A Fo7'tnnate Ambush. 291 I stationed tlie rest of m}: troops in different seribe, botli to defend tliem from eventual attacks by bands of rebels, and because my men, thus divided, would be able to find sufficient grain to nourish themselves. Many persons who were fond of me endeavoured in vain to persuade me that an expedition at that season (we were in the middle of the Jiari'f) could lead to nothing ; that the river and torrents would be impassable and the roads impracticable, and that we should meet with a thousand misfortunes and hindrances ; I ought to leave them to finish the rebels that still remained, and they would carry on the work with as much humanity as possible. All this fine talk did not in the least influence my mind. I had well considered the conditions of my plan, and was determined to overcome all obstacles.

The honours heaped upon me by His Highness the Khedive, the friendship and generosity shown me by His Excellency Grordon Pasha, were so many spurs to continue the work I had commenced without pause, careless of the hart f and never stopping until the last rebel was put down, the last slave liberated, and the slave trade suppressed for ever.

When I had left Dem Suleiman, my future operations were to be directed to Delgauna, Shakka, Kalaka, Tuesha and the copper mines at Hofrat-el-Nalias.

On the evening of the day of our departure we arrived at a torrent, where we were surprised by violent rain and wind. We were obliged to wait till dawn to cross the torrent, which had become so swollen during the night that we could only pass it by the help of a cord stretched from bank to bank.

That day we continued our march to Delgauna without any obstacle. The road, in spite of the previous rain, was dry, thanks to the sandy ground.

The country was beyond expression picturesque, a true hunter's paradise. Hundreds of antelopes and gazelles continually ran at some distance on each u 2