Once, during the Soudan campaign, it was really useful, and procured me promotion." "Tell me about it." "During some operations in the desert it was necessary for my troop to follow up a small party of rebels mounted on camels, which, as you probably know, can go without water much longer than horses.

We were almost within striking distance, when our horses completely gave out, but I luckily noticed indications which showed that there was water beneath a portion of the plain much below the general level.

Half an hour's spade work proved that I was right.

We took up the pursuit again, and ran the quarry to earth, and I got my captaincy." "Was there no fight ?" He paused an appreciable time before replying.

Then he evidently made up his mind to perform some disagreeable task.