es who brought this to him, he
learnt how matters were progressing. He was longing for the Dervish
army to make a move, for he felt that when they neared the British
position, the greater would be the chance of escape; and none among the
followers of Mahmud rejoiced more than he did, when he knew that the
long-expected advance was about to take place.

Once in motion, the spirits of the Dervishes revived. At last they were
going to meet these insolent invaders, and none doubted that they would
easily defeat them. The greater portion of the harem and attendants
were left behind, at Shendy, for but few camels were available. Fatma
and another of Mahmud's wives rode on one. A tent was carried by
another. Half a dozen slaves followed, and Gregory walked with these.

He could not help admiring the attitude of the tribesmen--tall,
powerful men, inured to hardship, and walking or riding with an air of
fierce independence, which showed their pride in themselves, and their
confidence in their prowess.

The party always started early in the morning, so as to get the tents
erected at the halting place before the main body of the Dervishes came
up. On the march, they kept some distance from the river and, being but
a small group, the gunboats did not waste their shot upon them; but
each day there was a sharp exchange of fire between them and Mahmud's
force.

Gregory supposed that Mahmud's plan was to cross the Atbara, which was
fordable at several points, and to attack the fort there; in which
case, he had no doubt the Arabs would be driven off, with much loss.
The Sirdar was of the same opinion, and in order to tempt them to do
so, he maintained only one Egyptian brigade in the fort, the remainder
of the force being concentrated at Kennur, four miles away. From this
point they would be able to advance and take the Dervishes in flank,
while they were engaged in the attack of the fort.

Mahmud, however, was kept well informed of the movements of the troops,
and instead of continuing his course down the river bank when he
reached Gabati, he struck across the desert; and, after two days'
march, crossed the Atbara at Nakheila. From this point, owing to the
bend in the river, he would be able to march direct to Berber, avoiding
the Atbara fort and the force gathered round it.

Altogether the desert march, although only lasting two days, was a
trying one. The heat was overpowering, and even the ladies of the harem
had the scanties