192 UGANDA AND TEE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

clear, cold water, whicli was very refresting ; with the exception of a spring in Uganda, this is the best water I have tasted in Africa.

After crossing Khor Eanam there is a very steep ascent, and when we arrived at the top we found an old fort. It was here that the slave-dealers made their last stand before Dem Suleiman was taken. They knew that Gessi was coming, and so lay hidden in the grass, and as he crossed the stream poured a volley at him. His men, however, rushed splendidly forward, and drove the rebels out of the wood, hundreds being killed, among whom were many Arabs, who had tried in vain to make a stand and rally their men. Their efforts were useless, and they were shot down ; Gessi passed on in triumph, and three hours later took Dem Suleiman by storm, only a slight resistance being offered.

Suleiman himself fled at the approach of the government troops, but Gessi's men were too much fatigued to follow him far. Gessi and one man continued the pursuit for some distance, but were compelled to give it up and return to Dem Suleiman.

When we emerged from the wood the scene which burst upon our view was full of interest. In the foreground a treeless plain stretched for half a mile down to a shallow brook ; the ground rose as gradually for a third of a mile, and then we saw the fortifications of Dem Suleiman, over which floated the banner of Egypt. Just as we caught sight of