ht bank of the Atbara. Their advance, which had
hitherto led them through a waterless desert, was now checked by a
raging torrent. The river was in full flood, and a channel of deep
water, broader than the Thames below London Bridge and racing along
at seven miles an hour, formed a serious obstacle. Since there were no
boats the soldiers began forthwith to construct rafts from barrels that
had been brought for the purpose. As soon as the first of these was
completed, it was sent on a trial trip. The result was not encouraging.
The raft supported ten men, occupied five hours in the passage, was
carried ten miles down stream, and came back for its second journey
on the afternoon of the next day. It was evident that this means of
transport was out of the question. The only chance of success--indeed,
of safety--lay in the force reaching and taking Gedaref before the
return of Ahmed Fedil. All depended upon speed; yet here was a hopeless
delay. After prolonged discussion it was resolved to act on the
suggestion of an Egyptian officer and endeavour to build boats. The work
proved easier than was anticipated. The elastic wood of the mimosa scrub
supplied the frames; some tarpaulins--fortunately available--formed
the outer covering. The Egyptian soldiers, who delighted in the work,
succeeded in making daily from such materials one boat capable of
carrying two tons; and in these ingenious contrivances the whole force
crossed to the further bank. The camels, mules, and horses of the
transport--their heads supported with inflated water-skins tied under
their jowls--were made to swim across the river by the local Shukrieh
Arabs. Such was the skill of these tribesmen that only one camel and one
mule were drowned during the operation. The passage was completed on the
16th, and the next day the advance was resumed along the west bank of
the Atbara. At midday on the 18th Mugatta was reached, and at dawn on
the 20th the little force--having filled their water-skins, tightened
their belts, and invoked the assistance of the various gods they
worshipped--started off, and marched all day in single file through the
thick bush which lies between the Atbara and Gedaref. The column retired
to rest peacefully during the night of the 21st, although within twelve
miles of Gedaref. But at midnight startling news arrived. A deserter
from the Dervishes made his way into the camp and informed Colonel
Parsons that the Emir Saadalla awaited him with 3,500