officers. They had been to El-Mejdel, a few miles south of
Hamame, which turned out to be quite civilised compared with the
surrounding villages, and they had bought some tobacco and, actually, had
had a cup of coffee!

A REST AT HAMAME.

An hour or two afterwards we had great news! The Brigade was to go to
Hamame for a rest and clean up, and perhaps a swim in the sea! After our
experiences it would certainly be difficult to think of anything that could
be more appreciated, unless it were a square meal; but then, there were
oranges to be had, to make up for shortcomings in that respect.

Only 11 days since leaving Esani, yet how much had been crowded into that
short period! As much work had been done every day as was usually done in a
week. It was not the fatigue of the trekking and fighting that "told" so
much, but the lack of adequate rest; generally "turning-in" very late at
night, and often having to sleep in boots ready to move before daylight the
following morning, with nothing but "bully beef," biscuits, and (a very
little) jam to eat. Sometimes tea was available, but frequently without
sugar or milk. As regards "bully beef," this may be very sustaining, but it
is a fact difficult to believe when having nothing else to eat for weeks on
end. The look of it was enough to make one sick! Of course, in the
circumstances, no other rations were possible, and the Supply Department
certainly did wonders to keep units supplied with _any_ kind of food, when
they did not know, from one hour to another, where they would be located
next, without taking into consideration the distances that had to be
covered over roads hardly worthy to be called tracks.

Two days were spent at Hamame, and how glorious they were! The Squadron
rode down "bare-back" to the beach each day (two miles away) and bathed,
the horses going into the sea as well. They were watered from wells just
dug by the Field Troop (R.E.). It is a curious fact that all along this
coast one has only to dig down in the sand a few feet, and there an
inexhaustible supply of fresh water is to be found. It only remains to put
up canvas troughs and hand pumps, and any number of horses can be watered,
as easily as if they were in the best watered country in the world. It is
unfortunate that this is not possible away from the coast.

AT JUNCTION STATION.

At 04.30 on the morning of November 13th, the Brigade moved from its
comfortable quarters at Hamame, nearly due ea