510 LETTERS TO DR. FELKIN.

look the future hopefully in the face. May the near future bring the realisation of these certainly modest wishes, and may we be permitted, after all the trials which God has seen fit to bring us through, to see a time of peace and prosperity in Central Africa. You can imagine with what anxiety I look for the dénouement of things, and how I count the days which must still pass before I receive definite news. I thank God that I am still able to work and to keep my people well in hand. As long as I have plenty to occupy me, I seem to forget all trials, of which we have, unfortunately, only too many. I had only just returned here from Rejaf, when, owing to the stupidity of the Negroes living near this station in burning the grass during a gale of wind, the flames spread, and Wadelai was burned to the ground. With the help of the neighbouring Negro chiefs, I have been able to rebuild the station, which is now much handsomer than before. It was only by tremendous exertions that we were able to save our arms and ammunition, but all else became a booty to the flames. It is true that we had not much to lose, but what little we had was very precious, and its loss all the more grievous.

Things go on with us in the same way as before. We sow, we reap, we spin, and live day after day as usual; but February was an unlucky month, for in nearly every station fires broke out. This was due to the exceptionally strong winds in that month, and to the carelessness of the natives in burning the grass. We have docked our steamers, and renewed them as much as possible; and, besides this, we have built several boats, so you see we have plenty to do. I have been obliged to evacuate Lado, as it was impossible for me to supply the garrison there with corn; but, as a set-off. to the loss of this station, I have been able to reoccupy the district of Makraka. At present, therefore, we occupy the whole of my former stations in Makraka: Rejaf, Bedén, Kiri, Muggi, Labore, Khor Ayu, Dufilé, Fatiko, Fadibék, Wadelai, Songa, and Mahagi, nearly all the stations which were originally entrusted to me by General Gordon; and I intend and expect to keep them all. I should like here again to mention that if a relief expedition comes to us, I will on no account leave my people. We have passed through troublous times together, and I