

The Amir who then ruled Afghanistan was by no means averse to the
crushing of this somewhat formidable personage. His seat on the golden
throne was not yet so firmly secure that he could view with equanimity
the rise of a powerful and possibly victorious chieftain, who might
be his rival in the allegiance of the people. He assisted the British
expedition in every way, arranging, as far as he had power, for
supplies to be procured.

To General Roberts was entrusted the command of the relieving column.
It numbered about 10,000 men, with 8000 camp followers, and with it
marched the 92nd, 72nd, and 60th line Regiments, and the 9th Lancers;
but the only artillery were three batteries of 7-pounder screw mountain
guns.

The remainder of the army, including the 9th, 59th, and 67th Regiments,
under Stewart himself, marched back to India by the Khyber Pass,
unmolested by even a single Ghazi bullet, and Lundi Kotal became an
advanced post on this road, as Quettah was on that to Candahar.

Though Stewart’s march from Candahar to Cabul was an anxious one, and
seriously resisted throughout, the return journey was uneventful and
unopposed. Joining hands with Primrose, the combined troops, leaving a
weak garrison in the city, marched out to attack Ayub, who had taken
up a position north of the fortress near the Pir Paimal ridge. Here,
while the 7th and 66th, with some native detachments, freed the central
attack, the right wing movement was effected. Macpherson’s Brigade,
in which served the 92nd, and Baker’s Brigade, forming the left wing,
and having the 72nd Regiment and the 2nd Sikhs in first line, the
5th Ghoorkas and 3rd Sikhs in second line, and the 2nd Beloochees
in third line, was thrust forward on this side against the enemy’s
right. The cavalry had to make a wide detour on the left to cross
the Argandab river. The victory was complete, 31 guns and 2 Royal
Horse Artillery 9-pounders were taken, one of which was claimed by a
plucky little Ghoorka, who, rushing on the gun, thrust his cap in the
muzzle, shouting 