64 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

"After passing through the courtyard, filled with soldiers, I came first into a little room, where two clerks were at their desks.

Through this I was led into a large square room with windows on two sides and very little furniture, as is generally the case in Egyptian work-rooms. A divan ran round three of the walls. The room was almost filled by officials, merchants, priests, and officers, who were waiting to talk to Gordon, while black servants, offering coffee and cigarettes, made their way through this crowd of visitors. In the midst of the room, at a large square table, sat a man dressed in black. His back was turned to the window and his right arm rested on the table.

"That was Gordon. What did he look like? From what I had heard of him I imagined him to be the type of a true Briton — tall and large-limbed, bearded, and of strong sharp features, who, by a look, a gesture, could control his savage or half-savage surroundings. But he was not that, by any means.

" A short, slender man with a fine, pale, almost beardless face, whose thoughtful, far-away, almost dreaming, but nevertheless energetic look, gave his whole being a striking expression of seriousness. He was like a scholar, who, in his lonely study, conceives and works up a new and grand idea. He offered me a chair, and after refreshments had been offered to me, he asked me about my journey.

" His voice was soft and low. He spoke in short, abrupt sentences, was cool and distant, and while speaking looked at me with steady questioning eyes. It was as if he tried to read in my face whether he might trust me or not. I had hoped that he would take some interest in my travels, but I was disappointed. Gordon's is a remarkable nature of steady individuality. . . . Gordon is one of the great men of our time, who are greater than they are esteemed. Our interview was short. Gordon remained reserved, almost cold, and yet it seemed as if kindness lay hidden under the reserve. I met him several times afterwards, and each time he appeared to become more friendly."

But to return to the meeting assembled at the British Agency.