In the meanwhile the Ameer of Afghanistan is uneasy over the advance of
the British into the hills that form his frontier. He is afraid that the
British will not be satisfied with punishing the tribesmen, but will
endeavor to take possession of lands belonging to him. He has therefore
sought the aid of Russia, and has obtained the Czar's promise to help
him in case the British attempt to encroach on Afghanistan.

He is at the same time keeping faith with the English. He has issued a
proclamation, forbidding his subjects to leave the country under penalty
of a heavy fine, so that it will not be possible for them to go and join
the tribesmen. He is doing all in his power to keep faith with England,
but it is said that he is much pleased that he has secured the aid of
Russia to protect him in case of need.

* * * * *

In the Soudan, the English are steadily advancing on Khartoum.

The Mahdists are making a strong stand there, and it is expected that
the decisive battle will be fought in the near neighborhood of that
city.

A newspaper correspondent who is with the Soudan expedition writes a
most interesting account of the rapid way the soldiers are building a
railroad across the desert. The road is being finished at the rate of
nearly two miles a day, and when completed will enable the army to bring
men and supplies from Cairo in a few days instead of the many weary
weeks which are now required.