e half done a piece of work in
which he had felt much interest, and with which he had identified
himself. Another consideration presented itself to him, and several of
his friends pressed the view on him with all the weight they
possessed, that no signal success could be achieved unless he were
placed in a position of supreme authority, not merely at the Equator,
but throughout the vast province of the Soudan. Such was the decision
Gordon himself, influenced no doubt by the views of two friends whose
names need not be mentioned, but who were well known for their zeal in
the anti-slavery cause, had come to a few weeks after his arrival in
England; and not thinking that there was any reasonable probability of
the Khedive appointing him to any such post, he telegraphed to the
British Consul-General, Mr Vivian, his determination not to return to
Egypt. This communication was placed before the Khedive Ismail, who
had a genuine admiration for Gordon, and who appreciated the value of
his services. He at once took the matter into his own hands, and wrote
the following letter, which shows that he thoroughly understood the
arguments that would carry weight with the person to whom they were
addressed:--

"MY DEAR GORDON,--I was astonished yesterday to learn of the
despatch you had sent to Mr Vivian, in which you inform me that
you will not return; all the more so when I recall your interview
at Abdin, during which you promised me to return, and complete
the work we had commenced together. I must therefore attribute
your telegram to the very natural feelings which influenced you
on finding yourself at home and among your friends. But I cannot,
my dear Gordon Pasha, think that a gentleman like Gordon can be
found wanting with regard to his solemn promise, and thus, my
dear Gordon, I await your return according to that promise.--Your
affectionate

"ISMAIL."

To such a letter as this a negative reply was difficult, if not
impossible; and when General Gordon placed the matter in the hands of
the Duke of Cambridge, as head of the army, he was told that he was
bound to return. He accordingly telegraphed to the Khedive that he was
willing to go back to the Soudan if appointed Governor-General, and
also that he would leave at once for Cairo to discuss the matter. On
his arrival there, early in February 1877, the discussion of the terms
a