196 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

enough to carry double loads, so saddles and all were left on the sand. We welcomed with joy the first streak of dawn, for the light would allow of the column getting further ahead of the rear-guard, and not necessitate those frequent and irritating halts. An hour after dawn we halted for breakfast in the wide tussocky plain, and devoured our short rations with much relish. The "bully" had cooled to delicious corned beef during the night, and our only complaint was that there was not enough.

After an hour's halt the convoy was put in motion again, and by midday we had surmounted the ridge and arrived at the camp of Abu Klea. The place was a good deal altered since we had last seen it ; several hospital-tents were up, a small fort had been built, surrounded by a dangerously-close* zeriba of thornbushes, and the wells had been slightly improved. The small garrison of Sussex, who had already been apprised of the news by special messenger through to Korti, was very glad to see us, but had no news of the * On account of its liability to be fired by the enemy in case of attack.