ABOO HAMED. * 
59 
on the bow of the ^ Kathleen/ whilst others were prajnng. I could 
get no explanation of this ceremony; for such it appeared to me. 
The crew then took to their oarS; pulling and singing lustily ; 
suddenly the boat touched a rock. This gave me no uneasiness — 
I had nerved myself for an occasional shock ; but when bump after 
bump was repeated; and I looked from the windows and saw the 
^ Kathleen ^ in the midst of rockS; and rushing water swerving her 
round at timeS; her timbers crashing; the dreadful grating as she 
was pulled over; the shouting of the men to Mahomet; bird-cages 
flung in all directions about the cabinS; the loud lamentations of 
the boy BinC; and even Petherick^s look of alarm; all filled me with 
terror; and I was a veritable coward; losing; they tell mC; my mind; 
for two or three days. You cannot picture the wretched quarters 
we are now in : the heat is intolerable during the day; and we are 
compelled to remain in this shed; light there is nonC; but that 
which creeps in through the low open portal ; at night we sleep in 
the square or public streets; where do all the travellers. It is a 
weird sight to open one^s eyes and see the tall camels with their 
noiseless step march past; bearing their loads and riderS; theU; a 
few paces beyond; sink on their knees and haunches to be unladen ; 
here there is always a brief halt before entering the desert; to 
examine or acquire water-skin S; and to make good deficiencies for 
the tedious journey to Korosko. How many have we seen come 
and depart; whilst wCj from the tyranny of Moosa Pasha; have been 
forced to remain so long ! Petherick has occupied himself making 
a kind of couch for mC; which is to be swung between two camels; 
one going in advance; the other behind : I feel timid about it; as 
the last camel will be always looking over me. However; it is the 
only way I can cross the desert; for I am weak as a child. 
I think I wrote to you when we were so long a time at Berber; 
