"How well the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Rifles look, Biddulph," he said to the quartermaster-general, who stood by his side. "Captain Wheatcroft, let Wyndham know that his guns should open." Saluting with his sword, the dragoon officer dashed away, and in a few minutes the calm silence of the morning was broken by the loud boom of a single gun, quickly replied to from the town, and followed by one after another, until the whole of Wyndham's artillery was hotly engaged, and the firing on both sides the heaviest during the siege. Seated on his horse, watch in hand, Sir Colin calmly listened to the deafening uproar. "Captain Remington," said he, at last, beckoning to his side an officer commanding a troop of horse artillery, "take the cavalry and with your guns cross the canal higher up, threatening the enemy's rear. I think, Biddulph, the fire from the entrenchments slackens, let the infantry deploy into line." All was now bustle and excitement as the orders to deploy were given, and the various brigades were put into motion, the bugles of the Sikh Infantry sounding merrily on the breeze, as the gallant fellows spread over the plain in skirmishing order. "The 53rd Regiment to support skirmishers," shouted Captain Dalzell of the 93rd, and the regiment indicated moved off at the double. To the light lay Brigadier Greathead's brigade, consisting of the 8th and the 150th Regiments, and the 2nd Punjaub Infantry. The whole line was now in motion, the enemy having been completely deceived, the heavy firing from the entrenchments causing them to expect an attack on their centre, which lay fully prepared right in front of Greathead's regiments. So silently and so skilfully had the movement been conducted, under shelter of the great buildings of the Dragoon Barracks, that the whole force was hurled on their right flank, before they knew anything about it. "There go Walpole's and Smith's guns," said the chief, as a heavy firing was heard among the brick-fields and kilns under the city walls; "let the whole line advance, I long to hear the scream of my brave Highlanders." Over the canal bridge poured regiment after regiment. Brigade after brigade appearing in great confusion for a moment, and the next re-forming their ranks, as regularly as though on parade. The long line of the enemy's force lay before them, as pouring in volley upon volley, the skirmishers being driven in, the British line struggled forward.