xxvi INTRODUCTION. 



Emm was subsequently able to recover most of the grotind 

 he had lost. In October 1886 temporary aid arrived in the 

 shape of a caravan from Uganda with supplies from Dr. 

 Junker. Em in speaks of the almost childish joy with which 

 he and his people welcomed this caravan. In April 1887 

 he heard that help was probably coming from England, and in 

 a letter written to me then he says : — " You can imagine better 

 than I can tell you that the heartfelt sympathy which has 

 been expressed for me and my people in England . . . have 

 richly repaid me for many of the sorrows and hardships I have 

 undergone." The news has not yet reached us of the arrival 

 of the expedition, which Mr. Stanley has led with his usual 

 undaunted courage and perseverance, but it is to be hoped 

 that long ere this he has clasped hands with Emin and given 

 him the help and encouragement which he so well deserves. 



It will be noticed how firmly Emin states his intention of 

 remaining at his post until the future of the country he has 

 ruled so long and of the people in whom he takes so much 

 interest be settled. He says : — " The work that Gordon paid 

 for with his blood, I will strive to carry on, if not with his 

 energy and genius, still according to his intentions and with his 

 spirit ; " and, again, his concluding words are : — " All we would 

 ask England to do is to bring about a better understanding 

 with Uganda, and to provide us with a free and safe way to 

 the coast. This is all we want. Evacuate our territory ? 

 Certainly not ! " I feel sure that those who read this book 

 will honour him for his decision, and will understand the need 

 of keeping up a judicious and firm rule in the country which 

 he has saved from slavery and barbarism. If it is developed 

 in such a way that the good of the people be secured, it will 

 form a centre of civilisation and liberty to the whole of Central 

 Africa. 



In order that Emin may continue his work, it will be 

 necessary for a trade route to be opened up between the east 

 coast and the Equatorial Province. It is not my intention 



