185 CHAPTER 1IL DARFUR ATNTD KORDOFAN FROM 1882 ONWARDS.

The flame of the Malidi's rebellion quickly reached Darfur in 1882, and the prophet lost no time in attacking the Government posts, which were at that time, it will be remembered, under Slatin Bey. Madibbo, insurgent Sheikh of the Rizighat, attacked and occupied Shakka in July, but on following up his success was met by Slatin at Injeleila, near Darra, and twice heavily beaten by him. Slatin then retired to El Fasher to concentrate, and succeeded in repulsing the enemy from Om Shanga.

Early in 1883 a message was sent to Slatin from Khartum, ordering him to nominate a local Sultan as King of Darfur, and to retire on Khartum. The message, however, never reached Slatin. The tide of Mahdism gradually flooded Darfur, in spite of Slatin's gallant efforts to stem it. He fought 27 battles in various parts of his province, but his own troops by degrees fell away from him, themselves infected with the new faith. After certain proof had been adduced of the disaster to Hicks's expedition, the last remnant of loyalty flickered out from Slatin's troops, and the Bey found himself obliged to Surrender of surrender at Dara in December. He was sent to El Slatm -Obeid under the name of the Emir Abd el Kader, and thence to Omdurman, where he remained a prisoner until his escape in 1895.

Zognl, formerly Mudir of Dara, was now appointed zogai made Dervish Emir of the province. His first act was to take Emir* El Fasher, a garrison of 1,000 men and 10 guns, still holding out under Said Bey Guma, and, this accomplished* (15th January, 1884), he devoted his time to reducing Jebel Marra, where the loyal hill population gave him considerable trouble.

On the death of the Mahdi in June, 1885, Madibbo and * By filling up the wells whence the garrison drew water.