CHAPTER VIII

THE ADVANCE OF THE MISSION OPPOSED

The Tibetans responsible for hostilities--Their version of the Hot Springs affair--Treacherous attack at Samando--Wall-building--The Red Idol Gorge action--A stiff climb--The enemy outflanked--Impressed peasants--First phase of the opposition--Bad generalship--Lack of enterprise--Erratic shooting--All quiet at Gyantse--Enemy occupy Karo la--A booby trap--Colonel Brander's sortie--Frontal attack repulsed--Captain Bethune killed--Failure of flanking movement--A critical moment--Sikhs turn the position--Flight and pursuit--Second phase of the opposition--Advanced tactics--Danger of being cut off--The attack on Kangma--Desperate gallantry of the enemy--Patriots or fanatics? 127-151