomed's nephew by marriage, is -most indignant at this breach of faith, and that you believe that many -other chiefs share his feeling."</p> - -<p>"I will set about it at once. The tribesmen here have not the same -animosity against the English as those at Cabul. The English troops -when they were here behaved well; they took no man's goods without -payment, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> tribesmen got better prices for their sheep and -cattle than they had ever got before. They care little who rules at -Cabul, and it is nothing to them whether it is the Barukzyes or a -Dooranee."</p> - -<p>The next morning Angus met the Afghan soldier. "Here is the tobacco I -promised you; it is good stuff."</p> - -<p>"If it is like that you gave me yesterday, I shall be very content. -Now, come with me to Saleh; he is a good fellow if you find him in the -humour." The officer was alone when they entered. "Saleh Mahomed," -the soldier said, "this is a trader from Cashmere, Syud Moorteza; he -will tell you his business. He seems to be a good fellow, and has some -excellent tobacco."</p> - -<p>Having thus introduced Angus he left the room.</p> - -<p>"What is it that you want with me?" Saleh asked in Persian. Angus -replied in the same language, "I am a trader, my lord, and wish to get -rid of some of the wares I am carrying. They are but few, as I am going -north to purchase and not to sell. I would willingly rid myself of a -part of them. Among them are warm dresses and stuffs. I am told that -the persons in your charge are but thinly clad, and I doubt not that -they would willingly buy these goods of me."</p> - -<p>The Afghan laughed. "They would willingly have them, no doubt; but as -to buying, they are altogether without money. Those who were in charge -of them saw to that before they were handed over to me."</p> - -<p>"I should not mind that, my lord. I have had dealings with Englishmen -who have come up to Cashmere, and they generally take a store of shawls -and other things back with them to India. We always find that they are -true to their word, and we take their orders as willingly as gold—more -so, indeed, because the shroffs in India take them anywhere, and it -saves our having to send money there for the pur<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span>chase of goods in -India. Thus, then, if they gave me orders on their people at Calcutta -or Bombay, I would more willingly accept them than gold, which is a -dangerous commodity to carry."</p> - -<p>"But you say that you are going to purchase goods."</p> - -<p>"That is so, my lord, but I do not carry money to do so. I pay for them -with orders upon a merchant at Herat to whom I am well-known, and who -acts as my agent, and buys for me such goods as I require from Persia. -I have not come empty-handed to you, my lord. It is right that if you -do me the favour of allowing me to trade with your prisoners, you -should share in the benefit. I have with me here a cashmere shawl. I do -not say that it is worthy of your acceptance, but it is handsome and of -the best wool, and will make a warm girdle."</p> - -<p>Saleh was fond of finery. "Let me look at it," he said.</p> - -<p>Angus undid the parcel and held the shawl up, and closely watched the -Afghan as he examined it. He saw that he was pleased with it. However, -the chief said, "I say not that it is not a good shawl, but it is not -of the best quality. I have been at Srinagar."</p> - -<p>"'Tis not of the best, my lord—I would not try to deceive one like -yourself—but it is the best I have, and I can hardly hope to make more -than its value from these people."</p> - -<p>"It is worth about two hundred rupees," Saleh said.</p> - -<p>"Your lordship is not to be deceived, that is the very sum I gave for -it; but it is worth much more here."</p> - -<p>"You seem to be an honest man," Saleh said, throwing the shawl down -on the divan from which he had risen. "And in truth I should be well -content that the prisoners were better supplied with garments in the -cold weather that is setting in. I am ordered to conduct them safely -to Khooloom, but nought was said against my providing them with such -comforts on the way as they could obtain. To-day I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span> am busy; I have -to see that the men are well quartered and fed. To-morrow if you come -here with your goods I will myself take you to the place where they are -confined; but mind that no word is said to them save concerning your -merchandise."</p> - -<p>"What words should I say, my lord? But doubtless one of your men will -be present and see that I confine myself to my business."</p> - -<p>"Then come at this hour to-morrow."</p> - -<p>Angus bowed deeply and then left, delighted that he had obtained -permission to see the captives.</p> - -<p>That day the prisoners were taken to another fort, Saleh being moved by -their complaints of the dirt and want of accommodation in the little -fort in which they were crowded. The place was but a little better than -the one they had left, but there was somewhat more room.</p> - -<p>Hassan came to Angus in the evening. "I have seen many of my friends," -he said, "and have spoken as you told me. They are indignant. I -told them that Dost Mahomed and his family, and that of Akbar, are -honourably treated in India, and are allowed a large income by the -government there, and live with every comfort and luxury, and it is a -disgrace to our nation that such treatment should be meted out to the -officers who are hostages, and the ladies and their families. I do not -say that they will be disposed to hazard their own safety by taking -any active measures, but if the soldiers were to show any disposition -favourable to the captives, they would assuredly take no hostile steps -against them."</p> - -<p>"I have strong hopes that I may succeed with Saleh. He has taken a -bribe from me to permit me to sell goods to the prisoners, and he may -be willing to take a vastly greater one to release them."</p> - -<p>"My men have been going about among the soldiers, sahib.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> They are -discontented at this journey they have taken, and at the prospect of -a still farther one, and if their commander gave them the order to -return, they would not, I think, hesitate to obey."</p> - -<p>"Let your men continue at that work, but let them be careful not to -appear to be too warmly interested. Let them avoid at present all -mention of captives, and simply inflame the men's minds by talking of -the hardships of their being sent on such a journey when so much booty -is likely to be picked up in the passes. It is not likely that if -Saleh orders them to proceed on their journey they will refuse to do -so, but if he learns from his officers that the men would gladly obey -him if he ordered them to return, it may help him to decide to accept -the offer I have to make him. I shall put off doing so till the last -moment, because at any time news may come that Pollock and Nott are -both beating back all opposition and advancing on Cabul, and in that -case he may see that his interest lies in siding with them rather than -with Akbar."</p> - -<p>In the morning Angus rode with Saleh to the fort, Azim following with -the pony carrying the bales of goods. Two men stood as sentries on the -platform on the top of the plain, half a dozen others were posted round -it. The officer in charge came out.</p> - -<p>"Have you anything to report, Suleiman?"</p> - -<p>"No, captain, except that the prisoners complain that this place is -little better than the last they were confined in."</p> - -<p>"They are particular, these ladies and gentlemen," Saleh said with a -laugh. "The place might be better, no doubt, but they will be lucky if -they do not find themselves very much worse lodged when they get among -the Usbegs."</p> - -<p>"Major Pottinger was asking, captain, that a few blankets should be -given them for the use of the women and children."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span></p> - -<p>"We will see about it. However, this trader here has some warm robes to -sell, and they may just as well pay for the things themselves as that -I should put my hand into my pocket, for my instructions said nothing -about buying things of this sort for them; and from the manner in -which Prince Akbar gave me my orders, I should say that the more they -suffered the better he would be pleased. However, I am sorry for them, -and have given permission to this Cashmerian to see them and try to -sell his goods to them."</p> - -<p>The officer looked doubtful. "I do not think there is a rupee among -them."</p> - -<p>"No, but the trader has faith that if they give him notes for his -goods, their people will assuredly cash them."</p> - -<p>"He must be a very confiding fellow," the officer said.</p> - -<p>"No; by what he says the shroffs of all the large cities in India are -always ready to take the notes of English officers, and that he himself -has done so in Cashmere.</p> - -<p>"At any rate you can take him up to their apartments, but remain in the -room while he bargains with them. I do not mind his carrying on his -trade, but see that he in no way communicates with them save in the -matter of his business."</p> - -<p>Saleh went up with Angus, followed by the officer and Azim, who was -assisted by the soldiers to carry up the goods. A sentry was sitting -before the door at the top of the stairs with his musket across his -knee. As Saleh came up, he rose and took a key hanging on a nail on the -wall beside him and opened the door.</p> - -<p>"I hear that you are still not content with your lodging, Captain -Johnson," Saleh said as he entered. "Well, what would you have? These -towers are all alike, and do not come up to our ideas of comfort in -Cabul; and as glass is scarcely known in Bamian, no doubt you feel it -cold at night."</p> - -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/illus09.jpg" alt="goods" /> -<a id="illus09" name="illus09"></a> -</p> - -<p class="caption"> ANGUS SHOWS HIS GOODS TO THE PRISONERS.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span></p> - -<p>"If we had a few blankets to hang across the windows the ladies would -not feel it so much, Saleh."</p> - -<p>"That is so; and as I am anxious that they should not, while under my -charge, feel greater discomfort than necessary, I have permitted this -trader, Syud Moorteza, to enter. He has, he tells me, some warm robes -and other things which he is ready to sell, and as I told him that -before you came into my charge all your money had been taken away, he -is ready to take your notes upon a banker at Calcutta or Bombay in -payment."</p> - -<p>Captain Johnson knew the Cashmerian, as he had rendered invaluable -assistance in obtaining grain. Angus, who was acquainted with him, -had the more willingly adopted his name because the man was about his -own height and build, and there was even some resemblance in feature. -Captain Johnson therefore looked with interest at the trader, who was -standing a little behind Saleh. For a moment he seemed puzzled but -Angus had his hand on his chin and suddenly moved two fingers across -his lips and very slightly shook his head. Johnson understood the -gesture, and replied to Saleh: "The man is right; he may be sure that -whatever happens to us our friends will see that he is paid for any -goods we may buy of him. We will write a letter in Persian, which you -can read to our friends, saying that this man has trusted us and that -our orders are to be honoured."</p> - -<p>The ladies, who were in the next room, were called in. The Afghan -commander, who had nothing to do, remained with his officer, being -interested in the contents of the trader's bales. Azim opened them, -and spread the articles out on the floor for inspection. Angus was -greatly concerned at the appearance of the ladies, to all of whom -he was known. His disguise, however, had so completely changed his -appearance that none of them recognized him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> His face was darkened, -his eyebrows and hair had been stained black, and by the assistance of -some false hair the latter was arranged in the fashion worn by the man -he represented. Syud Moorteza was of the Hindoo religion, and Angus had -imitated his caste marks on the forehead, which alone greatly altered -his appearance. But the ladies scarcely looked at him. Their delight at -seeing the warm robes and woollen cloths was great indeed. Here was a -prospect that their sufferings from cold would be alleviated, and that -their children could now be warmly clad.</p> - -<p>Among the smaller articles in his bale Angus included a good supply of -needles and thread, buttons, and other small necessaries. The ladies -saw at once that from the soft woolen cloths they would be able to make -an abundance of warm clothing for the children. Angus expatiated after -the manner of a trader on the quality of his goods. Holding up a warm -robe to Captain Johnson, he said: "This would suit you, my lord; it -will keep you warm in the coldest night."</p> - -<p>"You have not more than enough for the ladies," Captain Johnson said. -"If there is anything over after they have made their purchases, we -shall be glad to take the rest of your cloth. We can wind it round us."</p> - -<p>"But feel the quality of this robe, my lord," Angus urged, with a wink -that was understood by the officer, who at once took hold of it. As -he did so Angus slipped a note, which he had folded to the smallest -possible dimensions, into his hands.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is good material," he said quietly; "but, as I have just said, -these must be for the ladies." And he turned away as if unwilling to be -tempted, and presently sauntered into the next room. In order to keep -up his character Angus asked fully five times the proper value for his -goods. But the captives had no thought of bargain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span>ing; for these goods -would be of the greatest comfort to themselves and their children, as -coverings for the night, and as wraps during the passage of the passes, -for in addition to the clothes and cloth, there were silk mufflers -for the neck, and warm jackets lined with astrakhan fur. Nor were the -needles and thread less prized. Their clothes and those of the children -were in rags, and they would be most useful for mending, as well as -the making of new clothes. Some of them almost cried with joy at the -thought of the comfort that this would be to their little ones.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes the greater portion of the contents of the bales was -disposed of. "The best way," Pottinger said, "will be for Lawrence, -Mackenzie, and myself, as the three political officers, to give this -man an order signed by the three of us on our agent at Calcutta, and -I will write an open letter to accompany it, authorizing any British -officer or banker to cash the note when it is presented, and to send it -on to my agent. The man has done us an inestimable service, and it will -facilitate his getting the money. Where are you thinking of cashing -this?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"At Herat."</p> - -<p>"Then I will also give you a note to a trader there. He has a shop -in the great bazaar, and is a friend of mine. He has relations with -business men in India, and will, I am sure, cash it for you at once -should you desire cash, or will furnish you in exchange with bills on -some merchant in Candahar." He then mentioned the trader's name.</p> - -<p>"That will suit me well," Angus said. "I know the man by name, having -been myself at Herat. He is of good repute, and I am sure that he or -any other merchant having dealings in India would gladly cash the -order, as it would be far safer to send than money."