IN

DESERT

AND

WILDERNESS

WORKS

IN

OF

DESERT

WILDERNESS

AND

FIRE

WITH

THE

DELUGE.

CHILDREN

OF

SOIL

THE

VADIS"

"Quo

FOREST

SIELANKA,

vols.

MICHAEL

PAN

KNIGHTS

THE

SWORD

AND

PICTURE

OF

CROSS

THE

DOGMA

WITHOUT

WHIRLPOOLS

ON

FIELD

THE

LET

Us

FOLLOW

OF

GLORY

HIM

IN

DESERT

WILDERNESS

AND

BY

SIENKIEWICZ

HE1W./K
AUTHOR

OF

"

WITH

FIRE

SWORD,"

AND

"WHIRLPOOLS,"

TRANSLATED

FROM

MAX

A.

"

Quo VADIS,"

ETC.

THE

POLISH

DREZMAL

BOSTON

LITTLE,

BROWN,

AND

1917

COMPANY

BY

Copyright,
BY

LITTLE,

1912,

BROWN,

All

rightt

COMPANY.

AND

reterved

PG

6.

J.

PARKBILL

"

Co.,

BOSTON,

U.S.A.

PART

FIRST

"Do

little

the

children,
office

wife

to

And
her

greenish

and

fright:

Nell,

little

"Did

they

"No,

but

official

eyes

to

Stas

take

her

to

they

will

of

and

came

and

her

three

called

times

the

at

mine."

and

resembling

picture, raised

beautiful

mingled

with

asked

and

surprise

prison?"
let

not

her

will

who

arrived

has
out

step

father

your

see

friend,

his

police

overseer,

several

who

Fatma

that

"

the

to

the

yesterday

Smain,

of

Tarkowski

Stas

girl, "that

English

arrested

said

Nell,"

know,

you

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

she

does

who

loved

looked

upon

that

see

and

Sudan

the

to

go

not

an

move

Said."

Port

"Why?"
Stas, who
year-old

companion

child,

mere

"When
which

said

happens,

all

age,

eight-

her

as

Have

of

heard

ever

you

Said

Port

from

Canal

the

everything

know

will

you

along

Egypt.

his

air:

conceited
my

and

but

much,

only

not

in

but

with

old

years

very

reach

you

Suez,

to

fourteen

was

the

Mahdi?"
"

I heard

The
"

that
man

that
smiled

boy

I do

he
who

is

he

whether

handsome.

has

ugly and

naughty."

compassionately.

know

not

is

he

murdered

But
so

is
the

many

ugly.
word

The
'

claim

Sudanese

naughty/

people, could

be

about

used

only

by
"

"

AND

little girl,eight years

WILDERNESS

old, in dresses

Papa told

Do

you

not

knows

papa

because

so

would

understand?

That

is

that

way

'

They talk

would

you

himself

express

worse

Naughty

to

whole

shoal

nice

silent and

afterwards

"Nell,

know

you

time

she

Mahdi

expression for

only killsthem.

if he did

and

do

me."

with
This

the

He

declaration

"I

and

she

why

do

is

Cairo

and

to

go

an

to the

sniff with

did

not

offer to

not

which

bode

of

any
to her

as

would

not

eat me."

people.

eat

the

firsthave

Stas

own

to

inhaled
for

good

the

person.

let him

Mahdi.

the Egyptian

Her

harm

who

"

band,
hus-

Government

the Mahdi

Europeans

even

leave Port Said ?

to

Sudan, where

the libertyof all

secure

if before

Said and

he would

you,

cousin

will be fourteen.

look, "but

allow Fatma

they not

Smain, made
at

the

pleasantnes
un-

any

dash into Port Said, but

answered, "you

Fatma

"Because

you

you

dash into Port

considerablyquieted Nell

know,"
But

me.

when

worried

to murder

air through his nose,

Mahdi

cause

that."

will not

with

me.

face, he became

cannibal, so he does

wanted

to

come

you

should

is not

crocodiles.

babes."

to

want

will

replied with

that time the Mahdi

The

not

certainlypromise

"Aha!"

of

way.

I did

The
I

said

stand.
under-

not

in that

me

But, observing the little girl'sclouded

He

reaching

"

best."

otherwise

than

is

Mahdi

The

and

so

me

told you

He

He

"

oh

"

knees."

the

'

DESERT

IN

is staying,

have

fallen into

his hands."
"Then

Smain

"Wait!

is

good man?"

Your

papa

and

not

have

any

did

Nubar

Pasha

agreed

to

send

my

papa,

confidence

to

trust

him.

Smain

and

Smain

not

who

knew

in him
But

the

remained

Smain
and

oughly,
thor-

warned

Government
over

half

DESERT

IN

with

year

the Mahdi.

but

has

news

taken

having
traitor.

joined the

He

emir.

battle

in which

Mahdi

's

and
artillery
the

get his wife

and

do, wanted
arrested
"But

what

has

been

before

But

that

in

of

out

leave

that

Port

pointed
ap-

terrible
the

the Mahdists
time

they, as

is anxious
when

So

Egypt.
what

commanded

Smain

now

in advance

the

that

say

probably taught

do.

children

with

and

which

not

secretly to

her

become

fell,Smain

he

cannon,

evidently knew

has

people

turn,
re-

Smain,

Government,
's army

Hicks

not

that

cruelly,and

more

the

that

people, could

savage

who

The

only did

that the Mahdists

Khartum

Mahdi

General

handle

to

and
from

prisonersnot

from

more

money

an

how

The

come

treatingthem

are

WILDERNESS

AND

Smain

to

Fatma,
going

was

to

Government

Said, the

children."

good

and

Fatma

are

her

children

to

the

us

the

Government?"
Government

"The

prisonersand
For

the

we

time

will say

will surrender
the

the attention

of Stas

direction

Echtum

of

some

immense

and

in the

birds

by

pelicanswith
Stas

at

curved

Lake

the

Menzaleh.

the dyke, waving his outstretched

ran

slowly

napes,

began

once

suddenly exclaimed

flyingfrom

clear atmosphere could

flight.So with head upraised,he

"Look!"

interruptedbecause

Farag towards

om

"Give

"

was

attracted

was

wings.

Mahdi,

Fatma'

conversation

They flew quite low

plainly seen

the

to

to

score

ing
mov-

imitate
of paces

be

their

alori"

arms.

Nell.

are

also

actually behind

the

"Flamingoes

flying."
Stas

still in

stood

but
pelicans,

the sky, two

somewhat

only had

on

as

higher, could be

great red and

"Flamingoes!
their haunts

moment,

purple flowers,as

flamingoes! Before

suspended in

seen,

it

were.

night they

the little islands," the boy said.

rifle!"

return

to

"Oh, if I

DESERT

IN

"Why

should

"Girls

don't

and

negress

at

the

separated
of

pilot,floated.

The

lake.

gold

and

bank

Arabian

the

there

and

wild

Only

in

which

did

which

that

Nell

after

water
on

the

above

charge
sun

glitterwith

the

On
a

the sun,
sands

livingbeing. While

about, the whistles

flocks of

sunlight,yonder,

descending, became
to

mews

the

on

the region of death.

were

begin

kled
wrin-

immense,

ruddier

that

assume

towards

the wharf,

must

lilyhue

of

the

home.
often

are

In

which,

by

the

house.

near

time

the

the

Soon,

more

this Dinah

Egypt,

after

scorching, very

cold

demanded

not

few

After

eyes.

return

saw

allow

her

care,

her

be

near

the

to

the city,

great
to

They, therefore, returned

sunset.

in

in

reach, stretched

Menzaleh

if it

as

Rawlinson, would

outskirts

were

of

Nell's health

as

linson's villa,and

they

Canal,

peacock feathers.

and

trace

in winter

even

nights follow,and
father, Mr.

the

in the direction of the

could

eye

pleased their

flamingoes, which
days

as

children,walking

announced

from

seethed, boats bustled

the

which

in Polish forests has in autumn.

the heath

The

not

proportion

ruddier

and

of

scintillated in the

ducks

lowed
closelyfol-

dull, portentous, lifeless. Between

"

bank, it appeared

Arabian

the

Dinah,

embankment

latter began to

reflection

resounded, and

of steamers

Said.

approaching. The

was

was^olling

as

Port

big English steamer,

of the

far

was

life

the Canal

the

half-dead, heaven

if

glassy,as
sands

on

but

as

desert

sandy

tawny,

ther;
far-

go

together they

Menzaleh

night

the

with

us

and

of little Nell,

on

Lake

The

salty waters
throb

beyond

nurse

time

quite high

stillstood

the

of

that

at

let

But

things.

girl'shand

walked

waters

through which

the

time

one

They

them.

such

the first wharf

strolled towards
a

shoot at them?"

to

took

he

WILDERNESS

of them."

more

see

this

Saying

want

you

understand

may

we

AND

Canal, stood

Mr.

Raw-

sun

plunged into

the

engineerTarkowski,

the

sea

IN

DESERT

Stas' father,who

invited

was

together with

company,

Madame

Olivier,sat

Mr.

Rawlinson,

Company,
same

lived

company,

French

the

three

daily.

met

other

each

while

Pan

water

for little Nell.

would
Pan

would

spoke the

trifleboastful,but
the

truth.

credited

him

with

in

and
In

in

Stas

the

year

1863

he

condemned

to

made

from

Siberia,he escaped

his way

to

the insurrection he

was

Stas

the

and

ness
sweet-

and

one

and

the teachers
he

attended,

As

to

and

his

father, for Pan

an

eminent

courage

degree

his present position.

eleven

taken
from

foreign lands.

the
versations
con-

trifle conceited

them

Afterwards, wounded,

of

the

lessons,and

fought for

such

the

Rawlinson

over

And

possessed these qualitiesin

to

about

Mr.

bravery

abilities.

owed

fire and

talk

Said, which

cessation.

and

that

was

his

Port

uncommon

largemeasure

son,

own

into

During

and

he inherited them
resourcefulness,
Tarkowski

his

as

to

was

of Nell.

diligentin

English school

friendship previously

Stas

enthusiastic

angeliccountenance

the other

in

grow

still closer to

jumped

frequently happened

Tarkowski

of

future.

and

praise the ability,energy,

and

have

for them

children, their education

it

ties

in

their duties

to

them

loved

lived

finishingtheir daily work

After

agreeable recreation

into the

came

widowers

owing

drew

the

would

Stas

Both

Said, and

Rawlinson

Tarkowski

the

of

of consumption in Helwan

misfortune

Mr.

Canal

Suez

terms

upon

time

old.

strengthened

formed.

most

the

at

years

common

and

years

died

in Port

neighboring houses

the

of

directors

widowers, but Pani Tarkowski,

were

lady, died

girlwas

table.

many

world, while Nell's mother

when

teacher,

Tarkowski, senior engineer of the

for

closest intimacy. Both

by birth

the

Ladislaus

and

lady, Nell's

French

of the

one

arrived, and the whole

to dinner
a

at

WILDERNESS

AND

months

without

into captivity,and
the interior of Russia

Before

he

entered

into

qualifiedengineer;nevertheless

IN

he

devoted

secured

the

few

came
industry be-

and

energy,

of

course

important positionof senior

the

assumed

he

in the

and

knowledge,

he

hydraulics. Later

of

study
Canal

the

his expert

known,

WILDERNESS

AND

to

year

position at

when

years,

DESERT

engineer.
Stas

Port

Said

Canal; in

the

on

he

season

Rawlinson

Mr.

everybody

officials

well

as

least

expected;

and

far

times

in

of

horse, a camel,

mounting

it,"he

father

did

In fact, Stas
It

in

audacity
was

one

$ame

not

and

adventure
from

than
of the

best

Farys, the hero

name.

"

he met,

he

Arabian

would

his

In

swimmers

in Port

Mickiewicz's

ment
mo-

every

more

rowing,

that

knew

his eyes
sin

imitate

expressed

life in the fresh air

at

the

the water.

he

timidity.

of Adam

the

and

somewhere,"

stronger than

Translator's note.

on

venturing

Tarkowski

Pan

this, as

glance

ing
appear-

donkey, he would
as

He

in the absence

or

developed resourcefulness
to

Canal.

negroes.

to

over

the

custom-house

and

passed on

oppose

taller and

was

enough

was

of any

case

up

riding,and continual

his health

age.

word,

on

of the

Menzaleh,

over

his studies he

free from

horseback

work

everywhere,

crossed

even

always popping

was

His

boat

He

or

desert; in

the

on

gineers
en-

period,

long excursions

made

the firsthorse

and

Farys

himself

he

wide.

bank
a

later

channel

the

laborers, Arabs

insinuated

rowed

embankment,
at

At

engineers and

the

"

the

as

and

about

where

the

inspect the

to

dredging of

the

or

knew

bustled

Said to Suez

Port

embankment
He

of which

consequence

in

trips,whic^htheir duty required them

on

from

to make

year

attending school, he sometimes, during the

and
holidays, accompanied his father or

was

vacation

his fourteenth

the child of the desert.

called him
when

reached

born, bred, and

was

within

him.

boys

of his

most
to

ened
strength-

surmise

from

too

fourteenth

much

year,

Said, which
Oriental

that

poem

he

meant

of the

DESERT

IN
not

for the Arabs

little,

wild

cartridges,for

sometime

eagerly listened

to

the

This
learned
Suez

their

Canal;

was

the sands
fill it up

the

present
of skilled

of

the

There

Blue

At

the

various

he spoke Arabian
many

and

of

over

Central

the negroes

excavation

vision
superat

are

the

of

To-day, owing
new

machinery,
is

the

localitypredominate.

coming

from

the region which

the

occupied by

was

all

intimate

on

knowing

not

Arab.

an

whom

of the Dinka

From

worked

Africa.

and

previous to

the

ernment.
Egyptian Govand

terms

of their dialects.

many

the White

having,

guages
extraordinary aptitude for lan-

he himself

like

of

lack of Nubians, Sudanese,

as

dredges, he learned Kiswahili,

all

the

improved

natives

negroes

Poles, an

he became,

acquainted with

the

required. Nevertheless, the number

are

them

with

of De

vigilance. So, too,

labored.

men

the work

insurrection

is usual

banks, would

of laborers

Stas lived with

as

wise
other-

it,as

grand work

thousands

channel.

he
the

excavate

engineers,and

Niles, that is,from

Mahdi's

to

both

and

labor

time

same

enough

The

year.

is not, however,

Somalis, and

encountered

had

under

considerablyless
Among

working

day, powerful machines,

completion of

great.

Sudanese

also to maintain

Canal, twenty-five thousand

to

therefore

the

at

not

was

continual

dredging the

work,

hunt

to

He

land

deserts, lying on

course

Lesseps demands
at

It

necessary

of the

in the

acquired

rapacious beasts.

languages.
it

of the

its advantage, for

also had

he
was

Africa.

their native

big,thick-skinned,and

only with

geese,

dream

His

narratives

in

who

Canal,

Egyptian

in Central

the

like fishes.

caliber,and

hand.

steady

the big animals

on

and

swim

negroes

small

ducks

and

unerring eye

an

and

of

carbines

from

Shooting

WILDERNESS

AND

He

and

the

firemen

how

and

when,

Born

in

Egypt,

natives
on

the

of Zanzibar,
steam

language widely prevalent

could

even

converse

Shilluk tribes,residingon

with
the

10

DESERT

IN

Nile

below

Fashoda.

patriot,
the

language

this

language

it,

Stas, and

name

"

not

misunderstanding
small

until

"

Then

"

between

began

would

she

should

her

beg

in

taught

One

thing
his

pronounce

continued
of

eyes

and

this,

of

which

the

pardon

regarded

account

on

them,

glisten

to

know

and

Nell.

Sometimes,

Stes."
arose

tears

Stes

that

accomplish,

not

world

little

ardent

an

reality

the

lish,
Eng-

should

son

in

in

to

success,

father,

his

Stas

beautiful

most

some

could

he

forefathers.

the

as

that

fluently

spoke

his

for

Polish,

concerned

his

of

without

not

only

also

greatly

was

this, he

Besides

and

French,

WILDERNESS

AND

the

became

girl.
at

angry

himself.

had,

He

of

her

own

grave

who

is

of

and

sometime
in

and

dangers
as

to

long,
window

what
or

that

all

of

would

do
as

home.

impending

suppositions.

Nell.

of

to

as

To

dog,

both

reality

it

would

should
never

especially

if

ardently
such

invented

her

crocodile,
crawl

deeds,
various

questions
yards

ten

through

occurred
surpass

tured,
ma-

is

most

answer

boy

contrary,

for

Both

if, for instance,

big

deeds,

craved

fully

not

the

occur

his

contrast

that

is

on

heroic
He

compelled

was

would

her

kinds
blood.

defense

scorpion
of

child, but

mere

of

way

if he

ingly
slight-

speaking

contended

year,

opportunity

Stas

he
a

French

an

particularly

He

fourteenth

not

of

citing by

experience.

performing

Polish

has

and

years

his
is

least

habit

annoying

an

and

finishing

capable

that

eight
age

at

he

however,

all

for
their

the
ment
mo-

tastic
fan-

II

IN

in

meantime,

the

dinner.

during

the

skilled

engineers,
and

examine

in

Fayum,
Karun,
to

were

for

go

out

of

visited

the

cities

and

mailia

Cairo,

the

Sphinx.
to

near

went

there

to

wolves

desert

great

dependent
by

oasis
upon

Lake

for

hunt
and

lying

the

Nile

the

He
west

through

and

and

the

tion
expeditravel

westward

Medinet

knew

and

tourists
as

knew

that

bank

of

it

the

having
Yusuf

by
from

water-fowls

Bahr

Is-

Alexandria

day's

then

of

already

pyramids

great

Stas

kinds

almost

had

Canal,

engineers

various

off

and

also

particularly

whole

Desert.

younger

hyenas.

separated
should

trips, while

required

its inundations
Karun

the

short

Libyan

of

narratives

the

viewed

proaching,
ap-

children

Canal,
the

were

be

They

joy.

They

furloughs

Nell

the

the

rivers.

holidays

news

Lake

near

to

El-

of

secured

and

outside

were

along
the

and

to

connection

Province

desiring

from

el-Fayum

Nile

Stas

along

these

towards

from

skins

they

southward

El-Wasta

formed

this

which
But

Medinet

railway,

as

Hearing

while

and

Christmas
not

and

Suez,

and

the

that

lying

Medinet

month

decided

their

leaped

of

Yusuf

gentlemen,

Medinet.

to

the

as

before,

in

on

hi

city

As

children,

the

the

about

company.

both
from

canals
the

of

along

as

carried

them

Tarkowski,
weeks

few

work
of

vicinity

there

stay

their

from

the

awaited

news

and

invited

net-work

the

good

Rawlinson

been

appraise

well

as

house,

Messrs.
had

whole

the

with

the

was

Nile

well
rate,
sepa-

but

its water
and

who

not

system
a

whole

12

DESERT

IN

chain

of small

that

although

that

thin blue

The

it

by

ruins

of

hundreds

of curious

and

city

his vacation

the

Stas, however,

of Lake

with

Madame

not

tents

on

the

thither

of

swarms

Gebel

el-

outbursts
in

of

relative

hotels

the

Cook

arrangement

of

lengthy stay

by

Medinet.

at

the

to

the

received

uncomfortable

furnished

customary

joy

they began

children,

later.

Nell

Stas did not

dare

ask

to

questions
and

that

but

This

Agency.

furnishes

in

is the

Cairo

leave

tourists who

with

they would

kept by Greeks,

Tourists'

Cook

the

journey,

news

matter

arranged

was

week

but

at once,

Instead

matters

time, it

depart

the inspectio

as

urgent

an

was

delay, while

to

desire to leave

various

live

canals

without

Olivier, were
a

days later,and

lose any

not

leave

the request.

make

few

began

work

should

Stas had

new

its

hills of

desert

the

the

attracted

was

with

Karun,

on

gentlemen could

they

about

riant
luxu-

that

to

valley of the Nile.

Crocodilopolisdrew

tourists.

its wolf-hunts

of the

and

with

say

of soil,and
fertility

of

Sedment.

and

might

one

the

distinct

earthly paradise of it,while

an

shores

the

mainly by

Egypt, nevertheless,

connects,

of water,

the

extensive

this oasis said

seen

to

thread, that localitywith

vegetation made

But

had

desert, it formed

River

Yusuf

great abundance

birds

who

region belonged

from

the

Only

WILDERNESS

Those

canals.

being separated
whole.

AND

for

tents, servants,

cooks, supplies of provisions,horses, donkeys, camels, and

the

guides; so

tourist

does

This, indeed, is quite

but Messrs.
take

that

into

Tarkowski
account

above

appraise the

Rawlinson

all expenses

as

work

bother

to

expensive

an

and

Egyptian Government, which

inspect and

have

not

invited
on

the

mode

were

them,

promise

from

her

thing.
any-

of traveling;

did not
borne

have

to

by the

as

experts, to

canals.

Nell, who,

everything in the world, loved riding on

a

about

tained
camel, ob-

father that she should

have

14

IN

But
in Port

Said

whole

of

Medinet

where

not

was

too

he

Mahdi

"The

which

General

know

how

"

"About

no

idea."

as

far

M"dinet

here

from

as

to

as

whether

finallybegan

is defending himself.

Gordon

exactly
to

besiegingKhartum

is

moment

far it is from

I have

alarmed

of

said:

and

this

at

cruelties

it.

about

smiled

only

sion
discus-

knowing

not

Mahdists, and

Rawlinson

question Mr.
But

Olivier,

the

near

in the

more

the

and

situated, became

was

of

subject

insurrection

Madame

dervishes.

the

the

was

Mahdi's

the

than

it

nothing

Egypt

Now

fears.

Alexandria, Cairo, and

in

as

other

had

she

el-Fayum

well

as

WILDERNESS

AND

Medinet

to

as

DESERT

in

Madame

Does

Khartum?"

to

Sicily,"explained Pan

to

Tarkowski.

about," corroborated

"Just

the White

and

separated

are

the

and

closer

be

he, of

course,

Mahdi

and

English

of

the

the

We

Egypt

governments

were

had

the

this important
This

rifle; but
received

sometimes

he

silent.

became

however, began
The

already
half

insurgents,

and

from

news

and

fame,

it

the

talk
most

tum
Khar-

had

been

the

Egyptian

besieging
The

and
relief

generally feared

bravery,

city would
was

was

to

the

was

acting slowly.

barely started

barbarians.

the

insurrection, for this

and

if Medinet

his short

with

bragging

wild hordes

notwithstanding

of Gordon

of

even

by

his father, he

month

for

expedition
that

there

of the party,

The

that

add

affectingEgypt.

matter

bad.

city

river.

one

expanse

regions overrun
be

from

members

was

form

immense

the

to

for similar

older

important
the

the

to

sharp reproof

of the

by

and

meet

wanted

would

recallingthat
The

it

from

he

should

Niles

of Nubia."

whole

Afterwards

Blue

lies where

"Khartum

Stas.

and

fall into

opinion

of

the

Pan

ability
hands
Tar-

who

kowski,
that

the

retake

that

suspected
should

Mahdi

it later

with

Mr.

in her

it from

Egypt

and

He

English possession.

did

Ravvlinson

soul desired

England

wrest

him

from

15

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

this

make

he

did

this

share
want

not

to

region

vast

not, however,
as

in order

an

picion
sus-

offend

to

his patrioticfeelings.
the

Towards
the

of

the

Sudan

the

natives

herself

"The

and

there

of

residents.

and

to

and

which

there

These

each

the

of

and

children.

away

In

will

formed

They
all the

made

the

But

blood

seized

armed

worst
a

chiefs

thousands

addition

of

the

of

of incessant

state

and

other

took

by independent

horses,
petrated
per-

the

were

separate

of the

class,

tribes

and

expeditions into

interior of Africa, appropriating everywhere

carried

and

all,slaves; besides, they

belonged nearly
They

lands

some

in

and

Only here

inhabited

lived

tribes

hunters.

the richer traders.

to

of

during

not

were

States.

spite

atrocities.

slave

and

as

dofan,
Kor-

In

is,by people having the

attacked

They

in

mainly

were

numerous

to

Sudan

force

by

camels, cattle,and, above

ivory

her

hundreds

people.

of

in the

tribes, that

races.

warfare.

extended

which

it to

millions

independent

them

They

Arab-negro

plained
ex-

deprive anybody

not

restored

petty ruler laid claim

possession

of both

did

said, "but

any

years

some

Rawlinson

reality ruled

in

and

deprived

and

ment
Egyptian Govern-

the

by

Government

perhaps

in Darfur

past

Darfur, and

desired.

of his liberty,"he

the

country

Mr.

request of England

Egypt

over

Egyptian

thousands

all the

Nyanza

liberty.
done

was

the

at

protectorate

Egypt

their

of

whatever

done

was

Albert

Lake

as

there

that

far

ask why

particularlyKordofan,

Nubia,

as

to

began

Stas
annexed

had

Government

Egyptian

lying south

of the dinner

close

people:

the

ivory tusks,

men,

women,

they destroyed villagesand

16

IN

DESERT

AND

shed
fields,

settlements, devastated

slaughtered without
the

portion of

the

Africa

incursions

became

which,

as

land

trade and
unfortunate

the

and

that

terrible

hordes

has

war

been
with

met

to

the north

He

he

answered

is

never

in restraint.

wild

known

to

Egypt,
the

"If, however,

has

who
as

and

arms;

thus

Mahdi

The

battle.

in every

his
are

frontiers of Nubia."
asked

Egypt?"

whole

the

conception
troops

Stas.

Mahdi

"The

England would

Egyptian

so

far the

and

no

of Mahomet

siege to Khartum

as

as

proclaimed

Sudan;

the

the

to-day

faith

will conquer

he

please

success.

Rawlinson.

Mr.

man

will take

far

tions
depreda-

the

as

The

tolerable

not

Darfur, and
a

the

in which

poor

far

as
as

indeed, that
but

man

such

laying

are

they advance

"No,"

one

kindled

the only

was

and

true

like

should

their abominable

did

the

the

over

live under

to

them

pretext that

present

advancing
"Can

This

Ahmed,
among

England

all

freely;

affairs

of

state

occupied Kordofan,
at

Now

the forces of the Government

has defeated
has

so

Government

more

Mohammed

the

Egyptians have
He

Central

them

the people began

perishing, all rushed

was

to hold

way

appeared

on

war

that

the Sudan.

breathed

when

so

Mahdi/

holy

only

such

But

'the

bands

slave-dealers

Darfur, and

negroes

ceased

traders,

the Arabian

blood.

Egyptian

the

as

populate
they de-

lake

compel these pillagersto abandon

to

laws.

the

well

as

the

as

farther

and

pursues

that

Kordofan,

method

far

and

of tears

know,

you

world, consented
annex

Kordofan,

as

farther

In the southern

resisted.

Nile

Upper

of blood, and

streams

localities entirely. But

some

their

pity all who

Sudan, Darfur, and

region beyond
made

WILDERNESS

not
are

of

nounces,
an-

world,

anything.
"

permit it.
completely

routed?"
"

has

Then
ever

would

appear

overcome."

the

English armies

which

no

one

IN

"And

did

why

much

so

DESERT

England

17

WILDERNESS

the

permit

Mahdi

to

occupy

territory?"

"How

do

know

you

Rawlinson.

Mr.

AND

that

has

she
is

"England

permitted it?" replied

in

never

hurry because

she is eternal."
conversation

Further
who

servant,
and

for

Women

in

household
the

the

as

but

the

ones

wives

these

Sudan,

East

which

such

at

had

arrived

region

faces.

had

late hour

and

at

custom

Mr.

to

her

do;

in the

Though

come

fields,

peasants,

this

came,

Only

in the

Egyptian

Fatma
she

though

harems.

work

or

previously, nevertheless,

office

market

veil their

times

observed, and

not

the

the

leave

fellahs, the

the

such

from

negro

exclusively with

occupied

are

seldom

to

go

of

at

Smain

audience.

an

affairs and

poorer

Fatma

that

announced

begged

interrupted by

was

was

son'
Rawlin-

arrival, particularly

private house, evoked

surprise.
"We
Pan

shall

signalto

Sudanese

thy home,
"What

do

"Mercy,

Rawlinson

thy

Smain,"

said

help,

and

my

at

same

in.
a

tall,young

entirely unveiled,

beautiful

eyes

the

at

wild, and

but

prostratedherself,

once

her

to

rise,she raised

her knees.

on

Allah

bless

thee, thy posterity,

flocks!"

asked

want?"

you

imprisoned

entered

ordered

said, "May

and

there

Entering, she

remained
she

Fatma

countenance

dark, and

very

usher

to

while

with

Mr.

when

"Sidi,"

me

about

new

Rawlinson, giving

servant

after

trifle ominous.

herself but

am

the

woman

complexion
and

Mr.

answered

Accordingly,

something

Tarkowski.

"Yes,"
time

learn

and

in Port

children."

succor

Said

in

and

the

engineer.

misfortune, oh, sir!

destruction

hangs

over

18

IN
"

You

that

say

"

I have

watch

"

like

Speak

rational

shrugging

his shoulders.

but

in

where
be

may

head

the heads
she

But

for her

to

the

"Englishmen
do

is

yesterday
before

and

they informed

and

is callingfor

Mr.

she

to

will fall from

your

for her

yet

permission

procure

is

the

at

Sudan,

El-Fasher
"

bless them

to

me

Suakin,

from

lying sick

children

that

visited

ivory in

and

gums

the

and

me

There

arrived

who

Smain

thinks

Cairo

in

is false.

that

that

me

sir," she said, "can

are,

you

merchants,

began

"

interrupted

fabrication, Fatma,"

would

undoubtedly
if he

and

to

should

leave, for her

her

longing

for

woman,

offended

it her

fault
the

Fatma

or

not

as

will

husband.

of the
dare

be

held

him

to

leap
In

she

of

had

what
or

captives;

the

bosom

accountable

presence

would
her
from

Khedive?

the

of

she, ill-fated

because

dervish, Mohammed
in the

leader

only allow

of her

the

well, he

easilyand

them

out

spoke

got

Christian

relative

Let

the Government
she

the

access

wished.

heart

could

relative
did

obtain

she

whatever

all

die, she,

that

if Smain

that

said
ransom

the dervishes, could

secure

by Allah

swear

afterwards

truth, and

was

trial.

Rawlinson.

But

to

Sudan,

without

intercede

to

Government

is your

this

as

they bought

and

"All

hair

Rawlin-

in the

not

are

Government,

The

Arabian
that

not

Mr.

children."

traitor, but

You

is executed

that

great

as

everything.

Smain

to

Smain.

to

go

order

an

answered

him
implore^

to

with

"

one

of your

began

more

once

no

certain

So you
or

they have

woman,"

son,

Egypt

day and night

soon!"

heads

our

that."

at

that

could

yet you

police who

the

by

I know

house, and

my

off

cut

night-time

escorted

been

and

imprisoned,

are

you

in the

here, and

come

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

of the

Was
she

Ahmed?

"English

IN

people"

call her

to

the Redeemer
Government
But

relative

"the

world.

She

of the

regarded

him

as

witness

to

weep

her

and

in the

innocence

the

at

East

do

and

that

rebel

and

after

the

on

and

waited

again, began

Fatma,

the

her

her

beg

to

Omayya,

aroused

as

women

Afterwards

ground,
floor

rather

or

covered,

was

hand, and

he

thee, bird

of

without

wanted

that

out,

if to

which

himself
the

were

kissing it again

soul

So

the

joys

towards

was

he

after

I would

the

and

in the

all could

that

Government,

the carpet:

entreaties

and

wished.
so

from

paradise, with

Fatma's

for her

but

English, exclaimed

face

in his

by

Nell

upright

an

blemish!"

Stas

moved

was

little

please,papa!"

bless

implacable

felt

and, having

her

star

dinner

for Fatma.
Do

Besides, Nell interceded

the

inlaid

removing

oh,

However

"If

invoking heaven

sons.

or

on

not

sobs,

Allah

as

imposter.

an

mournfully

evidently understanding

Mahdists,

the Egyptian

plight, she began

close of the

father's

help her!

papa

"May

the

thoroughly

little heart, seized

amidst

which

towards

sleepy,became

"Let

face

meant

in silence.

Nell, who

and

wail

losing husbands

with

carpet

and

that

as

knew

unhappy

time

same

she again flung herself with

of

Mahdi,"

continuallystrikingher forehead

to

19

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

end

grief.
always

while

he

hear

him:

allow

spoke

Fatma

to

go."
"But
said

as

does

Mr.
was

which

are

the

not

him, "you would

to

which

you

not

also

sensible of Fatma's
she made

Having

almost

Ismailia,he

struck

daily

well

knew

better

not

to

Pan

Tarkowski

interfere in that

you."

concern

Rawlinson

do

Government,"

had

situation, but
him

as

certain

and

statements

being downright falsehoods.

relations
that

soul

compassionate

with
no

new

the

custom-house

cargoes

of

gums

at
or

20

DESERT

IN

ivory
The

being transported lately through

were

trade

Arabian

in

those

of

El-Fasher

as

which

whom

it

Smain's
Nell's

as

little eyes

appealingly, he,
a

while

said
I

"Fatma,

here, I leave

see

shall

stop

and

give

for you

secure

Fatma

her

papa

little

girl,

your

request

to

And

el-Fay urn;

the canals

the

to

Yusuf

During
and

case

do

we

way

Bahr

from

your

can

you

desires

same.

present

But

the

on

Khedive

leading

to

his favor.

the

to

as

listen.

now

(engineer) whom

Cairo, for

care

at

nothing

the

try

more,

promise more."

shall I

nor

in

I shall take

conference

mehendis

commission

us

in

kept

the statement

the

result.

for Medinet

about

us

sadden

to

without

this

day

one

with

confer

to

but

with

and

still looking at

written

have

already

To-morrow,

territories,and

falsehood.

were

city

Fatma"

to

Government,

the

was

desiring

not

their

the

Mahdists,

certainty that

sickness

entirely.

the

as

despoiled

were

Canal.

from

return

from

the

almost

Sudan,

almost

was

not

the

all traders

And

about
But

in

they captured

captivity.

ceased

could

lay

rule, barred

after

had

wares

traders, moreover,

those

WILDERNESS

AND

and, extending both

rose

in

hands

sign of gratitude,

exclaimed:
"And
"

neither

for

you

will consent
Smain
from
the
"

safe."

am

No, Fatma,"

safety

of

so

is not

I
nor

to

answered

already told

your

sick but

departure

captives from

does

Fatma,
Government,

not

Mohammed

"but
swear

if

even

before

not

speak

threatens
Khedive

the

guarantee,

not

having taken

all think

at

of

for

money

ransoming

Ahmed."

sir, and

is innocent,

Smain

I do

is a traitor,who,

the Government,

that

But

do

death

that

you

children.

your

"

Rawlinson,

Mr.

he

lies in

broke

you,

my

El-Fasher,"

his faith with

iterated
re-

the

benefactor, that

22

DESERT

IN

to

leave

so

the

Suakin

for

Among

them

and

Turks

Egyptians

the

among

join him.

local

We

the religionsuffers

escaped

that

put

Suakin.

to

route

sea

also wanted

under

surveillance.

call

with

war

who
them

knows

them,

would

willingly

all the

fanatics,

Government

influence

the

considerable

it ill of the

the

the

among

how

that
that

claim

and

already

many

having learned

Government,

to

run

For

Mahdi

the

of

Mahdists

two

desert, avoiding the customary

So

Fatma

relatives

as

the

across

There

many

God

it.

by

Dongolese

]*asha,and

English

gain.

those

found

Mahdi,

for

and

on

be

Many

comes.

Chadigi

among

hold

the

to

the Mahdi

can

Arabi

yielded entirely to

have

belong

carrying

number
of

come

The

Arabs

They

classes.

poorer

here

they

Fatma,

of the

must

partisans

all the

for

which

are

of adherents

number

alone.

Medinet.

in

drivers

special permit;

affect Fatma

who

instance, besides

for

camel

it

Egypt
from

one

without

not

some

are

tribe; that is the

but

in

found

are

are,

Nubia

or

prohibitiondoes

of them

WILDERNESS

AND

ordered

away,

her

and

himself,

be

to

children

her

only,

exchange

an

can

her

of

the captives be effected."

"

the lower

Do

Mahdi

"The

perhaps

for that

that

Why,

can

is

Egypt reallyfavor the Mahdi?

followers

has

how

"But

classes in

in

even

the

army,

which

fightsso poorly."

reason

the

Sudanese

thousand

fly

the

across

desert?

miles."

"Nevertheless, by that

route

slaves

were

brought

into

Egypt."
"

I should

such

of the
"

is
to

sea

In any

With

judge that Fatma's

children

could

not

endure

journey."

"That

why

she wants

to

shorten

it and

Suakin."

case,

this the

she is

"

poor

conversation

woman."
concluded.

ride

by

way

hours

Twelve

later

Chadigi,

overseer

and

"

grim

the
The

to

devout

know

your
was

you

then

permit,

the

not

come

great

from

Mahdi."

the

Idris

is

the

the

brows

Go

money.

this

good,
no

other

Remember

me.

of

son

knitted

Dongolese

even

which

writing,

if

but

him.

to

wrote

request,

my
are

there

betray

is

to

at

fully
care-

eyes:

here

mehendes

the

with

him

beautiful

give

the

with

house
to

Bellali,

of

too

her

and

dervish

will

her

Chadigi,

Medinet

father

born

of
of

son

children

obtain

in

having

woman,"

poor

whispered

glance

Chamis,

to-day

"the

herself

closeted

23

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

do

not

alternative.
that

tribe

you

in

and

which

Ill

BOTH

left

engineers

they

hold

and
that

visit

to

were

would

appeared

require

following

message:

leave

moment

her."

Olivier

who

Dinah,

began

The
of

of

the

deranged

their
On

journey.
and

began
Madame

the

Olivier

These

in

of

the

neck

at

the

rest.

As

face,
A

fear

the

The

linen

she

had

was

she

suffered

summoned

at

once,

the

her

stung

garden.

ceptionally
ex-

the

onto

Olivier
head

in

against

might
he

very

become

erysipelas

sickness
but

their

usually

Madame

leaned

which

vacation

crawled

stung

the

in

might

had

hearts

scorpion

not

are

lately from
that

the

winter
a

sting

negress

prevent

nap

Egypt

and

the

journey.

to

Stas'

afternoon

Madame

occurred

likely

scorpion

when

entertained

accident

the

chair

the

departure

in
case

moment

was

physician

their
her

this

baleful.
head-rest

of

eve

of

Fatma

anything
by

gladdened

which

creatures

but

received

to

are

Inform

also

an

the

You

assistance

ceived
re-

Medinet,

at

for

he

night

accomplish

seemed
on

during

venomous

dangerous,

the

suddenly

day

the

on

was

and

calculation

not

preparations

plans

his

begins.

preparations

these

calculated

ready.

are

where

Stas

at

already

could

with

But

day

was

message

make

children.

third

tents

we

once,
to

and

vacation

that

at

sight

who

Cairo

plenipotentiary

days,

the

"The

similar

minister

two

your

for

night

tjie viceroy.

on

father,

Chadigi

through
for

for

his

the

British
with

accurate,
from

following

the

audience

an

this

the

arrived

in

the

recur.

two

DESERT

IN

hours
and

later

he

as

the

even

had

face

appeared,

with

physician

announced

could

In

holidays

home.

in the

that

She

under

accident

with

the

it seemed

compelled

In

justiceto

to

teacher

for

than

in

of

Rawlinson

physician; having

Port
have

Said, he,

permission

notwithstanding
able

to

take

hotels, the

of

how

from

her

Medinet

head,

as

started
From

they

that
Ismailia

were

to

very

and

and
It

for

railways

with
not

road

Dinah,

and

in

not

the
this

chivalrous
would

Cairo

and

fall
to

dangers.
by

the

of the

way

travel by rail
On

as

the

understood

hair
to

sent

during

what
a

should

completed, the children

day for Ismailia

the night.

she

from

Nell, was

easily be

that

been

But

paymaster

can

with

departure

Dinah.

difficulties or

to

came

recurrence

afterwards

if in realitythe

were

warded
first for-

immediate

fear of the

the

on

little Nell

they
pass

of this role and

All preparations having

accept

reply

that

attachment

guide

presented any

The

him

of

letter with

precaution that

travel with

Stas.

upon

not

He

mailed

do.

more

thought

Stas did

Olivier'

of herself

duties

proud he was
spirithe assured

only

Madame

her extreme

care

trip devolved

that

nursing,

to

the

at

from

all,took

and

care

proper

children

above

stated

first communicated

learned

and

erysipelasprevented

be

lost pleasures

resignation.

same

two

removed

that

Christmas

must

of the

a^fewweeks.

in

was

it

corners

an

danger

the

pass

Nell

dispatch and afterwards

to
inquiry as to what they were

the

the patient

particularlyshe thought

the

Mr.

ordered

there

highly probable

days.

The

poisoning.

circumstances

and

journey

only wept

seeing her father

of

symptoms

first moments

in Medinet.

the

fever

be

of the sufferingsof her

not

already swollen, after which

that

would

at

neck

of this

view

children

the

The

usual

talk of

be any

not

bed.

to

the

elsewhere.

engagements

were

25

WILDERNESS

AND

to

Canal.

Cairo, where

followingday they

26

DESERT

IN

ride

to

were

Lake

Timsah
an

duties

had

birds.

to

Medinet.

which

Stas

ardent

being

AND

taken

Stas

the

the

fresh-water

Ismailia

and

Suez.

Suez

Canal,

already knew,

that

so

the

fit for

water

had

before

it coursed
The

could

children

windows

the

of

meadows

of

sheep, and
bank

the

shape

usual

of

form

barrels,on

fellahs

of

On

to

be

In

the

and

the

side

water.

from

verdure

with

the

composed

buckets

times

water,

whole

fellahs

conveyed
of

quails

gravely

cranes

hovels

towered, like plumes of feathers, the

in

the sprouting
covey

mud

the

in

in the

or

which

or

Over

On

of wells

attached,

banks, storks and

distance, above

fodder.

all kinds

seen

buffaloes.

at

maize, millet,

for

garden-beds

by

canal

the

of fresh

used

plants

with

drawn

wagons

up.

stalked.

of

of well-sweeps, drawing

grain pigeons soared,

sprang

belt

through

pastured horses, camels, and

could

large wheels

laboriously carried

when

left

fields,diversified

canal

of the

wide

varieties

other

its excavation

anew

the

on

were

of tilled

alfalfa,and
the

which

on

Les-

result, for this region, which

observe
a

the

De

on

to

deprived entirely

stream
life-bringing

coach

Nile

before

dug

But

purposes.

fortunate

strong and

be

not

sterile desert, oloomed

was

would

aquatic

the

working

his

Tumilat

Wadi

been

workingmen

drinking

another

yet

had

from

for

from

leading

canal

hunt

to

saw

Tarkowski,

free

along

ran

canal

This

him

they

Pan

as

moments

with

road

seps' grand achievement

of

in

along

to

Ismailia

Leaving

sportsman,

Afterwards

close

WILDERNESS

the

of

of date

crowns

palms.
On

there

lay
as

on

the

hand,

stretched

the other

level

water

other

as

had

while here

stark

the

disappeared
the

desert, but

side of the

would

sand

was

north

the

on

and
more

unlike

Canal.

Suez

bottom

side

of
the

That

the

railway
which

one

one

looked
the

sea,

from

which

only wrinkled

sand

remained,

of

the

yellowish, heaped

up

as

if

DESERT

IN

in great knolls, covered

time

to

caravans

could

the

windows

of the

sight of heavily loaded

another,

after

one

camel

in

Israelites

They
not

the

see

caravans

side of the

sat

car

reminded

could

catch

long string,

white

of

the

home,

at

the

at

as

pictures
Joseph.

she

windows

English officers,who

two

turban

of

Unfortunately

well

of each

representing

during the times

same.

very

from

In front

expanse.

seen

entering Egypt

there

which

children

mantle, with

had

she

exactly the

were

the

was

and

moving.

seen

sandy

Nell

Bible, which

in

valleys

car

black

Little

head.

the

the

in

here

camels, walking in
the

over

Arab

an

was

his

on

be

time

From

tufts of gray

knolls, which

high hills,lay wide

into

changed

sides with

the

on

those

Between

vegetation.

27

WILDERNESS

AND

could
that

on

obstructed

her view.

the

to

hat

scarcely told this

she had

But

officers with

with

his

Both

could

who

the

near

And

Stas

to

in far

this

look

?"

camels

the

at

suggestion with

of them

not

only surrendered

but

lifted her and

this

the

same

his
in

placed her

place
seat

began his lecture:

is the

ancient

Joseph

canal

and

land

of

his brother

for

is but

one

it fell into ruin

the soil

to

for

room

the

Miss

antiquity

new

kindly make

window.

"This
gave

turned

and, touching his

accepted

one

curious

the

to

mien

grave

you

wishes

officers

gravity,and

very

he

Stas, when

finger, said:

"Gentlemen,
little Miss

to

of

Goshen, which
Israelites.

fresh

water

reconstruction
the

country

ran

At

time

one

here

of the old.

became

Pharaoh

that

so

later

But

desert.

Now

again is fertile."

"How

does

the

gentleman

know

this?"

asked

one

of

the officers.

"At

my

age,

we

know

such

things,"answered

Stas;

28

DESERT

IN

"and

besides,

lecture

Stas

Though
different

attracted

and

and

the

of

son

attention

the

of

not

engineer

an

her

entrusted

am

officer,hearing the

The

other

Englishman?"

an

father

this journey, is little.

Pole

the

gentleman

Nell, whose

"Miss

us

asked:
little

the

Sterling gave

spoke English quite fluently,his slightly

accent

officer,who
"Is

Professor

ago

Tumilat."

Wadi

on

long

not

WILDERNESS

AND

on

care

but

Canal."

the

of the

answer

my

Englishman

an

at

to

pert boy, smiled

said:

"

the Poles.

I esteem

which

during the

with

"I

am

form

regiment
several

of

cavalry,

times

fought
the

until

tradition
]

honor."

its glory and

pleased to

that

and

Uhlans,

present day forms

to

of Napoleon

times

Polish

the

belong

acquaintance," answered

your

Stas.
The
were

also

easilyproceeded farther,for the officers

both
It appeared that
were
evidently amused.
conversation

riding

minister
for
one

from

Port

Said

plenipotentiary and

long journey which

was

an

army

proceed

from

government

and

extending as

order

Cairo, via Suez,

entire

far

as

the

Stas, who

with

deep

Africa, knew

that

Mombasa

to

the

see

The

one

interest

spoke

was

to

his government

from

and

Mombasa

Samburu
read

younger

who

region adjoining

unknown

British

final instructions

them.

the

while
an

to

receive

awaited

surgeon,

of the

the

to

soon

Stas, Captain Glenn, had

to

Cairo

to

about

situated

assume

that

port

country.
travels
few

in

degrees

regiments of English cavalry which during the times of

with
Napoleon met the Polish cavalry actually pride themselves
officer speaking of his
that fact at the present time, and every
See
fails to say,
We
fought with the Poles."
regiment never
Indes."
ChevriUon, "Aux
1

Those

"

30

IN

and

father,

her

to

DESERT

Nell,

with

with

all

her

exquisite

these

Nell,

and

good

the

mandarin

by
who

Dinah,

by
for

At

besides

and,

known

side.

of

shared

basa.
Mom-

conversation

supply

were

was

from

on

sherbet,

dainties

qualities

in

little

plentiful

her

to

mainly

remained

had

and

dates,

oranges,

Stas

Stas

they

write

to

engaged

now

that

so

stations

all

promised

officers

Both

WILDERNESS

AND

her

uncommon

gluttony.
this

In

At

children.

hands

little
the

at

and

Listen,

what

circumstances

Stas'

said

half-jokingly

Who

knows

may

can

yet

always

kissed

officers

squeezed

whom

where,
meet

rely

right

upon

and

hand,

boy

half-seriously
when,

in

you
a

bow

likewise

may

full

of

dignity.

rely

upon

me,"

the

Nell's

resolute

the
and

for

quickly

life.

and

under

Remember,
my

good

assistance."
"And

with

you

the

Glenn,

we

that

however,
and

boy

passed

Captaii*

much,
my

Cairo

to

and

face,

time,

very

trip

leave-taking

the

same

pleased
"

the

manner

Stas

answered

will

IV

PAN

TARKOWSKI,

Nell

better

the

The

children.
at

internally
the

and

blue
with

other

The

and

effort

for

feared

that

to

Nell's

it

because

was

of

case

bad

investigated

would

be

than

in

stay

Beautiful

the

musty

sheltered

air, nights

has
vain

position
are

not

the

better

"the
and
so

the

this.

much

called

there

of

rooms

by

land
the
cold

Mr.

agreed

the

to

as

hotel

having

fully
to

came

in
for

the

his

small

sandy

hills

climate

than

fresh

rather
the

Cairo

in

of

yan
Liband

Owing

moisture

parts

air

hotels.

or

of

the

child

only

local

roses."

in other

jurious
in-

ment,
arrangeto

he

plentiful

had

prove

Medinet,

of

the

Rawlinson

move

passed

large

as

might

beneficial

favored

first

place,

nights

surrounded

Desert,
in

and
more

weather

El-Medineh,

not

days

bottom

about

however,

the

on

the

at

with

Company

always

Now,

hundredfold

could

they

lined

spacious

tents

if he

and

weather.

that

At

for

appeared

was

Canal

the

under

stay

everything

conclusion

of

which

ready

concerned

was

of

fully,
joy-

tents,

tents

one

as

comfort.

health,

The

were

arrival

were

overlaid

flannel,

officials
their

and

up

loved

parents

the

about

double,

they

lengthy

their

guests.

which

high

no

its

red

agency

spared

is

with

the

of

opinion

in

were

saddle-cloths,

greeted

fitted

they

the

at

look

to

who

Rawlinson,

delighted

pair

beloved

the

of

the

rooms.

was

completely

them;

to

life,

began

were

Mr.

as

young

once

reception

superb

his

than

and

well

as

to

the

Egypt,

32

IN

lying further

those

even

the
Date

vegetation begins.
the

whole

other

The

forest.

gigantic wave

one

gardens

every

breeze

breathes

with

similar

But

of the

Helwan

Nile

awoke

Nell's

in his soul

sad

mother

it

upon

reside

to

and

these

here

of

moment

the
on

until

the

In

their

they

observed

their
the

It

pasture

with

of

For

Rawlinson,

this

present

at

land

with

which

the

ing
glowhimself

to

garden;

and

he could

the

on

he

reason

at

English house

to

spend
secure,

Canal, perhaps

distant

of

the

the

meantime

arrival

moved

before

dinner

camels

appeared

and

that

Cook,

and

in

Port

and

the children

to

see

hired

at

Mr.
the

Said.

Rawlinson

not

from

everywhere
all the
the

tents

place by

animals

the

that

they could
near

Mr.

future

about

pleasure Chamis,

good acquaintance

employ

die/'

lying on

girl,he promised

However,

morrow.

to

permanently.

Agency.

distant

for Mr.

died.

service

donkeys and

the

as

Cook
a

recollections

little

like flies,desiring even

well

Here

vegetation.

gazing

plans

were

wish

not

at

considerably farther north,

comfortable

yet wholly matured.

as

and

had

finishing his

after

the

"does

and

blissful parts all vacations

in these

But

that

so

roses,

with

intoxicatingscent.

purchase here

to

soon

their

luxuriant

of the

countenance

even

mandarin

possessed only by Helwan

is

preferred Medinet,

and

on

place say.

such

lacks

there

erect

of the

it were,

overflowing, as

are

full breast

climate

Helwan

for

fig, orange,

Egypt,

carries

side of the

the other
but

simply delightful,

greatest development

acacias, elders, and

of

the residents

as

is

and
various
giant castor-oil plants, pomegranate
this delightful oasis as with
southern
plants cover

trees,

night

Winter

palms, olive-trees, which

in

scarce

are

WILDERNESS

south.

November

from

and

AND

DESERT

not

see

were

them

Rawlinson's
son

of

He

was

was

tent

Chadigi,
not

somewhat

in

IN

surprised to

him

employed
him

at

to

but

Medinet,

errands

dinner

was

he

as

had

viously
pre-

his

implements, he engaged

and

perform all other small

carry

run

to

present

in

him

meet

33

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

services.
The
who

evening
for many

Cook

the

Agency,

The

skill.

the

with

made

anxious

was

told

children

Richard
in India

for many

this uncle

photographs, and

from

only

which

invitation

promised

The

his

to

then

had

explain

to

in the

remain

long

climate

of Africa, and

already would
not
I

be

and

as

bright

in

as

in the

of roses,

asleep.

older

sky,

the

her
the

at

Captain Glenn

English

up

visit

pay

Tarkowski

of the

Stas grew

tively
posi-

officials

account

never

deadly

the captain

rotation

the
and

went

or

would

It

happened
tents

in the

brought

to

be

white
shone
air

full

moon

walls

of

diffused

The

night

siphon of
usually
un-

it
the

the

times

was

city
stars
scent

city already
at

of

chairs,
folding-

greenly; the

was

heliotropes.

silence of the

cloth

already night but

was

The

in front

out

placed the

gentlemen

daytime.

acacias, and
In

knew

about

Pan

positionin

servants

there

buildings opposite
glowed

resided

he

he must

company

brandy.
as

warm;

that before

the

with

had

it seriously and

localityon

whole

for the

soda-water

brother

amused

from

equator.

that

ticularly
par-

all.

the

tents, where

the

his tenth

at

dinner

After

the

earth

on

and

also

sometime

him

to

same

hold

whose

inquired

were

took

boy

beyond

friend

new

had

he

that

himself

was

childless marriage,

received

had

Stas

visit Mombasa.

to

was

fathers

Both

in all his letters.

which

way,

Clary's sister
it

of

acquaintance they

his little niece, whom

loved

greatly

the

As

years.

