276 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

day I received a request from the Commandant to come and explain my conduct at the Post-office !

The little brute had stolen a march on me, and reported me for using unparliamentary language !

Every day came in some new "shave," and the variety was nearly as great as it had been at Metemmeh. A telegram board had been put up in the middle of the camp, for official news and Reuter's telegrams, but it was much too scantily supplied for our wants. The main question, of course, was how long we were to stay up the river, and whether there would really be an autumn campaign. On this subject every one had different views, and as every one aired them as authentic on all occasions, the amount of rumours "on the best authority" multiplied exceedingly. Nothing was to be gleaned from the English papers. They had evidently forgotten all about us, and were crammed with nothing but leaders and articles on the new Franchise Bill, and such like matters of thrilling interest.

Reuter's correspondent was our best tipster, and he gave vent to some startling statements, mostly a little premature, which were believed as gospel. First, that