248 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

Stewart ordered camels to be brought to take him and his party to Merawi. The camels were brought, and the baggage was brought on shore by the soldiers in a small boat, and the camels were being loaded, when Stewart ordered the sheikh to come and receive full payment for them as far as Merawi.

Suleiman Wad Gamr had previously seen the reis Mohammed, and found out from him who the party consisted of. He then promised him that his life should be spared if he would bring Stewart and the consuls unarmed to his house.

On receipt of the message from Stewart to come and receive the hire of the camels, he replied to the effect that he was ruler of that part of the country, that he considered Stewart as his guest, and that if he would come and pay him a visit in his house he would be very glad to receive him, and would then receive half the price of the camels as far as Merawi, the remainder to be paid on their safe arrival at Merawi.

Stewart started to go to the house, when he was met by a messenger to say that if he came with an armed party or with arms the sheikh's people would run away, and requesting him to leave soldiers and arms behind. This was accordingly done, and Stewart, with Power and the French consul, accompanied by their interpreter, the telegraph clerk Hussein, went alone to the house of Etman Fakir.

They were well received, and supplied with dates and coffee.

Suleimen went out and called in his men, who rushed in shouting ' Surrender.' Stewart gave up his pistol, and said he surrendered. The consuls were immediately attacked with swords. Stewart fought hard with only his fists, but was overcome. Hussein, the interpreter, caught hold of Etman and protected himself with his body from the blows made at him. He was severely wounded, but not killed. After Stewart and the consuls had been killed the party sallied out and surprised the soldiers, who were busy loading their camels. They rushed for the boat, which was upset. Two men of the Monassir were shot, and the Turkish soldiers were then despatched as they came to the bank; the blacks and Dongolawi men being taken prisoners. The steamer was then looted, but