In a few minutes they reached Surgham Hill, and joined the Egyptian squadron there.
The sight from the crest of Surgham Hill was grand.

The enemy's front extended over three miles.

The lines were deep and compact, and the banners floated above them.

They were advancing steadily and in good order, and their battle cries rose and fell in measured cadence.

Their numbers were variously estimated at from fifty to seventy thousand--a superb force, consisting of men as brave as any in the world, and animated by religious fanaticism, and an intense hatred of those they were marching to assail.
In the centre were the Khalifa's own corps, twenty thousand strong.