226 
RESIDENCE AT SOCCATOO AND MAGARIA. 
eastward about two miles, and halted within a short distance of the 
river, on the side of a low hill, sloping to the river by a gradual 
and easy descent. This was the place fixed on for the new town, 
which I left them to settle, and went to shoot; hut was never 
more unsuccessful. I saw several antelopes and some bustards, 
hut could not get within shot. At noon I returned to the camp. 
The reason of founding this town is, that the woods on the hanks 
of the river are the resort and hiding-place of the rebels, who 
come and plunder the herds, and set fire to the villages before 
they can have information; and in Soccatoo the rebels are hid with 
their prey in the woods. In the evening, as it was also last night, 
the cryer went round the camp, calling every one to look well 
after their horses, camels, and baggage ; to pretend to sleep, but 
not to sleep, as the place was full of robbers ; and that every one 
seen outside the camp after this notice, whether Fellata or not, 
was to be secured. I set off* three rockets at the request of the 
sultan ; for though I have shown them several times, they are still 
afraid to try them, and the wonder and alarm is still as strong in 
their favour as ever. 
At 11 P. M. a courier arrived from Magaria, bringing informa- 
tion that the rebels of Goobur had encamped a little to the east- 
ward of that place in great force. The order to march was given, 
and the camp was cleared in a few minutes. I first saw my camel 
and baggage well forward on the road to Soccatoo. Before I took 
the road for Magaria, which was across the country, the alarm was 
spread from village to village, by a cry not unlike the Indian war- 
whoop, with a clear shrill voice ; and bands of horse and foot were 
pressing forward every where at day-break. We met large parties 
of women, children, old men, bullocks, sheep, and asses, all flying 
towards Soccatoo. 
At 10 A. M. I arrived at Magaria, where all was now quiet ; 