Copt,

employment

Rawlinson,

to Dr.

married

was

the

on

Mr.

interesting to

the

old

display his culinary

to

about

officers

two

in

cook

was

years

the

excellent, as

could

was

be

34

DESERT

IN

heard

of

bark

appeared

in

Nile

the

of

resounded
Stas

for

the

and

which

tent

assigned

was

direction

astonished

from

come

which

Lake

deep

Nell,

they had

for
not

saddles, implements,

travelingparaphernalia.

various

"That

dog which

to

visited and
and

the

herons, and flamingoes

Suddenly, however, there

Karun.
bass

cries of cranes,

beyond

from

flying

it

loud

only the

WILDERNESS

AND

be

must

Let

awfully big dog.

an

us

and

go

him/' said Stas.

see

off the ashes

shook
"

began

Tarkowski

Pan

Well, it did
which

After

he

to

is Christmas

surprisehas
it

announce

her father's

happy

hugs and

finding herself
Tarkowski's

started

surprise

bark, I

to

am

in

and

trice

Pan

on

Tarkowski's

afterwards

jumped

onto

kisses
on

how

I am!

there

her

happy

was

no

I am!"

feet, began

own

Finally Nell,

end.
to

gaze

in Pan

eyes:

Tarkowski""

"Pan
"What

is

it,Nell?"

"

already know

As

"

be

to

that

lap.

"Papa, how
Of

his neck

embraced

and

and

to-day."

Hearing this,Nell climbed

knees

up."

Eve,

Tarkowski

by Pan
the

as

lock him

to

children:

the

to-morrow

Nell, but

compelled

good

any

Rawlinson

said,also laughing:

cigar and

addressed

intended

was

for

do

not

"Remember,

dog

of his

Mr.

laugh and

to

that

he is

there, can

see

him

to-night?"
"I

knew,"
"that

exclaimed
this little

Mr.

Rawlinson, feigning indignation,

fly would

not

be

to the

son

with

content

the

itself."

news

And
"

Pan

Tarkowski, turning

Chamis, bring

The

young

the

Sudanese

of

Chadigi,said:

dog."

disappeared

behind

the

kitchen

DESERT

IN

and

tent

after

reappeared, leading a big dog by

while

35

WILDERNESS

AND

the collar.
retreated.

Nell
"

that is

But

He

lion, not

is called

"He
"

hand, Stas

the other

On
"

exclaimed, seizingher father's hand.

she

Oh,"

belongs
in

dogs

he

This

is

one

gentle

as

lamb.

as

Tarkowski.

Pan

of mastiffs ; these

only

the

are

two

be

really is exceedingly large. Don't

is

said.

(lion),"answered

Saba

world.

the

dog,"

the breed

to

enthusiastic.

grew

biggest
old

years

but
he

afraid, Nell, as

Only be brave.

him

Let

go,

Chamis."
let

Chamis

the

began

to

dog,

the

collar

and

the

latter,feeling that

his

wag

whom

with

of

go

he

tail, fawn

with

had

he
he

Pan

before

already well

was

which

strained
re-

free,

was

Tarkowski
and

acquainted,

bark

joyfully.
children

The

large round

his

on

his

on

paws,

lion with
"With

said Pan

he

could

body.

retrieve

and

rhinoceros,"

Rawlinson

"Saba,
must

look

obey

question,but

joyfully and

more

ingratiatinglythat Nell

began

of the

that

answer

and

more

pat him

to

Saba, nice, dear

the face

You

whether

so

group

fear him

Mr.

of his

truth, of

Stas.

his tail

the

in

one,

bulky

safely go through Africa,"

could

one

his

hanging lips,on

Tarkowski.

wagged

"

dog

could not, indeed,

Saba

to

with

head

admiration

moonlight with

tawny-yellowish color

the

him

"Ask

the

powerful frame, reminding

such

exclaimed

in

gazed

drew

once

near

ceased

to

his head.

Saba."

leaned
little
at

on

at

instead

him, raised his head

girl,and

this

and

over

little

towards

said:

lady.

guard her.

Do

She
you

is your

mistress.

understand?"

36

IN

"Wow!"

DESERT

the

was

understood

And

he

on

for

he

broad

licked

to

of

The

of

time

asked

for

her

tried

dog

to

as

mark

of

with

his

The

sat

his

The

threateningly
two

friend.

thus

hind

to
men

take

sand

paws

the

upon

the weight;

in order

the

dog

the

little one

to

get better

fact, the

tance
acquain-

placed

soon

and, holding her from

Stas

lead the dog by

to

of

score

after which

paces,

that

so

the

near

to

in the

at

in white

distance

appeared

moon,

the tents.

began

to

growl hollowly and

Mr.

Rawlinson's

collar,and

the

unexpectedly

tail.

by the

towards

of

Stas

retire when

Chamis,

hold

dressed

after

peculiar "saddle-horse," but

about

that

Returning

Tarkowski

back

gentle Saba
so

Nell

with

In

Pan

legs

figureswalking

had

play

place, illumined

hitherto

again

of

this

were

laughter.

approaching, but

Saba's

on

the

on

market

white

under

new

rode

on

children

the

bent

easilythat

so

of

mount

himself

found

two

been

his head

cheeks

herself.

might fall,ordered
She

collar.

Stas

on

she

outburst

Saba

hour

an

in lady fashion

the

tually
ac-

that

fact

and

nose

saw

sleepwas

for yet half

that

she

head.

proceeded

the

if he

as

might have

of the

wash

to

Stas, who

acquainted with

fear

little

tent

hour

an

higher by

her

than

little girl'sface,

general

the

to

go

shoulders
was

better

the

her

Saba,

wanted.

was
even

with

of

response

taking advantage

provoked

quarter

WILDERNESS

tongue.

This
had

what

level

homage

basso

understood

expected,
was

AND

in

stood

burnooses

the

order,
time
mean-

before the

tent.

"Who
"

is there?"

Camel

"Ah,
"We

Tarkowski.

Pan

drivers," answered

Idris and
come

asked

to

Gebhr?
ask whether

of the

one

What
you

do

you

arrivals.
want?"

will need

us

to-morrow."

DURING

the

Instead,
in

Nell,

serve

as

vitae,

illuminated

was

Christmas

in

cut

Cairo

for

rifle.

In

her,

and

dignity,

could

not

his

This

Said

school,

often

amused

he

Eve

Christmas

passed
in

by

the

The

Saba.

and

would

his

friend

new

not

that

paw,

the

retrieve

surrender

cleaning

had

appeared
On

to

the

Nell's

face

with

joy,

owned

Port

with

it in

envied

holidays
services,
and

in

day

tongue

he

it

him.
were

partly
training

intelligence

which,

his

and

the
tent

the

at

resistance,

some

for

the

him

possess

first

for

selecting

the

of

handkerchiefs,
without

saddle

corresponding

received,

very

packages

church

to

short

degree

sincerely

in

English

around

surprising

partly

from

and

walked

day

brought

father

taught

first

dainties

whoever

himself,

of

herself

that

arbor

an

less,
neverthe-

and

possess

besides,

gifts they

all expectations.

give

to

children
the

inspecting

to

knack,

who,

his

contain

not

about,

possessed
Nell,

desired

from

restrain
was

had

supplies,

ought

one

hands.

much

taken

profusion

father

To

candles.

Medinet;
a

thought

he

rifle

on

his

could

Nell

short

no

her

received

although

when

found

intended

tent,

been
in

appeared

star

of

had

hunters'

genuine

time

hundreds

Nell

he

riding.
Stas,

with

gardens

Stas,

various

horseback

Rawlinson's

excursions.

no

first

Mr.

which

doll,

addition

containing

while

the

branchlets

splendid

the

there

tree

of

one

its

among

and

in

tree

were

when

Eve,

little

there

days

Christmas

on

heaven,

for

following

yond
be-

learned

to

he

however,
and

he
was

stood
underan

act

IN
of

unworthy
her

at

DESERT

little nose,

strolls

the

over

Medinet

lessons

sandy city

children.

the

In

could

in the end

Arabian

child

children

the

sucks

besides

which

spread the
For

eyes.

this

Nell

also increased
three

quite

was

in

number

but

there

is,for carrying

to

they

of

the

disperse

to

and, what

began;

people
was

the

passengers,

so

the

is

that

but

also

el-Fayum,
It

could

so

were

that the

that

not

merely

easily keep
The

truth.
"

as

fed with

humps

willingto speed that

on

by Idris there

not

some

on

had

partly

appeared

animals

variety known
and

partly

English

exaggeration, for

of

Syrian maize)

they appeared

those

on

even

realitybelonged

or

flies,

their great love

camels.

on

great deal

the saddles; but

(the local

Medinet

sometimes

praises bestowed

indeed

for her

railways of which

kidney-beans
in

gained

of

"helou,"

youngest

days the joint excursions

donkeys, and
in the

the

night,

their number.

narrow-gauge

built

attempted

one

every

for

inflammation

of

no

to

legions

in their defense

stood

among

which

is,sweetmeats,

the

infection

more

as

noxious,

are

ness
gentle-

that

morning

tance;
dis-

and

so

them

the servants

reason

distributed

After

after

attract

at

Besides,

from

of

swarm

more

freedom.

in

fame, began

by the

the tent

being loathsome

the children,but
more,

around

their

Saba

whole

emboldened

any

Egyptian

of

all

as

it drew

sugar-cane

always

fame

even

this

becoming

beginning they kept

sat

with

about

move

the

in

During

they approached

"monster,"

closely,and

heart.

to

and,

afterwards, however,
of the

with

heard

square

hour

each

her

tail,gave

he

disagreeable side, for

its

Arabian

of his

that
her

with

grew

have

to

took

and

instructions, while

various

motions

understand

to

attention

him

gave

he, concurring with

manner

Nell, holding her fingers

gentlemanly dog.

39

WILDERNESS

AND

it

was

on

camels

begin," that
good durra
were

fat and
necessary

4t)

IN

check

to

DESERT

them.

Sudanese, Idris

the

wild

Gebhr

Nell.

over

and

Gebhr, gained,

glitterof their

hearts of the company,

willingness to

great

WILDERNESS

The

notwithstanding
and

AND

and

and

serve

had

always

this

then-

fidence
con-

through their

extraordinary

cruel and

the

eyes,

care

trifle bestial

expression of face, but Idris,quickly perceiving that that

little personage

declared

company,

for her

more

the

was

at

than

in the

eye

of

the

whole

he

cared

opportunity that

every

for his

head

soul.

own

Mr.

Rawlinson

indeed, that, through Nell, Idris wanted

his

pocket, but
in

not

was

his

the

world

only child, he

himself

in

In the
ruins

of

time

the

had

the

but

and

did

not

love
stint

cities,but

which

The

the

On

other

and

wards
After-

longest trip was

shore

was

Egyptian

hand,

fertile country,

one

pyramids

ruins of former

by heather

overgrown

Hanar

Its northern

were

life.

stretched

shore

shores

there

at

crocodile.

the

to

Karun.

of

trace

of

Labyrinth.

Lake

to

no

made

was

by

near

deity called Sobk, which

the head

of the

desert, on

with

with

form

excursion

southern

there

not

days the party visited the

city of Crocodilopolis,where

Egyptians worshipped

camel-back

stark

that

could

grateful to him

was

ancient

the remains

and

who

person

time

same

of five

course

human

the

reach

to

giving "bakshish."

an

on

believingat

jectured
con-

on

the

magnificent,

reeds and

teeming

pelicans,flamingoes, herons, wild geese, and ducks.

Only here did Stas find an opportunity for displayinghis

with

marksmanship.
well

as

after
of the

the

from

every

The

shot

rifle

short
could

be

from

was

the

of "Bismillah"
Arabians

water

the

heard

and

was

so

lipsof Idris and the Arabian

of the birds into

The

shooting

rifle

common

as

extraordinary that
astonished

rowers,

and

accompanied

smacking
the

falling

tions
by exclama-

"Mashallah."

assured them

that

on

the

oppositedesert-

DESERT

IN

shore

were

the sand

amid
within

shooting

desert
stolen

was

while

the

as

second
down.

time

the works

Mr.

waited

Unfortunately,

from

physician informing

in the

situation

The

the tents, and

in

that

them

recurred

all the

with

be

only

to

go

Ibrahimiyeh.

of

this, after

Rawlinson
Dinah

and

agent
had
to

decided

and

local

nearer

rush

Medinet,

the

summon

"We

shall take

certain

keep

localities he
or

case

we

found

they

with

us,

to

Nell

under

you,

the

but

leave Port

there, and

the

of

care

consular
whom

he

promised

also

Pan

from

Tarkowski

noteworthy sight,

some

them.

Nell

Stas, watch

of

consultation

father, that

with

he said, "whom

for you.
as

that

reason

Italian

He

her

Chamis,"

shall send

that

great canal

the
short

would

children

Nell's company,

she pleases,do

if

for the

part from

sipelas
ery-

distressing. It

as

acquainted.
to

to

(governor) with

"Mudir"

grieved

all the

would

leave

to

become

previously

to

far

as

Stas, together with

the

Nell, who

view

former

day here, another

one

letter

children, old Dinah,

the

might receive requests

old

east
south-

bite, and

unable

be

if

came

the

the

after

them

servants,

to

In

her,

actually became

take

the engineers were

Mr.

inspect

to

arrival of Madame

of

place

long time would

impossibleto

was

had

face

patient for

Said.

Stas

postponed

El-Lahun,

near

for the

only

Olivier.

the

be

to

engineers

Yusuf

Bahr

at

both

for

left it;

hunters

Medinet.

Rawlinson

the

had

on

first sheep

jackal, which

lame

ances
assur-

nights

the

the

as

hunting

arrived

conducted

from

only

Further
had

soon

these

two

But

Dima.

might get

one

of

passed

Stas

as

lured

sheep

consequence

of

ruins

by Bedouins

the

brought

In
and

the

near

of

carcass

range.

Tarkowski

Pan
the

the

dunes

by tossing

that

hyenas, and

and

wolves

many

41

WILDERNESS

AND

does
over

Let

Dinah

with

both."

in

always

her whatever

42

DESERT

IN

"You

watch
and

be

may

short

"

Rawlinson.
be

from

not

catch

cold.

to

to

Stas.

will

Tarkowski

also

as

there

El-Fayum
such

of

boy

any

savage

things

would

anything

their

on

that

Nell

protect
she does

case

she feels

frequently

I expect,

as

besides,

long."
in his admonitions

did not

require his

in the

that

and

did

they
and

he

of

be

to

was

undertake

not

particularly

more

which

on

think

To

unworthy
So

year.

defense

province of

whole

animals.

wild

or

camels,

on

to

sparing

account,

own

said Mr.

immediately.

as

ridiculous

only

"

care

Cairo

very

nor

be

Nell

with

excursions

not

people

heedful

solicitous and

in

news

begun his fourteenth

had

who

consul

for

was

"

her

as

take

from

in Medinet

not

was

good

so

time

oe

Saba,

rifle will certainlynot

the

here

has

concerned,"

am

same

never

told him

He

harm

will also visit you.

Mudir

absence

our

doctor

Chamis

to

try

one

asked

She

will be

the

at

sister.

short

You

I have

send

possible. The
Pan

the

summon

shall

that

and

Saba

fatigue and

her

We

that

for you.

necessary

unwell

that

I shall

Stas, "that

own

my

let any

rifle,so
about

is not

"It

over

as

WILDERNESS

sir," answered

sure,

Nell,

over

AND

ride

was

that

Pan

fatiguing.
But

had

Tarkowski
"

such

Nell, hearing this, made

to

sad

face

placate her.

Certainly," he said, stroking her hair,

camels, but with

us

or

towards

us,

if

"

Chamis

send

we

will ride

you

for

you."
"But

when

tiny bit

to

of

make

an

cursion,
ex-

asked

one?"

girl.

And

she

began

an

excursion

end

agreed

and

allowed

not

we

are

though such

even

the

alone

not

to

she

that

to

show

was

on

concerned.

they could ride

ruins, where

her

on

finger about
The

how

parents

donkeys,

not

on

little
in

the

camels,

they might easily fall into

some

hole, but

the

gardens beyond
Cook

other

towards

adjacent fields and

of

roads

over

43

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

The

city.

servants,

together

dragoman,

always

was

to

the
with

the

accompany

children.
this

After
for

place

This

all the

inspected

the

cities,in which

of the

took

did

Chamis
the

Night,

returned

to

on

the

day

they

left this time

would

reach
where

El-Fachn,

going far

south

as
a

on

Chamis
went

the

the

conversed
for him
to

third

appeared
to

the camp

day

went

she

with

time

on

tinually
con-

longing

passed

festival both

until

engineers

for

longer period and

far

Idris, and

Nell
to

to

and

inform

the

of
the

the

same

from

there

o'clock

Stas

look

at

the

would

where

of the

children,

in the

morning

him

met

first

camels.

only told Stas

he

begins,

Nile.

eleven

them

ability
prob-

name

astonishment

that

in all

Benisueif, and

as

canal

at

again, announcing

away

in Medinet.

pasturage

with
and

returned

in whom

the

of which

part

standing
Nell, notwith-

traits,looked

alongside of

Great, therefore, was

when

greater

sunset

then

Saba

manner

thing
some-

Medinet.

days later they

Two
that

this

them

little

however, days

were,

in

early

those

to

the

before

their
distant

and

show

spent

and

new

In

in Medinet.

more

Nell
to

and

come,

some

messenger.

Twelfth

wanted

society of Stas, and

discovered
for

and

There

not

at

night time,

Stas

parents

after

days until they had

few

children

The

that

Afterwards, when

the

Medinet.

at

camp

which

to

in

left

they

so

night

presence

parents

their

with

day

the

their

interest.

the

pass

work.

nearest

following morning
of

to

succeeding

arrived

places, Chamis
the

el-Matka,

required their

employment

to

Hanaret

by,

near

repeated

was

departed, but

gentlemen

they returned

hours

ten

both

come

that

as

he

Chamis
he

came

immediately

they, at the request

44

IN

of the older

the good
before

gentlemen,

Stas

to go.

were

he found

at

ran

with

once

playing with

Saba

know

Chamis

"

is

here!"

he

cried

from

distance.
Nell

began

little

as

"Where?"
hands
"I

don't

know.

come

here

would

do

"How

start

at

rail and

by

go

kind

of

The

eyes.

that

in

said

her

her

little

he

moment

tell us."

it is far?"
Idris

the

that

say

camels.

be, and

he

That

Gebhr

and

that

means

the

camels

from

there

hair, owing

of

only

not

bounding

with

the

at

would
shall

we

place where

shall make

we

some

excursion."

an

tuft

again

fell over

shall find

will

parents

our

and

with

once

far."

Chamis^

I heard

"Because

rope.

brushing aside

which

know

you

skipping the

and

asked,

tuft of hair

when

feet together,

shall go!"

We

she

hop, holding both

to

once

shall go,

We

"Yes.

at

girlsdo

shall go!

"We

if

as

quarter

Nell's

they

of

but

eyes

made

were

hour

an

the continual

to

hops, covered

whole

her

of India

face, her

feet

rubber.

later, Chamis

bowed

and

came

both.

to

(young master),"

"Khanage
three

hours

"Where
"

To

Stas'

words

by the
are

heart

camel-back
beat

with

surprised him.

the

on

the

other

leave

south

hand

to

He

after

and
Pan

the

at

that

hills

southwest

Tarkowski

the older

Rayan."

Wadi

knew

sandy

there with

from

joy, but

great valley among

Desert

said, "we

first train."

el-Sultani,and

on

he

going?"

we

Gharak

gentlemen

on

WILDERNESS

Nell, whom

to

news

you

And

AND

the tent.

"Do
a

DESERT

time

same

Wadi

rising on
of
and

Chamis'

Rayan
the

Medinet,
Mr.

was

Libyan
while

Rawlinson

46

IN

bowed, placing his hand

Chamis
"

Let

his heart

on

hasten, sir,for otherwise

us

the

said:

and

(train)will

katr

off."

set

The

baggage

more

than

nineteen

miles, but

connects

those

were

alone

he

started

calculated

he

as

before

hours

two

both

of

the

warnings

the

little girl to

excursions

deserted.

which

Wadi

to

found

They

of which

one

"The

which

the

tents

and

ordered
how

"And

asked

passed
when

for

they

they brought
follow

to

us

shall

we

was

Bedouin

Of

Pan

Tar-

absence.

their

the

with

seven

trace.

no

into

went

with

Gebhr, with

explained

manner

entirely

unknown

two

there

usually

desert

to

from

them

pitch
Etsah,

them."

find them

the

among

sand-hills?"

Stas.

"They

sent

guides who

Saying this he
of them

expose

women,

heavily packed.

was

gentlemen

older

veiled

Idris and

Rawlinson

Mr.

and

Idris in this

But

time

almost

was

few

oranges,

drivers, together with

kowski

heart

to

Englishmen

Rayan,

only

mandarin

of

baskets

camels,

long;

too

to

they scarcely noticed

that

little station, from

The

camel

be

want

not

all the

After

earlier in

be

much

very

did

ride

to

in Gharak.

stopped
make

parents,

fatigue.

quickly

so

took

been

Gebhr, having

would

ride

little guardian, who

the

preferred

train, would

the

the

and

had

Stas

Idris and

that

for Nellfsuch

But

El-Gharak.

have

would

is not

slowly
If

on

the branch

on

move

frequent.

undoubtedly

Gharak

and

trains

localities

uncommonly

camel-back

the

the station

at

were

Medinet

between

stops

both

they

so

distance

line which

and

ready,

was

The

time.

he

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

bowed,

and
possessed,

pointed

rubbed
said:

will lead
to

with

the

his

us

to

them."

Bedouins.

fingerthe

The
one

eye

older
which

IN

"Our
than

camels

was

desert, but

with

and,

not

red

Nell

Nell

felt

the

the

are

morning with

without

the

hour

Nile

Dinah

roseate

The

sat

behind

party
stared

had

rode

the

rode

those

in

the

But

the

over

the

fields assumed

twilight,had

lost the traits of

supernal lights.

hue

the

home

as

stationother

no

eyes
a

of

reality and

The

afternoon.

atmosphere

that

the

on

its movements

that

on

was

so

blinked

on

against the

side

to

western

with

its superfluity.

from

the

distant

background

amethyst.

appeared

the

permeated

lilytint, while

pure

weather

desert, sinking into

purple twilight glowing

luster

ruins

already passed

had

sun

The

longer he

Gharak.

at

declined

sky.

quin
palan-

Englishmen,

the

directed

returned

had

the others

them

at

that

once

of

started.

time

five

shape

directly to

at

beside

sat

Chamis,

direction.

was

and

had

the

sand-hills, strongly relieved

the

who

Chamis,

different

day

The

and

wondered

that

golden and

side of the
the

wide

party

that

splendid.
the

the

at

stare

to

Englishmen

rifle to

short

spoke,

Talei, in

train arrived

of

do, began

to

the desert," said Idris, placing

was

this

before

The

sleepy Egyptian

rifles to

have

Idris

south, while

master

she

of those

roof.

perhaps

of whom

towards

for

children

station-master

the

might

the

in Gharak.

her papa

meet

on

spectacles, approached them,

separate camels, and

If

night

disappointment,

station-master,

dark

his

her, for the saddle

took

the

saddle.

the

on

Stas, handing

was

certain

speedy

there."

pass

she would

and

fez

would

he

less

not

are

children.

These

this

that

but

shall be

we

having anything else

European
"

glad

the meantime

In

fat

so

hour

an

certain that

been

had

not

47

WILDERNESS

AND

are

After

yours.

Stas

DESERT

be

The
one

of

world

play of

48

IN

While
the

DESERT

rode

they

guide,

moderate

under

creaked

sand

the

with
the

the

region,
with

caravan

that

moment

of

feet

cultivated

and

conducted

But

pace.

verdant

over

Bedouin,

WILDERNESS

AND

the

hard

camels, everything

the

changed.
be

simultaneously could

And
and

suddenly yelled wild voices.

Yalla!"

"Yalla!

the

into

camels, having changed

full

heard

throwing

gallop, began
with

up

from

of

whips

ambling

an

the

and

sand

the

swish

like

speed

to

their feet

the

pace

whirlwind,
the

gravel of

desert.
"Yalla!
The

ambling

with

which

the

children
in

even

Yalla!"

this

Nell

cease,

"Stas, why

after

began

are

ride.

rapid

to

movement

that

ness.
dizzi-

her eyes

the

speed

grew

dim.

exclaimed, turning

she

flying so?"

we

so

more;

causes

time, when

get dizzy and

gallop

it is known

But

certain

swings

runs,

the

her companion.

to

think

"I
of

they allowed

that

gallop and

But

he

that

shouted

at

that

again

increased
The

hear

boy
him,

not

thought
but

that
a

Bedouins,

girl'sface
had

"

Stas.

becoming

was

running

calls,
however,

and

the

his

on

Gebhr,

when

lashing

cease

it

men

great hurry.

first that

at

when

Nell, he thought
but

the

much

too

answered

them,"

little

the cries of

get into

only

ahead,

to

this result

Yalla," and the animals

their speed.

response
did

resounded

to

the

His

."lacken their pace.

them
check

cannot

now

observing

pale,

in

much

too

while

joltsmore,

seldom

this mad

enjoyed

Accordingly,
did not

camel

animal

swing,

of

pace

was

for

the
not

some

the

Bedouins

repeated orders
who
camel

was
on

the camels
reason

did

there

was

not
no

riding

behind

him,

which

he

with

that

unknown

were

sat
so

to

spirited

him

were

It occurred

would

Rawlinson

Mr.

why

did

boy

anger

"

they

Stop

"

have

and

fear

he

shouted

been

wrong

But

after

the

be

they

gentlemen

for

In

the

as

necessarily
un-

it mean?

did

case,

angered

what

his

time,

older

more

began

with

lost

not

commands?

Nell

for

the

arrival.

could

Then

his

obey

not

the

late

taken

for

up

such

Nell.

fatiguing

have

that

of

that

understood

he

while

fear

because

them

scold

might

make

to

from

49

WILDERNESS

they might

desiring

speeding

were

now

that

him

to

that,

and

road

AND

DESERT

IN

And

heart

of

the

rise.

to

whole

strength,

addressing

Gebhr.

(be silent)!" the

"Ouskout!
and

sped

they

In

Egypt

the

In

the

of

the

hold

how

swish
her

her

One

hour

Then
were

whips.

passed,
be
the

reply;

up

But

was

only by the

then

so

vain

both

another;

twilight,

rolled

light.

heavy

tired

little

then*

great

the

on

Every

reach

in

the

only

twilight
the

gentle

hoof-beats

saddle.

would

with

Nell

time

the

of

the

so

certain

heard

be

of

father.

fires could

desert

rapid

buoyed

after

o'clock,

reflection

the

they

was

with

could

the

on

soon

they

the
the

silence

camels,

times
to

from

six

about

and

illuminated

and

on

falls

extinct

ruddy

moon,

in

yelled

on.

night

became

soon

Sudanese

breathing

sand,
that

while

Stas
she

destination,

hope

of

an

children
neither

and

and

at

had
asked
dently
evi-

early meeting
gazed

tents

around.

nor

camp-

seen.

hair

rose

kidnapped.

on

Stas'

head,

for

he

realized

that

VI

MESSRS.

children,

the
where

amidst

not

had

they

the

of

work

finished

and

El-Fachn

almost

twenty-eight
and

doubles
the

the

left

he
an

have
and

to

as

leave

Mr.

Rawlinson,

the

the

in

El-Wasta

hour

to

pack

up.

wait

for

the

night

do

this

and

morning

train

Nell

permit

not

Leaving

will

said

yesterday.

It

at

here

over

from

would
would

they

noon

the

along
night,

Pan

to

train

running

be

which

the

at

ride

to

direct

no

looking

he

caught

Medinet

in

is

is

line

calculations.

last,"
he

the

El-Wasta,

following

before

night

there

after

distance

straight

to

tirely
en-

on

The

year.

ride

to

an

examining

were

however,

necessary

in

El-Fachn

of

in

As,

therefore

was

the

Medinet

made

"and

Tarkowski,

take

is

guide,

"Chamis

Cairo;

it

they

Rayan,

but

ride,

city

of

miles.

distance,

railway

end

the

before

Wadi

of

to

the

which

at

name

between

connection

in

direction,
same

desire

or

expected

actually

sand-hills

the

need

no

different

canal

Tarkowski

and

RAWLINSON

they

Nile,
would
after

immediately

sunset."
said

"Yes,"
little, and

though

where

Nell

him.

Moreover,

during
"A

the

brave

Pan

is

Tarkowski,
is

Stas

concerned
I

indeed
you

sent

him

"Chamis

must

impulsive,

nevertheless,

always

may
a

postal

card

rest

depend
not

upon
to

ride

night."
lad,

and

trust

him,"

answered

Mr.

linson.
Raw-

DESERT

IN
"

To

has

tell the truth,

do

so

coward

and

only

and

if in time

lies.

he

also

does

calm

lack

not

energy

I think

judgment,

he

in this world."

judgment,

to

faults

lies,for he is brave,

never

his various

with

of himself

care

As

Stas

He

acquires

will be able to take

"Certainly.

I.
and

upright character

an

51

WILDERNESS

AND

were

judicious at

you

his age?"
confess that I

"I must

"but

laughing,
"

"

as

not

was

will pass.

That

such

was
so

not," repliedPan

Tarkowski,

self-confident

he."

as

be happy

Meanwhile,

that

have

you

boy."

And

that you

you

have

such

and

sweet

dear

creature

Nell."
God

"May

bless her!"

Mr.

answered

Rawlinson

with

emotion.
The

friends

two

they

down

sat

time

the

about

"Stas
"I

"You
"

took

will think

did

not

and

some

of

if it

that the trip would

will
me.

be

confess
He

best
to

their

versation
con-

that, and

Dinah

also."

instead

bringing them

of

Medinet."

you

announced

that

not

were

have
take

to

"I

clothing with her."

warm

to

go

farther south, I would

it would

the

Rawlinson.

will recollect that that is just what

I know,

pation
occu-

at

were

resumed

cool," said Mr.

regret, nevertheless, that

here, we

of

the children.

weather, but

if Nell

wonder

report
this

At

night fell,they

station, strollingalong the walk, and

"Superb

the

work.

which

after

passed until evening.

six o'clock, when

About

and

plans

the

with

connected

expenditures
the

examine

to

hands,

shook

warmly

much

time

that
that

the

children

Chamis
he

to

go

from

here

calculated, however,

agreed.

too

have

are

we

I advised."

and

on

here.

the whole

Finally, I

suggested the

idea

prodigiously yearned

to

for

be

surprised that he should

conversation

Further

the
and

the

at

darkness,

its puffs and

heard

be

nouncing
an-

interval

an

in the

appeared

could

time

same

them."

to

After

train.

the

of

of the locomotive

fieryeyes

not

am

interrupted by signals

was

approach

the

attached

so

for both.

if I sent

happy

be

would

and

them

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

52

whistle.
A

did

"I

still.

stood

quivered,and
not

in

them

see

Rawlinson.

they

began

El-Fachn

as

beautiful

inside

further

seated

are

passengers

Arabs,

Mr.

and

surely

immediately."

out

come

The

said

window,"

any

"

"Perhaps
will

alongside the platform,

drew

lighted coaches

of

row

they

and

palms

acacias.

mainly

were

nothing interesting to

has
of

groves

alight,but

to

except

see

did

children

The

arrive.

not
"

declared
after

night

with

Tarkowski,

Pan

shade

of

ill-humor, "or
they will

overslept himself, and

travel

of

in El-Wasta,"

connections

make

either did not

Chamis

arrive until to-morrow."

not

"That

be," answered

may

it also may

"but

Rawlinson, with

Mr.

be

possiblethat

easiness,
un-

of them

one

is sick."
"In
"

that

Who

would

Stas

case

knows

that

but

have

we

telegraphed."
find

may

despatch in

the

hotel?"
"Let

But

us

in

go."
the

became
"What

no

do

Tarkowski.

not

admit

it to

more

think

you
"

awaited

news

and

more

Pan

to-day and

hotel

the

tell them

happened?"

have

overslept himself,

children
that

Mr.

linson
Raw-

uneasy.

could

If Chamis

them.

and

they

are

would
to

come

leave

he
to

said
would
them

to-morrow.

54

DESERT

IN

red

spectacles and
fourteen

about
old

an

if for

had

he
a

stared

the

at

Sudanese, said

of

Englishmen

the

who

before

Englishmen return?"

those

when

drivers,

the

children
Wadi

to

gone

the

Saying

this he

During

this

as

that

as

reason

with

return

not

attend

to

his duties.

at

pressed

off his hat,

with

perspiration,and

Rawlinson's

Mr.

his friend

his hand

with

face

became

wild

look, he

his forehead, covered

to

staggered

I did not

But

affair."

Gazing

took

children.

the

astonished

was

my

narrative

paper.

Tarkowski.

slain wolves,"

two

not

was

left to

Pan

asked

"and

station-master;

the

they did

white

also

that

camel

had

yesterday with

They returned

Yes.

answered

ask

camels

"Did

that

also

were

that

did

Bedouins

the

those

that

He

heavily packed

two

of

one

Rayan.
"

the

him

boy

nine

or

was

recollected

He

saw

desert.

eight

one

and

caravan

to

the

were

that

big pack-saddles.

he

eight-year-oldgirlwith

an

there

long journey,

that

towards

observed

but

them

and

rode

whether

altogether,
as

old

who

negress,

WILDERNESS

fez, told

years

remember

not

AND

if he

as

about

were

to

fall.
"Be

children

"Our

exclaimed

Rawlinson!"

man,

Tarkowski.

It is necessary

kidnapped.

are

Pan

to

rescue

them."
Nell!"

"Nell!

and

"Nell

repeated

Stas!

enticed

by trickery

Perhaps

for

and

he

recalled

belonging

Sudanese

came

Gebhr

was

from

born, and
the

same

unhappy

not

was

Stas'

kidnapped.

and

Chamis

ransom.

Idris and

Here

Mahdi

It

the

Englishman.
Both

fault.
Who

knows

undoubtedly is

were

why?

in the

plot,

also."

what
to

the
that

tribe.

Fatma

had

Dongolese
Chadigi, the
At

said

about

tribe, in which
father

of

this recollection

both
the

Chamis,
his heart

IN

for

moment

that
but

anywhere

die of

in his mind

in

still

the

Nile.

Pan

they will

Perhaps

and

happened

dismay,

and

recovered

soon

"had

hands

began

the

at

same

no

case

in

fortune

them

revenge

they have

If

which

been

of

placing

does

death

purpose

In

is

this

to

cause

the

for

Smain.

of

And

no

children.

our

or

evidently

them.

with

Tarkowski

terrible journey awaits

they certainly

rescue.

us

was

the

threaten

Nile, for they all would

on

reasoned,

upon

it

kidnapped
them

of
he

herself either

desert

the

on

desert, and

all that

review

means

"Fatma,"

prophet

Mahdi."

to

seek

time

them

the

energetic ex-soldier

the

but

hide

on

thought filled

this

And

ransom

ill-omened

of the

of the

banks

for

not

stood
under-

family.

cannot

thirst

and

join the

to

try

the

on

he

for

his breast

abducted

for Smain's

apprehended

be

in

were

They

hunger

would

children

them?

with

or

inert

will the tribesmen

what

But

do

became

exchange

an

as

"

AND

the

55

WILDERNESS

DESERT

misfortune;

astrous
might be dis-

for them."

And

at

which

after
"

along the

make

otherwise

that

river.
for the

at

from

Offer

be detained

and

to

once

who

far, while

be

of

the

one

at

people

sent

and
to

dred
hun-

two

the

for

distance

would

demand

from

it

perish

from

of

dive
Khe-

the

all the military outposts

fugitives.

approach

Khartum,

thousand

organized right
to

imagine

This" journey they must

Cairo

large reward

capture

not

keep

not

camels

pursuit
a

are

foolish men,

here.

and

despatches be

that
and

Nile

his friend,

and

reached, is about

the

Ride

thirst.

savage

Mahdi

of the

forty miles

and

thoughts with

thus:

spoke

Mahdi

the

these

Gebhr, like

followers

which

as

he

Idris and

that

shared

he

once

and

sheiks
In

water.

left along the

near

the

banks

the villages let all

In

this

manner

56

IN

Gebhr

and

Idris

and

already

send

shall

afterwards

go

shall

"I

Nubia,

for

follow

"Then

to

shall

we

meet,

minister

trail

forgot

off

and

by

to

of

way

Good

"With

And

God's

now

help!"

to

the

escape.

and

do?"

waiting

not

the

Nile

for
to

pursuit."
as

from

Cairo

shall

same."
"

from

moment,

intend

you

that

relief,

cannot

in

furlough,

then*
the

They

do

composure.

them

cut

ties
authori-

Gordon's

to

escape.

What

the

miscreants

will

our

of

his

hurrying

to

myself.

attend

to

"Those

not

despatch

shall

answer,

an

recovered

and

telegraph

hands

already

way

will

They

Mahdi.

the
children."

army,

the

on

into

said.

English

Wolseley's
is

he

go,"

shall

"I

had

WILDERNESS

the

recover

Rawlinson

Mr.

fall

must

shall

we

AND

DESERT

work
answered

!"

Mr.

Rawlinson.

do

the

VII

meantime

the

IN
the

The

hills

desert

which,

the

their

phenomena.

rocks
of

whining

with

view,

transformed

From

time

and

hour

passed.

supported

her,

endeavoring

fatiguing

jolts

and

speeding

or

he

he

said,

the

on

kind

to

he
of

what

Nell

held

if into

as

beyond

from
the

came

did

not

piteous

tell her

they

were

and

tents

their

truth, which

the

disclose.

to

off

girl began

why

the

the

allay

little

him

and

arms

to

way

see

to

his

in

The

ask

have

"pull

this

to

determined

her

pressed

I tell

Stas

to

unusual

and

glove

drop

served,
it, unob-

the

glove

and

himself
to

answered

with

him:

you."

with

finally taking

ground.

muslin

ground."

overcame

pull the

and,

like

them

Nell

ride.

they

would

tenderness

"Do

she

distant

Stas?"

"Why,

but

finally

later

"Nell,"

And

why

held
in

frequently

and

Stas

sooner

The

time

to

and

wheel

as

vapors

there

Stas

mad

the

of

more

so

papas.

silvery

night

deep

high.

on

over

jackals.

Another

more

big

as

rolled

here

scattered

hurricane

moonlight.

beginning

enveloped

veiling

like

swept

and

pale

were

not

luminous
the

in

the

at

moon,

became

ruddy,

camels

glistening

sands

fell.

the

with
it

one

hand

difficulty
her

off

feared

and
in

teeth,

entirely,

this

each
she

let

to

manner

finger
dropped

him

she

go,

began

separately,
it

on

the

58

IN

"After
"

time, throw

have

already
observe

to

And

the

will be

yours

easier

bright."

are

that

observing

other," again spoke Stas.

mine, but

dropped

they

for

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

the

little girl gazed

him

at

with

inquiring look, he continued:

an

"Don't

will not

meet

or

your

people have

foul

if it is so, then

them

kidnapped

the

fear, and

not

and

that
to

tremble

from

close to Stas

time

kidnapped

them

comforted

her

words

with

said

He

In

the

he

would

father

while
meanthing"some-

only do

notify all
her

abandon

amid

her

were

taking

that

her

same

why they

them.

He
same

Rawlinson.

would

garrisonsalong

and

the

in the

Mr.

whatever

papa

gan
desert,be-

sobs

almost

"

comforted

the

her

see

clinging at

themselves

parents

assured

never

could

not

far in the

cry,

they

he

as

his

their

he

where

well

would

end

should

him

asking

and

which

and

pursuit

she

fright and

and

as

that

something;

flyingsomewhere,

are

the

In

take
over-

me."

trust

they

for

"

drop the

to

you

I shall contrive

contrive

Nell, learning that

But

fear

find clews.

may

shall

Surely,

don't

we

these

They will

I told

nothing, iTutlater

do

can

pursuers

that

them.

us.

that

and

"

But

will follow

be

may

all

at

us.

surely rescue

gloves so that

It

father

my

pursuers

and

we

Nell.

frightened,

get

follow
the

in

Nile.

might happen,

would

always defend

her.
her

But

grief and

than

even

weep

fear;

and

"

the

pale

Sorrow

and

over

also shame.

happened,
which

for

so

thus

fear

yet

was

he

his father

for her

long time

they flew, both

sands

He

longing

of the
not

did

she

sad,

were

on

not

stronger
cease

to

bright night,

desert.

only oppressed Stas' heart, but

not

indeed

recalled
so

father

often

the
had

to

blame

former

rebuked

for what

boastfulness
him.

had
for

Formerly

IN

he

was

convinced

he

was

not

there

that

world.

whole

the

that he

and

camel

that

savage

Sudanese.

not

any

see

that

he

cost

of

his

Nell,

at

Nell

might

from

six

already

fell asleep.

her to himself
after

time

soft

illusions
heaven

They

rode
whole

times

continued

the

that

caravan

the

self
him-

desert,

himself
the

at

even

him

to

the

In

the

to

and

before

Stas

clouds

saw

how

assumed

until the hills

were

of

speed

they

flew

over

could

be

seen

The
and

in

turnal
noc-

shone

moon

the

ahead
the

and
a

as

if

burnooses

roseate

space,

from

only

became

an

the

plain began the

woven

moved

in

the saddle.

time
mean-

creeping low, strange

and

enveloped

fell

spot, tied

on

now

desert.

them,

camels

the

on

that

palely

more

whoever

distance

the

on

doze, and

to

he found

which

rope

illuminated
was

ride, which

that

killed

be

might

common

more

and

into

did

to

to

mad

Stas, knowing

sands.

by the light breeze.

Bedouins

and

but

hours, finallybegan

mysteriously

formed

half-

the

her

the

clouds, entirely transparent,

rosy

At

and

it seemed

appeared

there

her

to

defend

and

only the shiftinghills,while

in the

by

and

less rapid, though

became

and

smooth

with

some

the camels

merely

admit

to

men

only

over

galloping camel

camel

meet.

weeping

with

weary

times

pleased, and

life.

own

lasted

But

those

feared

watch

would

had

un-

small

terribly humiliated

felt

promised sincerely not

He

had

and

on

was

behind

from

resisting. He

of

plainly

he

what

and

driven

was

he

as

his will

spite,of

He

way

he

that

in

do

of

challenge

to

he

that

which

to

kind

ready

was

could

everybody

speeding

was

because

himself

he understood

Now

whom

with

boy,

situation

no

was

equal; he considered

vanquished swashbuckler,

59

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

when

reached.

pushed
of the

they

afterwards

delicate,rosy

azure

light.

hue

and

the
luster.
thus

it

60

DESERT

AND

hills the

speed

IN

the

Near

All

more.

sandy knolls
The

dunes.

hollows, sown

with

of rivers.

times

which

At

had

they

make

dance,

it

and

stumble
them

their

They began

roses

he

set

engaged

were

But

apart.

could

and

his
than

words:

camels,

due

build

of

them

to

fire.

to

For

some

with

the

camels, Stas
themselves

and

She

word.

sittingclose

little hands.
had

teeth, and

went

Chadigi,

the

Sudanese
and

Nell

Chamis

asked

but

finger. When

will see!"
the fire of

and

roses,

in

moan

the

he, laughing,only

to

gather

more

roses

Idris,questioned afterwards, answered

"You

her

the children

began with

once

happened,

or

together, somewhat

her

at

wood

Nell

and

flat

big pile to

only wrapped

to

Stas

seek

frightened than

more

example.

of

son

time, while

untie

to

no

was

them

of

pass,

the saddle-

loosen

Chamis,

fire.

their

There

built

say

sunken

provisions, and

and

was

in

to

of Jericho

of what

Jericho.

these

the

to

but

displayed his white

of

roses

would

camels

followed

use,

not

kiss her

meaning

by

saddles, proceeded

Arabs

Dinah

plaid

warm

if in

abundantly

were

was

stopped

Gebhr

Dinah, found

old

nurse,

it

began

formed

the

of

that

supplies

to

dung, which

which

animals

precision as

rocks

some

the

and

the

which

on

plucked

to

from

attend

to

girths, remove
dried

again

The

bushes

and

Bedouins

Idris

packs.

stones

few

rest.

dismounting

the

crossed

sand

by ravines about

legs with

hard

and

apparent

was

Accordingly the
and

detour.

the dunes

and

Time

covered.

They

barred

was

dry

which

with

of Jericho

give

the

among

the

amidst

resembling the dried-upbeds

their road

to

yet

protruding from

disorder

stony.

and

stone

step carefully,moving

to
a

became

ground

rocks

seen

in wild

strewn

or

slackened

camels

the

of

be

could

about

WILDERNESS

threatened
which

him

smoldered

blazed,finally
glowed they all surrounded

it in

with
with
more

circle,

62

IN

bash

from

his

exclaimed
"

AND

brother's

WILDERNESS

hand

and, pushing him

away,

:
"

Away,

"I'll

DESERT

fool !

you

flog that

scorpion!"

Gebhr, gnashing

answered

his teeth.
But

this, Idris seized

at

gazing

into

his eyes

began

his cloak

to say

the

at

in

to

do any

breast

and

threateningthough

quiet voice:
"

noble

The

Fatma

forbade

children, for they interceded

'11

"I
"

flog him!"

And

Gebhr.

do, for

raise the

courbash

blow, I shall give

every

ten."

you

he

And

began

after which
"

of

Those

God
be

to

you

The

and

reach

Do

hung.

Allah

to

repeat

akbar

father

could

would

have

of the
own

alive, the

Gebhr

that

if with

as

and

been

proud

of

himself

pain

him

instead

but

the blow

All relatives of the

This

means,

Mahdi
"God

of fear, summoning

command

fool?"

great impression

drooped his head

at

once

!"

felt that

but

him

heard

like fire,he

began

the

think

not

console

blows

and

ask

of
the

injured her.

had

were

is

to

did

he

only leaped

not

though

now,

if his

that moment

at

him, for he had

thinking, but

burnt

courbash

such

if either

Mahdi

you

whipped,

and

palm,

fear:

akbar

seen

Nell, without

cry

created

Allah

have

littlegirlwhether

moments

of Smain

understand,

you

panting and

rose,

save

him

of the Mahdi

began

of

bough

the property

are

not

like

would
prolong his days infinitely!)

name

Stas

his

continued

all his believers

upon

"

he thus

does

him

shake

to

children

them

(May

to

If you

to those

"

that yp,u shall not

either of them.

at

harm

"

for her

iterated

I tell you

us

great";

aid.

"

termed
but

noble."
Arabs

utter

it in

DESERT

IN

And
"

Oh, if I only had

that it did not

pain

from

but

not

pain
I

because
that

certain

spread

having
Dinah's

camels'
veiled
rocks

poured

the

On

fire,they

as

Chamis,

at

the

son

rolled

the

the

With

the sand

small

returned

times

at

the

to

camels
the

fed

Their

eat.

well

dozing, as

been

Then

Sudanese.

the two

the

jackals.

Having

commenced

and

in the

Beyond

with

water.

and

out

which

of

old

on

durra

clear.

was

in the

head

of the

clouds

previously had

Chadigi,

lay

example.

dying

was

whining

with

and

and

camels, after which,

fire

night

bags filled

of

their

ciled,
recon-

camels, they rode

Bedouins

Stas, who

camp-fire began the following conversation:

Idris asked.

start?"

"Can

we

"No,

because

"Did

any

one

Nobody.

In the distance
"It

for the

mournful

the

on

arrival awoke

"

followed

soon

durra

high

hours

sat

but

me,

ground

Nell, supporting her

but

bearing leather

whipped

the

only the grinding

heard

moon,

two

this Stas

At

forgive him."

upon

unengaged

Nile.

resounded

After

crying

was

Idris,becoming

and

knee, fell asleep. The

teeth.

he

because

Gebhr

out

two

be

him

assure

she

him.

and

arms

whispered:

not

Chamis

of the

could

soon

her
to

that

for

their cloaks

mounted

direction

and

I shall not

time

out

Bedouins

The

and

ear

you,

and

them,

upon

you.

closed.

incident

the

After

struck

much
sorrow

that,

swear

he

from

began

tears

her very

her

put his lips to

"Nell,

with

cheeks

with

his neck

entwined

his

dampening

attack

never

weapon!"

some

little woman

he will

but

I got, I got,

Whatever

The

said:

he

afterwards

63

WILDERNESS

AND

will be

We

we

must

see

you?"

reached

dogs

rest;

"

we

and

our

the river between

camels."

two

villages.

barked."

necessary

always

to

go

for water

at

mid-

64
and

night

apart and

farther

are

resting his

face

Fachn

whole

the

during

train; later they will

and

then

the

and

that

will take

need

to

from

pipe-stems."

tire

least

at

lit his

pipe

arranged

"You

smack

it

well,

what

has

shall

(a great

the

oasis

west

hold

sprig of
Idris

of

reached
Here

Mahdi

All

us.

do

we

not

smoke*

drink

of Jericho

rose

to

advantage
and

days

nights

time

Nile

the
God

and

and

far

as

freely only

breathe

Nile).

of the

as

when

Kharga
that

grant

the

out," declared

one

of the Bedouins.

may

"

God

prolong

"that

his life

"

the

has

army

already

Assuan."

Stas, who

and

remembered

and

said:

"The

the

on

satisfaction.

"People also say," interposed Chamis,

of the

to

Chadigi," he said, "but

between

the

pened
hap-

began, according

lipswith

of

son

to

out."

will hold

"They

peacefully

his

shall

desert

cross

cities

to

Therefore

three
I

possible southward.

wire

following

Medinet

to

days.
can

take

to

us

during those

drive

camels

there

and

to

for

it is necessary

we

from

will pursue

it, while

with

habit,

the Arabian

to

and

return

to

in El-

the

which

pulled out

Saying this, he
and

three

camels

our

and

until

urn

copper

camel-corps

Nile

to

Jiave

the

flying over

words

send

and

Fay

to

will

they

the

up,

children

the

for

Only there will they understand

Gharak.

lages
vil-

said:

night

go

back

his

with

will first wait

Mehendes

"The

the

follow us."

undoubtedly

over,

his hands

on

that

get

us

friendly to

more

are

will

turned

Chamis

this

they

pursuing party

prophet.

let

places. Only

(cataract); beyond

first 'challa'

past the

At

deserted

it at

draw

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

army

did not
also

what

of the Mahdi

lose

Idris

word
had

is below

of this conversation

said to

Khartum."

Gebhr,

rose

IN

"Don't

pay

he

only has

not
you

rushed

you

that

have

for

Khartum

skin

And

not

but

also

do

you

not

reach

not

know

bars

army

brain.

days and

would

perhaps

replied,

dark

three

every

Egyptian,

an

Stas

words,"

this day, you

done

month.

English,

an

his

to

dark

contradicted.

bought fresh camels

Although
as

Chamis

attention

any

65

WILDERNESS

AND

(no! no!)"

La!

"La!

"for

DESERT

the

road

you."

to

created

words

These

certain

impression and

Stas,

observing this,continued:
"Before

find

you

yourselves between

the great oasis all the roads

by

Words

camels.

speed quicker than

Nile

and

the desert will be picketed

on

sentinels.

line of army

the

How

the

over

will you

wire

copper

be able to

slip

through?"
"The

desert is wide," answered

"But

you

"We

can

side

"Words
and

cross

both

Mahdi

"The

finger

the

speeding over

villageson

of

eyes

(Egyptians)and

will

is like

jackal,but
us

to the

doing

an

you.

Mahdi

this for money,

little 'bint'

with

us

do

not

gourd,

nor

(girl)is

deliver

us

cities

then

know

richer

than

place

the

Turks

address

Chamis

Gebhr
you

Smain.
that

all the

who

is

want

to

But

the

whose
vile

carry

if you

father

of

Sudanese

are

this

put

together."
"And
"What
will not

what

of it?"

of it? Return
spare

money

interruptedIdris.
voluntarilyand the great Mehendi
for you,

nor

his wings."

that
to

will

and

Englishmen

already know

and

this

on

us

will reach

angel, who

an

us

screen

empty

wire

copper

the

"Idris," said Stas, "I

head

they seek

of the river."

banks

will send

the

on

when

other."

the

on

the Nile."

to

and

over,

shall be

we

keep close

must

of the Bedouins.

one

will my

father either."

