414 Seven Years in the Soudan.

obtained the goods at their own prices. Tliis evil has ceased, and Europeans, Avho were first looked upon Avith dislike, are now received in a very different spirit and preferred to the native swindlers.

" The lower female classes have also found lucrative occupation, working in all the places where Europeans collect gums, which they sort according to density and purity.

" Let us liope that the initiative taken b} Italians will lead to greater things, and that they will not allow themselves to be beaten even if, contrary to all expectation, they should be overtaken by adversity. If we Italians are firm and persistent, victory is certain ; especially if we set to work under the triple watchword : — Union, perseverance, and honesty.

"R. Gessi."

The following is Gessi Pasha's last letter to Captain Camperio.

" On the way to Berber.

"March 18th, 1881.

" Dear Camperio, — What you foresaw has happened. By God's mercy my life is spared from two enemies : Raouf Pasha and my serious illness, which no one believed could be conquered. The doctors, my good Comboui, and my friends gave up all hope. Everything was prepared for my burial ; the very doctors say it is a miracle that I am still alive.

"And during my illness what persecutions, what tyranny had I not to suffer on the part of Raouf r They reached such a point that the European colony, indignant at such base proceedings, unanimously raised their voices in my defence.

" The Austrian Consul and Italian Delegate, and M. INIarquet, decided to go together to Raouf Pasha