On board the steamer he had, of course, dined with the other officers; and he found little difference here.

Ten sat down, including the principal medical officer and a captain--the head of the station intelligence department, Major Wingate, being at present at Wady Halfa.

Except for the roughness of the surroundings, it was like a regimental mess, and the presence of the General commanding in no way acted as a damper to the conversation.
General Hunter had, before sitting down, introduced him to all the members with a few pleasant words, which had put him at his ease.
Gregory had, on his way up, learned a good deal as to the officers who were down at Cairo for their health; and he was able to say who were convalescent, and who had sailed, or were on the point of sailing, for England.
The table was formed of two long benches, and had been constructed by the engineers.

It was laid under a large tent, of which the walls had been removed to give a free passage of air.
Although scarcely up to the standard of a mess dinner at home, it was by no means a bad one; consisting of soup, fish from the river, a joint of beef at one end and of mutton at the other, curried kidneys, sweet omelettes and cheese, whisky with water or soda to drink at dinner; and, after the meal, four bottles of claret were placed on the table, and cigars or pipes lit.

Half an hour later four of the party sat down to whist, and the rest, going outside the tent, sat or threw themselves down on the sand, and smoked or chatted till it was time to turn in.
Gregory's first step, next morning, was to buy a horse.