CHAPTER   VIII

Intelligence wanted—An army without supplies—
Groundless fears—Criminal incompetence—The
Major's lost flock—^Stragglers on the road—
" Beaten ! '*—Death by the roadside—Birds of
prey—Karishtiran bombarded—A Bulgarian retire¬
ment—Bound for cavalry headquarters.

We were up with the dawn again in the
morning, intending to dispatch our bag¬
gage and stores to Cherkesskeui with the
Censor's party while we ourselves, travel¬
ling light, rode back in the direction of
Karishtiran for the purpose of getting
trustworthy intelligence as to the move¬
ments of the Bulgarians and the dis¬
positions of their forces after the victory
of Lule Burgas. Carts were at a heavy
premium, but we managed to secure one

123