File:Fire and Sword in the sudan - a personal narrative of fighting and serving the dervishes, 1879-1895 (1898) (14774437441).jpg

Identifier: fireswordinsudan00slat (find matches)
Title: Fire and Sword in the sudan : a personal narrative of fighting and serving the dervishes, 1879-1895
Year: 1898 (1890s)
Authors: Slatin, Rudolf Carl, Freiherr von, 1857-1932
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Publisher: London : Edward Arnold
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Internet Archive

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the Maheria, and release the prisoners you captured. Gar en Nebbi, after a short pause, replied:4 Since the time of our forefathers we have been in constant feud with the various Arab tribes. If we fight and take prisoners, it is our custom to allow them to be ransomed. We have often before released Maheria captives. I referred to Sheikh Hasaballa to ask if this was so, and he answered in the affirmative ; and then I asked whether he had ever done so since the Egyptian Government had taken possession of the country, or whether he referred to the period in which they were ruled by the Darfur Sultans. ■ Before you conquered the country, he answered, * but only two years ago, the Maheria invaded our country ; we repulsed them and drove them out, so that they returned empty-handed.*I looked at Hasaballa, and saw from his silence that the Bedeyat was telling the truth. ■ That may be so, I answered, * but at that time I was not governing this country. I am well aware that in those days you did what
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THE GOVERNMENT OF DARFUR 41 you thought was right, and I do not in any way blame you for it; but as I am now your master, I wish you to act in accordance with my orders. You should, therefore, handover your prisoners ; but as the Maheria previously attacked you, then I order that instead of returning them all the camels you took, you can retain half, as a reward for your•bravery in having prevented them from pillaging your-country. A long pause now took place, and the four Sheikhs discussed the matter between themselves. Gar enNebbi then answered, ■ We shall comply with your orders ;but as it will take a long time to collect the camels, which are scattered throughout the country, it will be easier for us to release the captives. Then look sharp, said I, and carry out these orders as soon as possible; and when you have done so, I will release you from the payment of this years tribute. I can quite understand that it may cause;you some difficulty to return the camels and pay your taxes as well

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