50 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

couple of horses that otherwise would have died. The column did not even halt at Hambok, but pushed on to El Howeyet, eight miles further, where a better supply was expected. But there, too, ill-luck awaited us. The convoy that started from Korti the day before had only left EI Howeyet half an hour previous to our arrival—so quickly had we travelled—and they had drunk all the water. But we halted at El Howeyet until evening, and by that time enough water— if that name may be given to a fluid of the colour and consistency of pea-soup—had accumulated to allow every man to have a slight drink. So wild were some of the soldiers with thirst, that for some time it seemed as if a tumult might set in; but Major Wardroper ordered all to fall in as they stood, and so one by one, and in order, were they supplied with their share. On again we went until dark, the camels striding at their quickest pace, as anxious as their riders that water in plenty should be reached; and on again in the morning too we went, making for the wells of Abu Haifa, which, although some distance off the main track, were eight or ten miles nearer than Gakdul.

There the guides assured us would water be found in plenty. In front the squadron of the 19th Hussars pushed on, for the horses had only drunk a quart a piece during the previous twenty-four hours. They were much distressed, of course, and, if not watered that day, would many of them assuredly die. At first the well of Abu Haifa looked anything but promising. A shallow pool of water, green on the top, we saw, which was well-nigh emptied before eve'n the horses had satisfied their thirst. But then a clear, bubbling spring, was discovered at the bottom, which, when cleared, afforded sufficient for everybody; only the wretched camels went without. For a period the scene at the Abu Haifa well was exciting in the extreme. Chattering Somaulies, wild with thirst, barred from the main pool until the fighting men had drunk their full, grubbed frantically in the sand, and in an inconceivably short period dug holes, at the bottom of which a little water collected, that was promptly lapped up. The soldiers, too, could hardly be restrained from throwing discipline aside and thronged in on all sides, while in the background were plunging horses and camels