Here had been a strongly entrenched camp, for the Dervishes were in force, fifteen miles away, at Ferket.
"It was a busy time we had here," said one of the officers, who had taken a part in the expedition.

"A fortnight before, we had no idea that an early move was contemplated; and indeed, it was only on the 14th of March that the excitement began.

That day, Kitchener received a telegram ordering an immediate advance on Dongola.

We had expected it would take place soon; but there is no doubt that the sudden order was the result of an arrangement, on the part of our government with Italy, that we should relieve her from the pressure of the Dervishes round Kassala by effecting a diversion, and obliging the enemy to send a large force down to Dongola to resist our advance.
"It was a busy time.

The Sirdar came up to Wady Halfa, and the Egyptian troops were divided between that place, Sarras, and Akasheh.