129 



CHAPTER YIL 



AT FORT LAMY. 



(NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 5.) 



We did not, however, remain long at Kusseri, for 

 we were eagfer to see the French Commandant. The 

 two posts were so close as to be visible from each 

 other, and within half an hour from our embarkation 

 we arrived at Fort Lamy. 



Captain Lancrenon, our Garua friend, met us ; but 

 he had grave news to tell. Three days before our 

 arrival a runner had come from Wadai with letters 

 that told of a terrible disaster to the French force 

 at the battle of Dorote, in Dar Massalit. Out of a 

 total of 310 native troops, 73 men were wounded and 

 31 killed ; and the white officers had suffered yet 

 more heavily. Eight out of 20 were wounded and 8 

 killed, amongst them Colonel Moll. His loss was a 

 national calamity. He was in the prime of life, be- 

 loved by all who knew him, and his ability and 

 capacity as an administrator were beyond those of 

 other men. 



It was only recently that the French had attempted 

 the effective occupation of Wadai. In June 1909 they 

 had entered Abechir in force, and had expelled the 



I 



