Soon afterwards large bodies of men issued from the forest facing the pagoda and, marching along a slight ridge, that extended from that point to the creek below Rangoon, took up their position there, and began entrenching themselves all along the line.

Thus the British position was now completely surrounded; there was, however, no doubt that the main body of the enemy was still facing the pagoda.
"We must see what they are doing," the general said.

"This is too important a point for us to allow them to erect a strongly fortified position, close at hand." Accordingly, Tollemache was sent down with an order to the 18th Madras Infantry--supported by a detachment of the 13th Regiment, under Major Sale--to advance against the enemy in the jungle.

The movements of this force were eagerly watched from the terrace of the pagoda.

At a rapid pace they crossed the intervening ground, and a rattle of musketry broke out from the jungle as they approached.