nd trying
march, but the water proved bad in quality and small in quantity.
Captain Harrison, however, luckily joined the force here with a good
supply from Aden, so all was well.

_January 8th, Hadaba._--Another tiring march, but a spring in the
river-bed provided a plentiful supply of good water. As there were
1300 human beings and animals to provide for, it can easily be
understood that the problem of the water-supply was a never-ceasing
care to the staff. Its solution would have been still more difficult
had not the O.C. column arranged that the Bombay Grenadiers and native
hospital should march a day behind the rest of the force.

_January 9th, Arrado._--A short march, and more water than was
expected.

_January 10th, Dthala._--There was a difficult pass to ascend before
the column reached its objective; three camels were in consequence
lost _en route_, one falling over a precipice and two dying from
exhaustion. By 1 p.m., however, all difficulties had been overcome,
and the camping-ground was reached without opposition.

_January 11th._--The remainder of the column arrived safely.

[Illustration: Dthala Camp.]

The rest of the month was occupied in putting the camp in a state of
defence, and the usual camp life. A force of 400 Turkish troops, with
four guns and twenty-five mounted men, was encamped only two miles off
at Jelala, and, as the condition of affairs, according to the
political officer, Colonel Wahab, was very acute, it was necessary to
observe the strictest precautions at all times. On January 30th the
detachment of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers was relieved by one from the
Hampshire Regiment, and marched off on their way back to Aden, under
command of Lieutenant Haskard. Colonel English did not return, having
received orders from Lord Kitchener to remain in command of the field
force, whose total strength now consisted of 818 officers and men, and
735 animals.

[Illustration: Dthala Village from Camp.]

_February 1st._--The situation now, however, became more serious.
Colonel English received a wire at 2.30 p.m. directing him to stop
Haskard's return march at Nobat-Dakim, and another at 6 p.m. informing
him that the whole of the Dublin Fusiliers were coming up, and also
half the 23rd Bombay Rifles. On February 10th instructions were
received to recall Haskard, who marched on the 12th, arriving at
Dthala on the 14th. On the 18th, headquarters and the remainder of the
Dublin Fusiliers left Aden,