Bentley leaped into action. He decided on a forced march across the desert to take the beseigers from the rear and that Eager, guided by Pundit Singh would take "Barkynge's Passage" to fall on Ali Khemkeel's flank. An audacious plan, but would it work ? Bentley resolved to lead the main force himself to make sure it did.

As dawn rose over the Imperial Excelsior, Dumble & Lightfoot Mines, Amir Ali Khemkeel suspected nothing. He had already plundered the silver ore that had been extracted. Today was the day he intended to assault the mine and bring the seige to an end. Wary of the possibility of another British attack (however unlikely) he had sent word to Mustapha Thalot to assist him. No reply had been forthcoming. Sheik Yura Maroun however was already on the way from olligrip to support the attack. But suddenly to his rear he noticed the rising sun flashing off the bayonets of a British force.

Ali turned his beseigers around to face the British, while he ordered an immediate attack on the mine.

The dervish forces poured towards Bentley's small force as the British opened fire on the advancing hordes. Meanwhile dervishes flung themselves at Captain Ramble's improvised barricades, only to be barely beaten off.

As they readied themselves for a second attack saw a flash of red to the east....

Eager's force, led by Pundit Singh had successfully negotiated Barkyinge's Passage in time to outflank the besiegers. The assault troops were met by withering fire from the rear. It was clear now that even the forces of Yura Maroun which were now arriving from Dolligrip couldn't turn the tide.

Ali Khemkeel personally led a final charge against Bentley's British, killing Lieutenant Brightlee of 2nd Platoon, but the attack failed and Ali was captured. Leaderless the dervishes fled the field. The mine had been relieved.

Bentley led Captain Gamble's men back through the desert to Gohar with the captive Amir. But little did he know that Mustapha Thalot had not been idle and a nasty surprise was awaiting him in Gohar...