Still, it was evident that it would be impossible to accumulate the necessary stores for the whole force that would take the field; accordingly, as soon as the railway reached Abu Hamed, the Sirdar ordered it to be carried on as far as Berber.

He himself came up with Colonel Wingate, the head of the Intelligence Department; and, diligently as all had worked before, their exertions were now redoubled.
On the morning after the Sirdar's arrival, an orderly came across to General Hunter's quarters, with a request that Mr.Hilliard should at once be sent to headquarters.

Gregory had to wait nearly half an hour, until the officers who had been there before him had had their audience, and received their orders.

He was then shown in.
"You have done very valuable service, Mr.Hilliard," the Sirdar said.
"Exceptionally valuable, and obtained at extraordinary risk.

I certainly did not expect, when I saw you a few months ago in Cairo, that you would so speedily distinguish yourself.