Nevertheless, he established himself at the fort, determined there to make his stand till relief should arrive.
The telegraph wires were cut, and for a time it seemed that all communication with the outside world was an impossibility.

Several runners were sent out, but failed to break through the besieging forces.

But at last after many desperate days there came a message from without--a scrap of paper attached to a stone and flung over the wall of the fort at night.

News of the disaster had reached Peshawur, and Sir Reginald Bassett, with a hastily collected force, was moving to their assistance.
The news put heart into the garrison, and for a time it seemed that the worst would be averted.

But it became gradually evident to General Roscoe that the relieving force could not reach them in time.