r a couple of hundred
yards suddenly turned and fired and came running in to take their
places, as the two rear companies were halted, swung out right and left
in line, fixed bayonets, with the peculiar ringing, tinkling sound of
metal against metal, and waited the coming of the third body of the
enemy, as strong as the two which had attacked in front.

They came out from the shelter of the cedar forest with a rush, yelling
furiously, each man waving his long jezail in his left hand, while a
long curved tulwar, keen as a razor, flashed in his right--big,
stalwart, long-bearded, dark-eyed men, with gleaming teeth and a fierce
look of determination to slay painted in every feature.

It was enough to cow the stoutest-hearted, for in numbers they were
enough to envelop and wipe out of existence the handful of
slight-looking lads ranged shoulder to shoulder across their way.

But not a boy amongst them flinched; he only drew his breath hard as if
trying to inflate his chest to the utmost with courage, and then at the
word every other lad fired low, sending a hail of bullets to meet the
rushing force when it was about a couple of hundred yards distant.

The men were staggered for the moment, but for the moment only, and they
dashed on again, leaping over or darting aside to avoid those of their
companions who staggered and fell. Then, as they reduced the distance
by about one-half, the yelling grew fiercer, and the enemy came running
and leaping on with increased speed.

"Fire!"

Some fifty rifles delivered their deadly contents with a roar as if only
one had been discharged.

The effect was magical.

The yelling ceased, and as the cloud of soft grey smoke arose it was to
show the crowded-together enemy halted in front, while those behind were
pushing and struggling to get within reach to strike at the hedge of
glittering bayonets, from which a third volley flashed out.

That was enough. As the smoke rose and the lads stood in double line
now, ready to receive the charge upon their glittering points, the enemy
was seen to be in full flight.

"Stand fast!" roared Roberts.

"Back, back!" shouted Bracy; and, sword in hand, the officers rushed
along in front of their men, literally driving some of the most eager
back, to re-form the line; for the sight of the flying enemy was too
much for some of the younger, least-trained lads, who were in the very
act of dashing forward with levelled bayonet in pursuit.

"Well