We told you some time ago about the effect the Highlanders have on foreign enemies, and also of the many daring deeds of their pipers, and how these men had saved their own lives time and again by blowing on their bagpipes at critical moments.
An incident occurred in the fight on the Dargai Ridge which illustrates this fact.
The Gordon Highlanders rushed forward to the charge with colors flying, and the bagpipes shrilling forth their martial tunes.
One of the pipers who was leading the rush (playing as he ran) was shot through both ankles, and fell to the ground. It was impossible for him to walk, but without a moment's hesitation he scrambled to a sitting posture, and, putting his beloved pipes to his mouth, continued his playing as unconcernedly as if nothing had happened.
He knew that the sound of his pipes encouraged his brother soldiers, and he played on unheeding the bullets that whistled around him.
The report that mentions this story says it was only one of many exhibitions of coolness and courage shown by the Gordon Highlanders in their brave charge.
It is said that while the British are full of pride over the conduct of the Highlanders, they are very uneasy at finding the enemy so well supplied with rifles and ammunition, and so well drilled in the use of their weapons.
Every one is wondering where the rebels obtained this large supply of ammunition, and once more the Ameer of Afghanistan is suspected of bad faith.
It is certain that the arms could not have been bought of English or continental merchants, because the laws are very strict in India, and forbid the introduction of arms, except for government uses. To be brought in by European merchants they would have had to be very cleverly smuggled, and this would have been such a difficult affair that it is thought to have been impossible to bring large quantities of arms into the country that way. It is therefore hinted that they have come from the Ameer's famous factory at Cabul, as it would have been easy for him to supply the tribesmen from his side of the border without being found out.
In the heart of his country this ruler has established an arsenal which is managed by Englishmen who are in his service. The factories are fitted out with machinery imported from England, and when in full working order can turn out twenty thousand cartridges and one hundred and fifteen rifles a day, and two field guns a week.