THE EIN-AL ADVANCE 203 and as fast as these were taken away they were replaced hy others from Berber. Like everyone connected with the transport or store department, Gregory had to work from daybreak till dark. Accustomed to a warm climate, light in figure, without an ounce of spare flesh, he was able to support the heat, dust, and fatigue better than most, and as I he himself said, it was less trying to be at work even in the blazing sun than to lie listless and sweating under the shade of a blanket. There was no necessity now to go down the line to make enquiries as to the progress of the stores or of ! the laden craft on their way up; the telegraph was established, and the Sirdar at Atbara knew the exact position of I every one of the units between Cairo and himself, and from j every station he received messages constantly and despatched his orders as frequently. There was no hitch whatever.

' The arrangements were all so perfect that the vast machine, i with its numerous parts, moved with the precision of clock-5 work. Everything was up to time. For a train or steamer, b or even a native boat, to arrive half an hour after the time I calculated for it was almost unheard of.

I The Sirdar’s force of will seemed to communicate itself to every officer under him, and it is safe to. say that never before was an expedition so perfectly organized and so marvellously carried out. At Atbara the Sirdar saw to everything himself. A brief word of commendation to those working under him cheered them through long days of toil— an equally curt reproof depressed them to the depths. Twice when Gregory was directing some of the blacks piling large cases as they were emptied from the train, anathematizing the stupid, urging on the willing, and himself occasionally lending a hand in order to show how it should be done, the Sirdar, who, unknown to him, had been looking on, rode up and said shortly, You are doing well, Mr. Hilliard!” and he felt that his offence of jumping overboard had been condoned. General Hunter, himself indefatigable, had more occasion to notice Gregory’s work, and his commendations were frequent and warm.