etween the camp and the grove
where the sergeant had been found, and the 19th Hussars were directed
while scouring the plain to search every depression and to examine every
clump of bushes to discover if possible the body of a missing soldier or
any signs of his clothes or accoutrements. The political officer closely
questioned all the natives who came in, but these came from villages
higher up the river, and no news was obtained of what was going on at
Metemmeh. The next day there was a great outburst of firing in Metemmeh,
guns and cannon being discharged incessantly for two or three hours. At
first it was thought that some dispute might have arisen between the
various tribes now occupying the place, but this idea was abandoned when
it was seen that the cannon on the walls were discharged not into the
town but towards the open country, and it was then concluded that some
great festival of the Mahdi was being celebrated. The following day was
Sunday. Just as the troops were being formed up for a church parade a
staff officer came up to Rupert and his fellow aides-de-camp as they
were buckling on their swords.

"Is anything wrong, major?" Rupert asked, as he saw that the officer was
much agitated.

"Yes, we have terrible news. A boat has just come down from Wilson with
the news that he arrived too late; that Khartoum has fallen, and that
Gordon is murdered."

An exclamation of horror broke from the two young officers.

"Do you think it is true, major?"

"I fear there is no doubt of it. The steamers got up to the town, and
the Mahdi's flags were flying everywhere, and the vessels were peppered
with shot from all the batteries. There is other bad news. Wilson's
steamers both ran aground, and cannot be got off. Beresford is to go up
and bring the party off, that is, if he can fight his way past the
batteries. You see, that is what the firing in Metemmeh yesterday was
about. No doubt a messenger had arrived from the Mahdi with the news of
the fall of Khartoum. Don't say anything about it. Of course the news
will not be kept from the officers, but it is to be kept from the men as
far as possible."

Feeling almost stunned with the news, Rupert and his companions joined
the rest of the staff and proceeded to the parade-ground. An hour after
the service had concluded the terrible intelligence was known to all the
officers. The feelings of grief, indignation, and rage were universal.
All their efforts and suffering had be