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118 intended to open battle at daybreak; notwithstanding this disparity of numbers, to pour into the rebels the fire of all his guns; and then to turn and double up their left flank. But before this plan could be carried out, Tántia Topi vigorously attacked him with all the élan of a foe certain of victory.

A decisive movement was therefore necessary, and this was boldly and successfully carried out by the infantry advancing against the enemy's centre, while his flanks were attacked with horse artillery and cavalry. To use Sir Hugh Rose's own words, 'the enemy poured a heavy fusillade into the cavalry; the Valaitis jumped up in hundreds on high rocks and boulders to load and fire, but before they could reload their matchlocks, Captain Need, leading his troop in advance, penetrated into the midst of them, and for a time was so hotly engaged that his uniform was cut to pieces, although, singular to say, he only received a slight wound himself. The attack on the enemy's right by the fire of Captain Lightfoot's battery and the charge of the 14th Light Dragoons were equally successful; and the enemy broke and retired in confusion.'

A general advance, straight against the enemy's centre, turned the retreat of the rebels into a complete rout. The whole of the artillery and cavalry were now sent forward in pursuit. The fugitives — singly or standing back to back — availed themselves of any shelter they could find. Maddened with bhang, they fought desperately; springing on the pursuers, match-