Page:The Sikhs (Gordon).djvu/171

Rh magnificent marching they were faced by two, numbering 11,000 men and 42 guns. This force had just concluded a long tedious march over sandy tracks when the information was received that the enemy was advancing in strength. They rapidly prepared for action at 4 The Sikhs took up a strong position among low sandhills in bush jungle and opened fire. The British horse artillery and cavalry vigorously assailed them in flank, and sweeping along their rear routed their cavalry, while they were attacked in front by the field-guns supporting the infantry, which, charging with the bayonet, drove them from position after position with great slaughter, and captured 17 guns. The Sikhs fought fiercely and retired sullenly in good order, seizing every opportunity to turn on their foes. Night only saved them from worse disaster. They retreated in the darkness to their main camp and Ferozeshah, ten miles off, which was strongly intrenched. They had tasted of British resolution and steel, and knew