52 THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

of this building was a large iron boiler lying on the ground. All around, thick as a rabbit warren, were pits dug for the enemy to lie hidden in and then spring up suddenly as we passed. These pits gave considerable trouble, some of the rebels lying low, feigning to be dead, till the first lines had passed, and then springing up and doing much mischief before they were killed. As we advanced we shelled the building to break down the walls, but the guns were too small to effect this. The walls were loop-holed and the rebels fired heavily from within. Lieutenant Graham with the Naval Brigade, charged the building, the sailors firing revolvers through the windows while the High¬ landers shot the rebels who rushed from behind the walls. When quite close I saw three or four men creep from the boiler, rush at us with indomitable pluck, and meet their doom.

“ Now, the cavalry, which hitherto had been idle, got to work, sweeping round our rear, getting to the left, and then charging the rebels on our front. In the plain behind Teb the rebels were thick as bees, but the cavalry were unable to effect much, as the men dodged and lay down, rising as the horses passed, and attacking in the rear. We charged three times through them with little effect and losing heavily.

“ The building taken, the enemy were now greatly wavering, but still shelling us from their last position to the right rear of Teb as we advanced. The Gordon Highlanders at once advanced on the village, where the enemy, who were thick in the huts, attempted again to hold their own, but after a sharp fight were put to flight, and this time for good. Thousands made off at a great pace in the direction of Tokar and on this side the rout was now general.

“ The fight was now over, the distant plain was covered with fleeing rebels, and ten minutes later not one was within sight, save on the distant ridge already mentioned. Inch by inch the rebels had fought the ground for three-and-a-half hours, with a courage that only fanaticism could give, and no higher praise can be given our men than that they met a worthy enemy. That naked savages should have held their own against troops splendidly trained and disciplined, and armed with the best arms existing, makes it easier to understand General Baker’s defeat. It is regrettable to be obliged to fight such an enemy for such an ally. The conduct of every sing'e man of our own troops was simply admirable. Officers and men, one and all, behaved with perfect coolness, forethought and courage.”