We were too few to attack so great an army, nor if we climbed the cliffs could we hope to withstand them in the desert sands, or to hold our own against them if they charged in the dark.

If this happened it seemed that all we could do would be to fight as long as we could, after which the survivors of us must take refuge on our boats.

So it came to this, that we should lose the battle and the greater part of the Easterns would win back to Sais, unless indeed the main army under Peroa came to our aid.
Whilst we talked I caused the wounded to be carried to the ships before it grew too dark to move them.

Bes went with them.

Presently he returned, running swiftly.
"Master," he said, "the evening wind is blowing strong and stirs the sand, but from a mast-head through it I caught sight of Peroa's banners.
The army comes round the bend of the river not four furlongs away.