</p> - -<p>It was not until the purchases had all been made that Captain Johnson -re-entered the room, came and stood by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> Angus, asking a few questions -as to the goods; when the two Afghans were looking another way he -passed a note into the pretended merchant's hand. Presently he said: -"But we have no pen and ink to write this order?"</p> - -<p>"I have them, sahib," Angus said, taking an ink-bottle and pen, such -as were always carried by traders, from his pocket, together with -several sheets of paper. The price of all the goods was added up; then -Pottinger wrote an order for the amount, which was signed by himself, -Lawrence, and Mackenzie. Then Johnson took Pottinger aside as if to -discuss the terms of the letters.</p> - -<p>"That man is not Syud Moorteza at all," he said. "Don't turn round and -look at him. He has given me a note, and I am answering it. Who do you -think it is?"</p> - -<p>"I have been a little puzzled, not by his face, but by his voice. I -have it now—it is Angus Campbell."</p> - -<p>"You have guessed right. He has come up by himself through the passes -to try and overtake us. He bears a message from Mohun Lal to Saleh, -saying that he shall be given a pension of a thousand rupees a month -and a present of thirty thousand if he will hand over the captives to -the British general when he reaches Cabul. He has asked my opinion as -to whether it would be safe to make the proposition to the man, or -whether he had better wait until news comes that Pollock has defeated -Akbar in the passes. I have told him that I have already sounded Saleh, -and that though he passed the matter off, I believe he is open to take -a bribe if he hears that Nott and Pollock are making their way up. -He says that if bad news comes—and I think it would then be useless -to approach Saleh—he will make an attempt with some men he has with -him to effect your escape, and also mine, and that of Mackenzie and -Lawrence. Boyd, of course, would not leave his wife and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span> family, and it -would be impossible to take the women and children with us."</p> - -<p>"Campbell is a splendid fellow!" Pottinger said. "He behaved -wonderfully well at Herat, and I was sure that in time he would make -a very fine officer. It is a noble thing, his undertaking such a -tremendous risk."</p> - -<p>The letters were now written and handed to Angus. Saleh, however, -took them from his hands and read them, and then handed them back, -after assuring himself that there was nothing written but what had -been agreed upon. Then he and the officer went downstairs with Angus -and Azim, the latter carrying easily enough the one small bale that -sufficed for the goods unsold.</p> - -<p>"You have made a nice sum out of this," Saleh said.</p> - -<p>"I have had a long journey with my goods," Angus replied humbly; "but -they were well contented, and paid without bargaining the prices I -asked. I feel, my lord, that I am greatly indebted to you for the -opportunity. I have not money with me—we traders never carry cash, -and I shall have to wait many months before I receive the price of the -goods—nevertheless, my lord, I will willingly give you in token of my -gratitude another shawl equal to the last; I have brought with me only -two. And you can select any goods you like from those remaining. There -are many silk things among them, for they only bought such as were -needed for wear."</p> - -<p>Saleh was well satisfied, and telling Angus that he might call round -in the evening with some of the silk embroidered scarfs, he allowed -him to return to the camp. Two days passed, and then a horseman rode -in with the news that Akbar had been defeated at Tezeen, but would -fight another battle, and, as he was being joined by many chiefs, would -doubtless overthrow the infidels. The news spread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> rapidly and caused -much excitement in the camp, which was heightened by the fact that the -man said that there was a report that Ghuznee had been captured by the -British force that was marching from Candahar.</p> - -<p>Angus went in the evening and requested a private interview with Saleh. -As Johnson had told him in his note, the Afghan had already been -revolving in his mind whether he could not do better for himself by -halting at Bamian until he knew how affairs would turn out at Cabul. -Johnson, who had become very intimate with him on the journey, had said -casually that the British government would assuredly pay a large sum -for the return of the captives. He had taken no notice of the remark -at the time, but had thought a good deal of it. He knew that money had -been lavishly spent among the chiefs, and it seemed to him that he too -might have a share in the golden flood.</p> - -<p>He was a shrewd man as well as an unscrupulous one. He had three times -before deserted his employers when better offers had been made to him, -and it seemed to him that he had it now in his power to procure a sum -that would make him rich for life. He had been told by his sub-officers -that there was a growing disaffection among the men, that many of them -openly grumbled at the prospect of the journey to Khooloom, and that -some of the Bamian petty chiefs had been going among them, and, they -believed, stirring up a feeling against the journey. He had from the -first entertained some suspicion of this Cashmerian trader. Why should -he not have bought a larger store of Indian goods to exchange with the -Turkomans?</p> - -<p>His doubt as to the best course to pursue had been heightened at the -news that he had received that afternoon. What would happen if the -British again settled down at Cabul? They would doubtless send a -force to endeavour to rescue the captives. And although he might be -at Khoo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span>loom before they did so, his situation would then be a most -unpleasant one. Akbar, as a fugitive, could no longer pay him and -his troops; they would, of course, leave him, and he would not dare -to return to Cabul. He was thinking over these matters when Angus -was ushered in. The latter had already decided that he would for the -present maintain the character that he had assumed. If Saleh knew that -he was a British officer he would assuredly, if he remained faithful to -his charge, arrest him also; but as merely the agent of Mohun Lal, one -of the most influential men in Cabul, the Afghan would probably allow -him to depart unharmed, even if he refused the offered bribe.</p> - -<p>"I have not come to you this evening to talk of merchandise, Saleh -Mahomed," Angus began. "I have come upon a more important matter. As -you know, the troops from Jellalabad have defeated Akbar, and are -making their way up through the passes. They will defeat him again if -he fights them. The troops from Candahar have reached Ghuznee, and -assuredly there is no force that can arrest their progress to Cabul. -I have only waited for this to speak openly to you. I am sent here by -Mohun Lal. He authorizes me to promise you, in his name and that of -General Pollock, a pension of a thousand rupees a month, and a gift of -thirty thousand rupees, if you will hold the prisoners here until a -British force arrives to carry them back to Cabul."</p> - -<p>The Afghan showed no surprise. "I suspected," he said, "all along that -you had come here for some other motive than trade. What guarantee does -Mohun Lal offer that these terms shall be fulfilled?"</p> - -<p>"It would not have been safe for him to have entrusted such a message -to paper," Angus said, "but he gives you his word."</p> - -<p>"Words are no guarantee," Saleh said, "especially the word of a chief."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I would suggest, Saleh Mahomed, that you have it in your power to -obtain a guarantee that even you will acknowledge to be a binding one. -You have in your hands three men whose names are known throughout -Afghanistan and through India as those of men of honour. You have -Major Pottinger, Captain Lawrence, and Mr. Mackenzie, all men whose -word would be accepted unhesitatingly to whatever promise they might -make. They and the other officers would, I am sure, give you a written -guarantee that the offer made by Mohun Lal shall be confirmed and -carried out by the government of India."</p> - -<p>"What should I do with money without employment?"</p> - -<p>"If you desire employment, I have no doubt that you would be granted, -in addition to the money payment, the command of a native regiment -raised among the Pathans of the lower hills."</p> - -<p>"I will think the matter over," the Afghan said, and with a wave of the -hand dismissed Angus. But the latter had seen, by the expression of -Saleh's face when he mentioned the terms, that these were far higher -than he had himself ever thought of, and he had no doubt whatever that -they would be accepted. The first thing in the morning he received -a message from Saleh Mahomed requesting him to accompany him to the -tower. The Afghan, beyond the usual salute, was silent during the ride. -On dismounting Saleh told him to follow him. On entering the prisoners' -apartments the officer said: "You are aware that Prince Akbar's orders -are that I am to take you to Khooloom. I had certainly intended to do -so, but I have received news that leads me to doubt whether he may -be in a position to support you if I carry out the orders. Yesterday -afternoon I heard that he had been defeated at Tezeen. He will fight -again with a stronger force than before, still the issue is doubtful. I -may tell you that the messenger also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> brought to the fort news that the -force from Candahar had taken Ghuznee."</p> - -<p>An exclamation of joy broke from the prisoners.</p> - -<p>"Another thing has happened," the Afghan went on. "This trader last -night informed me that he really came here on a mission from Mohun -Lal. He promises me, in General Pollock's name, that if I release you -and carry you to Cabul I shall be granted a pension of a thousand -rupees a month and thirty thousand as a present. I know nothing of -General Pollock, and have no great faith in Mohun Lal, but seeing that -Akbar may be even now a fugitive and your two armies in Cabul, if you -gentlemen will swear by your God to make good to me what Syud Moorteza -states he is authorized to offer, I will hand you over to your own -people."</p> - -<p>The offer was joyfully accepted. Angus was requested by Saleh to draw -out a bond to that effect in Persian, and this was signed by Pottinger, -Lawrence, Johnson, and Mackenzie. Another agreement was then drawn -up by Johnson, by which all the officers bound themselves to pay as -many months' pay and allowances, in accordance with their rank, as -should be necessary to carry out the terms of the agreement, thus -satisfying Saleh that, should the English general refuse to ratify the -first agreement, he would receive the money from them. To this all the -prisoners and the ladies signed their names, Brigadier Shelton heading -the list; while Lady Macnaghten and Mrs. Sturt, who were widows, bound -themselves in a codicil to pay such sums as might be demanded from them -by Major Pottinger and Captains Lawrence and Johnson.</p> - -<p>"You are no longer my prisoner, sahibs," Saleh said when the two -documents were handed to him, and he on his part had given a bond to -perform his share of the conditions. "Now, I should like your counsel -as to how I had best pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span>ceed. I believe that my men will gladly obey -me in this matter, because they are discontented at being sent so -far away, and I feel sure that a very slight inducement on your part -to them will settle the matter. If I could offer them in your name a -gratuity of four months' pay when we arrive at Cabul, it would settle -matters."</p> - -<p>To this the officers willingly agreed.</p> - -<p>"I have been thinking over the affair all night," he went on. "Which, -think you, would be best—to travel straight for Cabul when you hear -that the British have arrived there, or to wait here? I hear that many -of the petty chiefs in the neighbourhood are indignant that Akbar -Khan should have broken all the promises he made, and have treated so -badly those who placed themselves under his protection, while at the -same time his father, together with his own family, are receiving most -honourable treatment in India. Doubtless you would rather go straight -down to Cabul, but we must remember that if defeated, Akbar with a very -large number of his followers may again fly by this route and make for -Khooloom, as he and Dost Mahomed did when the British first marched to -Cabul. Should they meet us on our way down they would assuredly attack -us, and their numbers might be so great that we should be overwhelmed. -On the other hand, if we stay here we can occupy the largest of these -little forts and set to work to strengthen it, and might then resist -any force Akbar could bring against us until the British troops arrive -to our assistance."</p> - -<p>The officers were silent for a minute, and then Pottinger said: "What -do you think, Brigadier? This is a military matter."</p> - -<p>"I should say the last proposition is the safest," Shelton replied. -"We may be sure that the moment Pollock reaches Cabul he will send -off a body of cavalry to rescue us. Akbar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> would have at best only -forty-eight hours' start, perhaps not half that, and he would scarcely -venture to stop here to undertake a siege. He will certainly have no -guns with him, and the three hundred men of our escort, with ten or -twelve of us to lead them, could be trusted to withstand any hurried -assault he might make upon us."</p> - -<p>The others all agreed that this would be the safest plan.</p> - -<p>"Very well," Saleh said. "I will go now and harangue my men, and in the -meantime you can prepare to move. I will select the largest and most -defensible of these forts. We will move quietly in there, and then I -will summon the Bamian chiefs, and proclaim that I have abandoned the -cause of Akbar, and now with my British allies summon them to invite -their men to join me, so that when an English force arrives here -they will be free from all molestation, and will receive presents in -accordance with the number of men they furnish."</p> - -<p>So saying he left the room, and the joy of the captives broke out in -general congratulations among the men, and tears of joy from the women. -Pottinger, Johnson, and Boyd gathered round Angus and poured forth -their thanks to him. Nothing had hitherto been said to the ladies as -to the real character of the supposed trader, for it was felt that if -this enterprise failed the disappointment would to them be terrible. As -soon as they learned who he was and what he had done, they too crowded -round, and Angus was for a time quite confused with the expressions of -gratitude showered upon him.</p> - -<p>"I see," Pottinger said, when the din of voices had quieted down, "that -you have not informed Saleh Mahomed of your real character."</p> - -<p>"I thought it better not to do so. I really came from Mohun Lal, and if -he thought I had not done so, he might have doubted whether I had any -authority to make such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> proposal; therefore, I thought it would be -well to keep up my present character to the end."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is best so," Pottinger agreed. "These Afghans are always -suspicious, and a man who has several times betrayed his employers -would be more suspicious than other people. I quite agree with you that -it is best you should keep up your present character. I suppose Mohun -Lal really did give you the assurance about the ransom?