Page:The Indian Mutiny of 1857.djvu/334

302 pointed in the direction of the advance, the other about 100 yards in rear of and commanding it. Behind both was a bullet-proof screen, whilst projecting, as it were, from the wall was the bastion commanding the Láhor gate, armed with heavy pieces, and capable of holding a thousand men.

In his advance Nicholson had been exposed to a continuous fire, but he had 'a position at the Kábul gate which was strong enough for him to maintain until the movements of the other columns should facilitate his advance. But Nicholson, though urged to halt there, was so fully impressed with the necessity of taking the fullest advantage of the so far successful assault that he resolved at all costs to push on to the Láhor gate. He felt this the more because he was convinced that the repulse of the fourth column had renewed the hopes of an enemy peculiarly liable to be affected by success or its opposite. He directed, then, his men to storm the narrow lane of which I have spoken.

Gallantly did his men respond. With a rush not to be withstood they cleared the space up to the first brass gun, and captured it. Then they dashed on the second. But within ten yards of this they were assailed by a fire of grape and musketry, by volleys of stones and round-shot, thrown by hand, so severe that they recoiled under the terrible and ceaseless shower. Not quite all, indeed. Lieutenant Butler, who many a time on the field of battle earned the Victoria Cross, which could be bestowed only once, penetrated beyond the second gun, up to the bullet-proof screen. How he escaped with his life was a miracle, but he rejoined his men.

The men had recoiled only to form again, and once more rush forward. Again did they capture the first gun, which this time Greville (1st Fusiliers) spiked, and again