g6 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



CHAPTER XII. 



March 3. The presence of numbers of the common 

 varieties of antelope, and the occasional roar of a lion 

 at night, have not been sufficiently attractive to keep 

 us longer in the neighbourhood of the Royan, and this 

 evening finds us once again on the banks of the Settite, 

 about two miles above Emhaggar, where we were so long 

 encamped. 



Though our visit to the Royan has done little to 

 swell our game-list, we are very glad to have been there, 

 for besides its having all the appearance of a splendid 

 resort for big game, w r e have gained so much more know- 

 ledge of this portion of the Soudan. Returning to the 

 clear water of the ever-flowing Settite is indeed a luxury 

 after the Royan pools ; and now our camp is pitched on 

 a sloping grass bank almost level with the river, looking 

 beautifully fresh and green, whilst the soil is dry enough 

 for all practical purposes, and here we shall probably 

 remain for some time. The spot is called ' Eddebabeha,' 

 meaning, we are told, a slaughter-house. There is an 

 island close by to which this name more especially 



