Chapter 11 Summary

The black-powder mine blasts as it had been designed, directing the force between the inner and outer city walls. However, no British soldiers had made it that far, and the damage is mostly to Tippoo's troops stationed around and atop the inner wall. The walls take damage too, toppling some parts and loosening the stones and bricks. Sharpe ducks into a doorway to avoid the blast.

The Forlorn Hopes charge into the city and slaughter the stunned enemy who cannot mount any resistance. The rest of the British army follows while enemy reinforcements rush toward the breached city walls. The battle changes when Tippoo's men gain their senses and fire from cover into the amassed British forces. They desperately find whatever cover is available and fire back.

Sharpe gathers three abandoned muskets and loads them, then he finds Lawford and Gudin. Gudin comments...