If they stood they were shot down by an unseen enemy; and there was no stronghold, no refuge to which to flee.

The Indian attack was relentless, and could neither be avoided, parried, nor met by counter assault.

For two hours or so the troops kept up a slowly lessening resistance; but by degrees their hearts failed.

The wounded had been brought towards the middle of the lines, where the baggage and tents were, and an ever growing proportion of unwounded men joined them.

In vain the officers tried, by encouragement, by jeers, by blows, to drive them back to the fight.