s not, however, to be of long duration. From the lower
end of the Khuram valley runs off another valley, known as the
"Khost." This was an entirely unknown country to the Europeans, but
it was said to be extremely hostile. Parties had come down and
carried off cattle and, at any time, a formidable raid might have
taken place, and our line of communication been entirely cut.

The country was ruled by an Afghan governor, who sent in to say
that he was willing to hand it over to us. There was, therefore, no
expectation that there would be any resistance; and the expedition
was designed rather to overawe the country, and to obtain
information as to its extent and capabilities, than with any idea
of permanent occupation. The column consisted of a squadron of the
10th Hussars, the 5th Bengal Cavalry, the 21st and 28th Punjaub
Infantry, two mountain batteries, a wing of the 72nd Highlanders,
and two companies of the Norfolk Rangers. This force marched from
Hazir-pir, and halted for the night at Jaji-Midan, at the head of
the valley leading to the Darwiza Pass, through which the track
runs into the Khost valley.

At eight o'clock next morning, the troops moved forward. The ground
was difficult, for the road ran between terraced fields on the side
of the ravine, and obliged men and animals to pass in single file.
It was not, therefore, until twelve o'clock that the rear guard
moved out of the camp. Beyond this point, the road up the pass was
not difficult. From the summit, a wide view was obtained. At the
end of the valley--six miles distant--the plain of the Khost
country was seen. It was seen that--owing to the slow progress the
troops were making--the baggage train, consisting of 1000 camels,
would not be able to reach the proposed camping ground, at the
lower end of the valley, before dark. The general, therefore,
ordered it to halt at the top of the pass, where the ground was
open. The 21st Punjaubees, and a mountain battery, were to stay
there for its protection; and bring it on, next day. The mules,
with the regimental baggage, went on with the troops.

The column met with no opposition. It halted near the village of
Bakh, half a mile from the foot of the hills; where the valley
widened into a plain, six miles long and four broad. The force
encamped here on the 4th, to allow the convoy to come up. The
following morning the column marched to the other end of the
valley; and the next day the Afghan governor of Matun--th