defences in the rear. Ten minutes after the fighting had commenced, Doorme appeared on the other side of the town, and the enemy were thus caught between two fires.

As we advanced through the maze of streets the Arabs steadily retreated before us, impeded in their movements by enormous numbers of unarmed slaves and by the crowd of women and children. After a while the non-combatants became panic-stricken, and in their flight spread further confusion among the Arab ranks. We allowed them no time to steady themselves again, and within an hour and a half were masters of all the main points and chief fortified places in the city. Our auxiliary forces and camp followers, encouraged by the position, became very brave, and followed the retreating Arabs through the open country — knowing well that nothing is easier than to keep a retreating body on the move.