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, General Pollock told me that he would give any sum Mohun Lal -might think it desirable to offer, and that was the figure fixed upon -as being high enough to tempt Saleh, and yet not excessive for such a -service. Besides, he thought that he might ask more, in which case I -should of course have bargained with him."</p> - -<p>"It is a sum that would tempt any Afghan chief," Pottinger said, "and -to a mere military adventurer like Saleh would appear prodigious. -Well, we will hear of your adventures afterwards. He may return at any -moment, and it might put him out of humour if he found that we were not -ready. Not, indeed, that there is much to do. Even the ladies will be -able to pack up their scanty belongings in a few minutes. There would, -in fact, be nothing at all to pack had it not been for the things they -bought of you. The next room is all in confusion, for every one of them -is hard at work making clothes for the children."</p> - -<p>It was half an hour before Saleh Mahomed returned.</p> - -<p>"All is well," he said; "the men did not hesitate for a moment. They -are delighted at the prospect of returning to Cabul, and declare they -will fight till the last if they are attacked. I set them to work at -once to clear out the largest of the forts here. The chief, when I told -him what it was required for, refused his consent, so I at once turned -him out, and have appointed another favourable to us in his place. We -will move there at once."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></p> - -<p>The news infused fresh strength into the ladies, several of whom were -suffering from sickness, and all from long-continued anxiety and the -hardships of the journey; they were able to proceed on foot to the -fort. Hassan was the first to come in with ten followers to give in his -adherence to the new order of things. Many others followed the example; -and as Angus was able to supply money, strong parties were soon at work -throwing up entrenchments round the tower. Pottinger, convinced that -audacity was the best policy, at once issued a proclamation calling -upon the people of the town and the chiefs of all the surrounding -villages to come in at once and pay their respects, and it was not long -before they began to arrive.</p> - -<p>The next day still larger numbers were set to work, and by evening the -earthworks were so advanced that they were in a position to offer a -very strong resistance. Late that evening a friendly chief brought in -the news that General Pollock was within a day's march of Cabul, that -all resistance had ceased, and that Akbar had fled no one knew whither.</p> - -<p>It was immediately decided that a start should be made for Cabul on -the following morning. It was evident that Akbar had not retired by -that route—had he done so he would have arrived before the news of his -flight—and that therefore the risk of meeting any strong force on the -road was very slight. They set out at eight o'clock in the morning. -Horses had been procured for the whole party; the officers took the -children before them, the ladies rode. That night all slept on the -rocks within shelter, but at midnight they were awakened by the arrival -of a horseman. He brought a letter from Sir Richmond Shakespere, -General Pollock's military secretary, saying that he was on the point -of starting with six hundred native horse for Bamian.</p> - -<p>At daybreak the party were astir again, pressing their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span> horses eagerly, -their sufferings all forgotten in the hope of speedily meeting their -friends. At noon a cloud of dust was seen to rise from the road far -ahead; then some straggling horsemen were made out, and behind them a -body of cavalry. It was still possible that this might be a body of the -enemy, and preparations were at once made for defence. The drums were -beat, a line formed, and muskets loaded. Soon, however, it could be -made out that an officer riding at the head of the party was in British -uniform, and in a few minutes Shakespere rode up, followed by his men. -The joy of the meeting was almost beyond words. A few days before a -hopeless captivity among wild tribesmen seemed to be their certain lot; -now they were among friends again. They learned from Sir Richmond that -General Sale himself was to set out at the head of a brigade to support -the advanced party.</p> - -<p>The next morning they started again, and on the 20th met Sale's column. -That evening they passed near the camp of the Candahar force, and the -next day rode through Cabul on their way to Pollock's camp, where their -arrival excited unbounded delight, for it had generally been felt that -the victories that they had won would be incomplete indeed unless their -fellow countrymen and women had been rescued. General Pollock thanked -Angus publicly that evening for the service that he had rendered, and -the manner in which he had carried out the perilous scheme he had -volunteered to perform, and he received innumerable congratulations -from all the officers with whom he had shared in the defence of -Jellalabad.</p> - -<p>The army remained but a few days at Cabul, for the winter was at hand. -It was at first proposed to destroy the Bala Hissar, but the idea was -given up, as it was represented that no ruler of Afghanistan would be -able to maintain his position unless he had that fortress to rely upon. -Instead of this the great bazaar, through which Macnaghten's body had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> -been carried in triumph, was destroyed, and in spite of the efforts of -their officers many of the troops entered the city and punished the -treachery of its inhabitants by sacking a considerable portion of it. -The united army then marched down the passes and retired to India. -Pollock's division met with no resistance whatever; that of Nott, which -followed it, was more than once attacked by large bands of plunderers.</p> - -<p>The report that General Pollock had sent in to the Governor-general on -the day the captives reached the camp gave full credit to Angus for -the courage and devotion that he had shown, and stated that had he not -succeeded in bringing Saleh Mahomed over to our side, the latter would -probably have reached Khooloom with the captives before they could have -been overtaken, and in that case they might have been sent far away on -the approach of Sale's brigade and been lost for ever to their friends. -The consequence was that he was at once appointed political officer to -one of the Rajput states.</p> - -<p>Henceforth his promotion was rapid. Six years later he went to England -on three years' leave. On the ship on which he sailed were four -officers of his acquaintance, some of whom were accompanied by their -wives. From several of these he received the most pressing invitations -to stay with them at their country houses. These he gladly accepted, -for except among military men who had returned home, he was without -friends. Feeling at a loss for employment after a life of such activity -as he had led, he threw up his leave at the end of the year, and took -back with him to India a wife, the daughter of a colonel who had sailed -with him from India.</p> - -<p>At the end of another ten years he returned home for good. His pay -had been large. He had laid by a considerable sum before he first -went home, and this he had placed in the hands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span> of the firm to whom -he had sent his money before leaving Teheran for Herat. It had been -well employed by them, and at the age of forty he returned home with a -considerable fortune, besides a pension, after twenty-three years of -service. He had been reluctant to quit his work, but his wife's health -had suffered from the climate. His three children had been sent home to -her family, and he now bought a place near her people. At first he felt -altogether out of his element, but he gradually fell into the ways of -country life, and no longer regretted that his work in India had come -to an end.</p> - - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - - - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Wherever English is spoken one imagines that Mr. Henty's name is -known. One cannot enter a schoolroom or look at a boy's bookshelf -without seeing half-a-dozen of his familiar volumes. Mr. Henty -is no doubt the most successful writer for boys, and the one to -whose new volumes they look forward every Christmas with most -pleasure."—<i>Review of Reviews.</i></p></blockquote> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<p class="ph3">A LIST OF BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> - - -<p>... By ...</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">G.A. HENTY</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">G.M. FENN</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">S. BARING-GOULD</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">KIRK MUNROE</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">F. FRANKFORT MOORE</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">GORDON STABLES</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">ROBERT LEIGHTON</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">HARRY COLLINGWOOD</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">ROSA MULHOLLAND</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">ALICE CORKRAN, ETC.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Published by</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</span><br /> -<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;">153 to 157 Fifth Avenue New York</span><br /> -</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">G.A. HENTY'S NEW STORIES FOR 1901-1902</p> - -<p>"His books have at once the solidity of history and the charm of -romance."—<i>Journal of Education.</i></p> - - -<p>WITH ROBERTS TO PRETORIA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Boer War. By G.A. <span class="smcap">Henty</span>. With 12 -Illustrations. $1.25 net.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The Boer War gives Mr. Henty an unexcelled opportunity for a thrilling -story of present-day interest which the author could not fail to take -advantage of. Every boy reader will find this account of the adventures -of the young hero most exciting, and, at the same time, a wonderfully -accurate description of Lord Roberts's campaign to Pretoria. Boys have -found history in the dress Mr. Henty gives it anything but dull, and -the present book is no exception to the rule.</p> - - -<p>AT THE POINT OF THE BAYONET</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the British Conquest of India. By G.A. <span class="smcap">Henty</span>. -Illustrated. 12mo, $1.25 net.</p></blockquote> - -<p>One hundred years ago the rule of the British in India was only partly -established. The powerful Mahrattas were unsubdued, and with their -skill in intrigue, and great military power, they were exceedingly -dangerous. The story of "At the Point of the Bayonet" begins with the -attempt to conquer this powerful people. Harry Lindsay, an infant when -his father and mother were killed, was saved by his Mahratta ayah, who -carried him to her own people, and brought him up as a native. She -taught him as best she could, and, having told him his parentage, sent -him to Bombay to be educated. At sixteen he obtained a commission in -the English Army, and his knowledge of the Mahratta tongue combined -with his ability and bravery enabled him to render great service in the -Mahratta War, and carried him, through many frightful perils by land -and sea, to high rank.</p> - - -<p>TO HERAT AND CABUL</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the First Afghan War. By G. A <span class="smcap">Henty</span>. With -Illustrations. 12mo. $1.25 net.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The greatest defeat ever experienced by the British Army was that in -the Mountain Passes of Afghanistan. Angus Cameron, the hero of this -book, having been captured by the friendly Afghans, was compelled to be -a witness of the calamity. His whole story is an intensely interesting -one, from his boyhood in Persia; his employment under the Government -at Herat; through the defense of that town against the Persians; to -Cabul, where he shared in all the events which ended in the awful march -through the Passes, from which but one man escaped. Angus is always at -the point of danger, and whether in battle or in hazardous expeditions -shows how much a brave youth, full of resources, can do, even with so -treacherous a foe. His dangers and adventures are thrilling, and his -escapes marvellous.</p> - - -<p>NEW VOLUMES FOR 1900-1901.</p> - -<p>Mr. Henty, the most popular writer of Books of Adventure in England, -adds three new volumes to his list this fall—books that will delight -thousands of boys on this side who have become his ardent admirers.</p> - - -<p>WITH BULLER IN NATAL</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, A Born Leader. By G.A. <span class="smcap">Henty</span>. With 10 Illustrations by W. -<span class="smcap">Rainey</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The breaking out of the Boer War compelled Chris King, the hero of the -story, to flee with his mother from Johannesburg to the sea coast. They -were with many other Uitlanders, and all suffered much from the Boers. -Reaching a place of safety for their families, Chris and twenty of his -friends formed an independent company of scouts. In this service they -were with Gen. Yule at Glencoe, then in Ladysmith, then with Buller. -In each place they had many thrilling adventures. They were in great -battles, and in lonely fights on the Veldt; were taken prisoners and -escaped; and they rendered most valuable service to the English forces. -The story is a most interesting picture of the War in South Africa.</p> - - -<p>OUT WITH GARIBALDI</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Liberation of Italy. By G.A. <span class="smcap">Henty</span>. With 8 -Illustrations by W. <span class="smcap">Rainey</span>, R.I. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Garibaldi himself is the central figure of this brilliant story, and -the little-known history of the struggle for Italian freedom is told -here in the most thrilling way. From the time the hero, a young lad, -son of an English father and an Italian mother, joins Garibaldi's band -of 1,000 men in the first descent upon Sicily, which was garrisoned -by one of the large Neapolitan armies, until the end, when all those -armies are beaten, and the two Sicilys are conquered, we follow with -the keenest interest the exciting adventures of the lad in scouting, in -battle, and in freeing those in prison for liberty's sake.</p> - - -<p>IN THE IRISH BRIGADE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By G.A. <span class="smcap">Henty</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Desmond Kennedy is a young Irish lad who left Ireland to join the Irish -Brigade in the service of Louis XIV. of France. In Paris he incurred -the deadly hatred of a powerful courtier from whom he had rescued a -young girl who had been kidnapped, and his perils are of absorbing -interest. Captured in an attempted Jacobite invasion of Scotland, he -escaped in a most extraordinary manner. As aide-de-camp to the Duke of -Berwick he experienced thrilling adventures in Flanders. Transferred to -the Army in Spain, he was nearly assassinated, but escaped to return, -when peace was declared, to his native land, having received pardon and -having recovered his estates. The story is filled with adventure, and -the interest never abates.</p> - - -<p>BY G.A. HENTY.</p> - -<p>"Surely Mr. Henty should understand boys' tastes better than any man -living."—<i>The Times.