160 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

not exceed a slow march. The sun went down, and the twilight became almost darkness. Thank goodness, a two-days-old crescent was shining in the sky, and its feeble light guided us through the gravel hills right to the brink of the Nile.

The men were as wild with joy as their exhausted condition would allow. The wounded were held up for one look at the gleaming river, and then hurried to the banks. Still, perfect discipline was observed. Not a man left his place in the ranks until his company was marched up to take its fill. The front face having drunk itself full was marched to relieve the rear face, and so on, in order that, in case of attack, no flank should be left undefended. However, all was as silent as the grave, and the enemy disturbed us not. In the distance was still heard the faint noise of tom-toms, but most of us were too sleepy to pay any attention to them. A chain of sentries was established on the slopes overlooking the square, and in two minutes the force was fast asleep. So dead tired was every one that I verily believe a horde of yelling niggers would not have awakened us. It was a sleep as is the sleep of a hog ; even the cold could not keep us awake.