THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 245 



head, and faid, " Ah, Yagoube, you'll find it ftrong enough ; 

 Engedan's fliield is known to be no toy." Tecla Mariam 

 brought fuch a fliield, and the Billetana Gueta Tecla an- 

 other, both of which were moft excellent in their kind. I 

 loaded the gun before them, firft with powder, then up- 

 on it Aid down one half of what we call a farthing can- 

 dle ; and, having beat off the handles of three fhields, I put 

 them clofe in contact with each other, and fet them all 

 three againft a poft, 



Now, Engedan, faid I, when you pleafe fay— Fire ! but 

 mind you have taken leave of your good fliield for ever.'* 

 The word was given, and the gun fired. It ftruck the three 

 fhields, neither in the moft difficult nor the eafieft place 

 for perforation, fomething lefs than half way between the 

 rim and the bofs. The candle went through the three fhields 

 with fuch violence that it dallied itfelf to a thoufand pieces 

 againft a flone-wall behind it. I turned to Engedan, faying 

 very lowly, gravely, and without exultation or triumph, on 

 the contrary with abfolute indifference, " Did not I tell you 

 your fliield was naught ?" A great fhout of applaufe fol- 

 lowed from about a thoufand people that were gathered 

 together. The three fhields were carried to rhe king, who 

 exclaimed in great tranfport, I did not believe it before I 

 faw it, and I can fcarce believe it now I have feen it. Where 

 is Guebra Mafcal's confidence now ? But what do either 

 he or we know ? We know nothing." I thought he looked- 

 abafhed. 



" Ayto Engedan, faid I, we muft have a touch at that 

 table. It was faid, the piercing that was more than Guebra^ 



Mafcal 



