GEDAREH 341 “We ought to be oposite Omdurman to-morrow morning. I expect we shall strike the river to-night. I have kept our course rather to the west of the direct line, on purpose; it would be very awkward if we were to miss it. I believe the compass is right, and I have struck a match every hour to look at it; but a very slight deviation would make a big difference at the end of a hundred and fifty miles.”

-It was just midnight when they saw the river before them.

“We can’t go wrong now, Zaki.” “ That is a comfort. How many miles are we above its junction with the White Nile?”

“ I don’t know.” They rode steadily on, and day was just breaking when he exclaimed : “ There are some buildings opposite. That must be Khartoum. We shall be opposite Omdurman in another hour.”

Soon after six o’clock they rode down to the river bank opposite the town, and in answer to their signals a large native boat was rowed across to them. After some trouble the camels were got on board, and in a quarter of an hour they landed.

“ Take the camels up to my house, Zaki ; I must go and report myself at head-quarters.”

General Rundle had not yet gone out, and on Gregory sending in his name he was at once admitted.

“ So you are back, Mr. Hilliard ! ” the General said. “ I am heartily glad to see you, for it was a very hazardous mission that you undertook. What news have you ? ” “ This is Colonel Parsons’ report.”

Before reading the long report the General said, “ Tell me in a few words what happened.”

“ I overtook Colonel Parsons at Mugatta on the third morning after leaving. We were attacked by nearly four thousand Dervishes five miles from Gedareh. After a sharp fight they were defeated, and we occupied the town without resistance. Four days later Fadil came up with his army