DIALOGUE WITH A GHATEE. 
9 
evening to see the wells which supply Tintalous with 
water. They are nothing more than holes scooped 
out of the sand in the bed of the wady, and supplied 
by ma-el-matr, " rain-water," which collects only a 
few feet under the sand, and passes through no 
minerals. 
I afterwards proceeded to the encampment of 
the slave caravan, which is going in a few days to 
Ghat. A native of that place — the chief, indeed — 
was exceedingly rude at our first rencounter, and the 
following dialogue took place : — 
The Ghdtee. Where are you going ? 
Myself. I am going to Sakkatou. 
The Ghdtee. What for? 
Myself. To see the Sultan, who is my friend. 
The Ghdtee. How do you know him ? 
Myself. The English have known him for years 
past. 
The Ghdtee. Ah ! 
Myself. Yes. 
The Ghdtee. Have you any dollars — large dol- 
lars? (making a large circle with his thumb aud 
forefinger.) 
Myself. No : I don't carry money to Soudan, 
which is of no use to me. There I shall have wada. 
Ghdtee. Eh ! Eh ! But cannot you give me a 
turban ? 
Myself. No. I am not a merchant, I don't bring 
such things ; go to the Arab merchants and buy. 
Ghdtee. Urn! Urn! 
