d
Jemander Shere Mahomed, 3rd Sikhs. But for their excellent
services on this occasion, it might probably have been impossible
to carry out the programme of our march.' In the same _Gazette_
was published another despatch from Sir F. Roberts, dated Cabul,
20th October, in which he says:--'Colour-Sergeant H. Macdonald, a
non-commissioned officer, whose excellent and skilful management
of a small detachment when opposed to immensely superior numbers
in the Hazardarakht defile was mentioned in my despatch of the
16th instant, here again distinguished himself.' This refers to
his conduct at Charasiab, at the close of which action our brave
countryman was sent for by Roberts, who publicly complimented and
thanked him personally for 'the ability and intelligence with
which he handled the party under his command' at the battle.
Macdonald's commission was conferred on the recommendation of
General Roberts, that distinguished officer having witnessed
repeated proofs of his valour and capacity."

In 1885 Colonel Macdonald joined the then reorganised Egyptian
Constabulary and received rapid promotion. From these, on other
changes being made, he passed into the Khedivial army, drilling and
training new Soudanese levies. So thorough a soldier is too valuable
to be longer left in the Soudan now that peace is assured.

[Illustration: COL. H. MACDONALD AT OMDURMAN, WITH OFFICER AND
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF 1ST BRIGADE.]

CHAPTER XV.

THE FASHODA AFFAIR.--A RED BRITISH LINE THROUGH AFRICA.

France is following in the footsteps of Spain. A fatality dogs her
schemes of empire and colonisation. In truth she has no colonies--they
are but military possessions. She has set her face, alone and in
conjunction with others, in America, Asia, and Africa to hoop our
enterprises in with bands of iron. Failure attended her policy across
the Atlantic, in India, in Burmah, and but the other day at Fashoda.
Her object in that last instance was to connect her possessions in
West and East Africa, so that the red British lines which are steadily
extending from North and South Africa should never be joined. France
is the largest holder of territory upon the Dark Continent, and she
probably regarded that fact as the best justification for her subtle
move, through the Marchand and Abyssinian Missions, to add still more
to her dominions. She had been permitted to hoop us about at