THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 489 
He told me the ftory of Abou Kalec was falfe, as alfo that of 
Wed Ageeb; but it was really true that Shekh Adelan had 
left Aira, and was then encamped at Shaddly. He chid Ha- 
gi Belal very fharply, afking him, what good all that tittle 
tattle did either to him or me? and infinuated pretty plainly, 
that he believed Hagi Belal did this in concert with the king, 
to extort fome prefent from me. “ What is the difference to 
Yagoube, fays he, if Shekh Adelan be at Aira, three hours 
journey from Sennaar, or at Shaddly, five? Is not Kittou 
in town? and fhall not I bring every flave of the king to 
join him upon the firft requifition? At a time like this, will 
you perfuade me, Hagi Belal, the king is not rather think- 
ing of his own fafety than of robbing Yagoube ? I do notwith 
that Yagoube fhould ftay a minute longer at Sennaar; burt, 
rill fome way be found to get neceflaries for his journey, it 
is not in the king’s power to hurt him in the houfe where 
he is; and he is much fafer in Sennaar than he could be 
any where out of it. Before the king attempts to hurt Ya- 
_ goube, as long as he ftays in Adelan’s houfe, he will think 
twice of it, while any of the three brothers are alive. But I 
will fpeak to Kittou in the evening, and the king too, if I 
have an opportunity. In the mean time, do you, Yagoube, 
put your mind atreft, defend yourfelf if any body attempts 
to enter this houfe, and do what you will to thofe that fhall 
force themfelves into it.” I then attended him down ftairs, 
with many profeflions of gratitude ; and at the door he faid, 
in a very low voice, to me, “ Take care of yon Belal, he is 
a dog, worfe than a Chriftian.” 
I RESOLVED at all events to leave Sennaar, but I had not 
yet founded Hagi Belal as to money-aftfaiis. It was now 
Vor. IV. 3Q the 
