Chapter 15 (pages 247-263 and endnotes) Summary

Flashman talks about the way various historians have explained the reason for Tej Singh's retreat. Flashman knows the answer because years later Tej explained it to him. When Tej saw the retreating British cavalry, he convinced his officers that it was not a retreat but an attempt by the British to encircle the Khalsa forces.

Flashman had hoped that his injuries would cause him to be sent away from the battle, but he remains for administrative duties. Broadfoot's replacement, Henry Lawrence, sees in Broadfoot's papers that he had intended to send Flashman back to Lahore, but Lawrence cannot understand why and sees no reason Flashman should return.

Flashman hears of events among the opposition. Lal Singh escapes back to Lahore and is in hiding under the protection of Jeendan. Jeendan still humors and encourages the...