Part 24 (2/2)

”It is the Arabs, lad,” the sergeant said, raising himself on his elbow.

”It is heavy, but it is nothing like the roll of musketry you hear when our fellows begin. But, as you say, it is much nearer; the column, or part of it, is on its march towards the river.”

Five minutes later a dull continuous rattle came to their ears.

”They are at it now. They have stopped!” he said a minute later when the roar suddenly ceased. ”What has happened now, I wonder? Ah! there they are again. That is more like it--steady and even.”

The musketry came in sudden crashes. ”Volleys!” the sergeant said. ”They are near them.”

For three or four minutes the sounds continued, and then there was silence.

”They have beaten them off,” the sergeant said. ”They didn't let them get near them this time, I expect. If they had there would have been independent firing. As long as you hear volleys you may be sure our fellows are not pressed.”

Beyond an occasional shot the firing had ceased.

”How far do you think they are away now, sergeant?”

”If they were four miles before I don't think they are more than two now, and a good bit more away to the left. They are making to the river, so as to establish themselves there before they tackle Metemmeh.”

”Then in half an hour they will be down on the river,” Edgar said. ”I will wait that time, and then start and get a party to bring you in.”

”You had better wait until to-morrow morning, lad. We can do very well until then. I may be able to crawl by that time. Anyhow, they will have their hands full this afternoon. They will have to make a zareba by the river, attend to the wounded, and perhaps send back a force to bring in the camels and baggage, who were no doubt left behind at the spot where they were firing this morning. There is grub enough in the haversacks to last us until to-morrow, and plenty of water for the fetching.”

”Just as you think best, sergeant. My shoulder is smarting a good deal, and I shall be all the better for a few more hours' rest myself. It will soon be getting dusk, so I will go down and get another supply of water at once, and then we can do a good twelve hours' sleep without fear of being called up for outpost duty. We have got three or four nights'

sleep to make up.”

It was broad daylight before they awoke. The sergeant got on to his feet, but it was evident to Edgar that he was altogether unfit for walking.

”Shall I saddle your camel for you, sergeant?”

”No, lad; I will stay where I am. Like enough the Arabs will be swarming about just within gun-shot of our camp. They are obstinate beggars, and do not know when they are fairly beaten. If I were as active as you are we might manage to get through on foot, but a man on a camel would be sure to be seen. Be very careful, lad, how you go. Remember, if you are seen you are lost; for these fellows could run you down to a certainty, and your only chance is to get through without being noticed.”

”I don't like leaving you, sergeant.”

”But you must leave me, lad. We have no food to speak of left, and it will be just as dangerous to-morrow or next day as it is to-day.

Besides, your duty is with the corps. Every musket may be needed, and the sooner you go the sooner I shall be fetched in.”

”Very well, then, I will start at once,” Edgar said.

He first went down to the river, filled the two water-bottles and placed them both by the sergeant's side, and emptied what little food remained in his haversack.

”Now you will do for a couple of days if anything should occur to prevent them from sending out.”

”I shall do very well, lad. It is not of myself I shall be thinking, but of you. The gladdest sound that ever fell on my ears will be the tramp of infantry, for then I shall know that you have got safely through.

Good-bye, lad, and G.o.d bless you!”

Edgar wrung the sergeant's hand, and, unable to trust himself to speak, turned and started through the wood. He had not gone very far when he found that the grove was by no means a large one, for the trees opened before him. He bore to his left, hoping that they would extend along the river bank; but it was not so. The grove was isolated, and a large patch of cultivated land stretched down to the river. Half a mile further there was another grove; but whether this was more extensive than that in which he now was he had no means of telling. Standing at the edge of the trees he could see several figures on horseback moving about, and saw at once that they were natives.

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