th "blank" either!

Right through the centre of the town, the Brigade went, and camped in olive
groves along the main road, leading out to the north-east. The following
day it retraced its steps to the south of the town where it joined the
"C.-in-C.". He had with him the remainder of the Division and the
Australians. A triumphal entry into the town with the troops named was then
made.

The Machine-Gun Squadron, given the choice, went independently, straight to
their next camp at El Judeide, nine miles south-west of Damascus,
preferring to rest their horses. There they camped in orange groves, being
re-joined in the evening by the remainder of the Brigade, who had taken
part in the "show".

[Illustration]

AN AMUSING ADVENTURE.

Sec.-Lieut. Arden in the meantime was having an adventure "_on his own_".
When we were ordered back to El Judeide Mr. Arden was told to go into the
town and make all the purchases he could, so as to provide the Squadron
with a few comforts. He took with him Q.M.S. Fisher, the officers' mess
cook, and his groom. Having made his purchases, Mr. Arden, who had been
told that our destination was on the western road, looked it up on the map
and found a place marked there on the road to Beyrout about 10 miles
distant named "_El Jedeide_". Off they started for this _El Jedeide_. What
an experience they had! The road, which had just previously had the close
attention of the R.A.F. and other branches of the service, was littered
with dead and all kinds of enemy material. Along they continued, meeting
everywhere sights of wreck and confusion such as they had never previously
experienced.[33] Having reached Jedeide, but failing to find any trace of
British troops, they felt they had made a mistake. But it was too late to
return that night, and there was no help for it, they were forced to spend
the night there "and trust to luck".

Alternately taking post "on guard," some sleep was obtained. During the
night some troops passed by, which the small party feared was Turkish;
fortunately they turned out to be _French Colonial Troops_, whose dress is
somewhat in the Turkish fashion. At daylight the party retraced its steps
toward Damascus, and on the way, met a party of Australians. "What the
devil are you doing here?" the latter demanded. Upon hearing their story
the Australians ejaculated: "Why, do you know you have been for one night
the outpost of the British Army? No British soldier has been here bef