Of course we know nothing here, and I don't expect we shall, till the order comes for us to start.

This is not the time of year when one expects to be on the move; and if we do go, it is pretty certain that it is because Kitchener has made up his mind for a dash forward.

You see, if we take Abu Hamed and drive the Dervishes away, we can, at once, push the railway on to that place; and, as soon as it is done, the troops can be brought up and an advance made to Berber, if not farther, during the cool season--if you can ever call it a cool season, here." "Is there any great force at Abu Hamed ?" "No; nothing that could stand against this for a moment.

Their chief force, outside Omdurman, is at Metemmeh under Mahmud, the Khalifa's favourite son.

You see, the Jaalin made fools of themselves.