Roberts" force pushed on, moving cautiously towards Kabul. As they reached the Asmai Heights that overlooked the Kabul suburb of Deh Afghan, the Guides" scout galloped back.
“There are Afghans on the heights, sahib,” he reported to Roberts.
The general grunted. “So near and yet so far, eh? Elliot, ride forward and see what"s happening. Take a section of Guides as an escort.”
“Yes, sir.” Elliot nodded to Jack. “You and I"ll go ahead, Jack.”
They rode ahead, stopping in the shade of a tree as the Guides checked the area. “Who are these fellows?” Elliot scanned the heights.
“I am not sure.” Jack looked up as three of the Guides grabbed a lone Afghan and dragged him to Jack.
“This man was spying, Windrush sahib,” one of the Guides said. “Shall I kill him?”
“No,” Jack shook his head. “As