66

DESERT

IN

they will give

"But

will order

be

to

us

they capture

out

to

and

you,

Mehendes

know

that

the white

Now

both*

and

the savage
with

So

plunged

was

give

confident

that

of

and

them,

yet

and

life among

Mahdi.

waited

silence and

in

for

especially Nell,

of the

he

word

promise made

terrible

more

end

Europe

his father

fulfil the

to

of

will

meted

the

to

the

you

say."

as

hordes

maddened

will be

people

in

only

surely

wealthy

palpitating heart,

Idris who

be

prefer

expose

that

punishment

no

the terrible journey and

to

which

hang, but

flight; and

it will be

would

than

him

by

will

will

word.

that

Rawlinson

Government,

you

Stas in realitywas

And
Mr.

return,

besides

always keep their

both

in the

you

You

life.

of your

the

to

up

undoubtedly

if you

But

happen.

us

WILDERNESS

hung."

You

Idris.

"No,
case

AND

for

the

reply of

only after

long

said:

interval
"You

say

will give

us

of the little 'bint' and

the father

that

yours

great deal of money?"

"Yes."
"

But

all their money

can

shouted

"Bismillah!"

Stas
much

the

lost all

once

people in

when
the

both

with

of

hope,

the East

do?"

can

Bedouins

for he

together with

views

faith, there

which

he

be

can

knew

greedy

are

Mohammedan

true

standpoint

the world

the gates of paradise

Gebhr.

and
at

us

only the blessing of the Mahdi

which

Chamis

for

open

are

not

that
and

howsoever

venal,

theless
never-

from

any

matter

any

treasures

in

tempted.

Idris,encouraged by the shouts, continued, and evidently

for the

purpose

of

gaining greater

esteem

not

of

"

We

have

tribe which

the
gave

good

replying
and
fortune

the holy

to

Stas, but
his

praise from
not

only

to

prophet,but the

with

view

companions.

belong
noble

to

that

Fatma

IN

and

children

her

loves

If

them.

will bless

Know

us.

morning according

the

to

think

what

But
"Then

sick

and

little 'bint/

For

the
the

at

they

me

and

sons

in which

every

he makes

sins; and

eliminates

Sudanese
last

let the

and

me

her

to

accomplish!"

reiterated

take

and

precepts of the Koran

the

Stas, clutching

little 'bint'

the

the water,

even

great Mahdi

the

Fatma

for

his blessing can

"Bismillah!"

and

and

you

you

that

ablutions, heals

his

relatives

deliver

we

will exchange

he

him,

his

are

67

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

plank

Bedouins

and

Bedouins.

for

help, said:

return

will surrender

with

the

and

her

Fatma

sons."
"It

is yet

for you
At

certain

more

this the

boy addressed

father
father

"My

shall

Here, however,
to his

"Those

of old.

the Nile, but

more
are

us

for

on

And
of them

to

the

give encouragement

in

times

will do

Berber

the

that

will find.
for

the

Bahr

in the

that

I tell you

only waiting

and

we

what
the

the

ouins)
Bed-

acquainted
There
We

us.

and

Yusuf

body
no-

must

later to

night. Besides, do

are

the

flesh

know
at

are

will seek

nobody

the river there

we

know

only gazelles roam.

to

water

We

(here he pointed

men

and

will pick the

children, and

not

are

which

over

turn

that

we

These

will find

Mahdi?

it proper

yet be hatched.

not

many

roads

think

to

hang him."

and

Idris deemed

may

but

us,

were

indeed

his way

companions.

bones

threatens

conduct."

Chamis.

vultures," he said, "which

our

with

for your

answer

they will capture

Then

desert

her

Chamis:

is already in the desert,on

prophet," retorted

from

they will surrender

two."

"Your

"

that

no

secret

farther

friends of the

south

There, tribes and

favorable

moment

you

we

go

the

their sheiks
to

seize the

68

IN

sword

in

DESERT

defense

In

but

truth,

we

sheep's hide

which

on

"Bismillah!"

WILDERNESS
faith.

true

These

alone

will

lead

astray

the

and

camels,

it is far to

know

that

every

day brings

also that

know

we

the

of

food, and

supply water,
pursuit.

AND

the

us

the

his

pray."

to

for

companions

the

to

nearer

holy prophet kneels

shouted

Mahdi,

the

third

tune.

It

them

Idris'

considerably. Stas

importance

Nell

grew

that

understood

least to protect

desiring at

so,

that

apparent

was

all

among

lost;

was

the malice

from

of the

Sudanese, he said:
^

six

"After
alive.

How

hours
can

will you

what

this,continued
"

And

learn

must

pay

But
"I

with

are

you

Here

for

her

"For
for

as

she may

then

receive
and

with

when

you

children

her

will not

of old

will

the

and

Allah!

By

"

she

die and
of

replied:

"

sleepinggirl
in

finished

kind

weave

bird, that she

not

may

as

camel's

the

on

the road

sleep on

Dinah

and

throat.

little head

the

at

knees

we

himself

grasped Gebhr's

strangelygentlevoice

of

Smain

recovered

whelp and

gazed
the

resting on

such

Stas, perceiving

answer.

folly Fatma

had

you

lion's

he

endure

can

their lives?"

how
a

an

and

your

Sudanese

saw

find

not

barely

Mahdi?"

will the Mahdi

that

the

she

here

thus:

how

they

that

the

to

could

lady reached

die, I also will die, and

should

come

Idris

Now

little

think

you

If she

journey?

the

at

all feel

hump

fatigue and

peacefullyas

is

she

nest,
that

sleeping

now."

Saying this he
the

Bedouins

the

back

walked

began

of the

great deal and

best

to

the

towards
make

dromedary.

quarrelledamong

seat

At

camels

for the

this

and

little

they

themselves

with

girlon

chattered

but

finally,

70

And
in

and

began
"We

God."

Stas,

hearing

that

distant

the

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

these

voices,

region,

amidst

raised

his

upwards

eyes

gloomy

tawny,

sands,

prayer:

fly

to

Thy

patronage,

Holy

Mother

of

VIII

THE

night

the

camels,

which,

hundred

the

if it fled

as

deserts

there

could

feel

alarmed
the

the

Sudanese

pursuing

Bedouins

and

fear

any

when
the

"By

"a

he

he

prophet!"
lion

down

slipped

is

rushing

could

this

yet

towards

Was

the

of

had

he

barely

and

ened,
fright-

already

close

confused
us

be?

quickly.

more

exclaimed,

greatly

One

but

rock,

wolves

sight

approaching?
on

Egyptian

which

this

reason

of

signs

the

before

What

already
climbed

quickly

glanced

that

for

Arabs.

party

On

animals

wild

no

showing

enemy.

some

pass,

reaching

and

ahead

wolf,

the

across

caravan,

dashed

before

are

the

on

desert

it, rushed

from

paces

saddles

the

observed

they

beneath

table-land,

opposite

fright

curled

tail

had

already

men

suddenly

when

with

about

The

faded.

and

is

by!"
And
after

then
which

hi

became

know

the

shouted

came

"wow"

bass

together:

said

children

Nell

yet

but

more,

lion,

means

Chamis

the

burst

lion."

that

gigantic

this

language

frightened

and

this

Saying
the

Arabian

the

laughing
"I

Nell

rocks

the

Saba!"

Bedouins
out

and

Stas

"Saba!
As

beyond

from

he

whistled

mastiff
he

who

leaped

drawlingly

dashed

among

towards

extended

her

them.

hands

and
the

in

camels.

From
to

moment

him;

joy

Seeing
he

he

turned
over-

reared

72

IN

himself

DESERT

both

reared

himself

began

to

Stas, and

on

from

sunken,

were

ordered

began

repeating:

black

their

at

kelb

for

astonishment,
God!

camp-fire,near

that

is

air through

big truffle,scented,

before

wards
lay quietly. Afterthe

inhaled

head,

side, and

never

("By

time

some

who

with

kebir!"

I am."

each

on

one

him

at

here

Your

say

fell

raised
"

to

so

you,

Bedouins,

he

the extinct

towards

over

two

resembling

nose

wanted

if he

as

The

his

raised

he

down

his tail and

him,

Allah!

"On

big dog!") while

Nell, again

lolling tongue

wagged

this,gazed

like

creature

his

close to

sat

pat him.

to

saw

he

watch

to

me

children

The

ran

pant.

full of love at Nell

father

he

barking

finallylying

clots of froth; nevertheless

his eyes

and

whining

times, again overturned

few

sides

His

WILDERNESS

Stas; afterwards

on

round

feet

AND

and

lay the

which

his

jumped
remnants

of food.
the

In

Sudanese

the

But

camel

speak

and

even

uneasiness

with

"but

in what

came

to

happened badly.

will remember

we

went.

and

But

We

how?"

Iblis,one
note,

Nell, there

here,"

one

the

side, began

with

to

indignation.

exclaimed

Gebhr,

they

by rail?"

Gharak

us

"

powerful teeth.

did he find the children, since

manner

"Surely by the camel

"It

dog

that

began

by his arrival and

to

brought

"Iblis1

worried

were

bones

kebir."

drivers, calling Chamis

him

to

"kelb

such

for

enough

two

his

in

straw

as

lamb's

eight people, counting old Dinah

After
was

crumble

and

crack

to

goat's and

moment

same

tracks," answered
Everybody

caravan

our

positivelymust
asked
of the

and

who

Chamis.
sees

him

will point out

with
where

get rid of him."

Chamis.

names

of the devil in the Koran,

"

lator's
Trans-

IN

DESERT

have

"We

rifle,so

73

WILDERNESS

AND

take

it and

in

him

shoot

the

head."
In

had

times

several
he

him, but

Medinet.

no

idea

would

be

"If

you

do

knew

He

at

don't

know

rifle

that

advise

not

and

it.
a

(Christian) could
in

times

crafty smile,
kill

the

dog,

succession;

so

put it in his hands."

to

you

had

Sudanese

the

said, with

he

how,"

fond,

was

of the children

arrival

with

fire several

can

forbid!"

"God

do

to

he

before

of the latest model

weapon

loss what

the

perfectly that

handle

to

his weapon

of whom

dog

before

little 'nouzrani'

"that
but

of him

care

how

for the

sorry

closed

able, for Stas

be

might

and

opened

was

having taken
at

Chamis

of urgency,

case

would

replied Idris; "he

shoot

like

us

quails/'
knives," observed

have

"We

it, but

"Try

remember

Gebhr.

that

the dog will pull to pieces before

do

"Why
afterwards
him

out;

that

we

him

bury
the

and

in

follow
hide

party
need

to

will not
him

in

now,
on

our

but

As

us.

the

often

tracks

as

you

as

to

get

and

hyena

do

not

idle talk."
you

are

right,"said

the

Idris.

will dig

will know

Bedouins
be

may

lead
You

not
or

go

that

sure

It is better

Berber.
are

should

off in this direction.

would

he

far

and

Allah!

leavings

our

I tell you,

as

children.

for otherwise

be difficult for him

"Perhaps

hyenas

made

in the passes,

feed him, for if

peace,

sand, the

the Nile

the dog will stay with

came

the

If you

dog?

will find his bones

cross

we

kill the

to

pursuers

him

Let
for water

want

you

did not

he

stab him."

you

shrugged his shoulder.

Chamis

that

which

throat

is to be done?"

what

"Then

have

you

the

suing
pur-

do

not

sufficient it

jackal. Leave

lose

any

time

in

74

IN

"If

In

the

with

They
wind

rested

of

the

gathered

in

the

afterwards

sand

of

It

light.
the

of

from

not

the

there
appear

one

could
the

than

seen

Heaven

burst

from

the

in southern

twilight and

any

behind

horizon

it enlivened

darted,

ray

is usual

as

the clouds

with
the

bright

earth, and

unveiled

was

expanse

rested

on

fear

no

was

the

at

Sudanese

we

had

with
made

like

to

the

can

be

had

with

lost

get

each

Stas

so

that

other.

The

bird
the

In

in

Stas'

seat

overtaken

the

to

which

the little
She

ride fatigued her

heart

The

children

the

bright daylight

and

close

ran

nest.

on

behind,

halt for refreshments.

during the night. The

that since Saba

sped

appeared splendid and

sleeping,and
children.

would

mounted,

was

camels
remained

Saba

he

Idris rode

Nell

which

fall,even
both

here

satiated

that

first short

which

on

and

gazelles.

easily converse

to

be

distance."

girl really looked

not

One

gold.
"

flooded

sandy

celerity of

dromedary
the

the

Light little clouds

scarcely

are

heaven,

Accordingly the
but

could
desert.

hasten," said Idris, "for

must

with

which

on

men.

"We
seen

sun

ascend, but

immeasurable

eyes

the

there

enlivened

caravan.

of the

dyeclwith

fire and

and

changed like opals, after which

another, and

pillarof

fill,in

of water

which

pearl shell.

who,

his

bowl

he

villages."

Saba

eaten

from

expanse

became

did not

"

like

and

and

countries, in which
dawn

and
up

of

fate

high, level ground,

the east

they suddenly

the

that

so

in the

strength after the

on

tint

water,

himself

lapped

sides the immense

assumed

show

himself

eye

rode

wrinkled

both

an

give him

decided

renewed

now

I will

was

somewhat

started

on

manner

twinkling

WILDERNESS

the Nile and

to

run

this

having

AND

right, then

am

shall not

DESERT

gave

could
far less
age
cour-

hope entered

them, the pursuers

might

IN

do

the

after two

perhaps
"But

by

go

"That

she began

sleep,she
drove
that

Nile

they

rides, had

these

El-Wasta

and

papa!"

to

sleepy voice.

did not

enjoy

deep sleep which

In

without

the

and

Stas

rest

towards

way

full sound

after

the meantime

their

making

were

wards
after-

El-Wasta."

to

to

"

morning.

camels

the

Nile, and

the

as

of them.

fell into that

now

towards

comes

far

as

the previous stop she

at

camels?"

on

previously loved

repeat in

to

to-day ; perhaps to-morrow;

Nile

enough

the

of

way

only

had

had

now

them.

oh, good!"

Nell, who

evidently

French

in

asked

understand

back

ride

of the

way

their abduction.

since

she

Nell,

three days."

or

is good!

"By

be

will ride

We

Poor

It may

will not

we

No.

not

with

shared

once

us?"

should

know.

I do not

As

Idris

that

in order

"

at

will they overtake

"When

"

hope he

for the first time

him

at

75

WILDERNESS

AND

This

same.

smiled

who

DESERT

fatigue

Bedouins
observed
interior

the

of the desert.

So, desiring
be

able

show

elude

to

him

that

he said
"You

Yusuf,

but

he

Idris' confidence

pursuit, and

the

himself

that

at

the

relied upon

it

he

time

same
a

as

would

dead

to
tainty,
cer-

driving

are

that

seek you

not

shake

to

on

from

away

won't

help

the

you,

where

the banks

Nile

for of

and

from

Bahr
will

they

course

villageslie side by side,

but in the interior of the desert."

And
"

Idris asked:
do you

know

Nile, since the

banks

How

"Because

the

sun,

heaven, is warming
turned

to the

west."

that

we

driving away

are

cannot

be

which

is in

our

backs;

from

seen

the

that

here?"

eastern
means

the

from

part
we

of

have

76

DESERT

IN

"You

After

boy," said

pursuing party
escape."

"No,"

esteem.

answered

Stas,

pointed to

the

will

shall

"I

overtake

not

not

us

escape

nor

unless

"

her."

with

he

And

Until

the

with

covered

by

again

The

caravan

The

ravines, which
channels

into

view

of them

one

they raised

when

camels

beheld

had

Stas, who

of them.
a

the

overgrowing

gliding sinuously

and,

place

Gebhr
the

to

hit the

Soon
And

to

itself.

rushed

to

known

to

"khors,"

The

dashed

the

of

unevenness

snake

the
a

aid

stone

or

terror

cries,customary

with

returned

to

it

emerged

lightning
hiding-

some

it furiously

knife.

to

of

chased

with

ground

dry bushes

rapidity

Bedouins

with

all three
the

with

their

the saddle,

big snake

the

ahead

stones

the

among

amid

ing
ahead, bend-

throwing

"khor,"

The

finally

from

yet alighted from

with

came

Bedouins

fragments of rocks, escaped

the

among

and

From

of the

bed

and

cry

not

dunes.

changed

are

barely dismounted

sight.

strange

and

entirelyconcealed

was

little while

every

over

which

they had

But

rocks.

the

frequently.

more

considerably.

season

so-called

or

scorch,

to

little,were

rocks

by

the rainy

streams,

and

more

in

halted

of

began

slackened

sufrounded

during

and

sky

their pace

was

pausing for breath,

perspire but

nature

and

sweat,

without

in the

high

rose

sun

camels, which

the

sleepinggirl.

they sped almost

noon

when

and

Idris with

the

will you

to

WILDERNESS

he added:

while

"But

but

wise

are

AND

But

owing

difficult either

was

pin it with

visible

on

knife.

their faces.

Arabs, resounded:

"Allah!"

"Bismillah!"
"Mashallah!"
Afterwards

both

Sudanese

began

to

look

with

kind

78

IN

if

that
flowed
'

it

Gebhr's

under
'

bint's

shall

swing

the

on

lives

"Our
to

are

yet

form

camel

you,"

do

wings

ceasing to

not

of the

Bedouins

"What,
"Wicked

border

exhaled

to

began

run,

approached

evil is

brewing?

do you

think?"

spiritsawoke

kind

was

and

pray.
season,

not

was

disfigured.

few

moving,

vultures
black

air could

whose
shadows
be

burning charcoal.
to

upon

fingerthe beads
nuts,

was
a

from

sky there

the heated

In

mounted

in the winter

the

omen

impress this

to

was

cast

evil

quieted
escaping, dis-

"Yes,

shells of "dum"

In

with

already

began

hovered

sands.

but

you,

the
in

times:

he

horizon's

like the gas

camels,

with

he wished

unusual.

caravan

to

assurance

succeeded

which

afterwards

the

tawny

the

connection

event

widely outstretched

Some

that

o'clock, though it

the

Above

in

of the

became

I have

one

Stas.

high degree. Having

made

already

you

kind

been

however,

snake

and

cloudlet, but

"

ment
astonish-

threaten."

not

if hi any

two

heat

odor

T have

far

repeated several

he
as

About

an

Gebhr

"

Thus

of

rosary

the

if with

as

such

Stas' memory,

on

little

added:

he

Idris in

the

while

strange 'uled' (boy),and

lord

boy spoke

in the

for

yet in your

apparent,

was

the

of

him

at

and

and

which

to

that

only; but

you

punishes treachery," answered

"God

the

for

hands

seen.

heed

It

have

rope."

not

are

while

"You

take

intercede

gazed

our

as

us

After

not

and

yours

"

would

said:

and

talk

blood

your

courbash

shall

this Idris

At

me,

also."

therefore

"I

for

not

was

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

smelt
The

grunt strangely. One

Idris.

"

asked
the

the Sudanese.
wind

slumbering

on

the

desert, and

western

he

Idris raised himself

is rushing

and

sands

the saddle, gazed into the distance,

on

replied:

"That

is

is not

but

is

He

so.

furious

as

"Three

and

winter.

Ualla!

did

as

nostrils of the

the

the

may

have

camels

and

buried

he

Abu-Hamed
sweep

south

and

west

Khamsin."

not

He

from

coming

near

ago

years

caravan

the

the

from

rose

?y

us."

upon

and

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

sand

last

until

away

enough

strength

dry

the

up

whole

to

stuff

in the

water

bags."
that

is necessary

"It

only with
"We

we

speed

so

and

are

that

he

strike

us

wing."

flying in his

are

eyes

able

not

avoid

to

him."
"The

quicker he

his

example

could

time

be

heard

dull

the

resembling the clapping of hands,

On

the

heads

southwest

the

The

continued

the

of

evidently,
and

heat

their

The

of the

the cries of

the

whips,

"

Yalla."

scorched

sun

soared

vultures

shadows

yelled

parched,
il

thick

the

some

very

smaller

grew

the

high

and

smaller,

until

their

throats

were

silent

entirely.

sultry.

Arabs

became

and

The

they finallyvanished

It became

and

For

ened.
horizon, previously whitish, dark-

riders.

for

of

blows

away."
courbash

by the others.

followed

was

with

camel

his

this, Idris struck

Saying
and

the quicker he will pass

comes,

at

after

the

camels

which

they

and

quiet ensued, interrupted only by the groaning

animals.

Two

very

running

in

small foxes
an

with

big ears

stole

by

the caravan,

opposite direction.

southwest

An

animal

wind
smaller

which

than

blows
our

in the

spring.

foxes, called "fennec."

80

IN

The

DESERT

with

who

Bedouin,

same

Idris, spoke

WILDERNESS

AND

had
in

again

out

and

strange

conversed

previously

if not

as

his

voice:

own

will not

"This

The

us.

air

charms

Evil

wind.

for all

is to blame

answered

the

"Look!

usual

snake

know,"

"I

be

are

suing
pur-

"

Idris.
does

That

quivers.

in

happen

not

winter."
the

fact

In

of

that

the

cowl

from

And

sands

of the

is

higher

the wind

gusts of wind

sudden

funnels

there

of

surface

approached

the

around

began

to

if

cane.

guide first espied

of

an

It

velocity.
like the
eyes

wing
of

and
as

dust

dusky.

became

if in

swift

at

the

bottom

and

All this lasted

of

even

fog.

hid
The
the
Not

the

the

sky,

hid

began

men

nearest

the

riders

camel

rustle

"

were

to

with

people

In

the

the camel-

which
them

the

gigantic bird.

mouths

and

Clouds

of

drilled the

places rose

cloud

struck

and

At

flying towards

came

Here

had

someone

The

eye.

The

agitated and

spin the sand.

as

peared
apgrew

caravan.

top like plumes of feathers.

on

twinkling

the

but

their eyes

became

whirlpools resembling pillars,thin

outspread

distance

the

In

up.

all

coming!"
in

with

desert

the

is

as

to shout:

began

which

formed

were

riders

his sweaty

took

and

He

"

clouds

air

of

waves

the

to

riding in the lead

around

came

dark

were

quence
conse-

terror."

with

beats

Bedouin,

higher and

and

nearest

desert

already coming!
it

as

Bedouin

The

camels, turned

in truth

it seemed

eyes

in

quiver, and

to

saicl:

and

this the other

of the

And

began

quivered.

his head

at

"He

air

illusion of the

an

heart

"The

guide

heated

and

conceiva
in-

beasts

moment

the

filled with

sand.

one

sun,

lose

an

and

the

sight of

one

earth
other
an-

appeared indistinctly
for

on

the

desert

there

trees

but

are

no

the

calls of the
the

In

camels

smelt

which

in sand.

such

At

Idris

but

halt

touched

the

expected

could

again drove

dissipatedvery

slowly for the

the

clouds

dust

and

heavier

of

and

dust

sand

clothes.
which

in

they

passed they

The

irritated

not

air.
fall.

to

their

with

lungs

The

thicker

filled all

Sand

and

saddles

people

ruddy dusk
pierce through

the

the

began

in the

punctures

but
could

sun

suspended

particlesof

the

where

from

first gale

ensued

stillness

momentary

the cracks

wind,
whirl-

the

this, for in thus

do

not

buried

camels.

the

of

with

stop,

often

are

speed

the

pursuit. So when

allow

to

Fayum

to

return

sand.

hurricane
to

away

downward

necks

wish

it is best

Gehbr

doing they would

folds

long

coal

as

and, turning

their

during

times
and

still

did not

such

odor

an

animals.

of the

bellowing

stood

Sudanese, however,

caravans

be

nostrils almost

their

The
as

could

wind, they stretched

the

that

the

drowned

whirlwind

the

of

roar

and

guide
The

gives.

from

the

atmosphere

smoke

so

"

81

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

clung

breath

each
and

to

the
haled
in-

grated their

teeth.

Besides, the whirlwind

world.

the whole
of

such

he

might

he

the

dusk

they succeeded

and

reaching

the Nile, Idris and

near

them

for

they would

at

any

Gebhr
once

of

and

hide

if at

the

time

the

on

they

again

that

with

escape

confusion

out

Stas

Nell

whether

and
in

to

with

was

around

knows

Who
amidst

It occurred

darkness
turn

might break

the

would
the

wind

ward.
north-

observed

elements, and, if

not

fall into

camel,

be

village on
would

same

the

Bahr

dare

Yusuf

to

hands

pursue

of the

local "police."

Stas, weighing all this, jostled Idris' shoulder

"Give

me

the gourd with

Idris did not

and

said:

water."

refuse for howsoever

much

that

morning

82

IN

they had

turned

far

the

from

stop.

Besides

the

this, as

that

after
"

dried-up
in

Stas

which,

Idris'

arm.

of

their

acquainted with

the

night

the desert,

change temporarily into

he

thirsty, so
the

returning

not

and

water,

time

quite

hurricane, rain usually follows

"

khors

"Because

I want

took

streams.

good drink,

he

gourd,

and

again jostled

"Dinah

has

deal

of sand

made

like

"The

greedy

camel

with

the

little

mine."

than

surely has emptied it. A great

and

have

into

fallen

Dinah

basket.

will break

wind

the

on

water."

must

sit

bigger gourd

is

she

Sudanese.
to

give her

and

But

the

asked

"Why?"

"

and

the caravan."

"Halt

'bint'

the

desert

of

enough

man

reality was

after

interior of the

the

copiously during

drank

knew

into

WILDERNESS

river, they had

camels

he

AND

DESERT

will be

which

you

helpless."

after

out

saddle

her

and

while

will refill

it."
"

is the

That

"

don't

Because

"

"The
not

the

to

pursuers

have

do

to

"The

desert

They

became

saddle

become

I have

No.

shone

the

like

or

hands

tie your

while

be better

behind."

insane."

guessed what

intended

you

will overtake

us

to

do."

so

anyway;

I would

it."
of God."

is in the hands
silent again.

there remained
of

for

it would

considering whether

am

have

"You

and

Stas asked.

answer?"

you

tie you

to

requirehelp."

in silence.

they rode
"Why

his whip

with

camel

the

lashed

Idris

she will

why

reason

more

nature

copper

in the
of

The

air

thicker

sand

subtile red

But

tirely;
en-

dust, something

pollen, through which

plate.

fell

the

already they could

sun
see

DESERT

IN

ahead.

borders

the

the

Before

It

espied a cloud.
besides

keen

the

the

hearts

the

of

and

Arabs

the

at

Bedouins

and

himself

prostrate
faith in
and

God

one

We

did

not

they
his

began

ears

his

prevent

for Stas distinctlyheard

him

thy children; therefore

are

for

to

His

whirlwind.

approaching

evidently

fear of others

"Lord!

the

to

pillars,

raised

Idris

his

towards

drawing his palms

and,

this sight

At

quailed

recognized the great sandy whirlpools.

hands

like

top.

at

again

previous one

seemed

it what

this, there shot from

gigantic chimneys expanding

or

the

ground

Arabs

of the

eyes

than

higher

was

level

stretched

caravan

of which

83

WILDERNESS

AND

worship
:

say

devour

do not

us."
But

the

camels

"lord5*

with

just dashed

force

the

ground.

The

with

heads

turned

Whole

enveloped by
there
as

flew

beside

the hurricane.

had

the

riders dark

these

the

perishedunder
could

the

heard

be

strange

laughter, to

cries for

The

was

caravan

Amid

Sudanese

the

But

these

knew

ing
howl-

and

sobs,

to

to

delusions.

were

that

who

men

roar

by real danger,
well

objects,
it seemed

and

similar

voices

help.

threatened

The

greater.

sands.

dusk

dispersed with

were

animals

spiritsof

was

in that

seized the Arabs, to whom

Fear

were

caravan

indistinct

and

camels

or

other.

each

and

before

pack

compact

The

stirred.

deeper than

fell to

they almost
a

the

assailed

towards

center

were

gigantic birds

though

that

sand

and

formed

now

the

to

dusk

terrible that

so

animals

of

masses

them

at

fold
hundred-

if any

one

of the

great whirlpools,forming incessantly in the bosom

of the

hurricane, should

hurl
and

the

riders

if it should

twinkling of
cover

them

an

to

catch

the

ground
and

break
eye

in which

an

in its

them

disperse the camels,

and

fall upon

immense

they would

whirls, it would

them

sandy
remain

then

in

mound
until

the

would
the

next

84

DESERT

IN

hurricane, blowing

AND

WILDERNESS

the

away

sand, should

reveal

their

skeletons.
head

Stas'
sand

blinded

heard

Nell

his

swam,

him.

But

to

the

that

But

encouragement.
from

of Nell's

him.

The

after

pressed

with

sand

After

The
the
The

could

to

in

shout

Arabs

so

could

nor

Bedouins

two

the

animals

and

to

the

spread

out

hundreds

began

of
now

whips

that

camels

want

hold

to

only

escape.

suffocating,

was

their

their lower

in

by

widely
by

the sand

which

on

places.
to

attached

ing
Idris, shovThe

same.

possiblein

gravel
to

sit

leaped

they lacked

hurriedly,

lives.

not

cords

the

as

which

their

jaws.

saddle, did

"

'

own

Gebhr

and

the animals

the

then

of

stand

Chamis

scourged

slowly,

filled

he desired

they could

whirlwind, but

and

could,

mouth

'

think

their legs as

caravan,

not

saddle.

he

as
a

and

rope,

the little bint

Save

the

of

rear

resist the furious

the

terrible

mouthpieces under

Stas

to

'

with
to

and

feelingthat he

preferred to

blasts became
camels

did

grabbed

stifled voice:

'

the

well

as

the

grasp

the

across

Idris that

and

girl'sassistance

the ground, in order

to

convince

not

to

palm

him

and

feather, laid him

throat

parched

for

not

his limbs

of Idris

with

resisted

and

the little bint

Save

But

teeth

like

him

placed

while, however,

began
"

his

girl'scamel,

giant hand

mined
him, he deter-

his hands

tie him

to

hands,

Having

he

the

to

go

began

in

stood

barely extended

the

he

of her.

give her assistance

to

snatched

his

in vain.

but

he

and

the

the

that

thought only

observe

out
stretched

saddle, when

binding

Stas

and

and

him

to

the camels

not

to

had

he

Sudanese

him

before

to

him

under

edge

quietly

of escaping, but

purpose

he

that

Idris might

over

creep

fact

choked,

it seemed

calling; so

of the

Taking advantage
close pack and

times

at

and

crying

seemed

lungs

order

strength,
cut

like

pricked like pins,

turn

about

and

86

IN

The
a

wind

in

heaven

of

rattled,

followed

stillness

deadly

the

distance

immeasurable

the

after

when

and

overawed,

if

as

somewhere

chain-bolt

WILDERNESS

AND

subsided

long time

the

DESERT

thunder.

But

after

while

in that

of the

voice

the

silence

guide

resounded.

"God

is above

the

the

whirlwind

and

But

they

enveloped

We

storm.

are

saved."
started.

They

impenetrable
the

could

men

time

not

time

to

the

sandy

in

which
the

in

around

animals
and

livid

or

not

and

the

desert

of

amidst

the

other

each

the

that
from

the

always
of

because

in which

follows

the

rection
di-

moving

were

The

little while

they

panted

riders

the

Finally fell

fear.

voice

to

of

hearts

them,

every

it seemed

hope,

northward.

besides

and

thick

so

the

they

returning

almost

time

darkness

truth

whether

"

From

red, illuminated

leave

in

aloud

another.

into

yet

knowing

swiftly,

panted

same

not

were

loudly

so

so

together,

shout

Notwithstanding

did

against
run

fell

guide poured

not

or

rain, which

the

at

the

going;

circle

strangely,

and

of

stumbled

whole

afterwards

palpable.

were

could

drops

but

blindly,

they

to

glaring lightning,

uneasiness

moved

they

had
one

not

night

close

lose

voice

Sudanese,

and

by

ran

to

almost

the

order

camels

other

eac^

see

expanse,

be

to

the

though

little while

every

as

that

were

guide

the

that

first

hurricane,
broke

out

darkness:

"Khor!"

They
brink;
the

were

after

bottom.

above
which

ravine.

they began

The
to

camels

paused

at

the

step carefully towards

IX

khor

THE

was

which

among

full

rock

wall.

of

The

but

also

cave

or,

lodged

burdens

and

Chamis,

son

pulling

fell

continually
lay

but

whole

rivers

winter

in

Aden

could

as

if

the

like

splashing

it.

rumble;

to

by

at

curtain
and

of

the

canals

the

At

the
of

Stas

spluttering.

The

them

their

the

Big

single drops

bottom

of
to

around

when

like
it

the
could

Such

the

life

had

khor

the

niche

was

be

even

Nile,

which

if

as

swell,
the

his

of

strings

clouds.

and

the

the

seemed

years,

in

never

meantime

only

was

and

well,

rest

in

without

entrance

water;

niche.

invisible
several

could

the

end

in

cisterns,
all.

it

the

from

once

water

immense

exist

not

anything
began

only

first

easily

comfortably

began

in

and

flowing

were

occur

fill

At

shallow

could

from

fire.

Soon

be

might

downpour

ropes,

time,

for

sleep.

to

afterwards

which

the

by

himself

occupied

quiet

downpour,

could

they

that

of

of

people

close

southern

light

kind

removed

shrubs

thorny

water,

also

high

flashes.

great

Sudanese

Chadigi,

down

of

so

the

wall
which

elevation

saddles,

with

in

stones

its

lightning

rocky

camels

two

of

by

case

slight

and

Bedouins

all

this

with

shrubs.

formed

niche,

in

The
a

the

broad

and,

upon

in

in

thorny

frequent

discovered

bottom

fissures

discerned

rather,

the

on

and

more

shelter.

rains,

dwarfish,

crevices

harbored

party

grew

and

they

find

covered

Arabs

more

be

wide,

heard

and

city
seen

stream

veiled

only

88

DESERT

IN

The
at

stood

camels

peered

out

which

Idris, who

Mahdi

"The

afterwards
in

she,

could

eat,

Dinah

her

any

and

her

washing

relief.

Nell

he

was

Nell's

her

this

before.

He
"

him

to

one

had

older

an

with

face

it.
one

an

shoes

smoothed

bring

not

all of Stas'

to

exhausted

bird,
the

spillout

to

the

out

cloths
saddle-

his neck.

pity.

He

brother, and

at

great

that

felt

that

time

felt at

the

same

time

that

little sister immensely,

far

more

than

ever

loved

baby"

; so, for

in

suggested such
a

he

and

her indeed

kiss her hand

thought that

like

around

with

towel,

poorly with

passively
her

arms

took

eyelids did

him

he

when

only protector,

loved

as

guardian,

at

their

to

entirely during the

heated

removed

overflowed

heart

but

seeing

things which

going

were

sight almost
her

He

her hair,

from

the

unpack

children

submitted

afterwards

did she throw

His

to

as

only gazed

when

only

sand

lost

and

efforts; she
and

the sand

shook

from

this

him

to

Nell, who

occupied with

and

do

untied

sorcerers.

wiped the little girl'seyes

not

had

rain."

was

the
her

depicted.

turned

now

He

could

hurricane

arrival

Fayum.

only, she

eye

joy was

all white

than

old Dinah

belief that

it, and

wet

sit in

to

said:

for he

parents, brought with

her

their

First he

directed

the

agreeable

their faces

and^ent

reply

barely alive.

was

the Arabs

danger threatened

was

after

is greater

did not

Stas

he

On

he

the hurricane

subdued

he

it

smiling contemptuously

and

downpour

danger, by the bright fire of brushwood,

that

so

if any

see

others

immediately

hands

the

and

bath; nevertheless

yet soaked.

not

was

Stas'

the

To

safe from

the cave,

elevation

an

littlewhile to

every

animals.

the

on

give them

would

most

WILDERNESS

AND

Said, but he regarded

in Port

instance, it never

bidding

her

idea

to

an

bachelor, who

had

occurred

even

good night.
him

he

finished

would

to

If any

have

his thirteenth

DESERT

IN

could

year,

do

age

in him

awoke

he

Lying down,

perform

to

that

painful,and

real death,

and

to

think

the

in such

but his thoughts became

confused.

he

The

after

the

attending

The

the

Soon

outside

of the khor.
But

dawn

some

began finallyto

him.

while

began

it seemed

burying him;

were

his head,

"

did
to
a

not

the

dusk

sound

and

downpour

the stones

in

prevailed

resounded,

men

the

cane,
hurri-

the

on

and
the

bottom

the night passed.

Stas

awakened

was

It
on

onto

for

from

appeared that
the

cleft in the

and

with

battle

splash of

manner

trickle

saddle-cloth

sleep; he
happened
After

he

the

saving her,

pilingon

of the

snores

in the fissures

passed through
the

witness

not

too

inevitable

an

of

For

and

extinct

feelingof cold.

accumulated

on

even

be

not

camels, also fell into

the

clashingover

In this

before

sleepby

to

the

came

of the waters

roar

be

manner

by the

fire became

niche.

from

her

fell asleep.

Arabs, exhausted

sleep.

snatch

to

Afterwards

were

mined
deter-

little reservation

could

sand

of

clouds

all the camels

that

afterwards
and

whole

that

heroic

and

everything,

not

he

case

liberated.

him

kissed

he

so

should

wounds

happiness of Nell when

the most
to ponder upon
to

deed

this

should

death

common

of her

for

prepared

was

the

as

present,

extraordinary

heart, that

in his

secreted

continued

death; only with

and

for wounds

at

and

dignity

little girl.

the

He

his

to

tenderness;

of

some

captivity.

from

But,

dormant

hands

both

but

one

derogation

like that.

anything

distress
not

without

not

89

WILDERNESS

AND

his head.

rock

he

the

The

time

some

realize where

of

was

which

water

top of the
vault

heavy

slowly
and

cave

boy

sat

up

struggled with
and

what

had

him.

while, however,

consciousness

returned

to

90

IN

he

"Aha!"
and

DESERT

we

began

to

that

it

not

was

the

by

could

beams

be

niche.

shallow

the

Stas

saw

in

cave

which

we

had

rain
in the

passed

the

pale

its
wide

but

side
lying be-

of the

sleeping close

was

In

Arabs

wall

other

nated
illumi-

was

set.

to

and

away

interior of that

whole

under

it

as

cave,

about

was

observed

first he

At

distinctlythe

of Nell who

dress

white

seen

other, and

each

the

which

moon

around.

gaze

all dark

at

this is

hurricane

was

rain."

that

astonishment

with

yesterday there

the

from

sought shelter
he

"

thought,

kidnapped, and

are

And

WILDERNESS

AND

the

cave

Dinah.

to

again great tenderness possessed his heart.

sleep," he said to himself; "but
"Sleep, Nell

And

I do

"

sleep,and

not

must

her."

save

this, glancing

After

added

Arabs, he

the

at

his

in

soul:
"

Ah !

I do

His
rifle

presented to

heart

his

And

could

secure

master

of

began

rush

out

of the

with

two

bullets

reach him, the rifle could

others could

Here

remain
he

but

he

pictured

could
to

take

himself

care

four

in

enough

that

about

fifty
the

watch

there

if

that

thought

they would
time

that

first two

the

certainlybe

absence
at

If he

hammer.

He

but

the

down

shoot

from

his

together

cave

be

Bedouins.

that

near

so

niche, hide

of the

observed

and

awakened

would

would

It

and

Sudanese

like
he

tridge
car-

his hand.

out

beat

boxes

Chamis,

rocks, and

the

among

of the

would

to

situation.

the

and

the

gift,and

Christmas

stretch

to

containing the short

case

him

the rifle and

away,

they

slipnoiselesslyout

to

exit

as

suffice for him

it would

paces

him

lying between

boxes

case

the leather

fell upon

gaze

"

trembled.

he

Suddenly

"

all these rogues

have

to

want

could

he

and, before

be reloaded.

the

Chamis

of him.
corpses

lying in

pool

DESERT

IN

kill four
was

he

saw

laborer

dredge,

remains,

and

what

he

began

would

her

could

die either
hordes

No!

"

But
Stas'

suddenly
mind

knife

at

happen

What

if he

rifle to

them.

of the

Stas

"

For

himself,

concerned;

involved,

could

brutalized

and

blood

of

in such

one

any

such

hair

rise

to

of

one

whirlwind

the

did

boy

himself, "I

to

head.

placed

he

would

and

return

that

surrender

not

his

on

outlaws

announced

"

through

should

render
sur-

once."

continually.

If, slipping

saddle-cloth.

time

The

less dark.

it became

Some

Stas'

the

upon

again

peered obliquely through the opening

now

and

helplessness he

his

of

realization

moon

in

he

no,

certainly would

the

flew like

the

the

answered

with

cave

would

No,

life were

wild

the

Nell, and

if any

flung himself impotently

The

four

was

her

meant

breast, and

Nell's

"Then,"

dawn

But*Nell

among

caused

her

And

or

thought

and

would

at

him!

Nell!"

For

Nell!

What

murder

hesitate?

situation
"For

road

the lifeof

beside

of

upon

now

all this, and

endure

not

dervishes.

of

wretches

the

that

the

on

time

one

his mortal

the horror!

protection,her salvation, and

for she

do

not

And

it

so

crank

made

his thoughts.

struggle with

to

the

by

puddle,

sin and

at

To

that.

incapable of
He

red

The

be necessary! four!

that

even

impression

recollection.

the

at

killed

"

horrible

breast.

knaves, but

recollected

fellah

in

his

seized

were

He

"

quivering

shuddered

was

they

horrifying affair.

steam

He

Indeed

men!

horror

fright and

of blood, and

91

WILDERNESS

AND

passed

and

new

snored

Arabs
idea

began

to

head.
out

the rocks, he should

with

the

kill not

weapon

the

men

and

hiding

but shoot

among

the camels?

92

IN

It would

be

animals;

and

not

it

Now
and

killingfour,

impossible.

to

to

the

in

father, would
and

would

if

dare

purchase

to

and

travel

new

of

name

from

his

ment
punish-

nothing else

"

return.

shoula

and

succeeded

should

him

give

not

time

first transports

in the

kill him

make

to

rage?

They
hold
at

reward

and

would

immunity

men

to

if he

Stas, in the

case

the

but

they

promise

do

to

pecuniary

remain

such
of

promise

even

Yes, but

such

Why,

for broth

caravan

banks

the

innocent

camels, further

in the

one

villages near

And

camels.

life but

save

still five

No

the

be done?

to

was

certainty that

better

be

to

for

ending

what

only

was

would
go

sad

is true, but

animals

meat.

roast

WILDERNESS

AND

bad

too

that

"

people kill
in

DESERT

rifle in his

the

he

until

bay

To

be

perhaps

one

turned

caution

had

desert.

But

of course,

few

their

would

directlyto

Bahr

did

not

camels

and

as

done,
would

in command

of the

and

the Nile.

distance

from

it,

through

the

Arabs

the

interior of the

remain,

would
Nell

of them

one

them

had

salvation

there

matter;
on

he

Yusuf

quite

are

able to hold

only
be

would

for he

When

considerably into

that

he

him

be

days' journey,

two

or

would

that

present they

at

sure,

it

hear

everything.

Then

lead

and

caravan

and

he

hand;

stated

surrender.

to

time

understand

they would
be

him

give

must

would

ride.

began

Stas

to

slept soundly,
night

to

boxes

by.
Chamis
would

did
A

act

not

The

once.

present

any

difficult matter

more

had

at

they might

placed

succeed

in

at his

taking

difficulties
to

further side.

purloiningit, but

he

but

as

the

of

the

as

It

awaken.

soon

was

They

Arabs.

the

at

people exceedingly tired do,

waning,

was

necessary

as

attentively

gaze

was

cartridge

they lay

close

get the rifle,which

Stas

hoped that he

decided

to

draw

it

94

awoke

and

man

IN

DESERT

the

echoes

in

reposing
from

startled

were

WILDERNESS

AND

their

it.

sleep,

The
and

Arabs
the

as

first

one

object

in

case

Ah,

their

struck

which

one

Saba!

hand
what

eyes

and

have

the

was

the

cartridge
you

done?

of

sight
box

in

Stas

the

with

other.

the

cries of horror, all in

WITH

the

of

twinkling

him

from
hands

an

and

him

threw

feet, striking and

and

off.

began

and

"That

whom

"He

"

"

"

Ah, if it

And

him."

you

wanted

this

From

like

all

the

time,

in

disjointed

impended
had

them

terrible

saved.

Idris, with

face

wild

for

geese

food,"

the

"By

certain

the

is necessary
We

intend

to

taking

are

to

do

with

said Chamis.

water."

and

this
a

son

viper

him?"

able

to

Ugh!"

us.

lying there, with hatred

small

one

calamity and
out

being

not

upon

that

spoke

him."

touch

Stas

at

wonder

prevent

"

Idris,

was

stare

prophet!"
to

bones

repeated

of their

cause

shall

one

"Death

they began

with

necks.

no

Allah!"

himself.

And

been

time

dog."

kill him?

to

shall always have

He

compose

you

him

exclaimed

us

for that

not

was

sent

"Allah!

but

ground, tied his

Gebhr.

"God
"

shot

have

tridges
car-

emotion.

fright and

would

had

incarnate,"

rifle and

converse

accident

an

Stas; in

at

boy's life,drove

to

whom

over

only

is Satan

pallid with

added

do

people

as

danger

they

the

on

of the

fear

Afterwards

the

kicking

until finallyIdris, from

words,

wrested

they

eye

rushed

moment

one

boy might have

destruction.
of the

Bedouins,

of Iblis from
to

the

Mahdi.

twisting
What

"it
our

do

96

IN
"

We

must

The

did

should

would

"

right hand!

not

after

be

such

meted

Fatma

Idris would

So

when

Gebhr

children

pulled

Stas

executing his threat, Idris seized

held

and

of the
not

the

for

case

knife

his

ment
punish-

would

only Nell

out

sent
con-

if the

that

mutilation

that

such

In

not

terrible

more

guarantee

her

him

to

for the

operation?
and

them

to

could

an

of

of

them,

Gebhr.

exclaimed

but

answer,

capture

Finally,who

wrist

WILDERNESS

this proposition. It occurred

pursuers

boy.

AND

off his

cut

Bedouins
to

die

DESERT

change
ex-

would

main.
re-

with

the intention

him

by

the

it.
^

"No!"

he

Mahdi's
to

warriors
off his

cut

that
of

which

the

he

wanted

ready

was

done

by

not

to

hit very

other
other

an

the

As

as

night, and

for

lashes

ten

not

to

with
at

the

Not

each

at

once

take

him, did she

the

go

out

camels.

in

the

see

With

matter,
and

up

that

at

appeared

with

ment
mo-

not

Stas

and

whether
terror

any

pay

are

she

was
saw

the

well

as

about

attention

received
he

cave,

heard

Arabs

if they

as

Saba.
the

into

dashing

in Egypt

occasion

to

from

perhaps

place,when

Nell

as

called

regard

came.

other, she did

until she

of

out

his back

with

over

whispered

her little feet, she had

Arabs, but,
every

mix

to

but

once

flogging to

he

engineers or

pet, who,

her

the

perhaps

want

Stas

about

was

the

at

whom

to

Chamis,

turned

yell on

on

Bedouins,

unexpected obstacle
opening of the niche

annihilate

seated

of the

much

so

sentence

ordered

and

away

did

Bedouin

of

Bedouins

from

for the

the

execute

him

reason,

himself

them.

him

whelp

do, he shall receive

service with

Occupied
shouts

to

hard.

the punishment

threw

disgrace for five

Christian

one

to

of the

one

for his former

At

be

will bind

fist;we

be

the

fear

to

again pushed

some

It would

courbash."

Gebhr
Idris

"

said.

not

in

as

to
to

reply

no

already
the

first

IN

DESERT

him

attention

to

Bedouin

leap

was

in the

niche.

eyes

flamed

back, his

there

have

meantime

an

order

her

voice

the

and

slowly upward
inch

redly, in his

teeth

the

the left
to

began

now

if he wanted

as

here

"Look!

his

wrinkled

well
the

far

to

turn

to

display well

as

bloody

his head

rose

white

fangs,

gums.

The

the right and

to

ment
equip-

tell them:

which

with

and

powerful

his terrible

and

Bedouins

is something

to

one

jaws

the

as

as

and

Sudanese

the

and

breast

thunder.

as

in

his neck

on

if of
of

lips

long, appeared

giant mastiff

as

and

the matter

was

hair bristled

The

rumble

was

afterwards,

And

an

body.

not

the

paying

not

horror:

what

understood

Saba

throat

despair and

her

did

in

stamped

Saba!"

"Saba!

And

with

he

as

sight

self
blow, she flung her-

first

boy

girl,and

little

full of

resounded

the

and

Bedouin,

above

the

At

strength

the

the

hesitated,

the

strike

when

covered

and

forward
The

all her

with

this, aimed

to

in his hand.

courbash

little feet, and

her

any

screamed

she

of this

with

with

Bedouin

the ground and

lying on

Stas

luster of the morning

97

WILDERNESS

AND

I shall defend

the children!"

They,
knew

on

in

the

the

other

first place that

and again that it was

Nell

at

that

Saba

would

sunk

another

one

had

at

have

saved

what

the

in

once

irresolute, staring with

if asking

hurriedly

his

in the

fangs

of

the

throat.

present

they

approached

uncertain

an

for

their lives

clear thing that whoever

moment

mastiff
stood

hand, retreated

So

they

and

gaze

furiated
in-

situation

as

had

better be done.
Their

hesitation
time

to

continued
old

summon

Stas' bonds.

Then

head, turned

to

the

so

long

Dinah

that

and

Nell

order

boy, placing his hand

his assailants:

had

her
on

to

ficient
sufcut

Saba's

98

"I

said

did

want

not

his

through
this

But

Saba's

riveted
A

voice
"To

him

moment

the

to

of

resounded
the

have

dash

to

you

the

only

eyes

towards

the

he

camels,"

Arabs

rushed

again
and

him,

at

bristling
but

one

that
Stas

they
it

were

hair.
hollow

Gebhr

growl

spot.

followed,

silence

road!

"

startled

so

flaming

started

even

WILDERNESS

teeth.

set

would

for

kill

to

information

undoubtedly
not

AND

DESERT

IN

To

the

road!"

after

which

Idris*

loud

XI

passed,

DAY

drove
in

the

much,

to

khors

provisions

and

turned

farther

yet

downpour

had

but

as

it

was

the

on

that

where

only

the

rocks

for
for

about

their

the

and

their

splendid

over

an

studded

air

thousands

"

slower

ran

so

than

From

but

the

At

night

not

even

rain,

great

sky

they

suffice

wants

that

the

places

wells

to

the

and

those

in

as

less,
cloud-

was

reached

view

the

heaven,
if

sparkled

as

desert

sands

with
came

coolness.

already

well-fed,

"harde,"
and

twinkled

stars,

camel-humps
being

distance.

Bedouins

and

The

transparent

diamonds.

of

refreshing
The

followed.

occurred

the

as

water

After

hours,

had

immediate

to

The

seven

and

enough

have

time.

cavities

supplies.

so

well

khors

camels'

they

than

as

the

find

immeasurable
with

Gebhr

too

pursuit
not

cloud-burst

brief

their

some

more

natural

weather

the

and

if

of

days,

replenishing

usual,

and

formed

few

not

as

beds

for

divide

did

they

water

indeed

Idris

for

they

camels

to

the

of

and

for

the

also

fear

west,

tremendous

on

the

would,

the

to

lasted

desert.

knew

for

From

themselves

concern

and

them,

water.

only

fatigue

to

not

feed

and

water

day

halting

order

in

another

yet

southward,

constantly

time

and

night,

that

willingly
on

the

were,

grew

according

is, they
that

the

first

day

were

caravan

after

smaller
to

the

but
Arabian

unimpaired
advanced
their

the

in

mals,
ani-

sion,
expres-

strength
but

departure

little

from

100

IN

Gharak
that
from

rain,

wanted

quite

and

camels

Medinet

and

the

The

boy,
the

idea
but

name

this

an

have

not

of

been

in

there

then* children

with

and

to

came

gain.

these

before, and

two

for it

Medinet,

bribe

to

them

appeared

occurred

of the Mahdi

by them,

mentioned

was

impossibility. Nevertheless, he

borhood
neigh-

el-Sultani

of

imbedded

were

Saba.

attempting

the

that

believers,

In the

recollectingtheir shouts, full

passively to

the

reason

the desert

seen

never

certain

and

and

for that

for

ferred
in-

surmise

to

easy

who

railway stations

know

not

side

one

Gharak

ground

He

pre-arranged

was

adherents

migratory life on

they also could

did

also

was

of Bedouins

Stas, however, had

they

on

Mahdist

and

number

led

dates.

the plot by the Sudanese.

Fayum
a

It

were

into

of

Gebhr

protected

abduction,

their

join their leader, and

to

easilydrawn

were

other.

