THE SIEGE OF MA RABA STADT. 1 49 



" Mike, that was very nearly being a case of a brass 

 nose and a pension for you," observed his English 

 comrade in arms. 



With the recklessness of his race, the Irishman ex- 

 posed his head and shoulders, levelled his rifle and 

 fired a shot in return, saying : " Be jabers ! here's at ye ; 

 take that, ye blackgyard ". 



When the cannon-shot struck the face of the work a 

 shower of flat stones and earth would slide down into 

 the ditch on the top of us. We utilised some of the 

 flat stones by putting them up on the edge of the ditch, 

 so that we could peep up without danger of being shot 

 through the brain. Several of these stones were smashed 

 into flinders by bullets. In that ditch I ate what was 

 unquestionably the most uncomfortable luncheon I 

 ever had in my life. 



Each time the enemy hoisted up the blankets before 

 they reloaded their guns we peppered away at the 

 blankets ; but as we should have fired away all our 

 ammunition had we continued this, we were compelled 

 to occasionally cease our fire. This enabled the enemy 

 to complete their arrangements, and at last the blankets 

 would fall and the guns be again discharged. 



Even Great Eastern railway trains do finally arrive ; 

 and so at last over us, wearied with continued excitement, 

 did merciful Night finally cast her veil. 



An order came from our commander to dismantle 

 the work, evacuate it, and fall back on the fort. This 

 we did, under cover of darkness, without molestation 

 from the enemy. 



May I never experience such another day! 

 On the ensuing day and for many days afterwards 

 the enemy kept up a game of long bowls, firing at the 



