great for
their old brass guns. Most of the shot fell short, though a few, fired
at a great elevation, fell beyond the boats. One shell, however, struck
the Zafir, passing through the deck and killing a Soudanese; and a
shrapnel shell burst over the Fatteh.

After an hour's fire, at this range, the gunboats moved up opposite the
position; and again opened fire with shell and shrapnel, committing
terrible havoc on the forts, whose fire presently slackened suddenly.
This was explained by the fact that, as the gunboats passed up, they
saw that the embrasures of the forts only commanded the approach from
the north; and that, once past them, the enemy were unable to bring a
gun to bear upon the boats. Doubtless the Dervishes had considered it
was impossible for any steamer to pass up, under their fire; and that
it was therefore unnecessary to widen the embrasures, so that the guns
could fire upon them when facing the forts, or going beyond them.

Suddenly, as all on board were watching the effect of their fire, an
outburst of musketry broke out from the bushes that lined the eastern
bank, a hundred yards away. Fortunately, the greater part of the
bullets flew overhead, but many rattled against the side. The Maxims
were instantly turned upon the unseen enemy, the Soudanese fired
volleys, and their rash assailants went at once into the thicker bush,
many dropping before they gained it.

The gunboats now steamed slowly up the river; and then, turning,
retired downstream again, shelling the enemy's position as they passed.
As they were going down they came upon a number of Dervishes, who were
busy unloading half a dozen native craft. The Maxim soon sent them
flying; and the boats, which contained horses, donkeys, grain, and
other goods, were taken in tow by the gunboats, which anchored at the
same island as on the previous night.

"Well, Bimbashi," Captain Keppel said, when the work for the day was
over, "so you have had your first brush with the enemy. What do you
think of it?"

"I would rather that you did not call me Bimbashi, Captain Keppel. The
title is ridiculous for me, and it was only given me that it might be
useful when with Egyptian or Soudanese soldiers. I should feel really
obliged, if you would simply call me Hilliard.

"I felt all right, sir, during the fight; except that I envied the
gunners, who were doing something, while I had nothing to do but look
on. It certainly made me jump, when that shell struck