OUR FORT. 179 tion at the top of the slope, the fort we had started was found too large for our now reduced numbers to hold, so three huts were selected in a convenient position, and walls were strongly built up of rubble and debris between them. The men of course grumbled at having to pull all their work down again ; but Tommy Atkins always works the better for a good growl, and very soon the walls began to rise in our new fort, officers and men all taking their share at amateur masonry. It was hard work, certainly, building six hours a day against time in the broiling sun, but I am certain we were all the better for it. Our fort being on a gravelly hill we got every puff of cool wind going, and no dust to speak of. We were well off, too, for water, having a good cool well not fifty yards from the fort. Down by the river-side they fared worse ; the ground they were on was very damp at night, whilst during the day they were overwhelmed with clouds of dust. The consequence was that the men on the banks got seedy, and many went into hospital, whilst all ours kept strong and fit, hardly one falling sick. When off duty we generally strolled " down N 2