THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 45 



A certain kind of robber, peculiar to the Nile, is con- 

 stantly on the watch to rob boats, in which they fuppofe 

 the crew are off their guard. They generally approach the 

 boat when it is calm, either fwimming under water, or when 

 it is dark, upon goats fkins ; after which, they mount with 

 the utmoft filence, and take away whatever they can lay 

 their hands on. 



They are not very fond, I am told, of meddling with vef- 

 fels whereon they fee Franks, or Europeans, becaufe by 

 them fome have been wounded with fire-arms. 



The attempts are generally made when you are at anchor, 

 or under weigh, at night, in very moderate weather ; but 

 ofteneft when you are falling down the ftream without 

 malls ; for it requires, Strength, vigour, and fkill, to get 

 aboard a vefTel going before a brifk wind ; though indeed 

 they are abundantly provided with all thefe requilites. 



Behind the dining-room (that is, nearer the ftern,) you 

 have a bed-chamber ten feet long, and a place for putting 

 your books and arms. With the latter we were plentiful- 

 ly fupplied, both with thofe of the ufcful kind, and thofe 

 (fuch as large blunderbufles,) meant to ftrike terror. We had 

 great abundance of ammunition, likewife, both for our de- 

 fence and fport. 



With books we were Iefs furnifhed, yet our library was 

 chofen, and a very dear one ; for, finding how much my bag- 

 gage was increafed by the acceffion of the large quadrant 

 and its foot, and Dolland's large achromatic telefcope, I be- 

 gan to think it folly to load myfelf more with tilings to be 



carried 



