(58 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

[Zebehr rose and kissed Sir E. Baring's hand.] At present, the conversation, which has been rather desultory, has ranged over two points. The first point was whether Zebehr's property was justly or unjustly taken away from him. In respect to this point, if I understand rightly, the whole difference of opinion between General Gordon and Zebehr lies as to the existence of a certain letter which, General Gordon alleges, was a letter from Zebehr to his son Suleiman inciting him to rebellion. Is that correct, General Gordon?

Gordon. Quite correct.

Sir E. Baring. Zebehr denies the existence of that letter. General Gordon says that if that letter does not exist, and if, in fact, Zebehr Pasha was condemned upon evidence which, in default of the letter, would not have been conclusive, that he then thinks Zebehr should be compensated for his losses — Zebehr. Compensation cannot be given to me for the honour of my wife and family ; that is lost for ever.

Sir E. Baring. Zebehr recognizes, on the other hand, that, if that letter does exist, then that all that was done to him was justly done.

Zebehr. If that can be proved, that I incited my son to rebellion in the letter, I do not want to live ; put me to death with the sword.

Sir E. Baring. General Gordon, to whom did you give the letter?

Gordon. To the present khedive and to the court-martial. Sir E. Baring. Then it must be in the government archives.

Gordon. Yes; but, happily for me, I had it printed — in fact, fifty copies — and there is a copy at Khartum.

Sir E. Baring. But the original would be annexed to the proceedings of the court. All we can do is to have a search made for it. Sir Evelyn Wood, will you see to that ?

Sir E. Wood. Yes; and failing that, shall I get certificates from the people still alive who saw the letter?

[A short discussion ensued, and it was decided, first, to try and find the letter, and then to consider what would have to be done.]

Gordon. It will, of course, be fully understood that the mere fact of the letter not being found in the archives will not satisfy me that it never existed.

Sir E. Baring. Of course, I fully understand that. The second point refers to Zebehr's son. General Gordon put to Zebehr a very direct question, namely, whether his son had been a party to the killing of 200 black Egyptian troops in the Bahr Gazelle. Zebehr's answer is that whatever his son may have done, he, Zebehr, is not responsible for his actions;