The men advanced steadily, in line, maintaining their excellent volley firing.

The three other regiments, in close order, followed; bearing away farther to the right, so as to be able to open fire and advance.

On that side the black regiments were advancing no less steadily, and the half brigade of Egyptians were as eager as any.

Steadily and well under control, all pushed forward at a run; firing occasionally, but thirsting to get hand to hand with those who had desolated their land, destroyed their villages, and slain their friends.
The British were suffering, but the blacks suffered more; for the volleys of the Camerons kept down the fire of those opposed to them, better than the irregular fire of the Soudanese.

The latter, however, first reached the zareba; and, regardless of thorns or of fire, dashed through it with triumphant shouts, and fell upon the defenders.
It was but a minute or two later that the Camerons reached the hedge.
Formidable as it looked, it took them but a short time to tear down gaps, through which they rushed; while close behind them the Seaforths, the Lincolns, and the Warwicks were all in, bursting through the low stockade and trenches behind it, and cheering madly.
Now, from their holes and shelters, the Dervishes started up.