A few hours afterwards, Nana Sahib, anxious and restless, was pacing his hall; he was waiting for news of “the battle of the bridge.” Though Havelock had succeeded in reaching that point, he could not conceive it possible that he could cross. He had ordered Bala to blow up the bridge, and to make a firm stand. He was waiting now to hear that this had been accomplished, when Bala Rao staggered in. He was covered with blood, which had flowed from a terrible wound in the shoulder. “They have crossed the bridge, and we are defeated,” he gasped, as he fell fainting into a chair. Nana Sahib literally foamed with rage when he heard these ominous words. The dream was being realised, and the mighty fingers of the White Hand were closing upon him. “Ten thousand curses upon them!” he muttered. “But I yet hold a card, and will play it.” He rang a bell violently; a servant appeared. “Send Tantia Topee and Azimoolah here.” In a few minutes these two persons stood in his presence. “_I want the Beebee-Ghur cleared of every woman and child. And stay--there is a well close by--it has long been useless--let it be filled up with rubbish. Do not mistake my orders._ EVERY WOMAN AND EVERY CHILD _must leave._” “I understand, your Highness,” answered Azimoolah, with a hideous smile. “Your tenants are not profitable, and you have use for the house. The women and children shall _all_ be sent home.” * * * * * * * In a few hours’ time the Beebee-Ghur was deserted and silent, and the useless well had indeed been filled up. Then, placing himself at the head of five thousand troops, Nana Sahib marched forth to oppose the further advance of Havelock. “We shall conquer yet,” he murmured, as, armed to the teeth, he rode side by side with his counsellors. They succeeded in reaching a village close to where Havelock was resting; it was naturally a strong position. Here they posted a number of very heavy guns, and the most experienced and ablest gunners were selected to serve them. They opened fire with deadly effect upon the worn British soldiers. “Comrades, those guns must be charged,” were Havelock’s words. “Who will take the post of honour?” In answer to the question, the Highlanders, under the command of Colonel Hamilton, rushed to the front. There was not a single man who was not eager to play his part in the deadly work; but the Highlanders were the first to answer, and they claimed precedent. They were to lead the charge. Setting aside for a moment all discipline, a stalwart fellow stepped from the ranks, and holding up a card on which a thistle was worked in a woman’s hair, while around it was a true lover’s knot, he shouted in a stentorian voice-- “For ‘Auld Reekie,’ boys, and the bonnie lasses we’ve left behind.” He was answered with a wild cheer, and cries of “Well done, Sandy!”