SULEIMAN'S EEVOLT. 213 to Sebehr Pasha on the supposition that he did not fully understand the real gist of the revolt. It was not only to continue the slave trade that the rebellion had been planned, but the audacious scheme included the retaking Darfour and regaining the supremacy of the Equatorial Soudan.

Gordon Pasha's position was one of extreme difficulty, as it was only by his personal presence that he was able to overawe the malcontents ; added to which, war with Abyssinia was imminent, and all support from Cairo was apparently withdrawn. He remained firm, and was able, by almost superhuman efforts, 'to keep in check the fanatics who were urging numerous parties throughout the Soudan to give their open allegiance to Suleiman. Had not Gessi Pasha, notwithstanding that climate, disease, treachery, and famine appeared to be in league with his enemies, by indomitable courage and endurance crushed the rebellion, the Khedive would have been shorn of a large part of his possessions.

Although the majority of the population were intensely surprised and dismayed by the death of Suleiman and the complete rout of his army, they had not been altogether wrong in their conjectures. The terrible stroke at the slave-dealers which had been dealt by the Governor-General was more than could be borne by the pashas. "His rule must cease," was their constant cry; and hence it was