It's the early hours of November 2, 1841, at a mansion in Kabul, Afghanistan.

36-year-old diplomat Sir Alexander Burns peaks over the balcony and grimaces at what he sees below.

A few dozen Afghan men carrying torches and large knives are marching along the street, and Sir Alexander

is sure he knows their destination, his house. The British invaded Afghanistan three years ago.

Their plan was to install a puppet ruler in the country to safeguard their colonies

in neighboring India. Ever since, the British have occupied Afghanistan to prop up their chosen

leader. But the British are not popular here, and there have been whispers that the Afghans may

rise up in revolution. As the most prominent British official in Kabul, Sir Alexander knows

he'll be at the top

of any list of targets for retribution.

At the sound of splintering wood, Sir Alexander risks another glance over the balcony.

The mob has broken into the stables next door.

Soon the accurate smell of burning timber fills the air.

They've set fire to the stables.

Knowing that his house might be next, Sir Alexander takes a deep breath, then stands up in full view.

He hopes that showing himself will calm the crown. And inspired by his bravery, another British official also steps forward from his hiding place and joins Sir Alexander on the balcony.

Then Sir Alexander holds his hands up in the air, gesturing for calm, but the crowd isn't in the mood.

Gunshot echoes through the street. The official next to Sir Alexander slumps to the ground,

a bright red stain blossoming over his white shirt. Sir Alexander

ducks and scurries back inside. All he can do now is arm himself and hope that British

soldiers are on their way. When British troops do arrive, they find Sir Alexander Burns' residence

in ruins, and Sir Alexander himself

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