1857 Sir Colin's preparations--The Alambagh -- The Dilkusha and Martiniere--Mayne's death--A tall-talk story -- Ammunition required--A night march--The advance on Lucknow -- Sir Colin wounded--The attack on the Sikandarbagh -- Heroic deeds--The 4th Punjab Infantry The next morning, the 11th, I had the honour of making the Commander-in-Chief's acquaintance.

The manner of my introduction was peculiarly unceremonious.

I had left my own tent to be repaired at Cawnpore, and was sharing one with Norman, who was well known to, and greatly believed in by, His Excellency, whose Brigade-Major he had been at Peshawar.

Before we were out of bed we heard Sir Colin's voice outside.

He had come to speak to Norman about his plans for the future, and as the conversation seemed likely to be of a very confidential nature, and it was too dark for him to see me, I asked Norman to make my presence known.