1 SIEGE OF LAHORE. 47
2 to threaten the Dogra intruders with destruction. Indeed it is
3 probable that they would have attempted to carry their
4 threats into execution had not there been just light enough for
5 them to see four guns heavily loaded with grape, and with
6 matches lighted, ready to open upon them. This spectacle in-
7 duced them to remaim quiet and to become more civil to their
8 unwelcome visitors ; and their only thought now was how to
9 get safe out of the fort. They asked Rajah Goolaub for
10 leave to withdraw, and he for obvious reasons readily granted
11 it. But it was too late for them to retreat, the fierce strife for
12 which so many secret and silent preparations had been made,
13 was about to begin.
14 As day dawned upon Lahore the watchers on the ram-
15 parts of the fort heard the tramp and murmur of the
16 advancing* Khalsa army as it marched in at the several
17 gates of the city. The increasing light then showed a cloud of
18 dust raised by the tread of the advancing thousands, and which
19 threw a lurid and ominous gloom on all around. Presently
20 the fierce cries of some seventy thousand wild infantry, and
21 perhaps fifty thousand still more savage followers attracted
22 by the scent of plunder, rent the air in loud acclamations.
23 Above all was heard the Seik war cry — Wall Gooroojee ko Fut-
24 teh ! Wah Gooroo jee ho Khalsajee ! as the host, disdaining
25 further attempts at secrecy, advanced to the assault. The small
26 and silent band on the walls of the fort calmly beheld the ap-
27 proach of the dense columns of infantry, the squadrons of caval-
28 ry, and more fearful than all, the enormous train of the Khalsa
29 artillery. The entire circuit of the fort now presented a closely
30 wedged mass of men, forming close up to the very walls.
31 Presently the artillery was drawn into position, and coolly un-
32 limbered ready to open its terrible fire on the devoted place.
33 The number of guns was so great that they formed as it were
34 one entire and connected battery round the fort • and yet others,
35 for want of room in the first rank, had to take up positions in