Vast as was the quantity of stores sent off, the piles at Atbara did not seem to diminish.

Ninety days' provisions, forage, and necessaries for the whole force had been accumulated there, and as fast as these were taken away they were replaced by others from Berber.
Like everyone connected with the transport or store department, Gregory had to work from daybreak till dark.

Accustomed to a warm climate, light in figure, without an ounce of spare flesh, he was able to support the heat, dust, and fatigue better than most; and, as he himself said, it was less trying to be at work, even in the blazing sun, than to lie listless and sweating under the shade of a blanket.
There was no necessity, now, to go down the line to make enquiries as to the progress of the stores, or of the laden craft on their way up.
the telegraph was established, and the Sirdar, at Atbara, knew the exact position of every one of the units between Cairo and himself; and from every station he received messages constantly, and despatched his orders as frequently.
There was no hitch, whatever.

The arrangements were all so perfect that the vast machine, with its numerous parts, moved with the precision of clockwork.

Everything was up to time.