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the assistance of Colonel Webster's squadron. He was in the rear rank
and could not well see what was passing in front, and he was astounded
upon seeing men spring up apparently from the earth and furiously attack
the horsemen with spear and sword. He himself had a very narrow escape.
His horse swerved as it leapt a low bush, and almost simultaneously a
native sprang to his feet and lunged at him with his spear.
Instinctively he threw himself forward on the neck of his horse, and as
he did so felt the spear graze his back below the shoulders. The next
moment his horse had taken him beyond the Arab's reach; but at that
instant he heard a cry and saw Corporal North's horse fall with him,
pierced by a spear thrust given by a native lying on the ground.

Before the corporal could rise the Arab was upon him with his sword, and
struck him down with a sweeping cut upon the shoulder. Edgar had wheeled
his horse round instantly, and before the blow was repeated was within
striking distance of the man and his sword fell upon the uplifted wrist.
Dropping his sword the Arab sprang upon the horse and strove to tear
Edgar from the saddle, while at the same instant the Arab who had first
thrust at him ran up. Fortunately he came up at the side on which his
comrade was clinging to Edgar, and was therefore unable to use his spear
against him; but after a moment's hesitation he plunged it into the
horse, which reared high in the air and then fell. Edgar had at the
moment rid himself of the man who was grasping him, by shortening his
sword and plunging it into his body, and as the horse reared he drew his
feet from the stirrups and dropped off over his tail, coming down upon
his feet just as the animal rolled over dead.

The other Arab rushed at him with his spear. Edgar cut at it with his
sword and severed the iron head from the staff, and then springing
forward ran the Arab through before he could take to his sword. But
several others were running up, and Edgar felt that his case was
desperate. By this time the corporal, though badly wounded, had freed
himself from his fallen horse, and drawing his carbine from the bucket
shot the Arab nearest to him. The others, however, came on without a
pause. Edgar and his wounded companion made a desperate defence; but
both received several sword-cuts, and Edgar felt the end was at hand,
when with a roar like thunder the second line burst down upon them, and
the Arabs were instantly cut down.