lOO Seven Years in the Soudan.

of the Victoria Nile was marked to tte right of the Albert Lake.

It was thus of especial importance to Gordon to solve the question on account of its scientific interest, but more especially because of the economical and political interests of the Egyptian Government. If it were found that the Xile issued from the Albert Lake, the Egyptian Soudan could, by means of this great fluvial artery, extend its influence and territory into the proximity of the equator, as far as the States of Kaba Rega on the east, and up to Monbettu, Akka, and unexplored countries on the west.

With this intention Colonel Gordon sent out two eminent English ofiicers, Messrs. AVatson and Chippendale; who were to ascend the Nile and solve the problem. Watson, after a few fruitless marches, returned to Dufile, whence he had set out. Chippendale continued his explorations as far as Wadelai ; but having heard here that in the upper course of the river he was exploring the small-pox was raging, being destitute of all instruments for inoculation, and fearing for liis escort, he also returned to Dufile without haAnng been able to fulfil his mission.

It was then tliat Gordon thought of giving me this charge ; and I accepted the arduous undertaking.

Being then at Khartoum, I was summoned in October, 1875, to Gondokoroby Gordon, and there I immediately set to work to organize the expedition.

For this purpose they gave me a steamer and two iron boats named BiijiJe and the Ligungo, of about four tons and a half burden together, which had been lying in Gondokoro for a year or so, having beeu brought there by Baker, and taken to pieces. Their transport to Dufile, the ])lace designated for my embarkation, was a matter of no little difficulty. For this purpose T was obliged to take into pay for some months seven hundred men from ]\raki"aka, Avhom I had caused to