Reorganization of the Conntry.

361 Dem-el-Arbab. They had with them many slaves, although the greater part had perished of fatigue and hunger. They moved with great secrecy, and even the Arabs in my service made a mystery of it — • the office of spy being considered by them vile. I gave them time to instal themselves in their own seriba, intending to assault them at some propitious moment, and strike a final blow. As soon as I was certain that they had re-established themselves, I caused a report to be spread that I had started for Jur Gattas and Meslira-el-Rek, the ports of embarcation. They had therefore no doubt of my final departure, and said among themselves that I had lately embarked all my effects. I marched on the 1st October for Jur Gattas, accompanied by thirty soldiers and the usual guides. I went to Dem Mris to make plans with Sultan Calliongo, one of my most faithful chiefs, who had fought for the Government from beginning to end. He reinforced my troops with about forty Besingers, and the next day we left for Jur Gattas, so as not to rouse any suspicion, but on the way I changed the route, penetrating the jungle and avoiding the roads and scattered huts. It was very fatiguing work across a country full of all sorts of obstacles. The river Jey was so swollen, that its bridge was four feet under water, and it took us almost a whole day to cross it. Finally, on the 4th October, towards five p.m. we approached the first Jelabba village, and hastened our steps so as to arrive before nightfall.

" When within five minutes of the village, three gunshots from within gave the alarm. The balls whistled close to my head, one striking the front of my saddle.

" ' Dismount ! ' cried the guides, ' they are firing at you ! ' " The soldiers pursued the aggressors, but could not overtake them because of the high grass.

" When we reached the village we found about two