The enemy could not be seen, but volleys were fired into the wood.

The 36th Sikhs went back to reinforce them, and the whole force were withdrawn without further casualty.
As the Northamptons were retiring across the wooded zone, the first four companies were allowed to pass unmolested; but when the fifth reached the clear ground, they were greeted with a blaze of fire.
The carriage of the wounded delayed the retirement, and it was not until dusk that the foot of the hill was reached.
The enemy had taken every advantage that their knowledge of the country gave them.

They had now begun to creep up the ravines, and their number increased every minute.

Men were falling fast.

Each man carrying a wounded comrade became a target.