Yusuf added, also, that En-Noor was dissatisfied with his present; that
the Sultan had remarked to him,--"It was a present for servants, and he
had given it all away to the people." Moreover, that yesterday came
several persons, marabouts, from Tintaghoda, who mentioned their
displeasure to En-Noor because they had not yet received anything.
I was just rejoicing at the finding of three lost camels; but it seems
we are not to have a moment of repose or enjoyment in Aheer. It may be,
hereafter, "sweet to remember these things," but it is now a sad trial
of patience to bear them. I abused En-Noor and our servants in turn. As
to the forty metagals, there was not a question ventured about that; but
the present of En-Noor was the largest we had ever made, and it would
have been better to have brought with us letters of recommendation for
robbers than such people. All this comes after it had been noised abroad
through the whole village that En-Noor was greatly rejoiced at the
present, and all the people were happy and content. Such, however, is
the dependence to be placed on reports in the African kingdom of Aheer!
However, I am determined to give way to no more vain fears, but to
preserve as much as possible of the property of Government. I am sorry
to say that I receive no assistance in my efforts to save the money with
which I have been entrusted.
I am now writing to Mr.
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