chap. iv.J ATTEMPT AT RECONCILIATION. 171 
projecting cliin; rather high cheek-bones and promi¬ 
nent brow, overhanging a pair of immense black eyes 
full of expression of all evil. As he approached he 
took no notice of ns, but studiously looked straight 
before him with the most determined insolence. 
The fate of the expedition was, at this critical 
moment, retrieved by Mrs. Baker. She implored me 
to call him, to insist upon a personal explanation, and 
to offer him some present in the event of establishing 
amicable relations. I could not condescend to address 
the sullen scoundrel. He was in the act of passing 
us, and success depended upon that instant. Mrs. 
Baker herself called him. For the moment he made 
no reply; but, upon my repeating the call in a loud 
key, he turned his donkey towards us and dismounted. 
I ordered him to sit down, as his men were ahead and 
we were alone. 
The following dialogue passed between us after the 
usual Arab mode of greeting. I said, “ Ibrahim, why 
should we be enemies in the midst of this hostile 
country ? We believe in the same God, why should 
we quarrel in this land of heathens, who believe in no 
God ? ' You have your work to perform ; I have mine. 
You want ivory; I am a simple traveller ; why should 
we clash ? If I were offered the whole ivory of the 
country I would not accept a single tusk, nor interfere 
