f Lieutenant
Thompson's regiment estimated that the effects of the young officer
would sell, at auction, for about 20 pounds; and this sum William
Gale gladly paid, thereby obtaining a complete outfit of regimental
and civilian clothes, and under linen of all descriptions. Another
30 pounds bought him a horse and saddlery while, for 5 pounds, he
obtained a rough pony for the use of Yossouf--who steadily refused
to leave him, although Will pointed out to him that, glad as he
should be to have him with him, it would be far more to his
advantage to remain among his people at Cabul, where he had means
of settling comfortably.

Upon the following day--having obtained his new uniform, which he
found required no alteration to fit him fairly--William Gale dined
with General Roberts; who had kindly invited him in order to
introduce him, in his new position, to the officers of his staff He
was obliged to remain three or four days longer at Sherpur, until a
strong escort, with sick, was going down through the passes to
Jellalabad. His baggage was stowed upon a camel and, after a kind
adieu from General Roberts, and a very cordial one from the staff
sergeants--among whom he had worked for three months--he started
with the convoy for the lower valleys.

The escort consisted of a hundred men of the infantry of the
Guides. The way down the pass was difficult; but no snow had fallen
for three weeks, and the roads were fairly beaten down by passing
parties. Still, their progress was slow and, late on the afternoon
of the second day after starting, they were still four miles from
the fort of Jugdulluk; which was held by a British force, and where
they were to halt for the night.

The Guides were on the alert. A party of four men were 200 yards
ahead of the little column, which was commanded by Captain Edwards.
Presently a shot rang out from the front, followed by a scattered
discharge. William Gale was, at the moment, riding by the side of
Captain Edwards. He had already placed himself under that officer's
orders, in case of any emergency.

"Mr. Gale," Captain Edwards said, "will you ride forward at once,
with six men, to the advanced party. When you get there, take such
measures as you may think fit; and send me back word as to the
strength and position of the enemy."

With six of the Guides, Will at once rode forward; while Captain
Edwards halted, until the little column was gathered closely
together: the camels and dhoolies, w