GOVERNMENT PRISONERS.

windows being without glass, but with shutters in its place, and plenty of air stirring, we found Souakim extremely hot and "muggy," and were anxious to leave it with as little delay as possible. The ''palace " is built at one end of a large courtyard, one side of which faces the sea, and forms the sea-wall. On the right-hand side a double staircase led to our apartments ; and the courtyard was entered from the street by an imposing gateway guarded by soldiers, over which a most formidable-looking lion carved in stone held sway ; his tail, which was of extraordinary proportions, stuck out straight.

I think the idea of the lion was chiefly ornamental ; though, guarding as he did the entrance to the divan, he may have been intended as a symbol of power likewise : he was certainly looked upon as an object of admiration by the inhabitants.

We encountered a very sad sight every time we either entered or left the courtyard. In one corner were huddled together some forty Bedouins, mostly men, with a few women and children. They were all from the neighbourhood of Jeddah, and were government prisoners : they had chains on their legs, and were living in a state of captivity from no fault of their own.

It apieared that a number of Bedouins had crossed over to Souakim with their camels, intending to settle in the neighbourhood, and breed camels. As, however, they quarrelled with the Arabs of the country. Col. Gordon, who was then governor of the Soudan, gave them nine thousand dollars compensation (they having originally obtained permission to settle where they were), and sent them back to their own country. On Col.

Gordon giving up the governor-generalship of the Soudan, and leaving the country, a number of them returned, determined to try again what they could do. Ali Reza Pacha, who was then governor of Souakim, thought this an opportunity not to