AMBIGOL WELLS difficulty, but frequently the power of our engine was tried to the utmost. More than once we were unable to ascend a gradient at the first attempt, and the drivers were compelled to let the train run back and stand on the level until a fresh supply of steam had been generated. When once the top of the hill had been reached, and we began to run down the other side, the pace became alarming, and one's whole mind was occupied in wondering how long the train would keep on the metals. None of the trucks were provided with breaks, and the break-blocks on the engine were so much worn that they were almost ineffective ; the last vehicle on the train, " Yellow Maria," rattled and rocked ver} badly, and in going down any incline rarely travelled on all four wheels at once. However, the special Providence which presides over all things Egyptian prevailed, and so far as our train was concerned no accident happened. The stations of Mughrat Wells, Ambigol Road, and Ambigol Wells were passed safely, the lastmentioned being particularly interesting. The well at Ambigol, from which the water supply for engines is obtained, is from sixteen to twenty feet deep, and more than twelve feet in diameter. Its water is of a purgative character, and not very wholesome ; during the campaign, however, it was invaluable, and lightened the labours of the transport service. At a little distance from the Wells, in the desert, is the tomb of that gallant officer " Roddy " Owen, who died of cholera during the very hot summer of 1896; on the head-stone is inscribed, " Under the Shadow of the Sword is Paradise." It may be noted in passing that the name " Ambigol " is of interest. It can hardly be Arabic, but it may well represent the Coptic words Aniba Pedjoul, i.e.. Father Pedjoul. It is well known that during the Coptic period of the history of Egypt a number of recluses and anchorites took up their abode in the islands of the Cataracts and in places on the mainland, and it is quite possible that one of these bearing some name like Pedjoul may have lived near the Wells, and that he may have worked cures by means of their waters, which possess certain medicinal properties. In any case, the first part of the name Ambigol suggests a Coptic derivation.

' On the other hand, ambi or ambu means in the language of the Baribara the " dum palm."

91