CHAPTER VI.

Life at Korti Diamonds and Rubies The Marines Arrive Rumours Christmas Day.

THE very next morning (the I5th December), Lord Wolseley arrived in the Mudir's steamer from Dongola, and approved of the site selected for the camp.

Till the big tents arrived from down stream, we put up shelters as best we might, improvising them with blankets, bushes, waterproof sheets, rifles, and trees.

Although the heat was still considerable, I don't remember' its ever at that time rising above 100, even at midday ; as long as the blessed north wind kept blowing, the weather was very pleasant, much cooler than it had been down the river. By the way, this north wind is a providential natural institution ; the heated air from Central Africa naturally rising, cool air rushes south from Europe to take its place,