446 TRIUMPHANT CLOSE OF A THRILLING HUNT. 



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astonished the Inspector with his marveloas knowledge of the 

 history of Omdurman and the military tactics employed by both 

 the British and Khalifa's troops. The party then returned to the 

 Elfin and proceeded to the palace, thoroughly delighted with the 

 trip. 



Beginning with an early return trip on the following day to 

 the Omdurman battlefield and visits to a half dozen of the inter- 

 esting places in the city, the party returned to the palace in the 

 afternoon and prepared to witness the gymknana races at the polo 

 grounds. 



The trip to Omdurman was made by steamboat, and was 

 under personal supervision of Colonel Hutchinson, who, with the 

 officers and shieks that met the party at Omdurman, was dressed 

 in picturesque robes. A brief ceremony marked the landing of 

 the boat at the battlefield. 



VISITS OF ABSORBING INTEREST. 



Slatin Pasha, Inspector General, again played an important 

 part in entertainment of the guests. After their return to Khar- 

 toum he conducted them to the house where he was imprisoned 

 in the war of twelve years before. 



The Khalifa's house was another interesting point visited, as 

 was also the mahdi's tomb, which was rifled of the body of the 

 mahdi and almost ruined after the British occupation. General 

 Gordon's piano, with which the famous general whiled away his 

 hours in the palace was one of the most interesting relics shown 

 the party. The piano is dilapidated, but is guarded as one of the 

 prized possessions of the city. 



While at Omdurman Colonel Roosevelt inspected the Twelfth 

 Soudanese regiment, which gave a special drill in his honor. The 

 soldiers were dressed in khaki uniforms with orange-tufted tarboo- 

 shers, presenting a picture that brought high praise from the 

 former rough rider. The Colonel was surprised at the military 

 tactics displayed by the Egyptian soldiers, and remarked to Slatin 

 Pasha that it spoke volumes for the efficacy of English military 

 training. 



