A judge of
physiognomy would have objected to the downcast look of humility, the
un-certain squint of one eye, the furtive expression of countenance,
added to the ultra-holiness of his ejaculations when called upon for an
answer, and the pious cant of his protestation against all wrong-doings.
At the same time that he was acting the part of saint, I knew him to be
a bird of the same feather as the rest of the White Nile slave-hunters.
Some little diplomacy was necessary to smooth the troubled waters of
Khartoum. I made every allowance for the passive obstructiveness of the
authorities; it was perfectly natural under the circumstances of a
sudden reform that affected materially the interests of the entire
population, both high and low. At the same time, it was necessary to win
the game. I was much attached to Djiaffer Pacha in his unofficial
capacity, as I could never forget the kindness that I had received from
him at Souakim when he welcomed my wife and myself on our return from a
long and arduous expedition. He was a perfectly honest man in his
dealings, and most generous to all around him. His great desire was to
earn a good reputation, thus he was not sufficiently vigilant or severe
with the sub-officials throughout the vast territory which he governed.
He had formerly been an admiral in the Egyptian navy, and he had visited
England, where he had learnt to respect the English name of "gentleman."
To be considered a "gentleman" (which he pronounced in English), was
in his estimation a great honour.
I was delighted with the lasting impression that had been made by the
manners of our country; and certainly, in courtesy and hospitality,
Djiaffer Pacha thoroughly represented the qualities of the name he
coveted. Whenever we differed in opinion upon official matters, we were
always cordial in our private capacity.
On 6th October the post arrived from Cairo with the astounding news of
the battle of Sedan; the capture of the Emperor Napoleon; the revolution
in Paris; and the fall of the Napoleon dynasty! Never were so many
grave events condensed in one despatch. I felt much for de Bizemont: he
had become a general favourite, and I had received him con amore as one
of our party. This was a blow too terrible even for his high spirit. He
had received the greatest kindness from the emperor and empress, and his
loyalty was shown by the deepest grief, and an immediate resolve to give
up the expedition, and to return to share the trembling fortunes of his
country. We had ourselves received much kindness from the empress. Only
a few days before this grave news arrived, my wife had received a token
from her Majesty, graciously bestowed when she was in power and
prosperity; this was now more deeply prized since adversity had fallen
so heavily upon her.
