226 Seven Years in the Sotidan.

prevent the exportation and sale of slaves, because when the agriculturalists see what profits they obtain they will be careful not to lessen the number of hands.

It is not permanent slavery that does the greatest harm to the country, but the means by which slaves are captured and exported. Just as one of our peasants takes care of a horse which has cost him a considerable sum, so the Arabs take care of their slaves. In manj' cases I have seen master and slave sitting eating from the same dish, sleeping under the same roof, and sharing the same hurma (cup) of merissa.

When Gordon Pasha was nominated Governor-Greneral of the Soudan, he issued an order by which all foreigners were obliged to set their slaves at liberty, providing them with a safe conduct : a very just measure, for we ought to be the first to set an example. All the Europeans submitted with a good grace to this law, and their slaves were given their safe conduct and their clothes, and dismissed. But when freed, these men would not abandon their former masters. I remember a Greek, a certain Athanassiade, giving orders to his female slave to go away. She refused, and for three days remained sitting on the house steps.

"Why do you not go? You are free," asked Athanassiade.

" I do not want to leave you, my master. If you absolutely want to get rid of me, you must sell me.

At least he who buys me will take care of me." Athanassiade took pity on her and kept her. I might cite many similar facts, and it is certain that a slave who is well treated will never abandon his master.

A messenger has arrived from Gaba-Shambe. He brings a letter addressed to me that was given to him by the chief of that station. It is from the Reverend