hedge
of bushes three or four yards beyond the other, and gathering a large
number of the heaviest stones they could find. These were laid on the
grass rampart, which was thus raised in height nearly a foot, openings
being left in the stones through which the defenders could thrust their
guns and fire without exposing their heads to the shots of the
assailants. This still further added to the confidence of the Arabs, and
when all was completed they indulged in defiant gestures and wild yells
signifying contempt, in the direction from which the enemy would
probably advance.

At nightfall two of the men were posted as sentries, as it was possible
the Mahdists might push straight forward. There was, however, no alarm
during the night; but just as day broke the sentries reported that there
were horsemen to be seen in the distance. As there was no object in
concealment all leapt to their feet. Nine horsemen were seen on the brow
of a sand-hill some two miles away. They were presently lost sight of as
they descended into a dip, and a minute or two later the line of camels
was seen following in their steps. The spear with the cloth was elevated
as a flag; and when the horsemen appeared on the next sand-hill, it was
evident by the suddenness with which they pulled up their horses that
they saw it.

Half a minute later they started again, this time at a canter. When they
came within half a mile the sheik asked, "Why do you not fire, Muley;
your gun will carry that distance easily?"

"Double that distance if necessary, sheik. It is better not to let them
know that we have such a gun here until they get close. It will be
better for you to fire."

The sheik levelled his long gun and fired, and the horsemen at once drew
up, and after a little consultation two or three of them rode off on
each flank so as to make a circuit of this unlooked-for obstacle, while
one of the others rode back at full speed to meet the camel train. As
soon as it arrived the riders, of whom there were two on each animal,
dismounted. The camels were led back to a hollow where they would be
safe from any stray bullet, and after a short pause one of the horsemen
again advanced and at a rapid pace made a circle round the fort at a
distance of two or three hundred yards only. A scattered fire was opened
by the defenders, but the speed at which he was riding disconcerted
their aim, and having completed the circuit he rode off with a yell of
defiance to rejoi