Until quite recently, the Turk had been content merely to patrol the
country south and east of Beersheba, but our concentration at Esani had
made him uneasy about his left flank, and he had hastily dug a line of
trenches and manned them, hoping to put up a strong opposition to our
advance. These were the trenches we had now taken; and they constituted a
strong position too, the hills being particularly steep in front of them.
Having captured the position and enjoyed a short rest, the Brigade pushed
on again after dark--this time in column of route, but "at the walk," as it
was "pitch-black" and the ground rough and rocky. Well on in the evening, a
welcome change in the going occurred, as we came out upon a road (the same
one crossed in the morning); a proper road, a _real_ road like one at home
in England! It seemed strange, indeed, after the miles of desert; the
horses appreciated it too! Later, the moon having risen, a long halt was
made, after which the road towards Beersheba was resumed. Every mile or so,
by the wayside were now passed remains of Turkish camps, dead animals,
overturned wagons, abandoned ammunition, etc., etc. The enemy had evidently
left in "some" haste.
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