84 Seven Years in the Soudan.

The Colonel made him governor of the place, and on a visit made to him soon after his arrival at Gondokoro he remarked the extraordinary activity of this man and his good-will in aiding the purposes of the expedition.

But finding liimself at the head of such an important administration Abu Sud's arrogance Avas aroused, and he began to lay claim to a power which could not be conceded to him. He believed himself to be indispensable, and blinded by ambition, thinking the world was at his feet, he took to treating the natives in a Avay hardly in accordance Avith the Colonel's instructions.

He had besides caused himself to be made the agent of his brother-in-law, Agat of Khartoum, the principal ruler of the seribe. He then tried to deceive the Colonel respecting the A'alidity of the contracts prcAously made between Agat and Baker ; his dream being to profit by his high and privileged position to enrich his brother-in-laAv, Avith Avhom he Avas then associated, as A\'as known afterwards.

All this had at length become kuoAA"n to the Colonel, Avho could not ])ermit such abuses to the discredit of the Egyptian GoAernment, and by a letter dated, I believe, August 18th, he depriAed Abu-Sud of his functions, enjoining him to return to Khartoum.

Thus ended the career of this man, Avhom fortune had placed higher than he deserAed. His dismissal Avas greeted by most Avith indifference, and with joy by the natiA'es. One of tlie greatest calamities of the Soudan are the intestine Avars. The Bagaras fight Avith the Shilluks, these attack the Xuers, the Xuers the Dinkas and the Dinkas the Baris. If a native has so much boldness as to thrust himself among a tribe that are strangers to him, he is immediately killed or made a shwe. Nor do their wars finish here ; one village assaults another of the same tribe Avithout plausible motiAe, for the mere purpose of plunder. The