The greatest laggard of all was one which was ridden by a wounded Soudanese soldier.

It was limping badly with a strained tendon, and it was only by constant prodding that it could be kept with the others.

The Emir Wad Ibrahim raised his Remington, as the creature hobbled past, and sent a bullet through its brain.

The wounded man flew forwards out of the high saddle, and fell heavily upon the hard track.

His companions in misfortune, looking back, saw him stagger to his feet with a dazed face.