MEETING WITH GORDON IN THE DESERT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1922, 23 February 1885, Page 2

MEETING WITH GORDON IN THE DESERT.

Mr Frederick Bohnorff, a Gorman naturalist, who has spent many years in Africa and whom General Gordon took into his service in 1874 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 1883, returned from a journey to the Niam Niam country, reached Dem Sulieman, the capital of the Gazelle country, and there made the aquaintance of Lupton Bey, the governor of that territory. In December 1883, when Mr Bohndorff left, Lupton Bey, who was dispirited, 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 was the Commandant, [Colonel Coetlogen, Mr Power (who was acting as English Consul) and Herr Hansal (the Australian 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 regarded as master of the Soudan. Nothing, hi his opinion, but a strong English expedition would avail for the re-conquest of the Soudan, He was in hopes that a force would be sent under Baker Paßha, News having reached Khartoum that the route Berber 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 tho afternoon of my fourth day's march I saw a great cloud of dust far away on tho horizon, and presently a cavalcade came riding towards mo at an extraordinary pace 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 frockcoat, red trousers, and a fez. " Bohndorff,' said General Gordon, for it was he, 'wo 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 about Gordon's coming, but immediately I saw him I divined Mb mission, I only needed to see him to know why ho wa3 there. " Why have you left Khartoum ?' asked Gordon hurridly. 'I am very glad to be going there Why is everybody leaving? Are you afraidf ' Not exactly afraid, I have finished my collection and am returning.' 'Well, how gooß it there?' ' Everything is in a terrible muddle, no one knowing who is faithful to the Gjbvernmont and who is not.' ' But are the people of Khartoum afraid ?'•' 'Excellency, there is nothing to be afraid of' ' Tell me, now, is the Mahdi as strong as people say ?' and all through he exhibited in hiß voice and manner themost cheerful and buoyant confidence!! 'The Mahdi, Excellency, JBmuclvstrongor. than you have any idea of.* ' Ah/ah II shall flpraythe gobii God to assist; you,/ r'Hqw is'Luptoj* Bey.?' 'Wellin health,' 'Bwu'Beijjf - ' also well in health./j ''And Slattin Be/, at Darfur I l ' : .' J know nothing of himjas ■communication wit| Darfur' is cutoff.' ;' What is thj.strength ojf the movement in Kprdorfanl?' ' FitSßureybur Excellency that Lupton is in perilous position, and he has no ammunition.' ' And about Dr Junker, when you c go to Cairo make my compliments to the Russian Consul, and tell him he need not have the least fear for his couniryman, as the Gazelle tern- , tory will be safe.' 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 ?' 'lf not very soon you won't findme,;.. I Bliall not be here more than five.rrjfjhthß. ifow,' said ! he pressing my hand, *do you want anything 1' '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,. J and then the party, numbering about tefr 'j personß started off again at the tremendous' • pace, equalling that at which I saw them ] approach, some fifteen or twenty minutes .' before.' ' "" ' . '

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to feed her starving thousands) to her parsons to point out ono of tho '' little lanes leading thither," We venture to think that His Grace will be sorry he ever spoke, and will be glad .to.i.mme- ,. diately change the .conversation.";;.;; I am," Vi