SIR HERBERT'S DEATH. 221 General Earle's death ; secondly, what affected us even more, that Sir Herbert had succumbed to his wound and died the previous evening. It was a heavy blow to the whole force, for he was beloved and admired by every man in the column ; we had hoped against hope, seeing him linger on week after week arid finally start on his journey with the convoy. But it was not to be ; the journey had dangerously increased his fever, and he had died just within sight of Gakdul. It was a personal loss to every one of us. It seemed only yesterday that he was riding about the column on his little bay horse, talking to everybody, with a cheery word or a bit of chaff for all, officer or man alike ; his tall figure and yellow puggaree well known to every man in the force. Never a harsh word did he use ; even on the trying morning before Abu Klea, as at all times, his orders were given (so to speak) goodnaturedly, without fuss or hurry, and when he had made every arrangement necessary, he lit a cigarette and sat quietly down among us as if he was in his garden at home. Not to speak of his military talents and soldier-like qualities, he was a real good sort, and I