86 THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

capturing corn, killing hundreds the while. Listen to the account of these exploits.

“April 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.—Attacks by the rebels on the Palace from the villages opposite. Fearful loss of life to the Arabs from mines put down by General Gordon.

“ May 6.—Heavy attack from the Arabs at the Blue Nile end of the works ; great loss of life from mines.

“ May 7.—Great attack from a village opposite ; nine mines were exploded, 115 rebels killed. The Arabs kept up a fire all day. Colonel Stewart, with two splendidly directed shots from a Krupp 20-pounder at the Palace, drove them out of their principal position. During the night the Arabs loopholed the walls, but on the 9th we drove them out. They had held the place for three days.

“May 25.—Colonel Stewart, while working a mitrailleuse at the Palace, was wounded by the rebel fire, but he is now quite well.

“ May 26.—During an expedition up the White Nile Saati Bey put a shell into an Arab magazine. There was a great explosion. Sixty shells going off.

“During May and June steamer expeditions were made daily. Our loss was slight, and much cattle were captured.

“June 30.—Saati Bey captured 40ardebsof com from the rebels, killing 200 of them. “July 10.—Saati Bey having burnt Kalakla and three villages, attacked Gatarneb, but, with three of his officers, was killed. Colonel Stewart had a narrow escape.

“ July 29.—We beat the rebels out of Buri, on the Blue Nile, killing num¬ bers of them and capturing munitions and eighty rifles. The steamers advanced to El Fan, clearing thirteen rebel forts and breaking two cannon.

Since the siege began our loss has been 700 killed.

“ For the last five months the siege has been very close, the Arab bullets from all sides being able to fall into the Palace.

“ Since March 17 no day has passed without firing.”* And inside the city—what is the scene ?—All through the streets are seen poor black frightened people crouching in terror of the bullets. Young mothers with children ; some sick, some weak with wounds ; yet all with firm faith in the kind and brave three who are doing the best they can for them. Food is frightfully dear. Everything has gone up 3,000 per cent. Meat— when it can be bought—after the capture of a few cattle, perhaps,—is ruinously expensive. There are some stores of food, but they consist of corn and biscuits only, and of these only enough for a few months at most. Yet every-* Telegraphic despatches from Mr. Power, dated July 30.