There were occasional stops, when they all got out, shook themselves, and took a few mouthfuls of fresh air.
Gregory's plan, for keeping out the dust from the food, turned out a great success; and the meals were eaten in the open air, during the stoppages.
On arriving at Assouan, they all went to the transport department, to get their passes for the journey up the Nile, as far as Wady Halfa.

The next step was to go down to the river for a swim and, by dint of shaking and beating, to get rid of the accumulated dust.
Assouan was not a pleasant place to linger in and, as soon as they had completed their purchases, Captain Ewart and Gregory climbed on to the loaded railway train, and were carried by the short line to the spot where, above the cataract, the steamer that was to carry them was lying.

She was to tow up a large barge, and two native craft.

They took their places in the steamer, with a number of other officers--some newcomers from England, others men who had been down to Cairo, to recruit.

They belonged to all branches of the service, and included half a dozen of the medical staff, three of the transport corps, gunners, engineers, cavalry, and infantry.