regarded as the advance
guard of the Sirdar's army. But when the negroes gradually perceived
that these bands of white men were at enmity with each other--were, in
fact, of rival tribes--they immediately transferred their allegiance to
the stronger force, and, although their dread of the Egyptian flag was
at first very marked, boycotted the French entirely.

In the middle of October despatches from France arrived for Marchand by
steamer; and that officer, after reading them, determined to proceed to
Cairo. Jackson, who was most anxious that no disagreement should arise,
begged him to give positive orders to his subordinate to maintain the
status quo, as had been agreed. Marchand gladly consented, and departed
for Omdurman, where he visited the battlefield, and found in the heaps
of slain a grim witness of the destruction from which he had been saved,
and so on to Cairo, where he was moved to tears and speeches. But in his
absence Captain Germain, who succeeded to the command, diverged from
his orders, No sooner had Marchand left than Germain, anxious to win
distinction, embarked upon a most aggressive policy. He occupied the
Dinka country on the right bank of the river, pushed reconnoitring
parties into the interior, prevented the Dinka Sheikhs from coming to
make their submission at Fashoda, and sent his boats and the Faidherbe
steam launch, which had returned from the south, beyond the northern
limits which the Sirdar had prescribed and Marchand had agreed to
recognise.

Colonel Jackson protested again and again. Germain sent haughty replies,
and persisted in his provoking policy. At last the British officer was
compelled to declare that if any more patrols were sent into the Dinka
country, he would not allow them to return to the French post. Whereat
Germain rejoined that he would meet force with force. All tempers were
worn by fever, heat, discomfort, and monotony. The situation became very
difficult, and the tact and patience of Colonel Jackson alone averted
a conflict which would have resounded in all parts of the world. He
confined his troops strictly to their lines, and moved as far from the
French camp as was possible. But there was one dark day when the French
officers worked in their shirts with their faithful Senegalese to
strengthen the entrenchments, and busily prepared for a desperate
struggle. On the other side little activity was noticeable. The Egyptian
garrison, although under arms, kept out of sight