treat.

It was, however, difficult to do; and in the hurry of the retreat one
little party, which had charge of a convoy of wounded comrades, became
separated from the rest of their comrades and were surrounded by the
angry tribesmen.

The retreating army reached the camp safely about dark, and then it was
discovered that a lieutenant named McIntyre and twelve soldiers were
missing.

It was at first hoped that they had simply dropped behind and would
reach camp any moment. When, however, hours passed and they did not
return, the worst fears were entertained.

At last a soldier arrived, bringing with him the dreadful news, and
telling the story of the gallant deed of the lieutenant and his brave
companions.

It seems that the rough ground over which they had to travel made the
progress of this little party very slow, and the care of the wounded
under their charge hampered their movements so much that they at last
found themselves completely cut off from their comrades.

As soon as the young officer realized what had happened to him, he
despatched one of his men for aid, and with the others formed a ring
around the wounded, preparing to defend them until help arrived.

The wounded men, on their part, behaved as nobly as the lieutenant
himself.

Realizing the situation, they begged the young officer to leave them to
their fate, and do what he could to save his own life and the lives of
his men.

Mr. McIntyre absolutely refused to abandon the wounded, and prepared to
defend them to the last.

When the messenger last saw the gallant little band, they were bravely
facing the enemy, waiting calmly for the death which was sure to follow
unless help reached them soon.

A party was immediately sent out from camp to their relief, but when the
spot was reached the brave fellows were beyond human aid.

Not a man remained alive to tell the tale of their noble struggle. The
bodies of the lieutenant and his men were found grouped about the
wounded comrades they had sacrificed their lives to save, and their
attitude in death showed that each man had died doing his duty, his face
to the foe.

* * * * *

Some of the tribesmen have come to the conclusion that the British
soldier is a hard foe to beat.

The Orakzais have therefore sent a deputation to Gen. Sir William
Lockhart, the British commander-in-chief, asking for peace.

Sir William was willing to talk to them, but the terms he off