rbulent portion of the population of Cabul--surrounded the house
on all sides, and kept up a heavy and incessant fire; which was coolly
and steadily returned by the Guides. After an hour's fighting, there
was a sudden roar above the rattle of musketry; followed by another,
and another. Simultaneously came the crash of shells. One burst in
the house, the other tore through the gate. Still there was no sign of
the Cabul regiments.

Eight or ten guns were brought to play on the little garrison. The
gate was broken down, and nearly half the force of the house were
already killed, or wounded, by the musketry and shell fire. Still
they continued the defense Over and over again, the Afghans swarmed
up close to the gate; only to fall back again, before the steady
fire of the Snider rifles of the Guides. Major Cavagnari went from
room to room, encouraging the men; while the other officers and
Will Gale, taking rifles which had fallen from the hands of men no
longer able to use them, set an example of cool and steady firing
to their men.

For four hours the unequal contest continued; then a cry arose,
from the men, that the house was on fire. It was but too true. A
shell had exploded in the lower part of the house, and had ignited
the woodwork; and the fire had already obtained so firm a hold that
it was impossible to extinguish it. A few of the men continued
their fire from the windows, to the last; while the rest carried
their wounded comrades out into the courtyard. As the flames shot
out from the lower windows, the yells of the Afghans rose higher
and higher; and a fearful storm of lead and iron swept down upon
the little band, who were now plainly visible in the light of the
flames. Even now the enemy did not dare, although numbering
hundreds to one, to come too close upon them, though they flocked
up close to the gate.

"Now, lads!" Major Cavagnari exclaimed, "let us rush out, and die
fighting hand to hand; better that than to be shot down
defenseless, here."

Thus saying he led the way, and charged out upon the crowded foe.
There were but Lieutenant Hamilton and eight men to follow him. All
the rest had fallen. Doctor Kelly had been shot in the house, while
dressing the wound of one of the soldiers. Mr. Jenkyns had fallen
outside.

Will Gale had twice been wounded, but was still on his feet and,
grasping his musket, he rushed forward with his comrades. A figure
sprang out just as he reached the gate and, with a su