It was deserted by the tribesmen, who had been taken by surprise, and had left hurriedly.

General Westmacott was anxious to be off, as it was probable that the fighting men of the enemy had merely hurried off to place their families under cover, and would return as soon as they had done so.
At two o'clock the return march began.

A company of the Northamptons were placed within range of the wooded slope, which should have been covered by the Dorsets, had they come up.

They were suddenly fired upon, and the men fell fast.

Another company came up to help them.