152 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

considering what it would now be possible to do, before it was too late, to provide for the safety of those under his charge, and to get out of the trap in which he had been left— " caught in Khartum."

On the following day, April 17th, a remarkable telegram reached the foreign office from Sir E. Baring. Gordon had given practical effect to his declaration that he should now consider he was free to do the best he could failing all hope of help from the government. Sir E. Baring sent to Earl Granville saying: — " Zebehr has received a telegram from Gordon appointing him sub-Governor-general of the Soudan, and directing him to proceed to Berber. He will be watched, and his departure will be prevented."

Sir E. Baring inclosed to Earl Granville a copy of Gordon's telegram to Zebehr Pasha, and added: "Precautions have been taken to watch Zebehr and prevent his escape." This was the message from Gordon to Zebehr, dated April 16th: — ■ "We have appointed your excellency sub-Governor-general of the Soudan. Please note this. On your arrival at Berber inform me, and do what you can to get peace, and I will see if it be possible to send two steamers on your arrival; and we shall send them, and your excellency will arrange everything for your arrival at Khartum by the two steamers above mentioned; and the two other steamers, which are at Berber, your excellency must arm them with iron against the bullets of soldiers; and your excellency must bring the needful , and take all necessary precautions against danger on the road." What could Zebehr have done even if he had felt inclined to join Gordon? He was virtually a prisoner under surveillance.

What he said in reply by telegram on the following day was: — " We have been ennobled by the receipt of your excellency's telegram appointing us Deputy-Governor-general of the Soudan.

We inform your excellency that we are extremely grateful and obliged for the kind notice of your excellency towards us in every way, and I regret very much to have to tell your excellency with the greatest regret that affairs as at present do not permit of my