Chapters 17, 18, 19, and 20 Summary

The weather clears and the British troops resume digging. As the tactical situation is studied, the British determine that the flooded plain must be drained to open up the eastern approach to Badajoz. The French have built a strong dam across the Rivillas Stream; the dam is guarded by an outlying fortress. As the digging proceeds various siege cannon are emplaced and concentrated fire begins against two of the bastions. They prove remarkably sturdy. A British assault captures one outlying fortress and converts the area into a platform for more siege cannon. Sharpe, detailed as an aide-de-camp to Windham, watches the combat from afar.

In Chapter 18, the British mount an attack against the dam across the Rivillas Stream. Sharpe's old company is selected for the assault. Prior to the attack, Hakeswill confiscates Harper's seven-barreled gun because it is not a regulation...