of Metemmeh that the check of the previous day had by
no means disheartened them, and that they were still in very
considerable force in and around the town.

Late at night the orders were issued for the troops to parade at
half-past four in the morning; and leaving a small force to guard Abu
Kru, or as it was sometimes called Gubat, the rest of the troops marched
towards Metemmeh. Two villages deserted by the inhabitants were passed,
and then a view was obtained of the town. Crowds of Arabs were seen
outside its walls.

The officer in command of the company of Grenadiers that was marching in
extended order in front of the column picked out twenty of the best
shots and ordered them to elevate their sights to two thousand yards and
fire five volleys. Great as the distance was, the effect was
considerable. With the aid of glasses two or three of the enemy were
seen to fall, and the rest scattered in all directions and speedily took
shelter within the walls. The seven-pounders then opened fire, but the
shot produced little or no result, simply punching holes in the mud
walls. The troops then moved nearer, marching along the southern side to
see if any place suitable for an assault could be discovered; but
everywhere the wall was loopholed, and the incessant fire showed that it
was strongly manned.

A Krupp gun on the walls presently opened fire with so accurate an aim
that the column fell back a short distance. At this moment a cheer rose
as four steamers were seen coming along the river flying the Egyptian
flag. They ran towards the shore and landed two hundred negro soldiers
with some small brass guns. These were speedily placed into position
beside the seven-pounders, and the negro infantry, advancing in
skirmishing order, opened fire at once. They brought news that Gordon
was still holding out, and also that three thousand of the enemy were on
their way down and were but two days' march away.

This news decided Sir Chas. Wilson against running the risk of
materially weakening his force by an assault on the town, and the column
fell back to Abu Kru. On their way a portion of the Guards' Regiment was
told off to search the groves and plantations to see that there were no
Arabs lurking there. Presently they came upon two camels grazing in a
grove. "Search about well, men," the officer in command said; "their
owners may be hidden somewhere close."

In a minute or two one of the men called out, "Here are two saddles,