Bedouins

the

who

the

on

and

everything

and

Idris, and

Fatma,

Bedouins
both

made

were

observed

fissures

rocky

durra

that, before

this

preparations

khors, in

supplies of

were

from

between

the

of

some

astonishment

with

Stas

el-Sultani.
in

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

events,

fervor, whenever

did

he deemed

which

really astonishingenergy,

submit

not

boyish soul

for in that

the

to

there

was

inflamed

was

the past failures.

by

which

"Everything

in

"ended
if

kill me,

myself
capture
as

I
from

he

stop

much

so

of these

expect

them."

had

met

the

cruel

had

belabored

people who,
him

with

every

of

And

at

day and
If the

the

of those

snatching

fists and

quized,
solilo-

But

I, however,

thought

after

he

even
even

rescuing Nell

villains.

better.

not

and

whipping.

thinking

the

at

courbash

that

the hands

them,

if I did

of what

will not

undertaken,"

getting

my

with

they flog me

have

kicked

away

and

pursuers

will

act

recollection
treacherous

the

rifle,

him, his iieart

102

IN

night, and

the
he

Instead

did not

him

be

to

his

cease

Gebhr

of

urging

bound

for

importunities,

anger:

of

going

will

sleep,you

to

decided

I have

guard.

the

order

not

Gebhr

when

replied with
"

did

Bedouins, he

the

WILDERNESS

notwithstanding

Nevertheless,
and

AND

DESERT

that from

to-night stand

this time

of

one

on

shall

us

during the sleep of the others."

watch
And

in

reality

and

that

from

permanently

change

sentinel

But

the

on

freedom

so

converse

without

stop Stas
for her
But

know

that

hand

Stas

of

plans

difficult

more

whom

to

attention.

could

they

introduced

was

rendered

the children

left in greater

were

each

approach

hindrance.

close to Nell

sat

all

paid watchful
other

guards

This

day.

completely frustrated

every

of

after

Immediately
for he

anxious

was

and

other

to

the

first

her

thank

aid.

though he felt great

how

to

tenderly;

merely began

shake

to

her

to

in

himself, either

express

he

so

gratitude

he

did

not

lofty style

little

of her

both

or

hands.
"Nell!"
and

he said,

besides

this I

Stas*

the

so

and

will see!"

direction

But

little

It seemed

she

as

to

and

why

how

he had

and

force

did

all the

the

her

"Wait

all to

you

acted

like

you;

person

Arabs

return

were
was

that

at

till I
a

the

highest praise;

consumed

that

moment

grow

with

up,

joy

ing
noth-

then

they

belligerentglance

in

Sudanese.

not

determined

"If I had

woman

replied, throwing
of

she

that

like these

impossible.

was

the

of the

pride.

say

I thank

and

good

very

years."

lips words

heart

are

frankly

of at least thirteen
On

"you

understand
rushed
to
to

the
at

cause

of the

trouble

Stas, the boy told

her

kill the camels,

purloin the rifle,
the

river.

succeeded," he said, "we

would

now

be free."

DESERT

AND

they awoke?"

asked

IN

"But

103

WILDERNESS

the little girlwith

ing
palpitat-

heart.
"

toward

indignation

Nasty Saba

speak

word

the dead."

against

Saba.

this when

For

he

him

to

ning
run-

came

awaken

to

directed

was

! nasty !

won't

me^I

to

up

by Saba, who

caused

was

barking loud enough

me,

her

Then
"

That

They did.

running

comes

will tell him

and

that he is horrid."
At

Stas, though he

this

laughed and
the

at

what
he

This
did
at

from

he

is not

But

her

she

that

him

and

reflected

countenance

looks."

blame, for he could

to

also that

Remember

not

wards
after-

"

to

came

to

said:

my

happening.

was

word

say

is horrid?"

and

after which

"Perhaps.

to

he

rose

will know

know

not

tell him

eyebrows

embarrassment,
"He

able

be

time

same

Nell's

laughing mood,

asked:

will you

"How

in

not

was

our

placated Nell's

recollection

not, however,

rescue.

to

want

grant

little.

anger

pardon

the

to

She

culprit

once.

is very

"That

ought

bark

to

not

Stas burst
"Neither
he

unless

is

after

sighed

once,

"

on

The

And

her

arms

wanted,

Nell

then

is that

raised

her

Saba

again;
sat

and

I could

herself

his neck.
little nose

her gratitude,but, as

bark

gentleman

leave-taking

on

is one."
dimmed

sorrow

they

around
with

and

while

gentleman

greeting."
real

dog,

which
worst

on

real

laughing again.

out

does

But

stone

well," she said, "but

the

which

after

boy's

he

eyes;

from

rose

he
the

said:
not

free
her

on

She

you."
little toes

wanted

close to

she could

not

to

his

find

and

cheer

face,

threw

him;
to

she

whisper

appropriatewords,

104

she
his

children

the

usual

Chamis

Arabs.

which

greatest

all

play
gave

the

mounted

speed

of

sight

southward.

his

him

forgot

hard

until
the

Camels

dog

were

food

and

so

camels,
or

rocks

about

everything,

interrupted

started

his
noise.

began

and

drove

with

customary

situation

they

the

way,

of

making

up,

with
the

crests

not
"

pace

on

kissed

and

late

always

keep

the

their

and

caresses

tightly

more

jackals

on

rushing
at

to

for

notwithstanding

and

the

unable

hunted

came

"

yet

Saba,

perched

vultures

barking

neck

was

he

because

away

The

he

because

WILDERNESS

meantime

the

In

ear.

AND

his

squeezed

only

much
but

DESERT

IN

water,
with

their

by
after

the

XII

IT

their

was

longest

having

such

endure

started

have

must

would

engineers
time.
for

it

certain

was

telegraphic
the

banks

the

interior

orders

of

the

all

others

offered

be

lay

turn

the

could

lack

would

await

Bedouins

water

The

after

only

course

the

west;

to

which

days,

food

became

have

must

that

in

sequence
con-

swarming

to

would

pursue

but

the

on

west

also

despatches

rode

few

assured

engineers
and

and

Nile,

Chamis

capture

they

the

of

undoubtedly

to

if

into

was

Kharga,

besides,

of

question
in

the

of
of

desert

of

expeditions

far

too

and

from

death

they

west

thirst

them.

the

abduction

supplies

and

their

possible

as

oasis

reach,

would

the

on

sides

and

river,

all settlements

start

to

Government
for

to

the

any

abduction

the

southward.

riding

of

direction

both

on

parties.
far

as

sheiks

desert

reward

this

great

And

the

the

searching
to

despatched

parties

large

of

with

were

lose

not

after

it
both

that

would

the

immediately

the

that

from

for

that

assumed

and

head

them,

spare

understood
he

that

directing

detain

to

its

at

threatened

Danger

and

ago,

could

stomachs,

not

He

pursuit.

long
be

did

Idris

the

their

in

water

drive.

feared

really

he

of

supply

good

small

with

saddle-camels,

real

Only

hours.

eighteen

for

interruption

rode

they

for

journey,

the

durra,

course

of

children

biscuits,

the
had
and

two

vital

dates,

in
but

the

preceding

weeks

placed

The

one.

hiding-places,
only

for

dis-

when

fear, thought that

the

for

offered

of the local

what
"

If

could

we

only

Assuan!"

he

said

his soul.

He

did

Idris

Assuan

of

Chamis

pSiSS

despair

in

claimed

who

already reached

Assuan,

find

of

case

"uled"

the white

beyond the

five

about

the

ceptible
sus-

tian
Egypthe

of

give them

would
camels.

and

became

which

and

less

adherents

more

emergency

food

and

wilder

knew

But

it was,

days* journey
and

more

their

to

late,
deso-

more

suppliesfor

beast.

indeed, scorched
and

But

oniy

and

stop visibly diminished

strength. During

of

to watch

couid

we

Englishmen

would

greatest speed, for

consent

plainly upon

more

alarm

people were

Fortunately they could

the

reward

difficult,almost

he supposed that

reckoned,
road

every

and

had

furnish

would

over

and
man

in

Bedouins

the

as

who

and

the

he

Government,

succor,

believe

influences

the

to

prophet,

indeed

But

where

first cataract,

jf

with

all of them.

than

more

then

ventured.

himself

perceived that

since

long

had

Assuan j

warriors

and

this.

denied

Stas

as

not

Mahdi's

the

that

to

chase
pur-

the whole

betray

indeed

day perceived

pass

banks,

and

"

undertaking he

insane

an

to

men

fugitives,might easily fall

was

Idris each

desperate, and

it

lacking

vigilance and

sheiks,

situation

The

river

aroused

of the

capture

into the hands

caravan.

the

of

view

in

men,

be

send

to

the

Idris,with

should

provisions

the villageson

suppliesat
these

Medinet.

imperatively necessary

be

would

WILDERNESS

days' journey from

of four

tance

AND

DESERT

IN

106

the

daytime,
nights

Idris,changed his

over

her and

his fears

heat

the

were

so

did

the

at

strongly but
the

the camels

urge

seat

noon

air

cool
to

as

drive with

exhaust

then-

hour, the

sun,

vigorati
continually in-

was

that

Stas, with

the

Nell's camel, desiring

protect her from

vain,

not

and

catching cold.

Dinah, whose

eyes,

or

rather,

IN

DESERT

considerably,watched

improved

eye,

her

over

little

decreasing stops,

she shed

which

tears

and

little countenance

bright

in the later

but
than

the

at

camel

carrying

that

she could

so

her

gave

sleep in

air, which

desert

and

she

strength

had
it

the

saddle
the

nevertheless

lying down;

endure

to

the

her

excellent

an

night, mainly

and

day

wind,

fatigued

Idris gave

made

breathed

the

by

felt far less

that

It is true

beginning.

easiest

journey she

evidently

papa

tanned

was

of the

days

the

slightlyemaciated

her

Perhaps

ever-

Grief, fear, and

for her

longing

her much.

harm

not

from

pairment
im-

suffer any

journey, with

the

himself.

as

surprised

even

was

tude
solici-

great

far did not

bore

well

as

with

boy

thus

she

that

and

did

health

the little one's

that

The

lady.

107

WILDERNESS

AND

hardships

and

irregular

hours.
Stas

only watched

not

with

her

all feel for her.

unheard-of

they
it

Medinet;

at

so

and

water

dates

spare

not

now

the

extraordinarilyfine

to

dared

and

Often
fed
and

flower

and

by the

roses

silveryin

for her.

of

at

stature

there
a

the

fortified

was

or

well.

her

she

would

Sudanese

of the
the

even

stood

rosy

did

girlcontributed

could

Arabs

this

Perhaps

something

thorns,

moonlight, the

They

cruel Gebhr

this charm

of

the

to

against her.

in her

of the

with

act

in

female

accustomed

The

resting place

of Jericho

to

of the little

bird, and

souls

undeveloped

also, when

been

to raise his hand

this,and also that

of

this affected

that

necessary

all treated

now

not

have

was

at

not

bearing something

were

Idris had

greatest possiblecare.
while

did

exceptionally important

some

whom

captive, with

sister,he

little

they involuntarily were

that

value,

rounded
intentionallysur-

observed, however,

that

conviction

the

his

to

He

and

Arabs

the

but

worship which, notwithstanding his

attachment

immense

her

over

from
as

the

the

well

age
sav-

resist.

not

by

ture
na-

fire

flame
as

the

108

Bedouins
their

IN

DESERT

could

not

WILDERNESS

AND

their

tear

admiration, according

lipsfrom

her, smacking

from

eyes

their

to

habit, and

murmuring:
second

The

day

joyful emotion.

Afterwards

the

than

slightestbreeze, so
slumber

to

in the

The

the

air

had

just

of

upon

itself to

white

all these

houses,

close

distance

so

lapse of

half

the

Nell

might

hour

an

is this?"
rose,

after

"Medinet!

And

Stas

"Truly-is Medinet
the
In

that

the

the

suddenly
of

eyes

mosque

surrounding

distinctness
that

would

the

trees,

small

ness.
still-

onous
monot-

pepper

assume

caravan

seemed

be amid

and

after

at

the

the trees

oasis.

"What

but

with

one

when

walls

such

appeared

felt the

great

and

palms

ments
mo-

in the

by khors,

came
be-

At

the sands

as

projecting minaret, and, lower,

gardens,

heat

be

not

fell.

soon

the

light,and

ridden

slender

mandarins,

of

well

as

in the

warmth,

Groups

plantations

see

that

could

there

spectacle presented

children.

of

halted

light and

it

higher,

and

moment

previous days.

ground, unbroken

wonderful

with

during the

caravan

level

desert, but

Stas

after sunrise

ascended

sun

the camels

when

camel, had

same

the

over

rose

when

greater

the

on

long rest,

that

after

noon

Immediately

mist

transparent

at

this time

rode

Nell who
of

Bismillah!"

Mashallah!

"Allah!

and
while

exclaimed

for

to

silent with

was

with

cry

astonishment,

joy:

papa! to papa!"
turned
pale from emotion.
to

Perhaps

windmills

fact, in the

"

the

that

is

the

distance

wells

the

great

verdant

Kharga

But

"

recognize the minaret

above

resembling
On

time

began

perhaps

windmills

"Nell, Nell! Look!"

Stas.

no!
and

That
even

"
"

highly

white

elevated

stars,

background

of

American

actually glistened.
the

trees

they

110

Heigh

with

And

You

which

drew

At

first

the

and

and

speed

which

attention

in the

after

which

interior

of

him,

with

saddle

could

Stas
made

for the

upon

and

word.

and

of fissures

words

about

about

it.

the
In

immediately
Bedouins

thus

Arabs, who

the

fact, his

pouring

the

Sudanese

and

had

hope

after

in full

or

with

so

camels

less what

had

sleep,hoping

to

but

begin

to

few

speak

disappointed, for

not

fodder

order,
dis-

was

and

exchanged

was

out

in wild

people

now

speed

they chanced
of these

more

on

which

of

scattered

would

occurrence,

she-camel,

bags hanging

pretended

far

with

fat

One

hid

Idris and

beside

words

time, the other

only when

caverns.

Sudanese

time.

precipitatelyinto

caravan

full of rocks

rifle

that

commenced,

The

at

Arabian

hurried

leather

It halted

them

before

rope

Stas, although he conjectured

the

occurred

direction.

long

But, after

conversation

khor

the

incident

an

few

leading by

west.

happened, lay
that

desert.

catch

that

spacious

Nell to dispel

to

turned

caravan

its hump

narrow

and

in it.

the

short

not

turned

afar

much

so

the real Medinet

possessed

exchanged
the

on

its sides.

from

caravan

appeared

Bedouin

was

heart.

boy's
he

"

appeared, running towards

Idris, he

Reaching

there

of all in another

brandishing

one

no

in the

shouted:

Medinet

see

unexpectedly

Bedouin

and

last hope that

in his heart

sorrow

delusion, when

her

the

vanished

him

before

was

the

camel

your

that

his voice

spite in

him

approached

evidently spoke jokingly

He

full

Speed

WILDERNESS

AND

Idris

the meantime

In
"

DESERT

IN

for the

Chamis

sat

camels, the
down

for

consultation.
"Henceforth

daytime

we

Bedouin.
one

of them

we

will have
"There
we

ride

can

hide!"

to

will be

will find

only

many

safe

in

spoke
khors

the
out
now

night;
the
and

hiding-place."

in

the

one-eyed
in each

IN

"Are
"

hidden

but
we

heard

we

by

from

slackened

our

only

when

us

saw

wanted

to

have

would

kidnapped

who

pursuit will

whole

not

foolish,so he believed
that such

the Koran

aim

his rifle at

have

killed any

him:

'Halt!

he

only

us;

the

was

shot;
we

boy
We

If he

of us,

the

as

riedly
hur-

pursuing

are

the

soon

and

young
to

us

he

became

so,

was

ordered

case.

Then

us.

children, and
The

him,

see

He

away.

the

here/

be

not

quietly that

so

up

paces

white

two

only one.

of his camel.

cry

heard

I yelled to
possible,

as

men

few

Idris.

was

could

we

rode

were

we

sentinels

other

the

and

speed

fired,though he might

had

that

so

distance

frightened and

very

Luckily there

him.

rock,

asked

sentinel?"

was

spoke with

Allah ! We
stood

He

he

that

sure

you

111

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

got off

on

swear

camels

our

"

and

swore

"

"The

Mahdi

"And

bless

"

will absolve

us

"

said Idris.

you,"

what

"Speak!

do

did you

afterwards?"
continued

"Now,"
said

to

not

belong

the

to

to take

hold

oath.

an

to believe

orders

and

whether

and

told

and

at

us
a

that
and

had

troops

as

I ordered

began

the

copper

'baburs'

to

and

you

nor

ask

wire

troops

the prophet

say!"

him

He

him
to

"
"

also

were

can

him

whether
the

sheiks

replied:

(steamers), with
the

you

this caused

the river

from

leave

offered, and

was

with

away

not

continually floatingover

are

the 'baburs'

it be

And

We

distance

great

did

organized.

was

yourself do

they

and

swore,

running

assented

great reward

the might of Allah

"May

over

days'

the

"Neither

more.

pursuit

that
two

whether

we

that you

are

pursuit?'

come

who

this he

To

all the

us

any

khors

the

back

vouch

can

outlaws

the

to

"when

Bedouin,

who

But

children,and

white

here

'

the boy:

the

'

Yes

that all

guarded,
men
English-

the river."
avail against

112

"Tell

how

us

then

not;

was

sentinel's throat

he

ran

whether

there

his knife

thrust

that

was

did

he

not

and

utter

covered

the

into

word.

him

with

villagethey will think

that

told

for he

the Mahdi,

to

away

the

In

companion.

the sentinel replied that

deep cleft

thorns.

and

stones

into

his

at

him

Abu-Anga
suddenly

so

him

threw

We

pointed

sentinel near-by, and

another

there

the boy?"

said, "asked

he

"Abu-Anga,"
not

finished with

you

one-eyed Bedouin

The

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

that

us

this does

happen."
"

He

"Yes!

gourds,"
and

is

carrying

the

always
anxiety

when

once

intercession

one-eyed,

rifle

filled with

"are

millet in the

sacks; but

would

in

used

punishment,

fallen

if

the

to

them

from

fall into the hands

they should

Egyptian Government.
Stas listened with
palpitating

ground, Stas'

for

immunity

secure

heavy

face, for he understood

in his dark

not

is

ours."

pondered, and

nevertheless

had

Powder

shoot.

cannot

we

be

corpse

cartridges for the

hundred

few

can

reflected

was

trial and

and

same

this, Idris

Saying

the

which

boy's rifle,from

white

she-camel."

tance
dis-

days'

captured

we

milch

added

three

we

little powder."

but

"Chamis

at

besides

is considerable

there

found

that

and

"for

Abu-Anga,

keep

to

river, and

needed

we

"The

we

will have

we

the

from

water

he blessed you,"

as

away

bless us," retorted

did

that

know

which

wjiorun

Idris.

answered

now

bless those

God

May

of the

In

that

reward

the

river

going

was

offered, and

banks

southward.

there

conversation

things, especiallythat
had

The

the

boy

was

was

to

organized,
of the

detain

comforted

tention.
at-

ing
comfort-

some

sheiks

orders

strained

and

were

pursuit

that

received

heart

that

tribes

on

caravans

also by

the

IN

DESERT

intelligenceabout
might
but it

Stas did not

and

doubt

So, with

though they wish

his

or

strength,and

of that

had

like

butchered
decided

not

frighten her
and

arrival
her

to

which
he

little with

worthy

of

date

"

but
so

again

appear

her

the

don't

for

as

not

to

the

oasis

before

Bedouins'

of

their

everything
narratives,

towards

her.

She

eating dates, moistened

thirteen

child, she

years;

bit

recollected

conduct

her

that

full strength of her

the

was

not

so,

kernel

little teeth,

so

as

sobs.

Nell," said the boy,

I know

the

of

learned

walked

least

at

Stas.

felt after

saw

had

declared

he

Bedouins

order

seeing Stas, she

But

At

involuntarilysurging

the

from

of

person

with

to suppress

he

and

tears.

He

were

Dinah,

near

her

desiringto
of

know

long before

not

tears

awake

to

corner

Medinet.

of

that

to

in

she

sorrow

forced

beset

sorrow

illusory picture

therefore, when

eyes;

he wished

in

that

city

the

pretended

sat

the

of

the ravine

at

the

augment

Nell's

be

the

Nell

it to

whole

murderers.

Arab, whom

of

speak

would

and

lamb, fear and

them

by

exhaust

they

of knaves

Mahdi

embittered

must

time

Even

happen

be any

not

awaited

end

the

young

to

and

disappearance
Fayum

in

"

it may

was

there

case

company

the recollection

He

there will

during all this

in the

remain

to

in such

travel, which

of

weeks

multitude.

savage

Mahdi,

this solace

But

that

the

to

us

his camp

dervishes."

thought

the

reach

we

the first battle

soul, he soliloquizedthus

bring

to

the

it,

English people,

that

of

Mahdi

defeat

even

with

moment

rout

of the

and

army
matter

total

in his

comfort

that before

for

English troops

dervishes

Egyptian

result in the

would

The

entirelydifferent

an

was

river.

the

with

cope

filled with

steamers

the upper

plying on

113

WILDERNESS

AND

grieve, and

"

Medinet

certainty that
don't

cry."

that

"

we

are

was

an

illusion,

being pursued;

114

DESERT

IN

At

"

little girl raised

this the

pupils and

replied in

No, Stas

WILDERNESS

AND

broken

I do

"

towards

not

him

her

tearful

voice:

want

to

cry

only

"

my

eyes

"

perspireso."
But

that

at

under

closed

her

her

moment

chin

eyelashes big

began

quiver; from

to

gushed and

tears

she wept

in earnest.

However,
a

for

rebuke

she

as

little from

them

from

she

fear

of her

ashamed

was

Stas,
her

hid

and

tears

little from

head

expected

shame

and

his bosom,

on

wetting

his clothes copiously.

But

he

at

"Nell, don't

be

away

from

some

know

what

that

Arab

caught.

the Nile

also

the

and

from

pipe.

listen.

sounds

the

blew

boy's

from

came

mind

the

broke

After

Don't

her

further

the

the

the

aid

whistles.

His

began

again

the

behold

Gebhr

and

at

consternation

and

the two

Sudanese,
on

Bedouins

their

ner,
man-

ravine.

the

notes

and

and

thin

It

of

began

mournful

simultaneously. Through

guards surrounding

once

over

strange sound

of

very

thought flashed
heart

get

We

in this

conversation

Arabian
with

will

be afraid."

thin, metallic

these
sides

many

trapping

sand-drifts, which

bottom

off the

while

by

the

is full

will return.

boot.

attracted

you

plying

are

Nell, we

to

resembling

Stas

steamboats

comforted

onto

in

they themselves

outside, from

the

Do

desert

succeeded

of course,

steamer

have

something

reed
to

in

of

his attention

hurricane

was

number

the

took

they

she-camel.
that

means

time

that

saw
a

wretches

next

Why,

"

not

were

coming

the

would

he

And

It

these

large

will return,

rifle and

means?

sentinel, but

You

fountain.

Once

soldiers.

of

her.

consoled

once

these

that

ravine
to

and

summoning

beat.

hoping

calmly chewed

He

that

faces; but

might be
glanced
he

no!

would

Idris,

biscuits,only

DESERT

IN

Chamis

appeared
After

"

sands

The

Stas'

It

will

And

as

no

and

But

Assuan

we

could

more

long
the

until

thus,

rain.

no

sun

the

it

does

to

these

and

and

the

said:

to

Idris

he

that

forgot

any

and

more

he

asked

mean?"

the

that

heat

will

will

ride

sounds

started

the

on

west,
its

time

long

distress

not

from

peculiar
in

for

only

learned

descended

caravan

that

means

be

of

sing."

aroused

speak

to

tinued.
con-

out

children,

the

near

to

so

not

happens

listened

fell

was

What

be
far

as

beginning

curiosity

"Sands?

stopped

looked

and

rose

sounds

The

surprised.

Idris

he

are

determined

had

"

while

returning,

cavern;

little

115

WILDERNESS

AND

us,

the

during
him.

after

further

since

night."
and

Stas
which

there

Nell

continued
which

journey.

night

XIII

IN

daytime

the

of

When

Cataract.

behind

them,
suffered

they

the

to

nearer

the

concealing

the

to

the

was

the

of

week

past

durra

and

stint,

would

already

suffice

they

was

children

biscuits

given
hid

for

two

might,

the

pastures
and

dates

nothing

leavings

along

of

at

food

desert

the

returned

with

all
for

to

during

The

the

Idris

greatest

thought,

daytime
river

eat

him,

or

but

then

banks

village.

some

visions.
pro-

weak.

during

in

of

lengthened,

necks

the

the

distance

sparingly

more.

reached

think

to

people,

on

for

considerable

became

legs

not

ouins
Bed-

belt

their

days
if

the

fertile

fed

been

their
for

the

approach
buy

and

Idris,

and

now

lean;

grew

supplies

that

night,

perhaps

the

sank,
the

however,
at

they

humps

had

with

with

necessary

was

There

therefore,

one,

drew

they

considerable

any

animals

the

As

their

It

at

As

well

Bedouins,

by

unseen

breast.

water

places

lay

The

water.

the

some

villages

other.

successfully,

the

In

Idris'

was

them

water

to

from

Assuan

camels

the

Assuan

narrower.

each

supply

order

Beyond

river;

from

in

Nile

all

sent

that

distance.

day's

First

the

passed

of

want

night

discerned

off

fell

half

caravan,

time.

longer
river

river

they

difficult
the

during

khors

the

from

already

and

Bedouins

burden

great

until

the
of

form

and

chasms,

finally
and

situation

the

concealed

places

respite,

without

hurried,

they

in

and

rocks

amid

access,

hid

they

and
Saba

drink,
he

somehow

and

118

DESERT

IN

of the

commands

the

His

Rawlinson,

after

from

Fayum,

there

securing troops of

to

interceptthe
if he

that

that

the

would
his

that

Mr.

pursuit
and

by steamer,

the south.

place he

assumed

he

reason

with

camel-corps, would

from

caravan

in their

were

the

executed

be

for

Haifa

Wadi

to

difficult

his father

arrangements

go

larly
particu-

more

would

that

was

making

would

be

Government

only hope

carelessly.

and

Assuan

beyond

pursuit would

the

Haifa

Wadi
and

that

understood

also

he

but

WILDERNESS

AND

The

do

endeavor

boy reasoned

just this,and

supposition

was

for
very

probable.
on

abandon

did not, however,

He
his

for the

The

account.

own

he alone

able to do

was

would

this

in

explode

and

fingers

his

generally,determined
first place that
would

shot

again,
In

that

finallyto

Stas

he

old

the

fact, he succeeded

at

more

occupied

once

to

him

supervision. Finally
permitted
Now

Stas

hide

to

all that

was

hands.

things

he

in

in

first

cartridges.

parentl
expected. Ap-

and

soon

than

was

the

pieces, and,

the

to

Arabs

they
with

were

their

ness
careless-

inbred

his bosom

necessary

this

the

at

few

loquacity and

conceal

his

work, but

themselves

this

of them

unknown

their conversation

with

that

cartridge

off

rifle to

the

at

talk among

them

the boy with

easily than

more

they watched

to

join
dis-

to

willingly,hoping

Arabian

able

be

might

began

and

powder

one

powerful English powder

the

burst

if any

entrust

it

at

went

told

tear

rescue

decided

unskilfully, the

task

Idris, fearing English inventions

undertaking.

he

have

to

object

that

that, and

the

undertake

should

with

the rifle cartridges,so

of

score

wanted

Sudanese

rifle and

captured

the thought of

seven

tridges.
car-

secure

the

rifle.
The

boy judged that

Cataract, this

would

not

beyond
be

Wadi

very

Haifa, the

difficult matter

Second
as

he

IN

foresaw

that

have

would

kill the

to

the

which

murder

He

Bedouins, and
but

himself

to

involved, and
did

did

of this

tion,
considera-

any

surrender

not

not

defense,

in view

deserve

not

did

the

that

the

after
he

committed,

even

it

and

to

came

fight.
he

But
to

had

were

especiallyif they

thought that he

shudder,

to

said

the lives of his adversaries

The

him

life of Nell

liberty,and

relax.

Bedouins

scruples.

any

to

the

destination

their

nearer

Sudanese,

caused

always

Chamis,

have

they drew

as

119

WILDERNESS

AND

vigilance would

Arabs'

the

DESERT

it

secure

anxious

was

about

not

Haifa, but perform

deed

the

did not

Two

elapsed

had

days

Idris finallyat
the

lacking.

In

turned

"I

know.

when

my

remember

father
that

know

us

(Egyptians)."

that

how
the

However,
read
many

that

Nubia.

from

of

shall ask

in

Nubia

brigands who

old

you

there

do

not

immediately
which

begins

time

reached

something
are

serve

many

any

Gebhr

and

Sudan

chattered

dervishes

totally

were

and

country

is only before

Mahdi

to

of adversaries

number

this country

But

foolishly Chamis
army

the

that

at

forced

was

really Nubia?"

took

Turks

see

is

and

following question:

the

fifteen years

of

The

the

that

rode

day

never!"

or

Haifa

whole

"Yes.

third

was

we

Wadi

possible.

as

provisions,which

with

Sudanese
you

they reached

sented
pre-

they passed Assuan,

of the

"Now

beyond Wadi

far

not

since

for

himself:

"Idris, do

soon

of the diminished

view

the

to

as

opportunity

wait.

dawn

Bedouins

said to

Stas

the

the

until

wait

to

Accordingly he

despatch

whenever

by stratagem,

itself,and

the short rifle. Stas resolved

to

over

belongs still
Khartum
he

when
as

far

else.

wild
one

and

Fayum,

camels

on

eight,

and

to

the
the

and

you

told

you

as

Now

Assuan.
I have

animals
who

and

attack

120

IN

alike

the

what

will you

attack

defend

the

Such

and

brigands

or

robberies

animals,

in

Nubia,

quite frequently,

part of the country

bordering

from

the

over

had

he

question, which
thought of these

not

a^ifle."

and

good

Yours

is

it,and

we

know.

while

replied:

rifle is

for

nothing."

better, but
will not

do

we

know

not

place it in

how

hands."

your

unloaded?"

"Even
"

With

of wild

speaking

occurred

war,

heretofore

knives

have

shoot

to

the

for

as

dangers,

"I

in

highway

southern

pondered

"We

Mahdists.

Sudan.

the

surprised him,

"

hand,

of

particularlyin
Idris

faithful

yourself,if wild animals

other

time

the

new

the

"

the

on

upon

and

purposely exaggerated

Stas

from

WILDERNESS

AND

Egyptians

you?

but,

DESERT

Yes, for it

bewitched."

be

may

Stas shrugged his shoulders.

"Idris, if Gebhr
but

that

thought

rifle even

"Then
The
"

"

kill
then

fire

not

all.

us

it does

to

was

surprised,
unloaded

an

"
"

teach
that

that

to

how

you

concern

But

if you

not

matter."
In

it.

He

admit
with

are

give
to

eyes.
"

you

the rifle?

fire from

it."

you?"
afraid

realityhe
was

is

way."

keenly into the boy's

me

silent.

Mahdi

finger."

great deal, for if the brigands attack

be

From

sense.

fire in

can

want

should

Idris
want

to

his

looked

do you

"Why
"

also

Sudanese

I want

could

from

even

you

Why

more

not

interrupted Idris sternly. "The

fire

to

that, I would

had

you

Mahdi

your

"Silence!"
able

said

of the

was

us

rifle and

of

afraid,but did

anxious, however,

the English weapon,

they might

to

get

me

not
quainted
ac-

for its possession and

DESERT

IN

skill in

its

Mahdists'
would

use

would

camp,

to

easier for

be

increase

his

him

defend

to

in the

importance
the

of

nothing

say

121

WILDERNESS

AND

himself

in

it

that

fact

of

case

an

attack.
after

So

"Good.

not

stock

rifle-case and

the

you

you

Gebhr

indifferentlyperformed the order, which

afterwards

occupied

was

with

Stas

camels.

and

he

as

oppose,

the

with

said:

it out."

Chamis
could

hand

Chamis

Let

take

can

he

brief consideration

quivering

the

at

hands

barrels, and

distance

some

took

handed

the

out

them

to

Idris.
"

You

they

see

Idris

empty."

are

the

took

barrels

and

peered upwards

through

them.

"Yes, there is nothing in them,"

observe," said Stas.

"Now

"

"This

The

is the

it apart

will take

attention, tried
but

Arabians

"

Open

Idris

commanded

first it

and
I

together."
with
was

for

great

not

easy

their skil-

put together.

was

Stas.

rifle

opened the

put

see?

you

it

known

well

are

while,

Do

Stas' motions
At

to

the barrel

put

can

you

him.

imitate

fulness, the rifle,after

"

and

it.

open

watched

who

to

as

to

way

again

Sudanese,

for him,

is the way

(and saying this he united

rifle together

stock).

"This

easily.

"Close."
This
"

Now

to load

The
a

to

value
Stas
The

done

was

give

me

yet
two

more

easily.

empty

shells.

I will teach

you

how

the cartridges."
Arabs

had

for them

and

the

Sudanese

kept the empty

as

brass;

instruction
at

first

so

Idris handed

began
was

cartridgesas
two

they

had

of them

anew.

frightened

little by

the

122

IN

crack

the

of

the

shells, but
able

was

In

shells.

empty

the

finallybecame

fire from

to

addition, his

boy handed

the

because

one

no

WILDERNESS

AND

of

caps

that
and

DESERT

in Stas
him

to

weapon

barrels

empty

trust

vinced
con-

returned
little

every

while.
said

"Yes,"

Stas, "you
know

together, you

rifle

pull the trigger.

That

aim.

to

those

on

show

how

Idris took
walked

Stas

before

Not

that

his head

the

his

the

to

to

that

paces

"

will

me;

victory

steps,
loaded

substituted
the

arteries

force that

Nell

and

and

he

in

the

his

thought
arrived

himself

at

had

Stas

decisive moment

for

terrible

"

The

freedom

which

first hundred

but

such

burst.

tion
slightesthesita-

stones

the

heart

with

throb

of

of

moment

hundred

the

shells and

empty

would

moment

learn

to

Take

thing.

return

made

he

only
to

for you

without

place by

the

temples began

"

the

extracted

cartridges.

afterwards

gourd and

But

it at

put

aim.**

to

to

indicated.

place

to

close, and

to

open,

difficult

most

and

the

to

how

it is necessary

now

gourd and

stones,

you

how

is the

water

empty

But

know

already

the

"

time

same

desirable.
Idris' life

Now
and
a

the

and

French

world
Let

could

him

And

at

after

rushing

When

his

veins

he

be

capable

and

before

Chamis

time

even

to

the Bedouins

of

shooting

around

that, what?

lose his head, and

be

in

Nell

for

least turn

up,

pull of the trigger

kidnapped

had

Stas, who

One

blood, suddenly felt that

bite the dust.

would

had

traitor who

But

corpse.

in his hands.

was

and

After
he

ran

would

remain.

new

back.

the

would
he

paces

But

though he should

insert

in

that, Gebhr
ten

in the

in the

man

fall

Polish

both

nothing

death

face

would

eye.
come

also would

Chamis

would

lose

it,there

cartridges in the

barrels.

arrived, they would

not

find three corpses,

DESERT

IN

and

meet

have

only

guide the camels

to

thoughts and

All these

Stas'

through
after

The

with

when

moment

which

tortures

the

with renewed

his set

flew

like

felt that

what

the

time

same

for

the

horrible

deed.

force.

teeth, and

hatred
"

It is necessary

became

the

he

recalled

who

struck

in

out

he said

through

was

reflected

if

as

There

burst

inflexible determination
which

perative.
im-

recalled

he

prisoners endured;

"

and

in his breast

dreadful

and

happen

to

was

hesitated, but

courbash,

whirlwind

surged

conqueror

he

his countenance,

on

white

little girl with

him

the river.

to

Rawlinson, Nell, also Gebhr,

his father, Mr.

the

of

pride

feeling of aversion

was

at

was

that he would

After

pictures

He

brain.

minutes

few

they richlydeserved.

fate

123

WILDERNESS

AND

carved

of

out

stone.

the

In
about

meantime
hundred

Idris

plain.
mind

For

and

last time

the

of

the

of

the

toward

him, he

stone

around.

tall form

fall after

sand

throes

boy ended, and

turned

on

Stas
the

upon

thought flashed through his

would

the ground, clutching the

gourd

his whole
the

that this livingman

convulsions

and

distant

paces

his smiling face

saw

placed the

with

of

moment

But

the

Idris sauntered

began slowly

to

upon

his fingersin the last

death.

when

raise

hesitation

fifty paces

the weapon

to

his

eye.

before

But

beyond

he

dunes,

the

could

be heard

about

twenty

the

plain.

amazed

no

been

not

tumultuous
riders

less, but
The
be

the

about

on

Idris became

joy.
could

touched

at

few

hundred

cheers,and
horses

and

petrifiedat
once

in

his finger,from

camels
the

minute

same

debouched

sight.
gave

at

distant,

paces

in the

amazement

expected pursuit

anything else.

captured

triggerwith

last!

Stas

way

Yes!

Evidently the Bedouins

villageand

were

showing

on

where

was

to

sane
in-

That
had

the

124

IN

the

of

rest

to
"

in

Sir, I

kind

and

gallop with

kind

was

could

ran

the

van,

After

his

with

Stas,

to

feet, began

the

to

'

little

bint 'I

camels;

their

of

joy and

and

the

camels

flinging upwards
while

caught
In

the

in

bright
In

perfectly.

Bedouins

waving

full

parent
trans-

the

middle,

their

hands

possessed.

riders

the

of

dashed

off

leaped
their

on

Amid

voices.

band

whole

the

remained

some

horses

they

*een

two

minutes

Some

caravan.

drove

from

from

cartridges

dexterity.

be

if

as

few

the

rifles, which

they

burnooses

the

only

shouts

these

horses

yelling

saddles,

the

to

and

the

at

words

two

distinguished.

be

Finally

of

one

called

Abu-Anga

feet, and

"Khartum

Bedouins

the

began
is

Khartum!"

Gordon!

Gordon!

"Khartum!

Stas'

at

riders

extraordinary

air
the

The

speed, shouting

Arabian

long

could

kneeling

extracted

gazed.

fullest

the

top

ran

breath:
I

you!

to

mechanically

barrels

and

of

out

he

the

thought

that!"

Stas

at

voice

Idris

himself

and,

terror,

was

Remember

their

collected

from

repeat

WILDERNESS

concealed!

was

he

ashen

face

AND

caravan

When

same.

at

DESERT

ran

"

to

the

"

Idris

panion
com-

cringing

at

exclaim:
is

Gordon

taken!

to

up

his

whom

one

killed!

The

Mahdi

is victorious!"
Idris
"

And

"

These

with

us

Stas'

stood
these
men

to

the

head

erect

men?
were

did

but
"

he
to

swam.

asked

seize

prophet."

not

us,

believe

yet
with
but

his

ears.

quivering lips.
now

are

going together

126

IN

committed

only by such

and

DESERT

Gebhr,

to

With

caught

been

had

parties

that

was

even

if

he

could

the

of

not,

the

kidnappers and,

the

to

feeling

situation

devise

rifle and

despair,

linked

was

to

and,

anything, for
him,

cartridges to

all the

shoot

course,

Stas'

To

fate,

which

one

Arabs

composing

caravan.

he

And

had
these

and

after

immediately

journey, the leader

Idris

Khedive.
not

They
Egyptian

an

southward
of General

which
to Wadi

of the

now

previously
but

against the
Wolseley.

carried

They
whence

saw

one

multitude

English soldiers
a

railroad

was

further
relate
to

great army

under
a

Idris

For,

to

treason

that

to

convinced

their

upon

English

an

dervishes

formidable

Haifa, from

behind

happened.

commit

to

Mahdi,
them

pursuing party began

them

knew

days later,

became

have

proceeded

they

induced

what

camel

the

would

undoubtedly

this

few

delivered

conversation,

their

listening to

that

and

captors

side of the

the

to

over

If Khartum

near.

so

only

fallen

Stas, sittingon

Government.

the

cause
by these thoughts be-

more

already

went

their

seized

have

been

if it had
who

men,

same

would

had

fallen,or

not

all the

gnawed

was

deliverance

to

joined

now

the

returned

they

preceding pursuing

them.

unable

was

more,

far from

not

were

last

unequal

was

nevertheless

the

aid

he

they

to

and

little Nell's

about

of humiliation
what

would

time,

his fears

to

them

ject
sub-

they ought

day, and

of the

none

have

properly,

more

or,

now

Idris

as

country

over

second

them,

detained

this

from

and

men

they would

methods

that

so

overtaken

have

could

the

on

Cataract

Second

the

foolish

that

proper

combined

everything

and

Government

Egyptian

English people.
have

wild

of kilometers

thousands
the

to

WILDERNESS

understanding

not

traverse

AND

had

"

the

the
"

started

command

of steamers,
from

Assuan

built for them

IN
Abu

to

river banks,

favored
the

no

one

the

Mahdi,

dervishes
had

certain

their

prophet

Klea

awarded

the
the

Musa,
handful

of

their

repeated, 'The

end!

Yes, it is

"

What

"What

lie upon
News

of

"

and

Khartum,

others

the

sands,

this

spread

The

Khartum.

the end!'

ple
peo-

in the meantime

And

And

Idris

leader

with

in the meantime

Why,

Englishmen

concerned

were

Allah!

We

soldiers floating down

it meant.
and
Mahdi
to

had

the

the

did

river, but

bad.

Some

of

already perished.
surface.

This

our

But

about

the

north.

stalwart

the

not

cut

was

only
to

with

steamers

English publish good

The

suppress

the

saw

captured

head

learning of his death, they returned

again

feverishly.
a
brightened

the Mahdi

during the assault Gordon's

the

as

said the

asked

Gordon,

came

thought that the English

relieve

happened?"

happened?"

countenance.

the

so.

disposed otherwise."

"How?

what

God

which

souls of the

The

we

and

of Helu.

son

in

best

his soldiers only

of

bodies

Then

south

the

unbelievers.

his

all of

place

resurrection.

the Nile.

farther

took

Mahdi.

the

to

in

Musa,

Helu, fell,and

of

son

awaiting the day

go

of

the

to

vanquished."

been

pursuing party. "The

the tribes of Jaalin, Barabra,

terrible battle

Paradise, while

would

destruction

of the

them

victory

rapidly over

souls

inevitable, for

was

they have

command

the

returned

in

the

that

ment
Govern-

their

of

depth

were

leader

against

Abu

off.

the

the

to

the

on

interrupted Idris, raising his hands

repliedthe
sent

in

sheiks

vanquished the Englishmen.

warriors, under

God

loyal

Janghey, nearly thirty thousand

and

are

remained

"Nevertheless,

"No,"

At

"

Allah!"

upwards.
Mahdi

all the

who

and

ever

"Akbar

who

those

as

time

long

those

"

well

as

of

For

Hamed.

127

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

understand
ately
immedi-

news

people

said

finallythe

region belongs yet

that
truth

to

the

128

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

farther, as far as
the Third and perhaps the Fourth Cataract,the soldiers
be found; nevertheless,
after the
of the Khedive
can
Government.

Haifa

In Wadi

and

of the

Mahdi

Englishtroops,we
will subdue not only Nubia

Mecca

and

retirement

instead of

and

For that

capturingyou and delivering

you
we

are

that the

now

Egypt, not only

Medina, but the whole world.

of the Government

the

believe

reason

the hands

to

goingtogetherwith

you

to

prophet."
orders

"So

came

to

capture us?"

to all the sheiks,

to the military
villages,
garrisons.Wherever the copper wire,over which flythe
of the Khedive, does not reach, there came
commands

all the

"To

the 'zabdis'

(gendarmes)with

whoever

captures you

reward.

Mashallah!

the

will receive
That

"

that

announcement

thousand

one

is great wealth!

pounds
Great!

"

"

Idris

at the speaker.
glancedsuspiciously
of the Mahdi?"
"But you preferthe blessing
"Yes.
He
booty and so
captured such immense
the Egyptian
in Khartum
that he measures
much money

pounds in
faithful

fodder sacks and

distributes them

among

his

"

"

if the Egyptian troops are yet in Wadi

Nevertheless,
Haifa,and further,they may seize us on the way."
It is necessary
"No.
cover
only to hurry before they re"

their wits.

since the retreat of the

Now

men
English-

sheiks,
they have lost their heads entirely
the loyalto the Government, as well as the soldiers and
"

'zabdis.' All think that the Mahdi

at

any

the

moment

will

arrive;for that reason those of us who in our souls favored

him are now
running to him boldly,and nobody is pursuing
in
orders
is issuing
the firstmoments
one
no
us, for
and no one knows whom
to obey."
Yes," replied
Idris, you say trulythat it is necessary
"

"

IN

DESERT

hurry, before

to

instant

various

the

fact

hordes

the

would

have
In

the

such

the

Arabian

tribes

north

considerable

time

would

elapse;

the

it.

assumed

therefore

He

the

prevailedamong
have
it

occurred

well

as

something else

to

Government
have
white

as

in

and

the Nile

to

water

few

inquired
any

the

which

the

as

than

have

must

inexperienced boy

sheiks

think

of

joined

the

to

of Khartum

people

cause

the

must

downfall

forget

to

loyal

local authorities

men

for

the

to

would

now

rescuing

two

and

Egyptian

belonged

fill the

to

safety they
of

"the

to

sent

the river

to

leather

bags

in advance

for scouting

buying provisions,
there

whether

the

If

they

loyal Turks."

with

villageseven

locality; whether

near-by and

great

they kept close

ride to

the pretext of
the

with

night turned

they ventured

troops
to

the

did

caravan

rode

They

camels, but

the

who, under
news

much.

during

animals

For

who

very

spare

often

times

daytime.
a

not

and

At

water.

pursuit

did

to

Arabs

the

fact

fear the

haste

in

so

children.

And
not

do

Haifa,

the
the

that

the

Wadi

first moment

would

everything else, and

about

lated
circu-

the

event

of Gordon

Khartum

more

tachment
de-

also

reckoned

of

panic

To

in any

that

the death

and

that the

away.

the

English people suppressed

Egyptians in

already passed

never

the

all

retreating

of

the

and

taken
before

Stas

capture

in

might happen

some

among

Egyptian Government

had

it

case

then

Nubia,

retreat

surrounded.

of

news

to

encounter

be

might

in

banks

English troops

would

caravan

before

the

by land.

and
that

the

on

that

they

steamers,

that

gleam of hope glimmered again

pied
Egyptian soldiers up to that time occu-

localities

the

Mahdi's

faint

If the

for Stas.

of

Khartum

"

an

view

their wits, since

recover

"

is yet far
For

they

129

WILDERNESS

AND

were

ants
inhabitmet

resi-

130

IN

dents

DESERT

secretlyfavoring the Mahdi,

would

village,and

visit the

increased

by

few

also wanted

who

therefore

avoid

to

only

keep

to

forms
and

afterwards

the

on

the Oasis

rode

and

desert

them,

over

center

each

like

became

in the ravines, in the

the beasts.

On

that
at

cloudless

they

night

were

over

seeing sometime

not

Port

and

more

sky

the other

the

the

Said.

he

times

in his life the Southern

beheld it beyond El-Ordeh.

But

at

in the
With

calm.

ward
their south-

to

had

even

the people

which

clusters.

day
whole

nights were

stars

to

extended

now

constellations
At

the

it distressed

twinkling

same

plies.
sup-

and
terrible,

the

creased
in-

even

edges, bulging

hand,

smaller

an

and

which

more

deep shade,

greater and

it were,

as

course,

in

of water

with

horizon's

cool; they scintillated with

as

Sudanese

day, however, the heat, in proportion

advance,

and

southern

gigantic cupola, silent and

far

particularlyfrom
entirelyunguarded.

the

for

ravines

the

at

gray

south

as

night, hiding during

at

intersected.

was

direct

the

Cataract, they ceased

hills and

sandy

among

by the larger

northeast

the

to

abundance

an

only

necessary

towards

left almost

Passing the Third

hurry,

In

this left bank,

was

with

company

was

pass

far
inclining

journey passed merrily

The

to

Nile.

lengthened their
river,beginning at Wadi
Haifa,

it takes

of Selimeh,

Desert,

indeed

This

hand

other

it

them

and

again curving
where

Hamed,

Abu

left bank

gigantic arch

ments
detach-

Egyptian

side of the

eastern

with

great deal,for the

Arabs

young

side of the Nubian

encounter

settlements.

cities and
route

the

on

the

to

all the

almost

right, the
an

was

fly to the Mahdi.

also that

the

on

more

or

caravan

that it

happened

it

dozen

the entire

then

often

even

stationed

were

order

or

to

Idris learned

but

WILDERNESS

AND

Stas

very

formed,
observed

which
dreamed

shone
of

Cross, and finally

present its luster pro-

IN

claimed
there

light,

to

shone

which,
silvered

sky.

DESERT

him
for

his
him

the

pale,

the

after

until

misfortune.

own

hour

For

scattered,

waning
late

131

WILDERNESS

AND

of

the

and
the
western

few

sad

nights
zodiacal
light,
twi-

evening
side

of

the

XV

IN

weeks

two

after

Haifa

Wadi

the

by
Jesira

the

English

the

sands
could

eye

reach

part by green

Sudanese

of

nabbuk

trees,

time

the

termites

charmed
of the
In
of

the

of

of

desert.

As

far

as

in

overgrown

jungle

amid

which

there stood

that

shelter

under
from

solitarygigantic

their boughs
the

dred
hun-

From

sun.

time

which
and

pasture

after

tropicalAfrica is strewn.
the

acacias

the monotonous,

agreeably

tawny-hued

sands

meadow,

herds

desert.
the

the

places where

Mahdi.

steppe

pastured, guarded
the

At

sight

suddenly, like birds of

it from

steppe
a

the

here.

seen

part by

Uled

Musa,

passed by high, pillar-likehillocks of

the eyes

camels

the

in

ants, with

white

verdure

The

here and

find

caravan

or

stretched

expansive

so

people could
to

be

hilly

thorny acacias, yielding the well-known

while

gum;

routed

could

and

grass

clusters

grew

dunes

the

previously the

localityentirely unlike

of

dued
region sub-

crossed

where

completely

into
nor

the

upon

Shendi,

near

had

Helu, they rode

neighborhood

TJjey speedily

and

forces

Neither

entered

caravan

Mahdi.

Desert,

the

starting from

all sides

and

prey;

yelling at the top

from

whence

they

came,

and

whither

they

were

armed

towards

their

bound?

they

at

they asked

were

At

of
up

it,surrounded
and

spears

of their voices

why

warriors

they started

caravan

rushed

shaking

time

the

by

of the

was

the
the

same
men

going southward,

times

they

assumed

134

DESERT

IN

people,

aimed

or

that

as

belonged
the

of
the

to

carbines

restrained

alone
when

he

the

at

in

officer in

Egyptian
he

so

not

was

could

so

excite

Mahdi's

the

dangers

the

would

lavish

gold and

hesitated
Fatma.

In

and

his head

the meantime

hundred

of Fatma,
In

another, and
other.

The

not

Khedive:
and

Idris

But

here

children

white

He

him

ardor, with

with

as

who

man

to

placed
and

open

would
had

not

the

he knew

spears

at

el-Tadhil

Nur

of

narrative

would

his relative*

serve

the Mahdists

rival
ar-

extraordinary
expected that

journey.

in order

Khartum

and

warriors,
all the

domain

was

journey,

Smain,

the

answered:

Omdurman

thousand

Mahdists

of the caravan,

of members

Emir

Mahdi,

of the

of the

finallyto the question, whether

"No.

the

imagined that his

the

him

quite indifferentlyhis

husband

of

the

to

account

praises upon

thing
any-

night they

one

in triumph to the prophet, who

to expose

the breasts
heard

with

of the

the

on

lived long

understood.
He

receive

lead him

and

arms,

Stas,

imagined

regiment

him.

on

them

never

the other

camp

hardships and

awaited

away

himself

admiration, if only

Mahdists

ran

as

In

Khartum.

negro

savage

awaited

disappointment
at

easily make

more

violence.

had

to

he

same

slaves; this

detachment

conducted

el-Tadhil,before

and

ing
convey-

previously had

armed

an

he

were
as

^pleased when

was

by
and

el-Tadhil

Nur
an

He

surrounded

Nur

what

civilized community,

like this.
were

of

that

this dire reality,the spirit

Idris,also, who

ensuing days.
years

with

thought

they

from

hostile

tribe, the

children

savages

in contact

came

withered

the

this

shout

that

white

two

To

Dongolese

and

Mahdi,

prophet

with

the

to

them.

at

Idris answered

demonstration
his brother

WILDERNESS

AND

so

it is easy

officers

of the

there

are

prophet

not

are

over

one

to

meet

one

acquainted with each

is immense;

therefore

IN

around

Darfur, and

and

of whom

Smain,

Sennar, in Kordofan,

cities in

be

It may

Fashoda.

speak, is

you

135

WILDERNESS

AND

in distant

rule

emirs

many

DESERT

not

at

that

this
the

at

present

prophet's side."
Idris

"this

of

spoke

by the slightingtone

nettled

was

Smain,"

he

so

which

with

replied with

Nur

shade

of

impatience:
is married

"Smain
therefore
Nur

first cousin

and

of the Mahdi,

relatives of the prophet."

are

shrugged his shoulders.

has

Mahdi

children

Smain's

el-Tadhil

"The

to

relatives and

many

remember

cannot

all of them."
For

in silence;after which

they rode

time

some

Idris

again asked:
"

How

"

"

arrive at Khartum?

we

midnight," repliedel-Tadhil,gazing

"Before
which

shall

soon

began

Shall

at

we

fodder?

in the eastern

to appear

Since

late hour

that

last rest

our

be
at

the stars

at

part of the heavens.

able

to

noon

we

food

obtain

have

not

and
eaten

anything."
"

will pass

You

in my

house,

to seek

but

for food

this will not

this

be

night with

in Omdurman

to-morrow

yourself,and
an

and

me

warn

I shall feed you

you

you

will have

in advance

that

matter."

easy

"Why?"
"

Because

years

have

we

not

when

meat;

so

There

is famine
costs

"Allah

more

have

The

finallycattle
in all the

than

to
"

lacking, famine

were

sack

came.

of durra

day
to-

slave."

of camels

belong

the past few

lived solelyupon

have

Sudan, and

exclaimed

akbar!"

