had fallen. As soon as
possible, therefore, Reginald hastened to assure Violet of his own and
her father's safety. On hearing that several men had been wounded,
however, she and two or three other ladies entreated to be allowed to
assist Dr Graham in attending to them; but he replied that as yet he
could do without their assistance. He was glad, however, ere long to
accept their offer, when he and his assistant-surgeon found their
strength almost exhausted by the number of wounded brought to them.

The following day the enemy recommenced firing as before, and again
retreated towards evening. This sort of work continued for many days in
succession, every day unhappily increasing the number of the killed and
wounded in the garrison. Colonel Ross and Reginald happily remained
unhurt, as did Major Molony and Captain Hawkesford. Several officers,
however, had been more or less hurt; and two had been shot dead, as had
been three European soldiers, while working the guns. The natives
behaved with courage and fidelity, notwithstanding the many among them
who fell. Still every day was reducing their store of ammunition; and
the colonel knew that ere long, if the same fire as heretofore was kept
up, it must altogether fail. The Allahapoor gunners could be seen
working their guns,--tall fellows with bare shoulders and arms, and
richly-ornamented turbans on their heads; wearing loose trousers, and
with long tulwars hanging at their sides. Their shot, however, made but
little impression on the well-constructed earthworks. Their fire was
returned by the guns from the fort; while the Enfield rifles, never
silent, seldom failed to bring down a foe. Several gallant sorties were
made; one of the enemy's guns was spiked, and another nearly brought in,
when it stuck fast in the rough ground, and had to be abandoned. Their
own two guns, however, from being so constantly fired, had become almost
worn out, and would no longer carry shot or ordinary canister. The
contents of the canisters were therefore emptied into stockings, which
were rammed home with greater ease, and fired with much effect.

The enemy had come on one day even more determined than before, it
seemed, to succeed, when a report louder than usual was heard. One of
the two guns in the fort had burst, killing three artillerymen and
wounding others.

"We must get possession of their guns and ammunition instead," exclaimed
Colonel Ross, on hearing of it.

"I wi