In all probability, we shall hear of a great battle
between General Roberts and Ayoub Khan in the course of to-day or Monday. The accounts speak of proposals for negotia- tion on the part of Ayoub Khan, and of apologetic mes- sages ; but nothing short of a surrender in which Ayoub's army laid down its arms, would meet the case. And that is very unlikely. General Roberts himself speaks of the great strength of Ayoub's position, from which Ayoub could either re- treat to Herat or march on Cabul, if he did not choose to stand a battle. Either course would involve us in an awkward position, for it would either necessitate our withdrawing without having re-established our military ascendancy in Afghanistan, or engage us in another wild-goose chase of an enemy who can generally march faster than we can, and who gains in force while we lose. A victory over Ayoub Khan is essential for our evacuation of the country.
