arge force of cavalry
became visible in front. It was difficult to estimate their strength,
but they appeared to be superior in numbers to the reconnaissance. The
Dervish horsemen continued to retire towards the south-east, always
reaching round the Egyptian left flank.

And while the Egyptian force advanced, as soon as they were opposite the
southern end of the zeriba, another considerable body of Dervish horse
issued from the northern side and threatened the line of retreat. At the
same time the camp began to swarm with men, and crowds of tiny figures
were observed clambering on to the entrenchments and gun emplacements,
eagerly watching the development of the fight. The cavalry had by
this time approached to within 1,000 yards of the zeriba, and the Arab
artillery began to fire occasional round shot and clumsily fused shells.

At nine o'clock, the enemy's position having been again sketched and
the approaches reconnoitred, Colonel Broadwood ordered the retirement to
begin. The Maxims and artillery were in the centre, supported by Colonel
Broadwood and three squadrons. Captain Baring with three squadrons
watched the left flank, now in retirement become the right. Captains Le
Gallais and Persse guarded the river flank.

The cavalry retired by alternate wings in measured fashion. But the
enemy pressed on impetuously, and their horsemen, soon completely
enveloping the desert flank of the Egyptians, began to threaten a
charge. To meet this Colonel Broadwood sent one of his squadrons from
the centre to join those under Captain Baring, so that at about a
quarter to ten the reconnoitring force was formed with four squadrons
towards the desert, two with the guns, and two towards the river. The
weakness of the river flank of the troops encouraged the Dervish horse
lurking in the scrub to make a bold attempt to capture the guns. The
movement was shrewd and daring, but the cavalry commander met it with
admirable skill. The springing-up of dust-clouds hardly 300 yards away
was his only warning. He immediately took command of the two squadrons
under Persse and Le Gallais, and ordered them to 'right about wheel'
and charge. Thus headed by Broadwood himself, and with their British
officers several horse-lengths in front, the Egyptians broke into a
gallop and encountered the Baggara line, which numbered not fewer
than 400 men but was in loose order, with firmness. They struck them
obliquely and perhaps a third of the way down their