h, as shown on a
map, takes a bend, forming the shape of a letter 'S' nearly; or whether
to take the shortest cut and risk the opposition that may be expected. He
eventually decides that the Camel Corps and a portion of the Infantry
shall take the short cut; the desert route to Metemmeh: the rest to go by
the Nile. It is evidently Wolseley's wish to punish the tribes who
murdered Stewart, and his companions; so he orders the South
Staffordshire, 38th, and the Royal Sussex, 35th, and the Black Watch,
42nd, to advance to Abu Hamed, which lies at the northern bend of the
'S,' which the Nile makes between Dongola and Metemmeh.

The Camel Corps are ordered to make a dash across the desert to the same
place. Little did our force dream of the difficulties, dangers and
deaths that lay before them as they entered upon that desert march. We
only indicate some of them. On their march we are told that having
nearly reached Abu Klea "we were turning into our zareba, when it was
noticed that a group of some two hundred Arabs were on the hills, not far
from us. Two shells were sent amongst them, which caused them to retire,
but we soon found their sharpshooters had crept to within 1,200 yards of
our right flank. Also they began to drop bullets into our midst, which
were annoying and destructive. Half a company of Mounted Infantry were
told off to drive them away. All officers were to see that the men were
at their posts, with bayonets fixed, ready to jump to their feet at the
very first alarm. With their overcoats on and their blankets wrapped
around them, men lay down on that memorable night. All lights put out,
all talking and smoking strictly prohibited. A deadly stillness,
disturbed only by the whizzing or thud of the shot from the enemy's guns.
Colonel Burnaby, who had managed somehow to find a place in the
Expedition, expressed his great delight in having arrived in time to
engage in what he now saw to be the prospect of a terrible struggle.

He stated, "that he had arrived at that time of life when the two things
that interested him most were war and politics; and was just as happy in
the desert fighting the Arabs, as he was at home slating an unworthy
politician. Here, however, he was, and must face the conflict." January,
16th, 1885. About 10 p.m. The sentries came rushing into the lines. The
officers called out, "stand to your arms men." The alarm, however, was
false--only a feint on the part of the enemy.