e of them; and, after rewarding him and taking a meal, Gregory
determined to start at once. The stars were bright, and there was quite
light enough for the camels to travel.

The water was emptied from the skins, and filled again. They had
brought with them sufficient food for four days' travel, and a sack of
grain for the camels. An hour after arriving at the village they again
started.

"We will follow the river bank, till we get past the country where the
bushes are so thick, and then strike west by north. I saw, by Colonel
Parsons' map, that that is about the line we should take."

They left the river before they reached El Fasher, and continued their
journey all night, and onward till the sun was well up. Then they
watered the camels (they had, this time, brought with them a large half
gourd for the purpose), ate a good meal themselves; and, after placing
two piles of grain before the camels, lay down and slept until five
o'clock in the afternoon.

"We ought to be opposite Omdurman, tomorrow morning. I expect we shall
strike the river, tonight. I have kept our course rather to the west of
the direct line, on purpose. It would be very awkward if we were to
miss it. I believe the compass is right, and I have struck a match
every hour to look at it; but a very slight deviation would make a big
difference, at the end of a hundred and fifty miles."

It was just midnight when they saw the river before them.

"We can't go wrong now, Zaki."

"That is a comfort. How many miles are we above its junction with the
White Nile?"

"I don't know."

They rode steadily on, and day was just breaking when he exclaimed:

"There are some buildings opposite. That must be Khartoum. We shall be
opposite Omdurman in another hour."

Soon after six o'clock, they rode down to the river bank opposite the
town; and, in answer to their signals, a large native boat was rowed
across to them. After some trouble the camels were got on board, and in
a quarter of an hour they landed.

"Take the camels up to my house, Zaki. I must go and report myself, at
headquarters."

General Rundle had not yet gone out, and on Gregory sending in his
name, he was at once admitted.

"So you are back, Mr. Hilliard!" the General said. "I am heartily glad
to see you, for it was a very hazardous mission that you undertook.
What news have you?"

"This is Colonel Parsons' report."

Before reading the long report, the General said, "Tell me, in a few
wo