This is my only plan, for I have told
them a hundred times not to allow strangers to come and molest my
privacy.
_30th._--The noisy drums have ceased, and most of the Targhee visitors
have departed. The people, however, still bring news of razzias,
Kailouees with Kailouees. A messenger has returned with his report about
the boat; it is quite safe and in good hands, at Seloufeeat.
A caravan arrived yesterday from Ghat, and reports that Wataitee had
returned to that place and brought reassuring news respecting us. Behind
is coming another caravan, in which is some Moor from Tripoli. Probably
this person will bring news or letters. From the report of Ibrahim, the
Germans' servant, it would seem that the people of Tintalous believe
that Christians eat human beings; and further, from what I hear, this
strange prejudice possesses the minds of the lower classes in many
countries of Soudan. Such are the opinions of the semi-barbarians of
Africa respecting us and our boasted civilisation! There is much to be
done yet in the world before mankind know one another, and acknowledge
one another as brethren.
En-Noor sent word this morning that he and his friends, the Sultans of
Asoudee and Aghadez, had combined a razzia against the people of Tidek
and Taghajeet, who had plundered us on the road; and that fifty maharees
had gone to execute their purposes. This is the expedition which has
been long talked of: we shall see its results.
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