Already, however, it was too late, and the besieged force, unable to face a second day without water under that burning sun, had laid down their arms.

No doubt the stress of thirst was dreadful, and yet one cannot say that the defence rose to the highest point of resolution.

Knowing that help could not be far off, the garrison should have held on while they could lift a rifle.

If the ammunition was running low, it was bad management which caused it to be shot away too fast.

Captain McWhinnie, who was in command, behaved with the utmost personal gallantry.