154 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

be exhausted, especially as nothing had been obtained between Hamdab and Birti except such forage as would be found for camels and horses in the cultivated patches. The people had buried their grain in the desert and had driven off their cattle. They would not bring in any kind of provisions for sale, and could not be induced to enter the service of the column as paid labourers.

The column had practically reached some miles beyond Birti.

Colonel Butler had reconnoitred in the direction of the Shukook Pass, and, six or seven miles further than the place where he had fixed the camp, had ascended a range of hills near the upper end of the large island of Dulka, the highest point being situated on another island.

On the morning of the 5th of February Colonel Butler was told not to advance the boats further than the Castle Camp until the two channels beyond that place had been thoroughly examined, and Lieutenant-colonel Alleyne had discovered which was least dangerous and where the best spots for camping might be found.

All was being prepared for a prompt and yet a safe prosecution of the march to Abu-Hamed. A boy wearing the Mahdi's uniform, and who had deserted from the rebel camp at Shukook, was sent to Colonel Butler to act as guide to the pass. The officers with head-quarters at Birti were only awaiting the report of that day's reconnaissance when a cipher telegram arrived from General Wood, who was acting as chief of the staff at Korti in the absence of Sir R. Buller. It was dated on the previous day (Feb. 4) at 8.50 P.M. and said, "I am ordered by Lord Wolseley to inform 3'ou that to his deep regret Khartum was found by Wilson to be in possession of enemy. Wilson in returning was wrecked, but steamer has gone for him, and there is no apparent danger fcr him. You are to halt where you are until further orders."

It may be imagined with what grief the generals in command of the river column read this message, with what anxiety they awaited those further orders, which might indicate immediate recall and the end of the expedition after so many difficulties had been surmounted and when the enemy was probably within striking distance. They could only conclude that Gordon had been slain