"I will take care not to interfere with the men's working of the gun." "No, you will not have to do that; but a word or two of commendation, when they make good practice, pleases them immensely; and they will work all the better, and faster, for your standing by them." At daybreak next morning the gunboats went up again, and engaged the forts, as before.

The Dervishes had placed more guns in position, but again the shells fell short, while those of the boats played havoc with the enemy's defences.

Some ten thousand of the Dervish horse and foot came down near the town, in readiness to repel any attempt at a landing.
After some hours' bombardment, the gunboats retired.

As they steamed away, the Dervish host were shouting and waving their banners, evidently considering that they had won a great victory.
Having fulfilled their object, which was to retain Mahmud at Metemmeh by showing him that, if he advanced against Merawi and Dongola, we had it in our power to occupy the town; and so cut off his retreat, and prevent reinforcements or stores from reaching him from Omdurman, the gunboats returned to Berber.
So far, Gregory had had no duties to perform in his capacity of interpreter, for no prisoners had been taken.

On the way down the river, one of the artillery sergeants explained the working of the Maxim to him, taking the weapon to pieces, and explaining to him how each part acted, and then showing him how to put it together again.