of which no
native engineers were capable of carrying up even the smallest guns;
indeed, they were inaccessible to the most nimble mountaineers. Thus
there were only two sides of the fort to be protected; the valley which
ran down on the left being so completely commanded by the fort, that a
hostile party attempting to enter it would have been instantly
destroyed.

Night on this occasion brought no cessation of firing, and it soon
became apparent that the enemy intended to storm the fort. Two guns
were moved so as to command the valley, up which, during the darkness of
night, they might possibly attempt to steal. Every man was at his post.
After the firing had continued for some time it suddenly ceased. Many
thought the enemy were retiring; but it was like the lull before the
storm. A few seconds only had passed away, when three dark columns were
discerned by the garrison creeping up towards them. On they came in
overwhelming numbers, the artillerymen in the plain firing over their
heads, while the British guns began blazing away with canister, sending
destruction amid their ranks. Column after column had advanced, but
were driven back in confusion; not a man ever reached the lines.
Sometimes the cavalry galloped up, but they were quickly forced to
retire.

All night long the battle raged, but the dauntless courage of Colonel
Ross and his band of heroes prevailed, and when morning dawned the enemy
were seen retiring with their guns. Had they gone altogether, or would
they return? was the question. It was too probable that, instigated by
the mutineers in Allahapoor, they would renew the attack.

Two more days passed by, allowing the garrison to repair their
fortifications. Once more, as day was declining, the enemy was seen
approaching; with the intention, probably, of making an assault during
the night. Still hour after hour went by; every man remained at his
post, and yet no enemy came near them. The campfires, however, burning
in the distance, showed that they were still there; and as morning
approached, Colonel Ross, who was ever on his guard, warned the officers
to be as watchful as at first, and ready at any moment to repel an
attack.

He was right. It was still dark when the heads of several columns were
seen emerging from the gloom, and already close upon the fort. On came
the rebels, as soon as they were aware that they must be seen, giving
utterance to the most savage shouts and cries. At t