Noble

people for

tilled the fields and

nevertheless herds

"They

The

war.

the

Idris with
and

cattle

prophet, to

brothers

and

the

surprise,"I
on

saw

the steppes."

'Noble/

relatives of the Mahdi.

and

to

136

IN

the

caliphs.

the

Mahdi

Yes

"

chief
but

The

"

and

came

el-Tadhil

the

"In
more

service

have

the

and

more

tribe

leader

is the

herds,

numerous

difficult

more

added

I have

said

higher rank,

greater authority, but

I had

fuller

service."

he might have

But, realizingthat
he

still quite

prophet

Khedive's

in the

while

Baggara, whose

which

patted his stomach, and

of

and

money,

stomach

the

from

world."

the

Nur

Here

Dongolese,

tribes it has become

for other
in

WILDERNESS

AND

caliph,Abdullahi,

live

to

DESERT

said

after

much,

too

:
^

"

But

all this will

Idris, hearing these

nevertheless
he

could

in

had

be

the true

when

change

the

in

suffered

service

he

so

of

the

men,
English-

hunger, and

from

easily secured;

more

conquers."

words, involuntarily thought that

Fayum,
never

faith

gains
into

cast

was

deep gloom.
After

which

"Are

you

he

began

going

ask

to

to

further:

transport

to

to-morrow

us

Omdurman?"
"Yes.

and

abandoned
the

by command

Khartum

large buildings

other

booty

to live in

conveying

prophet is
They

the

with

the

not

wish

to-morrow,

and

prophet does

The

razing

are

bricks

be

to

place pollutedby unbelievers."

shall beat

"I

and

Omdurman.

to

there.

reside

few

very

of the

he will command

before

forehead

my

supplied with

I be

that

him

provisions and

fodder."
If in truth

"Ha!

perhaps
know

might

spare

without

men

be

admitted

his house

this,that

hundred
not

you

belong

you

equipped

blows

to

those

is

to
to

the

Dongolese, then

his

guarded day

with

and

courbashes, and

who

permission. Otherwise

crave

the

to
swarm

But

presence.

see

night by
these
the

do

Mahdi

would

not

DESERT

IN

give the holy man

of rest

bloody welts
each

with

Idris

137

WILDERNESS

moment

with

Dongolese

AND

their

on

moment

Allah

"

saw

backs

"

possessed by

was

even

"

greater

disillusionment.
the faithful do not

"So

faithful

"The

where, kneeling
God,

to

in the

them

by all,for

envied

In

the

place

of

raises

his hands

and

swarm

attains
flows

if in

as

Nell

and

"Do

with

that

reach

and

happiness is

the

divine

came

which

grace

it

piercing chill.

the snorting of horses; the sudden

daily heat

to

cold

Stas, behind

mist.

prayer

strengthens

it is difficult to

was

that

strong

so

the hides of the steeds began to reek, and

rode

he asked.

sins."

fell and

the

from

change

him

upon

resounded

ranks

But

whoever

his former

away

deep night

and

him,

the

at

the

instructs

faith.

true

speak with
wipes

he

daily

sheep's hide, he

the

on

when

or

him

see

the prophet?"

see

the

detachment

Idris,leaned

towards

asked:
feel cold?"

you

"but
the little girl,

answered

"No,"

no

will protect

one

"

us

now

"

And

tears

This

time

himself

was

them.

Now

stifled her further

he

annihilation
whole

to

snatch

if into

the

and,

towns

moon

the

only
and

it and
rolled

entire

save

high

two

in

was

region

of

salvation

of

death

heaven

mimosa
here

and
and

and

individuals, but
hand

small, defenseless
the

like

were

bore

What

tribes.

for

wretchedness,

They

which

heads

for her, for he

no

blood.

the

to

jungles resounded
same

storm

silveryfeathers, the

dense
at

over

in

comfort

there

cruelties,and

not

from

The

that

they rode

little leaves

poor

find any

not

convinced

famine, bestial
two

did

words.

and

children?

changed,

acacia

there

time, mockingly mirthful

could

as

twigs. In
the

laugh

shrill
of

the

138

DESERT

IN

hyenas,
corpses.

which

in

From

time

them

and

The

people

and

flat

"dahabeahs,"

measured

depth,
the

After

camels

and

with

strewn

lapse

lights

which,

of

sheaves

of

red

Idris'

him,

"Khartum!"

arm,

he

said:

after

the

on

the

upon

them,

approached
lying

on

which,

Nile.

wide

and

the

with
smooth

diamonds.

floated

luster

the

on

the

began

oars

ruffle

and

hour,

an

the
with

hills

upon

heavy

starry

half

crafts

as

the

the

reached

pass

break

to

to

embarked

soon

dahabeahs

which

before

the

many

exchanged

came

long

too

conducting;
and

patrols

far

detachment

They

through

movements

river's

the

countersign.

banks

river

shook

time

to

found

region

gory

other

agreed

the

on

that

encountered

caravan

WILDERNESS

AND

the

water.

stretching

southern

side,
flashed

water,

changed

into

Nur

el-Tadhil

out

his

hand

XVI

THEY

stopped

formerly

fallen
of

in

little

and

her

chance,

could

and

would

again

able

shared

quieted

him

might
aroused

the

as

be

"Jan,"

personally.
who

by Saba,

well
done

which
he

as

to

that
an

no

by

could

the

lifted
of

emir
a

hand

endearment,

strange
ness,
weari-

which

dread

they

would

not

uneasiness
and

the

was

from

time

soldiers.

fear

that

the

against
"little

Stas
jury
in-

some

giant

himself

like

he

that

he

This

not

scorpions

on

that

tent
con-

did
a

of

Fortunately
in

one

from

be

great

about

enraged

him.

expression

scented

among

he

account

and

upstairs

to

garden,

mortal

Nell,

admiration

such

dervishes
1

of

her

of

had

hand,

on

and

night

saddle-cloth

the

over

all

the

first

over

from

howled,

other

her

Notwithstanding

him

watch

to

time

in

account

on

separate

evidently
to

fountain

incessantly

creeping
lay,

the

sleep;

not

the

passed

and,

dates

led

they

of

provisions,

dried

courtyard,

on

wrecked.

not

was

he

the

for

water,

the

in

biscuit;

one

who

Stas,

wives

charge

of

few

The

treatment,

want

which

after

horses

felt

had

city,

took

rough

"jan"1

little

bed.

and

be

could

honey;

to

camels
with

be

with

rice

the

the

spoils.

manner

after

merchant,

upon

the

of

which

house

Italian

assault

the

humane

alive

the

for

put

lack

quite

in

rich

division

the

Khartum

all

of

during

barely

was

found

they

the

in

emir

who

at

limits

city's

property

murder

Tadhil

though

his

to

the

Nell

the

was

after

and

the

at

mastiff

and

in

him.
lamb."

all

140

did

also

Idris
had

felt unwell

Nur

el-Tadhil
the

at

through

previous day he

the White

of

gazed
He

was

transported
Khartum

from

had

what

there, but

Smain

be

he

Nile;

veil.

thick

separated

was

with

delusions, and

they would

morrow

which

find

would

though

the

width

the

the

his

of

lost many

as

Omdurman,

by

he

on

From

sleep.

not

and, besides, after the conversation

future

that

glad

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

to

only

hope that he

further?

the

During

journey everything had presented itself to him somewhat

splendidly. He sincerely
distinctly and far more
more

But

in addition

he

and

ambitious.

He

had

emir

Arab,

he

cities and

would

el-Tadhil, he began

just as

drop

with

thought

he
to

what

not

be

pleased that

him;"

to

The

sun

dervishes

at

accomplished,
I have

into

this

by

from
of

"

sea.

and

will
Smain

haps/'
Perpay

will

children

thought.

those fears;

far

cance,
insignifi-

brought those

to

time

The

he awaited

so

his horse.

they would

To

Stas' great

floor; after which

ferry boats

journey.
to

go

the

Nur

as

and

the

el-Tadhil

declared

He

ferry on

foot,

led Nell from

joy, Dinah
far

the

among

appeared

they proceeded

city,as

stopped.

bustle

soon

the

for

prepare

that

the

el-Tadhil

Nur

began.

same

upper

six o'clock, and

skirting the whole

the

captured

heard

disappears in the

dispelor confirm

rose

them

ordered

beside

had

fade

not

gnawed

was

of

impatience.

it with

the

he

to

was

morrow

an

and

dreamed

bitterness, "nobody

I have

attention
even

would

of rain

be loaded

in the presence

fear whether

to

all his acts

greater events,

he

what

after

spoils. Now,

tribe.
covetous

least; he had

at

all the

same

military expeditions against the "Turks,"

of

at

the

every

that

dreamed

an

drawn

was

from

came

like almost

was,

made

gold and

with

botlt

because

him

to

more

his heart

and

prophet

in the

believed

the

on

place
rode

at

part,
ram-

which

ahead

on

142

IN

The

ror.

DESERT

of

sight

captivity, and

time

certain

became

tattooed

burst

others

came

they began
knives.

he

Fortunately
command

the

scourge

last

the

others

children

The

river.

the

over

the

that when
of

she

not
was

the
did

have

one

the truth, but

soldiers

Nell

want

continually,as if in

fever:

surrounded
to

mercy,

hand

course
con-

mob

amid

the

wild

defend

evil should

exchange
girlwas

of it for

"I

am

he

both

assured
of

them,

befall them

he

his children.
terror-stricken

seized

Stas'

hand,

repeating

moment,

afraid!

the sight

to

for
so

passage

statement

threats, and

the little

let go

to

his

By

and

with

previous assaults that, having

not

brutal

The

accustomed

their

to

the

freely during the

for if any

any

in

how,

el-Tadhil.

protect and

would

to

boat.

became

cease

with

approaching.

the other

on

more

dervishes

knew

courbashes.

comforted

Stas

her,
particularly

would

by

Smain

that

and

This

breathed

them

of

detachment

the

eyes;

began, without

with

the

it to

they would

them

her

behind

accompanied

shrieks

he
was

Nur

twenty

mob

beasts,
finally

fright,clung

as

hour

even

and

howling

gather

to

from

well

dispersedhurriedly, but
began

like wild

towards

out

of their

palms

rollingtheir

as

ten

children, while

the

the

persistent molestation

between

Nell.

the sight of them

roared

reach

her

last disgusted

at

swarm

this

to

necessary

over

at

with

some

their

that

conviction

the

was

Some

and

shielded

throng after

and

Stas

over

Nell, partly unconscious

Stas, while

to

fully
Fright-

teeth and

threaten

to

tracted
at-

threatening outcries.

them;

displaying their white

it

into laughter

out

by Chamis
The

moment.

great that

so

cursed

leash

procession proceeded

joy slapped their hips

from

hands;

each

into

children, taken

the

as

faces leaned

of the savages

and

led with

with

all sides

From

WILDERNESS

"English"

Saba

of

the ferry increased

halt.

the

throng, which

AND

am

afraid!"

DESERT

IN

with

He

his whole

into

the

who

in Port

them,
he

of Smain,

wild

so

him

only
in

tarrying by

the

far

from

who

slave

of the

order

"

At

when

the

be with
Mahdi

and

sacred

'Nobles'
and

you
at

and

"But

what

time

the

the

place

Idris

sounds

the

of

will remain

"And

will you,

"I

"Is

he

though

the

the

about

of the

umbajas,1

with

will

you

you

and

example

an

besides

behold

all the

the

as

pashas

Smain."

shall I stay

where

my

May

my

Allah

to

the

the

caliph Abdullahi."
I

from

come

commanders

have

may

instruct

commander

is the

you

make

Umbajas

until

soldiers."

me

far

reached

him
"

the

son

of

big trumpets

Mahdi's

sword."

victory."
of

and
my

definitely

more

them."

"Abdullahi

the

There

find

may

which

to

el-Tadhil,leave us?"

of

nevertheless

ears,

following

faith.

greatest of caliphs?

names

became

prayer?"

with

Nur

cannons

the

caliphs as well

do

for orders

going

am

Mahdi

afternoon

"You

Smain,

the

of prayer,

in the

emirs

I to

am

certain

el-

Kordofan,

afterwards

to

the

also the three

among

in

fire from

and

Nur

before, while

year

of

to

hear

the

of

person

with

find

fortifythem

to

emirs;

the

how

suggested

children

they would

heard

the Sudan,

endurable.

more

repairs daily to edify the faithful

piety

the

Nur

of

spoke

that

Egyptians,

finding him

noon,

old, and

of

caliph Abdullahi

had

he

the

from

of

Idris

last recollected

hunter.

method

"

this

Of

be

whether

was

taught the dervishes

captured

possible

as

them

Dongolese

would

now

Khartum,

soon

as

knew

the other

as

Omdurman.
at

get

143

displayed great friendship towards

pretended to display it. At any rate

concern

Tadhil, who

to

who

captivity in his house

The

of

had

least had

not

WILDERNESS

soul wished

Said

at

or

was

and

hands

AND

ivory tusk.

144

DESERT

IN

For

be heard

only

and

in

once

in the

people who

the

also of

city, but

of

and

heeded,

floated

with

the

even

as

and

Cataract

4lhe

with

dance
abun-

only

not

of

capture

which

diseases

and

particularlyamong

the

caliphs prohibited, indeed,

but

they

downward,

face

not

were

did

crocodiles

the

Sixth

the

to

vour
de-

not

Beber.

as

after

else, and

Idris thought of something

But

down
an

the

of

struck

swam

corpses,

after

water,"

water,
far

crocodile

died

which

bodies

the

edges

who

of the

contamination

"the

those

commands

The

boat's

they found

where

Mahdists

the

raged amidst
slaves.

by

slaughtered

were

the

on

of water

Khartum,

to

could

ugly reptileshad

of these

Many

oars

food, for the river teemed

of

of the

of the

splash

There

floated in silence.

boat

grating

while

tail.

the

the south

from

the

time

some

WILDERNESS

AND

while

said:
"This

morning

know

not

whether

hour

the

not

are

the

in

"But
kill those

as

their

go
plies.
sup-

sometimes

and

meat

high price;

the

wicked

meantime

people

told

you,

any

one

of

advice

This

desire to take

the

Khartum.

and

and

give

if you

money

them, he will willinglygo for provisions."

did

not

reply

In the

to

the

give it
boat

Omdurman

children

and

stone;

to

touched

there

was

but

the

greater
before

bank.

different

houses

were

one,

any

appeared

latter place there

stories built of brick

had

please Idris who

than

money

able to make

was

will seize

children."

soldiers will protect them,

"The

To

for

dried

display

can

reigns in Omdurman."

famine

he

obtain

can

you

later?"

us

merchants

until

hunger

slave," replied Tadhil, "and

I do

eat.

to

from

out

will feed

who

and

(millet),but

dochnu

to

hold

market-place where
There

get anything

not

can

we

of prayer,

"You
to

did

we

from

of several

"mudirya,"

DESERT

IN

perished; there

had

church,

were

the

of greater and

large number
rather

fort

which

had

been

far

conical
fences

of

under

mats

the

the

under

shelter
the

"rced

that

in

it.

Even

Mahdi

the

"y this vast

disease.

expeditions to subjugate
the

Egyptian
the

At

ley
rare

so

were

death.

close
more

to

white

the

Friendlycries,but
ing

were

difficulty

Formerly

caliphs

localities and

Omdur-

counting

the

huddled

were

perturbed

were

threatened

so

with
to

famine

the

north

cities,loyal yet

Government.

sight of

with

with

continually despatched

They

bamboo

streets

people

was

palm

fires,cooked

present,

his

which

concourse,

the

multitude.

and

few

exceptionalheat;

or

thousand

from

population sought

So

at

little

and

upon

detachment

village;

as

of circular

time, built

their

places the

hundred

two

over

ives,

The
rain

whole,

tents, evidently

seen

stretched

out-of-doors.

wretched

linen

The

thorny

Elsewhere

during

through the

its way
was

roofs

died

I,lived, and
"wded

dirty

they passed

rest

be

hand,

settlement

other

each

entire residence.

the

constituted

from

there could

of

As

Narrow,

Egyptians.

piece

huts

and

Here

from

captured

these

the

city consisted

straw.

nificent
mag-

savages.

side of

the

reach

dochnu

separated

streets.

"r

could

of

of Gordon.

by command

eye

huts

northern

the

on

razed

the

as

the

stood

other

the

on

and

troops

gardens with

smaller

encampment

great

the

for

tropical plants. Omdurman,

seemed

Gordon

heroic

hospital,missionary

arsenal, great barracks

buildings, an
a

in which

palace

is, a Governor's

that

145

WILDERNESS

AND

at

least

It may
the

here

children

rabble

the

be

that

did

they did

prophet's side, and

accustomed

all transported

capture of Khartum.

to

to

the

not
not

threaten
dare

to,

perhaps because

sight of prisonerswho

Omdurman
Stas

also resounded

and

immediately
Nell, however,

after
saw

146

hell

present begging for

with

covered

the

with

how

and

streets

In

they

alleyways

the

which

all,small-pox raged in
with

lay

sores,

newly

the

for

above

sick, covered

in

linen, the bodies

sand

funeral

city hovered

the

beyond

assumed

was

flocks

of

shadows

vultures
the

upon

Stas, witnessing all this, thought that

sand.

illuminated

aversion.

hovels, infecting

in the

fell melancholy

wings

whose

best

the

of

real charge of the

fortunates;
un-

all the

On

and

The

form.

entrances

the

these

typhoid fever, and,

bury tljem

to

Above

by hyenas.

the

dead
the

city, where
from

horror

with

how

saw

lacking sights from

not

and

them.

beat

despair

They

sight of

prisonerscarried, wrapped

the air. The

of

the

at

the

at

virulent

of meat;

and

dismay
stare.

were

away

dysentery

Omdurman,

which

and
pusjied
there

shred

or

affluence,at

resembling specters, with

laughter

turned

eyes

of durra

on

in

to

European

saw

reared

bewildered

into

burst

savages

They

were

want,

commanded

were

water.

emaciated,

from

settled, and

had

they

handful

rags,

swarthy

faces

of

children, who

and

women

which

buckets

under

or

carry

Egyptians

until they bled; hungry, thirsty,

burdens

bending under

and

Europeans

saw

courbashes

with

lashed

They

earth.

on

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

Nell

and

him

would

be

to

die

as

soon

as

possible.
Nevertheless,
malice

there

flower

blooms

were

in

and

were

even

in trade

who

these

Greeks

human

times

marsh.

In

not

and

various

the

to

and
wild

stopped the detachment

as

and

pale

Omdurman

the Mahdi

These

Mahdi,

among

wretchedness

compassion,

pretended

officers of the

importance

of

Copts whom

them.

freely,but engaged
especially those

at

putrid

needed

he

because

sea

bloomed

Greeks

few

this

in

there

had

spared

only walked

about

affairs,and

some,

change their faith,

this gave

them

dervishes.
and

began

siderable
con-

One
to

of

ques-

DESERT

IN

the

tion

children
with

Learning
and
he

that

each
with

little

birdl"

them

few

an

girl,

them

from

future.

of

image

of

the

soldiers
he

dried

left,

not

to

to

in

do

and

silver

which

any

English:

to

harm

"Poor

quire
in-

he

meantime

After

dare

repeating

and

figs

Theresa.

Maria

Fayum,
and

Mahdi

Nell

at

there.

arrived,

just

the

In

wild

be

far-away

the

to

to

had

they

compassionately

handfuls

and

the

in

head

happened

kidnapped
about

speak

to

his

that

been

had

about
nodded

they

amazement

they

promised

how

to

as

147

WILDERNESS

AND

to

gave

dollar
he
to

monished
adthe

little

XVII

THROUGH
the

market-place which
On

city.
foot

the

off.

cut

concealed
for

They

the

prophet
as

with

courbashes

But

nothing

for them
there

the

was

scarcity

unconscious.

in

commands

everything,

who

at

there

beg; and

mained
re-

Om-

in

as

provisions they died

of

so

blow

one

Afterwards

but

do

to

by

whipped

was

these

poor,

goods.

caliphs

trivial offense,

became

they indulged

all their

of

observed

fell upon

penalties

despoiled

durman

home

for

or

had

promulgated

delinquent

bled

he

or

who

the

by

laws

even

the

tobacco,

at

meted

of the

caliphs themselves

the

were

violation

hand

transgressors

or

at

of the

center

with

men

punishment

until

only seemingly;
that

thieves

in the

many

horrible, and

smoking

the

were

or

was

such

^aw

The

booty.

situated

was

they

way

disobedience

they finally arrived

little streets

tortuous

of

starvation.

large number

of

provision stalls.

The

the
fastened

attention

on

high
The

market-place.
almost

black,

while

was

white

as

as

Idris that

that

this,

seized

was

burning

desire

children

the

bamboo

set

face

of

the

hair
One

by fathomless
revenge;

in

up

of

the

head.

soldiers

human

and

tracted
at-

head
of

center

up

and

the

chin

he

time

to

heard

indignation,
same

the

explained

Stas, when

the

the

which

dried

skull

sorrow,
at

the
was

the

on

was

this head

Gordon's

for

around

object, however,

first
of

milk.
was

beggars also swarmed

and

terror

150

DESERT

IN

there

and

durra

and

manioc,

in

soaked

dochnu

of

honey

wild

decoction

bees, and

tamarind

of

market-prices he would
afterwards

His

only hope

the

in

of

lapse

humor.

bad

Smain's
Nur

when

So

Smain,

he

"Fool, do

think

that

better

you

"Well, what
"Do
in my

do not

are

what

you

house

and
to

want

know

It is all the

Saying

those
and

to

you?

do with

me?"

afternoon, and

they
to

of

that

they

had

who

about

more

ing
noth-

"

now

you."

went

him

"

that

to

do.

to

not

of

none

The

the

cluding
in-

Assuan

until the
knew

them

Bedouins

two

gan
be-

Gebhr, claiming that they

After

they finallydecided

outskirts of the city huts

to

caravan,

come

reception and

entirely different
them.

send

it between

joined

With

away.

of the

rest

people did

an

cheated

deliberation

had

Idris and

them

learned

had

good advice, and

the

appeared

quarrel with

promised

and

going

were

had

much

it

night's lodging

you

the soldiers and

These

Haifa.

Wadi

what

Arabs

in

me."

to

camels

the

some

I have

for

great difficultyIdris prevailed upon

market-place

if he

shall I find shelter?

where

took

this he

Smain

anything

same

from

with

met

caliph and

the

words

few

had

him

I gave

please.
a

returned

replied testily:

going

you

strangely enough

there, for he returned

seek

to

is well, but

"That
"

than

do

to

beg.

to

assistance.

he

Idris asked

anything about

money

living expenses

el-Tadhil

Evidently

disagreeable mishap

of

ing
prevail-

probability, have
and

of

Idris

all the

for

Smain,

hour

an

caliph Abdullahi.

kind

all

in

was

now

Smain

relied solely upon

also

After

Fatma

would,

and

Stas

from

received

had

of the

exhaust

soon

grains

fruit.

fell into despair,for it appeared that in view

he

sold here

totallylacking. They

were

and

water

WILDERNESS

AND

of dochnu

long dispute and

to

erect

boughs and

at

reeds

the
as

IN

DESERT

shelter during the

night, and

the will of providence, and

the

After

erection

require much

not

find

to

the

it, as
The

thither.

and

thorny fence

being

built.

the

In

sheiks.

and

could

be

which
It

the

of

hides

real

was

taken

other

The

for

they could

warriors

members

retinue
press

by the beautiful

arrival

and

of

gourds,and whistling on
created
an

an

indescribable

their knees; others

"Oh!

Messenger

Merciful!"

Mahdi

"Oh!

entered

the

instruct

to

upon

the

flags of

sides

of

rounded
sur-

Around

of spears,

and

with

first

For

they
that

of the

rows

Mahdi
of

Gebhr, and

that

caravan,

was

were

reason
bled
assem-

announced

umbajas, but when

shrill notes

the

were

armed.

notes

drums, the rattle

platform.

dervishes.

Idris

of the

solemn

shaken

stones

of

fifes,the
in empty

elephants'teeth, all of which

infernal

din.

fervor.
shouted

The

with

all their

"Oh!

Gracious!"
Then

swarm

threw

Some

of God!"

pulpit.

was

spread

forest

the

appeared there resounded

beating

of

for

to

which

were

of the emirs.

one

forward

The

throng.

of

partly by

were

four

were

the

of

bound

was

air, displaying all colors

ranks

good fortune

for them

easy

desired

sides

bold, numberless

all the

paired
re-

Mahdi, the caliphs,and

the

the

in

all,

supper,

wooden

he

the

at

compact

seen

was

platform

for

Planted

the

almost

for the

by

stood

looking like great flowers.

by

It

it whenever

fluttered

emirs, which

the

prepare

clay enclosure

does

negroes,

spacious, encircled
center

front

ground sheep

eminent

he

the

and

all Omdurman

partly by

In

the people.

of

was

prophet ascended

The

to

was

swarm

place

upon

employment

Sudanese

the place of public prayer.

to

depend

to

rest

huts, which

from

who

excepting Chamis,

for the

wait.

of the
time

151

WILDERNESS

AND

This
a

was

swept

themselves

on

strength:

Victorious!"
continued

dead

bined
com-

"Oh!
until the

stillness fellwhile

152

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

he raised his hands, placed his big fingersto his ears,

for

time

some

him

prayed.
did

children

The

He

well.

keen

unusually
In

one

bare,

red

half-boots

he

as

had

and

in

luxury

his

the

left them
to

the

on

clothing. Only
1

strong sandal

which

eagerly through

their

nostrils; at

rolled their eyes

from

differently this
murderer
the

at

of

so

with

tears, and

with

could

overcome

not

such
a

hyena

chubby-faced

smile,

as

faithful

whole

the

wind

carried

inhaled

time

they

had

Stas

people, and

his

on

least

tured
pic-

prophet, plunderer, and

though

bear

the

same

off

which

on

present

the

feet

shook

not

the

to

grown

looking
suffused

eyes

his astonishment.
to

he

was

in

His

sheep's hide

look, with

crocodile, and

or

thousand
its mild

ought

man

terrible

many

fat face

the

On

joy.

dressed

was

times

at

an

tattooed.

his head.

There

pray.

see

had

was

platform

scent

He

on

cap

mounting

on

Stas, who

his face

that

could

prodigiously obese

man,

black.

white

afterwards

was

almost

and

away,

big ivory ring.

and

were

middle-aged
and

wore

jubha

white

far

sight,perceived

he

ear

stand

not

was

though bloated,

as

and

He

those

he

with

lips,he

thought that

shoulders

instead

now

the

head

before

saw

gourd, resembling drawings of

of

him
full

moon.

the

But

voice

resonant

that

place, so
He

first
those

out

to

and

hide
in

enemy

these
1

prophet began his instruction.

is derived.

his words

spoke
who

heard

reached

of the

disobey

Allah

sandal

sends

wood,

from

perfectly
the

ears

punishments
the

booty, get intoxicated

battles, and smoke

crimes

From

be

could

His

commands

deep

all

over

the

of all the

ful.
faith-

God

which
of

the

upon

merissa,

tobacco.

On

upon

the

which

in the

and

Mahdi,

spare

account

sinners
East

meted

famine
a

the
of

and

fragrant oil

DESERT

IN

changes the

which

disease

that

and

Riches

dead.

the

buries

pleasure

milk.

sweet

salvation.
dead

already have

who

want

tumultuous

one

And
The

for

while

and

drums

against sword,

ardor

spread

resumed
the

the

that

Mahdi,

time

end

change.

their tents, but

tongue

can

After

assembled

had

faith

death!"
could

army

is

not

faith

does

Whoever

world

return

to

spread it
acknowledge

is

already

faithful

divine

to

near,

to

the

will which

will flow

their wives

the happiness of those

and
who

over

him

tion.
damna-

but

before

Egypt,

conquer
seas

of

Allah

and

not

regions beyond
is the

Such

God.

from

is condemned

Redeemer,

of the

of his visions and

received

great deal of blood

will not

"The

subsided, the prophet

told them

purify the

to

all those

gentilesdwell.

martial

The

spear.

cried:

somewhat

He

he

the

struck

warriors

Egyptian

it is the duty of the

and

Mecca,

in

swarm

host.
had

world.

The

the

paradise through
the

why

which
him

entire

happy

more

The

Some

"To

his address.

commanded

as

flame.

this wild

mission

the

like

the hubbub

When

the

again prevailed.

uproar

against

spear

understood

with

will rise from

answered

sounded.

Others:

victorious!"

cope

for himself

wins

fallen.

infernal

an

sword

now

rious.
victo-

shout.

umbajas

Stas

gives

the

only for

faith

die for the faith!"

to

which

hundredfold

which

sand

cow

enemy

for the

dies

the

in

open

the

eternity. Happy,

for

"We

will

honey-comb

leaky leather bottle.

is like

vanquishes

Whoever

those

are

faith

paradise

Whoever

into

absorbed

are

Only

But

face

life is like

(small-pox). Temporal

153

WILDERNESS

AND

where

the

nothing

yet; many

riors
war-

children
fall no

can

under
human

describe.

which

he

throng

stretched
and

out

concluded

his
thus:

arms

towards

the

154

IN

DESERT

"Therefore
this holy

who

I, the Redeemer
and

war

I bless

death;

has

And

Helu

him

escorted

and

roar

took

this brief moment

Smain

not

was

face with

Idris

"

The
threw

his

in rapture,

eyes

he!"
he

and

arms

and

the

began

scratched

earth

such

that

these

Perhaps

buffoon

towards
The

the

protected

It is

could

now

dervishes

rounded
sur-

eagerly followed
his feet touched

blows

to

"Lo!

the west, when

the

crowds

Mahdi

raised his

or

children

reverence

came

the

It is he!"

places which

and

quarreled

even

like

decline

to

what

the

up

ing
Dur-

familiar

anywhere.

During

"Lo!

their prophet, for

and

him

his home.

with

convinced

be

knelt.

he

Stas feverishlywhether

see

legs about

left for

and

rose

and

arms

vainly sought the

long.

repeating

sun

the

of Khartum."

lasted

prayers

caliphs Abdullahi

which

asked

I do not

fell at the capture

he

ing
Weep-

the emirs.

among

his eyes.

resounded.

two

on

father

he descended

the prophet under

replied the boy, who

"No!"

When

clamor

the sheep hide

to

like

you."

tears.

bless

toils,wounds,

you

for

general. Below, the

Uled

Ali

over

weep

flood of

of God,

servant

I bless your

affection

an

into

pulpit

became
and

warriors.

you

conceived

the

and

victory, and

he burst

from

WILDERNESS

AND

They

they believed

for

healthy

him

and

healed

the

sick.

place of

The

himself

did

the

with

not

children
for

Chamis

to

before

them

and

do

to

Greek

same

Nell

each

and

whole

his

night, when

the

that

given Stas and

what

know

vacated

was

prayer

gradually.
to

party

who

in

the
a

to

the

unexpectedly

dollar and

about

was

Idris
return

huts

there

morning

handful

and

stood
had

of wild

figs.
"

"and

spoke with the Mahdi

the

prophet

about

desires to

see

you," he said

you."

in

Arabian,

IN

"Thanks
"Shall

is in

"It

the fame

that

white

the

starvation

madmen.

"

yourself

upon

do?"

under

his

Here

the

"Do

any

"No.

Greek

the

Answer

at

flowed
That

will

muzalems,
then

shield

you

you

would

even

me,

Gebhr

Stas

set

should

throw

tender

him

his

take

to

you

that

the Mahdi

ready

are

you

and

are

Remember,
and

that

If

you

endanger yourself,that
his teeth

your

and

did

good.
not

light of

grace

lightof grace.'
you

his

among

servants.

should

Do

his faith.

the sight of him,

which

comforts

poor

bility
proba-

at

personal

all the

to

accept

will enroll

his

among

sickness.

wishes

simple

to

unknown

an

he

will in all

unknown

an
'

enjoy plenty and

from

few

that."

even

that you

is,

only

listen further, for it is necessary

So

flatter him

English?"

understand

not

whether

you.

who

him

before

understand

men

others

once

upon

and

him

asked:

the first glance of the eye

from

will

you

the

at

or

reconcile

beseech

and

anticipateeverything. Now
ask

taking

are

sickness

if he

off and

broke

and

is well.

"That

among

will perish from

appear

you

reverence

of these

and

I told

wings."

Idris

words

his

Stas asked.

knees, and

your

hand, kiss it with

two

spread

things

you

must

you

do.

to

then

comforts, from

place, when

first

In the

protection

under

you

him

terrible

language.

you."

I to

am

would

Here

But

that depends upon

"What

will take

persuade

to

of

want

Greek.

the

Stas in the English

nations.

and

of

answered

Idris.

side."

prophet's

prophet

his

sir," exclaimed

you,

of his mercy

without

and

hands

the

I endeavored

protection as

place

at

Fashoda,"

that

be

may

all the

to

he addressed

which

After

and

find Smain

we

155

WILDERNESS

AND

Allah

to

"Smain

him

DESERT

act

You
will

otherwise

littlecreature, and
you

reply, but

understand?"
his face

was

156

Greek

continued

"I

know,

but

the

did

be

Koran

helped.

Only

few

All

those

of

that

horrible, they

is

For

death.

the

secular

salvation.

other

all

they

and

nuns

The

though

their

threatened

people, however,

I repeat,

Germans,

the

ism;

least

Mahdi's

matter.

priests,so

at

saved

were

the

different

of

not

are

who

missionaries

is

prohibits the slaughter

fate

the

disagreeable matter,

accepted

Catholic

it, but

to

this is

Khartum

in

massacre

assent

not

sullenly. Seeing which

up

that

boy,

my

doctrines.

WILDERNESS

thus:

it cannot

after

AND

flashed

his eyes

icy and

DESERT

IN

there

with
no

was

accepted Mohammed-

Italians,Englishmen, Copts, Greeks

"

myself."
here, though

And

in that crowd

Stas

understood

had

assured

him

that

no

English, he nevertheless

one

lowered

his voice.

"Besides, I need

faith, no

treason,

no

remained

what

was

the

duty

of

and

even

for

hands

your

companion
In

you

from

words,

which

soul?

And

only

not

which

these

it is not

as

hands

The

this is the

case

conscience, but

fore to

he

give the boy

Before

it would

the

to

then

you

nor

the

ances,
appearyou

may

hold

you

life of your

if

you

will any

madness,

For

God

ever

in

little

dispose

to

you

is

It

saves

not

have

one

find fault with

anything

all of us."

with

manner,

perhaps deceived

silence deceived

it for fear.

courage.

be

that

will

superior

time

same

of
one

every

seemingly.

permissible for

Stas'

mistook

it.

remember

Greek, speaking in this

in the end

at

guarantee

can

soul

for what?

"

life but

your

reproach yourself with,

you,

own

few

truth, I

of.

life and

denial

no

his

though

sin, to jeopardize it
a

saw

bend,

preserve

this is

In

God

and
to

to

man

in your

disavow

to

he

that

apostasy.

it is necessary

force

tell you

not

He

him

determined

also

his
for

there*

XVIII

WHEN

they entered

cot, surrounded
with

the

the

caliph, as
time

At

Bedouins

with

hands

Stas

see

the

to

sat

of

the

up

on

fell

their

on

do

same,

the

his

whole

his

tightly compressed

pale,

as

taken

had

inflexible

uneasiness

great

which
"You

he

his

Greek
was

fat

face

first addressed
came

from

shone

the

his

Idris and
distant

beckoned
to

from

upraised,

easily
he

would

he

be

that

had

certainty
un-

adopted

not

understood

his

from

that

seen

him,

over

on

not

strongly and

with

children
with

knelt

erect.

evidently

reflected

the

and

standing

that

which

vishes.
der-

dismissed

Greek

remained

away,

Abu

the

by

boy, pretending

it could

that

at

afterwards

The

ascendancy
from

sheref

and

prophet

haughtily

passed

both

observed

brightened

an

The

the

eyes

lips

resolution

anything.

Mahdi

breasts.

head,

had

fear

and

for

and

posture

Beber

and

faces

and

his

face

the

Idris, Gebhr,

cot.

but

but

His

an

the

wives, there

and

captured

him

lightly

two

his

the

soft

despatching

was

arrivals

on

fanned

other

Besides

been

gesture, only bowed

something

the

Helu,

their

on

crossed

was

whom

north, particularly to

sight

two

lay

caliph Abdullahi

already had

and

his wives

to

the

which

Hamed,

the

third, Ali Uled

to

troops

of

featljprsand

only

Mahdi

two

soles of his feet.

present

were

the

room,

by his wives,

ostrich

great

scratched

the

features.

recede

this,
The

fleeting glance,

customary

smile, after

Gebhr:

north," he said.

IN

the

Idris struck

Mahdi!

"Yes, oh
therefore

I beheld

angel

an

the hands

at

he watched

"

And

them

Fatma

with
"

Thee

we

the

in Port

Said.

"

desired

to

own,

serves

that

Fatma

desirest
The

"Approach,

with

these

you

path

verily I

whole

of

to

unto

say

then

Egypt,

regain liberty."

anyway

children

whatever

thou

one."

eyelids, after which

his

few

stride;

"Are

salvation;

own

nodded

he

opened

Stas.

at

boy."

advanced

eyes,

But

posterity will
do

exchange

to

imprisoned together

relative.

them, smiling kindly, and

Mahdi's

this, but

see

yourselves the

her

closed

straightened

not

his

for

opened

oh blessed

Mahdi

Stas

death

from

to Smain

Turks

subjugate the

therefore
"

terrible journey
you

did

You

we

when

"And

shield

serves

"

is my

relative and

my

to

serve."
me

have

you

paradise.
you

infidels.

that

"Whoever
therefore

and

was

brought those children

for his

in order

Fayum

thee, Redeemer."

to

you

of Dongola;

you."

over

"Thanks

in

That

guard

to

the

of

tribe

the

to

homes

our

in the desert.

you

I sent

but

belong

feet."

blessed

kneel at your
"

We

abandoned

we

his forehead.

with

ground

159

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

as

with

paces

he

bowed

chord

an

second

energetic,as

if soldierly,

which

he

and, looking straight into

the

time

after

waited.

delightedthat

came

you

to

me?"

the Mahdi

in

spiteof

asked.
"

from

No, prophet. We
our

This
the

abducted

our

wills

parents."
plain

answer

ruler accustomed

Caliph

were

Abdullah!

created
to

certain

flattery,and

frowned,

the

Greek

sensation

upon

those

gnawed

upon

present.
his

mus-

160

IN

tache, and
did

not

began
he

drink

to

The

the boy did not

the

at

are

that

at

of silence

moment

WILDERNESS

Mahdi, however,

smile.

said, "you

want

you

AND

wring his hands.

to

to

cease

"But,"
Do

DESERT

of truth.

fountain?"

followed;

understand

fountain

the Mahdi,

so

thinking

the question, repeated it

more

plainly.
"Do

desire to accept my

you

this Stas

To

about

was

which

he

"Prophet,"
if I

therefore
like

faith

your

held

base

be

should

breast,

pinking ship into

doctrines

said, "your

and

sign of the holy cross

his

at

accepted them,

coward

he

from

leap

to

made

imperceptibly

his hand

with

doctrines?"

I would

do

Are

you

man.

though he

as

do

know;

not

it out

of

anxious

cowards

professed by

chaos.

watery

fear

that

and

base

people?"
Mahdi.

the

became

It

heard.

be

flies could

had

extraordinary
and
The

for the

vanished

smile

perplexity and

displeasure.

and

began

to

drink, but

Christianity,of
Vienna, stood

On

his

emaciated

Mahdi

know

what

reply

stretched
it with

something

became

which

on

fused,
con-

make.

reflected

hand,

his

out

and

gain

to

to

was

water

obviously only

honey,

time

and

the true

with

blood

of the victors

cheeks, tanned

quivered

with

his

eyes

And

desert

and
glittered,
"

All

accepted his doctrines, but

soul."

the

by

the thrill of ardor.

my

at Khoczim

upraised head, awaiting his

bright blushes,

nor

of the defenders

worthy descendant

bloomed

faith

time

of

buzz

only the

The

He

gourd, filled

boy,

and

my

same

of

eyes

his confusion.

the brave

"

the

at

his face,

from

the

of

that

did not

nonce

of

And

quiet

happened.

hold

conceal

so

But

took

to

steadfastlyin the

speaking thus he looked

And

fear

doom.

winds,

his body

quized,
others," he solilo-

I have
before

denied
what

neither

might

IN

and

heart, and
asked

moment

Mahdi

the

meantime

in

subdued

was

his

it.

the

replaced

and

gourd

"So,
"I

am

doctrines?"

reject my

you

father."

like my

Christian

closes his eyes

"Whoever
the

that

at

pride overflowed

and

joy

the

In

follow

to

was

161

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

slowly

Mahdi

in

changed voice,

of God,"

voice

the

to

"is

said

fuel for

only

the flames."

and

cruelty,displayed his

and

spoke

has

"It

permit

Mahdi

should

mercy

the

injurethat
For

These
I do

though

thought.

only

that

the
the

among

therefore

fingered the

he

fame

of his

dervishes

thought that
small

but
too

boy, might

not

beads

rosary

and

meditated,

said:
children
want

to

abducted

were

into

enter

the infidels,it is necessary

to

send

any

them

for

Smain;

so,

negotiations with
to

Such

Smain.

will."

shall be

But

the

Bedouins

obeyed," answered

Mahdi

pointed

to

the

caliph.

Idris, Gebhr,

and

the

said:

and

"Reward
made

punish

him."

particularlyupon

he

afterwards

"It

animal

savage

fame.

while

"No.

not

world;

sentence,

severe

Stas

always desired

spread

whole

punish

to

me

happened!"

the

But

is my

out:

him, lord, or

over

teeth like

white

speech of this boy is insolent; therefore

"The

and

for his ferocity

this the caliph Abdullahi, notorious

At

these

for

oh

long and

Abdullahi, for they

God
and
dangerous journey to serve

which

nodded

men

me,

me."

After

ended

and

he

at the

same

in

time

sign that the audience

ordered

the Greek

to

was

leave

162

IN

darkness

AND

latter,when

The

also.

DESERT

the

on

WILDERNESS

they

place of

found

themselves

seized Stas'

prayer,

in the

and

arm

shake it with anger and despair.

Accursed ! You have sealed the doom of that innocent

began
"

to

child," he said, pointingat

Nell.

"You

have

ruined

and perhaps me."

yourself
"

"You
a

do otherwise,"answered

I could not
could

Know

not?

journey a hundredfold

is

do

death,
"

will kill you

why he
"

sent

in the

"That

is not

of

course

the first. And

Fashoda

In
week.

to

the fever

Mahdi

The

that

knew

Smain."

to

In Omdurman

than

worse

condemned

are

you

understand?

you

you

that

Stas.

also would

we

You

true!

perish."

would

not

have

perishedin

the house of the Mahdi, in

plentyand comfort. And he

was
ready to take you under his wings. I know that he
You
for you.
also repaidme
was.
nicelyfor interceding
But do what you wish, Abdullahi will despatchthe cameland during that time
in about a week
post to Fashoda
do whatever you please! You will not see me
any more!"
Saying this he went away, but after a while returned.
and it was
He, like all Greeks, was loquacious,
necessary
He wanted
for him to tell everythinghe had to say.
to
pour

all the bile which

Stas' head

upon

within him.

He

not

was

cruel and

had accumulated

did not

possess

bad

stand
heart; he desired,however, that the boy should underwhich
more
thoroughly the awful responsibility
in not heedinghis advice and warnings.
he had assumed
"Who
would have prevented you from remaining a
Christian in your
I

am

hand

not

soul?" he said.

But

one?

preferredto make

Heretofore

I have

but
prisoners,

now

not

am
a

"Do

fool. You

parade of

rendered

your

think

you
on

that

the other

false heroism.

great services

to

the white

I shall not be able to aid them

for the

Mahdi

Fashoda

In

her!
like

flies,and

you

to

the

towards

prayer

spread

the

die

of the

fever

they order

if

camels, she will

and

Enjoy yourself now

immense

an

over

the whole
walk

day, began
But

faster.

his

arms

and

to

her;

he

in

wanted

they

After

few

exhaustion;

dead

paces

able

Nell

fell

he wanted

to

he
he

to

anything

with

joy.

they

would

the

to

what

and

Idris
This

was

have

Mahdi.

fortunate

punished
They

they had

Gebhr, whose

Stas,

for

however,

were,

that

seen

him

they could

more.

from

the quiet of the

hearts

for

peated
re-

clasped

arms

slumbering little streets, interrupted only by

of

were

only

and

asleep in his

in

speak

ideas

so

say

tirely
en-

her

Nell!"

in silence amid

walked

he

so

became

limbs

his mind;

being

of

her

urged

reflection,took

Nell!

circle,"Nell!
not

in

by

impressions

justify himself, but

were

score

her

time

city

out

worn

Gebhr

and

the way

On

to

his bosom,

to

after

carried her.

if

torpid,as

horrible

Stas, without

Then

numb.

Nell,

lag. Idris

to

the

long, as

space.

the

the place of

from

They walked

huts.

fatigue, hunger, fright, and

her

horses

they turned

while

left them

he

And

to

killed

And

all this.

did

You

have

Christian!"

you

was

beside

foot

you

also:

child?

And

perish.

All will

me.

Europeans

of such

first day.

fall the

adult

even

what

on

go

at

in misfortune

companion

little

your

"

incensed

has become

163

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

his

the

versation
con-

overflowed
otherwise

as

insolent

reply

occupied with

so

think

not

of anything

else.
"I

felt sick," said Idris,"but

healed
"

He

the

sight of

the

prophet

me."
is like

palm

scorching day, and

in the

desert,and

his words

are

like cool water

like

ripe dates,"

on
swered
an-

Gebhr.
"Nur

el-Tadhil

lied when

he

said

that

he

would

not

164

DESERT

IN

permit

blessed

us,

admitted

be

to

us

Abdullahi

admitted

lavish

to

gifts

us."

upon

will munificently enrich

"Who

the

for

us,

wish

of the

is sacred."

Mahdi

"Bismillah!
of

He

his presence.

to

ordered

and

us,

WILDERNESS

AND

it be

May

as

say!" spoke

you

out

one

Bedouins.

the

Gebhr

And

began

cattle,and

horned

these

From

pointing at

the

"Since

of camels,

piastres.
awakened

was

Idris

by

who,

carryingthe sleepinggirl,asked:

Stas

do with

we

ought

Smain

"Ha!

he

herds

of whole

full of

bags

dreams

shall

"What

dream

to

negotiations with

reward

to

prophet

that hornet
for

us

that

says

and

he

that fly?"

them, separately."

will

permit

not

the infidels,Smain

will have

I regret that

did

any

interest

no

them."

in

such

"In

case

it is to bark

what

would

caliph,who

of the

hands

they

against the

have

truth

get into the

not

taught that whelp

and

the elect of the

Lord."
The

Mahdi

After

which

"

is merciful," answered
he

pondered

for

neither

the

Turks

will kill his children

and

Fatma."

that

weight will

here

will demand

we

"You

say

"Allah!
from
The

fall off

that

Have

you

Fayum

to

huts

were

his

pace

the

post

take

heads, and

our

will be

English people

not

The

not

now

his

had

them

from

Fashoda.
returns

him."

in Omdurman?"

enough
time

far off.

to

Smain

when

will remain

we

Khartum?

for

in his hands

nor

recompense

then

said:

us?"

Abdullahi's

Let

"Yes.
A

reward

he may

"So

and

while

having both

"Nevertheless, Smain
certain

Idris.

the

in

for rest

journey

has come."

ened
Stas, however, slack-

strength began

to

wane.

Nell,

166

the

at

his
So
tears,
like

for

sister,

when

and,
the

last

drop
all

lying
child

had

on

which,

WILDERNESS

that

thought

his

Nell,

of
beloved

he

time

same

AND

DESERT

IN

he

would

had

the

caused

his

misfortune,
have

willingly

struction
delittle

ficed
sacri-

blood.

fallen

in

companion

whom
of

he

piece
after

he

asleep
of

burst

into

he

saddle-cloth,

all,

he

still

was.

wept

flood

of

long,

XIX

visit

THE

did

and

Gebhr,

their

in

Egyptian

an

one

ride

would

they

demand

to

who

beneficial

more

For
for
Stas

the

Gebhr

buy
trip

he

some

did

think

little

from

that

dress

buying
1

About

end

they

the

no

This

five

the

in

he

so

not

the
at

"

Maria

of

the

Theresa,
the

to
not

from

not

of

this

he
pass

boy

Note.

to

man
Omdur-

market-place,

Translator's

city

oppose

would

sight

began,

Fortunately

escape

did

by

would

Smain

misery

went

circumstances

Fashoda

joined

them.

did

that

Omdurman.

and

effigy

could

dollars.

each

which

to

of

hunger

feeding

provisions

knows

gave

were

sojourn

for

Lord

with

announced

They

experience

however,

and

camel-post

Sudanese

he

their

praised

Gebhr

patronage

of

of

The

under

adventures,

the

Greek;

that

"bint."

in

with

the

rice.

knew

with

week

dollars

and

they

as

not

two

got

dates

and

the

the

to

the

quarrel

than

grew

Chamis,

Abdullahi

Smain.

him

to

dently
evi-

horse.

the

he

humor

worst

that

children

the

had

which

from

night

and

expected

with

together

expected

the

had

and

fight;

payment

Chamis
be

in

hours

meantime

him

summoned

were

in

the

began

resulted

almost

in

the

with

unconscious.

some

they

pound

Bedouins

The

for

and

rewards,

what

became

returned

souls

during

as

them

they

But

interview

Bedouins

two

detained

courage.

the

Idris,

morning

the

who

caliph

rage

the

in

and

heal

not

and

worse

Mahdi

the

to

desert
without

in

pean
Euro-

again

168

IN

attracted
him

crowd

with

that he

DESERT

of

had

been

they restrained
children

threw

attention
At

could
of the

sick
in

yells. Fortunately

at

the

Mahdi's

those

who

wanted

sand

and

the

the

market-place the prices

not

obtain

rice

taken

was

the

The
of

and

from

fed

bruises.

him

scuffle

one

came

kind

indifference,and

when

he

no

should

him,

to

give

other

with

him

for

hand,

the

with

morsel

numerous

of old and

looked

Nell

in

attachment

he knew
he

strength,

cruelty of Chamis
the

on

part

for "his

with

an

Stas addressed

least

at

the

meat;

raw

Stas

fight ensued,

out

latter evinced

with

high.

all his

and

In addition

The

been

always

that

paid

by Gebhr

with

the distress of the children,whom

had

he

Only

considerable

him

boy resisted
which

manifest.
and

him.

too

were

all and

at

away

reallyweaker

contusions
became

dates

any

consequence

which

and

previous day,

him, but

at

stones

knew

many

assault

to

received

them.

to

brother."

Saba

semi-savage dervishes,who
and

laughter

WILDERNESS

AND

at

who

utmost

request

of food, he

replied,laughing:
"Go

and

And

it finallycame

beg."
the

to

following days, desiring

Nor

starvation, begged.
At

times

Khedive

gave

promised

to

to meet

him

him

aid
a

hearing his story,

few

him
to

next

Stas

during

the

Nell

from

death

by

unsuccessful.

always

the

Egyptian

dried

figs,and

officer of

or

few

the following day.

on

missionary and
bemoaned

with

they had.

huts

and

children, and

hunger, shared
also promised

They

did actually

day in the hope that they might succeed

the children

with

them

he happened

sister of charity,who,

wasted

were

in the

Once

the fate of both

everything which

visit them

he

was

that

piastres or

though they themselves

with

save

soldier

former

some

to

pass

until the time

of the

come

in

the

taking

departure of

IN

DESERT

AND

the post. But Gebhr

On
the
courbashes.
and

received

with

him

to

will ride

of

carries

forms

there

the fever

and

does

the

not

and

the

the bare

sleepingon

'

the

dense
sudds/

barriers
of the

shallow

which

Beware

negroes.

without

ground

places,

amid

swamps,

die," answered

to

of the

the current

more

infectious
even

spare

expectation

so-called

which

the

structed
in-

ticularly
par-

fire."

with

Stas, almost

moan.

this the missionary raised

while

"Trust

and

boy and

said:

in God.