</i></p> - - -<p>WON BY THE SWORD</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Thirty Years' War. With 12 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Charles -M. Sheldon</span>, and 4 Plans. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The scene of this story is laid in France, during the time of -Richelieu, of Mazarin and Anne of Austria. The hero, Hector Campbell, -is the orphaned son of a Scotch officer in the French Army. How he -attracted the notice of Marshal Turenne and of the Prince of Conde, how -he rose to the rank of Colonel; how he finally had to leave France, -pursued by the deadly hatred of the Duc de Beaufort—all these and much -more the story tells with the most absorbing interest.</p> - - -<p>NO SURRENDER</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Story of the Revolt in La Vendée. With 8 Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Stanley L. Wood</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The revolt of La Vendée against the French Republic at the time of -the Revolution forms the groundwork of this absorbing story. Leigh -Stansfield, a young English lad, is drawn into the thickest of the -conflict. Forming a company of boys as scouts for the Vendéan Army, he -greatly aids the peasants. He rescues his sister from the guillotine, -and finally, after many thrilling experiences, when the cause of La -Vendée is lost, he escapes to England.</p> - - -<p>A ROVING COMMISSION</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti. With 12 Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">William Rainey</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This is one of the most brilliant of Mr. Henty's books. A story of -the sea, with all its life and action, it is also full of thrilling -adventures on land. So it holds the keenest interest until the end. -The scene is a new one to Mr. Henty's readers, being laid at the time -of the Great Revolt of the Blacks, by which Hayti became independent. -Toussaint l'Overture appears, and an admirable picture is given of him -and of his power.</p> - - -<p>AT ABOUKIR AND ACRE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Napoleon's Invasion of Egypt. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">William Rainey</span>, and 3 Plans. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero, having saved the life of the son of an Arab chief, is taken -into the tribe, has a part in the battle of the Pyramids and the revolt -at Cairo. He is an eye-witness of the famous naval battle of Aboukir, -and later is in the hardest of the defense of Acre.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Henty is the king of story-tellers for boys."—<i>Sword and Trowel.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>UNDER WELLINGTON'S COMMAND</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Peninsular War. With 12 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Wal -Paget</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The dashing hero of this book, Terence O'Connor, was the hero of Mr. -Henty's previous book, "With Moore at Corunna," to which this is really -a sequel. He is still at the head of the "Minho" Portuguese regiment. -Being detached on independent and guerilla duty with his regiment, he -renders invaluable service in gaining information and in harassing -the French. His command, being constantly on the edge of the army, is -engaged in frequent skirmishes and some most important battles.</p> - - -<p>BOTH SIDES THE BORDER</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Ralph Peacock</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This is a brilliant story of the stirring times of the beginning of the -Wars of the Roses, when the Scotch, under Douglas, and the Welsh, under -Owen Glendower, were attacking the English. The hero of the book lived -near the Scotch border, and saw many a hard fight there. Entering the -service of Lord Percy, he was sent to Wales, where he was knighted, and -where he was captured. Being released, he returned home, and shared in -the fatal battle of Shrewsbury.</p> - - -<p>ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S EVE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Huguenot Wars. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">H.J. Draper</span>, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero, Philip Fletcher, has a French connection on his mother's -side. This induces him to cross the Channel in order to take a share -in the Huguenot wars. Naturally he sides with the Protestants, -distinguishes himself in various battles, and receives rapid promotion -for the zeal and daring with which he carries out several secret -missions.</p> - - -<p>REDSKIN AND COW-BOY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Western Plains. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearse</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The central interest of this story is found in the many adventures of -an English lad, who seeks employment as a cow-boy on a cattle ranch. -His experiences during a "round-up" present in picturesque form the -toilsome, exciting, adventurous life of a cow-boy; while the perils of -a frontier settlement are vividly set forth in an Indian raid.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"No country nor epoch of history is there which Mr. Henty does not -know, and what is really remarkable is that he always writes well and -interestingly." —<i>New York Times.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>WITH FREDERICK THE GREAT</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Seven Years' War. With 12 full-page Illustrations. 12mo, -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of this story while still a youth entered the service of -Frederick the Great, and by a succession of fortunate circumstances and -perilous adventures, rose to the rank of colonel. Attached to the staff -of the king, he rendered distinguished services in many battles, in one -of which he saved the king's life. Twice captured and imprisoned, he -both times escaped from the Austrian fortresses.</p> - - -<p>A MARCH ON LONDON</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Wat Tyler's Rising. With 8 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">W.H. Margetson</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story of Wat Tyler's Rebellion is but little known, but the hero -of this story passes through that perilous time and takes part in the -civil war in Flanders which followed soon after. Although young he is -thrown into many exciting and dangerous adventures, through which he -passes with great coolness and much credit.</p> - - -<p>WITH MOORE AT CORUNNA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Peninsular War. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Wal Paget</span>. 12mo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Terence O'Connor is living with his widowed father, Captain O'Connor of -the Mayo Fusiliers, with the regiment at the time when the Peninsular -war began. Upon the regiment being ordered to Spain, Terence gets -appointed as aid to one of the generals of a division. By his bravery -and great usefulness throughout the war, he is rewarded by a commission -as colonel in the Portuguese army and there rendered great service.</p> - - -<p>ON THE IRRAWADDY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the First Burmese War. With 8 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">W.H. Overend</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero, having an uncle, a trader on the Indian and Burmese rivers, -goes out to join him. Soon after, war is declared by Burmah against -England and he is drawn into it. He has many experiences and narrow -escapes in battles and in scouting. With half-a-dozen men he rescues -his cousin who had been taken prisoner, and in the flight they are -besieged in an old, ruined temple.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Boys like stirring adventures, and Mr. Henty is a master of this -method of composition."—<i>New York Times.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>AT AGINCOURT</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Walter Paget</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story begins in a grim feudal castle in Normandie. The times were -troublous, and soon the king compelled Lady Margaret de Villeroy with -her children to go to Paris as hostages. Guy Aylmer went with her. -Paris was turbulent. Soon the guild of the butchers, adopting white -hoods as their uniform, seized the city, and besieged the house where -our hero and his charges lived. After desperate fighting, the white -hoods were beaten and our hero and his charges escaped from the city, -and from France.</p> - - -<p>WITH COCHRANE THE DAUNTLESS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Exploits of Lord Cochrane in South American Waters. With -12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.H. Margetson</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of this story accompanies Cochrane as midshipman, and serves -in the war between Chili and Peru. He has many exciting adventures in -battles by sea and land, is taken prisoner and condemned to death by -the Inquisition, but escapes by a long and thrilling flight across -South America and down the Amazon, piloted by two faithful Indians.</p> - - -<p>THE TIGER OF MYSORE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the War with Tippoo Saib. With 12 full-page Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">W.H. Margetson</span>, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Dick Holland, whose father is supposed to be a captive of Tippoo Saib, -goes to India to help him to escape. He joins the army under Lord -Cornwallis, and takes part in the campaign against Tippoo. Afterwards -he assumes a disguise, enters Seringapatam, and at last he discovers -his father in the great stronghold of Savandroog. The hazardous rescue -is at length accomplished, and the young fellow's dangerous mission is -done.</p> - - -<p>THROUGH RUSSIAN SNOWS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.H. Overend</span>, and 3 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero, Julian Wyatt, after several adventures with smugglers, by -whom he is handed over a prisoner to the French, regains his freedom -and joins Napoleon's army in the Russian campaign. When the terrible -retreat begins, Julian finds himself in the rear guard of the French -army, fighting desperately. Ultimately he escapes out of the general -disaster, and returns to England.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Here we have Mr. George Henty—the Boys' Own Author."—<i>Punch.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>A KNIGHT OF THE WHITE CROSS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Ralph Peacock</span>, and a Plan. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Gervaise Tresham, the hero of this story, joins the Order of the -Knights of St. John, and proceeds to the stronghold of Rhodes. -Subsequently he is appointed commander of a war-galley, and in his -first voyage destroys a fleet of Moorish corsairs. During one of -his cruises the young knight is attacked on shore, captured after a -desperate struggle, and sold into slavery in Tripoli. He succeeds in -escaping, and returns to Rhodes in time to take part in the defense of -that fortress.</p> - - -<p>WULF THE SAXON</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Norman Conquest. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Ralph Peacock</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero is a young thane who wins the favor of Earl Harold and becomes -one of his retinue. When Harold becomes King of England Wulf assists in -the Welsh wars, and takes part against the Norsemen at the Battle of -Stamford Bridge. When William of Normandy invades England, Wulf is with -the English host at Hastings, and stands by his king to the last in the -mighty struggle.</p> - - -<p>BERIC THE BRITON</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Roman Invasion. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W. Parkinson</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story deals with the invasion of Britain by the Roman legionaries. -Beric, who is a boy-chief of a British tribe, takes a prominent part in -the insurrection under Boadicea; and after the defeat of that heroic -queen (in A.D. 62) he continues the struggle in the fen-country. -Ultimately Beric is defeated and carried captive to Rome, where he is -trained in the exercise of arms in a school of gladiators. At length he -returns to Britain, where he becomes ruler of his own people.</p> - - -<p>WHEN LONDON BURNED</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Plague and the Fire. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">J. Finnemore</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of this story was the son of a nobleman who had lost his -estates during the troublous times of the Commonwealth. During the -Great Plague and the Great Fire, Cyril was prominent among those who -brought help to the panic-stricken inhabitants.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A.HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Ask for Henty, and see that you get him."—<i>Punch.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE DASH FOR KHARTOUM</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Nile Expedition. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 10 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">John Schönberg</span> and <span class="smcap">J. -Nash</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In the record of recent British history there is no more captivating -page for boys than the story of the Nile campaign, and the attempt to -rescue General Gordon. For, in the difficulties which the expedition -encountered, in the perils which it overpassed, and in its final tragic -disappointments, are found all the excitements of romance, as well as -the fascination which belongs to real events.</p> - - -<p>BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service. The -boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is arrested for aiding a Jacobite -agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches Paris, and -serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills his father's foe -in a duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the adventures of Prince -Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scotland.</p> - - -<p>UNDER DRAKE'S FLAG</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Spanish Main. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the supremacy -of the sea. The heroes sail as lads with Drake in the Pacific -expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. The historical -portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, but this will -perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of exciting adventure -through which the young heroes pass in the course of their voyages.</p> - - -<p>WITH WOLFE IN CANADA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Winning of a Continent. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Mr. Henty here gives an account of the struggle between Britain and -France for supremacy in the North American continent. The fall of -Quebec decided that the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New -World; and that English and American commerce, the English language, -and English literature, should spread right round the globe.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G. A HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Henty is one of the best of story-tellers for young -people."—<i>Spectator.