They had, at starting, given Gregory a gourd of water for his own use.

This he had taken sparingly, and it lasted him until they reached the Atbara.
It was now dead low water, and the river offered no obstacle to crossing, as the bed was for the most part dry, with pools here and there.

The Arab encampment was formed in a thick grove of trees, which afforded some shelter from the sun.
Day after day passed.

Mahmud was now informed as to the strength of the force he should have to encounter, and for the first time felt some doubt as to the issue of the fight.

He determined, therefore, to stand on the defensive.