By this time No. 2 Battery (Campbell's) is ready, but is directed to wait until No. 3 can also be prepared, in order that the enemy's surprise may be the greater. With No. 2 is a party of the Jummu contingent, who are at first unwilling to ply spades and shovels or pile sand-bags, murmuring that they are come to fight, not to do coolie work. As the mutineers blaze away, these Dogra Rajputs, throwing down shovels, seize their muskets and fire harmlessly at the stone walls, to the great danger of the artillerymen. They are at once told by Major Campbell that they are there to work and not to play at fighting, and they manfully settle down to the uncongenial task. The attention of the foe having been purposely attracted by No. 1 Battery, No. 3 (Scott's)--partially prepared during the night, and concealed by grass and branches of trees--has been secretly at work, and is ready on the morning of the 12th. Dangerously near to the rebel cannon is No. 3; less than two hundred yards separate the British gunners from their antagonists. Almost at the same moment No. 4 Battery (Major Tombs') prepares for action. To achieve the secret completion of these batteries has been the brilliant work of Colonel Baird Smith and of his worthy second in command, Engineer-Captain Alexander Taylor. For three days Brind's guns have been reducing the gigantic and formidable Mori Bastion to powder, whilst the other three batteries have been preparing to lend him a hand. "Not much left of our old friend!" observes Major Reid cheerfully to a small group of his officers, who stand gazing upon the work of destruction on the evening of September the 11th. As Reid speaks, another shell strikes their ancient antagonist, the Mori Bastion, towards which he is pointing. "They're defending it well, though, sir," replies Captain Russell, as gun after gun is brought forward by the rebels, who are making praiseworthy efforts to silence Brind. "We've got so used to the old bastion that one feels almost sorry to see him going to the dogs in this way." "He's losing flesh rapidly," Ted joins in, as yet another of Brind's kind regards is sent crashing against the once rock-like wall and a fresh shower of dust is thrown up. "I can't say that I feel much pity for him," Reid grimly declared. "He has too many of my brave lads' lives to answer for," the commandant added with a tinge of sadness in his voice. "Well, the rest will be merely child's play, I fancy," conjectured a young lieutenant standing by. Major Reid solemnly regarded the author of this remark for a few seconds before replying. "You think so, young man?" he asked. "Better keep the playing until it is over. The hard work is yet to come." Whilst the bombardment proceeds, the Ridge is tolerably safe, for the Delhi guns are too much occupied with Brind's pestilent battery to pay much heed to any other place. The duel continues, waxing hotter and still more hot. "Splendid practice our fellows are making!" says Jim presently.