"It is difficult to succeed here, for the government does not support me and almost feels as if the officials were justified in robbing the negroes, as it sometimes cannot pay them for a year at a time. But the greatest absurdity is the edict issued from Khartoum, forbidding merchants to go to these provinces. During the whole six years of my administration here only nine steamers have come up the Nile, and we are so destitute of absolutely necessary things that I have to economize, for instance, in writing paper in continual fear that my stock will give out before I can get more."
"I shall be delighted," said Dr. Junker with a smile, "if I can help you with some trifles. I have still a hamper which I brought out of the wilderness that has not been touched, filled with all those objects that they do not care for there, and with which they would part for money." "No, no, I do not need them," replied Emin. "In a few weeks I shall be at home. How precious the word sounds!" But Junker produced his treasures, spread them out on the big tables, and invited Emin and his officers to help themselves.
All were delighted. A little package of cigarette paper was instantly pounced upon. A little Parisian folding table with two leaves, a woven hammock and a large tent screen were given to Emin as a present. Books, various instruments, a revolver, and a small gun were also very welcome. Dr. Junker's servants and maids received for their share pearls, copper and bronze bracelets, needles, thread, knives, and scissors, which are used as a medium of exchange among the savages in place of money. Linen garments were also divided among them, but two pieces of woollen stuffs and a new costume were retained by Dr. Junker, as he reflected that he might have use for them later.
Chapter III The Carpenter of Dongola and the Mahdists
"The All-merciful God has placed the sword of victory in my hands and declares to all peoples that I am the Mahdi. He has designated me by the white scar upon my right cheek. In the uproar of battle I will follow the gleaming banner, borne by Asrael, the death angel, the destroyer of my enemies." With these words Mohammed Achmet, the carpenter of Dongola, a settler upon the island of Aba, announced to the world his mission to purify Islam and found a kingdom of justice and happiness.