The Memory Of A Lion-Part-5

"Oh, it is a sign of bad luck!" exclaimed one of
the soldiers.
Tanaji whirled round, "Who said that? There
is no place for superstition in a soldier's life. He
must only have faith, in himself and in God."
Tanaji once again hurled the iguana up with
greater force. This time Yashwanti gripped the
top of the fort wall. Tanaji breathed a sigh of
relief.
"Hand me the bag containing the ropes," said
Tanaji. A soldier gave it to him and he slung it
on his back.
"I go up first. I will tie the ropes to the projections
on the wall and let them down. With their
help you can all climb up. Remember not a
sound."
Tanaji held the rOpe tight and climbed up and
up till he reached the ramparts. The soldiers
followed him. Within minutes they were at the top.
Tanaji whispered, "There must be a number
of guards posted on the ramparts. Take them
unawares and silence them. They should not be
allowed to sound the alarm. We'll get down and
attack the soldiers inside the fort. Let's go."
The men stonned the fort and overpowered
the guards in no time. Shouting 'Jai Bhatoani',
they rushed into the fort. The Mughal soldiers
offered stiff resistance and a fierce hand to hand
fight ensued.
23