olley into the Afghans, as they
came out through the village. For two miles, the enemy pressed
closely upon them; but their loss had already been immense, and all
desired to join in the plundering of the British camp. Therefore
the pursuit slackened and, three miles from the village, the rear
guard were ordered to the main body, at quick march.

Chapter 20: Candahar.

"Thank God that is over," Captain Fletcher said, as he lifted his
cap and wiped the perspiration from his forehead; "but the regiment
is almost annihilated."

"I fear the worst is yet to come," Will said. "We are fifty miles
from Candahar; and when we came out we had to carry water with us,
for there was none to be found, on the way. We have a fearful march
before us.

"What on earth has become of the cavalry? They have done nothing to
cover the retreat."

"They have ridden on ahead," the captain said, bitterly, "without
having drawn a sword in this day's fight; and will ride into
Candahar tomorrow morning, without losing a man, save the few who
were knocked over by the artillery."

Presently an officer rode up.

"Ah! Gale," he exclaimed, "thank God you are safe. I rode back to
see."

And Colonel Ripon shook hands warmly with the young officer.

"I am glad to see that you are safe, sir," Will answered. "This has
been a terrible day."

"It has, indeed," the colonel said, mournfully, "terrible! There
has been nothing like it, since the retreat from Cabul in 1848. And
how many of these poor fellows will reach Candahar, God only knows!
The water bottles wore emptied, hours ago. The men are already
exhausted with the long day's work, and parched with thirst; and we
have fifty miles' tramp before us. Have you any wounded men here
with you?"

"Several, sir, some of them badly hurt."

"Put one of the worst on my horse," Colonel Ripon said,
dismounting; "and push on briskly, lads. There are some carts
ahead. We will turn out the stores, and put the wounded in.

"You had better let the men throw away their knapsacks, and all
useless encumbrances," he said to Captain Fletcher. "You will have
to march--and perhaps fight--all night; and must husband your
strength."

Steadily, the rear guard followed the broken column. It consisted
of men of the 60th and Grenadiers, mingled together; and well did
they carry out their arduous duties. A portion were thrown out on
each flat, while the rest kept to the road. This was strewn with
arms and accouter