1 SS EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

a contingent up the river, and ordering a "patrol" of the Nile, very little effect would be produced; but though Colonel Trotter, who took the command there, turned out the Bashi-Bazouks from the fortress, took possession of all arms and ammunition, and strengthened and provisioned the strongest building at the station, these movements were rather against the disaffected soldiers there and at Dongola, than for the purpose of resisting any threatened force of the Mahdi's followers. It had been said, too, in a former telegram to the foreign office from Gordon himself that the rebels did not invade their neighbours' soil, but spread the rebellion by stirring up each tribe to revolt in its own territory. On the other hand there were certain reports of an intention on the part of the Mahdi to march alonsf the White Nile, and the Mudir of Dongola was already pretty busy in holding his own. For some time he was suspected of playing a double game, and doubts were all along entertained of his professed loyalty, but he was compelled to act in such a way so as to deceive the Mahdi, until he was strong enough to declare himself, and having been supplied with arms and ammunition, fought the Shaggiyeh rebels and defeated them in several engagements. He divided his forces, some going along the bank and the others with him by boats and a steamer on the river. It may very well be understood that as his men were armed with Remington rifles and had artillery, the rebellious Arabs on the banks had not much chance, and that at Debbeh, Amboukol, and Merauwee, they were defeated and a considerable number killed, though the mudir only had about 1 200 men altogether, and was anxiously waiting for reinforcements from Wady Haifa. The mudir also appears to have claimed to be a holy personage, and some of his followers were ready to give him credit for miraculous powers, as they represented that he stood between the two hostile forces with a stick only in his hand encouraging his men, and telling them not to be afraid. This looked as though he had heard something about General Gordon's disreeard of dancer and desired to emulate it; but the report went further, and represented him as catching the bullets of the rebels and hurling them back with remarkable effect. The mudir had received an embassy and