As it was, the convoy halted, upon which the Hillmen, seeing
that they were observed, opened a heavy but ill-directed fire upon us.
I had asked Chamberlain to throw out his men in skirmishing order, and
to give them directions to retreat slowly upon the waggons so as to draw
the Afridis on. The ruse succeeded to perfection.
As the redcoats steadily retired, keeping behind cover as much as
possible, the enemy followed them up with yells of exultation, springing
from rock to rock, waving their jezails in the air, and howling like a
pack of demons.
With their black, contorted, mocking faces, their fierce gestures, and
their fluttering garments, they would have made a study for any painter
who wished to portray Milton's conception of the army of the damned.
From every side they pressed in until, seeing, as they thought, nothing
between them and victory, they left the shelter of the rocks and came
rushing down, a furious, howling throng, with the green banner of the
Prophet in their van.
Now was our chance, and gloriously we utilised it.
From every cranny and slit of the waggons came a blaze of fire, every
shot of which told among the close-packed mob. Two or three score
rolled over like rabbits and the rest reeled for a moment, and then,
with their chiefs at their head, came on again in a magnificent rush.
It was useless, however, for undisciplined men to attempt to face such a
well-directed fire. The leaders were bowled over, and the others, after
hesitating for a few moments, turned and made for the rocks.
Pages:
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159