In all such emergencies I have found no one like Amankee; he is
a complete bloodhound, and can scent his way through all the desert, and
follow the steps of the most agile and quick-witted fugitive. I knew
Amankee would pick up some of the tea and bring news of the robbers. He
returned, and fulfilled my expectations: he picked up about six ounces
of tea scattered on the road, and brought the news that the robbers were
from Tidek and Taghajeet. They had come some days' journey to plunder
us. I learned, also, that the rascals, just before they attacked us, had
been feasting at a wedding in Tintalous.
I grieved very much for the loss of my tea, and employed six or seven
hours in picking the stones out of what Amankee recovered. I had greatly
coveted this luxury, and set my heart upon it; and now my idol was
ruthlessly torn from me by a band of robbers! Amankee, knowing my
feelings, had offered a reward for the rest, telling the people he saw
on the road that the tea could only be drank by Christians, and was
poison for Muslims! This fib drew from the astonished Kailouees a woful
ejaculation--"Allah! Allah!" Many funny scenes were enacted during the
few minutes of the attack of the robbers. The other negress, a wife of
another of the servants, was quite dumb; but Said's wife crept around
the tent like a dog, on her hands and feet, giving the alarm, but
fearing to rise up lest she should be felled down by the robbers.
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