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342 concentrated so strong an artillery fire that it seemed almost impossible to force the way across. But the gallant men, who had pushed the rebels before them up to that point, were not to be daunted by appearances. They rushed at the bridge with a stern determination to carry it. The rebels seemed equally resolved to prevent them. For a moment the struggle seemed doubtful, when a rumbling sound was heard, and William Peel and his sailors, dragging a heavy twenty-four-pounder, came up with a run, planted the gun on the bridge, and opened fire. The effect was decisive. Whilst it roused the assailants to the highest enthusiasm, it completely cowed the rebels. With loud shouts Highlanders, Sikhs, and 53d men rushed past the gun, dashed at the rebels, and drove them before them in wild disorder. The Gwáliár camp was now almost within their grasp. But before they could reach it the gallant Bourchier, always in the front, passed them at a gallop, and, unlimbering, opened fire. A few minutes later the assailants repassed the guns, and the Gwáliár camp was their own.

The victory was now gained. The Gwáliár portion of the rebel force made, in wild flight, for the Kalpí road. In that direction they were pursued by Sir Colin in person to the fourteenth milestone. They had lost their camp, their stores, their magazines, a great part of their material, and their prestige.

The remainder of the rebels, composed for the most part of the armed retainers of revolted princes, had fallen back on the Bithor road. The pursuit of these Sir Colin had entrusted to the chief of his staff. General Mansfield. Mansfield advanced to a position from which he might have forced the surrender of the whole of the rebel force as it passed him. But Mansfield was shortsighted, and he cared not to trust to the sight of others. Consequently,