Chapter 7 Summary

Gudin orders Sharpe to ride a horse toward the British fighting in the woods and issue confusing commands to them. Sharpe tries but does not receive an answer until he calls out Hakeswill's name. Sharpe heads into the woods toward Hakeswill, and a fight breaks out between them. A squad of British soldiers arrive, but a volley of musket fire chases them away. Sharpe had been hoping to slip through to the British command and warn them not to attack the west wall. The fight delays him long enough to kill his plan, Hakeswill is taken prisoner, and everyone returns to the city.

Tippoo has his jettis execute criminals, after which he honors the brave soldiers on his side. Sharpe receives a large gold medallion for his fight with Hakeswill that attracted the British squad that was subsequently captured. After the ceremony, Sharpe...