A horse
was shot. The squadron wheeled about and cantered off, having succeeded
in what is technically called "establishing contact."
A great gathering of the enemy, some 3000 strong, now appeared in the
plain. For about half an hour before sunset they danced, shouted and
discharged their rifles. The mountain battery fired a few shells, but
the distance was too great to do much good, or shall I say harm? Then it
became dark. The whole brigade remained that night in the expectation of
an attack, but only a very half-hearted attempt was made. This was
easily repulsed, one man in the Queen's Regiment being killed among the
troops.
On the 20th, however, definite information was received from the Khan of
Nawagai, that a determined assault would be made on the camp that night.
The cavalry reconnaissance again came in touch with the enemy at
nightfall. The officers had dinner an hour earlier, and had just
finished, when, at about 8.30, firing began. The position of the camp
was commanded, though at long ranges, by the surrounding heights.
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