CHARGE OF THE ARABS. 129 were seen some way off in the grass to the left front. Much speculation took place as to what they could be some took them for a burial ground, and others for the position of the enemy's camp. The main body of the enemy was supposed to be on the right, since most of the firing had come from that flank, and the ground there seemed more favourable to attack from.

So much did every one expect the attack from the right, that the officer commanding the Mounted Infantry skirmishers on the left flank (Campbell, of the 6oth) sent a message to Sir Herbert, asking if he might go and take the mysterious flags. The general was on the point of giving leave, when suddenly a hundred more flags uprose in the same place, and the wady became alive and black with vast masses of Arabs, who had apparently sprung out of the ground. The square happened to be halted at the foot of a stony knoll when the enemy thus appeared, so it was moved some thirty yards on to a better position on top, and the skirmishers at once called in. With wild yells the Arabs (still