FOOD AT LAST. 143 they heard the tremendous firing going on, out of sight, must have been excessively unpleasant. The wells, meanwhile, were being taxed to their utmost to supply enough water to fill all our watertanks and skins. Every man had been allowed to fill his water-bottle, and then a guard placed over the wells. Pumps and hose were rigged up, but very soon the supply only came out in the shape of liquid yellow mud. Time was required to allow the water to filter into the holes again, yet time was of the utmost importance to us.

With ravenous joy we welcomed our food after our fast of just two days (the breakfast under fire the day before was hardly to be called a meal), and filled ourselves up with feelings of bliss. If this sort of thing went on, nobody could tell when our next meal would be, so it was best to lay in stores for emergencies.

Parade was ordered for four o'clock, which left us just time for digestion and a short snooze. Messengers were then sent off back to Korti with despatches of the battle, and many took this opportunity of sending telegrams off to their friends in England.