Chapter 18 (pages 319-338 and endnotes) Summary

Flashman wakes the next morning and tries to rejoin British forces but discovers he is ill and weak with dysentery. He tries to walk but cannot. Flashman crawls until he is discovered by a group of British cavalry. When he arrives at a field hospital he sends a note to Lawrence, and Lawrence replies that he hopes Flashman can join him immediately. Flashman finds some civilian clothes and sets off to meet Lawrence.

When he arrives in Gough's camp, Flashman speaks to Lawrence and learns that Hardinge wanted to have Flashman charged and tried for failure to rescue Dalip. Goolab arrives in camp tomorrow, and Lawrence wants Flashman to meet him so that the first British officer that Goolab meets will be one he knows and trusts. Lawrence has additional plans for Flashman. After the...