A TEEACHEEOUS ATTACK. 
195 
was discliarged^, then another,, and then another^ and a soldier 
ran into the tent^ saying that the negroes were surrounding us. 
Petherick^ seizing a rifle,, went to one of the stages^ and immedi- 
ately took aim,, but without result^ as the caps were damp. A second 
gun^ fresh capped,, was handed to him^ when he fired,, wounding the 
leader of a large body of negroes^ who had stealthily advanced 
close to the tents. Prom the opposite side a flight of arrows were 
sent amongst us^ injuring no one. Wod Yusuf picked up many 
and brought them to me; they were ugly weapons with several 
barbs. Firing from the difPerent outposts was continued at intervals. 
Going from my tent to the zariba close by^ where the women and 
children were^ to see if they were frightened,, I was suddenly star- 
tled,, for at the entrance stood a negro with matted hanging locks,, 
and lance and shield in hand. I did not withdraw,, but looked at 
the man,, my hand on the little revolver : a fear possessed me that 
it must be used ; but^ thank God ! this was not so. The negro 
smiled and spoke in Arabic to me^ and then I recognized one of 
our soldiers. On asking him why he thus appeared,, he said he 
could fight better without his robe. Pinga, the Neam Neam^ 
horribly excited^ now approached to say he had killed the negro 
the Consul had wounded. Pinga^s face beamed with such ferocious 
pleasure that I dreaded he might commit some excesses; so,, tel- 
ling him that it was his duty to guard me^ all the others being 
absent^ he at once proudly accepted the trust and remained with 
me. The rain continuing^ the soldiers were coming constantly for 
fresh caps and powder. Pechan^ the cook,, who had been a passive 
spectator of the affray in another direction,, was surprised and 
seized by negroes^ who taunted him^ sayings Your arms are lies.^'’ 
Freeing himself (he is a very powerful fellow) and pulling the 
trigger of his gun^ which was loaded for the chase^ one negro fell 
13—2 
