So much was this the case, that when the troopers of the 9th Lancers were called upon to name the man they considered most worthy of the Victoria Cross, an honour which Sir Colin Campbell purposed to confer upon the regiment to mark his appreciation of the gallantry displayed by all ranks during the campaign, they unanimously chose the head _bhistie_! Considering the peculiar position we were in at the time, it is somewhat remarkable that the conduct of the Native servants should have been so generally satisfactory.

It speaks as well, I think, for the masters as the servants, and proves (what I have sometimes heard denied) that Native servants are, as a rule, kindly and considerately treated by their European masters.
To return to my story.

The cannonade from within and without the city continued unceasing, and the enemy had again to be driven out of the near suburbs.

This duty was entrusted to General Chamberlain, whom I accompanied as one of his staff officers.

His column consisted of about 800 Infantry and six guns, a few more men joining us as we passed the Ridge.