be done, and we might just as well do it at
once."

It was not until half-past three that the welcome order was given to
prepare to move forward. A portion of the Heavy Camel Regiment, the
Hussars, and Naval Brigade were left behind with the three guns to hold
the inclosure, while the rest, formed in square as at Abu Klea,
advanced.

The camels with the wounded were in the centre. The Marines and
Grenadiers formed the front of the square, the Coldstream and Scots
Guards were on the right, the Mounted Infantry on the left, the Sussex
and the remainder of the Heavies in the rear. The fire of the enemy
redoubled as the square set out on its way. Halting occasionally to fire
a few volleys at the spots where the enemy's fire was thickest the
square made its way gradually onward, keeping as much as possible on
ridges so as to avoid being surrounded by the enemy placed in commanding
positions. At last the fire of the Arabs suddenly ceased, and a great
crowd, several thousand strong, headed by many horsemen, charged down
upon the face and left flank of the square.

They were some five hundred yards away, and a cheer broke from the
British square when it was evident that the long suspense was over and
the supreme moment at hand. Volley after volley was fired, and then,
seeing that the fire was taking but little effect, and knowing that
nothing discourages men so much as seeing their fire fail to stop the
rush of an enemy, Sir Charles Wilson ordered the bugle to sound "Cease
firing!" The order was obeyed; the men stood steady until the enemy were
within three hundred yards; then the bugle-call "Commence firing!"
sounded, and from the front and left face of the square sweeping volleys
were poured into the crowded mass.

"Aim low and fire steadily, men!" was the shout of the officers; and so
well were they obeyed that the front ranks of the Arabs were mown down
like grass. For a time they still pushed forward, but the fire was too
terrible to be withstood; and although a few of the leaders arrived
within fifty yards of the square, their followers hesitated when still
at a distance of a hundred. Hesitation in the case of a charge is fatal.
The storm of bullets still tore its way through the mass; the Arabs
wavered, turned, and were soon in full flight.

The battle had lasted but a few minutes, but the victory was complete,
and three hearty cheers broke from the victors. There was a halt for a
few minutes for the men to fill u