There is only one name I have to mention here,
and that is one of the best-known in the world. Mr. Thomas
Cook was the son of the original inventor of the 'Globe-
trotter.' But it was the extraordinary energy and powers of
organisation of the son that enabled him to develop to its
present efficiency the initial scheme of the father.
Shortly before the General's term expired, he invited Mr.
Cook to dinner. The Nile share of the Gordon Relief
Expedition had been handed over to Cook. The boats, the
provisioning of them, and the river transport service up to
Wady Halfa, were contracted for and undertaken by Cook.
A most entertaining account he gave of the whole affair. He
told us how the Mudir of Dongola, who was by way of rendering
every possible assistance, had offered him an enormous bribe
to wreck the most valuable cargoes on their passage through
the Cataracts.
Before Mr. Cook took leave of the General, he expressed the
regret felt by the British residents in Cairo at the
termination of Sir Frederick's command; and wound up a pretty
little speech by a sincere request that he might be allowed
to furnish Sir Frederick GRATIS with all the means at his
disposal for a tour through the Holy Land.
