The way to the water was now opened but, at this moment, heavy firing broke out at the fort; and Lieutenant Fowler, who was in command, recalled his men and returned to assist the garrison.
On the following day a white flag was hoisted, and an emissary from Sher Afzul said that all fighting had ceased.

An armistice was accordingly arranged.

All this, however, was but a snare for, a few days later, when the two British officers went out to witness a polo match, they were seized, bound with ropes, and carried off.

At the same moment a fierce attack was made on a party of sepoys who had also come out.

These fought stoutly, but were overpowered, most of them being killed.
The garrison of the post, however, under the command of Lieutenant Gurdon, continued to hold the little fort; and refused all invitation to come out to parley, after the treachery that had been shown to their comrades.