1 534 DEFEAT OF THE NAJIBS.
2 vey grain to the garrison at Ali Masjid, who
3 had but a day or two's. provisions left. To
4 effect this desirable object, it therefore became
5 necessary, on the 10th, to send two companies
6 of the-21st Native Infantry under Farmer, and
7 one of the Sappers and Miners under Lieu-
8 tenant Macleod, of the Engineers, on that
9 duty, accompanied by 500 Sikh soldiers, and _
10 escorted by a squadron of cavalry and two
11 guns to the entrance of the Pass. They suc-
12 ceeded in making over their charge in safety ;
13 but on their return were opposed by the Khai-
14 baris in force, who boldly attacked them as
15 they were threading the hills. The Najibs,
16 without attempting resistance, immediately
17 took to flight, hamstringing such camels as
18 obstructed their progress: and, at last, our own
19 sepoys, having expended all their ammunition,
20 were obliged to follow the example thus set
21 them of showing a quick pair of heels. The
22 Afridis, perceiying the dismay they had
23 created, threw down their matchlocks, and ad-
24 vanced ,to close quarters, with their deadly
25 knives; and the ferocity with which they used