o'clock; then they again fell into rank and advanced. Scarcely a word
was spoken, and the dark columns moved off almost noiselessly, their
footfalls being deadened by the sand. On the right was Graham's
Brigade, which had already done such good service by twice repelling the
assaults of the enemy; next to them came the brigade of Guards, which
was, when the action began, to act as their support; next to these moved
42 guns of the Royal Artillery, and on the line of railway the Naval
Brigade advanced with the 40-pounder on a truck; beside them came the
Highland Brigade,--the Cameronians, 74th, Gordon Highlanders, and Black
Watch,--the 46th and 60th forming their support. It was upon these that
the brunt of the action fell. So silent was the advance in the
darkness, that the enemy did not perceive the advancing column until
they were within 300 yards. The Highlanders were advancing to attack
the face of the works nearest to the line of march, and consequently
arrived at their destination some time before Graham's Brigade, which
had to make a sweep round. Suddenly a terrific fire broke from the
Egyptian intrenchment upon the Highlanders. Not a shot was fired in
reply, but with a wild cheer the Highland regiments dashed at the
enemy's line.

Against so fierce and rapid an onslaught the Egyptians could make but
little stand, and the Highlanders dashed over the line of earthworks.
Scarcely, however, had they won that position when the Egyptians opened
a tremendous fire from an intrenchment farther back. The Highlanders
for a minute or two replied, and then again advanced at a charge. The
Egyptians fought stoutly, and for a time a hand-to-hand struggle went
on; then some of the Highlanders penetrated by an opening between the
Egyptian intrenchments, and opened fire upon their flank. This was too
much for them, and they almost immediately broke and fled.

In the meantime fighting had begun on the other flank. Warned by the
roar of conflict with the Highlanders, the Egyptians were here prepared,
and for a time kept up a steady fire upon our troops. The 18th Royal
Irish were sent to turn the enemy's left, and dashed at the trenches,
carrying them at the bayonet's point. Next to the 18th came the 87th
and 84th, with the Guards close behind. For a short time the enemy
clung to the line of intrenchments, but their fire was very ineffective.
By this time the Highland division was already in their camp, and soon
losing