The rocks on the right bank towered to a vast height, breaking here and there into a gorge which admitted some mountain stream down into the river below, and less frequently falling back to make way for a wild saddle-back pass into the plains above.
Along such a course every step was perilous, for the enemy had already been reported as hovering at the back of these ugly rocks, and might show their teeth at any moment.
For an hour or two, however, the march continued uninterrupted.

The few scattered Afghans who had appeared for a moment on the heights above had fallen back after exchanging shots, with no attempt at serious resistance.

The main body had been halted in the valley, awaiting the return of the scouts.

The horses had been unharnessed from the guns, and the officers were snatching a hurried meal, when Captain Forrester at the head of a few troopers scampered into the lines.

The news instantly spread that the enemy had been seen ahead, and was even then being chased by the cavalry up one of the defiles to the right.
Instantly, and without even waiting for the word of command, every man was in his place ready to go on.