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a band of eighteen military students opened fire on the insurgents and kept them engaged for half an hour. They were, however, easily overpowered and disarmed; their number was small and they had run short of ammunition. But their timely resistance saved the government from immedi- ate collapse. But for their gallantry and رشادت opportune action, the King would have lost both his kingdom and his life. Rapid firing on both sides at last roused the King in his palace, and opened his eyes to the seriousness of the situation. Some eighty men of the Royal Guards came out and made a bold stand against the rebels. By their courage and skill, they beat the enemy back after a bloody fight lasting for about two hours. Bacha and his men were compelled to retreat and take shelter in the Habibia College and the adjacent village of Kalola Pushtah. The tower of the Habibia College occupies a commanding posi- tion and the Royal Guards could not immediately follow up their advantage. But an hour later, a few well-aimed cannon shots from the Arg compelled Bacha to evacuate the tower and retire. He left the place 31