llow the steps of the most agile and quick-witted fugitive. I knew
Amankee would pick up some of the tea and bring news of the robbers. He
returned, and fulfilled my expectations: he picked up about six ounces
of tea scattered on the road, and brought the news that the robbers were
from Tidek and Taghajeet. They had come some days' journey to plunder
us. I learned, also, that the rascals, just before they attacked us, had
been feasting at a wedding in Tintalous.

I grieved very much for the loss of my tea, and employed six or seven
hours in picking the stones out of what Amankee recovered. I had greatly
coveted this luxury, and set my heart upon it; and now my idol was
ruthlessly torn from me by a band of robbers! Amankee, knowing my
feelings, had offered a reward for the rest, telling the people he saw
on the road that the tea could only be drank by Christians, and was
poison for Muslims! This fib drew from the astonished Kailouees a woful
ejaculation--"Allah! Allah!" Many funny scenes were enacted during the
few minutes of the attack of the robbers. The other negress, a wife of
another of the servants, was quite dumb; but Said's wife crept around
the tent like a dog, on her hands and feet, giving the alarm, but
fearing to rise up lest she should be felled down by the robbers. The
servants of the Germans hearing the squalling thought it was Said
"beating his wife"--a thing common in these countries. Dr. Barth heard
all sorts of noises, but imagined they were all from the celebration of
the wedding. It is always well to examine suspicious circumstances. A
strange camel had been seen straying at sunset near our tent, which
excited the suspicions of myself and Dr. Barth. If we had obeyed our
presentiments, we might have discovered the intended attack, or, at
least, have made some preparations.

A few robbers have often visited us before this. When I had an interview
with En-Noor I asked for a couple of guards, but he refused them, on the
plea that they were unnecessary. Although he knew well the country is
now full of thieves, and told us so, he never expected this audacious
attack of thirteen maharees! Soudan abounds with thieves, and we must
now always keep watch. May we, however, in our further progress, have
nothing more to fear than petty larceny; and we shall have reason indeed
to be thankful!

CHAPTER XVIII.

We shift our Encampment--En-Noor's Circular--The Kadi's Decision--No
Progress in the Sahara--Agha