The distance to be traversed to Berber was a hundred and thirty miles, and the expedition was undoubtedly a hazardous one.

Even if the news was true, that the five thousand Dervishes who had been holding Berber had evacuated the town, it was quite possible that a part of the force had been sent down the river, to oppose any advance that might be made; or, if unable to do this, to carry the news of the advance to Mahmud.

The Arabs were to keep abreast of the gunboat; and would, where the shores were flat, be covered by its guns.

But at spots where the ground was high and precipitous, this assistance could scarcely avail them in case of an attack, unless the hundred soldiers on board the steamer could be landed.
As they rode along, Ahmed Bey explained to Gregory the plan that he should adopt, if they were attacked in such a position, and found their retreat cut off.
"The camels will all be made to lie down, and we shall fight behind them, as in an entrenchment.

My men are all armed with rifles the government has given them, and we could beat off an attack by a great number; while, if we were on our camels and pursued, we should soon lose all order, and our shooting would be bad." "I think that would be by far the best plan, sheik.