250 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



for the man stepped forward, and speaking in their own 

 language told them that they dared not touch his 

 master, for beyond a tree which they could see was 

 their camp w r ith a party of Egyptian soldiers ; and if 

 they attempted to do any violence to him they would 

 all certainly be killed. 



The effect was magical upon them, for they at once 

 dropped their threatening attitude, and declared that they 

 meant no harm, and were merely hunting for buffaloes, 

 and they rapidly decamped upon being pointed out by 

 the Tokroori the direction in which he said he had seen 

 some fresh tracks. That night the soldiers kept up a 

 careful watch, fearing a surprise, but without cause, for 

 nothing more was heard of them. 



Whilst Arkwright and Ranfurly have decided upon 

 remaining in their present camp below us, Coke and 

 Gumming have chosen some ground about a mile above 

 us, for we have decided that it would be better for us not 

 to rejoin, as Vivian and myself wish to turn our steps 

 homewards before they do. They give a most favourable 

 report of Emanuel, Bob, and the young soldier Ab- 

 dullah ; but their Arabs have given them much trouble, 

 and Emanuel has been occasionally obliged to resort to 

 the native method of enforcing obedience the koor- 

 batch. The general meeting was most cordial, and 

 Emanuel and Bob were specially demonstrative in their 

 delight at finding us safe and well. Gumming has been 



