Information was received that several of the most important of the enemy's raiders, and a considerable number of cattle would, on a certain night, be at Malandrai; and it was arranged that two companies of Guides should start in the afternoon for Rustam, twenty-five miles distant, which they would reach after dark.

At this place they were to take a short rest, and were then to follow the difficult tracks through the hills, and appear on a commanding spur in the rear of the village, at dawn.

The frontal attack was to be made by six companies, who were to arrive before the bridge in the small hours of the morning.

A squadron of Bengal cavalry were to move independently, and to cut off any of the enemy who might escape from the frontal attack.
"The turning party arrived after a march of eighteen hours, through a terribly rough country.

The main body, unfortunately, miscalculated their distance and, instead of halting in the gorge leading to the village, in which it was known that pickets had been placed, they came suddenly upon the enemy's outposts.