If
they neglected this opportunity, the rations would again be reduced; but
upon no account whatever should I permit the return to Khartoum of any
officers or men, except those who could present a medical certificate of
chronic bad health. I should thus get rid of the useless mouths, which
would relieve the strong men from the work of gathering corn to feed the
weak, who could not perform their share of the labour."
I concluded by recommending them "to thank God, and to set to work with
good will."
I marched my men to several villages deserted by their inhabitants,
which I occupied in force, and anchored the vessels close to the bank
beneath them. Having sent for Raouf Bey, I made no other remark, than to
give the orders necessary for the night. This melancholy officer looked
more miserable than usual, and his expression reminded me of one of
Dante's damned souls, as illustrated by Gustave Dore.
The sun sank, and I had not tasted food for twenty-four hours. I was
without my wife, therefore I was not very particular; my good Monsoor
having foraged, produced some pumpkin soup, as he termed it, which was
composed of a very watery pumpkin boiled in water without salt. The next
dish was the very simple native luxury of dhurra flour boiled into a
thick porridge. I was very hungry and very happy, thus I ate the plain
fare with a good appetite.
Monsoor had made a fire with dry cattle-dung, and spread a native mat on
the ground, close to the smoke, upon which I could sleep if the
mosquitoes would allow me. I lay as close to the smoke as possible, with
a comfortable log of wood for a pillow, and pondered over the events of
the day, feeling very thankful for the change of circumstances, and
making plans for the morrow until I fell asleep.
No sooner had the bugles sounded the morning call, than I was up and
off. I instructed Raouf Bey to take a company of troops with the
vessels, and occupy the islands. At the same time, I marched through the
country to the south, and having passed about three hours in
exploration, I formed two stations in excellent positions, and divided
my men equally under Lieutenant-Colonel Achmet and Major Abdullah. These
stations were about a mile apart, upon high ground, and commanded a view
of Raouf Bey's vessels, that were already anchored at the island about a
mile and a half below them. The three positions formed a triangle, in
the very heart of the greatest abundance.
Having concluded these arrangements and established my positions, with
the necessary instructions to the officers in command, I returned to the
river, and prepared to start for Gondokoro in the little dingy.
