20 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

attack. In fact, the moment our men appeared on the high ground

to form up, the fire of the enemy was continuous, and many of our men were hit before the advance could be made. Some of the

Sussex and the baggage guards were to remain in charge ot the

seriba, and the 19th Hussars were to operate on the left of the

square, the front and flanks of which were covered by our skir-

mishers who engaged those of the enemy. The square being

formed our men marched down the valley towards the row of flags

which stretched across it, while the hussars moved off to the left

to keep the sharpshooters on the hills in check. Several times the

square halted and returned the fire with Martinis and the screw-

guns, with the result that numbers of men were seen streaming off

from the enemy's right in the valley.

Sir Charles Wilson gives a graphic description of the advance

and the sudden appearance of the enemy. " When the skirmishers

got within about 200 yards of the flags the square was halted

for the rear to close up, and at this moment the enemy rose from

the ravine in which they were hidden in the most perfect order.

It was a beautiful and striking sight, such a one as Fitz James must have seen when Roderick Dhu's men rose out of the

heather; nothing could be more applicable than Scott's description.

It was as if there were portions of three phalanxes with rows of men behind.^ At the head of each rode an emir or sheikh with

a banner accompanied by personal attendants, and then came the

fighting men. They advanced at a quick even pace, as if on

parade, and our skirmishers had only just time to get into the

square before they were upon us; one poor fellow who lagged

behind was caught and speared at once. When the enemy commenced their attack I remember experiencing a feeling of

pity mixed with admiration for them as I thought they would

all be shot down in a few minutes. I could not have believed

beforehand that men in close formation would have been able

to advance for 200 to 400 yards over bare ground in the face of

Martini- Henrys. As they advanced the feeling was changed to

' The figure made by the disposition of the Arabs may be said to have resembled a trident, the

three points of the forks being the front, with an emir or chief at each point.—T. A.