RELATIONS WITH KABREGA. 487 



fights between Negroes and Danagla are said to have taken 

 place. " Thus it is now certain that the country is clear of 

 Danagla ; but are we any the better for that ? No one can 

 guarantee that they are not, perhaps, concentrating themselves 

 in Dem Soliman, to return in January 1886, at the expira- 

 tion of the rainy season, strengthened by all sorts of ruffians 

 from the Bakara, &c. But suppose they do not return ? We 

 are a handful of men, with a very small amount of ammunition, 

 without supplies and communications of any kind, in the 

 midst of thousands of Negroes excited by the wars — and what 

 if these Negroes should rise against us ? It is quite clear that 

 we have nothing to expect from Khartum, at any rate until 

 letters from us reach Egypt — so let us send letters at any 

 price." 



I quote this passage from my diary as a proof that I did 

 not delude myself, but was quite aware of the true state of 

 affairs. I was therefore the more delighted when three of 

 Kabrega's men arrived here on the evening of September 20, 

 the sacrificial festival, and at once hastened to me. They 

 brought no letters, but greetings from Kabrega, and a hearty 

 invitation to come to him. Chief Boki had taken the letters 

 and presents from the man I sent, pretending that he dare not 

 send letters to Kabrega without his consent, as there might be 

 some magic in them. But he had despatched a messenger of 

 his own to Kabrega to tell him that the chief of the Turks in 

 Wadelai wished to enter into communication with him. There- 

 upon Kabrega had immediately sent off three men, with orders 

 to find out who the chief of the Turks was, and what he wanted. 

 Kabrega had suffered much at the hands of the Waganda, who 

 had made constant incursions since Mtesa's death. His men 

 formed a striking contrast to mine, being clothed in neat 

 cloths, while the latter wore skins. My men, however, are 

 willing and brave. There is no better and more workable 

 material for soldiers in the world than our Sudanese. I sent 

 back Kabrega's men on September 28 with letters, presents, 

 &c, and am now expecting a proper embassy from him. The 

 great lords of the south will take their own time. 



The Wanyoro had only just left when the steamer came from 

 Dufile bringing very sad news. Bor had, after all, been de- 



