The lower part of the hill was, wherever ascent seemed possible, protected by walls, one behind the other.

The natives had regarded the fort as absolutely impregnable, until it was stormed by the troops under Lord Cornwallis.
Dick looked with intense interest at the great rock, with its numerous fortifications.

The damages committed by the British guns could not be seen at this distance, and it seemed to him well-nigh impossible that the place could have been captured.

They rode on, until they neared an entrance in the wall that encircled the fort, at the side at which, alone, access was considered possible.
They were challenged as they approached.

Ordering the troopers to remain behind, Dick and Surajah rode forward.
"We are the bearers," Surajah cried out, as they reined in their horses within twenty yards of the gate, "of an order from the sultan for our admittance, and of a letter to Mirzah Mohammed Bukshy, the governor." "I will send up word to him," an officer on the wall replied.