You

will

care

be

tried not

Stas

seeing a crowd

and

of

the

which

only

dates

with

began
was

work,

became

to

be

at

evening

His

for

cross

mercy

more

he

the

palisade

They jeered
old

twelve

sheik,
dates.

who
Stas

compensation,

wholesome

only

day,

of prayer,

for

the

this

at

and

place

certain

surrounded.

him

gave

clay

carry

the
more

the

to

overjoyed

rice formed

and

for Nell

so

to work.

laboring at

place

immensely

was

beg, but

to

men

the

the sign of the

deny Him;

not

face and

haggard

he made

did

jostled him, but

superintended

his

you."

over

and

joined them,
with

after which

prayed;

the

over

at

in

together

both.

the

or

again

missionary

flow freelyacross

to

deposits

already wish

At
a

able

extensive

of

"We

being

Nile

vegetation and weeds

water

the

said, "alongside

White

them

of rice

which

with

away

met

carefully in

he

now,"

in the

river,not

composed

Stas

fever inevitably awaited

floatingmasses
The

them

little measure

most

save

that in Fashoda

drove

following day

them

from

Chamis

quinine powders,

two

"You

with

169

WILDERNESS

for

nourishment

difficult to obtain

in

Omdurman.
So
whom

he

brought them

he

sustained

gave

himself

with

pride

everything which
for

week

to

he

almost

his little sister,to

could

secure;

he

exclusivelyupon

170

IN

durra

taken

DESERT

AND

the

camels.

from

the sight of her favorite

at

it with

her.

turning

and

"Stas!

Nell

greatly delighted

was

fruit but

wanted

her

up

him

her

So, tiptoeing,she placed

'

shoulders, and
his eyes

WILDERNESS

hands

head, began

share

to

to

his

on

into

gaze

plead:

Eat

"

half, eat

To

this he replied:

"I

have

already

"

I have

eaten.

I have

eaten.

eaten

fill."

my

he

And

in order

smiled, but immediately began

not

to

himself
and

earn

some

morning
for

that

the

and

with
and

the

indignation

not

go

as

his

to

him,

remain

to

But

and

leave

there

Idris,
to

prepare

and

amazed

and

night

at

that

should

aroused
would

he

that

no

was

nouncement
an-

one

to

well, both had decided

were

replied:
has

only

master,

my

be attended

can

will, and

one

Your

alters commands.

never

by

Abdullahi, his

slave,while

will depart

you

Fashoda."

"

Then

"

To

I shall go

the

desires

and

see.

I will lead you

Allah akbar

"Be

him

And

without

if you
force

the gallows."

Then

silent and

obey orders!"

depart."

not

he

plainlythat
answered

self
him-

permission,and

yourselfinto

to

tell me

that I will

only those whom

admitted

caliph are
to

inform

through violence,should
"

sick
if he

even

the

declared

he

so

was

with

the

in Omdurman.

and

brother

Bedouins

again

go

In

to

lips

ised
prom-

otherwise.
came

was

command

Gebhr;

would

caliph'scommand

two

This

brother

Mahdi

caliph

Abdullahi

the

the

the muzalem

"The

for

of

he

happened

camel-post

the children.

with

it

from

that

Fashoda,

attend

but

He

hungry.

following day

more;

Gebhr, Chamis,
go

the

muzalem

he reallywas

as

weep,

bite his

to

his presence,

am

slave !"

the muzalem.

DESERT

IN

The

had

Sudanese

Abdullahi

became

the

muzalem

told

him, that

was

reiterated

once,

therefore

shall

"I

In his

In

leave

to

vain

that

brother,

did

him

and

them

more

words

that

rebounded
It

and

better

Smain

in

mainly
indeed

was

day

not

permitted

to

not

earn

anything

or

slave

for
as

He

at

the

journey.

from

hunger
certain

under

Gebhr's

that

at

the

evening

farewell, and
the way.
these
of

He
few

grief and
martyrdom

to

the

go

beg,

at

the

brought

glass beads

Idris' sickness, he

reward

done.

and

No

the rage

became

he

he

then
who

had

visit the

few
and

the

on

to

turned

road;

if not

good heart,
and

provide

little food.
to

matter

much.

quinine powders,
a

as

exhaustion.

children

time

same

work

to

very

weakened

from

could

difficult

more

die

would

he

being prepared

were

He

boy.

so

compelled

was

torture

the

for

market-place,

and

Greek,
to

Omdur-

would

rage,

him

to

in

caliph had

the

would

by despair.

than

probability

of

courbash,

Fortunately the
in

all

he

represent

in Fashoda

than

This

and

of attachment

sort

seized

was

pack-saddles, which

the

was

Stas.

upon
a

was

ride.

Bedouins

Gebhr's

assuage

he

the

fare

was

sickness

in

bountifully

could

There

that at the thought that

so

Chamis

they might

m"n,

concealed

was

but

thought Gebhr.

more!"

no

tigerishheart

for his older

have

Idris

see

to

which

That

dervishes.

necessary

was

with

commanded

Mahdi

all the

by

it

help;

no

the

cious
fero-

daily decorated

were

terror-stricken.

Gebhr

bodies.

new

of the

By order

men.

gallows

these

gallows breaking

in Omdurman

seen

the weight of hanging

under

171

WILDERNESS

AND

to

bid

for
and

them

came

them
on

besides

Finally,learning

Gebhr, Chamis,

and

the

Bedouins.
"Know

command."

this," he said. "I

come

here

by

the

Mahdi's

172

IN

And

when
and

"You

They

bow

muzzles

thus

Greek

the

to

orders.

Mahdi

But

"

offended

at

for

me
on

to

captives
I have

than

yours,

breast,
little one.
to

He

was

die

he

issue any

Fashoda,

to

to go

I also

alive.

will

either the

see

departure."

not

know

any

case

daughter

to

cross.

Were

rather

she

this time

than

deeply moved.

it not
to

Her

"

for

long

he

name

I felt

her, I would

I have

will

is the

to

pointed

sake

under

wears

whom

age,

Christ

my

able

But

here

for her

of

time

be

not

same

done.

I have

silver

the

life,and

own

my

of

forced

was

done.

(and

her

was

portion

for how

heretofore

I have

forgiveness I

I shall

you

Mahdi

The

considerable

Do

feel it yet.

me?

his

secure

In

as

Up

"

which

not

there

boy, and

particularlyfor

you,

for this

reach

ruined

everything which

her

which

on

after

were

you

their

Abdullahi

myself.

more

done

dogs

did

of them

you,

besides,I do

Nell).

love

and

to

saved

sorry

at

almost

me,

estate, and

assist the

in addition

Stas:

to

you

surrender

have

post

English:

none

caliph before

umbrage

that

in

should

you

this, that

the

I took

know

next

words;

of

away,

this,for the Mahdi

that

which

After

these

to

the miens

he said that

as

upon
or

only reply

children
all

it is necessary

reckoned

If

prophet.

you."

for

ordere^them

then

I fabricated

new

the

to

treat

behavior

here, the

comes

had

and

way

report of your

of this

you

Chamis

the

placed.

spoke

"

the

and

are

The

their foreheads

with

smote

on

write

sentence

was

Gebhr

render

to

shall

death

new

they

children

the

are

Smain

will carry

at

feed

to

are

complaint against

any

to

this

continued:

he

Smain.

to

WILDERNESS

AND

heard

they

well.

them

DESERT

her
same

have

judge
dress,
as

ferred
pre-

live in this hell."

For

while

he

was

silent,after

XX

to

and

Greek

the

The

solicitude.

the

before

make

the

brought
the

river

the

present

blocked

was

freely, overflowed

run

banks
which

stood

trees;

here

places

dry
they
houses
but

and
grew

there

with

rode

desolate,

in
for

local

Khartum,

the

the

negro

forest

from

country
dervishes

population

Omdurman,

of

had

and

Fasher,

farther.

Dar,

gigantic
river.
first

In

week
of

composed

towns

dochnu

of

Goz
It

straw,

Abu

Guma

was

nearly

totally carried
it

left
amid

jungle

the

blacks.

sold

to

and

right

the

of

At

unable

reached

almost

carried

being

During

the

breeze

steamboats

high

made

to

previously

solitary

settlement

the

had

The

and
roofs

conical

the

and

acacias.

settlements

strange

Abba,

the

overgrown

leaves

and,

as

compelled

and

by

termites

of

groves

Arabian

saw

of

tree

which

sides.

covered

were

hillocks

beyond

they

region

this

of

both

on

hollow

formerly

again

which

on

masses

Fashoda

to

wards
after-

island,

engineers

and

Khartum

Kawa;

decomposed

barriers,

from

ascend

of

great

difficult.

was

was

from

English

water.

floating

odor

these

through

could

of

of

in

given

with

and
Nile

"sudds,"

poisoned

current

Nile

often

extensive

so-called

or

pyrus,

White

dwelt,

caravan

around

children

woody

promise

the

Ed-Dueim,

Mahdi

The

detour

with

the

Abba,

hermit.

dervish

cut

Keteinfh,

the

war

the

up

his

kept

over

journey

passed

they

faithfully

watched

through

rode

They

by

Hatim

sheik

old

THE

in

the

El-Obeid,

away

markets

and

other

DESERT

IN

forests

exterminated

were

which

had

nations

manioc, and
wild

of it. The

died

bananas

beasts,

Sometimes
from

saw

known
a

only

Hatim,

them

lips,sighed, and

is

no

from

spoke
But

is here!

coming

sell the tusks

to

one

there

Mahdi

hunt, for the

to

traders

prohibited Egyptian
there

watering places

to

sight of

wealth

while

worth

it is not

and

his

much

How

"Mashallah!
now

tread

in confidence:

Stas

to

jungle. Only
fully.
multiplied plentia

elephants, resembling

of

the

At

ivory dealer, smacked

former

thus

great herds

themselves.

to

by

evening twilight the children

rocks, walking with slow

movable

whole

that

said

one,

any

the

before

distance

covered

pursued by

not

and

White

plantations of sorghum,

former

were

small-pox,

the

along

themselves

dervishes

The

Niles.

Blue

virulence

unusual

with

raged

and

starvation

by

in the

thickets

escaping slavery in

in

succeeded

itants
inhab-

Those

Kordofan.

cities in the Sudan, Darfur, and

who

175

WILDERNESS

AND

Khartum,

to

to, unless

has

the emirs

to

for umbajas."

They

also

met

giraffes,which, seeing the

hurriedly with
long necks

as

appeared,

more

herds

of

lacked

if

heavy ambling

they
and

antelopes. The

fresh

themselves

to

Provisions

furnished
them

and

or

almost

fleet animals

would

or

and

more

what

is

owing

as

permit
he

the

kept

in

Dinka

willingly for glass beads

and

children
a

they

always

in

allow

not

surrounded.

fish, which

by the Shilluk and

not

whole

when

caravan

region they could

bananas,

however, did

of the

generally scarce,

the

Guma

Abu

them, but

for

approached

were

of
or

be

Goz

Beyond

people

hunted

meat

swinging their

pace,

frequently, buffaloes and

more

vain, for the watchful

millet

lame.

were

caped
es-

caravan,

former

brass
to

the

who

populat
de-

either

obtain

not

tribes

to

times

were

exchanged

wire.

Hatim,

die of starvation,

strict control

over

Gebhr;

176
and

once,

while

IN

DESERT

when

the

Sudanese

stretched

upon

on

each

with

the

cruel Sudanese

the

hour

young

the

from

heel

when

he

left

slave

named

struck

Stas

camels, he ordered

the

ground and

the

only
and

Fayum,

been

had

cursed

and

himself

revenged

Kali, who

days

two

his toes

on

whipped

For

bamboo.

walk

could

bed-time

about

at

be

to

thirty times

latter

saddles

removing

WILDERNESS

AND

upon

presented

to

him.
Stas

the

at

beginning

left infected
he

which

little sister that

it

possibleto

was

Nile, and that he did

the White

her health

But

succumbed
instead

did

She

of

wax.

as

Stas

she lacked

but

and

more

the

with

of

powder
that
would
it

At

was

quinine

not

last him

Guma,

Abu

long.

But

all

with

them

the

hope

for his

own

be

that

him.

Smain,

not

the

child.

daily a half
the

be

thought

the

deluded

if he

children, would

later,

helped, for

prevent
He

and

journey

nowhere

obtained

to

provide,

the

her

gave

it could

comforts

moist

of

terribly at

things

despair possessed

moments

however,

strength of

could

above

necessary

the

worried

and

remedy, which

this

hardships

and

moulded

were

The

the

deed
in-

parent,
trans-

more

could

air.

not

thinner

such

even

desert

salubrious

Stas, beginning at Goz

they

aid of Hatim

undermined

more

if

as

and

care

the

with

united

climate

torrid

looked

lack

not

Dinah

and

had

and

more

after

weeks

Nell

Omdurman

from

her littlehands

and

Three

his

that design.

all abandon

at

it became

being tanned

of

not

to

beyond

from

fever, but her face grew

the

to

times

Several

even

escape

disquieted him.

day of their departure

the

journey and

the

stops he whispered

the

at

of

constitution

strong
of

had

country

his energy.

restored

journey and

the

during

saw

His

perfectly the toils

food

abundant

the

he

he

that

pleased

that

dreamed.

had

endured

far

thus

and

Omdurman

always

almost

was

fever.

himself,

desired
have

to
to

change
ex-

seek

DESERT

IN

for them

salubrious

more

177

WILDERNESS

AND

place than

neighborhood

the

of Fashoda.
seemed

misfortune

But

On

the

while

the

untying

from

Omdurman

of the
and

Fayum,

revived

small

the

the

evening only
little

to

Smain

to

demand

This

done

consent

and

soul.

Nell,

Stas

day

the

noon

only

pyre.

bare heaven
Three
down.

or

days

times

was

served

the

as

The

abduction.
the

ney.
jour-

Nell, would

and

decently

and

her

the assistance

with

lonely for

more

only

and

near

for
blow, particularly

comfort

her

throughout

arrived.

reached
Mahdists

the

bivouacked
of grass

settlement

the

On

Fashoda,

hurriedly built

the

next

but

they

under
and

had

been

the

boughs.
burnt

only the clay walls of the round

with

them

journey, and

lost the

journey

caravan

remained

lived the commander

He

of

great wooden

to

loved
be-

following day.

in huts

hovels, blackened

had

it

Gebhr

show

to

felt yet

terrible

was

previously

There

the water,

they

endeavored

sixth week

found

in her

the

children

The

This

night and
at

her

they buried

so

thorns.

devoted

The

death

expired during
of Stas

not,

her

to

for her

payment

safeguarded against hyenas

they realized that

whole

her

did

regained

she

in order

the entreaties

at

Chamis

and

farewell

After

ears

slave who

this;

to

was

so

off her

separate

with

Hatim,

stones

tearful

at

things taken

Stas

rather

or

die.

to

Nell's

proof that she died during the

of him

was

mound
of

cutting

as

But
not

and

lady,

insisted upon

bid

suddenly

difficulty. She

greatest

to

Fashoda, Dinah,

camel.

however, regain consciousness,

at

its victims.

pursue

fainted

luggage with
the

to

at

felt weak,

fell from

with

her

the arrival

before

day

in

who

continually

smoke,

and, standing close

shed, which

during the Egyptian

storage-placefor ivory;
of the

dervishes, Emir

distinguishedpersonage

by

among

in it at

present

Seki Tamala.
the

Mahdists,

178

IN

DESERT

WILDERNESS

AND

secret

of

enemy

of Hatim.

personal friend
the

children

it

them

from

known

not

was

localities

were

Smain

But

war.

dare

not

to

by King

sultation

held

was

Stas and

"I," he said
men

upon

who

is

Such

to

there is no

do

within
"

Hatim,

at

the
The

began

ate
deliber-

to

which

The

con-

the

emir

expedition against

is the

command

which
return

must

you

will not

remain

to

to

Pasha,1

and

steamers

Hatim,

you,

all the

Emin

troops

brought
for

Omdurman,

single livingsoul.

live,there is nothing

know,

indeed, that

but

fever

bring

them

small-pox,

with

start

soon

to

the white

will kill those

in

Here

eat, and

people
children

month."
ordered

was

Emin

ent,
pres-

soldiers.

and

to

supper,

"must

to

Hatim, "so I brought them,

1

did

men

the children.

with

having

raging.

catch

not

mainly

place in which

is

sickness

hundred

Hatim

Lado,

there

Fashoda

and

at

Therefore

me.

waged

likewise

inhabitants

be done

distant

indeed,

Fashoda,

three

to

necessary

Nell.

located

there.

warlike

to

was

nearer

borders, guarded vigilantly,at

John's

what

to

invited

its

Near

the

as

was

dervishes

the

of this Seki Tamala

In view
as

far.

very

it

gone

slaves, and

for

return,

that

having4"only

cross

and

duction
intro-

days before he had

would

which

the

at

expedition

an

depopulated

with

lay Abyssinia,

the old sheik

news.

he

chattels

hand

other

immediately
Two

on

when

so

for human

seek

but

in Fashoda.

the Nile

the

on

received

unfavorable

not

was

southeast

He

hospitably,

told

Smain

Abdullahi, but

Pasha, by

birth

German
region around

by Stanley, who
to Bagamoyo,

attacked

His
it

need
Jew,

by Egypt of the
Equatorial Provinces.
Mahdists

and

to

Albert

Fashoda,"
not

was

him
with
conducted
Indian
the
Ocean.
on

of times.
a

after

Nyanza,

headquarters

number

trouble

were

He

the

replied
myself
tion
occupa-

of
Governor
at Wadelai.
was

rescued

greater part of his troops

DESERT

IN

about

them

by

me

would

my

friend,the Greek

not

want

"And

them

to

them

to

people

Smain

in order

then

fever

does

will

set

fire to

He

the

mountains,

to

kill the

not

before

the

of

out

the

jungle,

rocky ravines

and

surround

to

the

to

game

in

slaughter it, and

thickets

the

heathens,

will not

pursuit. Smain

be hard

Even

times

will

Fashoda

rode

two

away

localityto

one

three

or

cure

days

ago

him."

they chase after him?

He

will return

anyway."
the

to

"What

in

week

overtake

If the

slaves

he

should

why

"No.

pass

though

they surely
But

him?"

they, however, overtake

will at

meat.

slave-hunt

cities to

is successful,he

will take

the

"

sell them

"

is to be done?"

"Remember
The

the

brought

"

"He

to

where

the

send

"

"Will

"

to

scare

hid in them
find

to

went

fire.

easy

to

who

men

Smain

drive

it will be

which

those

Fashoda,

find Smain?"

trail of
to

desolate

river."

they

in order
first,

in

with

together

the

on

the

"By

reason

surely happen."

high region

will

"How

that

to

perish,"

to

Omdurman.

as

recommended

were

Kaliopuli;for

leaving them

of

dry and

they

is to be done?"

what

"Instead

who

them

this will

"Then

But

more.

any

179

WILDERNESS

AND

that

children, even

both

though

of

us

the

fever

Fashoda.

leave

must

does

not

kill them,

will die of starvation."

"By

the

And

there

despatch the
who
about

That

prophet!

is true."

nothing else

really remained
children

appeared

to

be

this: whether

upon

new

very

good

Gebhr,

with

wandering
man,

whose

was

to

do

life.

only

cruel

but

to

Hatim,
troubled

disposition

180

IN

had

he

become

aroused

fear

the

Sudanese

to

he

health

the

entreated
would

who

with

this

emir

to

in Smain's
it

girl with

Dinka

and

to

Nell
that

good
them

Hatim

female

slave,

during the

delighted greatly

was

the

in

good

her

of

care

him

to

treat

The

little Nell

slave
and

features

pleasant

Tamala,

and

time

take

appea/ed

alive

hung.

to

camp.

Seki

announced

same

be

present

her

gift as

and

children

would

journey, would

soldiers, commanded

own

the

at

he

serve

and

journey

and

otherwise

kindly, as

the

the

the stern

summoned,

convey

Smain,

to

But

his

in

even

be

to

was

WILDERNESS

harshly.

too

who

that

AND

acquainted during

them

treat

not

DESERT

was

young

facial

sweet

expression.
that Fashoda

Stas knew

beg

that

Hatim

he

journey,

the

also that

ridingin

third

might

would

for

these

the

preparation

reasons

side

they

number
the

the

to

of

willinglyand

into

for the
and

the

Bedouins

two

in

succeed

knew

They

of

Hatim

at

and

Seki

place under

Arabs, and

children

unavailable

Stas and

Nell

considerable

profitably in
in

the

to

time

ride

immediate

Tamala.

had
for

now
were

not

Smain's

at

slave-dealers

preparations,however, consumed
the

were

they preferred

case

that

sell them

that

to

remain

capturing

afterwards

than

were

also

expedition, reckoning that

rather

camels

zealouslyentered

journey.

slaves, and

particularlyas

land
dry table-

he

great fortunes; in any

The

the

upon

he

and

amass

control

that

and

safeguarded against the fever,

would

markets.

thought

be

Gebhr, Chamis,
opposed

that

hope

new

southerly direction,he

Abyssinian boundaries
had

all

at

upon

his soul, he

In

easterly and

an

he did not

so

them

send

not

in rotation.

He

escape.

Nell

should

the

approach

must

death,

was

to

to

this

ride

on

considerable

time,

recuperate.

The

journey,
horseback.

so

the

Kali,

XXI

"

STAS,

why

reached
do

order

which

he

should

that

should

Smain

that

And

two

the

the

leader

the

burnt

in

all

that

we

dare

not

head

in

Stas.

Smain's

in

pany
com-

cruelly."

so

all have

They

no

of

directions.

of

or

surrounding

they
the

trails
Smain

the

the

mercy

upon

wind

had

vast

carried

was

easily

in
the

his

order

dicated
in-

was

grounds
But
expanse

the
and

deceptive
divided

and

who

remnants.

came

had

way

camping

various

divisions,
game

His

became

cheeks.

beginning

and

jungle

days

small
of

Gebhr,

march.

and

The

more

journey.
in

bones

apparently,

as,

emaciated

caravan,

which

on

the

burnt

five

her

over

Smain's

of

picked

lapse

of

the

trail

coursed

day

of

steppe,

ten

region

it.

about
asked

better.

no

tears

traces

with

of

the

little

pale-yellow

will

Kali

is

rapidly

anxious

you

anxious?'*

so

poor

moving

possible

as

concerned

Gebhr

ninth

was

strewn

the

that

little

by

into

yet

so?"

discovered

after

not

slaves."

"Is

now

be

you

probably

their

It

much

perhaps

beat

to

for

have

"

her

very

is

Are

negroes.

nodded

was

Because

quickly

^s

detachment?

girl

she

"Why

"

and

speeding

undoubtedly

reach

catch

his

little

He

to

can

join

The

"

know.

not

in

ahead,

sign

and

riding

we

Smain?"

"I

in

are

fire
fusing,
con-

detachment
to

capture

facilitate

of

pro-

and

often

long

in

not

Afterwards

thickly

stones,

ground
children

were

the

The

vegetation

and

thorny

yet,

wahili

began

The
and

the

caravan

not

for

started

the

encumbered

of

trees

they

addition

approach, and
of them

Chamis

shotgun which
serving under
He

Fashoda.

twenty

he

Hatim
did

legs,and

at

it

were

little

evening

sufficient

was

to fall to the

and

from

the

became
when

Indeed, notwithstanding

it

close

indolently

seized

to

ground.

permitted

that

choked

and

the

daily with

of them

score

not, however,

happen

hollows

detachment

every

caravan,

bartered

he

time

to

which

heavily and

during

charges and
would

had

and

day.

every

killed about

and

Kis-

rivers

starvation,

that

timid

of the

almost

of

few

so

rose

Saba, rushing ahead

some

cause

not

they

the

in the

Smain's

horses'

thickly

to

were

in

time

water

by
died

the

so

in their direction

here

the leaves of which

guinea-fowls

under

from

Kali

locality little

away

have

would

multitude

ments.
pave-

rocks.

driven

was

game

city

infrequently

more

with

they found

the

of

excavations

of

fortunately from

fall,so

to

and

so

euphorbias, mimosas,

grew

this

In

lacking, but

the rain

"

rocks

expanse

Only

tree, which

m'ti

fed.

were

were

shoot

"

language called

streams

immense

scrubby plants and,

and

slender, light green

horses

while

rocks,

of

by smooth

scant.

was

it

rocky

upon

reminded

there

which

forests, and

entered

the

go,

moving

from

upon

covered

was

to

after

place

same

they

over

that

direction

caravan,

chanced

scattered

there, in the crannies

what

the

to

183

which

the

they

the

where

small

In

in

circle,returned

country

and

know

passing through them

after

the

WILDERNESS

that

happened

it

started.

or

did

Gebhr

visions.

AND

DESERT

IN

the

the

of

one

have

shot

uneasy

at

supply

scaring away

for

the
was

old

dervishes

Omdurman

trip from

an

more

to

than

thought of
exhausted.

of the

game,

184

IN

there

appeared

beautiful
was

antelopes

while

did

they

did not

Sudanese

The

other

of

wild

the

hunt
he

did

savage

had

which

know

not

held

not

the

had

emir, who
to

and

had

this

taken

did

Kali

The

slave

young

trembling and
kissed
The

by

his

stony
groans,

boy
none

board

heart
and

whatever.
with

to

him

an

not

to

attacks

of

preparing

to

convey

of the

the

hung.

under

he

embraced

trivial

to

he

prevent
walked

horse; this amused

always

master

his feet and

body
and

placed
him

tied with

Chamis

him.

by humility

cause

were

for

the back

his face before

the

and

the courbash.

cruel

night his feet

opening

Nell; instead

gashed

most

All of

himself

revenge

either

him

acquit

bitterness

his

moved

the courbash
the

to

to

did not

be

at

children

addressed

if he

he fell upon

not

was

this

puissant

blood

In vain

about

an

face

that

with

But

the

Stas and

upon

for

revenge

terror

letter

each

seized with

duty, he would

During the day

away.

of

was

was

him

in vain

At

miss

conversation

he

approached

upon

to

which,

danger

Tamala

for the

in fear.

hands;

return

Seki

covered

was

the

that

announced

disappointments

of poor

in

panting for

dare, however,

not

to

should

together filled his soul with

He

rage.

rifle,

at

despatched against them.

of his

properly

it

Gebhr

been

given

had

and

him

to

in

negroes

commanded

in addition

himself

his

and

Smain

ariels,

short

uneasy

regions

appearing before

of

grow

Smain

were

in his presence,

thought

to

in wild

expedition against Emm,

was

began

starvation, they

animals, and

the

Stas' gun

use

he and

case

they might stray

speak

as

in

because

to

of

Africa, but

ariels with

it occurred

times

At

herds

in his hands.

likewise

long journey.
Fashoda,

how

place it

to

want

the

at

know

not

the rocks

in all Central

common

shoot

to

necessary

amidst

times

at

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

very

in

of the
often
a

from
a

or

happy
un-

for

wooden

running
rope

much,

ened
fastNell

IN

shed

tears

he

when

he

began

For

in

days they rode

two

the

From

in disorder

easy

to

was

filled with

the

season

its bed

here

and

he

from

which

and

Smain's

side

he

by side; in

It

lowered

towards

place; he wanted
he

could

and

horses

for

with

if

teeth

the

him

fence

the bend

uneasily, and

Gebhr

Suddenly, however,
came

back

and

rushing

to

tail curled

could

go

small, round

walls,

which

on

other, barking, and

The

of

the

and

which

sudden

him.

The

acacias,
Saba

sight

at

disappeared

repeated loudly
with

caravan

animals.

wild

horses

resting

valley in which

mimosa

silent

already

sun

is,enclose

baboons

he became

under

into

small

of

all of

the

daytime

places the

thought

some

the

Echo

of the ravine.

the

horses

two

stone

of thorny

at

by

eminence

some

some

afternoon.

zareba, that

ahead, barking

shook

In

each

reach

to

his way

caravan.

west.

only

to

during

by high

in the

sides,

thorns, and

many

him

only

the

at

present

both

on

directed

night.

protection against attacks

rushed

he

at

playing with

construct

walls,

at

rainy

continually upwards;

lead

that

as

five o'clock

was

but

places it widened

other

displaying their

water,

it went

narrow

big baboons,

the

descry smoke

could

so

during

Gebhr

tree.

camp-fires

became

that

great

it would

that

scattered

the

grass,

even

valleys, surrounded
sat

On

gullet because

thought

ravine

of

patches

heaped and

stones

perceive

entirely dry.

there

this stony
so

ravine

was

small

grew

was

with

lined

ravine

stony

high steep rocks.

it

for him,

interceded

deeply with his afflicted heart.

love them

to

still more,

silent.

those two

that

him, but

for

Gebhr

inflamed

this

remained

Kali understood

But

and

and

his teeth

set

that

perceived

and

raged

heart

plight. Stas'

passionately interceded

he

of times

number

he

Kali's

over

185

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

and

hair

his

in

barking.

after

while

bristlingon

Bedouins

of

and

his

Gebhr

1"6

IN

understood
but

that

But

riding

stood

still in

sight which

moment

and

stood

that

at

sphinxes which

to

his

The

he

the entrances

which

shaggy

and

like

was

of those

one

tian
Egyp-

ancient

to

on

rose

sun,

head

huge

them.

from

horses,

them.

at

luster

ornament

him

riders and

the
gaze

ruddy

lion.

separated

illumined

in that

place,lay

paces

began

low,

breasts, and

the

by

of the ravine,

in the middle

situated

hundred

his fore paws

if thunderstruck

and

their eyes.

quite wide

most,

now

what

shied

bend, the horses

as

powerful beast, seeing

The

ascertain

desiring to

small

one

met

was

At

around

fair-sized rock

which

and

other

frightened him,

have

must

be, they proceeded farther.

it could

On

something

each

staring at

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

temples.
The

began

horses

and

draw

back.

not

know

what

flowed

fearsome

Allah

akbar!"

the

And

king

above, motionless
and

Gebhr
to

Egypt

from

of

was

them

the

turn

with

Sudan

in the
turn

they could
about

ivory

"Allah!

at

"Allah!

from

them

aside.

traders,who
and

gum,

here

there

It behoved

to.

fly. Yes!

But

beast

that lions

which,

caravans,

But

came

was

in such

would

feverish

the

is to be done?

interrogations:

"

Perhaps he will step aside."

"No, he will not."

haps
per-

case

rush

on

no

them

pursuit.

Again resounded
"What

of

paths

turn

and

from

certainty that the dreadful

in

gazed

there

bronze.

of

heard

had

this, must

place which
to

if cast

Chamis

lie down

sometimes
account

as

mouth

to

helpless words,

and

wilderness

the

of

mouth

from

so

the

only

Bismillah!

do;

to

wince

to

frightened riders did

and

amazed

The

haunches,

their

sit upon

to

it

after

DESERT

IN

And

again

horses

"Untie

"and

breasts

idea

horrible

boy

with

then

the

would

chase

after

his

Kali

his

already raised
clutched

and

corpse

"Villain!
Gebhr

began

the hand,

sleeve;

if he is not

Dog!

I shall stab

you!

all

such

case

Gebhr

them

both

These

had

second

same

Stas

boy had

seized him
but

once,

it

tug, and

by
not

was

splutter

I shall stab you

mind

might

both!

Allah!

you!"

that

like lightning the

the

lion

chasing

thought
after

Kali, and

actually overlook

greatest certainty would

the

the
in

stab

in turn.

me

redoubled

the short rifle!

words

witnessed

to cry:

and

fury.

So pulling the sleeve with

Give

it.

he began to

enough,

with

the ground

doing?"

I shall stab

through his
above

horses

so

and

jubha.

paled mortally, for

Stas

of him

on

see

the

freed it at

have

kill the

the saddle

to

in

another

would

He

devour

rope

of his
you

voice stifled with

flashed

him.

tug and, if the

to

the

by the

are

would

he

with

easy

And

to

to

stop

sleeve

What

rocky wall and

horses; therefore

knife, when

the wide

Kali, in the

case

the

on

lion,dashing after them, would

he dragged

the

fling his body ahead

and

knife

such

climb

suggested itself

bleeding

So

in

that

eye,

an

lion would

with

Gebhr,

to

only."

surmised

of

twinkling

had

of the human

horses; the lion will first overtake

the

on

kill him

Gebhr

But

"

snorting of the

that," repeated the Bedouins.

"Do

"

the

Only

suddenly exclaimed

Chamis

will escape

him, and

so

187

quickened breathing

Kali!"

we

the

fell.

WILDERNESS

be heard.

could

the

silence

the

and

AND

astonished
Stas'

strength he shouted:

I will kill the

lion!"

the Bedouins, but

shooting in

Port

Chamis, who

Said, began

at

once

188

IN

"

Give

him

Gebhr

haste
as

he

took

AND

rifle! He

the

recollected
of the

in view

and

DESERT

the

at

horrible
the

thought, opened

the

large fistful

will kill the

his horse, inserted

of

the

once

boy

gave

WILDERNESS

shots

Lake

on

assented.

danger,
short

lion."

rifle and

With

Chamis,
from

cartridge box,

cartridges,after which

the

Karun

great

quick

as

which

he

Stas
off

leaped

cartridgesin the barrels,and moved

forward.
For

the

first few

only himself

saw

knife.

But

him

he

felt that

read

was

one

him

eye

to

examine

side

they

the

with

sun's

the

Stas

rays,

yet it seemed
his throat, and

rifle to his face.

else.
where

to

this

and

Port

could

Said

he

lion-hunts,but

books

it

another

and

who

their

amid

gazed

now

at

forehead

breasts,for

the

advanced

force

his heart

to

was

necessary

approach

smaller

the

On

the

steep rocks

nearer

"The

"

peared
ap-

lord

say.

of his will the

For

farther.

feeling continued
it

never

powerful beast, golden

Sudanese

whole

that

Then

The

who

the

the

him

Whether

aim.

in

nose,

he

anything like this.

seen

as

with

to

of

his

and

and

magnificent, formidable

his limbs

of

in

the other

great head,"

overcame

cheeks

wrinkling his broad

boy,

yet smaller, on
in

time

He

animal

the

In

monster,

breath

the

small

was

danger

shield.

their lives had

one

of

of lead

feared.

the

amazement,

held

Arabs

his

on

pictures

with

eye

resembled

The

he

Plainly

to

if with

as

which

in

thing

sight

if made

as

during the recitation

stand

to

feet

horrible

everything else.

the
chill

by Gebhr's

cut

more

about

At

felt

had

he

breathe.

scarcely
had

He

throats

and

forget

him!

though stupefied and

as

with

nearer

to

dim.

grew

was

Nell

the

lion before

eyes

and

soon

commanded
had

steps he

had

leaped

while
into

up

until

he

raised

to

think

of

or

to

distance

ertness
in-

the

thing
some-

fire at once;

the

surer

the

190

IN

"Ah!
his

set

There

has

teeth.

"You

shall not
And

AND

been

WILDERNESS

or

exceeded

this

by

was

terrible

different

and

"Yes!

is

It

imperative!

shall not

"You

murder

He

Nell

her!"

by fright,

not

for the time

turned

which

from

being, iron.

are

villains,

mere

is in their hands!"
he

repeated.

again stood, and suddenly

approached them
rapidityof lightningraised the rifle to his face.

the

shots,

in

swayed
his

after the

one

Gebhr

echo.

an

with

"

Two

the

tumbled
saddle

other, jarred the ravine with

the

upon

and

struck

Chamis

ground, and
his horse's

neck

with

bleeding forehead.

The

Bedouins

two

uttered

and, springing from

direction,which
saved

the

far behind

not

was

them, and

Stas

their lives.

able

with

terror

reach

the

boy before he would

And
It

that

on

cut

rifle cracked;
shots

new

who

in

propped

him

barely a

ran

and

fury they
to

pieces

dozen

the
both

paces

ravine

fell with

like fishes taken

the

haste

himself

was
on

sounded
re-

hurt

out

the

his hands,

his fangs in his throat.

sunk

silence ensued.

only by the

his knees

in the

and
Saba

moment

broken

was

them,

himself

mortal

himself

of

One

least, raised
at

They

of

echo

and

by

Fools!

the

in the other

run

desired,they could have

ground, flouncing about

the

water.

but

they had

bend

Stas.

at

blinded

ill-omened

the

with
on

if

change the cartridges,and

to

again

faces

horrified cry of consternation

in his soul

But

their knives.

when

horses, dashed

thought that they would

of

cheeks

resolution

These

You

more."

chill,caused

becomes,

through

measure.

and

nose

inflexible

executioners, murderers, and

the

else any

one

any

suddenly he felt that his

the heart in the bosom

be

of this!" he said

enough

have

Nell

torment

pale,but
but

DESERT

broken

moans

of Kali, who

and, stretching out

Kiswahili

tongue:

threw

his hands,

claimed
ex-

IN

"Bwana
bad

he

he

half-conscious

"Nell,

fact

uninhabited

Kill

lion!

the

Kill

Kali!'*

heed

no

after

dazed;

towards

ran

master!)

kill

not

paid

if

as

and

In

do

but

however,

stood

face

(Great

191

WILDERNESS

AND

kubwa!

people,
Stas,

DESERT

his

to

For

widely

opened

time

some

Nell's

observing

which,

eyes,

cries.

pallid

from

terror,

her.

do

fear!

not

they

"

actually

region,

in

Nell,

were

the

heart

we

free,
of

free!"

are

the

but

land

in

astray
of

the

Blacks.

wild,

SECOND

PART

BEFORE

Stas

and

lion's

the

sun

had

But

it was

so,

though

Kali

stroked

permit
the

in which

ravine,

way

by avoiding the
and

two;
and

the
two

remained,

loaded

with

any

beyond

haste

the

so

it

to

the

the
The

rock

of wild

considerable
which

horses

was

easily caught
Only Gebhr's

found, but

at

any

lap-eared
in view

on

the

bottom

horses

animals, but

and

tragic

they

with

snorted, dilating their

ravine.

accustomed

difficultythat
blackened

They
without

of the
are

rate

creature,

of the

cropping closely

Sudanese

sight

startled

the

philosophical calm.

true

growing

farther

shortening his

and,

Stas.

things, who,

with
in the

away

he

the

ran

this

them

sped

Stas

"niama,"

did

after

manner

be

corpses;

horses, which

intercepted

towards

not

bend,

grass

with

was

led past
blood.

and

medium-sized

generally

this

counting

not

displayed

him

The

could

the tent

occurrences,

found

In

he drove

horses

top

bends, he

the

boy

have

the

to

front.

more

Chamis'

four

climbed

the

running

they would

case

farther, he

from

of

the

fall.

ing
repeated, smack-

with

black

The

Instead

and

steeds

catch

to

soon

was

the

ravine

the

(good meat),

himself

to

shooting.

and

mama"

busy

him

extraordinary skill.

of

night

his stomach

to

ordered

after

and

more

"Msuri

him

side

the

to

the slain Arabs

sleep in the vicinity of

to

tongue,

instead

away

still

dragged

negro

heavy body

impossible
his

not

and

the young

descended

with
did

and

fear

they
a

lions,
were

puddle

nostrils

of

and

196

IN

stretchingtheir

towards

necks

nevertheless, when

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

the

the

blood-stained

donkey, only pricking his

little,passed by calmly, they also passed

already fallen; they nevertheless

again

into

dense

thorns

small

said

the

and

to

later

ravine, and

this

in

travelers

of

attacks

placed within

water.

Mea

forming

as

and
that

which
of

so

morning

the

durra,

donkey
a

by

fire,he
would

pitched

travels

themselves

horses

far

too

in

in

the

under
that

supply
the

that

against

could

seeking

near-by

water

of

of the

be

not

boy, unsaddling them

little basin

were

the

bags, only hobbled

stray

copious a
the cooking

was

the

so

it

semi-circular,

African

of

The

tin utensils and

not

with

so-called zareba.

animals.

found
finally
it

or

it with

had

cut

Stas he

with

safeguarded

fence;

to

steep perpendicular wall

manner

they should

shot

he

supply which

which

descriptions

wild

the

the

removing

horses

will make

building

secured

they surrounded

from

knew

Stas

began

After

night, after

prickly fence,

and

There

with

sword, which

he

trees.

Nell, under

for

tent

that

"Kali

negro,

Sudanese

until he

cut

suffice for the whole

broad

widened

trees.

cqjpse,

little

even

continued

the

young

Gebhr's

from

removed

the

mimosa

prickly

taking the broad

And

thorns

ravine

mile,

big fire."

"

half

had

Night

on.

over

the

where

place

rode

ears

amphitheatrical vale, overgrown

and

"Master,"
fire

in

only

halted

and

stones;

them

so

grass

or

stony cavity,

opposite rocks.

it sufficed

for

guinea-fowls which

Chamis.

the

In

bore, they also found

few fistfuls of salt,and

the

were

pack-saddles,

about

bunch

and

three

of dried

pots

manioc

roots.

This

mainly
Gebhr

sufficed
took

had

for

bounteous

advantage
starved

in

of it.
cruel

supper.

The

manner

young
ate

Kali

and

negro

such

an

Mea
whom

amount

198

DESERT

IN

weighed

his bosom

upon

thoughts began
the

and

nodded

to

under

and

the

threw

The

the

and

dozed,

and, what

began

to

time

he

his

gazed

and

in the end

but

awoke

the

at

he

every

rocks

the

into

thftt Stas

shook

whether

hear

only the

forming

of

worry

occurrence

hissing of flames

swarm

rare

could

and

shine

not

cool

so

is

still. They

twinkled

air became

flame

overhanging

did

above

Finally

stone.

long

the

also

dark

moon

ravine, but

For

burning thorns

illumined

which

heavy

twigs into the fire.

tropics, very

of the

cracking

The

Kali

night became

The

like
blunt.

grow

dozed.

little while

WILDERNESS

hovering above

moths

big

AND

circle.
semi-

the

of

depths

unknown

stars.

off his drowsiness

the chill would

commode
in-

not

little Nell.

he

her

with

took

him

the

under

left her

Dinah

reassured, when

became

he

But

tent

though imperceptibly,they

It also

from

days, quite high; therefore

many

with

threatened

fever

occurred

Nile

to

upwards,

region which

the

low

penetrating night chill appeared

The

that

ridden, through

to

are

as

the

have

must

recollected

plaid cloth, which

Fayum.

riding continuously

that

not

the

upon

from

he

river
confirm

to

so

was

banks.
this

supposition.
And

thought

to

Nell's tent

moment

he

after which

began

he

Suddenly
who

previously

Kali
at

and

doze

to

his ears,

and

from

time

into

listen whether

returned,

was

awakened

had

lain down

with

sat

fell into

even

mastiff, who,

the

to

also and

awoke

him.

encouraged

this

both

sound

by
to

went

she

slept peacefully;

the

began

to

growling
look

like

about

had

the

darkness.

come,

The

of

Saba,
feet.

uneasily

in the

gazed fixedlyat
hair

again

chord, pricked

quivering nostrils scented

they

slumber.

sleep close by his

stretching out

which

for

the fire,and

nearer
a

He

bristled

on

the

tion
direcsame

his neck

IN

and

back

the

and

AND

his breasts
inhaled

he

growling

The

DESERT

slave

young

WILDERNESS

heaved

199

air which

from

during

his lungs.

into

flung dry

twigs into

the

fire

as

speedily as possible.
he

"Master,"

whispered.

"Take

the

rifle!

Take

the

the

fire to

see

rifle!"
took

Stas
better

rifle and

the

in the

dusky depth

changed into barks.

heard, after
reached
sound

of the
with
louder

and

what

if the

them

turn

those

that

animals

everything

in

dire

seeking

less

not

it flitted

worse,

be

them

"Ah,"
the

rection
di-

in the stillness

became

not

drawing

was

from

and

near.

Perhaps

the

ravine?

In

them

and

scare

the

save

for

caravan,

aggressive than

fire and

tread

he

division

the

Stas
death

through his

dervishes

animals,
In

sudden

torture

death.

exit

an

fear

not

spare

would
in

or

mind

division,he might
the

the

under

foot

their way.

"

danger

ferocious

pursuing the murderers?

then

reverberated

nothing could

who, having encountered

in the

there

in

rushing

Buffaloes, perhaps?

If, however, it should

better

be

hollow, clattering

were

sound

distance

report of the shot did not

back,

animals,

it be?

rapacious beasts, do

be

nothing could
the

Stas

growls

louder.

could

case

time

Saba's

against the stony walls, and

pair of rhinoceroses
such

ravine.

from

and

This

echo

realized

Stas
But

fire.

an

the

however,

great

some

before

long

of Kali

ears

if

of

For

which,

the
as

moved

at
a

of Smain's

corpses

in

did

know

not

new

that

the

horrible

thought, "God

ravine,
which

if Smain

kill them
manner

grant

tion
addi-

himself
if he

not,

what

before
that

was

was

or,

are

would

In

captivity?

them, but
once

forces

these

is

their
are

men!"

meantime

the

clatter increased

and

changed

200

into

darkness

of the

out

wind-tossed

Gebhr's

were

circle of

the

dilated

glittering
eyes,

running, driven

into

finallythere emerged

and

Chamis'

light and

hind

their

on

at
a

for

did

Stas

The

vain.

after

turned

the Mbrses

panther would

about

few

times

into

rolled himself

lay down,

if

Apparently,

fire

the

to

was

in

more,

Instead, he

closed
had

smoke

or

dogs usually do,

as

animal

the

that

waited

what

scent.

or

his eyes.

chased
the

seen

retreated

rocks, it had

the

on

and

ball and

he

But

spot

rapacious

any

horses, then, having smelt

of

the

on

certain

was

appear.

ceased

time

certain

and

ground

shaggy-haired lion

quieted slowly,

horses

He

his rifle.

lower

after

flat-skulled

the

in

which,

after

legs;

panions,
com-

motionless.

not

moment

any

Saba

while

They
dashing

seeing their fettered

snorting, they implanted their hoofs

remained

horses.

evidently by fright, but

they reared

But

nostrils,and

cried Kali.

they

fact

came

until

manes.

"Horses!"
In

WILDERNESS

of hoof-beats

thunder

AND

DESERT

IN

the
tion
reflec-

into

the

distance.

"Something
said

Kali, "since

to

of the

lion and

"Master,"

answered

body

happened.
ravine
but

Many,

get

at

the hyenas

Gebhr

and

"That

are

they

did

the

men's

the

fear

not

boy,
The

corpses.

badly," Stas

to

rush

"Kali

can

others

be, but

the

what

guess

jackals entered

horses

ran

before

chasing them, for they

not

by

corpses."

hyenas and

many

the

those

may

the

remove

not

to

frightened them

have

must

are

the

them,
eating

"

do

utensils and

now

unsaddle

and

bring them

you

bags

the

horses;

here.

Do

fear, for the rifle will protect you."

"Kali

And

does

not

pushing

fear," answered
aside

the

thorns

the boy.

close by the

rocks, he

DESERT

IN

the

of

out

Stas

at

his usual

it at

once

"Nothing.

Those

awaken

thought that

"I?

At

And

Nell

her words
"She

look

Did

up.

and

wanted

even

to

come

"

uneasy

and

witnessed.

He

her

But

had

read

felt
in

Stas' face, for in

fear.

little

the

hand,

Port

far west

the

as

thought that,

formidable

lasted
in him

Said

of the

on

red-skinned

that

American
Indians

in

those

besides

that

fright,
of

day

Saba, who

pat

It

the

had

before, she

Bedouins.

his breast.

about

observing

an

moments

to

short

happened,
she

few

wishing

not

incubus

had

not

warrior

only

be seen,

which

how,

gleam

Nell regarded him

this

what

horrors

recalled

an

by

girlcould
of

like

something

developed

finished,by strangling,one
himself

him

eyed

never

discerned, therefore,

it were,

as

bloodshed

withdrew

with

at him

gaze

over

flattered

about.

of the

abhorrence,

felt

fullymatured, but

talent; he

eyes

stole

he

was

time, for misfortune

and

to

had

accomplished, even

alarm

spreading

she

plainly read

he

He

man

began

which

first moment

he had

after what

with

and

me," he thought.

of satisfaction.

as

might get angry."

you

gaze

in the

in the

running

came

"

astonishment

and

fears

And

to

aversion.

she asked.

then

raised her eyes

Great

before.

mind

first her

at

you?"

peculiar

only

her,

to

what?"

"But
"

came

you?"

before

awake

was

close

nose

if with

horses

two

of the tent, but

out

Nell

she, extending

as

has happened?"

their hoof -beats

But

caress.

"Stas, what

"I

meantime

and, pressing his

once

withdrew

hand,

the

In

tent.

rose

claimed

zareba.

of the

slipped out

201

WILDERNESS

AND

was

had

Yes!

Stas

one

thing

trappers,

killing

by the dozens, and

202

IN

another
short

pool

while

of fear and

in the

depths

that

it

For

done

for

suffered

stood

now

with

former

all that

him

of his will tears

it

formidable

lifted

to

and

cease

for

For

all

to

the

and

not

fear.

Stas

in his life
In

tears.

spite

for the

it not

circumstances

the

him

first time

were

she

not

was

strange

to

those

this, that

towards

eyes

he might

weep,

in

he

escaped.

; and

if she

be moved

any

have

endured

for Nell

not

were

only

her

his eyes

under

warrior"

had

with

to

was

flowed

it did not

fact that

not

"

in his bosom,

would

or

resulted

unhappy.

what

if it

he

trustfulness,but

he understood

always

reward

my

frightened, as

sister,and

felt very

suddenly

that
killed

hunger

before

little

same

would

me," Stas thought,

this will be

him

been

that

full

was

her."

to

he
and

which

great bitterness swelled

have

tortures

undoubtedly

aversion

will fear

and

me,

either
her

alive

men,

see

heart, involuntarily,she will

apparent

was

would

She

of her

this thought

At
for

"

it ill of

I have

time

same

her.

with

that personally and

Yes, Nell's heart

the

at

remain

WILDERNESS

before, struggling in their death-throes, in

of blood.

holding

AND

accomplish

to

DESERT

"

become

perhaps

have

shed

tears.

restrained

He
little
"Do

you

And

she replied in

At

and
"

fear, Nell?"

"

it is

this Stas ordered

saddle

had

the

to

girl,asked:

"Somehow

himself, however, and, turning

a
so

low

voice:

horrible!"
Kali

and, covering with

to

bring the saddle-cloths

of them

rock

previously dozed, he spread the other

upon

one

on

from

which

the

he

ground

said:

Sit here beside

me

is !

If

you

will fall asleep."

sleep overcomes

near

you,

the fire. How

rest

your

head

chillythe night
upon

me

and

DESERT

IN

Nell

But
"

repeated:

Somehow

sat

by

rosy

the

on

horrible !"

so

carefullyin plaidsand

her

luster which

mica

crept

which

with

plates

the

over

the

for

time

some

illuminated

and

other

silence,supporting each

in

they
a

it is

"

wrapped

Stas

203

WILDERNESS

AND

sparkled

rocks

and

stony

fissures

were

bespangled.
and
"

the

Listen, Nell," Stas

threatened

would

not

be

Did

threatened

by

have

done

it.

that

threat, though

it,I would
he

But

that

that

happened

likewise have
dreadful

to

the

with

not

only

me,

if

Besides,do
his anger

that

after

that

say

we

died

"

And

was

his

overflowed

face
in

she

this,as

concerned

of

have

he

Nell, I did

fever.

I had

to

think

only about

plainly reflected
his

Nell

heart.

pressed yet

of

you

watch

over

course,

you

as

before.

It is

you

daily

both

do

not

this,how

that

to

save

"

that

affliction

which

evidently understood

change, and
As

to

Fashoda

closely to him, while

more

shall not

you.

to

momentarily mastering his emotions, continued

"I, of

would
would

us

return

"

How

Gebhr

whipped

would

of

cruelly

what

tortured

have

would

death

our

fiendishness,but

from

would

he

not

how

upon

"

for

not

I could

know

us

he would

Chamis?

you

upon

it; he

of

thinking

find Smain?

not

to

were

saw

And

Kali.

continue

was

I think
You

treated

vented
think

already

measure.

they did

if it

"

lion

And

you.

that

if the

Think

him?
but

formerly

us.

should

sincerelythat

courbash, and

death, and
and

hear

he

time

vilelyhe betrayed
have

you

do

to

both

us

and

Kali

n't

the

I had

stab

shot at them.

have

exceeded

before

with

I tell you

not

"

out.

would

he

that

snorting of horses

the

in their teeth.

spoke

content

them.

pursue

be heard

of grass

crunching

Gebhr

you

could

the zareba

Beyond

long

as

shall

they

he,

thus:

guard and
lived

there

204

DESERT

IN

of

hope

was

no

rescue.

The

Abyssinians

foes

of the

AND

WILDERNESS

Now

we

If you

dervishes.

shall succeed, for it is not

though

even

hand, do

Smain's

He

us.

upon

with

her, he began

cheer

Evidently she

wanted

Finally

feared.

her

entirely covered

slightlyquivering

"They

will not

"Who?"

Stas

"Those

are

"I

afraid!

am

her

Silence

she
face

leaned

her

and

asked

head
in

to

eyes

him.

hesitated

but

that her

so
a

The

hair

yet

lower

and

that

the

slain

night

and

their

asked

with

amazement.

talking about, Nell?"

you

ensued.

am

afraid!"

not

to

did

dead, but

far away,

quiver.
believe

not
as

he became

it

was

depressed

in

spirit;a

his back.

over

are

Stas
the

rise from

lay

here?"

come

pallidlipsbegan

chill passed

Dinah

yellow head.

something

say

time

same

killed."