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>BY PIKE AND DYKE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With -10 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Maynard Brown</span>, and 4 Maps. -Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story traces the adventures of an English boy in the household of -William the Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea-captain, -enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is employed by him -in many dangerous and responsible missions, in the discharge of which -he passes through the great sieges of the time.</p> - - -<p>BY ENGLAND'S AID</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604). By <span class="smcap">G.A. -Henty</span>. With 10 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearse</span>, -and 4 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story of two English lads who go to Holland as pages in the service -of one of "the fighting Veres." After many adventures by sea and land, -one of the lads finds himself on board a Spanish ship at the time of -the defeat of the Armada, and escapes, only to fall into the hands of -the Corsairs. He is successful in getting back to Spain, and regains -his native country after the capture of Cadiz.</p> - - -<p>IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Adventure in Colorado. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G.C. Hindley</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero, Tom Wade, goes to seek his uncle in Colorado, who is a hunter -and gold-digger, and he is discovered, after many dangers, out on the -plains with some comrades. Going in quest of a gold mine, the little -band is spied by Indians, chased across the Bad Lands, and overwhelmed -by a snow-storm in the mountains.</p> - - -<p>BY RIGHT OF CONQUEST</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, With Cortez in Mexico. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 10 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.S. Stacey</span>, and 2 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>With the Conquest of Mexico as the groundwork of his story, Mr. Henty -has interwoven the adventures of an English youth. He is beset by many -perils among the natives, but by a ruse he obtains the protection of -the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico he succeeds in regaining -his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec bride.</p> - - -<p>THROUGH THE SIKH WAR</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Hal Hurst</span>, and a Map. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Percy Groves, a spirited English lad, joins his uncle in the Punjaub, -where the natives are in a state of revolt. Percy joins the British -force as a volunteer, and takes a distinguished share in the famous -battles of the Punjaub.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"No living writer of books for boys writes to better purpose than Mr. -G.A. Henty."—<i>Philadelphia Press.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>TRUE TO THE OLD FLAG</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the American War of Independence. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. -With 12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A graphic and vigorous story of the American Revolution, which paints -the scenes with great power, and does full justice to the pluck and -determination of the soldiers during the unfortunate struggle.</p> - - -<p>THE LION OF ST. MARK</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth Century. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. -With 10 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor were put -to the severest tests. The hero displays a fine sense and manliness -which carry him safely through an atmosphere of intrigue, crime, and -bloodshed.</p> - - -<p>THE LION OF THE NORTH</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars of Religion. By -<span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 full-page illustrations by <span class="smcap">John -Schönberg</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In this story Mr. Henty gives the history of the first part of the -Thirty Years' War. The issue had its importance, which has extended -to the present day, as it established religious freedom in Germany. -The army of the chivalrous King of Sweden was largely composed of -Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of the story.</p> - - -<p>IN GREEK WATERS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Grecian War of Independence (1821-1827). By <span class="smcap">G.A. -Henty</span>. With 12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.S. Stacey</span>, -and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Deals with the revolt of the Greeks in 1821 against Turkish oppression. -Mr. Beveridge and his son Horace fit out a privateer, load it with -military stores, and set sail for Greece. They rescue the Christians, -relieve the captive Greeks, and fight the Turkish war vessels.</p> - - -<p>WITH LEE IN VIRGINIA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the American Civil War. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 10 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>, and 6 Maps. Crown -8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story of a young Virginia planter, who serves under Lee and -Jackson through the most exciting events of the struggle. He has -many hairbreadth escapes, is several times wounded and twice taken -prisoner; but his courage and readiness bring him safely through all -difficulties.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Henty's books never fail to interest boy readers."—<i>Academy.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>WITH CLIVE IN INDIA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Beginnings of an Empire. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>, and a Map. Crown -8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The period between the landing of Clive in India and the close of his -career was eventful in the extreme. At its commencement the English -were traders existing on sufferance of the native princes; at its close -they were masters of Bengal and of the greater part of Southern India. -The author has given a full account of the events of that stirring -time, while he combines with his narrative a thrilling tale of daring -and adventure.</p> - - -<p>THE YOUNG CARTHAGINIAN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Times of Hannibal. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">C.J. Staniland</span>, R.I. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>There is no better field for romance-writers in the whole of history -than the momentous struggle between the Romans and Carthaginians for -the empire of the world. Mr. Henty has had the full advantage of much -unexhausted picturesque and impressive material, and has thus been -enabled to form a striking historic background to as exciting a story -of adventure as the keenest appetite could wish.</p> - - -<p>FOR THE TEMPLE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 10 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">S.J. Solomon</span>, and a colored Map. -Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable and -attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the march -of the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of Jerusalem, -form the impressive setting to the figure of the lad who becomes the -leader of a guerrilla band of patriots, fights bravely for the Temple, -and after a brief term of slavery at Alexandria, returns to his -Galilean home.</p> - - -<p>THROUGH THE FRAY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Luddite Riots. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">H.M. Paget</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story is laid in Yorkshire at the commencement of the present -century, when the high price of food induced by the war and the -introduction of machinery drove the working-classes to desperation, -and caused them to band themselves in that wide-spread organization -known as the Luddite Society. There is an abundance of adventure in the -tale, but its chief interest lies in the character of the hero, and -the manner in which he is put on trial for his life, but at last comes -victorious "through the fray."</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"The brightest of all the living writers whose office it is to enchant -the boys."—<i>Christian Leader.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>CAPTAIN BAYLEY'S HEIR</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With -12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">H.M. Paget</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a -considerable property. The former falls into a trap laid by the latter, -and while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves England -for America. He works his passage before the mast, joins a small band -of hunters, crosses a tract of country infested with Indians to the -Californian gold diggings, and is successful both as digger and trader.</p> - - -<p>IN FREEDOM'S CAUSE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 12 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Relates the stirring tale of the Scottish War of Independence. The -hero of the tale fought under both Wallace and Bruce, and while the -strictest historical accuracy has been maintained with respect to -public events, the work is full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild -adventure.</p> - - -<p>A JACOBITE EXILE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Being the Adventures of a Young Englishman in the Service of Charles -XII. of Sweden. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 full-page Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">Paul Hardy</span>, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Sir Marmaduke Carstairs, a Jacobite, is the victim of a conspiracy, and -he is denounced as a plotter against the life of King William. He flies -to Sweden, accompanied by his son Charlie. This youth joins the foreign -legion under Charles XII., and takes a distinguished part in several -famous campaigns against the Russians and Poles.</p> - - -<p>CONDEMNED AS A NIHILIST</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Escape from Siberia. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of this story is an English boy resident in St. Petersburg. -Through two student friends he becomes innocently involved in various -political plots, resulting in his seizure by the Russian police and -his exile to Siberia. He ultimately escapes, and, after many exciting -adventures, he reaches Norway, and thence home, after a perilous -journey which lasts nearly two years.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Henty is one of our most successful writers of historical -tales."—<i>Scotsman.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>IN THE REIGN OF TERROR</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">J. Schönberg</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the chateau -of a French marquis, and after various adventures accompanies the -family to Paris at the crisis of the Revolution. Imprisonment and death -reduce their number, and the hero finds himself beset by perils with -the three young daughters of the house in his charge. After hairbreadth -escapes they reach Nantes. There the girls are condemned to death -in the coffinships, but are saved by the unfailing courage of their -boy-protector.</p> - - -<p>ST. GEORGE FOR ENGLAND</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than -that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the destruction -of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death; the Jacquerie -rising; these are treated by the author in "St. George for England." -The hero of the story, although of good family, begins life as a London -apprentice, but after countless adventures and perils becomes by valor -and good conduct the squire, and at last the trusted friend of the -Black Prince.</p> - - -<p>A CHAPTER OF ADVENTURES</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, Through the Bombardment of Alexandria. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. -With 6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.H. Overend</span>. Crown 8vo, -$1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A coast fishing lad, by an act of heroism, secures the interest of a -ship-owner, who places him as an apprentice on board one of his ships. -In company with two of his fellow-apprentices he is left behind, at -Alexandria, in the hands of the revolted Egyptian troops, and is -present through the bombardment and the scenes of riot and bloodshed -which accompanied it.</p> - - -<p>HELD FAST FOR ENGLAND</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story deals with one of the most memorable sieges in history—the -siege of Gibraltar in 1779-83 by the united forces of France and -Spain. With land forces, fleets, and floating batteries, the combined -resources of two great nations, this grim fortress was vainly besieged -and bombarded. The hero of the tale, an English lad resident in -Gibraltar, takes a brave and worthy part in the long defence, and it -is through his varied experiences that we learn with what bravery, -resource, and tenacity the Rock was held for England.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Among writers of stories of adventures for boys Mr. Henty stands in -the very first rank."—<i>Academy.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>FOR NAME AND FAME</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, Through Afghan Passes. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero, after -being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the -Malays, finds his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regiment proceeding -to join the army at the Afghan passes. He accompanies the force under -General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, -carried to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes part -in the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan.</p> - - -<p>ORANGE AND GREEN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The record of two typical families—the Davenants, who, having come -over with Strongbow, had allied themselves in feeling to the original -inhabitants; and the Whitefoots, who had been placed by Cromwell -over certain domains of the Davenants. In the children the spirit of -contention has given place to friendship, and though they take opposite -sides in the struggle between James and William, their good-will and -mutual service are never interrupted, and in the end the Davenants come -happily to their own again.</p> - - -<p>MAORI AND SETTLER</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the New Zealand War. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearce</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The Renshaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of the war -with the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, courageous lad, is -the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend Mr. Atherton, a -botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and unfailing nerve and -humor. In the adventures among the Maoris, there are many breathless -moments in which the odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they -succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasant New -Zealand valleys.</p> - - -<p>A FINAL RECKONING</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.B. Wollen</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero, a young English lad, after rather a stormy boyhood, emigrates -to Australia and gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. -A few years of active work on the frontier, where he has many a brush -with both natives and bush-rangers, gain him promotion to a captaincy, -and he eventually settles down to the peaceful life of a squatter.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Henty's books are welcome visitors in the home circle."