212 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

paign, and after relinquishing the base of our operations, that it came into the possession of the Khedive.

The revolt under Suleiman Bey in 1878, and the difficulty which the Soudan government experienced in its suppression, showed in an unmistakable manner the immense wealth and influence possessed by the slave-dealers, and the great amount of sympathy felt by the inhabitants of Egypt Proper for the rebels. The delay in sending up reinforcements to Gessi Pasha, and the large amount of ammunition smuggled to Suleiman, could only be accounted for by the deep interest entertained by the inhabitants as to the outcome of the struggle. They never imagined that Gessi Pasha would conquer, and therefore felt themselves safe in favouring Suleiman and in giving substantial proof of their secret hopes that he would succeed. This is not to be wondered at ; the fact that the man who had planned and instigated the revolt was living at Cairo, not only in freedom, but apparently enjoying the Khedive's favour, naturally enough suggested to them that the rulers of the country were not sincere in their avowed intention to carry out the professed objects of the war ; and they calculated that even if Suleiman Bey were for a time prevented from succeeding in his plans, no irretrievable harm would come to him, and that Gordon Pasha must ultimately fall.

It is only possible to explain the Khedive's favour