"

"What

"What

the

at

"

is it,dear?"

bodies

and

little

cannot

Nell."

fear me,

her

but

worse,

voice:

"What

could

to

Chamis

"

"Stas

And

stroke

that

probably

men

listened, raising timidly her

little maid

and

to

Chamis

fare any

her confidence

win

the

or

reaching Abyssinia, then

will not

not

himself

was

what

but

tell Smain

in

Do

fall into

we

Gebhr

either

saw

we

Abyssinia. And

will revenge

tha*n those

worse

desiringto

And

succeed

world.

in the

he

not

if not, you

better, for tyrants

be found

his life

need

we

we

saved, and

are

we

If

us.

that

only Chamis,

knew

Besides,

him?

was

in

far to

health,

your

succeed, though

think

not

retain

very

and

Christians

wild, but

only

so

not

never

he

Bedouins;
to

do

we

and

black

are

fly to Abyssinia.

may

you

taught you

saying, Nell?"
to

fear

ghosts

"

he

The

repeated.
dead

"Then

do not

"
"

II

THE

of

the

night

finally slumber
and

the

little

in

both

in

spirit.

wanted
where
the

fell

that

into

outside

late

deep

the

tent

earlier
and

Kali

ordered

to

hour

in

when

sleep,
until
from

fast,
break-

form

to

expectation

prepare

was

ride

at

the

of

the

slain

far

as

Sudanese

both

As

the

from

place

immediately

lying,

after

and

horses

their

mounted

refreshed

but

stronger.

possible

as

were

they

refreshments

felt

and

terrors

rested,

well

better

away

the

dispelled

day
only

not

looked

Nell

the

the

of

awoke

to

they

camp-fire,

the

Nell

tions
sensa-

dinner.

light

bright

night;

of

the

somewhat

the
he

and

appear
rose

near

view

their

time
The

Stas

companion

which
same

nof

did

girl

Stas

out

them

spread

little

tired

and

day

preceding

overcame

saddle-cloth
his

the

so

noon-time.

about

of

of

events

great

moved

ahead.

for

the

above,

the
to

birds

ceases,

into

silence,

against

the

the

in

of

the

and,

wicked

as

if

divinity.

and

desirous
But

negroes

they

are

ing
dur-

silence,

beast

from

all

such

at

the

thicket,

stops,

stop

looking

Every

greatest

itself

and

heat

slay.

insects

of

buzz

to

for

trees;

great
of

hours

whom

seek

secreting

eye

of

of

composed

unmercifully

broils

itself

burrows

shade

Africa

in

travelers

caravans

even

hours,

sun

all

day

the

white

seems

times

and

under

so-called
which

the

of

rest,

noon

shelter

seek
the

time

that

At

falls

nature

of

they

of

song

guarding
rode

on

in

IJNT DESERT

the ravine

in which

enabling them

to

the

heat.

scorching

of the

one

207

WILDERNESS

AND

walls

deep shadow,

exposing themselves

proceed without
Stas

cast

did

leave

to

want

not

to

the

ravine, firstly,
because, above, they might be espied from
a

distance

easier to

Smain's

by

find, in

soaked

places
the

of
The

On

road

the

its odor, which

Omdurman
with

fat

with

could

be

rocks

bottom

vanilla.
shade
and

ground

from

both

who

Mahdists,

which
lilies,

into

steam.

ravine,

covered
un-

fluence
in-

yellow

saturated

was

with

unpleasantly
In

places

some

high,

from

fell to

lianas

of

of

intoxicating scent

an

the

in

willingly stopped

leaves

of

heads

their

smeared

cascades

came

the

time

there, where

but

smelt;

with

the

to

sulphur powder.

tapestriesembroidered

of these

time

children

little wanderers

The

under

or

in the clefts

magnificent

of the

in

was

imperceptibly led upwards.

seen

water

the

mixed

overhanging

be

reminded

and

muskcats

the

The

which

transformed

but

continuously

sulphur.

the
was

rays

could

it

crevices, water,

into

sun's

rocky walls
of

traces

rocky

then

and

detachments,

purple flowers
provided food for the
with

horses.
Animals
the

could

of rocks

crests

be

not

blue

background

adorn

the borders

of

displayed their teeth

in

sign

jumped

of

and

amazement

or

rage,

them, did

rode

pay

much

heed

briskly. Joy

away

from

Stas'

him

during

the

the

thought

and

Saba, accustomed

But

not

stretched

their

about, blinking with

their sides.

They

Saba

breast

that

night. His

of what

was

to

to
at

at

eyes

their

long

the

to

manes

jaws
time

same

and

the
India

their

out

already

scratching
the

sightof

menaces.

recovering liberty drove

incubus
mind

with

on

on

in

which

idols

fantastic

temples. Big males

at

time

to

squatted, resembling

monkeys
those

time

from

only

seen;

was

be done

which
now

had

throttled

occupied with

farther; how

to

lead

208

DESERT

IN

Nell

and

himself

threatened

by

wilderness

in order

the

shoda

Now

have

from
had

their

began

the

on

the

not

Port

sixth

and

in

tributary of
they

they had.

had

It

Fashoda,
have

by

to

expedition.

an

following Smain's

English
almost

crossed

lected
recolwhich

river

not
must

He

south.

the

very

of

name

river

certain

indeed

not

was

for

assumed

Smain,

that

desiring

to

of

directlywest

them

lated
already entirely depopu-

was

small-pox;

trail,and

taught

of the little-known

that

seek

school

At

was

expansion,but

from

he

that

but

heretofore

deduced

Stas

he calculated

they had

remained

him

to

and

Fa-

seeking Smain

Africa

He

localities which

to

go

of

that

country

by dervishes

line from

great swamps.

Nile.

not

Hatim

Fashoda

the

the

afterwards, before the country

expansion

occurred

that

as

in

but

memory

passed

from

clear that

around

the

slaves,could

capture

from

towards

that

Bailor, designatingan
whether

what

thirst, and

hundred

one

day they

Stas'

and

direct

was

Said, the geography

were

dervishes;

days' journey, and

it

route,

Nile, and

thoroughly
Sobat,

in

departure

rise,they rode

to

they

already

about

considerably

that

in

be

elapsed; so

turned

was

knew

five

would

by the shortest

gone

He

than

more

this

weeks

the

die of hunger

to

go?

to

not

that

two

not

Abyssinian boundary

was

miles.

locality in which

captivity with

new

finally,whither
that

from

adopt during the long journey through

to

measures

WILDERNESS

AND

would
visited

not

were

this that

they

were

thought frightened him

the

in the first moments.

He
to

therefore

abandon

plainly
But

band

On
at

the

towards

after

plan.

reflected

the

contrary,
or

which

south

moment's

the
two

ravine

whether

three

it would

turned

and

go

to

follow

the

days' distance

better

and

more

directly
he

consideration

be

not

more

eastward.

relinquished the

tracks

of

appeared

Smain's
to

him

IN

be

to

the

Smain
the

DESERT

safest

would

course

with

return

circuitous

same

directly for

human

that

country

borders

the

eastern

boundary

on

by

wares

of

the

southern

great wilderness

which

his

that

also

of

way

making

understood

only from

that

improbable

very

instead

Stas

be reached

could

was

his

route

Nile.

the

it

as

209

WILDERNESS

AND

way

sinia
Abys-

side where

and

from

not

carefully guarded

was

by

dervishes.
As

result of these

far

as

counter

Nile

natives.

or

reckoned

enough

glance

to

to

of those

Kali,

the

became

like

He

short and

was

the

at

the

thin

and

hand,

and

of

Shilluk

en"-

of

the

Mahdists.

It

surmise

was

that

tribe,for she had

characteristic
banks

of the

of
Nile

storks, during its inundation.

though under

thick and

with

to

so

the

on

banks

useful.

prove

limbs,

might

meeting refugees

negress

or

skeleton, had

shoulders

young

Dinka

cranes

other

the

on

might

venture

evils Stas preferred

two

event

tribes, dwelling

wading like

and

the

Mea

long and

uncommonly
both

in

and

Kali

belonged

she

of the

to

They

from

refugees
But

that

too

natives

or

south.

dealingswith the blacks rather than

to have

He

either

negroes,

White

the

possible towards

as

he determined

thoughts

Gebhr's

hand

entirely different

an

stature.

strongly built; he had

his feet in

comparison

with

he

ful
power-

Mea's

feet

relativelysmall.

were

As
the

did

he

not

Kiswahili

almost

language

anywhere

was

with

Africa

in

natives

the

fairlywell from
Canal, it

speak Arabian

evident

that

all and

at

which

one

which

and

Stas

spoke poorly
can

converse

had

of Zanzibar, working
he

from

came

some

learned
on

the

distant

region.
Stas

determined

sound

to

"Kali, what

is the

"Wahima,"

answered

him
of your

name

the

young

upon

this point.

people?" he asked.
negro.

210
"Is
"

that

Is that

is making

mountains

There

are

"How

is that

water

call it 'The

the

of

had

Does

and

of

Emin

in the

world,

us

them

"What

"

flattered

was

Would

you
wants

"

would
The

that

say

white

long
did

they

not

see

father

white

saw

two, three.

men,

Yes.

There

dresses.

They

them

he

received

to

us

little by

for

them

were

not

was

and

gave

idea

the

that

he

had

servant.

like to

see

"

father?

your

his mother."

see

do

you

if

we

Wahimas,

the

met

and

they do?"

Wahimas

"Lead
and

would

"What
what

for

Royal

"Kali

ing
smok-

of Wahima."

king

Prince

black

father?"

is your

Stas

has

cows."

many

"The

in

Kali's

but

to

"

Kali

for tusks.

looking

time

desiring

so,

chief live there who

them

of

that

to

up

Pasha;

the neighborhood

further:

with

men

from

come

which

(here Kali parted his fingers)

one,
three

"

Nyanza,

hands

troops?

No, the old

were

Samburus

great water."

the boy might

white

and

Water.'

Albert

the

not

boats
"

Dark

this, he asked

confirm
"

in

been

bad

called?"

that

thought

Stas

the

upon

"

like this?

country

"No.

"We

war

cattle."

their

takes

WILDERNESS

AND

great nation?"

Great, which

and
"

DESERT

IN

to

rule after

fall on

would

them;
your

then

their faces before

shall

you

father, and

we

remain

will go

Kali."

with

farther

them
to

the

sea."
"

Kali

for Kali
"

moon.

cannot

find the way

loves the

great

to

master

them, and
and

the

cannot

remain,

daughter of

the

DESERT

IN

turned

Stas

"Nell,

merrily

her

at

her, he

saddened

him

that

the

pale

and

than

lunar
The

his companion

to

the

to

said:

and

moon."

of the

daughter

for it

suddenly,

curred
oc-

girl actually looked

emaciated

transparent

countenance

like

more

earthly being.

an

young

211

WILDERNESS

become

have

you

But, glancing
with

AND

became

negro

silent for

he

while; then

repeated :
"Kali

loves

kill

not

Bwana

for

kubwa,
and

Kali, only Gebhr,

gives

did

kubwa

Bwana
Kali

deal

great

eat."

to

And

he

evident

wanted

of the

so

in

how

Kali

what

by what
much

was

"dark

had

Nyanza, Albert Edward

which

lay the

he

Uganda,

would

Emin

about

Nyanza,

or

his

about

which

negroes.

Tanganyika

was

only the supposition

that

Kali's nation

this

reason

Wahimas
After

For
not

was
a

aroused

few

an

hours'

heat

decreased

wide

valley

in

wonder
far

too

utter

ride, the

the

about

region

of Albert

Victoria

Nyanza,

Unyoro

and

heard

something

and
and

the

about
fear

of

the

remained

there
had

the

its seat

where
some-

with

meeting

the

improbability.
sun

considerably.
which

Fashoda.

to

away;

their

gone

tell from

said

troops,

steamers,

nearer.

the

the

have

undoubtedly

Pasha,

the
even

of

kingdoms

had

passed through

he

from

came

night when

not

conducted

what

impressed by

water," for if he

had

he

been

the

could

slave

the

zebras, he

Stas

countries

he

route

that

became

from

for

pit, dug

hands

many

statements

near

great deal of meat!"

ascertain

to

caught

through

Stas

dervishes; it appeared that

was

and

breast, repeating with

delight:

Stas

his

his

stroke

to

great deal of meat!

"A

he

began

they found

began
They
water

to

descend.

chanced
and

upon
a

score

The
a

or

212

IN

more

of wild

horses
that

and

DESERT

fig

of

they stopped
As

provisions.

whether

ascertain

could

smoke

to

their

rest

rocky walls

the

Kali

lower, Stas ordered

place were

top and

So

trees.

partake

WILDERNESS

AND

climb

to

be

not

at

the

to

in the

seen

vicinity.
Kali
an

complied with
reached

eye

carefullyin

the

all directions

announced

that

were

"niama."

It

for

he

his

fingerson

pointed

his view

Stas'

the

blackened
the

could

great

trees, with

shade

of

from

the

from

their heads
baobab

brown
not

than

more

from

the

quietly,

animals
not

grazed

The

rest

of the

buffalo, which
behind
a

on

stone.

be

game,

put

game.

Nothing

carefully
obstructed
burnt

inches

high.

As

the

resembled
sun

ran

horses, and

he did not

The

shot
as

the

but

ravine,

meat,

away,

the

penetrating through

so

at

distance

was

wind

blew

they grazed

the nearest

if struck

and

their

upon

Stas, desiring to

danger.

ground

far

sparsely growing

seen

paces,

any

the

flock of antelopes which

the

towards

The

was

afterwards

of them.

hundred

flock

he

bulkier

some

horned

few

The

ten

suspecting

tumbled

there

already sprouted from

bodies

replenish his supplies with

which

that

that

quivering bright spots

were

one

stalk

singed by the fire. Under

cast

There

around

old, high jungle was

could

buffaloes.

leaves

backs.

the

their

of

shape

surmise

ahead.

had

trunks

them

to

rifle and

barely

reach

of

one

look
as

was

but

smoke,

of

liana

and, leaning his head

which

new,

thick

of

twinkling

Peering

no

indicate

up

expanse,

ground,

eye

short

to

climbed

rocks.

but

guinea-fowl
at

of the

and

away

the

easy

the edge, began to

over

the

was

was

in the

and

slid down

he

there

his head

in turn

Stas

as

of

not

order
of

edge

and

speaking

the

with

one,

by lightning.
them

great

perceive before, as he lay hidden

boy,

not

sporting vein, choosing the

from
moment

necessity,but
when

the

from

animal

214

Kali.

for

thorns

the

"

Did

"

and

after

ran

such

would

seeing

her

cutting
her

I wounded

which

with

that

shot,

animals

"Those

badly

fare

may

you."

after

ran

lion fears

even

are

if he

begins a fight

and

declared

adversary."

this

Nell

not

go

alarmed

became

himself

at

angry

Stas,
he

because

and

her

the danger from

that

returned.

Saba

until

sleep

to

grief, was

concealed

not

He

powerful

so

Saba

an

Hearing
she

for Saba?

and

them.

in

Nell, picking with

worried," Stas answered.

am

attack

with

already engaged

buffalo

terribly ferocious
to

was

in

guinea-fowl,asked:

last

whistle

you

He

doing this

zareba, while

little fingers the

"

Mea

ravine

the

In

vain, followed

was

seeing that he

waited, but

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

began

had

comfort

to

her:
would

"I

they

must

the

fall and

be

now

and

wounded,

will weaken

he

rush

during

return

Although

he

night, but
did

goes

lie in ambush

and

afterwards

its horns, and

him

to

Saba;

happen

which

threatened

the

attack

toss

might

near

him

into

on

not

greatly believe
he

of

the

will

the
to

the

had

buffalo,
in

about

to

of
the

cuit
cir-

him

on

similar

Something

speak

the hunter

which

over

his

of the

read

African

run

air.

return

he

Yes!

unexpectedly,pin

him

case

should

if he

away.

what

path

In any

surely will return."

not

nature

which, though heavily wounded,

and

run

he

remembered

extraordinarily revengeful

to

is badly

buffalo

and

blood,

of

able

be

this, he

said

words, for he

own

loss

will
the

The

he will fall.

that

hope

through

Saba, Saba

at

may

night will

the

soon

invisible.

will be

I have

and

far away,

very

tracks

the rifle,"he said, "but

with

after them

go

other

dangers

camp

during

night.

In fact

built

night

fire,and

soon

fell. Kali

prepared

supper.

and

Mea

put up

Saba

did not

zareba,

return.

IN

Nell
to

became

and

more

215

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

and

worried

more

finallybegan

cry.

difficultypersuaded her

with

Stas

she

intervals

her

overcame

the

the

does

"Why
young

"She

for

is sorry

does

under

Mea

its

Sleep
out

came

lay down

the

on

that."

want

Saba, whom

the

weep?"

moon

both

not

dog

tent, but

the

from

when

the

Stas, when

"Kali

saddle-cloths.

the

for

returned.

not

the

as

fire.

of

daughter

asked

negro

had

the

soon

as

entered

midnight,

watched

down, promising

search

little head

dog

after

only

Kali, who

relieve

to

her

out

folds, asking whether

would

indeed

Nell

put

Saba, and

for

himself

back.

him

bring

at

wait

break, he

day should
and

would

he

that

her

lie

to

the

buffalo

has

surely

killed."
"

perhaps

But

this

After

It

sleep.

began

Mea,

who

had

ceased

The

still

For

coming

which

Kali

brushwood

and

fire was

the

deep

awoke, for the

he

fire,dozed

fuel upon

she stared

time
to

Kali

her senses,

took

return

"Did

threw

the

The

partly extinct.

and

after

time

flames.

unoccupied.

slept was
onto

the

fire,after which

asked:

is Kali?"

thought

not

on

the negress

"Where

watch

saddle-cloth

he shook

him.

fell into

Stas

dark, however, when

throwing

Stas himself

"

to

him," repliedthe black boy.

silent and

to incommode
was

kill

became

they

was

chill

he did not

he
at

he go

Gebhr's
wanted

him

at

she

said:

sword
to

unconsciously; afterwards

cut

and
more

went

beyond

the

zareba.

brushwood, but he did

all."

long ago?"

"Long."
Stas waited
he

for

some

time, but

involuntarily
propounded

as

the negro

to himself

did not
the

turn,
re-

question:

216

"Did

he

DESERT

run

away

his heart

And

kind

had

and

him

to

this

had

He

had

the

Wahima

would

he

said

be

in Port

Said, and

stupidity of
inevitable
weapon
or

and

the horses

and

dress

the

negro

was

of

meditate

to

how

as

the

to

fetter them

die of

this;

over

"

by
only

starvation,

how

heavier
for the

with

fall upon

the work.

and

of these

he

would
water

he

did

want

admitted

not

of the

none

lost, to flay

were

employments,

animals, for instance,

To

more

night, to pitch the tent,

things

him

far

Kali

during the journey that

packets

some

run

animals.

slain animals, all this for

to

the

his

as

journey without

much

zarebas, watch

supplies and

about

vishes
captivity of the der-

of wild

prey

ran

fool!

vexatious

be for them, and

the

though

threatened

are

must

tion
direc-

packages,

away

away

Travels"

travelers

they

into

ran

"African

of

sword,

the

and

began

those

both

nevertheless

fact, Kali, having

again

become

lot, and
he

and

always

was

in which

he

them,

escape

In

fall

difficult

that

their

did

then

find

when

days,

situated, and

were

narratives

Sudanese

not

know

not

who, throwing

in

Ingrate

build

Now

Gebhr's

would

Stas

the

death.

if he

Ah!

possiblemanner.

to

negroes,

although

away

unhappy

again recollected

Stas

whole

his

over

settlements

away.

for

him

slave's life. Nell

that he did

unable

defended

him

the

wept

in the best

and

upon

saved

treated him
himself

Kali

his rage

he

afterwards

?"

for

vented

WILDERNESS

ing
oppressed by the disagreeablefeelingratitude always arouses.
Why! he

interceded

Gebhr

AND

was

human

which

had

IN

of the

and

young

in his soul

flaying the hides

have

the

slightest

knowledge.
"Ha!
In

it will be

the

horizon

meantime

and,

as

hard," he said, "but

the

sun

emerged

usually happens

necessary."
from

in the

beyond

the

tropics, in

it

moment

IN

DESERT

was

day.

little lady, began

and

risen

Somewhat

had

Mea

which

later the water

ing,
for bath-

prepared during the night

splash, which

to

dressing herself.

was

217

WILDERNESS

AND

already dressed, with

fact, she

In

in her

comb

that

meant

Nell

the
had

appeared,

soon

hand

for

and

hair

her

still unkempt.
she asked.

"AndSaba?"
"

has

He

"He

"

go

days,

us."

and

search

in the ravine

for him."

alone

with

but

truth;

he thought it best

I do

away;

he

has

to

their

not

to

divulge

Mea."

words

were

filled the

which

and

the ground

The

before

he

after him

had

Kali,

as

the greatest rain.

am

Who

knows
do

often

sorry

acted

has

whole
wanted

for him

like

ravine.
to

rush

out

the thorns

shiny and

passage
wet

from

that, even
'
"

ing
joyful barkthe

meet

him.

of the

comb

She

zareba.
them

to scatter

Saba

he

But

"

threw

to

the

night

whether

fool and

Nell

haste, began

opened

concealed

in the

interrupted by Saba's

the greatest
he

be

not

the

once.

negroes

prevented, however, by
Stas,with

it at

where.

know

destruction.
that

could

matter

tell her

to

sword," he said, "and

not

understand

Further

the

away?

run

own

as

Gebhr's

took

"Kali

whether

knowing

silent, not

was

whole

but

for two

seen

here."

is not

Stas

was

that

remember

Kali?"

"Kali

on

not

was

would

you

"You

overtook

always

leave you

I cannot

"And

may

he

quiver.

to

Stas?"

"Why,

went

began

once

cannot."

"I

"

he

said that

You

girlat

sometimes

desert

afterwards

and

little

"

yet return/' said Stas.

may

the

yet.

come

lipsof the

The

on

not

about,

appeared
dew

as

and

if after

*N

218
Immense

Nell

"

he

children,and

hands

all her

inside

around

when

the

Kali,

enclosure,

his black

neck

and

strength.

said:

did

Kali

the

WILDERNESS

fatigue, came

white

with

him

And

from

her

flung

hugged

AND

joy possessed both

breath

of

out

DESERT

not

want

to

'

the

see

bibi

'

cry,

Kali

so

found

dog."

"

Good

boy, Kali

!"

"Did

you

shoulders.
would

meet

lion

or

answered

These

words
at

been

Nell's request,

Omdurman;

glanced

pride

"

Mea

with

no

beads

has

took

the

you

boy.

hearts
from

out

the

of

it he

with

which

decorated

latter,overjoyed
Mea

at

and

Kali

the

devotion

and

has,

dren.
chil-

of the

one

Greek, Kaliopuli,on

with

the

once

the

the

splendid throat; while

at

night that

string of glass beads

provided by

departure from

the

went," answered

gained still more

pieces of luggage

they had

in

the

on

panther?"

feared, but Kali

small

fear

not

"Kali

Stas,

Stas, slapping him

their
Kali's

the gift,

with

said:

for Kali

'

is

the great

world/"
In

this

manner

On
from

that

did

more

like

for

he

his mouth

his eyes

wild

figs and

Kali

related

in

English

time

that

rump

that

he

was

with

Nell

and

service, he

led

if he

by

claimed

that

ashamed

and

not

be

seen

breakfast, consisting
of

who

venison.

did

warded.
re-

sharp rebuke,

that

be

boy

once

string
an

it could

that

he

because

hair.

his adventures, while

for

Nell's

he would

only this could

followed
a

in

black

this, wagging his tail in quite

covered

was

this

received

Nell, however,

certainly blushed;
After

second

heard

manner.

from

Saba

of the

perfectly horrid,

was

He

puppy.

seen

the

anything like

equivocal
be

the other hand

which,

learned

was

not

During
Stas

of

the

excellent
breakfast

interpreted them

understand

the

Kis-

IN

DESERT

wahili

language.

It

difficult

was

The
Kali

for

and

the

the

heavy

animal's

Kali

sought

them

ground

with

found
the

fore

he

fully sated

he

and

hyenas

two

finished

his

also

the

anger

from
reached
With

the

ravine.

this

ended

horses
One

gazed
collar,
"Both
a

brass

and

with
of

ring

narrative
all

in

on

their

are

one

good

in

'the

leg."

and

the

which

of

stood
creature

that
him

dragged
him

Kali's

the

approach

and
of

Saba.

although

"bibi,"

humor

until

nocturnal

mounted

the
with
after
him

they

ventures,
adtheir

journey.
though
negro's

young

and

devoured

the

go

of

Mea,

sorrow

them
on

the

at

envy

let

long

dropped

threatened

collar

it.
a

complained

and

not

long-limbed

alone,
with

did

the

proceeded

and

had

this

upon

rapacious

then

the

by

and

which

after

he

him

jackals,

boy

master"

him

buffalo,

the

The

of

have

buffalo,

of

before

walked

must

permit

dozen

but

"great

grabbed

he

and

powerful

him,

and

toes

far.

less
moon-

days

imprints

the

not

left.

at

the

of

would

consequence

already
of

fled

was

two

fight between

more

and

feast

growled

dog

which

the

his

fell

quarter

fallen
in

it

as

deep

of

Saba

about

until

waiting

of

appeared,

tracks

hard;

aid

them

part

was

had

finally

greater

of

rain

left

sign

no

was

the

too

the

it

as

find

hoofs

buffalo

there
Kali

When

not

was

The

distance.
as

to

219

WILDERNESS

buffalo,

Fortunately,

night.

dead

AND

her

great

heart

and

quiet

and

necklace

meek,
Saba's

thought:

world,'

and

have

only

Ill

DURING
in

the

the

rule

ravine

and

rainy

horizon

the

season

here

of
heads

like

and

from

them

with

sprinkled

fortunately

again

appeared

such

dismounting

without

which

five,

of

passed

abundance

the

and

hunger

than

did

good

humor

little

girl, he

of

chattered

had

they

this

manner

even

densome,
bur-

not

was

removed

water

whole

everything
So

then

beside

riding
and

her

with

them

meal,

one

and

and,

weather

at

anticipated.

Stas,

merrily

shot

air

the

off

which

rain

in

for

game

On

desert

not

and

refreshed

thirst.

easily

more

the

their

Guinea-fowls

Stas

sufficed

in

Travel

and
fears

than

ing
morn-

flown

the

farther.

horse,

seen

above

copious

that

his

from

the

Afterwards
ride

be

had

hoops

milk

as

already

burst

and

warm

numbers

more

Saba.

counting

the

the

beyond
white

could

clouds

which

sultry;

or

Towards

these

could

they
in

sides

duration.

brief

and

fine

got

of

was

became

of

barrel

clouds,

as

were

cool
From

rainbows.

one

days

alternately

the

distant

day

The

emerged
At

continuously

rode

approaching.

there

and

third

the

nights

heavy.

rain

of

stripes

they

days
upwards.

was

and

and

deep

but

the
times

at

joked.

even

"Do

which
at

know,

you

the

stopped

"

always

scorching,

the

three

following

Kali
times

he

under

horses
and

it

Nell,"

seems

Mea

cut
to

me

off
that

when

said,

bread-fruit

great

resembling

fruit
I

am

for

while

tree

huge

he
from

melons,

knight-errant."

222

IN

lining under

rosy

follow

the

and

amidst

the

upon

talk," Stas

said.

or

got
for-

once

began

to

at

euphorbias
distance,

some

resounded

which

are

voices

similar

at

stop

catch

to

place for

for you."

one

answered

you!"

easily taught

very

we

to

of

group

quarrel.

"When

Stas, thank

"Oh,

at

and

growing

time, I will try

of

which

of

parrots

are

about

sycamores,

conference

"Those

length

circled

branches

wordy

children

then* eyes.

flightwith

lighted

The

previous conversation

little flock

The

WILDERNESS

AND

their wings.

their

about

to

DESERT

Nell

gleefully."I

will call it Daisy."

meantime

the

In

from

the
the

and

began

bread-fruit
little

times

at

and

ravine, which

would
into

be

not
a

For

this

sent

was

that not

of various

trees, and
which

Chancing
walls
out,

and

one

and

before

the night.
to

thereafter
low

were

was

and

small

narrower,

time

they

place

at

sloped gradually,

Nell's tent

on

hillock, which

for that

reason

not

had

change
pass

the

led

he

barred

lessened

composed
as

ugly

as

the
the

rocky
horses

barricade

for

dry spot

close

high and

and

met.

which

they built

dark

stood

to

grove

monkeys,

that

upon

it grew

big white-ant
side and

to

that

Stas

reconnoitre, returned

in it many

up

Kali

delighted Nell, particularly

to

far away

it

occurred,

to

he determined

reason

this decision

and

announced

the baboons

showers

narrower

it,

afternoon

it occurred

so

becoming

was

Kali, who

when

the

with

safe shelter for the night, for it could

torrent.

night above,

horses

In

brief

off fruit

cut

the depressions in the earth.

predicted a great downpour,

the

the

proceeded.

and

the crevices
filling

Kali, having
loaded

tree,

caravan

cloud

to

and

Mea

the

access

from

the labor of building

the zareba.

Near-by

stood

large tree

with

widely spread boughs

which, covered

front of the zareba

In

rain.

further

and

thick

learned

Stas

that

season,

these

off

even

horse.

be

hot

the

each

stuck

in

the

thorny boughs

with

facilitate

and

However,

which

attack

an

afterwards

could

not

about

see

the

which

could

every

the

Gebhr's

with

precaution

stars

their

ears

not

was

bedlam.

This

recognized
the

wind

heavy.

all

the

assailed
in the
was

various

and

there,

that

one

grouped

by the loud

adjacent forest
accompanied
other

and

of darkness

in the wilderness.

ceased,

Through

utterly dark

uneasiness
cover

at

constructed

glitteredhere

who

be

and

scatter

was

the

sunset

were

by

pickets

of prey.

monkeys
and

cient
suffi-

sword

could

zareba

The

jackals

livingbeing

could

which,

with

zareba

sultry and

the

under

in

was

strong blasts of

times

at

as

after

of

something which

siderable
con-

person

there

set

little wanderers

of

fruit

step ahead.

veritable

whining

the

sun

kill

can

so

shrieks
a

it

the night became

the fire,while

cries and
created

falls from

great supply of wood,

by beasts

immediately

the rifts in the clouds

but

the

the

instead, the air became

and

and

powerful whirlwind

superfluous, as

that

other.

This

ground.

the

pass

huge- fruit,at

that

whittled

negro

to

rainy

agile little monkeys,

night, and,

young

second

the

dangerous

was

out, they reinforced

air broke

which

before

before

Kali, prepared

for the whole

tails.

force

crowns,

leaping gaily,chased
Stas, with

outspread peacock

present, however,

distance
the

under

seen,

or

it

such

At

in the

bud, and

palm

unexpectedly

with

distance

strange

trees, for the

palm

ripe, breaks

of

crowns

that

is, in autumn,

night under
time

Kali

from

climbing plants,

with

entangled
out

of trees

single clumps

grew

resembling giganticfans

trees

or

forest

loftilyshot

which

beyond

shelter against

foliage,furnished

dense

by

223

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

voices

by
in

fright before
threatened

224

IN

DESERT

WILDERNESS

AND

Suddenly the voices subsided

resounded

the

pastured

at

bristled,and
to the

the hair
with

groaning again resounded,

under

the

difficultydrew

subsided,

its

it

as

came

from

if the

beast

It proceeded

powerful lungs.

ground, alternately increased and

into
times
a
hollow, prodigiously

at

fuel into

threw

negro

hastily that
"

close

moan.

"Kali, throw
The

it from
the

over

passing

mournful

which

after

nestled

though

as

ground; deep, heavy, strained,

lowly

so

him, he

brave,

so

people,evidently seeking their protection.

The

with

to

their fettered

on

usually was

under

were

jungle,began

young

suddenly

tail curled

dusky depths

horses, which

Saba, who

on

the

The

the

on

fire,starting up

legs,while

fore

lion.

distance

some

the

approach

of

groans

for in

at

high

the
the

upon

fire,"commanded

camp-fire an

first whole
flame

Stas, the lion will

sheaves

shot

armful

of

sparks

burst

boughs
out,

up.

attack

not

of

Stas.

will he?

us,

"

whispered

Nell, pulling the boy by the sleeve.

"No,

will not

he

attack

See

us.

how

high

the

zareba

is."

speaking thus, he

And
did

them,

threaten

not

horses, which

pressed

might trample

and
In

meantime

the

thunderous

struck

what

know

fear

Stas cast
chin and

he
and

that

alarmed

was

danger

about

closely to the

more

the
fence

it down.

the
roar

changed

groans

by which
the

nerves

is,shake, just

as

into

the

all

living creatures

of

people, who

the

window-panes

tracted,
proare

do

not

rattle

cannonading.

distant

from

but

more

terror, and

with

actually believed

fleetingglance at Nell, and seeingher quivering

moist

eyes,

said:

fear; don't cry."

"Do

not

And

she answered

as

if with

difficulty:

DESERT

IN
"

I do

not

want

that moment
second
The

roar

for

began

push

to

long and

the

the

at

began

to

"Master,
And

darkness
the
from

in the

and

To

the

the sounds

boy

likewise that
smaller

making

the

Stas

an

acacia

growled
Kali

lions

and

the
and

moment,
the

only by

repeated
the

them

jungle,

and

fear.

certain, and

about

distinguish

not

and

nearer.

silent

rock, they ascended

to

and

not

in the

became

echoes

forest

thunder

ran

beast
could

back

did

continued

that

Kali

was

that

perceived
making

encampment

that, prevented from

glare

expressing their dissatisfaction

were

Saba

presence,

concert

the

as

nearer

attack

it

were

leaf, while

nearer.

the

of

it.

other's

soon

them

with

circle each

was

and

thorns

one

thing seemed

one

thundered

zareba

like

when

came,

sent

approached

they

horrible

the

darkness

the

at

voice:

each

descended, fillingthe

the entire

because

lips

forest

demolished

of

lions, aware

ravine; rock

"

first for it

the

oh !"

perspire

two!"

began again.

where

of the

broken

incessantly, for

other

her

trembled

two!

roaring, and

cease

from

upon

have

with

two!

the

eyes

hard-as-steel

time

same

repeat

my

stronger than

even

branches, they would

and

only

"

the direction

from

horses

not

cry

ejaculationburst

last

The

to

225

WILDERNESS

AND

of the
and

flames, they

fear

by

their

roar.

Evidently, however, he thought that danger threatened

only the horses,
"The
"Throw
A

But

as,

spreading

lions will kill one,

wood

livelier flame

two,

not

all!

said:

not

all!"

into the fire,"repeated Stas.

burst

forth; the

Kali, raisinghis head

and

listen.
"What

fingers,he

his

is it? "Stas

asked.

"Rain," repliedthe negro,

roars

suddenly ceased.

gazing upwards, began

to

226

listened.

Stas in turn
the

fell upon

the

of leaves.

began

to

from

The

began.

foliagewhole

darkened.

camp-fire

The

vain

In

the

surface

the

On

it.

into

armfuls

below, the burning wood

only, and

much

flame, however

it

the

leaves,

finallythrough

began

Kali

to

threw

trate.
pene-

whole

boughs smoked

wet

began

to

hiss and

replenished,began

was

rustle changed into

of water

streams

after

ruddy pearls. As Kali

fire to

of the

and

moment

Ever-increasing drops fell,and

dense

slightest

the rain which

was

drops flowing

forecast, a downpour

roar.

the

each

with

saw

luster

in the

the rustle

be heard

it

that

of rain

drop

jungle.

increased

children

the

similar
had

in the

murmur

stirred by the

not

surmise

to

easy

rustle

The
time

was

not

could

was

mantled

of the tree

that

so

above

the sultryair

As

breeze, it

zareba

but

ground,

branches

The

the whole

and

tent

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

the

to

be

extinguished.
"

defend

quenches

the downpour

When

us," Stas said

which

After

will

pacify Nell.

to

little

the

conducted

he

the fire,the zareba

girlinto the

tent

out
as
wrapped her in plaids, but he himself went
had
quickly as possible as the brieflyinterrupted roars
broken
out
again. This time they sounded
considerably

and

and

nearer

The
rain

if

as

they
the

on

not

it would

have

been

hovered

over

not

add

around

higheron

any

the

hard

leaves

quenched

glittered.

Kali

deadwood.

more

and

the trunk.

the
at

smoke,

it mainly

tree

with

under

been

camp-fire had

little flames

gleeful.

intensified

downpour

pattered

were

with

each

The

moment.

and

splashed. If the
shelter of the boughs,
but

once,

which

amid

gave

up

Instead

its aid

as

the
he

climbed

it

was

there

narrow,

blue

task

and

flung

higher

did
rope

and

"What

are

"

What

doing?" Stas asked.

you

for?

tree."

the

climbs

"Kali

"

227

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

shouted

the boy,

the

indignant at

negro's

selfishness.

and

Kali's

which
a

reply
broke

whirlwind

swept

seized the

The

gory

sheaves

On

Afterwards

the

alarmed

became

Stas

darkness

the

to

and

carry

the

subsided, then
of

waves

rain, and

off in the
He

did

not

lead her out

of it.

in the ropes

and

other
be

she would

carried

Lord

clouds
forest.

whether

know

and

Nell

The

away,

as

with

rocks

would

be

went

groping

in

tent, protected by

knows

of

And

where.

leaves, and
Stas
to

leave
she

the

with
in

the

broken

despair.
tent

or

might get entangled

linen

folds,and

thorough drenching and

Stas, though

the whirlwind

branches

Nell

the

fury, carrying

beset

was

case

the

yet, but

might pull out

again with

out

be seized with
a

out

giant tree-trunk, stood

In the first

get

and

shock.

about

broke

adjacent

blue

ravine

broke

if the

as

as

again followed.

the

it the

in

sky, black

the

and

the first strong buffet of the whirlwind

ropes

the

appeared strange
along

it seemed

tent.

hillock and

white-ant

ried
car-

and

earth

on

the

rent

rolled

from

darkness

ashes, and

thunder, lightning,lightning.

blinding light

powder

to

raged

of thunderbolts

sometimes
with

camp-fire,

the

the jungle.

into

neighboring rocks

the

tree,

temporarily encompassed

followed

terrible that

so

reduced

sparks

darkness

zigzags

burst

peal

of

terrible tropical storm

balls, which
then

of

twinkling

the

of

boughs
the

Thunder

pall.

the

tugged

embers, still burning under

sky.

Simultaneously

eye

with

the

peal of thunder

an

Impenetrable
camp.

by

the wilderness.

out,

the

in

away

them

and

heaven

shook

drowned

was

darkness

the

flashes of lightning rent

Bright, dreadful

beyond

in the

also would
comparison

228

DESERT

IN

the

stronger, with

AND

WILDERNESS

greatest

could
difficulty

keep

on

the whirlwind

which

his

feet.
The

problem

solved

was

later carried
walls

did

now

afford

but

from

of

danger

had

rifle could
In

the

few

The

paces

linen

her

all
the

from

trunk

of the

And
from

body, he
her

and

"Pull!"

felt

be

might

disarmed

concealed

and

helpless.

both

between

of

one

reached

the

nestled
divine

or

blow

with
he led

close to

the

mercy.

of the

wind

them, barely audible

and

amidst

rain.

Up the

tree!

up

end

of

the tree!"
wet

rope,

lowered

the boy's shoulder.

Kali

will pull her

up!"

the negro

shout.

to

saddle-cloth

The

his energy.

could

nor

lions,which
he

the 'bibi,'and

did

destruction.

thunderbolts, hurricane,

tree, awaiting death

voice

wind

the

in his arms,

above, touched

Stas

with

storm,

simultaneously the

continued

because

return.

sides, so, enclosing Nell

master!

"Tie

they would

splashed them

another, Kali's
"Great

sought

zareba.

tent; after which

splashing

lions had

tugged by the wind

this moment,

At

the

the

the

neighboring forest, but

anything,

away,

walls

from

water

for

the

of

rain, darkness, and

but

the

storm

threatened

avail

presence

the

away

was

not

the

in which

mained
re-

away.

situationincreased

totally swept

Everything

the

linen

else

Nothing

darkness

passed

in

after

the

the

probably

tempest

that

certain

was

The

the

in

ment
mo-

The

tent.

shelter.

storm

conjectured that

shelter
he

the

top of the

any

wait

to

lions lurked, until

Stas

the

away

not

do

to

by

hesitate

not

in

tied

order
a

shouted:

that

Wrapping

moment.

the

girdle around

rope

should

not

her; after which

Nell
cut

he

in

her
lifted

230

IN

DESERT

doubtedly

on

the

attack

feared

it would
far

be

cool

as

heated.

Stas

that

more

the

suffer

following day
towards

that

wind

the

WILDERNESS

from

the

first

fever.

of

He

AND

it

as

the

was

rather

was

surprised at

strongly

and

warm

its

the

rain

though

as

he

persistence as

raged the shorter

storm

storm,

the previous night. Thus

on

was

after the

morning,

knew
its

was

duration.
After
the

of

less

wind

below

jungle

rain

Immense

might

have

of him

to

into

death

become

rocks

possibilityof going
boughs, drenched

the

lapse

the

rain

slope
a

to

of

few

lower

how

to

whether

would

he
in

which
The

him

which

froze

the

not

in

him

the

veins
was

amid

began

the

day.

hear

panding
ex-

After

cool and

to

down

flowed

the

splash

or

previous days that

to

this time.

to

the

ever,
not, how-

for the

not

that

aid.

fire with

order the negro

deep silence of the night

squeaking

other

the

on

stir up

turned

blood

the

too

speak

among

was

any

water

succeed

haven

air

to

what

slighthope

with

they could

as

to

to

he

The

dare

There

the

them.
of

thought

safe

whole

awaited

waiting

observed

Stas had

it occurred

him

hours

more

place

understood

to

and

finallyceased.

murmur.

Kali

the

ravine.

beside

sat, therefore, one

They

thick

thought that

he did not

find

the

projecting above
a

Stas

He, nevertheless,had

Nell.

if the

as

have

at

Saba, and

of

intelligentdog would

the

would
him

fall,

to

heavy and

so

lake.

the buffets

continued

of water

possessed

sorrow

and

protection against it.

any

murmur

certain

ravine

the

but
Ijefore,

transformed

were

the

but

afford

not

the

came

abated

than

did

leaves

the

From

in

weakened,

copious, indeed,

that

thunder

the

time

long

twigs, so

wet

descend
But

at

something
of
rent

and
the

try
ment
mo-

happened

all four.

suddenly by the

of horses,horrible, shrill,full of pain, fears,and

IN

mortal

DESERT

dismay.
resounded

there
hollow

Some

mischief

short

rattlingsin

"Lions,

all

which

penetrating,after

Master!

great

afoot

was

the

in the

darkness;

throat, afterwards

second

snorting, a

groans,

231

WILDERNESS

AND

squeak

yet

more

quiet.

was

Lions

killinghorses!"

pered
whis-

Kali.
There

something

was

with

struck

all,would
Unless

assassins, if the

flash and

abandon

would

which

those
far

as

the

scared

were

began to creep
happened if they had
him, shook

close to

first attack

the

from

them

an

attack

had

those

to

the

shoot

midnight

frighten them,
after

start

from

run

the camp

of what

thought

remained
if she

as

time

permit them.

the

at

fever, but

of

for

him

availed

should

legs would

sudden

forgot about

this, that

and

away

Stas' flesh
have

Stas

already killed, and

horses

their fettered

as

and

report

night attack,
in the

that

it have
for

darkness?

such

in

this
and

animals

consternation,

after

rifle. What,

in

monsters,

defenseless

the

slaughter of
was

of the

superior force

in the

horrible

so

the

below.

already
tree

of lions.

Kali

Nell,

tling
nes-

suffering

were

least

at

would

protected

plainly had

saved

their lives.
It

however,

was,

in the entire

They
what
a
as

like drenched

sat

night

birds

deep silence continued, but

soon

the

from
And

horrible

most

horses'

twig, listening to

there
came

for
a

time

some

peculiarsound
pieces of flesh,
the groans

heavy breathing and

monsters.

odor

The
tree,

the

"

of torn-off

though of lapping, smacking

the

on

And

below.

happening

was

horrible

journey.

together with
of

the

as

the

of the

and

meat

raw

lions feasted

not

blood

farther

reached
than

up

twenty

to

the

paces

zareba.

they

feasted

so

long

that

in the

end

anger

seized

232

DESERT

IN

He

Stas.

AND

the

seized

rifle

WILDERNESS

and

fired

the

in

direction

of

the

sounds.
he

But
after

of

And

In

jaws.
and

hyenas
thus

only

resounded

which

powerful
eyes

answered

was

the

long

the
the

jackals
hours

by

broken,

cracking

depths
waiting
of

the

of

irritated

bones,

rattling

glared

the

blue

for

their

turn.

night

passed

roar,

and

away.

in

red

IV

THE
of

the

girl as

possible; while

rifle,proceeded

devastation

the

view

to

Immediately

beyond

pickets remained,

lay

about

hundred

immediately

and

with

were

crushed
were

bared.

The

the

such

shaggy
he

All

the
must

have

the

little

time

same

and

the

only

the

storm

else to

remaining

to

bullet

in him.

do.

later

It

horses.

sought shelter

time

some

necessary

was

The
in the

teeth

the

pression
de-

seized

was

wished

that

after

the

cluster

of

trees

he

to

pone
post-

But
for

in

Stas

sluggish

from

sight;

their

upon;

he almost

emerge

devoured;

horrible

blood.

marauder,

half

terror, and

trampled
of

which

third, disemboweled,

presented

the moment

at

of

second, barely touched,

the

was

puddles

of

his revenge

something

they

the

at

almost

full of settled

ground

might put

the

head.

that

head

first horse

him

feast, would
that

which

anew

by the

zareba,

behind

whole

rage

the

farther

open,

were

with

in

to

himself, taking his

and

camp

wrought

the

paces

and

their eyes

dress

Stas

ordered

was

bag

Stas

assassins.

midnight

two

the

visit

to

horizon.

Mea

to

disappeared

the

leather

and

jungle, groups

had

on

fire.

of the

out

the

lions

gleam

to

dry them,

to
as

soon

The

build

to

clothes

packed,

were

began

Kali

Nell's

illuminated

forest.

first ray

commanded
take

the

and

trees,

before

and

finallyrose

sun

at

had

present
to

find

boy assumed
forest, and

that

he

and
that
the

turnal
noc-

had
ture
cap-

they
same

234
true

The

hope

not

fallen

that

the

that

much

he

wish

white-ant

the

by

in

prepared

heroically with

in

hillock

and

and

led

for the

present

not

twenty
which

he

have

run

espied by Stas

two

hollow

itself,but

about,

while

looked
But

long journey.
their hearts,

neigh.
feet.

The

The
from

so

had
so

was

the

On
a

One

daylight

had

which

boy observed
fetters, but

was

that

for

one

cumstanc
cirdid

ravine

and

ten

the

the

the

other

low

rock,

of them

fetters

as

banished
a

This

time

being

hand, the
not

in the

was

rolling

light-green

new

rollingabout
this

afterwards

grass

unusually exhausted,
the

The

in his escape.

that

far

upon

hoofs.

in the

cropping the

was

after

rest

Between

broken

brink.

the

danger

favorable

they greeted Stas with

horse

his

in

behind

were

and

and

forest

This

lost.

as

other

the

Both

grass.

on

the

found

away

regarded

be

must

of

and

rose

of the horses

he

by kicking

horses'

difficulties.

horses

of the

one

must

one

farther

paces

formed

there, having

lie down

of

imprint

great

any

had

He

finallydiscovered

camp,

capture

not

developments,

sun

night.

ravine.

the

towards

turned

the

of the

direction

the

in

It

the lions, apparently, did

to

the

Stas

did

corner

attack

an

it proper

the

awaited

when

all,so

ground

softened

tracks

tree

But

Stas, strollingabout
the

the

his heels.

sensations

dramatic

the

had

donkey.

flight.

of the zareba

at

seen.

happiness

creature

outside

he deemed

passed away

of the

distant

too

^p repel

him

perceive

not

by

emergency

an

His

courage.

sides protected, had

and

his head

more

sagacious, long-eared

himself

ensconced

be

to

in misfortune

by the discovery

fatigue himself

to

nowhere

was

predaceous beasts pleased

gained

the

that

appeared

body

the

to

yet augmented

was

WILDERNESS

faithful companion

victim

AND

whose

of Saba,

was

so

DESERT

IN

if after
fear

from

short, friendly
started

also had

to

his

self
freed him-

fortunately he apparently

pre-

DESERT

IN

ferred

of the

brink

by

horses

left both

Stas

ravine

of it

way

almost
After

in

the

the

which

tent

into the

to

to

far

as

the

top
and

that
not

Nell of

carry

better

of

from

boughs;

in the

and

tail

recess

feet

of

an

eye,

striped hyena

foot.

from

hung

twinkling

Stas'

gnawed

lower

out, holding in his

head

which

After

if he

joyfullyas

bark

of

recess

Stas.

whose

his tail and

wag

was

constructed

sprang

laid at

it

white

the

could

water

when

Saba

and

back

as

rate, assured

powerful dog,

top, and

broken

began

the

to

in

that

carried

stillmore

of animal

The

the

had

hurriedly

lianas

by

kind

his jaws.

with

bottom

the

attracted

appeared

that

so

joy increased

some

reached

and

away

was

greatly delighted

partly hidden
teeth

wind

hut

its recovery
his

It

tent, at any

protection than
But

that owing to the

climbing plants

thicket

The

it away.

so

farther journey

saw

flowed

his attention

while

the opposite rocky wall.

driven

he

the

to

went

dry.

object entangled
of the

and

rock

whether

And

had

great declivitythe water

was

the

near

feasible.

was

of running

lead him.

ascertain

to

instead

companion

should

his eyes

wherever

away

his

with

remain

to

235

WILDERNESS

AND

he

wanted

say:
"

but

I admit
to

that

tell the

I behaved

truth,

like

guinea-fowls. Look, however!

coward

before the lions,

perched

sat

you

I did

the

on

not

waste

that

Stas

like

tree

the

night

altogether."
And
able

he

was

induce

to

the spot and

When
the

boiled

durra

of venison.

him
not

they

camp;

proud

so

to

to

carry

it

was

the
as
a

bubbling

was

grain,
Nell

leave

returned

both

water

of himself

two

was

animal

bad-smelling

in

fire

the

was

burning

utensils

guinea-fowls,and

already attired

on

Nell.

gift to

good

barely

in

in

smoked
a

dry

in

which

strips

dress

but

236

IN

looked

ails

"I

believe

hands

head

cold

"Eat

and

alarmed

whether

she

To-day,

Nell

But

we

ravine

the

so

wonder

feel sick?

you

Her

little head

boy sighed and

and

warm

and

glanced

"

was

will

you

weather

sleep

the

until

is fine and

said:

afterwards

immediately

and

not

him

at

with

evening.

it will not

be

night here."

the

pass

fear.

here, for there lie the

gnawed

will select

tree,

not

horses;

don't

her head.

weakness,

will not

we

No,

But

No

your

yesterday."

was

And

God,

this, however, only proved great

least, the

at

also.

Thank

it was!

night

on

hands;

sleep

to

night!

much."

sleep so

to

little."

something

lie down

has

aches

her

as

exhaustion

it

I do

placed his palm

Stas

"

became

ascertain

to

want

such

Ah, what

sleep.

to

"My

After

you!

cool.

are

want

"

Stas

you?"

Stas; only I do

"Nothing,

as

pale that

fever, asked:

"Nell, what

as

and

her, and, taking her hand

a

you

WILDERNESS

AND

wretched

so

about

had

DESERT

will

there

You

seen.

some

other

build

will

zareba

sleep

remains
will go

or

such

the

to

the

as

peacefully

as

of the

world

as

hi

Port

to

beg

him

Said."
she

But
with

folded
that

tears

place she would

would
this

she

Stas?

"

"for

feel weak
"

we

there

am

be

not

And

in

to

close

agreed

shall

ride

by

way

of

eyes

she

into

he

there.

her

this way

that

sick,you

to

and

surely

begged him,

his

eyes,

in

"What,

everything.

the

ravine," he

Only promise

me

that

said,
if you

will tell me."

strong enough.

sleepeasilyon

able

began

farther, as in that horrible

so

is shade
or

ride

and

repeated, gazing

Well?"

"Then

little hands

they should
ill.

become
way

her

the road."

