For a train or steamer, or even a native boat, to arrive half an hour after the time calculated for it, was almost unheard of.
The Sirdar's force of will seemed to communicate itself to every officer under him, and it is safe to say that never before was an expedition so perfectly organized, and so marvellously carried out.

At Atbara the Sirdar saw to everything himself.

A brief word of commendation, to those working under him, cheered them through long days of toil--an equally curt reproof depressed them to the depths.
Twice, when Gregory was directing some of the blacks piling large cases, as they were emptied from the train; anathematizing the stupid, urging on the willing, and himself occasionally lending a hand in order to show how it should be done; the Sirdar, who, unknown to him, had been looking on, rode up and said shortly, "You are doing well, Mr.
Hilliard!"-- and he felt that his offence of jumping overboard had been condoned.
General Hunter, himself indefatigable, had more occasion to notice Gregory's work; and his commendations were frequent, and warm.
The lad had not forgotten the object with which he had come to the front.

After Atbara, he had questioned many of the prisoners who, from their age, might have fought at El Obeid; but none of these had done so.

The forces of the Khalifa came and went, as there was occasion for them.