8r CHAPTER X.

CORDON AT WORK.

Abu-Siul — Betrayer of Baker— Gordon deceived — Destitution of Abii-Sud — Internal wars — Trade in ivory and slaves — Tlie Dinkas.

Abu-Sui), rendered celebrated by the press, and es])ecially by the Times which printed the reports of Sir Samuel Baker to the English newspapers and Royal Geographical Society of London, was no other than the brother-in-law of Agat, the principal among the natives of the settlements on the Nile, Bahr-el-Gliazal, Bahr-el-Zeraf, Makaraka, etc.

When Sir Samuel Baker had the command of the country and began to impose heavy taxes, Abu, the representative of Agat, and at first, also the friend of Baker, was invited by the latter to aid him in carrying out his administration. Abu-Sud presented himself after some delay, but whether meanwhile the Governor-General had received bad reports or him, or did not any longer consider him necessary, he received him coldly and with not too courteous words. This Abu-Sud himself related to me, and I will not guarantee the exactness of his narration ; it is however a fact that, from thenceforth, both laboured incessantly to do harm to each other.

Abu-Sud, who was considered by the mercenaries of Agat to be the real master, enjoyed great influence, and many Sheikhs associated themselves with him in opposing the views of Sir Samuel Baker.

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