ead of a small Jaji
village, lying behind the hills. This chief was a crafty old
savage, who had been desirous of remaining neutral in the strife.
The determination of his people to join in the attack, by the
tribes, had forced him to consent to their so doing. Before
starting he had, however, made them swear that any wounded men who
fell into their hands should not--in accordance with the Afghan
custom--be instantly despatched; but should be brought back to the
village.

His intention was to have some hostages. If the English repulsed
the attack and, in the spring, again advanced; he would be able to
prove his goodwill to the cause, by handing the soldiers whom he
had protected over to them. Upon the other hand, should the British
fall back and the Afghans advance in the spring, he could hand the
prisoners over to them, or send them down to Cabul, as a proof that
his people had fought against the British. He had himself
accompanied his men and, seeing after Will had fallen that he was
still living, had at once ordered two of his men to carry him off
to the village.

The attack upon the guard house proved unsuccessful. The six
soldiers defended themselves until the company from the village,
behind, came up to the rescue. Several other attacks, at various
points, took place. But the British were on the alert; and the
hillsmen, finding that their enemies were not to be taken by
surprise, scattered again to the village.

The ball had fortunately passed through William Gale's leg, without
either breaking a bone or cutting an artery; but the wound in the
shoulder was more serious, and the effect of the strain upon it, in
carrying him, brought on violent inflammation. Fever set in with
delirium and, for weeks, the lad lay between life and death.

The old woman who nursed him was, like most of her country people,
skilled in the treatment of wounds. The bandages were kept bathed
with water, snow was constantly applied to his head, and a
decoction of herbs given him to drink. His good constitution was in
his favor and, at last, he recovered his senses; to find himself
convalescent, but as weak as an infant.

In April the snow melted; and the chief, having by this time found
that the English were not likely to advance beyond Ali-Kheyl,
thought that it would best benefit his interest to send his
prisoner down to Cabul. The Ameer was reported to be about to
conclude peace with the British; and the chief thought that he was