A BIG POOL. 235 pool, nearly covered with reeds and a sort of duckweed, where we found our three Hussars watering their horses ; they had come round the other way on, for just here the gorge opened on to a clear space, which "gave" into the valley of Abu Haifa. Away to the north-east there was a cleft in the black hills, through which could be seen more dhoum palms, and lilac hills in the distance. It was very pretty. Close by was an extraordinary hill, shaped like a high pyramid, with a jagged natural breastwork on the top, and this did well as a landmark for the big pool. Round the pool were some shallow wells, with puddled troughs alongside in the sand ; evidently the place was well-known to the natives round about, though we did not catch sight of any. As our further progress was barred by steep hills, we came straight back to camp, and told what we had seen.

Just about this time, reports came in of robbers on the road between Gakdul and Korti, who ill-used and robbed any single messengers who were being sent through. Worst of all, a wretched native, in charge of the homeward letters, was set upon one night in