32 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
Hillock/’ A few of these men^ having escaped from Cairo during 
the memorable events that followed the accession of Mehemet Ali^ 
sought refuge here^ where they dwelt a considerable time ; others 
had fled to Dongola ; and eventually the remnant reached Darfour. 
We rested until two o’clock_, and marched until sunset; at nine 
o’clock were oflP again. We were told this night’s march would 
be a forced one. The water-skins had leaked considerably^ and 
there was a scarcity of it. 
We started bravely^ the solitary sheep keeping up with the head 
of the caravan. We named him Pluck/’ and made a mental 
resolve he should not be killed. The passes were numerous and 
rugged^ and there was but little light. The car eases of camels 
were thiekly scattered around. I saw for the first time the eonstel- 
lation of the Southern Cross. At midnight we came to the Chashm 
il Bab^ or the Portal of the Desert.” * Here most of the camel- 
drivers performed a wild dance that would have made the Ojibways 
envious ; they then formed a barrier and asked for money. It is 
always the eustom; for at this place a guide and several men^ on 
their journey to Korosko^ died for want of water. These Arabs 
tell you that if it is your wish to return you must pay double. 
Willingly this fee was given^ and they went on their way rejoicing. 
We then entered “ the open/’ as it is called ; and_, oh ! the weary 
march we had ! rough places,, sandy places^ through an intermin- 
able valley without water/’ — then another that certainly deserved 
the same name, but had it not. At last the davm approached, and 
we threw ourselves on the ground for an hour. 
On Tuesday, the 10/4, the sun was just up when we were in the 
saddle, but this time on horseback. We rode until noon, and then 
sought repose in the caves of Rouakib. Sleep came to us directly. 
