Scvc?i Vcars in the Soudan.

CHAPTER XXXTI.

A FORTUXATE AMBUSH.

The attack— R;il)i's flight — Plentiful booty — An ambush — Courage of the enemy- — A massacre — More bootj- — March on Bekir — Sultan Haroun — Camping in the seriba — March on Delgauna — Copper mines — The Delgauna river.

My plan "was to start three liours before dawn, attack Rabi, who was in front, and then wait on the spot for Sultan Idris.

At two a.m. the reveille was sounded and two of my orderlies sent forward to explore the position of the enemy. They returned in an hour and a half with satisfactory information. At a quick march we reached the enemy's camp just as they were leaving. A well-directed fire from all sides put them to flight, they did not even attempt a defence, so rapid Avas our attack.

Part of the rebels were killed ; part were made prisoners.

All the banners, ammunition, baggage and provisions fell into our hands. Those rebels who escaped ran in different directions into the bush, and I did not care to pursue them, fearing that my troops might be scattered, and consequently unable to face the enemy's other columns advancing from the south. I therefore recalled my men who had already began to pursue, made them erect Rabi's tent in its original place, the rebel flag beside it, ready to receive the famous Sultan Idris with all honour.

We had now sufficient food to nourish all mv men