3o8 WITH THE CAMEL CORPS UP THE NILE.

Alexandria. Luckily the railway arrangements were in a fitter state than when we were on the way up country, and we arrived within sight of the deep blue sea by four o'clock. The orders were to go on board the Australia (P. & O.) at once; but we were not to start for England for another three or four days, as various arrangements were pending.

The first thing we found on the quay was the brigade of Guards that had just come from Suakim, and had put in to Alexandria on the way to Cyprus, and very glad we were to see them all again, though some were utterly unrecognisable at first in beards. They were all in a disgusted state, first at being sent to Cyprus for an unlimited time, and secondly at being sent to dawdle at Alexandria on the way ; however, we cheered them up, and for the next five days had a very pleasant time of it in the town. At last came definite orders to start, and on the 4th July we left Alexandria and the shores of Egypt for good.