The Movements of Stdeinian.

three squadrons of men to transport it, and the same for the carriages.

Late at night it was reported that forty-two persons failed to answer the roll-call, and that they were lying in the mud, preferring to die rather than go on, as they had no more strength.

The horizon had become dark with clouds. I possessed only one tent, under which the ammunition was sheltered. It lightened and thundered on all sides. There was such an amount of electricity in the air that the whole country was illuminated, and again as suddenly plunged into the densest obscurity. Eain began to fall in floods, and descended with such force that it took one's breath away. Everyone ran to take shelter beneath the trees, but, thank Grod, in two hours the storm ceased, and the water ran towards the marsh, forming a real river. The velocity of the current was such that we could not cross it. We had Avith us only the clothes on our back, and it took two hours to kindle a fire, for the wood was wet and the grass green.

When the sun rose in the morning, I ascertained that two Egyptian soldiers were dead, and twentyone persons sick, all with inflammation of the lungs.

I departed at dawn, abandoning these miserable people, but promising that as soon as we arrived at a village, which was eight hours away, I would send troops to their assistance. I indeed told mvself that it had been folly to leave Rumbek, but I could not do otherwise. I did not possess sufficient grain there to nourish one thousand four hundred men, and if I had delayed leaving, Suleiman would no doubt have occupied the rivers before me.

Another important reason was that I wished to get near Dembo, where a merchant who was faithful to the Government was waiting to join me with one thousand men. He was already in difficulties.