to waver. The retirement from the smooth-bore guns
demoralised them, and they broke their ranks and fell into utter
confusion, breaking in upon the Grenadiers, who had up to that time
fought steadily. The Ghazees swept down in great masses, and the
Grenadiers likewise gave way. The remaining companies of Jacob's Rifles
shared in the panic. The enemy now swept in in all directions, their
guns from the heights poured volleys of shell into the ranks of the
crowded British, and the 66th, borne in upon by the rush of native
troops on the one side, pressed by the Ghazees on the other, and cut
down by the artillery fire, began to fall back also.

The confusion became hopeless. The artillery fired until the Ghazees
were within a few yards of them, and two of the guns were lost. The
cavalry were ordered to charge; but they had already been much
demoralised by the artillery fire, and could not be persuaded to charge
home. In the walled enclosures behind, the 66th and the Grenadiers
rallied, and fought nobly. Here Colonel Galbraith was killed and nine
other officers of the 66th. Some bodies of troops, entirely cut off
from the rest, fought desperately to the end, and, dying, surrounded
themselves with a ring of slaughtered enemies. But at length the
surviving troops were extricated from the villages, and the retreat
commenced.

Fortunately the pursuit lasted only two or three miles, the enemy having
themselves suffered terribly, and being, moreover, anxious to take part
in the loot of the camp. The retreat was a terrible one. Fifty miles
had to be passed, and no water was obtainable on the way. Along the
whole line the villagers rose upon the fugitives, and the loss was
terrible.

Had the cavalry remained, as was their duty, behind the infantry,
protected the retreat, and so given time to the fugitives to rally, the
result would have been different. But the conduct of the native cavalry
regiments was the reverse of creditable.

Fortunately Ayoub's army had been to a great extent demoralised by the
tremendous losses which it had incurred in the defeat of this handful of
British troops, and some days elapsed before it could continue its
advance. This gave time to the garrison at Candahar to put all in
readiness. The doubtful portion of the population was cleared out of
the city, provisions collected, and all put in readiness for a siege.

The news of Maiwand aroused tremendous excitement throughout India, and