ritish aim was
accurate and their fire crushing. The embrasures were smashed to bits
and many of the Dervish guns dismounted. The rifle trenches which
flanked the forts were swept by the Maxim guns. The heavier projectiles,
striking the mud walls of the works and houses, dashed the red dust high
into the air and scattered destruction around. Despite the tenacity and
courage of the Dervish gunners, they were driven from their defences and
took refuge among the streets of the city. The great wall of Omdurman
was breached in many places, and a large number of unfortunate
non-combatants were killed and wounded.

Meanwhile the Arab irregulars, under Major Wortley, had been sharply
engaged. That officer's orders were to co-operate with the flotilla by
taking in rear the forts and fortified villages on the east bank of
the river. As soon as the gunboats had silenced the lower forts, Major
Wortley ordered the irregulars to advance on them and on the houses. He
placed the Jaalin, who were practically the only trustworthy men in his
force, in reserve, and formed the tribes according to their capabilities
and prejudices. On the order to attack being given, the whole force,
some 3,000 strong, advanced on the buildings, from which the Dervishes
at once opened fire. Arrived within 500 yards they halted, and began to
discharge their rifles in the air; they also indulged in frantic
dances expressive of their fury and valour, but declined to advance any
further.

Major Wortley then ordered the Jaalin to attack. These--formed in a long
column, animated by the desire for vengeance, and being besides brave
men--moved upon the village at a slow pace, and, surrounding one house
after another, captured it and slew all its defenders; including the
Dervish Emir and 350 of his followers. The Jaalin themselves suffered a
loss of about sixty killed and wounded.

The village being captured, and the enemy on the east bank killed or
dispersed, the gunboats proceeded to engage the batteries higher up the
river. The howitzer battery was now landed, and at 1.30 began to bombard
the Mahdi's Tomb. This part of the proceedings was plainly visible to
us, waiting and watching on the ridge, and its interest even distracted
attention from the Dervish army. The dome of the tomb rose tall and
prominent above the mud houses of the city. A lyddite shell burst over
it--a great flash, a white ball of smoke, and, after a pause, the dull
thud of the distant explosi