HAMRAM SWORD-HUNTERS. 
367 
and most probably Suleiman also, as the three were 
caught in a cul-de-sac , in a passage that had no out¬ 
let, and were at the animal’s mercy. 
“ Abou Do seldom failed; it was a difficult feat 
to strike correctly in the narrow jungle passage, 
with the elephant in full speed, but the blow was 
fairly given, and the back sinew was divided. Not 
content with the success of the cut, he immediately 
repeated the stroke upon the other leg, as he feared 
that the elephant, although disabled from rapid 
motion, might turn and trample Ioli. The extraor¬ 
dinary dexterity and courage required to effect this 
feat can hardly be appreciated by those who have 
never hunted a wild elephant; but the extreme agility, 
pluck, and audacity of these Hamran sword-hunters 
surpass all feats that I have ever witnessed.” 
In concluding these few particulars respecting the 
Aggajeers, I would remark that Sir Samuel Baker, 
in his first interview with these men, and prior to 
seeing for himself their brave deeds in the field, 
pays the following just and honorable tribute to 
their merits. 
u As I listened to these fine fellows, who in a 
modest and unassuming manner recounted their 
adventures as a matter of course, I felt exceedingly 
small. My whole life, from early manhood, had 
been passed in wild sports, and I had imagined that 
I understood as much as most people on the sub¬ 
ject; but here were men who, without the aid of 
the best rifles and deadly projectiles, went straight 
at their game, and faced the lion in his den with 
shield and sabre. There is a freemasonry among 
