270 THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 



of gold brocade, which Baker had sent him as a present from 

 Foweera, together with a new tarboosh and sky-blue turban, 

 while upon his feet were well-made sandals. He was a handsome 

 man of about fifty, with none of the stiffness of Kamrasi, nor 

 the gawky bearing of Kabba Kega, but he was perfectly at his 

 ease. With the natural politeness of a true gentleman, he 

 thanked Baker for the handsome suit in which he was dressed, 

 assuring him that without it he could not have appeared before 

 him in a becoming mamier. as the long-continued war of his 

 brother and nephew against him had reduced him almost to pov- 

 erty. He was well aware of Baker's repeated refusals to join in 

 the struggle against him, and assured him that he fully appreci- 

 ated his friendship. Rionga proved himself true and reliable, 

 and has always remained the faithful ally and friend of the whites. 



BATTLE WITH ABOU SAOOD. 



BAKER had spent only two days with Rionga when messengers 

 arrived from Fatiko with a report that Abou Saood had grown 

 so insolent, under the belief that no one could now make him 

 accountable for his acts, that the garrison was in grave danger, 

 as Abdullah had already been threatened by the cruel Arab. His 

 insolence had extended farther than a mere refusal to submit to 

 the authority of Lieutenant Abdullah, for he had already enslaved 

 nearly one hundred of the natives, and executed several others 

 who had tried to evade the slave-sticks which he had prepared 

 for them. This news moved Baker to immediate action, for he 

 felt the necessity of hurrying with all possible speed to Fatiko 

 to relieve the garrison, knowing that Abou Saood was eager to 

 avenge himself for the loss of power and trade. 



Buker left Foweera with forty of his own men and as many 

 more of Rionga's soldiers, and inarched with such celerity that 

 he reached Faiiko in two days, before Abou Saood had the lea-jt 

 suspicion of his approach. As he came marching over the hill 

 toward the village, Abou Saood was as much surprised as though 

 he had risen from the ground, but he was quick to realize the 

 danger which now threatened, as a punishment for his rebellious 

 and brutal conduct. He acted upon the only means for evading 



