leave; each man had his little bundle prepared for
starting on a journey. Old Moosa was the spokesman,—
he said that they were all very sorry; that
they regretted exceedingly the necessity of leaving
us, but some of them were sick, and they would
only be a burden to the expedition;- that one
of them was bound upon a pilgrimage to Mecca,
and that God would punish him sho-uld he neglect
this great duty; others had not left any money
with their families in KatarifF, that would starve
in their absence. (I had given them an advance
of wages, when they engaged at KatarifF, to provide
against this difficulty.) I replied: “ My
good fellows, I am very sorry to hear all this,
especially as it comes upon me so suddenly; those
who are sick, stand upon one side" (several invalids,.
who looked remarkably healthy, stepped to
the left). “ Who wishes to go to Mecca?" Abder-
achman stepped forward (a huge specimen of a
Tokroori, who went by the nickname of “ El Jamoos,"
or the buffalo.) “ Who wishes to remit money to
his family, as I will send it and deduct it from
his wages 2? No one came forward. During the
pause, I called for pen and paper, which Mahomet
brought. I immediately commenced writing, and
placed the note within an envelop, which I addressed,
and gave to one of the camel-drivers. I
then called for my medicine-chest, and having
weighed several three-grain doses of tartar emetic,
I called the invalids, and insisted upon their taking
the medicine before they started, or they might
become seriously ill upon the road, which for three
days’ march was uninhabited. Mixed with a little
water, the doses were swallowed, and I knew that
the invalids were safe for that day, and that the
others would not start without them.
I now again addressed my would-be deserters :
1 Now, my good fellows, there shall be no misunderstanding
between us, and I will explain to you how
the case stands. You engaged yourselves to me for
the whole journey, and you received an advance of
wages to provide for your families during your
absence. You have lately filled yourselves with
meat, and you have become lazy; you have been
frightened by the footprints of the Basé ; thus you
wish to leave the country. To save yourselves from
imaginary danger, you would forsake my wife and
myself, and leave us to a fate which you yourselves
would avoid. This is your gratitude for
kindness ; this is the return for my confidence, when
without hesitation I advanced you money. Go !
Beturn to KatarifF to your families ! I know that
all the excuses you have made are false. Those who
declare themselves to be sick, Inshallah (please
God) shall be sick. You will all be welcomed
upon your arrival at .KatarifF. In the letter I have
written to the Governor, inclosing your names, I have
requested him to give each man upon his appearance
five hundred lashes with the coorhatch, for
desertion ; and to imprison him until my return."