So, once again, it was to be a race between us for the capital of the Sarhad.
And, as on that former occasion of a few months ago, we won the race, but our return was a very different affair to that of our previous triumphant entry.
Sketch Map illustrating the march to Khwash and the fighting in the Morpeish Hills.
[CHAPTER XI]
SUCCESS IN MINIATURE
The night attack—The Hazaras arrive—Jiand retires—We march on the Sar-i-drokan valley—Cavalry strategy—"Gushti's" decision and opinion—"The Hole of Judgment"—Attack and retirement—A lost and regained water-supply—The Sarhadis as humorists—The mud fort—Halil Khan's arrival—The fight at dawn—Exit Halil Khan—A prophet—The Hazaras' request.
Immediately on re-entering Khwash Colonel Claridge was sent out, with all the men it was possible to spare, in an endeavour to find, and bring back, the strayed remnants of the prisoners' escort. In the meantime a camel messenger was dispatched to Saindak asking the O.C. of the Hazaras to march South to our help at once, and to take a route by which they might, with luck, join up with Colonel Claridge. A messenger was also dispatched to Colonel Dale, then commanding at Kacha, requesting him to send us all the supplies and ammunition he could spare, and personally to do his utmost to expedite the Hazaras, who were also in his immediate sphere of command.