THE SIEGE OF MARABASTADT. 145 



by guns all day long on the morrow does not conduce 

 to sound rest. 



During the night we heard a faint clicking sound, as 

 though of stones being brought into contact with each 

 other. It appeared to proceed from a point about 150 

 or 200 yards distant. We felt sure that the enemy were 

 erecting some sort of shelter whence their riflemen could 

 annoy us. Surely enough, at break of day we saw that 

 they had constructed a wall of stones loosely piled up, 

 with loopholes in it, from which they opened fire at us. 

 Being under cover we cared nothing for their fire, and 

 replied smartly to it, with such effect that they appeared 

 to have been driven from their loopholes, and for the 

 time ceased firing. 



We were now waiting for the moment when the guns 

 should open upon us. There are men who aver that they 

 are inaccessible to the feeling of fear. I can only say that 

 I frankly confess I am not of such mould ; and I think that 

 if most men spoke the absolute truth they would own 

 to experiencing unpleasant sensations, especially while 

 awaiting the fire of guns when they themselves are stand- 

 ing behind a breastwork capable of being penetrated by 

 the said guns. 



To experience the feeling of physical fear is not in 

 itself shameful. It does not follow that because the 

 frame is pervaded by a feeling of awe, and by a sort of 

 sinking sensation, that the soul which inhabits that 

 frame will be less resolute in compelling it to do that 

 which it is its duty to do under the circumstances. 



Why it is I know not, but artillery fire has a peculiar 

 effect upon most men. The loud report, the rushing 

 screaming sound of the shot have a demoralising in- 

 fluence ; and there are few men, however brave, who can 



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