—<i>Daily -News.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, With Peterborough in Spain. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">H.M. Paget</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so completely -fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. This is -largely due to the fact that they were overshadowed by the glory and -successes of Marlborough. His career as General extended over little -more than a year, and yet, in that time, he showed a genius for warfare -which has never been surpassed.</p> - - -<p>THE DRAGON AND THE RAVEN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Days of King Alfred. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">C.J. Staniland</span>, R.I. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle -between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid -picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the -ravages of the sea-wolves. The hero, a young Saxon thane, takes part -in all the battles fought by King Alfred. He is driven from his home, -takes to the sea, and resists the Danes on their own element, and being -pursued by them up the Seine, is present at the long and desperate -siege of Paris.</p> - - -<p>FACING DEATH</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of the Coal Mines. By <span class="smcap">G.A. -Henty</span>. With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. -Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that -a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise -in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship -to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the -story is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, generous, and though -"shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of -duty.</p> - - -<p>BY SHEER PLUCK</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Ashanti War. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details -of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. His hero, -after many exciting adventures in the interior, is detained a prisoner -by the king just before the outbreak of the war, but escapes, and -accompanies the English expedition on their march to Coomassie.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY G.A. HENTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Henty might with entire propriety be called the boys' Sir Walter -Scott."—<i>Philadelphia Press.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE CAT OF BUBASTES</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Ancient Egypt. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight into the -customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the Rebu nation, is -carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery. They become inmates -of the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high-priest, and are happy in his -service until the priest's son accidentally kills the sacred cat of -Bubastes. In an outburst of popular fury Ameres is killed, and it rests -with Jethro and Amuba to secure the escape of the high-priest's son and -daughter.</p> - - -<p>ONE OF THE 28<sup>TH</sup></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Waterloo. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.H. Overend</span>, and 2 Maps. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of this story, Ralph Conway, has many varied and exciting -adventures. He enters the army, and after some rough service in Ireland -takes part in the Waterloo campaign, from which he returns with the -loss of an arm, but with a substantial fortune.</p> - - -<p>STURDY AND STRONG</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, How George Andrews made his Way. By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 4 -full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The history of a hero of everyday life, whose love of truth, clothing -of modesty, and innate pluck, carry him, naturally, from poverty to -affluence. George Andrews is an example of character with nothing to -cavil at, and stands as a good instance of chivalry in domestic life.</p> - - -<p>TALES OF DARING AND DANGER</p> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 2 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, 75 -cents.</p> - -<p>Containing five stories, varied in scene and character, but all of -adventurous interest and telling of youthful heroism under dangerous -and trying circumstances on land and on sea.</p> - - -<p>YARNS ON THE BEACH</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">G.A. Henty</span>. With 2 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, 75 -cents.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This book should find special favor among boys. The yarns are spun by -old sailors, and are admirably calculated to foster a manly spirit.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">DROLL DOINGS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Harry B. Neilson</span>, with verses by the -<span class="smcap">Cockiolly Bird</span>. 4to, decorated boards. $2.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A new, original, and very amusing book of animal pictures in color.</p> - - -<p>BY CARTON MOORE PARK</p> - - -<p>A BOOK OF BIRDS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Profusely Illustrated with full-page plates, vignettes, cover design, -&c., &c. Demy 4to (13 inches by 10 inches). $2.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>No artist has caught more thoroughly the individualities of the bird -world, or has reproduced them with more lifelike vivacity and charm.</p> - - -<p>AN ALPHABET OF ANIMALS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>With 26 full-page Plates, a large number of vignettes, and cover -design by <span class="smcap">Carton Moore Park</span>. Demy 4to (13 inches by 10 -inches), $2.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A strikingly artistic alphabet book. Mr. Park's drawings are marked -by extraordinary boldness and vigor of treatment; but they display in -addition a rare appreciation of the subtler characteristics of the -animal world. Of these individual traits Mr. Park has an intuitive -perception, and his pictures may almost be said to live upon the page.</p> - - -<p>BRIGHT AND ORIGINAL FAIRY TALES</p> - - -<p>THE PRINCESS OF HEARTS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Sheila E. Braine</span>. With 70 illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alice B. -Woodward</span>, and Frontispiece in Colors. Square 8vo, gilt edges, -$2.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>GO TELL THE KING THE SKY IS FALLING</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Sheila E. Braine</span>. With 85 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alice B. -Woodward</span>. Square crown 8vo, $1.75.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE LITTLE BROWNS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Mabel E. Wolton</span>. With 80 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">H.M. -Brock</span>, and a Colored Frontispiece. Square 8vo, gilt edges, $2.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The little Browns are a delightful set of youngsters, more than usually -individual and self-reliant. During their parents' absence they extend -hospitality to a stranger, under the belief that he is their uncle from -Australia. The supposed uncle is really a burglar, and by their courage -and childish resource they outwit him. <i>The Little Browns</i> is the work -of a true child-lover.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY PROFESSOR A.J. CHURCH</p> - - -<p>LORDS OF THE WORLD</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Fall of Carthage and Corinth. By Professor <span class="smcap">A.J. -Church</span>. With 12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Ralph -Peacock</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The scene of this story centres in the destruction of Carthage by -the Romans. The young hero is captured by the Romans, but wearing -the dress of his twin sister, escapes death. Entering the army of -Carthage he is in the thick of the long conflict and passes through -many thrilling adventures. He is present at the final scene, and that -awful catastrophe is most vividly told. The story is full of valuable -historical details and the interest never flags.</p> - - -<p>TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Adventures of a Roman Boy. By Professor <span class="smcap">A.J. Church</span>. -With 12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Adrien Marie</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero is a young Roman who has a very chequered career, being now a -captive in the hands of Spartacus, again an officer on board a vessel -detailed for the suppression of the pirates, and anon a captive once -more, on a pirate ship.</p> - - -<p>BY S. BARING-GOULD</p> - - -<p>GRETTIR THE OUTLAW</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Iceland. By <span class="smcap">S. Baring-Gould</span>. With 10 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">M. Zeno Diemer</span>, and a Colored Map. Crown -8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>No boy will be able to withstand the magic of such scenes as the fight -of Grettir with twelve bearserks, and the wrestle with Karr the Old in -the chamber of the dead.</p> - - -<p>BY F. FRANKFORT MOORE</p> - - -<p>HIGHWAYS AND HIGH SEAS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Cyril Harley's Adventures on Both. By <span class="smcap">F. Frankfort Moore</span>. -With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearse</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story belongs to a period when highways meant post-chaises, -coaches, and highwaymen, and when high seas meant privateers and -smugglers.</p> - - -<p>UNDER HATCHES</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, Ned Woodthorpe's Adventures. By <span class="smcap">F. Frankfort Moore</span>. With -8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">A. Forestier</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In rescuing another lad from drowning, Ned Woodthorpe is taken on board -a convict ship. After a series of exciting events the convicts and crew -obtain the mastery. Ultimately the ship is recaptured and Ned and his -friends escape from their troubles.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">CAPT. F.S. BRERETON</p> - - -<p>WITH RIFLE AND BAYONET</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Boer War. With 8 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Wal. Paget</span>. -Crown 8vo, olivine edges. $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Jack Somerten, the hero of <i>With Rifle and Bayonet</i>, is an English boy -who chances to be spending a vacation at the home of a school friend -in the Transvaal just before the outbreak of the Boer war. Jack is the -first Uitlander to find actual evidence that the Boers are importing -arms and ammunition in large quantities, but the Boers soon learn -that he has discovered their secret and from that time his life is in -constant danger. The account of his adventures and escapes during this -time and throughout the war makes one of the best war tales of many -years.</p> - -<p>The story gives also the most interesting details of Transvaal history, -who the Boers were, how they came to settle the Transvaal, and the -Government and customs that have arisen among them.</p> - - -<p>IN THE KING'S SERVICE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Cromwell's Invasion of Ireland. With eight page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Stanley L. Wood</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges. -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Dick Granville is the son of a Royalist who is driven from his home -in Cheshire and takes refuge at Castle Driscoe, in Ireland. When the -Parliamentary army crosses to Ireland young Dick Granville and his -cousin join a body of Royalist horse. They take part in the defense -of Drogheda, only escaping from the slaughter there by a miracle, and -afterwards go through a series of thrilling adventures and narrow -escapes in which Dick displays extraordinary skill and resource.</p> - - -<p>WITH SHIELD AND ASSEGAI</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Zulu War. With 6 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Stanley L. -Wood.</span> Crown 8vo. $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Donald Stewart, the son of an English missionary in Zululand, when -at school in England, is wrongfully accused of theft. He runs away, -enlists in the British army, and is sent to Africa. There he learns -that his sister and a friend are in the hands of Cetewayo. Disguised as -a Zulu, he rescues the two girls; and after the attack upon Ulundi, he -hears from a dying officer a confession of the theft of which he was -accused.</p> - - -<p>FIGHTING THE MATABELE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">J. Chalmers</span>. With 6 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Stanley L. -Wood</span>. 12mo. $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>A STOUT ENGLISH BOWMAN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Being a Story of Chivalry in the Days of Henry III. By <span class="smcap">Edgar -Pickering</span>. With 6 illustrations. Price, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>IN PRESS-GANG DAYS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Edgar Pickering</span>. With 6 full page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W. -S. Stacey</span>. Crown 8vo. $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY ROBERT LEIGHTON</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Leighton's place is in the front rank of writers of boys' -books."—<i>Standard.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE GOLDEN GALLEON</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Illustrated, crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This is a story of Queen Elizabeth's time, just after the defeat of -the Spanish Armada. Mr. Leighton introduces in his work the great -sea-fighters of Plymouth town—Hawkins, Drake, Raleigh, and Richard -Grenville.</p> - - -<p>OLAF THE GLORIOUS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Leighton</span>. With 8 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Ralph Peacock</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story of Olaf, King of Norway, opens with his being found living -as a bond-slave in Esthonia, and follows him through his romantic youth -in Russia. Then come his adventures as a Viking, his raids upon the -coasts of Scotland and England, and his conversion to Christianity. He -returns to Norway as king, and converts his people to the Christian -faith.</p> - - -<p>WRECK OF "THE GOLDEN FLEECE"</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Story of a North Sea Fisher-boy. By <span class="smcap">Robert Leighton</span>. -With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Frank Brangwyn</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero is a parson's son who is apprenticed on board a Lowestoft -fishing lugger. The lad suffers many buffets from his shipmates, while -the storms and dangers which he braved are set forth with intense power.</p> - - -<p>THE THIRSTY SWORD</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Norse Invasion of Scotland (1262-63). By <span class="smcap">Robert -Leighton</span>. With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred -Pearse</span>, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story tells how Roderic MacAlpin, the sea-rover, came to the Isle -of Bute; how he slew his brother in Rothesay Castle; how the earl's -eldest son was likewise slain; how young Kenric now became king of -Bute, and vowed vengeance against the slayer of his brother and father; -and finally, how this vow was kept, when Kenric and the murderous -sea-rover met at midnight and ended their feud in one last great fight.