142 THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 



holes in all parts of the beast, more especially on the back. A 

 wound once established adds to the attraction, and the unfortu- 

 nate animal is so pestered that it has no time to eat. Baker was 

 obliged to hire little boys to watch the donkeys, and to drive off 

 these plagues; but so determined and bold were the birds, that 

 they would run under the body of the donkey, clinging to the 

 belly with their feet, and thus retreating to the opposite side of 

 the animal when chased by the watchboys. In a few days the 

 animals were full of wounds, excepting the horses, whose long 

 tails were effectual whisks. With the exception of this annoy- 

 ance everything appeared in fair condition for the journey. 

 Mohamed had promised to accompany the expedition through, 

 in consideration of such presents as Baker had agreed to give 

 him, but he had not reckoned on the duplicity of the Arab 

 scoundrel thus engaged. While professing friendship, he was 

 doing all in his power to hinder and defeat Baker's expedition, 

 by circulating false and alarming stories among his ignorant and 

 superstitious men. 



Influenced by these stories, they began to evince a sullen 

 demeanor, which was not long developing into an insurrection, 

 having for its purpose the murder of Baker and the confiscation 

 of his property. It chanced, however, that among his force there 

 were two really faithful subjects, one named Richarn, a fellow of 

 dissolute habits, but honorable and trustworthy ; the other a little 

 boy named Saat, only twelve years of age, whom Mrs. Baker 

 had taken compassion on at Khartoum as a friendless outcast, and 

 adopted. This boy had received some Christian instruction and 

 was anxious to be taught more, which made him a source of 

 tender care to Mrs. Baker, and in return for this he was obedient, 

 loving, ready to lay down his innocent life for his master and 

 mistress. 



A DREADFUL PLOT DISCOVERED. 



How these two faithful servants saved Baker's life is related 

 by himself as follows : "We were to start upon the following 

 Monday. Mohamed had paid me a visit, assuring me of his 

 devotion, and begging me to have my baggage in marching order, 



