4i8 Seven Years in the Soudan.

CHAPTER XLIir.

THE DEATH OF GESSI I'ASHA, Last moments — Letter from Count Pennazzi — Ge.ssi Pasha's report, written ten days before his death.

The letters of Gessi Pasha, Avritten by himself, end with the previous chapter. It remains for the editor of this book to describe his last moments.

We have seen, from his latest notes, that he arrived at Khartoum on January 25, 1881, and that he was received in the house of the Italian Consular Agent, where he was kept almost a prisoner by the Egyptian Government. His enemies, among them, alas ! some Europeans, continued their secret persecution of the dying man. The Sisters of the Italian Mission, whose names we Avill record because the}' afterwards fell into the hands of the Madhi, nursed Gessi by turns, giving a good example of the highest Christian virtue.

Here are their names : Sister Vittoria Zaganini, Superior; Guiseppa Scandola ; Matilde Lombardi ; Fortunata Zanoli ; Elisa Suppi ; Rosalia Conte ; Francesca Dalmasso ; Amalia Andreis ; JMaria Colpo ; Caterina Chincarini ; Elisa Venturini.

But their and Consul Legnani's lovinor care onlv delayed the final catastrophe, and Gessi wished to die, if die he must, in Italy. He embarked on the 11th of March for Berber, whence he was carried in