THE BALOCH AGAIN DESERT. 



Ill 



to dangers and difficulties which they themselves could not 

 endure. Prudent Orientals, I may again observe, never 

 commit themselves to the sole custody of Africans, even of 

 the " Muwallid," namely those born and bred in their 

 houses. In Persia the traveller is careful to mix the 

 black blood with that of the higher race ; formerly, 

 whenever the member of a family was found murdered, 

 the serviles were all tortured as a preliminary to inves- 

 tigation, and many stories, like the following, are re- 

 counted. The slaves had left their master in complete 

 security, and were sitting, in early night, merrily chat- 

 ting round the camp fire. Presently one began to 

 relate the list of their grievances ; another proposed to 

 end them by desertion; and a third seconded the motion, 

 opining, however, that they might as well begin by 

 murdering the patroon. No sooner said than done. 

 These children of passion and instinct, in the shortest 

 interim, act out the " dreadful thing," and as readily 

 repent when reflection returns. The Arab, therefore, 

 in African lands, seldom travels with Africans only ; he 

 prefers collecting as many companions, and bringing as 

 many hangers on as he can afford. The best escort to 

 a European capable of communicating with and com- 

 manding them, would be a small party of Arabs fresh 

 from Hazramaut and untaught in the ways and tongues 

 of Africa. They would by forming a kind of balance of 

 power, prevent that daring pilfering for which slaves are 

 infamous ; in the long run they would save money to 

 the explorer, and perhaps save his life. 



Khudabakhsh and his comrade-deserter returned 

 safely by land to Kawele ; and when derided by the other 

 men, he repeated, as might be expected, notable griefs. 

 Both had performed prodogies of valour ; they had 

 however been mastered by millions. Then they had 



