l
harness yourselves to one gun and bring it in. We shall then, at least,
have one gun less against us, and may perhaps be able to use the
captured one in defence. Then, in the same way, we will again charge
out, and get the other gun." "Your Honour speaks well, we are ready,"
said his men.

This was the fourth sortie Hamilton had led that day; the first with all
four Englishmen in a line, the second with three, the third with two,
and now alone. Over six feet in height, splendidly made, lithe and
strong, with all the activity of youth, expert with sword and pistol, he
was a noble specimen of the British officer, and none more fit than he
to stand in the deadly breach. Out then they went and acted on the plan
arranged. For a third time those fateful guns were captured, and then
alone to stem the fierce assault stood Hamilton, while his men laboured
at the gun; but the odds were too great, and the gallant subaltern,
after killing three men with his pistol and cutting down two more with
his sword, was himself borne down. And so fighting died as brave a young
heart as ever did honour to the uniform he wore. Swarming over his body,
the mutineers recaptured the gun and again drove back the remnants of
the forlorn hope. Hamilton lay where he fell close to the gun, till
darkening night settled down on the dreadful scene. But when, next
morning, a witness passed that way, he mentions that the brave young
fellow's body was laid across the gun. Perchance it was the kindly act
of a friend, or perchance the rough chivalry of one who had watched his
heroic deeds.

It might be thought that a day so full of great deeds, of patient
courage, and unshaken loyalty could, as the sun sank slowly down,
produce no further spark from those exhausted, starving few. But it
remained for the evening hour to produce, perhaps, the brightest flash
of all.

It was apparent to all the besiegers, fighters or spectators, that one
by one all the sahibs had been killed or sore wounded, and that now none
remained to lead their men. At intervals during the day loud voices, as
of those in command, had shouted to the garrison of Guides: "We have no
quarrel with you. Deliver over the sahibs, and you shall all go free,
with what loot you can take. Be not foolish thus to fight for the cursed
Feringhis against your own kith and kin." But for answer all they got
was fierce showers of bullets, and fiercer still the staunch defenders
cried: "Dogs and sons of dogs