They would be able to reach and
defend the post in time. He turned and gave orders. There were only
twenty men besides the two pashas, whom his commands also comprised. Two
small guns were in place. He had them trained on that portion of the
advancing infantry of Ali Wad Hei not yet covered by his own forces.
Years of work and responsibility had made him master of many things, and
long ago he had learned the work of an artilleryman. In a moment a shot,
well directed, made a gap in the ranks of the advancing foe. An instant
afterwards a shot from the other gun fired by the unwounded pasha, who,
in his youth, had been an officer of artillery, added to the confusion in
the swerving ranks, and the force hesitated; and now from Ebn Ezra Bey's
river steamers, which had just arrived, there came a flank fire. The
force wavered. From David's gun another shot made havoc. They turned and
fell back quickly. The situation was saved.
As if by magic the attack of the enemy all over the field ceased. By
sunset they had meant to finish this enterprise, which was to put the
besieged wholly in their hands, and then to feast after the day's
fasting.
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