304 Seven Years in the Soudan.

gun back, nor obtain an indemnity for his sequestrated property. While I occupied Dem Suleiman, I found, besides a large quantity of cartridges, thirty cases of powder and two hundred and seventy bombs, besides one hundred and thirty boxes of grape-shot. Nothing was wanting but lead, but the rebels could dispose of much copper from the mines of Bahr-el-Arab, Avith which they made as many bullets as they needed. If we also calculate what I took in the different battles, and what the rebels succeeded in carrying away, one is easily convinced that Suleiman might have continued the struggle for a long time.

Succour from outside would not have failed him, but the diversion made bv (lordon Pasha in drivinsr away all the Jelabba of Shakka and Kalaka,. greatly contributed to the final success,- because these Jelabba, far from providing the rebels with ammunition, depopulated the countr}' by carrying away thousands of natives.

The Government in Cairo (rather late, it is true) at last perceived that Ziber Pasha Avould some da}' or other become very embarrassing to them, because he had the means of declaring himself independent. So that, after the conquest of Darfour, he was nominated Pasha, and invited to come to Cairo, Avhere he was received with much distinction and all the honours due to a prince. The Khedive placed a palace at his disposal, but at the same time told him that his return to the Soudan was prohibited.

Ziber, enriched by all the spoils of the late Sultan of Darfour — besides his own fortune — was able, although a prisoner, to exercise great influence at Cairo, and play on the sensitive nerves of those whose co-operation he desired.

Many very influential personages took his cause to heart and pleaded for him, but the Viceroy* adhered firmly to his decision. Later on, Ziber embarked with Hassan Pasha and the Egyptian contingent