fighting which ever took place in India occurred. At a short distance
beyond the canal stood the Secunderbagh (Alexander's garden), a building
of strong masonry, standing in a garden surrounded by a very high and
strong wall. This wall was loopholed for musketry; the gate, which led
through a fortified gateway, had been blocked with great piles of stones
behind it, and a very strong garrison held it. In front, a hundred yards
distant, was a fortified village, also held in great force. Separated from
the garden of the Secunderbagh only by the road was the mosque of Shah
Nujeeff. This building was also situated in a garden with a strong
loopholed wall, and this was lined with the insurgent troops; while the
terraced roof of the mosque, and the four minarets which rose at its
corners, were crowded with riflemen.

The column of attack was commanded by Brigadier Hope; and as it crossed
the bridge of the canal and advanced, a tremendous musketry fire was
opened upon it from the village which formed the advanced post of the
enemy. The column broke up into skirmishing line and advanced steadily.

"The guns to the front!" said an aide-de-camp, galloping up to the naval
brigade.

With a cheer the sailors moved across the bridge, following the Horse
Artillery, which dashed ahead, unlimbered, and opened fire with great
rapidity. It took somewhat longer to bring the ponderous sixty-eight-
pounders of the naval brigade into action; but their deep roar when once
at work astonished the enemy, who had never before heard guns of such
heavy metal.

The rebels fought obstinately, however; but Brigadier-General Hope led his
troops gallantly forward, and after a brief, stern fight the enemy gave