of water in the lake. The remains of a deep dry canal with high banks extend from the river nearly two-thirds across the isthmus, the banks commanding the plain on either side; and on the

despatched a force, under Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Macleod (commanding the 2nd Battalion 78th[1]), to reinforce Vogelsang.

hammered away

y, none of us feeling particularly amiable. Our artillery had been blazing away all day at Rosetta, while we had little or nothing to do except

with our backs against the parapet. "Sorra a bit of diva

nk and a ship's biscuit. "Now, I should much prefer to dine off a spatchcock or a devilled

s moment. "The light company has been detailed as an escort for an ammunition column about to

e idea of a long tramp across the desert. "Besides, it is not our turn, you k

ou; he'll be here in five

d him to El Hamet

light company to go," answered the adjut

wled my captain; "however, 'needs must

the ammunition column was awaiting us, and in half-an

at once went off to report his arrival and deliver the despatch to Colonel Macleod, while we waited his retur

new at once, by the expression of his

tion among the sand-hills in front of El Hamet, and remain there until further orders. You can fall out for a few minutes, and make the best m

of affairs!" grumbled Cantillon,

expect an attack bef

plans in the event of a sudden attack in overwhelming force. I feel sure," he went on, "that Colonel Macleod is wrong in posting us so far in advance of El Hamet, as it will be impossible to keep up

my captain that Generals Fraser and Stewart thought very highly

rt of officer to hold a separate command at an important post. He lacks firmness and promptness of decision, and should an emergency arise, I much doubt if he will be properly prepared to meet it. Anyhow, I intend to use my own judgment in taking

kes?-have they turn

wn impression is that Mohammed Ali will make up his differences with their beys, and if we see

osted our men to the best advantage-a sergeant, corporal, and four files being stationed as an outpost on a slight emine

TNO

Patrick Macleod was its first commanding officer. The battalion distinguished itself a