The impression that Stanley is .not a prisoner 'in the
hands of the Mahdi has become stronger this week. A letter was received at Stanley Falls on August 25th, written by the explorer on August 17th—that is, less than five months ago— in which he announces that he had visited Emin Pasha at Wadelai, and had returned to the Aruwhimi, a journey of eighty-two days, to obtain supplies. He intended to rejoin Emin at once, if le could obtain cartridges ; and as he could not arrive at Wa.delai till the end of November, it is improbable that he was captured by the Mahdi's lieu- tenant in October. It is !not impossible, because, knowing the route, and having made arrangements to obtain food, he might make the return journey in less than the eighty days ; but still, it is improbable. Emin Pasha may, how- ever, be a prisoner, and with him Casati, the Italian officer. Even of this, however, the evidence is incom- plete. Once aware of the fate of Emin, Stanley would retrace his steps to the Aruwhimi, and will probably next be heard of on the Congo. It is, we repeat, thoroughly dis- creditable to English csipasitrfor organisation that we cannot obtain Negro runners who, for regular and large pay, would convey concealed letters Irma point to point in East Africa.. The slave-dealers find them, and so, we believe, would any experienced Anglo-Indian, if placed in possession of sufficient funds.
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