served its purpose. The
"Assembly" was sounded, and the field day seemed done.

But war is full of surprises, and it is the surprises which make or mar
a general's name. While General Fearless and his force were rallying
for lunch all were suddenly surprised by a fearful roll of musketry on
the right.

"By gad, sir--we're trapped!" said the Chief of Staff, jumping up.
"Shall I order the brigades to form to the right, and meet this attack?"

"No," said Fearless, coolly eating his sandwich. "Get me some
information."

"But they may decimate us in the meantime, sir."

"Get me information, please," was the quiet and more firm command.

Two aides-de-camp were sent at the gallop towards the mysterious force
which had suddenly appeared and was furiously firing blank. They found
the New Zealanders pressing on in three separate lines towards them.

"It's a proper trap," said one of the gallopers. "And look to our
rear. There's more there. This flank business is a feint. They're
trying to smash us behind, and they're 'cute enough not to fire a shot
from that direction. Say, Brown, gallop back and tell the general, and
I'll try and bluff this front line here." Away went the messenger
while the other young staff officer galloped into the front line of New
Zealanders.

"The New Zealanders will cease fire," said the daring galloper. His
staff cap commanded the respect of an innocent subaltern. He blew his
whistle. More whistles were heard. In two minutes all was
comparatively still.

"You will commence firing again in fifteen minutes. Pass it along."
Down the line went the false order. Smiling inwardly, the shrewd
aide-de-camp galloped away. Meantime the Australian G.O.C. had acted
vigorously. Throwing out two regiments to hold the feinting force on
his right, he then turned the other brigades about. These were
deployed at the double, sent forward with a rush, and, in three
minutes, dug shelter trenches in the sand. They were ordered to keep
low until the main body of the New Zealanders pressed the attack well
home. It was an exciting moment. And the Maorilanders expected an
easy win. On they came in their long skirmishing lines. At last they
were within fifty yards of the hidden Australians.

"Rapid fire!"

Bang! Zrrrp--Boom! Boom! Boom! crashed rifles, Maxims, and guns.
The New Zealanders were startled. Before they had recovered from their
surprise, Fearless ordered the "Charge!" Like deer