CHAPTER  IX

Astray with a patrol—Aggravating caution—An im¬
pressive incident — The bivouac — Corn-cobs for
cavalrymen—Salih Pasha—A General without
stores—Sudden orders—A long ride—The Turkish
soldier — False charges — Desolation — Surprising
news—An army corps that was too late—With
the  guns to Chorlu.

The patrol doubtless had some rough
idea of its own whereabouts, but whether
its leaders had any distinct knowledge as
to the relative bearings of Salih Pasha's
quarters is more than questionable. There
was a moon, but for the time being it
was obscured by clouds, and even with
accurate information it would have been
a difficult business to keep one's course
over  these unlighted fields ;  but when it

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