sh
division, and the native cavalry and camel corps out beyond the right
of the Egyptians.

All expected that, at least, they should have a skirmish before they
reached Kerreri, where they were to encamp; but, as they advanced, it
was found that the Dervishes had fallen back from that line, and had
joined the Khalifa's main force near Omdurman.

By ten in the morning the army had arrived at its camping place, which
was in the southern part of the ground occupied by the straggling
village. As usual, both extremities of the line rested on the Nile,
forming a semicircle, in which the baggage animals and stores were
placed, in charge of Collinson's brigade. The gunboats took up their
position, to cover the ground over which an enemy must approach to the
attack.

While the infantry were settling down, the cavalry and camel corps went
out scouting. Signallers soon mounted a rugged hill, named Surgham, and
from here a fine view was obtained of Omdurman, and the Khalifa's army.
Omdurman was six miles away, covering a wide tract of ground, with but
few buildings rising above the general level, the one conspicuous
object being the great tomb of the Mahdi, with its white dome.

In the outskirts of the town were the white tents of the Dervish army.
For the present these were unoccupied, the whole force being drawn up,
in regular line, out on the plain; about halfway between the town and
Surgham Hill. It was formed in five divisions, each of which was bright
with banners of all colours, sizes, and shapes. The Khalifa's own
division was in the centre, where his great black banner, waving from a
lofty flagstaff, could be plainly made out.

The Lancers, Egyptian cavalry, and camel corps continued to advance,
capturing several parties of footmen, principally Jaalins, who probably
lagged purposely behind the retiring Dervishes, in order to be taken.
At times the cavalry attempted to charge the Dervish horsemen, when
these approached, but in no case did the latter await the attack.

Presently, above the occasional musketry fire, came the boom of a heavy
gun. There was a thrill of excitement in the camp. The gunboats had
arrived opposite Omdurman, and had opened fire upon the Dervish
riverside forts. These were strongly constructed; but, as in the forts
at Metemmeh and Shabluka, the embrasures were so faultily constructed
that the guns could only be brought to bear upon the portion of the
river directly facing them, and the four gun