CHAPTER LV.

Political situation at Kabul --Serious trouble ahead --Macpherson attacks the Kohistanis --Combined movements--The uncertainty of war --The fight in the Chardeh valley--Forced to retire --Padre Adams earns the V.C. --Macpherson's column arrives --The captured guns recovered--Melancholy reflections

Attack on the Takht-i-Shah --City people join the tribesmen --Increasing numbers of the enemy --Loss of the conical hill --Captain Vousden's gallantry --The retirement to Sherpur

Sherpur--Defence of Sherpur--Arrest of Daud Shah --Rumours of an assault--Attack and counter-attack --Communication with India re-opened --Sherpur made safe

Two important questions--A Ruler required --News of Abdur Rahman Khan --Abdur Rahman in Afghan-Turkestan --Overtures made to Abdur Rahman

Jenkins attacked near Charasia --Sir Donald Stewart reaches Kabul --Difficulties with Abdur Rahman --Abdur Rahman proclaimed Amir