</p> - - -<p>THE PILOTS OF POMONA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Orkney Islands. By <span class="smcap">Robert Leighton</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">John Leighton</span>, and a Map. Crown -8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Halcro Ericson, the hero, happens upon many exciting adventures and -hardy experiences, through which he carries himself with quiet courage. -The story gives a vivid presentation of life in these far northern -islands.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY KIRK MUNROE</p> - - -<p>MIDSHIPMAN STUART</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, the Last Cruise of the Essex. A Tale of the War of 1812. -Illustrated. 12mo, $1.25</p></blockquote> - - -<p>IN PIRATE WATERS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the American Navy. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">I.W. Taber</span>. 12mo, -$1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of the story becomes a midshipman in the navy just at the time -of the war with Tripoli. His own wild adventures among the Turks and -his love romance are thoroughly interwoven with the stirring history of -that time.</p> - - -<p>THE "WHITE CONQUERORS" SERIES</p> - - -<p>WITH CROCKETT AND BOWIE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, Fighting for the Lone Star Flag. A Tale of Texas. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Victor Pérard</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story is of the Texas revolution in 1835, when American Texans -under Sam Houston, Bowie, Crockett and Travis, fought for relief from -the intolerable tyranny of the Mexican Santa Aña. The hero, Rex Hardin, -son of a Texan ranchman and graduate of an American military school, -takes a prominent part in the heroic defense of the Alamo, and the -final triumph at San Jacinto.</p> - - -<p>THROUGH SWAMP AND GLADE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Seminole War. By <span class="smcap">Kirk Munroe</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">V. Pérard</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Coacoochee, the hero of the story, is the son of Philip the chieftain -of the Seminoles. He grows up to lead his tribe in the long struggle -which resulted in the Indians being driven from the north of Florida -down to the distant southern wilderness.</p> - - -<p>AT WAR WITH PONTIAC</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Totem of the Bear. A Tale of Redcoat and Redskin. By <span class="smcap">Kirk -Munroe</span>. With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">J. Finnemore</span>. -Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A story when the shores of Lake Erie were held by hostile Indians. The -hero, Donald Hester, goes in search of his sister Edith, who has been -captured by the Indians. Strange and terrible are his experiences; for -he is wounded, taken prisoner, condemned to be burned, but contrives to -escape. In the end all things terminate happily.</p> - - -<p>THE WHITE CONQUERORS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Toltec and Aztec. By <span class="smcap">Kirk Munroe</span>. With 8 full-page -Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story deals with the Conquest of Mexico by Cortes and his -Spaniards, the "White Conquerors," who, after many deeds of valor, -pushed their way into the great Aztec kingdom and established their -power in the wondrous city where Montezuma reigned in splendor.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY DR. GORDON STABLES</p> - - -<p>COURAGE TRUE HEART</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Brilliant New Story of Danger and Daring on the Sea. By <span class="smcap">Gordon -Stables</span>, M.D., C.M. Illustrated, crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>A NAVAL CADET</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Adventure by Sea. By <span class="smcap">Gordon Stables</span>, M.D., C.M. -Illustrated, crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Battle by Land and Sea By <span class="smcap">Gordon Stables</span>, M.D., -C.M. With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Sidney Paget</span>. 12mo, -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story of an English boy who runs from home and joins the southern -army in the late Civil War. His chum enters the navy, and their various -adventures are set forth with great vigor and interest.</p> - - -<p>TO GREENLAND AND THE POLE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Adventure in the Arctic Regions. By <span class="smcap">Gordon -Stables</span>, M.D., C.M. With 8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G.C. -Hindley</span>, and a Map. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The author is himself an old Arctic voyager, and he deals with -deer-hunting in Norway, sealing in the Arctic Seas, bear-stalking on -the ice-floes, the hardships of a journey across Greenland, and a -successful voyage to the back of the North Pole.</p> - - -<p>WESTWARD WITH COLUMBUS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Gordon Stables</span>, M.D., C.M. With 8 full-page Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearse</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of this story is Columbus himself. His career is traced from -boyhood onward through the many hazardous enterprises in which he was -at various times engaged. The narrative deals chiefly, however, with -the great naval venture which resulted in the discovery of the American -continent.</p> - - -<p>'TWIXT SCHOOL AND COLLEGE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Self-reliance. By <span class="smcap">Gordon Stables</span>, M.D., C.M. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W. Parkinson</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY HARRY COLLINGWOOD</p> - - -<p>THE LOG OF A PRIVATEERSMAN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Harry Collingwood</span>. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">W. Rainey</span>, R.I. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In the war between Napoleon and the British, many privateers were sent -out from England to seize and destroy the French merchant vessels. On -one of these George Bowen went as second mate. Long distance duels at -sea, fights at close quarters, fierce boarding attacks, capture and -recapture, flight and pursuit, storm and wreck, fire at sea and days -without food or water in a small boat on the ocean, are some of the -many thrilling experiences our hero passed through.</p> - - -<p>THE LOG OF "THE FLYING FISH."</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure. By <span class="smcap">Harry -Collingwood</span>. With 12 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon -Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In this story the aim of the author has been, not only to interest and -amuse, but also to stimulate a taste for scientific study.</p> - - -<p>THE MISSING MERCHANTMAN.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Harry Collingwood</span>. With 6 full-page Pictures by <span class="smcap">W. H. -Overend</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A fine Australian clipper is seized by the crew; the passengers are -landed on one deserted island, the captain and a junior officer on -another; and the young hero of the story is kept on board to navigate -the ship, which the mutineers refit as a private vessel. After many -adventures Ned succeeded in carrying off the ship, and in picking up -the captain and the passengers.</p> - - -<p>THE CONGO ROVERS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Slave Squadron. By <span class="smcap">Harry Collingwood</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">J. Schönberg</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The scene of this thrilling tale is laid on the west coast of Africa -among the slavers.</p> - - -<p>THE ROVER'S SECRET</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Pirate Cays and Lagoons of Cuba. By <span class="smcap">Harry -Collingwood</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.C. -Symons</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The hero of "The Rover's Secret," a young officer of the British navy, -narrates his peculiar experiences in childhood and his subsequent -perils and achievements.</p> - - -<p>THE PIRATE ISLAND</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the South Pacific. By <span class="smcap">Harry Collingwood</span>. -Illustrated by 8 full-page Pictures by <span class="smcap">C.J. Staniland</span> and -<span class="smcap">J.R. Wells</span>. Olivine edges. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This story details the adventures of a lad who was found in his infancy -on board a wreck, and is adopted by a fisherman. Going to sea, he forms -one of a party who, after being burned out of their ship, are picked up -by a pirate brig and taken to the "Pirate Island," where they have many -thrilling adventures.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Fenn is in the front rank of writers for boys."—<i>Liverpool -Mercury.</i></p></blockquote> - - -<p>DICK O' THE FENS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Romance of the Great East Swamp. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Frank Dadd</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>BROWNSMITH'S BOY</p> - -<p>With 6 page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p> - - -<p>YUSSUF THE GUIDE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Being the Strange Story of Travels in Asia Minor. With 8 full page -Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE GOLDEN MAGNET</p> - -<p>A Tale of the Land of the Incas. With 12 full-page Pictures by -<span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p> - - -<p>NAT THE NATURALIST</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern Seas. Illustrated by 8 full-page -Pictures by <span class="smcap">George Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>QUICKSILVER</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, A Boy with no Skid to his Wheel. With 10 full-page Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">Frank Dadd</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>DEVON BOYS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the North Shore. With 12 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>MOTHER CAREY'S CHICKEN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Her Voyage to the Unknown Isle. With 8 full-page Illustrations. Crown -8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>BUNYIP LAND</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Story of a Wild Journey in New Guinea. With 6 full-page -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>IN THE KING'S NAME</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Cruise of the <i>Kestrel</i>. Illustrated by 12 full-page Pictures -by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>MENHARDOC</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Cornish Nets and Mines. With 6 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">C.J. Staniland</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>PATIENCE WINS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, War in the Works. With 6 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo. $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - - - -<p class="ph3">STORIES OF ADVENTURE BY SEA AND LAND</p> - - -<p>PARIS AT BAY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Siege and the Commune. By <span class="smcap">Herbert Hayens</span>. With -8 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Stanley L. Wood</span>. Crown 8vo, -olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE TURKISH AUTOMATON</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Time of Catharine the Great of Russia. By <span class="smcap">Sheila -E. Braine</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">William -Rainey</span>, R.I. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>A MYSTERY OF THE PACIFIC</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Oliphant Smeaton</span>. With 8 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Wal -Paget</span>. 12mo, olivine edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>GOLD, GOLD, IN CARIBOO</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Adventure in British Columbia. By <span class="smcap">Clive -Phillipps-Wolley</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G.C. -Hindley</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>HIS FIRST KANGAROO</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>An Australian Story for Boys. By <span class="smcap">Arthur Ferres</span>. With 6 -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">P.B.S. Spener</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>SOU'WESTER AND SWORD</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Hugh St. Leger</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Hal -Hurst</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>WITH THE SEA KINGS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Days of Lord Nelson. By <span class="smcap">F.H. Winder</span>. With 6 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.S. Stacey</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE WIGWAM AND THE WAR-PATH</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Stories of the Red Indians. By <span class="smcap">Ascott R. Hope</span>. Illustrated by -<span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"Mr. Hope's 'Wigwam and War-path' is notably good; It gives a very -vivid picture of life among the Indians."—<i>Spectator.</i></p> - - -<p>THE SEVEN WISE SCHOLARS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Ascott R. Hope</span>. Illustrated by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. -Square 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>YOUNG TRAVELLERS' TALES</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Ascott R. Hope</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">H.J. -Draper</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>WULFRIC THE WEAPON THANE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Story of the Danish Conquest of East Anglia. By <span class="smcap">Charles W. -Whistler</span>. With 6 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W.H. Margetson</span>. Crown -8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A tale in which is set forth:—How Wulfric saved the Danish warrior's -life; how he fought in the Viking ship; how he was accused falsely; -how he joined King Eadmund, as his weapon-thane; how he fought for the -king; and how he won the lady Osritha and brought her to his home.</p> - - -<p>TOMMY THE ADVENTUROUS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Story of a Brother and Sister. By <span class="smcap">S.E. Cartwright</span>. With 3 -Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>SILAS VERNEY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Time of Charles II. By <span class="smcap">Edgar Pickering</span>. With 6 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alfred Pearse</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>AN OCEAN OUTLAW</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Adventure in the good ship <i>Margaret</i>. By <span class="smcap">Hugh St. -Leger</span>. With 6 page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Wm. Rainey</span>, R.I. -Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This is a breezy sea-yarn in which the reader is made acquainted with -Jimmy Ducks, a tiptop sailor-man and a hero at cutlass work; and all -his cleverness was needed when he and his messmates came to tackle the -Ocean Outlaw.