was he abandoned: 151 The following telegrams will tell their own story; but we must bear in mind that he had been (erroneously) told that Zebehr was, or had been, at Korosko.

On April 16th he telegraphed to Sir E. Baring: — "As far as I can understand, the situation is this: you state your intention of not sending any relief up here or to Berber, and von refuse me Zebehr. I consider myself free to act according to circumstances. I shall hold on here as long as I can, and if I can suppress the rebellion I shall do so. If I cannot, I shall retire to the Equator, and leave you indelible disgrace of abandoning the garrisons of Sennar. Kassala, Berber, and Dono-ola, with the certainty that you will eventually be forced to smash up the Mahdi under great difficulties if you would retain peace in Egypt."

With this telegram two others were sent from Lieutenantcolonel Stewart and Mr. Power. The former said: — " General Gordon has acquainted me with your intention of not relieving Khartum, and proposes I should go to Berber and trust to success of your negotiations for opening road from Suakim to Berber. General Gordon has given you his decision as to what he himself intends doing; and weighing all circumstances, and doubting the success of your opening the road to Berber unless by advancing troops, I am inclined to think my retreat will be perhaps safer by the Equator. I shall, therefore, follow the fortunes of General Gordon."

That from Mr. Power said: — " General Gordon, in view of the present critical situation here, has made the following intimation to me: — ' As soon as it is possible I propose you should go to Berber.

If you do not so elect, then justify me to British minister.'

General Gordon, of course, does not like responsibility of taking English consul to Equator, but at present I do not see how it is possible for any but an Arab to get to Berber. I would elect to take the less risky route, and go via Equator. We are qui blocked on the north, east, and west."

Well might Sir E. Baring report that General Gordon thought he was going to be abandoned, and was very indignant lie v.