CHAPTER V.

SPREAD OF THE REVOLT IN SOUTHERN DARFUR.

I arrive at Dara--Despatch of an Officer to Shakka--Character of Zogal Bey--Return to El Fasher--Causes of my Unpopularity with the Officers--Disturbances at Om Shanga--The Southern Tribes join the Revolt--I make Dara my Headquarters--The Power of a Woman's Tongue--Immorality of the Maalia Tribe--Sheikh Madibbo threatens Shakka--Cowardly Conduct of Mansur Helmi--I proceed to his Assistance--I commence my Campaign against the Southern Arab Tribes--The Night Attack on Madibbo's Camp--Mansur Helmi's Cowardly Retreat from Shakka--He deserts his own Men--Courageous Conduct of Ali Agha Juma--I decide to retake Dara at all Costs--Difficulty of enforcing my Orders 148