CHAPTER XVIII.

Return to Haikota. — Mishaps with the Camels. — Success of the Magic-Lantern. — Departure for the Settite. — The Village of Sogada.— Arrival at the Settite.

Two more long clays brought us back again to Haikota, where we arrived on Feb. 25, and pitched our tents in our old quarters close to the German animal-dealer's zariba. At Toadelook, where we broke the journey, we found buffaloes in the long grass, but getting wind of us they galloped off before we could obtain a shot ; we also came across tolerably fresh elephanttracks. On our arrival at Haikota, we were delighted to find letters and newspapers, the first we had received since leaving Suez on Dec. 7. Our latest newspapers were dated London, Jan. 7. Receiving letters was an agreeable surprise, as we had ordered them to be sent to Amedeb, where there is a postoffice ; this was only an instance of the way in which every thing is done in the Soudan, exactly contrary to orders, as a rule. However, this time we were not disposed to quarrel with anybody for the mistake that had been made.

Before making a fresh start, we left five of our camels behind, as well as two of the hired ones : they were not fit to go on, being apparently quite worn out, some of them suffering from dreadful sores, the result entirely of having been carelessly laden ; while others had eaten the hikabect, and had nearly died of poison in consequence. Sheik Achmed hired three camels for us in place of these, which we thought would be enough, as we intended taking less luggage. We were told, 153