nine in the evening
`` There were two roads to Ferket -- one by the river , the other through the desert . The river column was the strongest , and consisted of an infantry division , with two field batteries and two Maxims . The total strength of the desert column , consisting of the cavalry brigade , camel corps , a regiment of infantry , a battery of horse artillery , and two Maxims -- in all , two thousand one hundred men -- were to make a detour , and come down upon the Nile to the south of Ferket , thereby cutting off the retreat of the enemy . `` Carrying two days ' rations , the troops started late in the afternoon of the 6th , and halted at nine in the evening , three miles from Ferket . At half-past two they moved forward again , marching quietly and silently ; and , at half-past four , deployed into line close to the enemy 's position . A few minutes later the alarm was given ; and the Dervishes , leaping to arms , discovered this formidable force in front of them ; and at the same time found that their retreat was cut off , by another large body of troops in their rear ; while , on the opposite bank of the river , was a force of our Arab allies . `` Though they must have seen that their position was hopeless , the Dervishes showed no signs of fear .