THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 489 



He told me the ftory of Abou Kalec was falfc, as alfo that of 

 Wed Ageeb ; but it was really true that Shekh Adelan had 

 left Aira, and was then encamped at Shaddly. He chid Ha- 

 gi Belal very fliarply, afldng him, what good all that tittle 

 tattle did either to him or me? and infmuatcd pretty plainly, 

 that he believed Hagi Belal did this in concert with the king, 

 to extort fomc prefent from me. " What is.the difference to 

 Yagoube, fays he, if Shekh Adelan be at Aira, three hours 

 journey from Sennaar, or at Shaddly, five ? Is not Kittou 

 in town ? and fliali not I bring every Have of the king to 

 join him upon the firll requifition ? At a time like this, will 

 you perfuade me, Hagi Belal, the king is not rather think- 

 ing of his ownfafcty than of robbing Yagoufee ? I do nor wifli 

 that Yagoube fhould flay a minute longer at Sennaar ; bur, 

 till fome way be found to get neceflaries for his journey, it 

 is not in the king's power to hurt him in the houfe where 

 lie is ; and he is much fafer in Sennaar than he could be 

 any where out of it. Before the king attempts to hurt Ya- 

 goube, as long as he flays in Adelan's houfe, he will think 

 •twice of it, while any of the three brothers are alive. But I 

 will fpeak to Kittou in the evening, and the king too, if I 

 have an opportunity. In the mean time, do you, Yagoube, 

 pur your mind at reft, defend yourfelf if any body attempts 

 to enter this houfe, and do what you will to thofe that fhall 

 force themfelves into it." I then attended him down flairs, 

 with many profefTions of gratitude ; and at the door he faid, 

 in a very low voice, to me, " Take care of yon Bcial, he is 

 a dog, worfe than a Chriftian." 



I RESOLVED at all events to leave Sennaar, but I had not 



yet founded Hagi Belal as to money- affaiis. It \^^s now 



Vol. IV. 3 0^ ^ \he 



