ool, clear evenings were spent by the former in
sniping and artillery practice, and by the latter in expending
wastefully large quantities of small arms ammunition against the
opposite parapets. Then, too, the troopers reassumed their clothing,
most of which had been discarded during the day. As the gloaming
deepened, the sniping ceased, but the Turks, ever mindful of the
possibility of an attack, seldom throughout the night slackened their
fire, which rose spasmodically to violent outbursts, probably in
consequence of optical delusions on the part of a nervy follower of
Mohammed, or, maybe, in response to horse-play on the part of the
invaders. A Maori haka was sometimes responsible for the discharge of
many cases of enemy ammunition.

During the hours of darkness many huddled forms lay in the bottom of
Mac's trench, overlapping and cramped, but, nevertheless, peacefully
sleeping. Here and there stood a sentry, his figure warmly cloaked and
his face periodically lit by the glow from his pipe. Occasionally
bullets hummed threateningly the length of the trench and these Mac
regarded with deep respect, and addressed in words of wrath. The
countless thousands which whistled crosswise over the trench, or else
with a spurt of flame struck the sandy parapet, left him unmoved. The
first half of his sentry-goes passed quickly enough, but the second
dragged a bit, his thoughts being exhausted, and those beastly whirling
enfilading bullets seeming to come more frequently.

At dawn all stood to, absorbed rum, of the liberally watered variety,
exchanged experiences of the night, and smoked. Then the routine of
the day began again, some dissolved once more into sleep, some remained
on guard, and others went on the long weary journey for water.

The first week on Walker's Ridge passed fairly uneventfully, and by the
end of it the garrison looked war-worn veterans. Water was very
scarce, and a shave, much less a wash, altogether out of the question.
In a moment of wild extravagance Mac had burst a couple of
tablespoonfuls on cleaning his teeth. Towards the end of this week,
being in support for twenty-four hours, they were able to go down to
the beach for a bathe. Never was bathing so much enjoyed, nor the
sun-bath after it--it was just like old Maoriland again. There was
always the pop-pop-popping on the hills above, the occasional thud of a
spent bullet in the scrub, and the more or less methodical bursting of
shrapne