The deserts through which
the railway to Abu Hamed would pass contain few wells, and therefore it
would be difficult for small raiding parties to cut the line or attack
the construction gangs; and before the line got within reach of the
Dervish garrison at Abu Hamed, that garrison would be dislodged and the
place seized.

The plan was perfect, and the argument in its favour conclusive. It
turned, however, on one point: Was the Desert Railway a possibility?
With this question the General was now confronted. He appealed to expert
opinion. Eminent railway engineers in England were consulted. They
replied with unanimity that, having due regard to the circumstances, and
remembering the conditions of war under which the work must be executed,
it was impossible to construct such a line. Distinguished soldiers were
approached on the subject. They replied that the scheme was not only
impossible, but absurd. Many other persons who were not consulted
volunteered the opinion that the whole idea was that of a lunatic, and
predicted ruin and disaster to the expedition. Having received this
advice, and reflected on it duly, the Sirdar ordered the railway to be
constructed without more delay.

A further question immediately arose: Should the railway to Abu Hamed
start from Korosko or from Wady Halfa? There were arguments on both
sides. The adoption of the Korosko line would reduce the river stage
from Assuan by forty-eight hours up stream. The old caravan route, by
which General Gordon had travelled to Khartoum on his last journey, had
been from Korosko via Murat Wells to Abu Hamed. On the other hand, many
workshops and appliances for construction were already existing at Wady
Halfa. It was the northern terminus of the Dongola railway. This was an
enormous advantage. Both routes were reconnoitred: that from Wady Halfa
was selected. The decision having been taken, the enterprise was at once
begun.

Lieutenant Girouard, to whom everything was entrusted, was told to make
the necessary estimates. Sitting in his hut at Wady Halfa, he drew up a
comprehensive list. Nothing was forgotten. Every want was provided for;
every difficulty was foreseen; every requisite was noted. The questions
to be decided were numerous and involved. How much carrying capacity was
required? How much rolling stock? How many engines? What spare parts?
How much oil? How many lathes? How many cutters? How many punching and
shearing machines? What arrangements of si