st satisfactory one, for it
showed that the Egyptian cavalry had, now, sufficient confidence in
themselves to face the Baggara.

"Headquarters came up to Akasheh on the 1st of June. The spies had kept
the Intelligence Department well informed as to the state of things at
Ferket. It was known that three thousand troops were there, led by
fifty-seven Emirs. The ground was carefully reconnoitred, and all
preparation made for an attack. It was certain that the Dervishes also
had spies, among the camel drivers and camp followers, but the Sirdar
kept his intentions secret, and on the evening of June 5th it was not
known to any, save three or four of the principal officers, that he
intended to attack on the following morning. It was because he was
anxious to effect a complete surprise that he did not even bring up the
North Staffordshires.

"There were two roads to Ferket--one by the river, the other through
the desert. The river column was the strongest, and consisted of an
infantry division, with two field batteries and two Maxims. The total
strength of the desert column, consisting of the cavalry brigade, camel
corps, a regiment of infantry, a battery of horse artillery, and two
Maxims--in all, two thousand one hundred men--were to make a detour,
and come down upon the Nile to the south of Ferket, thereby cutting off
the retreat of the enemy.

"Carrying two days' rations, the troops started late in the afternoon
of the 6th, and halted at nine in the evening, three miles from Ferket.
At half-past two they moved forward again, marching quietly and
silently; and, at half-past four, deployed into line close to the
enemy's position. A few minutes later the alarm was given; and the
Dervishes, leaping to arms, discovered this formidable force in front
of them; and at the same time found that their retreat was cut off, by
another large body of troops in their rear; while, on the opposite bank
of the river, was a force of our Arab allies.

"Though they must have seen that their position was hopeless, the
Dervishes showed no signs of fear. They fought with the desperation of
rats in a trap. The Egyptians advanced with steady volleys. The Baggara
horsemen attacked them furiously, but were repulsed with heavy loss.
There was hand-to-hand fighting among their huts; and the second
brigade carried, with the bayonet, that rough hill that you see over
there.

"It was all over, by seven o'clock. Our loss was only twenty killed,
and ei