CHAPTER XII.

Formation of the square Advance Sudden charge of the Arabs Action of Abu Klea Killed and wounded.

SIR HERBERT'S intentions were, briefly, to fight his way to the wells at any cost, leaving a small garrison to protect the baggage and camels in the zeriba ; the wells once won, to send back for the baggage, feed and water the column, and push on for Metemmeh at once. The ground over which we should have to advance was far too broken to allow of quick manoeuvring in case of sudden attack. He knew that the only formation to successfully resist vastly greater numbers was a square ; so accordingly a square was ordered to be formed.

In the centre of the square were to be some thirty camels for carrying water, ammunition, and wounded men, driven by their respective natives. These dispositions made, Sir Herbert quietly came and sat