, the regiment drew up close under the citadel, which, in the
north of Lahore, lies inside the outer works.

But, with dismay, the hapless lancers perceived that the murderous
shot and shell were pursuing them even here. Yet the bullets were
not intended for them, but for the treacherous Indian troops and the
irregular Russian cavalry, which surged up, in wild panic, against the
walls. The effect of the fire was, however, none the less disastrous on
that account. The English garrison which had remained in the city had
closed all the gates, and appeared to have made up their minds to let no
one in, either friend or foe. All the same, the commander of the Bengal
regiment drew his men together and with irresistible weight forced
his way right through the confused, huddling mass of men engaged in
hand-to-hand combat beneath the walls. He made straight for one of
the gates, and those within happily understood and anticipated his
intentions. Confident that the weighty blows and thrusts of the cavalry
would beat off the enemy and prevent them from forcing their way in with
them, the garrison opened the gate at the critical moment, and, together
with his regiment, Heideck and his faithful companion managed to enter
the city. The lancers made their way into the citadel, and Heideck and
Morar Gopal, who had followed him like his shadow, turned their steps
towards the Charing Cross Hotel. It was, however, far from easy to get
there; for the streets were packed with an impenetrable mob of howling
and gesticulating natives, who were manifestly in the greatest state of
excitement. The news that the English had lost the battle had long since
reached the city, and the apprehensions which had long been entertained
that such tidings could not fail to have a disastrously disquieting
effect upon the Indian population, were only too soon seen to be
justified. In all the brown faces which he saw directed towards him
Heideck clearly read detestation and menace. They naturally regarded him
as an Englishman, and it was only his decided manner and the naked sword
in his hand that prevented the rabble from venting in a personal attack
their rage against one of the hated race of their oppressors.

The door of the hotel was closed, probably because an attack was feared
on the part of the natives; but as soon as a white man, who was at once
regarded as an English officer, demanded admittance, it was opened.
Heideck found most of the officers' wives