302 
ROBBERS OF AHEER. 
of the Germans hearing the squalling thought it was 
Sai'd " beating his wife " — a thing common in these 
countries. Dr. Barth heard all sorts of noises, but 
imagined they were all from the celebration of the 
wedding. It is always well to examine suspicious 
circumstances. A strange camel had been seen 
straying at sunset near our tent, which excited the 
suspicions of myself and Dr. Barth. If we had 
obeyed our presentiments, we might have discovered 
the intended attack, or, at least, have made some 
preparations. 
A few robbers have often visited us before this. 
When I had an interview with En-Koor I asked 
for a couple of guards, but he refused them, on the 
plea that they were unnecessary. Although he knew 
w^ell the country is now full of thieves, and told us 
so, he never expected this audacious attack of 
thirteen maharees ! Soudan abounds with thieves, 
and we must now always keep watch. May we, 
however, in our further progress, have nothing 
more to fear than petty larceny ; and we shall have 
reason indeed to be thankful ! 
