Great Mortality througli Famine. 393 other voyages, and wliicli might have provided food, are not to be seen, and we only hear their grunting at an immense distance. Not a single aquatic bird is visible either. I am miserably provided. I had eleven tins of flour, which are reduced to six, and twenty-eight baskets of grain, which I am keeping for critical moments. Being disgusted with my soldiers, who must be implored to work, I made some observations to the officers, who, however, did not urge them, but even showed great indifference as to whether we advanced or were stationary. The officers replied to my remonstrances by saying that the men were hungry, and that more could not be expected of them, for they had worked continually for sixteen days, while what had been done was nothing compared with what has to be done.

" "Well, then," I asked, " what do you think of doing P If we hunger to-day, we shall starve tomorrow. God has said, ' Help thyself and I will help thee.' " "It is better to die," they replied, " than to labour in vain."

Xow these gentlemen, thinking that I am returning to Khartoum because I liave been suspended or dismissed, believe that they may disobey me. They secretly incite the soldiers against me, saying that I am taking them to certain death, having neglected to take provisions sufficient for even two months. The behaviour of the Arab soldiers therefore became more suspicious every day. I never lose sight of my three carabines, and at night one of my Monbuttu sleeps across the door of my cabin.

Odcher 20th. — They are working by force ; the workmen have to push one another down among the canes ; wdien down, instead of working, they begin to chew the bulrushes. The captain himself remains for whole days in his cabin selling grain, absinthe, spirits, tobacco, honey, and tamarinds, at fabulous prices. He sells the grain, which at Khartoum costs