288 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

and were told that a sand-storm was coming. On looking to the north we saw on the horizon a thin roll of sand, which soon grew larger and larger, until the whole extent of the northern heavens became dark with sand. A deep yellow hue covered everything, only in the centre of the sky the clouds were broken, and a little blue was visible. In less than half an hour the storm was over us, enveloping us on all sides, but just over the river there was a slight break. The storm, lasting seven minutes, passed over us with a terrific roar, after which came an awful gust of wind, followed by a torrent of rain, which continued with unabated violence for an hour ; the cool atmosphere afterwards was most refreshing.

We stayed for five days at Khartoum, and received the kindest possible welcome from Colonel Gordon, of whose generous and ready help it is almost impossible to speak, as words are inadequate to express all that we owe to him. Nothing could exceed his thoughtful and considerate care for our necessities and comforts ; everything that was needful for our journey was provided ; there was no detail too small or too trivial to be overlooked by him. Amid all the cares and labours of his arduous post as Governor of an immense country, he yet found time to give us the benefit of his counsel on all matters connected with our mission and journey, from the best mode of dealing with King Mtesa