A MIDNIGHT MARGE. 335 the darkness. Some 200 men thus rushed forward as the advance guard, and the others fell into three long lines and proceeded. If there had been noise and confusion before, all was quiet now, hardly a sound broke the stillness of the night as we silently threaded our way along the circuitous path. Now and then there was a whispered word, or slight blow of a stick on a stump, as the man in front gave us warning of a branch of a tree or hole in the ground. This precaution was most necessary, for there were many obstructions, and the light of the moon was not powerful enough to penetrate through the trees and dense undergrowth. The moon shone brightly as we marched through the sombre, silent forest, casting long deep shadows from every tree, while millions of dewdrops sparkled like diamonds on every tree and bush, or fell in silver rain as the dusky forms glided weirdly beneath them. At last the faint line of dawn became visible on the horizon, and presently the sun burst forth in all his power, dispelling darkness, but his fierce rays made us regret the refreshing coolness of the night.

It was only then that we understood all the precautions which had been taken to prevent a surprise. On each side of the path, at the distance of about half a mile, were chains of sentries moving parallel to our column ; whilst on each ant-hill, or other high ground, some men were placed as sentries, having with them a drummer to give the alarm should the