72 DEPARTURE FROM HAIKOTA, the sheiks generally prefer to live among their people, in the same kind of huts as they do, so that, in case of an attack by a bordering tribe, the chief's dwelling may not be conspicuous among those of his own people.

As we were leaving, he pressed us to take a fifth horseman, whom he wished to make head over the others, his pay to be five dollars a month in excess of theirs. After some hesitation we concluded to take him. He was the sole Arab from Haikota that had ever been with Englishmen before, having accompanied two to the Settite three years previously. He spoke Arabic in addition to his own language, an accomplishment wanting in the others. His name was Mahomet Salee. We liked him very much at first ; but later on he deceived us, and we sent him away.

During our last night at Haikota, we heard two lions roaring near the camp, which we thought augured well for the sport we anticipated having in the Base country. The neighbouring country is more picturesque than any we had seen so far. On either bank of the Gash was a thick fringe of <//?//;;-palms, backed by a range of mountains, greener than any we had yet come across ; while in the river's bed crowds of Arabs, men, women, and children, and immense herds of cattle, sheep, and goats, lent animation to the scene.

It was half-past four before the last of our caravan was under way. We crossed the Gash, and after riding for some distance through a grove of dJlOllm-?.m%y recrossed it, thus cutting off a great bend, and pitched our tents above its bed, having gone only about six miles. There were wells sunk in the sand close to where we encamped, and Arabs watering large herds of goats. We were, luckily, quite independent of the Arabs in regard to milk, as, in addition to several sheep, we had a number of goats, all presents from the sheik. He himself started