The ground was carefully reconnoitred, and all preparation made for an attack.

It was certain that the Dervishes also had spies, among the camel drivers and camp followers, but the Sirdar kept his intentions secret, and on the evening of June 5th it was not known to any, save three or four of the principal officers, that he intended to attack on the following morning.

It was because he was anxious to effect a complete surprise that he did not even bring up the North Staffordshires.
"There were two roads to Ferket--one by the river, the other through the desert.

The river column was the strongest, and consisted of an infantry division, with two field batteries and two Maxims.

The total strength of the desert column, consisting of the cavalry brigade, camel corps, a regiment of infantry, a battery of horse artillery, and two Maxims--in all, two thousand one hundred men--were to make a detour, and come down upon the Nile to the south of Ferket, thereby cutting off the retreat of the enemy.
"Carrying two days' rations, the troops started late in the afternoon of the 6th, and halted at nine in the evening, three miles from Ferket.
At half-past two they moved forward again, marching quietly and silently; and, at half-past four, deployed into line close to the enemy's position.