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In the quiet of the afternoon, things are beginning to stir
as the heat of midday gradually disperses. A few zebra wander towards
the waterholes and the natives start to bring their herds and flocks.
A peaceful scene that is about to change. |
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Binky's column approaches the waterhole determined to get
there before dark. A little hunting party sets out to add some fresh
meat to the supplies. |
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The main camp is set up on the edge of the waterhole with
sentry posts set up on the high ground to give good fields of fire and
observation. Everyone settles down for a night of celebration and then
some rest. As the night goes on the celebrations draw to an end and
most have just settled down when the odd shot is fired at those near the
campfires. |
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The sniping goes on all night but causes no casualties only
restlessness. At dawn things change. Several parties of riflemen
are in the surrounding boulders and their firing starts to inflict
casualties. As the sun rises the fire intensifies as the defenders are
dazzled. |
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With everyone's attention facing the sunrise a thunder of
hoof beats heralds a charge by a small force of Arab cavalry determined to
attack the baggage animals under cover of the riflemen. |
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The Baluchis and the baggage guards turn and calling upon
their gods and Allah they make ready to sell their lives dearly.
Pausing only for a moment they let fly with a devastating short range volley
that brings down almost every rider. Their morale shattered the
surviving Arabs turn and flee. |
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With the threat driven off the column counts the cost in the
early light, nearly a dozen of the askaris are dead or wounded. This
is a serious loss to both the guards at the waterhole and the column. |
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Binky and his companions also had to drive off attackers and
again the defending askaris suffered heavily. The Turk decides to
accompany Binky to the lake and the safety that the garrison promises.
His troops spend the morning packing essential supplies while Binky has his
men bury the dead and treat the wounded. |