PREFACE.

Some apology is due not only for the publica-

tion of the following monograph on the life of El

Zubeir but also for the form it takes. I commenced

writing the account of El Zubeir's adventures when

first he came to Omdurman, hoping to see its

completion before his years became too many for

him to bear. His bodily feebleness has, however,

rapidly increased during the past few months and,

after delineating the outlines of his picture, I am

perforce compelled by his frequent indispositions

to postpone the filling in of the details to a season

that may never now come. Latterly his illness has

taken a turn for the worse and I have decided to

publish what I have already finished although my

notes are still incomplete and much that he has

already told me lies upon my table in a more amor-

phous state than what follow^s. Historically con-

sidered the account that Zubeir himself gives of his

life and actions is of little value. I hope, however,

to be able to test it in days to come with the

touchstone of facts.

H. C. J. Omdurman, i. 5. 1913.