THE SOURCE OF THE NILE. 245 
head, and faid, “ Ah, Yagoube, you'll find it {rong enough ; 
Engedan’s fhield is known to be no toy.” Tecla Mariam 
brought fuch a fhield, and the Billetana Gueta Tecla an- 
other, both of which were moft excellent in their kind. I 
loaded the gun before them, firft with powder, then up- 
on. it flid down one half of what we call a farthing can- 
dle; and, having beat off the handles of three fhields, I put 
them clofe in contact with each other, and fet them all 
three againit a poft. 
Now, Engedan, faid I, when you pleafe fay—Fire! but 
mind you have taken leave of your good fhield for ever.” 
The word was given, and the gun fired. ‘It {truck the three 
fhields, neither in the moft difficult nor the eafieft place 
for perforation, fomething lefs than half way between the 
rim and the bofs. The candle went through the three fhields: 
with fuch violence that it dafhed itfelf to a thoufand pieces. 
againft a {tone-wall behind it. I turned to Engedan, faying 
very lowly, gravely, and without exultation or triumph, on 
the contrary with abfolute indifference, “ Did not I tell you 
your fhield was naught?” A great fhout of applaufe fol- 
lowed from about a thoufand people that were gathered 
together. The three fhields were carried to the king, who 
exclaimed in great tranfport, I did not believe it before I 
faw it, and I can fearce believe it now Ihave feenit. Where 
is Guebra Mafcal’s confidence now? But what do either 
he or we know? We know nothing.” I thought he looked. 
abafhed.. 
“AytTo Encepan, faid I, we muft have a touch at that 
table. It was faid, the piercing that was more than Guebra 
Mafcal 
