THE "OBSERVER" SPECIAL AT THE FRONT.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 237, 28 March 1885, Page 8

THE "OBSERVER" SPECIAL AT THE FRONT.

(Special Coeeespondent)

Sttakisi, March 25th, 1885. I ban on, and presently ascended a slight elevation, from which a full view of the terrible hand to hand conflict going on scarce fifty yards below me was obtained. About one hundred Arabs were attacking our men, who fought bravely. I never was much at fighting, and I disliked it now less than ever. The way the Arabs mowed down our men was fearful to behold. Right and left fell they before the scathing sword, Spilling their heart's blood ux^on the daisied sward. There is a slight mistake in the last line : it should be read " upon the sand " — no, I don't mean that; you need not go out upon the sand to read it ; stay at home if you like. Let us proceed. Chancing to raise my eyes from the dreadful spectacle, I observed a body of Arabs bearing down upon the rear of the Englishmen. 1 shouted a warning to , my countrymen, but all too late. Scarcely had my voice been heard than the enemy swept down upon them, and in less than a minute not an English soldier remained standing. My shouting had evidently been heard by the Arabs, for suddenly a bullet knocked my hat flying from my head, scattering the pack of cards I usually carry there upon the burning sand. immediately another penetrated my note-book, which I had placed in my bosom scarcely a moment before. 1 thought it was time to go. I could do no further good there, I argued ; so I left — hurriedly. I proceeded at a good rate till within 500 yards from the camp, when I glanced behind to ascertain if I was being pursued. Heavens ! an Arab, almost naked, was coming after me, brandishing a long spear. 1 turned and ran. I threw back my head, threw out my chest, braced myself up, and ran. Zounds ! how I ran ! A crowd of soldiers were gathered, evidently enjoying the chase ; for as I drew nearer I could hear them laughing. "Scoundrels!" I shouted, catching my breath, " fire on him, or he will kill me." The savage was gaining. I could hear him. , r tearing up the sand behind me with a noise ]J^ like a rusty beer-engine. I tried to ' spurt, but failed. I was then going at about a mile and a-half a minute — almost as fast as an Auckland railway train ; yet even this terri- „* fie pace was being outdone by the ferocious rJ savage behind me. Another second and he would have me. Fifteen more strides and I should be safe. Could I hold out? 1, 2, 3, -i, —10ft at a stride if an inch— s. 6, 7, 8, 9,— a loud burst of laughter from the soldiers as I flew by them and rolled over into a tent. 1 fainted. When I returned to consciousness a soldier was holding a cup to my lips. " What's this?" said I, feebly. " Rum ; drink it up." I did so. " Is he dead?" I asked. "Who?" said the man. " The Arab — the savage that chased me." "Dead? No; he's outside there talking away." ' ' Have you secured him ? " "No. Why?" " Why ! " cried I, in fearful astonishment, rising upon my feet. "Why, do you mean to say that after that villainous savage pursued me for miles with the murderous intention of impaling me upon his barbarous weapon, that you allow him to remain at — " " Wasn't it a race, then ? " interrupted the man " A race ! Yes, a race for my life ! I command you to make him prisoner at once." " Ha, ha ! " laughed the man, joining his companions outside the tent ; "it wasn't a race, after all ? This chap thought old Yeecum Tucah wanted to stick him with his spear." As I left the tent a loud and derisive laugh greeted me. ' ' You shall suffer for this, my fine fellows," said I, shaking my fist, tragetically. I then went off in the direction of my tent.