this fort. We are going to blow it up, to give them a lesson."

Ten minutes later, the cavalry were again in their saddles. Spare
horses had been brought for the four officers; and the servants
mounted the tats, which would be able to keep up with the cavalry.
The flames were already bursting out brightly from the houses.

The yells of the Afghans rose high, and their bullets flew thickly
over the village; but they kept at a respectful distance. The
officer in command gave the word, and the party set off at a trot.
Before they had left the village a deep roar was heard, and they
knew that the Afghan fort was destroyed. Two hours later they
arrived safely in camp; where the four rescued officers were warmly
congratulated, on their narrow escape, by their friends.

On the 14th of July, the conspiracy among the Wali's troops came to
a head. They openly mutinied; and marched out, with their cannon
and arms, from the camp. This was situated at a short distance from
that of the British, and Colonel Ripon was the first to gallop in
with the news.

Unfortunately, the British commander was not a man endowed with
promptness of decision; and no steps were taken, until the
mutineers had proceeded a considerable distance. Then the cavalry
and artillery were despatched, in pursuit. Had the order been given
at once, there can be no doubt that the Wali's force would have
been completely cut up; and those who escaped would have arrived a
mere horde of fugitives, for the most part without arms, at Ayoub's
camp.

Late as was the pursuit it was not ineffectual. Six British guns
opened fire upon the Wali's artillery--which was in rear of the
retreating column--with such effect that the gunners were seized
with a panic and, cutting the traces, fled for their lives. A good
many were cut down by the British cavalry, and the six guns
deserted by them were brought into camp.

Colonel Burrows' little force now stood alone; for he had with him
but 1500 infantry, 500 cavalry, and six of his own guns, besides
those taken from the mutineers--a force altogether disproportioned
to that with which Ayoub was advancing; swelled, as it was, by the
accession of the Wali's army. A message was sent to General
Primrose at Candahar, asking for reinforcements; but that officer,
although he had a considerable force at his disposal, declined to
despatch any reinforcements, whatever.

News now arrived that Ayoub, instead of marching direct upon
Girishk,