142 WITH KITCHEHER IH THE SOHDAH lighten her, and then heel her over to get at the hole. It will certainly take two or three days; by that time I hope the other gun-boat will be up. In the meantime, you must go on to Berber. I think there can be no doubt that the Dervishes have all left, but it is most important that we should know it for certain. You must push straight on, and as soon as you arrive there, send word on to me by the fastest camel you have. If you are attacked, you will, of course, defend yourselves. Take up a position close to the river, and hold it until you are relieved. If you can send oiff news to me by a camel, do so; if not, seize a boat—there are some at every village—and send the news down by water. I will come on at once with everyone here to assist you.”

I will do as you order,” the sheik said, and if you see us no more, you will know that we died as brave men.” * “ I hope there is no fear of that,” the General said cheerfully. “ You will defend yourselves as brave men if you are attacked I am sure ; but as I am convinced that the Dervishes have left Berber, I think there is little fear of your falling in with them.”

Then he went on in English to Gregory. ‘Keep them moving, Mr. Hilliard. Let them go as fast as they can; they are less likely to get nervous if they are riding hard than they would be if they dawdled along. If they press their camels they will be in Berber this afternoon.

See that a man starts at once to bring me the news.”

“ Very well, sir; I will keep them at it if I can.” The sheik rejoined his band, which gathered round to hear the result of his interview with the white general.

‘‘ The steamer is injured,” he said, “ but she will soon be made right and will follow us. We are to have the honour of going on and occupying Berber, and will show ourselves worthy of it. There is little chance of our meeting the Dervishes; had they been in Berber we should have heard of them before this. If we meet them we will fight, and you, Abu, who have the fastest camel among us, will ride back