132 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN fortnight would elapse before there would be a general movement. A reconnaissance with friendly Arabs had, however, been made ahead towards Abu Hamed, and had obtained certain information that the garrison at that place was by no means a strong one. The information Gregory had gathered had shown that Mahmud had no intention of advancing against Merawi, and that no reinforcements had as yet started to join the force at Abu Hamed, the Dervish leader being convinced that the Mile was not yet high enough to admit of boats going up the cataract. Thus everything favoured the Sirdar’s plan to capture Abu Hamed, and enable the railway to be constructed to that place before Mahmud could receive the news that the troops were in motion. He therefore directed General Hunter to push forward with only one brigade, leaving the rest to hold Merawi, and ordered the camel corps and the friendly Arabs to advance across the desert as far as the Gakdul wells, where their appearance would lead Mahmud to believe that they, were the advanceguard of the coming army. Two days later Gregory, on going to the head-quarters tent, was told that General Hunter and his staff would start in an houf’s time to inspect the camp at Kassinger.

Do you think you are fit to ride ? ” the chief of the staff asked him.

Perfectly, sir. The doctor discharged me yesterday as fit for duty, but advised me to keep my arm in a sling for a time.” , “ In that case you may accompany us. It is a little uncertain when we shall return,” the officer said with a smile, “ therefore I advise you to take all your belongings with you. Have them packed up quietly ; we do not wish any suspicions to arise that we are not returning this evening.”

“ Thank you, sir ! ” Gregory said gratefully ; ‘‘ I shall be ready to start in an hour.”

He returned in high glee to his hut, for he felt certain that an immediate advance was about to take place. Zaki,” he