THE STORY OF THE MURDER OF STEWART AND TOWER. 245 boats as a less fatiguing and equally rapid mode of travelling. Two days later, however, the riding party succumbed and confessed themselves beaten. The boats met them again at Apsarat, 60 miles from Dal, and the ponies being by this time completely done up, and requiring at least two days' rest before proceeding, General Sir Herbert Stewart decided to throw in his lot with Major Gough, and the ponies were left behind in charge of their grooms.

From Apsarat on to Dongola the country is fertile and cultivated, and the villagers brought down small articles for sale. As the boats neared Dongola these supplies increased, until, instead of the goats' milk and bad dates which for 150 miles had only been obtainable, the men were able to purchase sheep, fowls, eggs, and vegetables, all of which were very welcome to them as a change from the monotony of tinned rations.

It was soon to become known that there was an additional reason for hastening towards Dongola and the further rendezvous at Korti, whence the two forces would be directed, one to continue by the river, the other to cross the peninsula to Metammeh. General Wolseley had heard for certain that Gordon was now alone in Khartum : — that the mission of his companions Stewart and Power had failed, or rather had been cut short almost at the outset: — that" Stewart, Power, the French consul Herbin, and all, or nearly all, who were with them had been foully massacred.

In the latter part of October the investigations which General Lord Wolseley had ordered confirmed the worst anticipations, and he sent the following telegrams to Sir Evelyn Baring: — " Two messengers sent to inquire as to the fate of Colonel Stewart's party have returned. They report that the steamer was towing two boats containing M. Naoom with his brother and family. As the enemy was found to be overtaking them the convoy boats were cut adrift, and all on board of them were made prisoners. Shortly afterwards the steamer struck on a rock near Catadich. There were at this time forty-five persons on board, four of whom were women. Colonel Stewart and two consuls, one of whom was named Nicola, were among those on board.

The whole party, except two natives, were killed by Sheikh