he reserve store of ammunition.

Already the gunboats had recommenced the bombardment of Omdurman, and
the mosque of the Mahdi, but as soon as news came that the Dervishes
were advancing to the attack, they were signalled to return to cover
the flank of the zareba. On their arrival, they took up a position
whence they could shell the line by which the Dervishes were advancing,
and which would bring them apparently five or six hundred yards west of
Surgham Hill.

The Lancers at once started forward to cover the left flank of the
position. In a few minutes they reached Surgham Hill, and joined the
Egyptian squadron there.

The sight from the crest of Surgham Hill was grand. The enemy's front
extended over three miles. The lines were deep and compact, and the
banners floated above them. They were advancing steadily and in good
order, and their battle cries rose and fell in measured cadence. Their
numbers were variously estimated at from fifty to seventy thousand--a
superb force, consisting of men as brave as any in the world, and
animated by religious fanaticism, and an intense hatred of those they
were marching to assail.

In the centre were the Khalifa's own corps, twenty thousand strong. On
their right was the banner of Yacoub, his brother, and beyond, two
divisions led by well-known emirs; while on his left was the division
led by his son, Osman, known as Sheik Ed Din, the nominal
commander-in-chief of the whole force.

The 21st Lancers, out in skirmishing order, were speedily driven back
by the Dervishes, and retired into the zareba. When the latter came
near enough to see the small British force, a shout of exultation rose
from their ranks, for they felt certain now of surrounding and
annihilating the infidels, according to the prophecy.

On our side the satisfaction was no less marked. The front line moved
forward to the thorny hedge, and prepared to open fire above it. The
black troops uttered a joyful shout of defiance, as they took their
places in their trenches.

When the enemy were two thousand eight hundred yards away, the three
batteries on the left of the zareba opened fire; and two batteries on
the right, and a number of Maxims, joined in pouring shell and bullets
into the thickest of the Dervish mass round the Khalifa's banner. The
effect was terrible. For a moment the Dervish lines halted, astonished
at the storm to which they were exposed. But it was only for a moment.
The wide gaps were filled