I $6 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

that it was no use waiting for reinforcements,* and that the whole force could not fight its way successfully to the river, encumbered as it would be with wounded and stores ; the only alternative was the risky one of half of us fighting our way on foot, whilst the baggage remained behind with the other half. It was neck or nothing, for the fighting force could only muster some 900 bayonets, and the enemy were swarming round in thousands. I must say it looked as risky a business as it well could ; we all felt it was exceedingly doubtful if the two halves of the force would ever see each other again, but yet it was the only thing possible to be done. Accordingly a square was formed as shown opposite, and moved out from the camel zeriba in a southerly direction, keeping as much as possible in the open, so as to repel any sudden attack from the scrub.

Just before starting, our Adjutant (Crutchley) was dropped with a bullet through his right thigh, and his place was filled by Herbert. Leaving behind us part of the Heavies, the iQth, the guns, Blue-jackets, stores, and ammunition, we advanced at the slow * Lord Wolseley was popu'arly supposed to be following not far behind, with more troops.