244 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

wore their old boots, with bits of leather tied on for soles. The tout ensemble was peculiar, though it might be workmanlike.

The first day's march was to be to Magaga Wells (at present occupied by the Heavies), distant some twenty miles off or more. Luckily, the sun was not very hot, and we plodded along cheerfully all day, stopping for a couple of hours at noon, to feed and rest. By five o'clock we had made Zobrick el Kelb, near which we were told the wells lay, and another fifteen minutes over piles of sharp stones brought us to the Heavies' camp. Here we were rejoiced by receiving a mail from Korti, and after a long drink and a good meal we were soon fast asleep. Next morning we received orders to fill up watertanks, to water the camels, and start that evening.

I wanted to see what the wells were like, so, being off duty, I took a gentle stroll thither in the afternoon.

It was an extraordinary sight. Following the stream of men and animals for half a mile, you came across a stony cleft in the hills which could hardly be dignified with the name of a ravine. It wound in and out