The Sandeh Chiefs. 353 put, liad left in anger, adding that I did wrong to enter into particulars about native customs, and finalh'' told me that he had already sent some one to calm the Sultan, and had given him presents, etc. All this was told so confidentially and accompanied by so much gesticulation, that I was almost convinced of the truth of his words, and had resolved also to contribute something to appease the Sultan. With this intention I went to my cabin and fetched one of those dresses embroidered in gold that you bought for me from the tailor of the Theatre La Scala.

" A few days afterwards, a young Monbuttu, one of the workmen I had seen at Rumbek, came to complain to me that an Arab had taken possession of him at Rumbek, and that he did not wish to remain in his service, having been maltreated. This youth was wounded by my side some time after this, and I took him into my tent to nurse him. From him I learned that Yussuf Bey had been informed that I had visited the Monbuttus at Rumbek, and, fearing that I should speak to them about the eunuchs, had threatened them with death if they gave me the least information. As a further precaution he had removed the Monbuttus to Ayak, forbidding them to leave that place. The same young Monbuttu, from whom T learned all this, is still in my house, I having rewarded him for his honesty by making him my steward. He assured me that all the eunuchs made in Monbuttu had been so by order of Mudir Yussuf Bey. As the presence of this youth in my house made Yussuf Bey very uneasy, he tried in many Avays to take my life, but in order to do so he needed the co-operation of a sheikh who professed a great esteem for me. This sheikh informed me of everything, and at some favourable time I will tell you all that was attempted against my life.

" During thewar, and when there remained nothing A a