e stores, baggage animals, and wagons.

The only fault was, indeed, that the extent of wall to be defended
was too long for the force at his disposal. Round two sides the
outer wall was complete but, on the third, it had not been taken to
its full height, nor had it been continued so as to join the hill
behind it.

Great efforts were made to bring in sufficient provisions and
forage for the winter; and expeditions were made up the Logan,
Maidan, and other valleys for the purpose. Winter was fast setting
in. Snow had begun to fall upon the hills, and ice formed on the
pools, every night. The natives of the valleys near were ready
enough to sell their grain, straw, and fuel; but few supplies came
in from a distance, as armed bands stopped all supplies on their
way. However, a sufficient amount of food and fuel was obtained,
and stored in Sherpur. Grain, too, was procured for the winter; and
the only article of which the supply was insufficient was chopped
straw, of which a very large quantity was required.

The attitude of the natives grew daily more hostile. Their priests
were preaching a revolt to the death, and recalling to the people
how their fathers had annihilated a British force, thirty years
before. Urged alike by fanaticism and a desire for plunder, the
natives over the whole country were seething with excitement; and
General Roberts saw that a crisis was approaching. The Afghans
could assemble at least 100,000 men; and among these would be
included all the troops of the Ameer's disbanded armies, armed with
weapons equal to our own, and burning to revenge the defeats which
had been inflicted upon them. To oppose them the English general
had less than 6000 men.

But though prepared for trouble, the storm, when it came, burst
suddenly upon the English. The enemy were known to be collecting in
great numbers, in the Maidan valley, and two columns were sent out
to attack them. One was commanded by Macpherson, the other by
Baker. Although they were to strike simultaneously at the enemy,
their route of march lay up different valleys--with a lofty
mountain range between them--so they could in no way cooperate with
each other. After they had started, General Massy was directed to
move out, with a small force of cavalry and a battery of horse
artillery, and cooperate with General Macpherson.

An hour after the cavalry had started General Roberts, himself,
rode out. He was accompanied by his usual escort, and by two