139 CHAPTER XVII.

JOURNEY TO FADASI.

Misunderstanding with Gordon — Gessi leaves for Italy — Preparations for exploring the Sobat — Morcli and Buchta — A disasti'ous fire — Determination to search for Cecchi and Cliiarini with Dr.

Matteucci — Telfener's generosity — Presented to Prince Humbert — Xew subsidies— Return to Egypt.

Before allowing Gessi Pasha to speak once more for himself, a few preliminary remarks are here necessary.

When Gessi, after having so successfully achieved the exploration of the Albert Nyanza, was at Khartoum with Colonel Gordon — who announced that the Order of the Medji III. class had been conferred upon him — he could not but perceive that the latter, as a patriotic Englishman, was disappointed that the exploration had not been made by his countrymen, Watson and Chippendale, who had failed to advance beyond Wadelai, and this disappointment was so keen that once addressing Gessi, Gordon exclaimed, " What a pity 3''ou are not an Englishman ! " Gessi, who was hot-tempered and independent, and who, moreover, was an ardent lover of his own country, took off his cap and throwing it at Gordon's feet, immediately gave in his resignation.

Though this act was not altogether in harmony with military discipline, it may, perhaps, be excused, because Gessi could not help seeing that all the