Meeting with Gordon in the Desert.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 93, 14 March 1885, Page 4

Meeting with Gordon in the Desert.

Mr Frederick Bohxdorff, a German naturalist, who has spent many years in Africa, and whom General Gordon took into his service in 1574 when he went to govern the White Nile, has furnished the "Daily Telegraph" with some particulars of an interview he had with Gordon in the desert in January last, when the latter was on his way to Khartoum. Mr Bohndorff, in November, ISS3, returning from a journey in the Niam Niam country, reached Dern Sulieman, the capital of the Gazelle country, and there made the acquaintance of Lupton Bey, the Governor of that territory. In December, ISS3, when Mr Bohndorff left, Luniptonßey was very dispirited. He had not at that time heard of the defeat of Hicks Pasha, though it had taken place in the previous August, showing how completely communication had been intercepted. In January the traveller reached Khartoum. The only Europeans there were the Commandant, Colonel Coetlogon, Mr Power (who was acting as English Consul), and Herr Hansal (the Austrian Consul). All told, there were 60,000 souls in the city. Colonel Coetlogon spoke sadly as to the prospects of resisting the Mahdi, whom he already regarded as master of the Soudan. Nothing, in his opinion, but a strong English expedition would avail for the reconquest of the Soudan. He was in hopes that a force would be sent under Baker Pasha. News having reached Khartoum that the route to Borber was likely to be blocked, Mr Bohndorff, upon Mr Power's advice, left promptly at the end of January with his guide and servant, and struck into the desert. He continues, " There is no track, and you commit yourself to your guide. On the afternoon of my fourth day's march I saw a great cloud of dust far away on the horizon, and presently a cavalcade came riding towards me at an extraordinary paco in contrast to my own wearied march. The leader was in advance, and I noticed his eager manner and his compact figure clad in a blue military f reck coat, red trousers, and a fez. 'Bohndorff,' said General Gordon, for ifc was he, 'we all at Cairo thought you were dead. I have often prayed to God to protect you and Dr Junker and preserve you alive.' I dismounted and went to the side of his camel, and he shook hands warmly, I was overwhelmed with astonishment, for they knew nothing at Khartoum or Berber of Gordon's coming, but immediately I caw him I divinea his mission. I only needed to see him to know why he was there. ' Why have you left Khartoum?" said Gordon hurriedly * I am very glad to be going there. Why is everybody leaving? Are you afraid?' 'Not exactly afraid, but I have finished my collection and am returning.' ' Well, how goes it there V ' Everything is in a terrible muddle, no one knowing who is faithful to the Government and who is not. ' ' But are the people of Khartoum afraid ?' ' Excellency, there is nothing tobe afraid of.' ' Tell me, now, is the Mahdi as strong as people say ?' and all through he exhibited in his voice and manner the most cheerful and buoyant confidence. * The Mahdi, Excellency, is much stronger than you have any idea of.' 'Ah, ah! I shall manage him.' 'I pray the good God to assist you.' * How is Lupton Bey ?' * Well in health.' 'Emir Bey?' 'Also well in health.' « And Slattin Bey at Darf ur ?' 'I know nothing of him, as communication with Darfur is cut off.' ' What is the strength of the movement in Kordofan?' 'I assure your Excellency that Lupton is in a perilous position, and he has no ammunition.'

* And about Dr. Junker, when you go to Cairo make my compliments to the Russian Consul, and tell him he need not have the least fear for his countryman, as the Gazelle territory will be saf e. ' This was said in the most joyous strain. * Are you coming back ?' ' I hope so, but not now. Would you like me to come soon ?' *If not very soon you won't find me. I shall not be here more than five months. Now, ' said he, pressing my hand, 'do you want anything?' 'Nothing.' 'Sure?' 'Nothing, Excellency.' He repeated the question several times with the kindest emphasis, and then presented me to Colonel Stewart and Ibrahim Pasha, who rode behind him, wearing grey tourists' suits. General Gordon hereupon hastily bade me adieu, and then the party, numbering about ten persons, started off again at the tremendous pace equalling that at which I saw them approach some fifteen or twenty minutes before."