Report to Gordon, 53 " Such men among the Vekil are admitted to the society of the j)i'incipal hmd-owners of Khartoum.

"The powers which the Vekil liave arrogated to themselves pass the limits of all one can imagine. Their insolence is such that they pose as the legal representatives of the Egyptian Government, and make one believe that the exportation of ivory, slaves, and cattle is done by order and at the charge of the Miri.

" During my stay at Meshra I had a visit from the Vekil Mahomed Hassan, and Behid Yussuf, escorted by twelve men wath double-barrelled guns, while two others carried their masters' arms, richly garnished with silver and artificial stones.

" The conversation fell upon the badness of the road they had traversed ; upon the water, often up to the shoulders from the inundations caused by two months of constant rain ; and on the road, no less difficult, which they had to traverse on their return, when overladened with goods.

" Being questioned on the large quantity of cattle which they possessed, and what they would do with them, they ansAvered that they intended to send them to the Sandch to exchange for ivory, but that a part of the cattle belonged to the soldiers.

" ' But,' I rejoined, ' it seems to me that you have taken all their cattle from the natives.'

" ' Oh,' they replied, ' if we did not do so, with what could we pay our men, and how could we get the ivory ? What would be the use of staying in this country ? And in the end what is the use of these herds to the natives, who never eat meat, and let the animals die naturally ? ' " ' And yet,' I said, ' they use them for milk and cheese.'

" ' Don't be afraid ; they will not starve on that account. These people, if necessary, can live on roots alone ; and then they have the door a, which they cultivate. Then, too, do you think, perhaps.