w these reserve troops fret,
and fume, and worry, as they are kept resting idly while the roar of
battle rages around them. It would seem as if the men became so eager
and impatient that when at last the order to advance is given, they dash
into the fray with a zest and fury which carries everything before it.

The affair of the Dargai Ridge seems to have been no exception to this
rule.

The Gordon Highlanders had been held back all the morning, and no sooner
was the order to advance given them than they made what is described as
a "magnificent rush" across the open space.

The enemy poured a rain of bullets upon them, but so eager and excited
were the men that they hurried on caring for nothing but the advance.

Half of their number fell, killed or wounded, but, undaunted, the others
dashed forward, and finally reached the foot of the hill, where the
overhanging rocks protected them from the enemy's fire.

After pausing a few moments to recover their breath, they began to climb
the hill, and twenty minutes later they had gained the crest and
dislodged the enemy.

All England is ringing with the praises of these brave men. General
Lockhart, who commands one wing of the frontier army, has personally
thanked the Gordon Highlanders for their gallant conduct. He told them
that this brave deed of theirs was one which might worthily be placed
side by side with the other great records which this famous regiment has
made for itself in the past.

The colonel and officers of the regiment were also thanked for their
fine leadership.

We told you some time ago about the effect the Highlanders have on
foreign enemies, and also of the many daring deeds of their pipers, and
how these men had saved their own lives time and again by blowing on
their bagpipes at critical moments.

An incident occurred in the fight on the Dargai Ridge which illustrates
this fact.

The Gordon Highlanders rushed forward to the charge with colors flying,
and the bagpipes shrilling forth their martial tunes.

One of the pipers who was leading the rush (playing as he ran) was shot
through both ankles, and fell to the ground. It was impossible for him
to walk, but without a moment's hesitation he scrambled to a sitting
posture, and, putting his beloved pipes to his mouth, continued his
playing as unconcernedly as if nothing had happened.

He knew that the sound of his pipes encouraged his brother soldiers, and
he played on unheeding the bullets t