It was pitch dark, for the moon had not yet risen; and the enemy poured in a murderous fire, but did not attempt to rush the camp.

The troops were firing almost at random for, in spite of star shells being fired, very few of the enemy could be made out.
The fire was hottest from the side occupied by the 38th Dogras, who determined to make a sortie, for the purpose of clearing the enemy away from that flank.

In spite of the fact that the ground was swept by bullets, several volunteered for the sortie.

The fire, however, was too hot.

Captain Tomkins and Lieutenant Bailey fell, almost the instant they rose to their feet.