GEDAEEH 339 time after time they made rushes forward, they were unable to withstand the withering fire to which they were exposed. After an hour’s vain efforts their musketry fire ceased, but half an hour later strong reinforcements came up and the attack recommenced. This was accompanied with no greater success than the first attack, and Fadil retired to a palmgrove two miles away. Of the defenders five men were killed, and Captain Dwyer and thirteen men wounded.

For two days Fadil endeavoured to persuade his troops to make another attack, but although they surrounded the town and maintained a scattered fire they could not be brought to attempt another assault, having lost over five hundred men in the two attacks the first day. He then fell back eight miles.

Three days later Colonel Parsons said to Gregory: “I think the time has come, Mr. Hilliard, when I must apply for reinforcements. I am convinced that we can repel all attacks, but we are virtually prisoners here. Were we to endeavour to retreat, Fadil would probably annihilate us. Our men have behaved admirably; but it is one thing to fight well when you are advancing, and another to be firm in retreat. But our most serious enemy at present is fever.

Already the stink of the unburied bodies of the Dervishes is overpowering, and every day it will become worse. Dr. Fleming reports to me that he has a great many sick on his hands, and that he fears the conditions that surround us will bring about an epidemic ; therefore I have decided to send to General Bundle for a reinforcement that will enable us to move out to attack Fadil.”

“ Very well, sir, I will start at once.”

will write my despatch, it will be ready for you to carry in an hour’s time. Vou had better pick out a couple of good donkeys from those we captured here. As it is only nine o’clock you will be able to get to Mugatta this evening.

I don’t' think there is any fear of your being interfered with by the Dervishes. We may be sure that Fadil is not allowing