They were taken at their word, and sent back to bring up the guns.

Their surprise was not feigned, for the Chitralis were convinced that it would be impossible to cross the pass, and letters were found stating that the British force was lying at Ghizr.
The feat, indeed, was a splendid one.

Some two hundred and fifty men, Hindoos and Mussulmans had, at the worst time of the year, brought two mountain guns, with their carriages and ammunition, across a pass which was blocked for some twenty miles by deep, soft snow; at the same time carrying their own rifles, eighty rounds of ammunition, and heavy sheepskin coats.

They had slept for two nights on the snow and, from dawn till dark, had been at work to the waist at every step, suffering acutely from the blinding glare and the bitter wind.

Stewart and Gough had both taken their turns in carrying the guns, and both gave their snow glasses to sepoys who were without them.
Borradaile's first step was to put the place in a state of defence, and collect supplies and coolies.