e chief
place of the Khost--rode in to welcome the general.

On the 6th of January the force marched to Matun. They found that
this fort was a square-walled enclosure, 100 yards each side, with
circular corner bastions. There was a central square enclosure,
with round towers at its angles. As the fort was approached, its
garrison--which consisted of 100 local militia--were formed up, in
two lines, at a mosque outside the fort. The general with his staff
rode in, and a long interview took place between him and the
governor. The troops encamped outside.

In the evening information came in, from the villages in the plain,
that large numbers of the Mongals--who inhabited the hills--were
meditating an attack. Strong pickets were posted, and the night
passed quietly. In the morning large numbers of tribesmen flocked
down into the villages, and gradually surrounded the camp.

At one o'clock the troops fell in. The cavalry were sent out
against the enemy in the northwest direction, followed by the 28th
Punjaubees and Number 2 mounted battery. The Mongals at once fell
back to the hills.

The squadron of the 10th Hussars were dismounted, and ordered to
skirmish up a small knoll to the west. From this they drove the
enemy, who gathered again on a spur opposite. Here they were
charged by the 5th Punjaub Cavalry, and fell back higher up the
ridge. The mountain guns and infantry now arrived, and speedily
drove them over the crest.

General Roberts, with his staff, rode out to watch the skirmish;
and soon after he had left the enemy, who occupied the village to
the northeast, showed in force. Two of the mountain guns opened
upon them.

On the south they now approached, under the cover of the old Afghan
cavalry lines, to within half a mile before being perceived; and
also occupied a walled village there. The other two guns in camp
shelled the village, and soon drove the enemy out.

When the general returned to camp, at half-past two, he found the
attack driven off in all directions; and ordered the 21st Punjaubees,
the 72nd Highlanders, and the Norfolk Rangers to follow up the enemy
to the east and southeast, with the mountain guns; and to burn the
villages which had sheltered the enemy. The first village was found
deserted. At another, a quarter of a mile behind, the enemy made a
stand; but were shelled out, and the plain beyond the Matun river was
soon covered with fugitives. Major Stewart--with forty men of the 5th
Punjau