rs. Fortunately,
though I can do the work of the province without an interpreter, I
cannot speak to the men except by my looks, or tell them my opinion
in words, though my letters are pretty strong."

The results of this policy were excellent. Not only were the garrisons
kept on the alert and prevented from oppressing the people, but the
country was opened up and travelling rendered safer. Writing home,
Gordon says:--

"It is such a comfort having my roads open. One man came down from
Bedden to-day alone. Before I came it would have needed thirty or
at least twenty men to go along this route. The blacks would have
concealed themselves in the grass, and stuck a spear into the
hinder-most man; now they are quite friendly. A Bari in my
employment stole a sheep yesterday, and down came the natives to
complain and have justice, which they got. Is it not comfortable?
All this has effected a great change among my men. They no longer
fear the blacks as they did, and altogether a much better feeling
exists. Going up to Kerri, where in September last the convoy of
Kemp was harassed all the route, I went on alone with four or five
soldiers behind me, and never felt the least apprehension; for the
natives talk much amongst themselves, and the virgin tribes had
heard we were not to be feared, and that their cattle was safe from
pillage. A year ago an escort of five or six soldiers used to
accompany each nuggar either coming up or down. Even the steamers
carried an escort of the same number. Now not one soldier either
goes with one or the other. This has prevented all pillaging _en
route_, for our people dare not do it now, not having the escort
of soldiers."

In spite of his contempt for the soldiers under him, he treated them
kindly and made great efforts to improve them. Now and then he would
give them a magic-lantern lecture, and in other ways try to benefit
them mentally and morally. No doubt in this he succeeded to a great
extent, and at all events he had the satisfaction of feeling that he
was liked by them. In another letter he says:--

"The men and officers like my justice, candour, and my outbursts of
temper, and see that I am not a tyrant. Over two years we have
lived intimately together, and they watch me closely. I am glad
that they do so. My wish and desire is that all should be as happy
as it rests with