His account of the strength of the position showed the difficulty of taking it by assault.
Next day he again went out with the same force, but this time the Dervishes were prepared.

Their mounted men dashed out from the wood, and galloped round to cut off the cavalry; while the footmen crowded out to attack them in front.

The cavalry fell back in perfect order, and one squadron charged forty of the Dervish cavalry, who barred the line of retreat.

These they drove off, but the main body still pressed forward, and the Maxims opened upon them.

The hail of bullets was too much for the horsemen, and they drew off.