1 70 LIFE WITH THE HAM RAN ARABS. 



wonderful to relate, three camel-men were bold enough 

 to accompany us, and we are now encamped on some 

 rising ground above the Royan, named Immam, south- 

 east of Birket Johda, and perhaps eight miles farther 

 up the river, and within the boundary line of the Abys- 

 sinian frontier. Albert and Ibrahim have come with us, 

 whilst the cook Mohamed and Hadji Basheer are left 

 behind in charge of our stores, and by special request 

 they have been given a loaded gun to frighten away any 

 trespassers. When more than half way we crossed the 

 Royan, where there are well-known pools of good water, 

 and sundry evidences of its being a favourite camping- 

 ground of Abyssinians or Hamrans. It has a name, 

 which Wad-el-Hallan will about represent. En route 

 Vivian had a shot at a maariff as he drank at a pool, 

 and though hit in the shoulder he was able to go off 

 with only a limp, and be lost in the woods. Essafi 

 and Mohamed were at once on the track, and after many 

 faults succeeded in following it up until they cleared 

 the wood and came upon a flat piece of open ground, 

 with here and there a solitary tall mimosa. We had not 

 advanced far over it when Essafi pointed out the maariff 

 standing still a long way off. Away we galloped after 

 him, but were soon distanced by Essafi on his perfect 

 little grey horse, and on approaching the animal, which 

 stood its ground boldly, he leapt off, and with drawn 

 sword went quietly towards it. We soon arrived at the 



