On one side the rocky
ascent rose, black and threatening. On the other, the river rushed
foaming, only broken by the rocks and little islands of the cataract.

Gregory had been ordered to remain with the camel train; to keep them,
as much as possible, together, and prevent wide gaps from occurring in
the ranks. It was tedious work; and the end of the train did not
arrive, until broad daylight, at the spot where the infantry halted. He
at once told Zaki to pitch his little tent, which he had already shown
him how to do, while he went to see if there were any orders at
headquarters.

He found the staff were just sitting down to a rough breakfast. Being
told, after the meal, that he would not be wanted during the day; but
that at night he was to continue his work with the camels; he went back
to his tent, and threw himself on his bed. But, in spite of the fly
being fastened up, and a blanket thrown over the tent, the heat was so
great that he was only able to doze off occasionally.

He observed that even the black troops suffered from the heat. They had
erected screens, with their blankets placed end to end, supported by
their guns; and lay there, getting what air there was, and sheltered
from the direct rays of the sun. Few slept. Most of them talked, or
smoked.

There was some argument, among the officers, as to the relative
advantages of night and day marches. All agreed that, if only one march
had to be done, it was better to do it at night; but when, as in the
present case, it would last for seven or eight days, many thought that,
terrible as would be the heat, it would be better to march in the day,
and permit the troops to sleep at night. This opinion certainly seemed
to be justified; for, at the end of the third day, the men were so
completely worn out from want of sleep that they stumbled as they
marched; and were with difficulty restrained from throwing themselves
down, to get the much-needed rest.

Gregory always went down, as soon as the column arrived at its halting
place, as he did before starting in the evening, to bathe in some quiet
pool or backwater; and, much as he had set himself against taking
spirits, he found that he was unable to eat his meals, unless he took a
spoonful or two with his water, or cold tea.

On the evening of the third day, they passed the battlefield of
Kirkeban, where General Earle fell when the River Expedition was
attacked by the Dervishes. Next day they halted at Hebbeh,