igS EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

and he was so sadly altered in appearance, that though he was able to recognize those around him, very little hope could have been entertained of his recovery. Colonel Talbot was in command of the escort; and the scouts who went forward to act as guides through the bush could find no signs of the enemy though there was a great sound of tom-toms in Metammeh, from which it was reported that a force had gone out soon after the convoy and the wounded had started. By 1 1 o'clock the convoy had reached to within four miles of the end of the scrubby bush, beyond which the country lay open all the way to Abu-Klea. Preparations were made for breakfast, when a report came in from Lieutenant Dawson, who commanded the scouting party, that the bush was full of the enemy's cavalry and spearmen. The column was at once re-formed; the guards and marines under Captain Pearson advanced with their camels 200 yards into the bush, where, as they were under fire, they dismounted and formed square, the heavy camel regiment being in square in front, the mounted infantry in rear of the convoy, which was guarded in flanks by the Egyptians. The bullets from the enemy fell thick and fast into the little square of about ninety men, the enemy being invisible because of the thick bush. Except a glimpse now and then of a horse or a spear, there was nothing for our men to fire at in return, and the situation was exceedingly perilous, when they received an order from Colonel Talbot to retire to the main body, as they might otherwise be cut off by the surrounding enemy. It was a critical moment; for to retire at once would be to leave the camels with the men's kits and ammunition; but in a quarter of an hour volunteers—one man to six camels—had offered to lead the animals, while the rest with the wounded had to halt every few paces to fire volleys into the bush whence the concealed enemy kept up a galling fire, and were expected every moment to make a rush upon the small retiring force. So close were the Arabs that while Lieutenant Dawson was carrying one of his wounded men, another poor fellow was shot in the back and fell at his feet, and not only was smoke coming from the bullet hole, but his coat and hair were on fire. The officer stopped and pressed out the