The very morning after they arrived before the fort, the garrison made a sally, fell upon the troops, and killed one of their officers.
The whole of the new levies took to their heels, and fled away from the fight.

Clive, with his three officers, threw himself among them and, for some time, in vain attempted to turn the tide.

It was not, indeed, until several had been cut down that the rout was arrested, and they were brought back to their duty.
A day or two later a shot, striking a rock, killed or wounded fourteen men; and excited such a panic, that it was some time before the rest would venture near the front.
The enemy, with a considerable force, marched from Chengalpatt to relieve the place.

Clive left half his force to continue the siege, and with the rest marched out and offered battle to the relieving force.

Daring and confidence, as usual, prevailed.