Even the women taunted us.

When they saw the little Gurkhas for the first time, they exclaimed: 'Is it possible that these beardless boys think they can fight Afghan warriors ?' They little suspected that the brave spirits which animated those small forms made them more than a match for the most stalwart Afghan.

There was no hiding from ourselves, however, that the force was terribly inadequate for the work to be done.

But done it must be.

A retirement was not to be thought of, and delay would only add to our difficulties, as the Afghans were daily being reinforced from Kabul, and we heard of still further additions of both Artillery and Infantry being on their way.
Collett returned soon after noon on the 30th; he had done admirably and brought me most useful information, the result of which was that I determined to adopt the Spingawi route.