</p> - - -<p>THE LOSS OF JOHN HUMBLE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>What Led to It, and what Came of It. By <span class="smcap">G. Norway</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">John Schönberg</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine -edges, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>HAL HUNGERFORD</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Strange Adventures of a Boy Emigrant. By <span class="smcap">J.R. -Hutchinson</span>. With 4 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Stanley -Berkeley</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"There is no question whatever as to the spirited manner in which the -story is told; the death of the mate of the smuggler by the teeth of -the dog is especially effective."—<i>London Spectator.</i></p> - - -<p>SIR WALTER'S WARD</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Crusades. By <span class="smcap">William Everard</span>. Illustrated by -<span class="smcap">Walter Paget</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"A highly fascinating work, dealing with a period which is always -suggestive of romance and deeds of daring."—<i>Schoolmaster.</i></p> - - -<p>HUGH HERBERT'S INHERITANCE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Caroline Austin</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">C.T. Garland</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"A story that teaches patience as well as courage in fighting the -battles of life."—<i>Daily Chronicle.</i></p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">JONES THE MYSTERIOUS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Charles Edwardes</span>. With 3 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Harold -Copping</span>. 12mo, 75 cts.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A bright story of English schoolboy life, with mysterious happenings to -the hero, who has a secret and weird "power," bestowed upon him by his -East Indian bearer.</p> - - -<p>THE HISTORY OF GUTTA-PERCHA WILLIE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Working Genius. By <span class="smcap">George Macdonald</span>. With 8 Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">Arthur Hughes</span>. New Edition. 12mo, 75 cts.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>"Hallowe'en" Ahoy!</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, Lost on the Crozet Islands. By <span class="smcap">Hugh St. Leger</span>. With 6 -page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, $1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>The Search for the Talisman</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Labrador. By <span class="smcap">Henry Frith</span>. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, -$1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Famous Discoveries by Sea and Land</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>From the Clyde to the Jordan</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Hugh Callan</span>. With 30 Illustrations and a Map. Crown 8vo, -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Jack O'Lanthorn</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of Adventure. By <span class="smcap">Henry Frith</span>. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, -$1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Tales of Captivity and Exile</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">W.B. Fortescue</span>. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>HISTORICAL STORIES</p> - - -<p>A Thane of Wessex</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Being a Story of the Great Viking Raids into Somerset. By <span class="smcap">Charles -W. Whistler</span>. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>A Prisoner of War</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of the Time of Napoleon Bonaparte. By <span class="smcap">G. Norway</span>. With -6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Robert Barnes</span>, A.R.W.S. Crown -8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - - - -<p class="ph3">SOME BOOKS FOR GIRLS</p> - - -<p>THE REIGN OF THE PRINCESS NASKA</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Amelia Hutchison Stirling</span>. With 55 Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Paul Hardy</span>. 12mo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE WHISPERING WINDS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>And the Tales that they Told. By <span class="smcap">Mary H. Debenham</span>. With 25 -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Paul Hardy</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"We wish the winds would tell us stories like these."—<i>London Academy.</i></p> - - -<p>THINGS WILL TAKE A TURN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Beatrice Harraden</span>, author of "Ships that Pass in the -Night." Illustrated. 12mo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>It is the story of a sunny-hearted child, Rosebud, who assists her -grandfather in his dusty, second-hand bookshop.</p> - - -<p>NAUGHTY MISS BUNNY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Her Tricks and Troubles. By <span class="smcap">Clara Mulholland</span>. Illustrated. -Crown 8vo, 75 cents.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"This naughty child is positively delightful."—<i>Land and Water.</i></p> - - -<p>UNLUCKY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Fragment of a Girl's Life. By <span class="smcap">Caroline Austin</span>. Illustrated. -Crown 8vo, 75 cents.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A touching story of an unlucky girl at odds with her stepmother.</p> - - -<p>LAUGH AND LEARN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>The Easiest Book of Nursery Lessons and Nursery Games. By <span class="smcap">Jennett -Humphreys</span>. Charmingly Illustrated. Square 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"One of the best books of the kind imaginable, full of practical -teaching in word and picture, and helping the little ones pleasantly -along a right royal road to learning."—<i>Graphic.</i></p> - - -<p>ADVENTURES IN TOYLAND</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Edith King Hall</span>. With 8 Colored Plates and 72 other -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Alice B. Woodward</span>. Square 8vo, $2.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The story of what a little girl heard and saw in a toy shop.</p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">SOME BOOKS FOR GIRLS.</p> - - -<p>A NEWNHAM FRIENDSHIP</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alice Stronach</span>. With 6 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Harold -Copping</span>. Crown 8vo. $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>In <i>A Newmham Friendship</i> we have a description of life at Newnham -College. Carol Martin, a third-year student, befriends a "fresher," -Elspeth Macleod, a shy, sensitive Highland girl, who has worked her -way from a board school to college. The enmity of a fellow-student and -a mystery about some parodies cloud Elspeth's happiness for a time. -But the clouds clear. Men students play their part in the story, and -the closing chapters describe the work of some of the girls as "social -settlers" in the east of London.</p> - - -<p>THREE FAIR MAIDS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Burkes of Derrymore. By <span class="smcap">Katharine Tynan</span>. With 12 -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G.D. Hammond</span>. Crown 8vo, olivine edges. -$1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A story of Irish country life. The three fair maids are the daughters -of an impoverished Irish lady. Their father had been disinherited by -his uncle for marrying against his wish. Sir Jasper's disinheritance -obliged them to give up their great house, Derrymore, but the family is -ultimately reconciled with Uncle Peter, who makes Elizabeth his heiress.</p> - - -<p>QUEEN CHARLOTTE'S MAIDENS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Sarah Tytler</span>, author of "Girl Neighbors." With 3 -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Paul Hardy</span>. 12mo. 75 cts.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>GIRL NEIGHBORS</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, The Old Fashion and the New. By <span class="smcap">Sarah Tytler</span>. With 8 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">C.T. Garland</span>. Crown 8vo. $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"<i>Girl Neighbors</i> is a pleasant comedy, not so much of errors as of -prejudices got rid of, very healthy, very agreeable, and very well -written."—<i>London Spectator.</i></p> - - -<p>THE HEIRESS OF COURTLEROY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Anne Beale</span>. With 8 page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">T.C.H. -Castle</span>. Crown 8vo, cloth; elegant, olivine edges. $1.50.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"Miss Anne Beale relates how the young 'Heiress of Courtleroy' had such -good influence over her uncle as to win him from his intensely selfish -ways in regard to his tenants and others."—<i>London Guardian.</i></p> - - - - -<p class="ph3">SOME BOOKS FOR GIRLS</p> - - -<p>THE LADY ISOBEL</p> - - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story for Girls. By <span class="smcap">Eliza F. Pollard</span>. With 4 Illustrations -by <span class="smcap">W. Fulton Brown</span>. 12mo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A Tale of the Scottish Covenanters.</p> - - -<p>A GIRL OF TO-DAY</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Ellinor Davenport Adams</span>. With 6 page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Gertrude Demain Hammond</span>, R.I. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The boys and girls of Woodend band themselves together, and that -they have plenty of fun is seen in the shopping expedition to -purchase stores for their society, and in the successful Christmas -entertainment. Max Brenton's fight with Joe Baker, the bully, shows -that their work has its serious side as well.</p> - - -<p>A DREADFUL MISTAKE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Geraldine Mockler</span>. With 4 page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">William Rainey</span>, R.I. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The mistake occurs at the very beginning of the book, gradually rights -itself during the course of the story, and at the end is found to be -the very best thing that could have happened. A very amusing character -is an eccentric aunt.</p> - - -<p>HER FRIEND AND MINE</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Two Sisters. By <span class="smcap">Florence Coombe</span>. With 3 -Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Wm. Rainey</span>. 12mo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>THE EAGLE'S NEST</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">S.E. Cartwright</span>. With 3 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Wm. -Rainey</span>. 12mo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>MY FRIEND KATHLEEN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Jennie Chappell</span>. With 4 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">John H. -Bacon</span>. 12mo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>A DAUGHTER OF ERIN</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Violet G. Finny</span>. With 4 Illustrations. Price, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Under False Colors</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story from Two Girls' Lives. By <span class="smcap">Sarah Doudney</span>. With 6 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G.G. Kilburne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A story which has in it so strong a dramatic element that it will -attract readers of all ages and of either sex.</p> - - -<p>BY M. CORBET-SEYMOUR</p> - - -<p>A Girl's Kingdom</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - -<p>Olive and her story will receive welcome from all girls.</p> - - -<p>Dulcie King</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story for Girls. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - - - -<p class="ph3">SOME BOOKS FOR GIRLS</p> - - -<p>BY ALICE CORKRAN</p> - - -<p>Down the Snow Stairs</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, From Good-night to Good-morning. By <span class="smcap">Alice Corkran</span>. With -60 character Illustrations by <span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Square crown -8vo, olivine edges, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"A gem of the first water, bearing upon every one of its pages the -signet mark of genius.... All is told with such simplicity and perfect -naturalness that the dream appears to be a solid reality. It is indeed -a little Pilgrim's Progress."—<i>Christian Leader.</i></p> - - -<p>Margery Merton's Girlhood</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alice Corkran</span>. With 6 full-page Illustrations by -<span class="smcap">Gordon Browne</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The experience of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her father, -an officer in India, to the care of an elderly aunt residing near Paris.</p> - - -<p>Joan's Adventures</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>At the North Pole and Elsewhere. By <span class="smcap">Alice Corkran</span>. -Illustrated. Crown 8vo, 75 cts.</p></blockquote> - -<p>A beautiful dream-land story.</p> - - -<p>Adventures of Mrs. Wishing-to-Be</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Alice Corkran</span>. With 3 full-page Pictures in colors. Crown -8vo, 75 cts.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>BY MRS. R.H. READ</p> - - -<p>Dora;</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, A Girl without a Home. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Nell's School Days</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Town and Country. By <span class="smcap">H.P. Gethen</span>. With 4 -Illustrations. Price, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Violet Vereker's Vanity</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By <span class="smcap">Annie E. Armstrong</span>. With 6 Illustrations by <span class="smcap">G. D. -Hammond</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>Three Bright Girls</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of Chance and Mischance. By <span class="smcap">Annie E. Armstrong</span>. With -6 full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">W. Parkinson</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - -<p>"Among many good stories for girls this is undoubtedly one of the very -best."—<i>Teachers' Aid.</i></p> - - -<p>A Very Odd Girl</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Life at the Gabled Farm. By <span class="smcap">Annie E. Armstrong</span>. With 6 -full-page Illustrations by <span class="smcap">S.T. Dadd</span>. Crown 8vo, $1.25.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>White Lilac</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>Or, the Queen of the May. By <span class="smcap">Amy Walton</span>. Illustrated. Crown -8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p>BY MARGARET PARKER</p> - - -<p>For the Sake of a Friend</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>A Story of School Life. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, $1.00.</p></blockquote> - - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</b> 153-157 Fifth Ave.,</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">New York.</span><br /> -</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of To Herat and Cabul, by G. A. 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