CHAPTER XV.

Back to the zeriba The whole force at last on the river-bank.

BEFORE day broke next morning we stood to our arms in expectation of a possible attack, but whop the sun rose it showed no signs of the enemy. Thoroughly refreshed by our long sleep, and with an unlimited supply of water close by, the first thing to be done was to bring the rest of the force to the enjoyment of like blessings. But before that could be done a strong natural position had to be found wherein to encamp the column when it arrived at the river.

Accordingly, part of the Heavies, Mounted Infantry, and ourselves " fell in," and advanced in extended order through several villages on the high ground in the direction of Metemmeh, feeling our way carefully. Not a soul was to be seen ; everything had been taken out of the huts food, utensils, forage, everything ; the villages were quite deserted.