: thus the evidence of debts, and the emblems of
oppression perished together in the presence of an almost frenzied
people! Next Gordon visited the prisons; there he found dreadful dens of
misery; over two hundred poor starving emaciated beings were confined
therein; some bound with chains: some mere boys, some old men and women.
Many of them were there simply on suspicion, and had never had a hearing.
The cases were quickly and carefully enquired into, and before sunset
that day, most of the unhappy wretches had their chains struck off and
their freedom given them.

For many days, the markets and shops, and bazaars were finely
illuminated; and the rejoicing for Gordon's presence and deeds was
general and universal. Alas, however, the cloud which had so long hung
over the Soudan began to thicken. The Madhi was not to be cheated of
what he thought his rightful authority and dominion. The following
letter recorded in Gordon's journal was received by him from the Madhi:--

"In the name of God the merciful and compassionate;
Praise be to God, the bountiful ruler, and blessing
on our Lord Mahomet and peace. From the servant who
trusts in God--Mahomet, the son of Abdallah.

To Gordon Pasha of Khartoum,--May God guide him into the path of
virtue, Amen! Know that your small steamer, named 'Abbas' which you
sent with the intention of forwarding your news to Cairo, by the way
of Dongola, the persons sent being your representative, Stewart Pasha,
and the two Consuls, French and English, with other persons, has been
captured by the will of God. Those who believed in us as the Madhi
and surrendered, have been delivered; and those who did not have been
destroyed. As your representative afore-named, with the Consuls and
the rest--whose souls God has condemned to the fire and to eternal
misery: That steamer and all that was in it have fallen a prey to the
Moslems, and we have taken knowledge of all the letters and telegrams
which were in it, in Arabic and in Frankish (languages) and of the
maps, which were opened to us (translated) by those on whom God has
bestowed his gifts, and has enlightened their hearts with faith, and
the benefits of willing submission. Also we have found therein the
letters sent from you to the Mudir of Dongola, with the letters, &c.,
accompanying to be forwarded to Egypt and to European countries. All
have been seized, and the content