222 
Friday, V2th June. 
There was in our caravan a Marabout Saint, who 
carried a yellow and red flag, similar to the Spanish flag, 
and quite in tatters. He passed the whole night in*in- 
voking with great cries, the name of God, and of the 
Prophet, in saying prayers, and running from one side 
of the camp to the other, so that it was impossible to 
close our eyes. 
We set out at half past four in the morning, directing 
our course towards the N. W. J W. and arrived at 
Kalaat Ageroud, about seven. This place is an unin- 
habited alcassaba or square fortress, with towers at the 
four corners, and in the middle of each side. Near ft is 
situated a hermitage, also deserted. From hence, we 
proceeded along the road which inclines more to the 
west, and in an hour afterwards entered into a defile, 
which is considered the most dangerous part of the 
desert. It was here that the former caravan had been 
attacked, and that 1 had seen a band of Bedouins upon 
my first journey to Suez. 
On passing into this defile, I placed myself at the 
head of the caravan with my personal guard, which con- 
sisted of ten Turkish soldiers, who were supported by 
fifty more of the same nation, and some armed Arabs. 
Some other soldiers, acting as sharp-shooters, protect- 
ed the flanks of the caravan, which occupied a line o f 
more than 500 toises; two Turkish agas with the re- 
mainder of the troops covered the rear. 
I passed with the greater part of the caravan without 
any obstacle, but before the remainder had quitted the 
defile, I heard a cry behind me of, Robbers! Robbers! 
I proceeded sword in hand with my troop towards the 
rear guard, from whence the cry issued, I perceived 
