346 



TO IvENIA 



the Bura, some eighty feet broad, where the Count was met by 

 some old men with green boughs in their hands, who assured 

 him no one meant to harm us. There was a good bridge over 

 this stream, but as the natives demanded payment for the use 

 of it, it seemed better for us to wade across to avoid any 

 occasion of strife. In spite of the number of animals with us, 

 we were all over after an hour's hard work, during which 

 numbers of natives had gathered on the other side, who were 



WE AVENGE ABEDI WADI HERI 



kept off us by elders with 

 green branches. As we 

 climbed the next height 

 and were able to get a 

 more extended view of the 

 country, we saw cause for 

 considerable anxiety, every 

 ridge and slope being covered with natives, who watched our 

 every movement. Had we merely to do with an armed peace- 

 party gathered to ensure our being allowed to pass unscathed, 

 or were these warriors, outnumbering us by fifty to one, 

 gathered from far and near to strike us down at the very gate 

 of exit from their country ? for we were now within sight of the 

 frontier. It was impossible to say ; as we moved they moved, 

 where we went they went, but all the time the elders with 



