CHAPTER XX.

Clearing out the wounded Gordon's blacks Attack on the wounded convoy Destruction of stores The end of the Relief Expedition.

THERE was a considerable squash in the fort that evening, but we all huddled up somehow, and got through the night in peace. Our only duty during the following day was making out camel-returns ; and what with the deaths of so many, and many others having been lost or exchanged, and all being in an unfit state for work, it was some time before the camels could be apportioned to each company's satisfaction.

Next came the orders for the whole of the wounded to be cleared out, and go to Gakdul before daybreak on the morrow ; whether they could stand the journey or not was not the question. All were to go, the worst cases being carried on stretchers by a number of Egyptian soldiers, who had come with the last convoy*