y two
miles long, and drove the Dervishes before them into the desert, so that
they could by no means rally or reform. The Egyptian cavalry, who had
returned along the river, formed line on the right of the infantry in
readiness to pursue. At half-past eleven Sir H. Kitchener shut up his
glasses, and, remarking that he thought the enemy had been given 'a good
dusting,' gave the order for the brigades to resume their interrupted
march on Omdurman--a movement which was possible, now that the forces
in the plain were beaten. The brigadiers thereupon stopped the firing,
massed their commands in convenient formations, and turned again towards
the south and the city. The Lincolnshire Regiment remained detached as a
rearguard.

Meanwhile the great Dervish army, who had advanced at sunrise in hope
and courage, fled in utter rout, pursued by the Egyptian cavalry,
harried by the 21st Lancers, and leaving more than 9,000 warriors dead
and even greater numbers wounded behind them.

Thus ended the battle of Omdurman--the most signal triumph ever gained
by the arms of science over barbarians. Within the space of five hours
the strongest and best-armed savage army yet arrayed against a modern
European Power had been destroyed and dispersed, with hardly any
difficulty, comparatively small risk, and insignificant loss to the
victors.

CHAPTER XVI: THE FALL OF THE CITY

Now, when the Khalifa Abdullah saw that the last army that remained to
him was broken, that all his attacks had failed, and that thousands of
his bravest warriors were slain, he rode from the field of battle in
haste, and, regaining the city, proceeded like a brave and stubborn
soldier to make preparations for its defence, and, like a prudent man,
to arrange for his own flight should further resistance be impossible.
He ordered his great war-drum to be beaten and the ombya to be blown,
and for the last time those dismal notes boomed through the streets of
Omdurman. They were not heeded. The Arabs had had enough fighting.
They recognised that all was lost. Besides, to return to the city was
difficult and dangerous.

The charge of the 21st Lancers had been costly, but it was not
ineffective. The consequent retirement of the Dervish brigade protecting
the extreme right exposed their line of retreat. The cavalry were
resolved to take full advantage of the position they had paid so much
to gain, and while the second attack was at its height we were already
tro