THE FERMENT OF DISCONTENT 9 sometimes necessary to demonstrate the warlike qualities of the " friends of peace," whose motives are to a great extent incomprehensible to the native mind. One excellent soldier of the 10th Sudanese, a late Dervish opponent, speaking of an expedition with the British into a little-known country, stated that he could not understand the English—they did not seem to want to come to blows, although when they did they were keen enough ; when he went among an alien people, all he longed for was to have a fine fight.

It cannot be denied, however, that underneath an appearance of calmness lie smouldering fires. The ambitions of the slave traders cannot easily be eradicated ; the smart caused by the suppression of that most lucrative of occupations, and the consequent interference with the Arab social fabric, still irritates ; the inherent detestation of an infidel rule, however tolerant, and echoes of the Nationalist movement in Egypt, and indeed of events in Asia, combine to render " Fire and Sword in the Sudan " once again eminently possible, though the "iron horse" yearly renders revolutionary success less attainable.

A magnificent work lies before the rulers of the Sudan, a great field for the exercise of the finest attributes of an imperial race. Much has been accomplished, with an earnestness and devotion on the part of officials which must command the admiration of all who have eyes to see ; the clouds of chaos and barbarism are being gradually dis-