THE SUDANESE OFFICER 69 



not like the older Sudanese, illiterate. Almost all 

 are soi - disant Moslems. There are a few Copts 

 and Syrian Christians in the departments, and many 

 in the Medical service. The pay is practically that 

 of the British army at home. I have already de- 

 scribed the only Arab officer I ever knew. I would 

 have given him a signed blank cheque — not because 

 he could not write, but because I knew he would never 

 abuse the confidence put in him. 



I was thrown a good deal among Sudanese officers 

 in the Civil Administration. He is generally a fine 

 fellow. He has imbibed many of the faults of his 

 Egyptian brother. In addition he is uxorious, lazy, 

 but tactful. Having gained his rank by the display of 

 his qualities as a leader of men, he would, if placed in 

 an isolated position, cause less anxiety than another. 



