I made them rather a bitter speech, and dismissed them.
From that moment I felt that my expedition was fated.

This outbreak was an example of what was to follow.

Previously to leaving Khartoum I had felt convinced that I could not succeed with such villains for escort as these Khartoumers; thus I had applied to the Egyptian authorities for a few troops, but had been refused.

I was now in an awkward position.
All my men had received five months' wages in advance, according to the custom of the White Nile; thus I had no control over them.

There were no Egyptian authorities in Gondokoro.