2G4 AFUICAN WANDEKINGS.

In long Avinding line -vve rode in single liles up the sanuy banks after our leailcr, and reached, Avithout any mischance in crossing the some 4000 feet wide Gohr, the still most swampy Chaaba, where I all the more feared our baggage animals would never get through, from the difficulty I found in inaking my own way on my dromedary. The Schaigics rode right and left through the bushes, and so closely crouched down on their animals imder the branches, that often neither man nor horse was to be seen. The escort (Schaigies not included) of our caravan was only some sixty men strong, and part of these were camel-drivers and servants armed only with lances. Nor were we without female, and most assuredly unveiled, society; many pretty young slave-girls, from the mountains of Basa, were with us, Avlio understood not a Avord of Ai-abic. They belonged partly to Soliman Kaschef and his Askari, partly to Ladjam and other lovers, who did not seem to hold the camp as the safest abode for their loves, as many slaves, both male and female, had already escaped from it. These poor creatures were much to be pitied and much moved my compassion, especially Avhen I beheld how longingly they looked towards the hills, as if they would fix in their minds the direction, in case any chance of escape offered. Ko sooner had their conductors observed these glances, though some of these were themselves slaves of the negro race, than Avith the utmost brutality they lashed the poor girls, crouching on tlie camels, over the loins and naked back Avith the kurbash till the Aveals rose on them. But to behold this, and dash on the scoundrels Avith long Avhip and lay stoutly about me, and to bestOAV on one slave of our friend Mohammed Ladjam's (avIio offered to resist me, and Avas about to use his Aveapon, calling me a Kaffre), a horizontal cut Avith the lash that circled his neck and dashed him to the ground, Avhere my servants instantly disarmed him, Avas the Avork of a fcAV instants. Soliman Kaschef and his people had ridden on far in advance Avitliout knoAving anything of these doings, and I had notliing therefore for it, but to remain in tlie neiglibourhood of the slave-Avomen and my baggage, and putting new caps on my rifle and pistols, threaten to instantly shoot down any one Avho did not conduct himself as he ought, or aaIio should dare, us my servants feared they Avould, attempt to injure my baggage