The hint that I had given respecting the retirement of the loyal people
to Faloro, so that Fabbo would represent the disloyal, would be
sufficient warning that physical force was intended, should other means
fail.
The day upon which Wat-el-Mek published the proclamation was one of
general consternation in Fabbo.
Wat-el-Mek left the station with his Soudanis.
Salim-Wat-Howah and his men suddenly sprang upon the vakeel, Suleiman,
and having secured him, while others broke open the powder-magazine,
they possessed themselves of three cases (1,500 rounds) of
ball-cartridge, together with the flags of the station. With this prize
they marched out of the zareeba with their slaves, who carried their
luggage, and took the road towards Latooka, about nine days' march
distant.
Without firing a shot, I had thus won the game. All the bad people had
found the country too hot for them. The remaining men received
certificates, and raised the corps of irregulars to 312 officers and
men; all of whom were nominally under Wat-el-Mek, although Ali Genninar
held a separate command in Unyoro. I now strengthened his party by a
reinforcement.
From this date, the victory was gained, and I could only thank God for
the great success that had attended all my efforts.
