feet. The mud' rushed in torrents down the
countless watercourses, which were now in their:
greatest activity in hurrying away the fertile'
soil of Egypt; and the glorious Atbara was at
its maximum.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PLAGUES OF EGYPT.
T im e glided away smoothly at our camp amidst:
the storms of the rainy season. The Arabs had,
nothing to do, and suffered much from the absence
of their herds, as there was a great scarcity of
milk. The only animals that had not been sent;
to the north were a few goats; these were so
teased by the flies that they produced but a small
supply. Fever had appeared at the same time;
with the flies, and every one was suffering more
or less, especially Florian, who *was seriously ilP
I was in full practice as physician, and we congratulated
ourselves upon the healthiness of our
little isolated camp, when suddenly my wife was;
prostrated by a severe attack of gastric fever, which,
for nine days rendered her recovery almost hopeless..
At length the fever gave way to careful attendance,
and my Arab patients and Florian were also in a
fair way towards recovery. The plagues of Egypt'
were upon us; the common house-flies, were in
billions, in addition to the cattle-tormentor. Our