"BULLY" BEEF. 109 each flank of the resting column, in order to give the alarm in plenty of time if the enemy should appear, and try to rush us. The column was so halted that in case of attack the different regiments could quickly form square at any angle of the camels, and flank each other and the vast mass of baggagers and stores.

Reveille woke us at next morning at 3 a.m., and by 4.30 we had had our breakfasts and were on the move. It is very cold in the early morning in the desert, especially during January, and the comfort of a steaming cup of cocoa or tea, with biscuit and cold " bully " beef, must be felt to be appreciated. Although I own " bully" is not inviting at midday, when floating about the tin in red, warm, stringy masses, yet it has its period of beauty, in the early mornings, when the cold night has solidified it into respectablelooking cold beef; at that time a quarter of a pound of it inside you, washed down with hot drink, makes a deal of difference in the way you are disposed to look at things on a dark and cold morning.

Shortly after day broke, we saw the Gebel en