enemy's guns had already been fired, and were replied to as
usual by the fort, though many well knew that but a few rounds of
ammunition remained.

Many an anxious eye watched the progress of the cavalry. They halted
behind the last point by which they were concealed from the enemy. From
this Reginald could glance over the plain. He waited till, a ruddy glow
appearing in the east, the upper limb of the sun was seen slowly
ascending above the horizon. Passing the word to the rear, he struck
his spurs into his horse's flanks. Then turning his face to the fort,
he waved his bright scimitar in the air and dashed forward, his
followers pressing close behind him,--while, at the signal, the infantry
marched from the fort in compact order. Dashing rapidly forward for a
few seconds, they halted to deliver their fire at the gunners, who were
already dispirited by the appearance of Reginald's horsemen close upon
them. He did not fail, as he urged forward his steed, to cast a look
over the plain--where, to his intense satisfaction, he saw a body of
cavalry galloping out from behind a wood, with an officer at their head,
whom he at once recognised as Burnett. On they came, fleet as the wind,
towards the foe. Shouting to his men that reinforcements were at hand,
Reginald dashed forward. Numbers of the native artillerymen were cut
down at their guns, others fled towards the infantry, who were hastening
to their rescue. So unexpected had been the sortie, that the enemy were
completely taken by surprise; the arms of the infantry being piled and
the horses of the cavalry picketed, while the men were at some distance
from them. The time occupied in the attack on the guns enabled them to
mount; by which time Reginald and Burnett's troops having united, they
found a strong force drawn up to encounter them.

"We must go at them, notwithstanding their numbers," cried Burnett; and
he and Reginald leading, and leaving the guns to be carried into the
fort by the infantry, they and their horsemen galloped forward to
encounter the rebel cavalry, who, having made a circuit, were
endeavouring to recapture the guns. The party who had been first in the
saddle succeeded in cutting down some brave fellows who were spiking the
guns, when they were met by Reginald and Burnett's horse. Fierce was
the conflict; sabres were clashing, the men on both sides shrieking like
demons. It seemed as if neither party would give way. Still by slow
degr