"The Downfall of the Dervishes; or, The Avenging of Gordon" by Ernest N. Bennett is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative chronicles Bennett's experiences as a special war correspondent during the final Sudan campaign of 1898, detailing the British efforts to reclaim control over Sudan following the tumultuous Mahdist revolt. The book likely revolves around the struggles faced by Bennett and his companions, including the expectation of battles and the challenges of traversing the harsh terrain of the Sudan. The opening of the book introduces us to the author’s preparations and initial travels leading to the campaign. Bennett recounts his excitement upon receiving the editor's approval to be a war correspondent and his conversations with both friends and fellow officers during his journey. He describes the atmosphere of Cairo, the complexities of arranging travel, and the characters he meets, including an old college friend who impulsively joins him. The narrative establishes the contrasts between the comfortable uneasiness experienced in urban settings and the anticipation of the difficulties and dangers that lie ahead in the Sudan, creating a vivid backdrop for the impending adventures of war. (This is an automatically generated summary.)