384 Seven Years iJi the Soudan.

" Wau, " July 23rd, 1880.

" To the Editor of the Esploratore.

" I have been still nailed to my bed for about sixtyfive days by this cursed guinea-worm. I ought to answer many of your questions, but I am so knocked up by my illness that every effort is painful. As to my wound I have said nothing. I wrote my wife that my horse was hit in two places. I was slightly bruised on the head by a piece of a shell that burst about a yard away, throwing me to the ground amid thick smoke. Everyone believed I was dead, but, thanks to my fez, I Avas only scratched. I did not mention it not to alarm my family, as it was only a trifle, and not worth while. According to all appearances we are again cut off from all communication with Khartoum. It is now one hundred and twenty days since any steamer came, and if the Government does not prevent it in time, the Bahr-el-Ghazal will be quite unnavigable, which would be a great loss, as it is not convenient to export goods by the long and difficult route of Shakka and Kordofan. I am anxious to return to Europe, and may do so soon, as I fancy I shall be recalled in a short time.

You may be sure that the Government means to get rid of all foreign elements, not only for economy's sake, but also to prevent what is happening in these districts from being known in Europe.

"R. Gkssi."