The night passed quietly, except that shots were occasionally fired by Dervishes who crept up within range; and that, once, a mounted man, who had apparently lost his way, rode fearlessly into camp; and then, finding himself close to the troops, turned his horse and galloped off again.

No shot followed him, as the orders were strict that the camp was not to be alarmed, unless in the case of a serious attack.
At half past three the bugle sounded, and the troops were soon astir.
The animals were watered and fed, and the men had a breakfast of cocoa or tea, with biscuits and tinned meat.

At half past four Colonel Broadwood, commanding the Egyptian cavalry, sent out a squadron to the hills on the west, and another to Surgham Hill.
The latter arrived at their destination at two minutes past five, when daylight had just broken.

The officer in command saw at once that the Dervish army had been reinforced in the night, and were marching to attack us.

News was at once sent back to the camp, where all was in readiness for an advance.
No news could have been more welcome.