The detachment was commanded by Lieutenant Yorke, who, on hearing Thornton's story, went at once to the fort.

He was much liked by his men, who received him quite civilly, but told him they knew that their regiment had joined the rebels from Jullundur, and that they themselves could no longer obey his orders.

Ricketts then understood that he had but the 4th Sikhs and a small party of troops belonging to the Raja of Nabha to depend upon.

There were only two officers with the 4th Sikhs--Captain Rothney, in command, and Lieutenant Williams, the Adjutant.

Taking three companies of the regiment under Williams, and two guns of the Nabha Artillery, one dragged by camels, the other by horses, Ricketts started off towards the bridge of boats.