156 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

of grain had been discovered by foraging parties, so that there was enough for thirty days for the 140 horses, but none for the 580 camels, who, having eaten the green forage, would, in case of a prolonged stay, have litde food supply. One of the great needs was a further supply of soap; for many of the boats were infested with vermin, the lice of Egypt, which were already in the clothes of the men. On the 6th General Earle rode over to the Castle Camp and imparted to Colonel Butler the contents of the telegram. On that day the whole of the troops were allowed to rest after the fortnight's toil which they had undergone, and they took the opportunity to wash their clothes and to attempt to patch the parti-coloured rags they were wearing as trousers. Either here or on the former Nile journey a patch made of a portion of a sardine tin was observed on one of the men. In the next two days the troops were busy improving the sanitary condition of the camps, providing for the supply of water, and exercising the camels, who were getting out of condition for want of their accustomed work.

Preparations were made for the possible return journey; but on the other hand news came that the enemy from Shukook had advanced to Kirbekan, that they were less than a thousand in number and had about 150 rifles, and had taken up this position as one from which it would be more easy to escape in case of defeat. Lord Wolseley was waiting a reply from the government. The alleged reason for despatching the Nile force had been the rescue of General Gordon and the relief of Khartum, and that result could not now be attained. Should it have been made at all.'' Should it not have been made earlier and with a larger army? Had the opinions expressed by Gordon himself, that the route could be opened from Suakim to Berber, been fatally neglected? These were current questions, amidst which disputants were agreed on the one bitter conclusion, that in spite of the undaunted courage and patient determination of our troops, by which difficulties apparently insurmountable had been overcome, and notwithstanding the extraordinary fertility of resource displayed by the officers, the expedition had failed to achieve the end for which it had been organized. Would the government think it consistent