Chapters 12 through 17 Summary

Fearing the British assault is about to completely collapse Sharpe and Harper lead a counter attack on the castle, mustering the retreating forces. The action is quite hot and deadly but Sharpe and Harper and a few others reach the castle, penetrate into its gatehouse, and then rush up the main gatehouse tower. They fight to the top of the main tower and capture it, securing the castle's gatehouse. The combat is fierce and continual, but the British eventually prove victorious even as Pot-au-Fea commits his primary forces. In Chapter 13, The British capture the castle and make Pot-au-Fea a prisoner with many of his men; however many of them escape through a newly-dug hole in the foundation. Hakeswill also escapes. The main rocket artillery finally appears drawn up the steep mountain road by mules and horses. Sharpe is careful to immediately...