CHAPTER XXVIII.

The Lotus Boat-races Temple-digging Gymkhana meetings Panic among the natives Orders to quit.

THUS passed the time away, and very slow it seemed to us. There was great excitement about the Suakim campaign, and also about the Afghans and the Russians for a time, for we had it " on the highest authority " that war would be declared at once, and that we should proceed to the scene of action immediately. However, the feeling cooled down, as we realised there was not going to be war after all, and we cast about for new excitements.

Every Saturday, or thereabouts, the Lotus* used to pay us a visit from up-stream, bringing down sick and taking back stores. She was a perfect boat for the river, and invaluable in the low state of the water, for even when fully loaded she only drew eighteen inches, * Stern-wheel Yarrow steamer.