d compel them to
admit that all this "suffering" would make them infinitely superior to
any Australian units which had hitherto shared in fighting for the
Motherland. This is exactly what did occur. Kitchener was, therefore,
right! Kitchener is always right.

* * * * *

The Australian column had reached its rendezvous. While the men were
resting, General Fearless, the Australian G.O.C., was issuing his
orders to the Brigade Commanders.

"Gentlemen," he said, "the General Idea is that the Red Force, composed
of the Lancashire Division, holds the ridge of sand hills which
dominate the road to Cairo. We, who represent the Blue Force, have
orders to make a reconnaissance in force. That means that we must so
manoeuvre our units as to draw the enemy's fire, and, if possible,
reveal his position, his strength, and the weakest point in his line.
This, let me tell you, is not exactly an offensive movement. It is a
drawing game. That must be distinctly understood. Of course, in such
a reconnaissance, if a G.O.C. saw something which _would_ justify his
assuming a vigorous offensive, then the game might develop into a
general action. That, however, is a matter for me, not for an
individual brigadier. Now, to-day, I want the Bushmen's Brigade to
cover our advance, the remaining brigades will act as in my operation
orders. Remember, too, gentlemen, that units must keep up
communication. Don't let the show develop into a sort of Donnybrook,
where each little unit is fighting for its own band. That is all--fall
out, please."

The Brigadiers saluted, and returned to their units. The scheme was
again explained. Ten minutes afterwards the brigades moved into
position. The Bushmen's Brigade took post away in front; in the centre
of this front line was the Kangaroo Marines. Covering the whole
advance was a screen of men, and in front of the screen, little patrols
with scouts ahead. When all were in the position the G.O.C. signalled
"Advance." An army on the move is a fascinating sight. It is like an
octopus--the main body with a thousand tendrils, or arms, thrown out.
These recoil as they touch the enemy, telling the brain that danger is
near.

In selecting the Bushmen's Brigade for the advanced guard, the G.O.C.
was right. They were born scouts, especially the Kangaroo Marines.
These valiants wriggled, crawled, and occasionally doubled across the
burning sands. It was hard work--might