They had earthworks, but the boats kept on, pluckily, till they got to a narrow point in the stream; when a couple of guns, which had hitherto been hidden, opened upon them at close range; while a strong force of Dervish infantry poured in such a hot fire that the boats had to fall back.
"After our field guns had peppered the enemy for a bit, the gunboats tried again, but the fire was too hot for them, and the leading boat had to retire.
"Things did not look very bright, till nine o'clock; when we found that, at one point, the river was fordable to a small island, opposite the enemy's lines.

Four batteries, and the Maxims, at once moved over, with two companies of Soudanese, and opened fire.

The distance across was but six hundred yards, and the fire was tremendous--shell, shrapnel, and rockets--while the Soudanese fired volleys, and the Maxims maintained a shower of bullets.
"It seemed that nothing could stand against it, but the Dervishes stuck to their guns with great pluck.

However, their fire was so far kept down, that the three gunboats succeeded in forcing their way up; and, passing the Dervish works, sank a steamer and a number of native boats.
"The Dervishes now began to give way, and the gunboats steamed up the river, making for Dongola.

The Dervishes, as soon as they had gone, reopened fire, and the duel continued all day; but the great mass of the enemy soon left, and also made their way towards Dongola.
"It was awfully annoying being obliged to remain inactive, on our side, and it was especially hard for the cavalry; who, if they could have got over, would have been able to cut up and disperse the enemy.
"The next morning the Dervishes were all gone, and that was practically the end of the fighting.