WRECK OF THE BORDEIN. II5 officers that Abd-ul-Hamid had plotted to wreck the vessel, but that Khashm had denounced the conspiracy.

Whether the events which followed were the result of treachery or accident was never quite determined; but Sir Charles Wilson, after carefully considering all the circumstances, came to the conclusion that the state of the river and the difficulty of making the passage amidst sand-banks and rocks which were but a little below the surface would fully account for the calamity. On the 31st of January the Bordein, following the nuggar, had got through the narrow "gate," and dropped down the remaining part of the cataract, but again had to stop to find wood after having burned every bit that was stored on board, including the empty ammunition cases. An attempt was to be made to run at full speed past the enemy's batteries at Wad Habashi, where the steamer would be in great danger of being sunk by the heavy fire. One incident was enough to cause suspicion of foul play. Abd-ul-Hamid, while the vessel lay to, had contrived to send off a letter by a native whom he had found on the bank, a letter which he swore was to a friend at Khartum inquiring as to the fate of his family. No dependence could be placed on his oath, but still there had been no sign that the reises and captains were false. They had used the greatest exertions to get through; and when the vessel had been stranded, had shown no disposition to shirk either labour or responsibility. There was nothing for it but to run through the passage in front of the batteries, and after leaving the cataract there was open water until that passage was reached. The low spit of Wad Habashi was in sight, the cataract was left behind, all was ready for a running fight, and Sir Charles Wilson, who had been on deck all the morning, had gone into the cabin for a few minutes' rest with the other officers, when there was a sudden crash that shook them all, and it was known that the Bordein had struck on a rock, though, as she bumped off again and seemed to be moving, it was supposed no great damage had been done.

But a hasty inspection of the fore-hold showed that the water was rushing in at such a rate that Sir Charles Wilson had to order the captains to lay the vessel alongside a sandspit to prevent her