* * * * * * *
In a few hours’ time the Beebee-Ghur was deserted and silent, and the useless well had indeed been filled up.
Then, placing himself at the head of five thousand troops, Nana Sahib marched forth to oppose the further advance of Havelock.
“We shall conquer yet,” he murmured, as, armed to the teeth, he rode side by side with his counsellors.
They succeeded in reaching a village close to where Havelock was resting; it was naturally a strong position. Here they posted a number of very heavy guns, and the most experienced and ablest gunners were selected to serve them.
They opened fire with deadly effect upon the worn British soldiers.
“Comrades, those guns must be charged,” were Havelock’s words. “Who will take the post of honour?”
In answer to the question, the Highlanders, under the command of Colonel Hamilton, rushed to the front. There was not a single man who was not eager to play his part in the deadly work; but the Highlanders were the first to answer, and they claimed precedent. They were to lead the charge. Setting aside for a moment all discipline, a stalwart fellow stepped from the ranks, and holding up a card on which a thistle was worked in a woman’s hair, while around it was a true lover’s knot, he shouted in a stentorian voice—
“For ‘Auld Reekie,’ boys, and the bonnie lasses we’ve left behind.”