Dervish Swarm and The Dispatch Rider

Date: 14-15 September 1929/2019
Location: British Museum Site B, Near El Wil-Yam
Situation: Aftermath of Dervish Swarm Victory

Credits
Story: General Pettygree Studios
Homage: Alfred Hitchcock "Very Light"

Before reading The Dispatch Rider you may want to sequentially read:
Dervish Swarm posted 15 September 2019
Dervish Swarm The Harbor posted 16 September 2019
Dervish Swarm Into The Interior posted 17 September 2019
Simply scroll down for all three.

 He Must Get Through

Late on 14 September 1929

After being defeated by the Dervish Swarm, the Imperials retreated to excavations at The British Museum's Site B. The ranking officer, Colonel Sinclair of the Seaforth Highlanders, ordered formation of a fortified irregular square on the mound there within fallen ancient stonework. The men further strengthened it by placing thorny vegetation around the perimeter making a zareba.

"Fortunately the foe has not pursued us but there is no guarantee they will not come during the night nor out of the rising sun in the morning. Best to stay in this strong defensive position rather than retreat up the Dongolo River and get caught in the open. But we need a volunteer dispatch rider to gallop for a relief column for our long term survival. Go find one." 

"He will depart tonight under the light of a waning gibbous moon."

"Confusion to the enemy, eh, Captain Cavanaugh?"

"Aye and maybe the Dervish will solidly bed down for the night to recover.

They took grievous punishments earlier today."

"We'll wait a bit yet for more darkness

an' then give you a proper send off."

"Sir, we heard something out there in the dark."

"A boar perhaps?"

"No telln', Lieutenant."

"Well Sir, best you ride lest the enemy has

prodigious time to report our presence out here."

"And react to my departure."

"Godspeed Captain. Off you go, Sir."

"Thank you Lieutenant Stewart and Scotsmen.

I'll be back, God willing, with relief."

"He must get through. Time's run'n out."

"Aye. Pray for that English officer."

But out there in the growing darkness....

"Blast, you cunning rascals --- a snapshot for your insolence!

There, one down.

Now gallop like your life depends on it Dinah. Heyaaah!" 

"Another one down.

The river is coming into view --- must get across fast."

"That's it Dinah. Into the Dongolo."

"And escape!"

"We need to pass through that gap.

Let's take it easy for now, my girl,  an' rest a bit."

But....

"Well you chaps are certainly out this morning."

Cavanaugh charged and fired.

The leading warrior took a bullet and fell from his camel.

The other man turned to pursue but his spitter was no match for Dinah.

"Away now Dinah. --- Fly!"

They passed through the rest of the semi-dark morning with relative ease.
As the sun, not yet up, began to dimly illuminate the Earth....

CLOSING REMARKS

Starting with photo #4, miniatures are mostly  54-60mm Britains, John Jenkins Designs or Armies in Plastic.

Next Things

Will Cavanaugh and Dinah get through?

Next Story: Dervish Swarm Sinclair's Square.

Your remarks, if you please --- below.

Thank you.

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