148 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

Ooli, where they were soon joined by the Cornwalls coming from Hamdab. It is not necessary to follow the military movements by which the force was so ordered as to afford what may be called relays for mutual protection. One remarkable circumstance is recorded by General Brackenbury: when General Earle and his staff rode up the river as far as Kabenat they found a strong fort, Avith walls eight to twelve feet thick built of loose stones and capable of holding a garrison of 500 men, on the top of a high detached hill completely commanding the river and bank, and a similar fort opposite on the right bank, with swift water running between. The Soudanese tradition is that these forts were built by some Christian power centuries ago, but General Brackenbury says he is satisfied that they are of comparatively modern date. From them an extensive view was obtained, and Colonel Butler, who presently arrived there from his reconnaissance, reported that for five miles to the Kab-el-Abd Cataract the land and the river were clear and fairly open. All the country beyond Ooli camp had been deserted.

Scouting and reconnoitring in front, keeping a strong body in the rear and a good guard in advance, riding backward and forward to see the boats through, signalling from point to point, pulling and hauling the boats through the broken water of the falling river, the column moved slowly forward. A spy from Birti brought word that there were 2500 men there, and that the chiefs intended to attack when the boats were separated in the cataract of Kab-el-Abd. Colonel Butler was then ordered to push on with a sufficient force to come within touch of the enemy; and about two miles beyond the cataract found about 120 of the Arabs, who retired after a few shots had been exchanged. Colonel Colville had also gone ahead with a party of the mudir's men on camels to a village opposite Birti, from which he could see the enemy's camp. That evening Colonel Rundle, telegraphing to Korti, said that the sheikhs computed the force of the enemy at Birti to be at least 10,000 men.

After a further advance, by which the Black Watch and the Staffords were able to bivouac and construct a seriba on Kandi