l6o EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

Stream. The Staffords in red coats and the Hio-hlanders in kilts were to breakfast and be on parade by seven o'clock, fully equipped with one day's rations, water, and ammunition, with reserve ammunition carried by camels for them and for the guns; stretchers and bearers for the wounded, and a detachment of the field hospital with two camels carrying water. Lieutenant-colonel Alleyne was to be in command of two companies of the Staffords and the two guns, and was to occupy the rocky knolls held on the previous day by the cavalry outposts, and to hold the enemy in check in front, attracting their attention during the flank movement.

In the afternoon a telegram had come from Lord Wolseley: " The government have decided that the Mahdi's power at Khartum must be overthrown. This most probably means a campaign here next cold weather, and certainly the detention in the Soudan of all troops now here. A strong force of all arms goes as soon as possible to crush Osman Digma. We must now take Berber.

Buller will now take Metammeh. Let me know early the date you calculate upon reaching Berber, so that Buller's force may co-operate with you."

Three hours later a letter in cipher from Lord Wolseley to General Earle dated 7th February came in. It contained a fuller account of the communication between Lord Wolseley and the government. The rescue of Colonel Wilson by Sir Charles Beresford's steamer had not then been heard of at Korti. The letter said, " I congratulate you upon the progress you have made, although I am naturally very sorry the enemy have not tested the temper of your steel. However, let us hope their courage may be stiffened by the fall of Khartum and that you may strike them hard before you reach Berber." The night passed without an alarm. General Earle and General Brackenbury sat up late talking over Lord Wolseley's letter and discussing the position. The question was whether the enemy would again retreat before the attack could be made. At daylight, however, the cavalry vedettes reported that they were still in position. The men paraded eager for the fray. Lieutenant Eden's company of the Black Watch were set to work to form a small seriba, and when