outset; their numbers were being fast reduced by casualties, and something
had to be done to save them. It was impossible, obviously, to withdraw them
the same way as they had been brought, the Turk having got astride of the
road about half a mile below. Ultimately it was decided "to make a dash for
it," and to take the horses right over the hill on the eastern side of the
wadi, although while this was being done, they would be exposed even more
than ever to the enemy's fire. This dangerous undertaking was, however,
eventually successfully accomplished. The wadi was now, more or less, clear
of men and animals, although the place was littered with killed and
wounded. Here and there were to be seen animals with limbs broken,
struggling to follow in the wake of their companions.

In their new position the led-horses, although rather more comfortable,
were not, by any means, safe. All the "packs" and officers' horses were
kept here, but the remainder, including all the horses of the regiments,
were taken right back to Zernuka, or rather Akir, to which place the
remainder of the Squadron left behind had moved.

At daybreak the next morning, when the enemy's artillery opened fire, the
"packs" received a very severe shaking, and during the morning several of
the mules were hit by shell splinters. Pte. Heathcote was killed by a shell
at 10.30 whilst attending one of the wounded mules here; Pte. Rush was hit
in the shoulder, an hour afterwards, and was taken to the Field Ambulance.


A SAD CEREMONY.

Upon the second (and last) night at Tahta, a very pathetic, but stirring,
burial-ceremony was held at about 21.00, which those privileged to attend
will remember to the end of their days. The ground selected for the burials