edge, and along this
bank trees and shrubs form one continuous thicket.

We had much shunting on reaching Port Said before we got the train
alongside the docks, amidst the awful shrieking of our most unmusical
engine whistle. The Egyptian is notorious for his love of this
fiendish noise, one blast is never sufficient at any time, but he
gives shriek after shriek till you feel inclined to kick him off his
engine.

We boarded one of the old Gallipoli lighters which were specially
built for the landing, and were delivered three months after that
event. This took us out to the "Lake Manitoba," an old tub that could
barely do ten knots. As we drew up to the ship some one away aloft
shouted, "Three cheers for Captain Davidson," which call was heartily
replied to, and on looking up I found a lot of our men leaning over
the rail and waving their helmets. I felt at home again on recognising
this as Sergeant Stewart's voice and seeing "kent faces". On ascending
the gangway, McLean and Russell gave me a warm reception. These are
the only two officers remaining of the nine I left behind at Suvla in
November last. Colonel Bell was soon found when I got another hearty
handshake. He had heard of my arrival at Alexandria some days ago,
through Colonel Humphreys, P.M.O. of the "Transylvania," who, being
home on ordinary leave, had gone straight to Suez, and he said he had
been wondering how he was to get a hold of me. Our new officers are
mostly Scotch. The N.C.O.'s and many of the men I have had a talk
with, and I am proud to find they are pleased to have me back among
them, and I am just as glad to see them; the dangers we have come
through together will always be a link between us. Sergeant Gilbert
said the men had given me a ringing cheer at Suez when they heard I
was in "Alex.". The men are looking extremely well, totally different
from what they were when I left them. They are fat and bronzed, and
say they feel very fit. They have had next to nothing to do since the
evacuation in December, since when they have been stationed at Lemnos,
Alexandria, and Suez.

_March 19th._--We still lie at Port Said. At first the delay was said
to be due to our waiting to have a big gun mounted at our stern, but
this operation was finished in the morning, and now at 2 p.m. there is
no sign of our moving. We have at least a dozen ladies and children
on board, the impedimenta of officers returning from India.

_March 20th._--We left last nig