ke all Moslem soldiers, he
was nervous about his line of retreat. Nor, considering the overwhelming
force against him, can we wonder. There was, besides this strategic
reason for retiring, a more concrete cause. All his supplies of grain
were accumulated in the gyassas which lay moored to the west bank. These
vessels were under the close and accurate fire of the artillery and
Maxim guns on Artagasha island. Several times during the night the
hungry Dervishes attempted to reach their store; but the moon was bright
and the gunners watchful. Each time the enemy exposed themselves, a
vigorous fire was opened and they were driven back. When morning dawned,
it was found that Hafir was evacuated, and that the enemy had retreated
on Dongola.

Wad Bishara's anxiety about his line of retreat was unnecessary, for the
Sirdar could not advance on Dongola with a strong Dervish force on his
line of communications: and it was not desirable to divide the army and
mask Hafir with a covering force. But as soon as the Dervishes had left
their entrenchments the situation was simplified. At daybreak all the
Arab boats were brought over to the right bank by the villagers, who
reported that Bishara and his soldiers had abandoned the defence and
were retreating to Dongola. Thereupon the Sirdar, relieved of the
necessity of forcing the passage, transported his army peacefully to the
other bank. The operation afforded scope to his powers of organisation,
and the whole force--complete with cavalry, camels, and guns--was
moved across the broad, rushing river in less than thirty-six hours and
without any apparent difficulty.

The casualties on the 19th were not numerous, and in a force of nearly
15,000 men they appear insignificant. Commander Colville was wounded.
One British sergeant and one Egyptian officer were killed. Eleven native
soldiers were wounded. The total--fourteen--amounted to less than one
per thousand of the troops engaged. Nevertheless this picturesque and
bloodless affair has been solemnly called the 'Battle of Hafir.' Special
despatches were written for it. It is officially counted in records of
service as a 'general action.' Telegrams of congratulation were received
from her Majesty and the Khedive. A special clasp was struck. Of all the
instances of cheaply bought glory which the military history of recent
years affords, Hafir is the most remarkable.

The 20th and part of the 21st were occupied by the passage of the
army acro