CHAPTER XI.
We come now to a memorable day — April 17th, 1858 — on which the unbroken tranquillity of a brief interval, since our last encounter with the enemy, was disturbed by vigorous cannonading on the Oudh frontier.
Now experience — and experience tends to instruct, and ripen men more than time — had taught us a valuable lesson in the preliminary tactics of rebel warfare; for we had learned that whenever they really meant to attack us, they invariably commenced the prelude to their operations with as much arrogant noise as possible; and as spies had previously brought intelligence of fugitive mutineers from Luknow having fraternised with their friends at Belwa, the prospect of another struggle became evident, and the roar of the hostile thunder as it echoed over the placid plains was greeted cheerfully, and roused the Brigade for the deadly encounter that was coming.
All was now activity and preparation for thrashing the approaching rebel army; and as soon as the troops were under arms, and all things pronounced in order for action, the word was given to advance, and in two contiguous columns the Brigade moved out to the attack.
