The National tribune., 1885-03-19
BURNABYS DEATH.
Dying Sword in Hand Amid Swarm Of Foes.

Correspondence LOndon
"Still down upon US the dark Arab wave
rolled. 1t had arrived within 800 yards, und-
minshed in volume, unbroken in strength, a
rush of spearsmen and swordsmen. Their rifle
fire had ceased. Other Arab tribes surrounding
us-the Mahdi's troops plundering Bedouns and
piiagng villagers from the river side-sto0d
eager on the hillsides watching the charge
upon the British square. In wild excitement,
their white teeth gIistening, and the sheen of
the brandishcd weapons flashing like thousands
of mirrors, onward they came, charging
straight into our ranks. l was at that instant
inside the square, not far from the Gardner
gun, when | saw the left face move somewhat
backward. Gel. Burnaby himself whose every
action at the time | saw from 4 distance of
about SO yards. rode out in front Of the rear,
left face, apparently TO assist two three skir
mishers running in hard pressed. All but one
man of them succeeded in reaching cur lines.
Col. Burnaby went forward to his assistance,
sword in hand As the daantlCSS Colonel rode
forward he put himself i'll the way OF sheik
charging down on horseback. Ere the Arab
closed with him bullet from some one in our
ranks brought the sheik hcadlong to the
ground. The enemys spearsmen were close
behind, and one of them suddenly dashed at
Col. Burnaby, pointing the long blade of his
spear at his throat. Checking his horse and
pulling it backward, Burnaby lcaped forward
I'm his saddle and parried the Moslems rapid
mans weapOn-eight feet-put it out of his
power to return with interest the Arabs muir
dcrouS intent. Once Or twice Col Burnaby
Just touched his man only TO make him more
wary and eager. The atlray was the work of
seconds only, for the savage horde Of swarthy
negroes from kordotan and straight haired,
tawney- -ccmpleXioned Arabs of the Bayuaa
steppe were fast closing in upon our square.
Col Burnaby fenced the swarthy Arab as
if playing in an assault ut arms and there
was n smile on his features as he drove off
the mans awkward points. The scene was
taken in at a glance, with that lightning
instinct which have seen desert warriors be-
fore now display in battle while coming TO one
another's aid. An Arab who was pursuing
soldier and had passed five PAGES TO Burnaby's
right and rear. turned with sudden spring,
and this second Arab ran his spear into the
COlonel's right shoulder. 1t was hut slight
wound. Enough. though, to cause BurDaby to
twist around in his saddle and defend himself
from this unexpected attack before the savage
could repeat his unlooked-for blow. So near
the ranks of the square was the scene now be-
ing enacted that q soldier ran out and drove
his sword bayonet through the second assailant.
Brief as was Burnaby's glance backward atthis
fatal episode, il was long enough to enable the
first Arab to deliver his spear point full in
the brave officers throat. The blow drove
Burnaby out of his saddle, but il required a
second one before he let go his gripon the reins
and tumbed upon the ground. Half dozen
Arabs were now about him. With blood gush-
ing in streams from his gashad throat, the
dauntlesS Guardsman leapt TO his feet, sword
in hand, and sashed at the ferOcious group.
They were the wild strokes of proud, brave
mans dying hand, and he was quickly over
borne and left helpless and dying