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The descent upon Banse was effected — to use a vulgar phrase — by a dodge in our route, which, although edging on, as it were, towards that town, seemed to lead away from it, as well as from our actual destination. No doubt this “dodge” was meant to draw the rebels off the scent; but they were not fools, and proved themselves, in not being caught napping, quite as wideawake as ourselves.

As we approached Banse dawn was breaking, heralded by the blush of the morning star visible on the horizon, and giving sufficient light to enable the outline of the town to be traced by our sleepy eyes; and as we scanned the place through the grey atmospheric film of early morn, no indications to show that the rebels had possession of it could be discerned anywhere. Presently, however, villagers appeared upon the scene, and enlightened us with news to the effect that the insurgents had abandoned the neighbourhood only but a few hours ago, and that Banse was quite deserted; and so on entering we found it. Not an inhabitant had tarried in the ill-fated town to witness its general wreck. All had fled, taking such goods and chattels as they could in the hurry of flight Rh