column of route, but "at the walk," as it
was "pitch-black" and the ground rough and rocky. Well on in the evening, a
welcome change in the going occurred, as we came out upon a road (the same
one crossed in the morning); a proper road, a _real_ road like one at home
in England! It seemed strange, indeed, after the miles of desert; the
horses appreciated it too! Later, the moon having risen, a long halt was
made, after which the road towards Beersheba was resumed. Every mile or so,
by the wayside were now passed remains of Turkish camps, dead animals,
overturned wagons, abandoned ammunition, etc., etc. The enemy had evidently
left in "some" haste. But there were still isolated parties of the enemy in
the hills, from which direction shots could be heard from time to time.

BEERSHEBA AT LAST!

After a long and gruelling journey, during which everyone was dead tired
and the horses badly in need of water, the outskirts of the "town" of
Beersheba were at last reached. Here the Squadron halted, whilst the units
in front "watered". It then became known to us that Beersheba had already
been occupied by the Australians, who, no doubt, had come in from the
flank. As regards the "water," this was contained in a long stone trough,
and, although it was thick with mud, it was all that could be had. Yet, of
this filth the animals drank deeply, not having tasted a drop of liquid
_for 24 hours_!

After "watering," a camping-area for the night was allotted to the Squadron
near by. The animals having been off-saddled and fed, everyone was glad to
be able to lie down in his clothes and snatch some sleep during the few
remaining hours, until it was time to "stand to" in the morning. Before
daybreak the Squadron saddled-up and moved off into the plain outside the
town. Here it halted in "Line of Sub-section Column" and dismounted. No
sooner had the sun risen, however, when machine-gun fire broke out from all
directions. At once the order was given to extend for rifle fire. Everyone
expected to see the dust thrown up all round by the thousands of bullets
which were being fired, and prepared for a great melee, but--nothing
happened! _A perfect tornado of fire_ and nothing whatever could be seen!
After a few minutes, to the surprise of all, everything was quiet again!
The explanation was obtained afterwards: all that had happened was that a
Boche plane had appeared over our outpost line. He must, certainly, have
had a hot reception!

Then