Tie

me

to

the saddle

and

I will

238

IN

He

had

the

DESERT

there

hidden

for "the
should

almost

certain

that

would

this with

into

of

tears

this

over

last

She,

before
the

on

"But

if you

She

took
he

time

of what

he

the

rest

other

hand, asked:

catch

the

evinced

of

towards
after

in

order.

the

on

those

donkey

them

to

It

further

journey.

with Mea

on

two

Stas

night, the hot

them

at

the

time

put

ravine

the
the

put the packages

of

roots

take with
the

fell asleep

the

from

horses, and

not

short naps

perhaps

the

down

sat

slept for several

and

brought

the

the kindness

they

during that

Mea

they could

they should
take

was

very

withstandi
notlittle,

Nell

delicious.

under

terriblyassailed
that

Afterwards

buried

and

things which

fear

quinine."

and

the fatigue of the

They

top of the tent, saddled

him

comfort

refreshment

the

after

of the

feared

she

her.

Stas, Kali, and

caravan

burst

resistance, for from

further

guinea-fowl tasted

immediately
hours.

have

it,I tell you."

Take

Sudanese

the

breakfast, and

broth

and

man

fever?"

all his efforts for her

to

would

did

happen

emotion, he assumed

his

eat, take

you

it without

killed

he

He

would

become

not

weep,

first attack

it.

prevent

he

now

powder.

I will shiver.

"Then

to

gency
emer-

and, addressing the little girl,said:

mien

"Nell,

But

night the

it did

to

caravan

So, desiringto conceal

stern

fever-stricken.

after such

"eye

an

is,for the

hour," that

be

that

it like

guarded

determined

it not

were

leader

the

had

heavy heart, thinking

later, and

he

so

come,

glass bottle the last of

small

black

Nell

when
was

in

and

quinine powders

in the head"

WILDERNESS

AND

the

tree

siness
Drow-

them.

Stas, from

work, and

fall asleep,permitted himself

and

in turn.

o'clock when
held

the other horse.

Nell

they started
before

They did

him;
not

on

Kali

ride at

their
rode
once

DESERT

IN

ravine, but

the

down
the

The

forest.
the

during

bore

had

Smain

that

the

that

passed

soil

of fire.

traces

its brink

between

jungle had

young

239

WILDERNESS

proceeded

rainy night;

and

black

was

AND

It

grown

considerably

under

it, however,

was

with

way

his

the

dry jungle and, finallyencountering

had

passed
ravine.

the

Smain's

by

on

Stas

that

very

wanted

to

and

this track;

on

not

with

well

was

versed

have

been

that

least

time

at

"This

is

shall

case

he

with

and

ferns.

flowers

small
the

sides

head

of

In

shade

soft,

some

in

of

the

and

that

since

elapsed.
with

Smain,
where,

and

his

in

no

in

places the
in

with

The

most

beautiful
and

was

big

The

trunks,
orchids,

brightly
the

orchids,

petals protruding
resemblance

a
ears

lined

garlands with

odd

in

grass,

Wherever

crown.

soil here

lay decomposed

petal created
with

edge

dark-green

gilded by other
two

close to

very

like butterflies

of the

which

rose-colored.

so

along its

there

was

forest

ridden

not

carpet of

curiously at the

gaze

their heads.

and

center

third

to

overgrown

little animal

jasmine draped

blooming

Kali, who

positively that

have

now

over

Here

yellow,

found

convinced

seen.

wind

knows

began

brightly colored

cups

and

Lord

rode

reached, the ground

sun

the

by

be

not

claimed

they had

though with

as

colored

far

the

have

and

covered

be

of

traces

became

Stas, "that

Nell

They

moist

moss,

borne

the

and

thus

tropical forest.

was

could

it and

fall into his hands."

we

vegetation, as
to

he

fortnight must

already

Afterwards

order

could

over

forest,

between

whether

hoofs

matters,

observed

proves/'

Mahdists,

of

swept

damp

track

ascertain

them

in such

the fire must

wide

pleasure

nothing resembling

gale had

strong

imprints

or

camp

by

that

division, or

fire driven

far

surmise

to

easy

the

from

and

to

on

the

ending abruptly.

with

bushes

of wild

thin, climbing plants,

shallow

hollows

and

de-

240

IN

AND

DESERT

WILDERNESS

with
ferns, compressed into
pressions were
overgrown
one
impenetrable thicket, here low and expansive, there
with climbing plants, as though distaffs,
high, entwined

reaching

was

of the

boughs

delicate

in

them

under

first

the

to

up

the

In

lace.

green

acacia;
red

blood

as

foliage dark

with

trees

tree-tops could
from

them

to

and

and

tendrils

it formed

wall

the

in

Only

strength nothing
there

as

passageways,
The

of

song

forest

European

it

stork,

hands,
of

of

to

men.

saw,

which

birds
could

to

to

plumaged
background

neither

thicket

toucans

animal

nor

man

the

that

elephants,
their

and

deep

way,

winding

the

the

heard

at

all; instead,

strangest calls,similar

beating of

time

to

in

time

soared

white,

green,
a

to

even

or

or

quiet, wavy

of the rubber

the

pleasantly enlivens

so

be

not

caterwauling,

of parrots, gray,

buried

thick

so

drum,

to

to

on

the

the clatter of

the squeaking of old doors, to the

From

serpentine

were.

the tree-tops resounded

sound

lianas

the greater lianas the

resist, forced

can

toons,
fes-

of

pyramids,

places where

in the

down

beaten

form

of

became

medley
which

through

penetrate.

whose
were

and

entwined

smaller

to trunk

Caoutchouc

into

About

snow.

trunk

thousands

them

transformed

the

groups

in

hung

curtains.
with

trees

flowers like

white

could

the

whole

purple

climbing plants covered

and

and

some

leaping from

bottom, and

portieres,and

just strangled

the

as

seen

letters W

the

formed

be

light

by trunk, with

yellow

In

candlesticks.

not

top

shot

which

from

resembling

flowers

glittering and

and

side by side, trunk

grew

entangled branches

there

depths

varieties of senna,

bread-fruit, euphorbia, immense

with

spreading

great variety of trees; date, raffia,fan-palm, sycamore,

or

and

trees

clapping of

the loud, excited

above

the

small

bevy

flight. On

trees

talk
flocks

of gaudily
the snowy

climbing plants glimmered like

IN

DESERT

entirelyblack with

little monkey-mourners,
sylvan sprites,
the

exception

and

white

beheld.

Saba

which

from

and

Every
she

announced

he

and

and

pluck

siafu would

"What

is

and

"Worse

which

from

they

horse

and

once

they fall
also walk

It is easier to

would
Of

"You

always

of them

you

the

self

which

like

whine

rain

and

then

lion.

of fire.
the

from

like

against

bite

the branches

on

Dismount

able

With

and

at

monkey.
At

times

everything gives

with

cope

them?"

the help of fire or

how

know

to

to

take

boilingwater."

of

care

at
were

the

Stas

greatly;

time

same

yourself," she

head

only well, then

does not

even

ache

so

he

ceitedly
repliedcon-

merrily:
as

me."

My

from

little in the forest

and

ranks

flattered

words
and

"

Finally

deep conviction.

These

upon

one's

be

you

course.

said with

"If

trees

them."

"And
"I?

defend

could.

ants

are

ground.

jump

in immense

move

to

They

the

will begin to

sparkled.

was

lion?"

people's backs

on

eyes

dismount

than

worse

great many
on

face

once."

at

you

Is it

Her

said:

worse.

are

he

as

to

thicket

the

flowers.

try merely to walk

you

they

eat

not

terribly.There

of

and

siafu?

wanted

bunch

the boy smiled

"The

way

she

never

of various

names

well

as

virgin

fast,
quinine, break-

little Nell.

answered

that

into

The

the

this

perhaps had

man

plunged

Stas

sides,

of coal.

at

bright colors, her

she asked

birds

But

revived

assumed

and

hue

of the

barks.

his happy

came

and

white

the

girdle on

admiration

little while

every

moment

horse

of

eyes

sleep had

animated

with

gazed

the

forest which

tails,a white

enveloping faces

whiskers

children

The

But

white

of

241

WILDERNESS

AND

now."

to

the

rest

depend

242

IN

"Thank

God!

high

and

in the

sky

covered

were

not

heat.

For

cast

this

in the

remaining

with

the

so

purple heads,

plain
com-

there, and

breasts
what

the

downpour

little

he

western

and

also

was

travelers'
to

water

heads

the other

yellow wings;

knew

books

from

their habits.

"Do

during
the

there

the

visible,and

lays

with

"And

what

does

"

male

feeds

all kind

brings her

does

"And

her.

her

has

the

oppressed the

hold

to

time?"

and

she

asked

in

little

she had

follow

desire that you

have

at

he permits her."

her

girl,as

unconquerable drowsiness

an

from

rested but

example,

her, fearing that

immensely

free the mother."

sleep?"

to

same

fact, in the cold ravine

desire

the

continuallyflies about

He

permit

then

this moment,

the afternoon

does

of berries."

Toucan

If Mrs.

that

during

eat

and

trees;

only her head

hatched

are

young

in

them, while the

that

so

toucans

Stas smiled.

sleepy voice.

In

he

she

clay

long beak

his

hollows

sits upon

with

until the

not

certain

are

seek

season

and

eggs

opening

begin to peck
The

said, "there

breeding

female

pastes the

male

he

know,"

you

which

"

tell Nell

to

to

the

of the ravine

blue

The

seen.

began

in which

the

the

brink

one

the weather

Stas, having selected

cool

was

Ovef

from

boy began

about

male

It

still

was

be

Nell

reason

depressions after

continually flew
toucans

and

the ravine

to

cool.

comparatively

could

flank

one

sun

intensely,as

sweat

shadow.

deep

The

cloud

with

forest, but

way.

broiled

suitable place,turned

wall

to

hollow

and

of the

is

the

heaven

horses

God!"

in the

cleared

WILDERNESS

they passed the

reached

which

AND

Thank

thus

Speaking
of

DESERT

uncomfortable

she

morning

until

little. Stas had

but

could

not

as

sincere

he

might fall; besides,it

for him

to

in

early

sit man-fashion

had
was
on

DESERT

IN

wide

the

flat and

had

provided

dare

to

order

for the

and

move

She, in the

she

But

ceased

Seki

in Fashoda.

He

Hatim

one

the horse

not

and

slept soundly.

and

regularly

so

and

removed

was

supported

leaning backwards,

that

calmly

regret the last quinine powder.

danger of fever

did

slowly as possible in

as

his shoulder

upon

breathed

to

Tamala

her.

meantime,

little head

her

and

which

little

rode

awaken

to

not

saddle

243

WILDERNESS

AND

Stas

felt that

He

commenced

to

reason

thus:
"The

continually leads upwards and

ravine

is quitesteep.
drier.

We

higher and

are

It is necessary

well shaded,

near

and

quarters

only
the

give

find

to

swift

some

little

the

one

and

perhaps wait through the

rainy season). Not
every

girl could

tenth

it is necessary

of these

stricken

with

Thank

he

these

said

certain

To

she

rest, and

endure

one

even

that she should

have

girl would

how

"

thoughts brought

looking down

"It

and

fever

establish

(the spring

massica

night another

there

soundly

been

she sleeps!

"

God!"

And
so

hardships, but
such

After

rest!

whole

and

elevation,

weeks'

few

of

sort

stream,

now

is drier

country

some

even

at

Nell's little head

himself

to

him

and

merrily

at

into

good humor;

resting on

his bosom,

the

time

same

with

surprise:
is

odd, however, how

tell the

truth,

always

fond

of this little fly!

am

liked her, but

now

more

and

more."

And
he

not

to the

came

"It
much
In

with

knowing

how

to

explainsuch

strange symptom

followingconclusion:

is because
and

because

the

meantime

his right hand

we

have

passed together through

she is under
he

held

around

my

that
her

so

protection."
"fly"

waist

very

in order

carefully
that

she

244

should

They

advanced

under

his

"

in

song

Much

in

asked

Stas

Kali

silence; only
kills

lion and

Yah!"

the

"do

tone,

buffalo!

Yah!

meat!

low

hummed

Stas.

praise of
Much

meat!

bruise her little nose.

and

kills Gebhr,

master

"Kali,"
hunt

"

Yah!

Yah!

in

slowly

nose

"Great

saddle

the

slipfrom

not

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

Wahimas

lions?"

the

if in

fear lions but

Wahimas

The

night

the Wahimas

lion falls in, then

the

time

dig pits and

the Wahimas

laugh."
do you

"What
"

other

what

of
was

to

pit

and

eat

his

habit, he

so

he began

hunting;

until

Wahima

in the

country

antelopes, ostriches,

about

further

rhinoceroses

giraffes,and

the

of

roar

waterfall

them.

reached
"

the

of

out

according

there

game

they conversed

and

And

good."

like this method

did not

Stas
ask

him

lion is like

until

spears

his stomach.

stroked

to

is

Lion

him.

they pull

Then

hedgehog.

lot of

hurl

Wahimas

The

do?'*

then

is that?

What

ahead

waterfall

"

Stas exclaimed.

Are there

river and

of us?"

his head

nodded

Kali

"

in

sign that obviously

such

was

the fact.
for

And
to

the

time

some

which

roar

each

they rode
moment

quickly, listening

more

became

more

and

more

distinct.
"A

waterfall!"

repeated Stas,

whose

curiosity was

aroused.
But
their

they

was

way

Nell, whom
awoke
"Are

at
we

when
bends
two
or
barely passed one
barred
by an impassable obstruction.
of the horse had lulled to sleep,
the motion

had.

once.

already stopping

for the

night?"

she asked.

246

IN

and

AND

WILDERNESS

rock, but

the detached

immediately began

to

retreat

bristlinghair.

with

have

from

dismounted

Stas

the

scared

the

horse

to

what

see

could

dog.

don't

"Stas,
be

DESERT

there," Nell

go

"a

lion

might

swashbuckler

and

begged;

there."
The

boy, who

who

the

from

of

something

was

had

previous day

taken

extraordinary

offense at lions,replied:
"A

before

However,

resounded

voice
"

"What
The

slid down
of

he

that

elephant!"

"An

elephant?"

"there

an

he

answered

him.

And

at

he

began

laughing

the

Stas

at

see

entrusting
in

an

which

by

Nell

emergency,

they

which

not
not

had

climbing plant
it

was

easy

to

news.

young

waving

negro,

here

rock.

kill the

his hands;

The

elephant

elephant and

Kali

eat!"

he

possessed by such

was

knees

with

joy

his palms

rollinghis

eyes

and

said

that

teeth.

first did

what

important

some

insane, in addition

if

the elephant could

the

his face

leap, slapping his

to

displaying his white

to

From

master

thought

as

of

shouted.

Oh, eat,

this

stalk

eye.

Great

out.

get

will eat

that

the

thundering water,

cannot

!"

kubwa

brought

"An

"Yes,"

Kali's

passageway,

Stas asked.

twinkling

perceive

approached the

Bwana

daylight!"

above:

from

is it?"
negro

in the

he

kubwa

Bwana

and

lion in

great thing. A

understand

get

out

happened,
to

he

Mea

all turned

they could

back

reach

Kali

of the ravine.

he

in order

ordered

why

Kali

and
the

his horse

mounted

to

his hands

have

to

So, desiring

sit behind

began
top.

On

to

him;

seek

the

way

and
free
after

place
Stas

the

how

questioned him
from

had

happened.
elephant evidently

The

the ravine

during

the

and

down

hollow, he found

of the

the end

which

precipicebelow
imprisoned.
After

that

it

lead

them

river

was

was

reached

after.

other

the

beheld
The

the

by

huge

beast

of

Saba

began

came

enormous

that

the

them

They finally

its stomach

river, on

at

running

to

the
he

they

and

to

brink

for

of

raise his trunk, but

he

dell and

the

moment

Stas'

Only

the sight of them.

up

and

ears

and

elephant.

an

start

furiously did

bark

to

dell

steep

so

horses

side by

one

was

glancing downward

lying on

was

great surprisedid not

when

on

but

foot.

on

of

edge

manner

the

assured

hollow, and

the bottom

on

outlet
from

negro

bounded

promontory,

the

on

in this

an

they proceeded

near

very

the

As

tumbled

that,having reached

dismount

to

necessary

of

way

rock, which

and

they discovered

while

by

the way

himself

river ran,

fire

jungle;

After

off his retreat.

cut

place

on

of the

burning

less what

or

the

against a loosened

forciblybumped

he

more

before

ran

such

into

elephant got

replieshe ascertained

Kali's

and

247

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

his

move

dropped

it at

once.

children, holding hands, gazed long

The

silence,which
"

elephant

outlined

The

to

not

now

and

on

the

conjecture
have

ravine,which

into

shrunken, his ribs

were

notwithstanding
easy

he did

in

Kali.

dell,locked
its bottom

emaciated

really so

was

protruded, his sides

was

by

him

is dying of hunger," he exclaimed.

He

The

it

broken

finallywas

at

thickness

that

sufficient

on
a

two

few

did

his spine

were

distinctly

of

his hide, and

not

rise because

strength.

quite wide

was

in

he

that

at

its opening, changed

sides by perpendicular rocks,

trees

grew.

These

trees

were

248

IN

their bark

broken;
not

was

rocks

pieces and

tone

feared

if he

as

in

thoroughly, began

to

been

confined

time

when

that

there

here

huge

old

the

being impressed with

the

he

beast

reach

everything

ate

acacias

and

trees

sees

torments;

but

them

cannot

them."

And

for

elephant

time

from

eyes

gurgle escaped

from

time

to

in

something

and

the

his

them

towards

turned

of

nature

his throat.

boy declared, "it is best

the

"Indeed,"

The

they again gazed in silence.

while

small, languid

his

he

growing, and

are

the

is,from

enduring

is

now

above, bread-fruit

here

particularlyas,
with great pods

and

eat

certainlyhas

He

He

low

of its life.

weeks, that

two

in

spoke

last moments

wasrburnt.

jungle

to

was

least

at

the

and

Yes, he reallyis dying of starvation.

"

to

short

cut

pangs."

feet, began
the brink
"

him!
And

pull him

to

Don't
is

He

I don't

do that !

all her

and, seeing her

"But, Nell!"
don't

it!

want

and

Stas, let
I

wretched!

so

with

stamping

pullinghim,

"I

with

of

both

upon

Nell

face, but

little

her

from

strength away

of the hollow.

Stas !
eat!

braced

his jacket and,

clutched

his

rifle to

the

Saying this, he raised

to

grass

gnawed,

Nell, but

disturb

to

the

from

last blade.

of the

death

there

branches

the

on

situation

with

his observations

inevitable

the

the

to

the

Stas, examining
share

and

climbing plants hanging

cropped

was

peeled

was

to

torn

were

WILDERNESS

AND

The

leaf.

dell

the

DESERT

he

don't

something

give him
want

you

to

kill

I don't!"
her

looked

little feet, she

at

her

filled with

eyes

us

with

did

not

cease

great astonishment

tears, said:

"

want

get the fever if you

it.

I won't

killhim."

let him

be

killed!

I shall

For
his

murderous

them
a

Stas this threat

in

and

time

the

he

regard

in

regard

little one,

he

after which

"Very well!

well!

very

forego

world.

in the

what

knowing

silent,not

was

him

elephant before

the

to

anything else

to

make

sufficient to

was

design

249

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

reply

For

make

to

to

said:

it is all

I tell you

right! Nell,

let go of me!"
And

Nell

dimmed

gleamed.

learned

they

kill the

not
as

acacia

able.

great

use

Kali

not

hands

she

that

have

want

fell from

quickly

as

when

pluck

to

trees,

at

it not

for that

its completion and

seized

when

both

it with

ravine, she

the

some

of

was

ever,
easily. Nell, how-

so

she

they

as

sword

were

once

many

as

weeds

of

Sudanese

tree

it to

fear that

only

only would

not

all kinds

for

the

eat

bread-fruit

proceeded

wait

to

to

were

this labor, and

at

if from

they

of

tear-

concerned

was

kubwa

the

her

through

greatly astonished

Bwana

and, carrying

rapidly as

Now

two-edged

not

first melon

and

were

much

as

Gebhr's

would

did

her

the

from

and

to

the work

Mea

elephant,but

pods,

were

the

that

melons

many

him

elephant something

possible. Kali and

as

of

the

giving

hugged

once

smile

eyes

about

to

at

else

one

repeated
might want

supplant her:
"I!

I!

But

Stas

I!"
did

in the

not

this pleasure, but

zeal she might fall

the belt and

from

that

fear

depriving her

through

too

much

the melon, he seized her

with

over

of

least think

by

shouted:

"Throw!"
The

huge fruit rolled

close to
of

the elephant's feet, while

an

eye

he bent
under

the

over

stretched

out

his trunk

as

his throat

and

steep declivity and

the

his trunk
if he wanted

this much

latter
and
to

in the

fell

ling
twink-

wards
seized it; after-

place the melon

the children

saw

of him.

250
"

He

"I

ate

IN

DESERT

it !"

exclaimed

the

them

powerful

the

happy girl.
Stas, laughing.

stretched

elephant
wanted

if he

as

WILDERNESS

so," answered

suppose

And

AND

for

beg

to

his

out

trunk

and

more

towards

emitted

in

tone:

"Hruumf!"
"He

more!"

wants

"I

so!"

suppose

The

and

second
in

melon

the

moment

same

bundles

down.

Nell

when

shoved

followed

and

grass

did

little hands

her

still more,

began

from

as

Nell claimed

that

fly

to

place,

the work, she

time

sign

first
in

her

little feet; while

"hruumf"
but

the

pods and

take

to

tired

grew

acacia

leaves

one

any

of

disappeared

and, raising his trunk, from

his thunderous

track

later

great

allow

not

supplies with

new

eat

the

afterwards

manner

of

her

ate

to

in

third, fourth, tenth;

whole

and

repeated Stas.

to

time

that

it

the

he

was

phant
ele-

peted
trum-

wanted

sign of

gratitude.
Kali

But
which

and

they

that
and

elephant
Bwana

sun

kubwa

afterwards

kubwa

of the

zareba.

for

fatigued with the

great alacrity under

with

Bwana

to

it

sides

the

utterly inaccessible,so

that

fence

in

two

the

third.

At

them

stop,

to

Fortunately

Acacias

first to

kill him.

time

was

of

matter,

wanted

ordered

setting and

was

were

finallywere

performed

impression
the

Mea

this

to

start

the
fatten

ever,
last,how-

the
not

was

work

as

the

tion
construca

difficult

triangular promontory
it

with

was

necessary

big

thorns

only
also

to

were

lacking.

not

Nell
upon

the

did

not

retire

step from

its brink, announced

elephant

was

doing.

little voice resounded:

from
At

the ravine
a

distance

and, squatting
to

frequent intervals

Stas what
her

thin

IN

DESERT

251

WILDERNESS

AND

"He

is searching about

Or:

"He

"Stas!
Stas

his

differed from

reached
his

five

legs

or

the

of the

egress

the

at

his trunk

"

the water
The
became

to

have
So

feet.

which

already observed,
fore

was

doubtedly
un-

days.
Stas.

"If

his trunk, he

out

think

not
an

of

the wall

rearing

he

might

catching

or

unsteady gaithe approached

while

water

close

was

to

the

over

seething;

pice,
preciwards
after-

the waterfall, directed

it, and, having immersed

"

good fortune," Stas said, that

it

as

best he

elephant drank

long

so

that

can

reach

have

died."

he

he would

Otherwise

his trunk.

finallythe

little

girl

alarmed.

"Stas, won't
"I

four

on

drink.

to

with

actually

thin, which

of many

of which

towards

It is his

not

proportions. His

stretch

With

bottom

could, began

walking

Nell

as

ravine, gazed for

turned

he

did

the feet.

by

Europe, but

size of his tusks

fabulous

and

colossus

the

and,

seen

feet."

the

by

you

rock

could

through

this colossus,who

in the

fast

vessels

Lilliputian!" laughed

himself

rear

one

any

is

to

comparatively

the

to

that

"Oh,

But

of

were

due

catch

feet

hand.

previously

on

India

with

others

more

high but

were

should

the

which

ears,

from

huge slate-colored

had

carried

could compare

like

looked

bound

Canal

Suez

Nell's

the children

now

They

were

he has!"

ears

seized

and

size.

immense

of them

He

and

hurriedly

big
Oh!"

getting up!

elephants which

huge

one

is

What

ears.

elephant actually rose,

observe

the

He

Stas!

approached

The

his

is moving

his trunk!"

with

he

don't

know,"

taken

him

Nell leaned

"Enough,

dear

himself?"

harm
he

under
over

she

asked.

replied,laughing, "but
your

the

care,

warn

edge and

him

cried:

elephant,enough!"

since you

now."

252

IN

And
the

the

DESERT

dear

elephant,

to

splash

on

his feet,then

water

in the

over

if he

as

at

understood
and

once,

First

back, and

afterwards

meantime

it grew

zareba

he

dark;

where

what

was

instead, began

himself.
his

on

little girlto the

the

WILDERNESS

stopped drinking

matter,

But

AND

splashed
both

on

sides.

conducted

Stas

so

water

already awaited

supper

them.
Both

the

saved

elephant's
like

sparkling

eyes

which

ruddier

was

time
of

in excellent

were

and

quiet

two

absolutely secured
directions, and

high

wall

that

flowers
beasts

the

of

able

weather

studded

were

which

"This

the

to

fly will

countless

with

the

get the

not

of

fever

those

of

predacious
In addition

The

after

air,which

waterfall,and

the
of

so

passion

immediately

agreeable

was

and

stars.

odor

tory
promon-

reared

Mea

of any

heavens

boy's

from

barrier.

proximity

branches,

newly broken

the

with

saturated

was

such

surmount

fine and

was

cool, owing

was

to

and

any

promise

of the

attacks

thought

face

at

the

to

of acacias

no

been
A

sides

side Kali

branches
be

it had

from

her

saw

gladdened

conduced

also

them

could

there

being

sunset

thorny

her

had

she

he

Khartum.

from

third

the

on

and

inaccessible

two

because

because

heajjhierthan

departure

The

Stas

stars

perfect night

contentment.

Nell

"

life and

and

their

since

humor

the

to

jungle

and

breathe.

here," Stas

thought

joyfully.
they commenced

Afterwards

elephant,
else

and

stature,

as

Nell

did

not

was

incapable

cease

trunk, and

to

going

of

into

tusks, which

in

about

converse

talking

of

transports

reality were

the

anything
over

his

ious.
prodig-

Finally she asked:

"Honestly, Stas,

is n't he

"As

answered

you

Solomon,"

think

so?"

wise?"
Stas.

"But

what

makes

254

IN

well!

"Very
won't

you

not

only

cry,

he

"When

will

eyes

appear,

only perspire

perspire

eyes

as

she

tame,"

conjectured

them.

said, "my

lions should

ten

"
"

mien,

happy

threatened

danger

gets

perspire,though

my

seeing his

immediate

no

elephants

her:

tease

to

Nell, however,
that

Your

no!

if the

But

before."

began

do

"I

oh

twice

he

And

WILDERNESS

well!

very

cry,

did

they

AND

DESERT

will not

eyes

roar."

"Why?"
he will defend

"For

us."^

quieted Saba, who

Stas

which

after

elephant;

would

stop replying

not

deliberated

he

the

to

and

somewhat

spoke thus:
did

"You

will not
do

not

at

perhaps,
entitled

to

here

we

will feed

task

for

him

with

the

stop

is locked

he

later?

then, what
and

here

hunger until he dies.

again

Then

stay

we

will be

big

take

cannot

and

shall go

shall be all the

we

as

the

endure

will

well,are

as

we

We

week,

"

us

that

and

up

place is good

long

As

good!

very

we

course,

here

all of

and

elephant, though

the

Well

us.

to

Of

proceed farther;

contrary,

for you,

Well,

But

all.

us

will remain

he

the

decided

have

rest.

will

but

ages

perhaps two,

"

thing, Nell.

one

On

once.

healthy;

and

of

for

here

stay
say

think

not

of

pangs

sorry

more

for him."
Nell

saddened

silence, evidently
these just remarks,

not

but

after

turned

"

him

know,"

out

"I?"

her

gaze,

she said,

of the ravine."

tufts

for

what

knowing

and, brushing aside the

eyes,

and

much

very

reply

hair

which

full of confidence, on
"

that

if you

her

want

fell

the

to, you

sat

make

to

she raised

while
of

time

some

over

in

to

head
her

boy.
will get

DESERT

IN

And
hand

she
with

stretched

it, and

WILDERNESS

AND

her

out

little

255

finger,

touched

Stas'

repeated:

"You."
The

would

ponder

sly

little

flatter

on

how

understood

woman

the

boy
to

free

and
the

from

that
that

elephant.

moment

her

confidence
he

would

THE

side

beautiful.
after

breakfast, began

well

as

deposited

herself, Stas

the

of

her

for

cut

the

in

something
it easier

brink

for her

of

The

ravine.

and

acacia

pods

fodder, which

they

bifurcated

pitchfork

in order

the

elephant

and

evidently calling for his refreshments,

he
had

who

beheld
him

fed

and

her.

morning

still

eyes

fore
to

and
her

the

legs

shove

than

on

fodder
end

place at the

with

she

when
work.

the

beginning

but

soon,

he

having

ate

Nell

out

turned

and

the

Stas

satisfied the

them

with

children

too

He

his small
that

night, and
to

towards

claimed

had

being

day.

preceding

which

wards
after-

her

the

enjoyed themselves

everything

morn,

when

to

of breath

amused

from

his trunk

even

during

got

Both

elephant's "whims"

the

zeal that

such

out

brisker

thicker

grown

bottom

greeted

appeared

Nell.

joyfully on

had

in the

he

already looked

but

almost

light

he

make

to

little white

same

stretched

once

prodigious

more

lean

was

the

at

that

previous day,

the

joyful gurgle
In

brink

the

on

fig tree

the

supplies to

trumpeted

friend

new

young

down

shove

to

immediately

feeding her
a

was

ravine.

upon

from

shape

of

the

of

firmly insisted

Nell

As

the

upon

all kinds

and

morning

Mea,

gather melons

to

leaves

fresh

as

and

orders.,Kali

Stas'

By

southern

the

on

gathered, the

sky, big clouds

the

of

though,

and

night passed quietly

his

began

restrain

her

much, take
immensely

especially. In
fell

at

his feet,

first cravings of hunger, he

IN

began

to

not

was

to

tossed

it

"Eat

this

prodigious
I

would

he

And
"

she

began

do any
And
turned

to

when

the

we

both

does

not

time

they

and

are

this

feel

become

little

Great

not

reply she

very

understands

knows

gratitude towards

whether

us?

But

it

to

let

particularlynot
kill him.

But

with

over

the

elephant

he should

interrupted

were

have

to

work

every

gigantic beast, approached Stas with

the

and

said

kill the

gathering

grass

the "great master"

to

Who

are

friendly."

even

master,

of

him.

try yet, and

to

transports

feed

desire

in

undoubtedly

one

to

necessary

ingratiatingsmile

But

him

to

would

you

replied. "Elephants

Kali who, foreseeingthat

instead

true

his trunk

the elephant surely would

as

Further

"

down

went

we

'Yes/"

he says

be better not

to

if

call to him:

be," Stas

may

try,

day

that

elephant nodded

see

you

Saba

by

contentment.

elephant, is n't it

intelligentanimals

would

"

his

with

fan

to

Stas:

to

"That

he

wanted

if he

as

wards
after-

us?"

harm

"There,

that

evident

to

dear

Elephant,

trunk,

leg and

us."

hurt

not

his

thirst,he began

sure," said Nell,

am

his fore

over

plant which

upon

dainty yourselves;" finally,after having

with

ears

it

with

upwards

hunger and

his

appeased

Chancing

beat

his taste, he

257

WILDERNESS

AND

fastidious.

grow
to

say,

"

DESERT

kill the

an

elephant, and Kali will

and

eat

him

branches."
now

was

elephant and,

as

hundred
in

miles from

addition

he

word

donkey

was

impulsive, he retorted:
"You

are

donkey."

Unfortunately he forgot the Kiswahili

and

said

it in

evidently took

English. Kali,
it for

some

not

kind

for

understanding English,
of compliment or praise

258

IN

for

himself,as

DESERT

has

children

heard

how

he,

boastfully said:
dark

WILDERNESS

later the

moment

addressing Mea,
"Mea

AND

skin

and

dark

brain, but

Kali

is

donkey."
which

After
"

The

In

to

meantime
the

as

him

detached
the

at

rock

the

blocked

returned

had

baobab
Mea's

voice

"Master!
Stas

Not

cure

you

The

the

rifle and

the

ravine.

crevice

the

to

accident

went

three

about

the

to

Arriving

which
its

at

all its
he

found

wards
depths; after-

and, opening the

camp

the

count

the

cartridges.
hundred

fifty paces

giant tree, whose

the

near

when

from
the

from

tent

trunk, hollowed

ground, looked

like

tower, and

want?"

far away

be

can

I will take
But

meat.

doing
a

young

one

to

The

on

lopes
ante-

nest

in her
of

you

go,

climb

for it is necessary
the tree, and

sad, melodious

voice:

parrots and

wanted

gray

the little lady, but

get any

will get them

young

rifle and

what

there?"

saw

will not

why did

girlanswered

"You

zebras, and further

seen

feeding."

"Mea

Mea

of any

case

Master!"

"Good!

the little

resounded.

do you

are

are

tend

to

donkey."

"What

to

to

growing

through decay

"

into

slowly

approached

asked

in

attentively, examined

barely counted

tree

both

carefullymeasured

cartridge box, began

He

if

stick

and

bottom,

he

that Kali is

and

took

once,

inspected

cracks, inserted
near

said

head

which

he

place

pride:

Stas, ordering
in the

eye

summon

with

himself

master

great

the

lady

he added

negress

beads

bring

is empty,

so

for her neck."

because
came

the nest

to

you

down

love the little lady."

the

rugged

bark

as

DESERT

IN

quickly
began

to

with

Mea

Yes!

Yes!

loves

her

her

gently stroked

much

very

head, after which

closed the cartridge box, and

rifle,
in which

the zebras
of

report

shot

killed

zebra

of game;

that

he

numerous

herd

of

water-bucks

and

"

him

began
walk

and

ariel

for

that

in the

the

good
the

take

to

slaughtered

around

it,and

knock

the

later

as

full

zebras,
a

river.

while

game,

of

group

horse, and

he

that

spatched
de-

he

inspect carefullythe gigantic baobab

to

the

localitywas

vicinity of the

Kali

direction

news

well

as

the

hour

an

height besides

took

half hour

and

the

antelopes

ordered

he

with

he

in the

After

camp,

from

saw

pasturing

Afterwards

the

returned

young

started

pastured.

were

reached

hunter

young

had

joy

also."

Stas

the

glisteningwith

eyes

repeat:

"Oh!

beads

possible,and

as

259

WILDERNESS

AND

self
him-

trunk,

rugged bark with the barrel

of his rifle.
"What

are

"Look
hands

what

could
the

bottom

to

Pharaohs.

decayed

and

hollow.

in which
I

when

we

Mea

saw

I stalked

He

you

can

the

among

the zebra

was

We

live.

other's
bers
remem-

trunk

that

see

the middle.
all

replied:

perhaps
the

But

Do

easilyreach

can

room

when

me

tree, which

the

one

him.

holding each

men

of

it

Through
arrange

encircle that

not

asked

giant! Fifteen

times
is

Nell

doing?"

you

at

the

opening
there

can

This

occurred

branches, and

wards
after-

continually thinking

of it."

"Why,

we

"Yes.

Nevertheless

I told you

week,

or

to

escape

two.

even

You

I fear for you

already

commenced

to

Abyssinia."

it is necessary

yesterday that

and
has

are

I had

do

decided

not

during
and

to

recuperate,
remain

to

leave

want

to

the

rainy

during which

here

fever

phant,
ele-

your

season,

and

which
is

cer-

260

IN

tain.

DESERT

To-day

the

clouds

knows

the

not

weather

you

rotten

to

if it is not

the top,

It

for if in the

evening

make

will

be

also

little window

as

want

spring rainy

season

lions

and

be

am

here

than
than

tree

Nell

she

so

agreed
the

pleased

her

and

them,

amused

to

tree

at

the

greatest
the

in

thorns

light, then

us

around.

think

And

it.

tent

The
month

that

if so,

as

it will

it is better

still in

that

gigantic

everything that

Stas

wanted;

more

began

in

how

end

the

In

each

wanted

at

with

prudence, restrained

of how

would

furnish

other

to

once

"five

to

both

they

each

tree

think

to

she

ing
remain-

baobab

now

invite

they would
Nell

thought of

dwelling

rooms,

dinners.

the

as

so,

She

the

greatly and

experience and

baobab

the

longer than

better

dwelling,but Stas, who

new

tent

tent."

arrange

and

o'clocks"

The

hover

last

not

elephant and

how

night?

it than

and

through

immensely.

would

in

to
more^inclined

the

now;

who

laugh

afford

roar

may

always agreed

near

she

the

and

in

can

safer

elsewhere, and
under

we

to

does

wait

to

necessary

to

and

more

before

thicker

protect this opening with

we

many

and

pour

however, that

see,

sufficientlyand

downpour.
and

fine; you

thicker

it will not

protect

WILDERNESS

is

gathering

are

whether

will

AND

were

inspect her

day acquired

her

from

more

sudden

too

housekeeping.
"Before
bid

we

live there," he said,"it is first necessary

the present tenants

to

such

out, if any

move

are

to

found

there."

Saying this, he ordered

of the

baobab

tree

profusely because
In
tree
no

the

fact, it appeared
was

few

Mea

to

could

be

into

the

lighted boughs, which

branches
that

he

placed.

interior
smoked

fresh.

were

did

occupied by housekeepers

reliance

throw

well

upon

as

whose

the

gigantic

hospitality

262

IN

the

the

of

body

snake, and, describing

air, it fell again

second

brink,

the

elephant,

journey,

which

foot

he

both

her

towards

at

full of wild

after

if

to

figs,began
for

contend

with

and

that

it upwards,

ding
this, nod-

his ears,

he

began

his trunk

out

his heroic

and,

throw

each

few

in the

them

at

and

The

applause and
for

new

fig that

they could

the

placed

one

deeper

the

figs,

children

ceived
re-

laughter. Nell

supplies, not

ceasing

elephant

entirely

was

that moment

at

even

him,

to

that, with

force

box

fell in

which

fist flew up.

with

time

grass

Those
such

with

returning

down

go

him.

"You

Stas;

see,

nobody

is afraid of
nor

to

times

several

back

tent

man's

exhibition

this

to

finished

toss

not

After

for

and

the

with

out

size of

the

tamed

reward

mouth.

in his

crevices, he blew

to

waterfall.
with

his

quivering body

finallystretched

claiming

once

another

went

th"

with

its head

still

aerial

an

upon

log. Having

the

fanning himself

searched

he

stones

twice

for

time, sensible deed.

ran

while

snake

lifted

friend,

new

this manner,

in

crushing

Nell, and

at

as

same

Nell

their

himself

resembled

again

and

ways

keenly

the

that

was

directly into

but

at

he

present

appeared

children, reaching

trunk; this time, however, he did

his

gaze

the

it

the

in

zigzag

while

The

amazement

amusing

was

operation,

with

to

with

After

fell.

again

despatched

at

prodigious
this

and

saw

first

having

bottom.

the

to

time

the

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

he

is

his care,

peace,

for

then

better

while

defender.

neither
and

Stas, "and

defender

he added:

"

good

really I

all Africa."
After

desert

is very

said

tamed,"

under

he

shall have

now

in the

And

crocodile.
"If

we

can

for you

go

lion,nor

For

he

snake,

surely loves us."

if I

can

hunting
I could

leave
in
not

you

perfect
find in

IN

"The
read

this

It

children.

for

place
has

elephant has harmed

an

children

You

see!

you

"In

child, and

if

native

strange

occurred

never

have

in

India

falls in

one

send

keepers

pacify him."

to

"Ah,

wild, but

are

happens, the

sometimes

as

rage,

263

elephants, for instance, have

Asiatic

weakness

WILDERNESS

AND

of

elephants

that

that

DESERT

case

any

see!"
did

you

well

in not

allowing me

kill

to

him."
this NelFs

At

greenish flames.
her

hands

Standing

acted

if I had

if I had

as

how

he replied:

"At

least seventy."

"

ward,
back-

eyes:

Tell me!

years?

many

As

always joking."

are

Get

placed both

years?"

many

And

"You

how

little

two

and, tiltingher head

asked, gazing into his

"I

joy like

tiptoe, she

on

shoulders

Stas'

on

with

pupils flashed

but who

get angry,

angry,

Hearing this, Nell

began

at

will free the

fawn

to

once

"

elephant?
like

and

he

little

kitten.
"You

and

"

I shall love

you

much

very

will

also."
"I

hard
we

thinking

am

and

work

ready

are

of

that," Stas

I shall not

to

start

do
a

upon

said, "but

it at

farther

but

once,

it will

only

be

when

journey."

"Why?"
if

"Because
and

tame
at

we

becomes

should

free

attached

before

him
to

us,

he

he

would

is

entirely

go

away

once."
"Oh!
"You

with

He

won't

think

that

go

he

away

from

already is

me."
like me,"

retorted

Stas

impatience.

Further

conversation

was

checked

by

the

arrival of

264

IN

Kali,

who

which

DESERT

brought

had

been

fortune

good
and

not

was

for he

would

would

have

could

the

from

Nell

did

not

his

lollingtongue,

the

after

rushed
with

him

the

heart

with

which

python

coils before

he

as

he

Kali,

and, overtaking him,

eating the zebra

to

the

was

did

he received,
all he

after
not

hide

even

in from

running

came

Stas

hunt.

Stas

announced
to

and

to

the

tree, which
rain

negro

very

trunk,

but

elephant

that nioka
waters,

is

is

and

of

course

"Nioka

is good,"

"Better

than
which

After

on

placed

it in

of

approval.

is wise
a

eat

he

said, "so

but

threw
Kali

the

knows

ing
for it in the thunderand

"

is a

donkey."

donkey," Stas answered,

the

repeated Kali.

snake."
And

in

the

into the baobab

went

pointing at

the

tree

and

pied
occu-

arranging the dwelling. Kali, having

river-side

afterwards

the conduct

that niama."
both

the

are

you

only against

not

added:

themselves
found

Kali

will not

you

slain zebra, he

as

baobab

hand

he will search

it

bake

the

other

foolish," he

so

in

living

the thundering water,

good;

elephant had

animals, pleased the

his

meet

is agreed that

"It
"but

not

the

on

tended
in-

wild

also against the

much;

the

protection

he

ing
during the smok-

how

of

that

interior of the tree

the

as

idea

afford

(snake) into

nioka

well

as

Kali

to

occurred

had

The

would

the elephant did

"The

what

snake.

but

meantime

dwelling in

him

of the

handled

the

in the

arrange

related
out

and

he

tongue-lashing which

its colt,

It

his murderous
For

and

by Saba.

encounter

after

in

much

too

that

the

chased

his aid.

to

the slain zebra

devoured

at

perished

take

him

mastiff

present
have

come

however,

with

partly

of

WILDERNESS

AND

flat stone

trunk, heaped

the

size of

burning coals

continuallyadded

more

upon

sieve,
it,

fuel, watching

IN

only
and

that

he

this

not

was

filled the

thickness

of

and

tree

whose

bite

occurring
from

the

of the

fumes

fell from

the

crushed

were

if he

might
think

are

that

another

Kali

"What

is

in

bark

the

and

cherry-

the

thorns, and

view
it

of what

was

inside.

grass

by Kali,

and

lower

who

openings

something

moment

which

the

upon

mise
sur-

perished

Those

stone

upper

to

easy

have

was

strange

of them.

snake

is

Stas

hiding

asked.

in the

"Do

you

tree?"

Mzimu!"

fears

Mzimu?"

evil spirit."

"Did

Kali

but

"Nevertheless

your

fetish-men
go

to

the negroes
of sorghum
the Mzimu."

has

in the

makes

"The

in your

ever

you

"No,
Mzimu

with

any

the outside

scolopendras

branches

looking so?"

you

"No,
"An

at

in either

appear

"Why

that

that

smoke

as
on

with

must

the

on

unmercifully

feared

trunk

lower

at

even

cracks

In

creatures

smoke

continually gazing

was

soon

venomous

of the

and

bark

as

though

as

death.

similar

many

the

time

outside

the

on

appeared

plums, caterpillarsof the

as

same

cause

even

may

how

the

at

bite the

it

scarabees, black

spiders big

and

loathsome

for

said

He

tree.

spread

of

out

creep

finger,covered

fact

ignite

not

nothing should

In

great variety of creatures;

colored, shaggy

as

to

whole

precaution,

of the

began

"

bibi."

useless

interior

there
a

the

and

master

great

the

that

this in order

did

inside did

the

on

conflagration of

the

cause

that

decayed wood

the

265

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

life

see

heard

huts

the

Mzimu?"
horrible

do

how

to

not

which

fear him."

exorcise

huts

and

bring

them

bananas, honey, pombe

say

and

that

him, and

the

plant),eggs,

noise

of fetish-men."

fetish-men

know

meat

Mzimu

in order

is angry;

wards
afterso

(beer made
to

propitiate

266

DESERT

IN

Stas
"

shrugged
that

see

Kali

shook

"In

such

the

case

of

Kali

began

Mzimu!

Stas

began
all

wood

in

interior

heat, finallytumbled
he

pour

water

not

are

and

did

took

tree

not

with

within

From

than

the

an

"

Your

And

"Oh,

lower

eye

the

Mea

"

whole

buried

Mzimu.

Let

the

Mea,

however,
if the

live

decayed wood

the

by fire."

continued

lying down

terror, "Aka!

Aka!"

Kali

usually shot

he

from

burning wood.

the

consumed

with

up

decayed

of

mass

of air and

be

his

happened.

through the opening;

which

upon

running

came

trunk, expanding

and

was

might

one.

recovered

at

he

guinea-fowl

and, firinginto the opening, said, shoving the

the barrel

the

the former

soon

might have

repeating

cease

rifle with

the

but

seeing that

which,

After

back,

extinct for want

kindled, the

is

Aka!"

what

times

few

is death."

rumble

twinkling of

Aka!

Nell

it

Mzimu,

shrilly:

down

that

thinks

embers

the

of

Mzimu

reply.

probability,"he said,
the

And

his

cry

when

explain

to

in

stepped

and

and

crash, louder

to

kill the

not

strange ruddy dust, after which

Aka!

first

at

composure,

In

himself

and

"Aka!

out

second

threw

face

among

"

Mzimu?

elephant.

crash

strange

burst

resounded

there

kill the

interrupted

there

aperture

fetish-man

was

elephant could

would

suddenly

tree

"

to be

good thing

his head.

kind

Some

he

his shoulders.

it is

the Mzimu

his

WILDERNESS

people. Perhaps that snake

your

but

AND

boy with

Mzimu

Kali

is killed.

raised

great

Do

not

his body, but

master!

great!

fear."

remained
You

do

on

not

his knees.
even

fear

Mzimu!"
"Aka!
And

Aka!"

exclaimed

he began to laugh.

Stas, mimicking the negro.

DESERT

IN

The
down

sat

the

he consumed

figs,which

wild

the

they returned

do.

to

The

together with
hours'

two

time.

such

despised
could

that

the

in

The

them.

as

wide

the

merely

four

to

formed

which

in the

huge

Stas

thought

of

tent

to

the

tree

to

prop

it should

determined
had

been

dry

moss.

be

to

it

and

Mea

form
to

above
two

strew

grilledby the

of which
the other

The
sand

sun,

the

of

over

snake.

either
wind

to

the

trunk,

the

and

to

leak

to

it

was

to

for

it

was

given shelter
lower

not

ing
open-

window, thanks
dark

means

one

was

to

stifling.

nor

by

the

of
to

be

signed
as-

himself,Kali, and
the

the

center, but

in

sufficient to raise

in such

bottom
from

interior

the top of the trunk;

to

openings

eaves.

pedes,
centi-

the bats

able

The

whole,

not

both

with

have

neither

protected completely,

bark

of

out

men.

decayed

not

was

and

wood

occupied

being

cleaned

ten

was

rooms,

rain, therefore, could

order
and

two

bats

the upper

trunk

Nell and

The

Saba.

and

good

decayed

interior

could

dividing the

into

canvas,

but

doorway

the

delighted Stas,

and

persons,

yet

was

Stas

glowing coals, having caused

its appearance

large room

as

with

scarabees

not

the fall of layers of decayed wood,

splendidly,and

hood
neighbor-

gigantic python

or,

anything

reach

not

in the

neighborhood

triflinggame

around

himself

of

meat

counting

also surprised that

immediate

it

deprived

of smoked

there

of baked

was

surmised, however,

He

which

of broiled

score

Stas

in the

live

could

all

at

Afterwards

removal

ashes, with hundreds

he

colt, not

growing

sycamore

the tree, about

to

of work
the

and

zebra

in great abundance.

furnished

deal

liver of the

raw

not

portion

when

prepared by Mea,

frighthad

temporary

and

time

food

appetite,for besides

of his

him

the

that

after

the

of

partake

to

appeared

calm

became

negro

267

WILDERNESS

AND

manner

of the

that

interior he

river bank

which

carpet its surface with

268

IN

The

work
in

had,
and

for

even

the

ardor;

the

Stas

in the

to

"

When

the

his

arms

build

to

WILDERNESS

the

cure

for

it.

about

work

to

fodder

of

trumpeting

AND

really hard, especially for Kali,

was

addition,

think

day

DESERT

the

But

elephant who

the

young

abode

new

following

great

master

akimbo,

"

big zarebas

willingness and
the

explained

'

the

in the

for the

to

same

manner:

and

live

he

horses,

proceeded

great

this

he

incessantly

was

negro

with

for

reason

the

water

meat,

for

"

he

bibi,'

tree, Kali

night and

he

ing
said, hold-

will

have

not

be idle every

can

night."
"Then

"Kali

ought

is

work

But

for

do

After
he

then

in

not," replied the

is

"

"

And

the

women

'bibi.'

she

does

"

will

have

not

want

whipping

in

the

"bibi,"

anger:

'bibi'

is?"

boy with

fear.

Mzimu."

good

cowered.

fell

his

on

he

face

"

Good

sea-green

happened

and
in

approached
began

an

to

repeat,

entreating

bashfully;

Nell

not

indeed

voice:

Aka!"

Aka!

the

the

up

if she

of

black

finishing his work

"Aka!

had

is

"

terror-stricken, but

only

her."

shouted

who

for

grows

thought

and

know

you

Kali

And

idle, as

I work

and,

whip

very

if scalded

as

do

Bibi

be

to

'bibi'

master,

will

the

at

that

the

great

master

Stas,

"Fool,

"

when

the

great

jumped

asked.

Stas

loves

however,

see,

because

to, the

idl*?"

Kali

so

man,

you

"But

"I

be

work."

to

"But

to

like to

you

eyes
nor

stared

Mzimu"
wide
what

not

open,
was

at

the

him, with

her

ful,
beauti-

understanding

matter

with

Kali.

what

270
of

IN

like

changed colors

gold, and

the

dew

which

the

zodiacal

air

clung

the

on

opals. During
of

rain

into diamonds
and

mimosa

light shone

in

brightly than

more

tiny woolly cloudlets

downpour

one

transformed

moon

the

rubies, amethysts, and

night time, between

the

WILDERNESS

AND

of purple and

lake

DESERT

the

at

the

acacia

other

other,
an-

drops of

leaves, and

refreshed

any

and

transparent
of

season

the

year.

the

From
waterfall

overflow
the

came

doleful

bank

and

below

the

and

the

frogs

fireflies,
resembling shooting
amid

the clumps of bamboo

arum.

rain

clouds

when

But

began

baobab

avoid

this, Stas

game

and

from

opening

to

for the

However,

in

the

with

one

in

daytime,

Nell

went

felt lonesome

her with

to

without

sheer

bats

compelled

closed

he

and

wild
even

to construct

of

nature

visible
the

away

fair

of

screen

the

lower

strolled

weather,
the

over

antelope-arielsand

after

appeared

near

the

elephant,

who

in

her

only for food

trumpeted

window

window,

this

during

and

flocks

numerous

called

was

which

he placed

night.

started

Stas

the

interior

fat of the killed

attracted

hand

the

Desiring to

plate, which

from

finallywas

left "Cracow"

children

small

the

and

the

cellar.

darkness, drove

other

Kali

melt

to
a

opening something
similar

in

as

light

the

the

that

much

so

thorns

while

The
in

on

Mea
of

dusky and

opening, which

distance

the

which

lamp

starry heaven

very

dark

as

ordered

upper

animals, but
birds

was

children.

the

by

tree

make
the

beneath

the

covered

fall it became

to

of the

in

of

croaking

bant

to

river formed

the

uneasy

piping of toads,

stars, flew from

and

which

and

later

his littlefriend.

delight and

pricked his

tory.
promon-

ostriches,of
river
the

trumpeted
He

the

below,

beginning
when

he

always greeted

enormous

ears

as

DESERT

IN

soon

he heard

as

Once, when
the

beyond
closed

its

which

removal.

detached

ravine

in

that

between

wide

it with

and

that

For

ease.

found

wide

it

"

behind

and

the

grown-up

while

side.

trunk

to

yet

emboldened

her,
few

so

with

rock.

there

was

could

in the

the

was

order

waterfall.

just

towards
Nell
no

time

reach

to

began

I will

look

peer

at

place where

dell and
back

she

turned

the

and

ravine

the

saw

towards

waterfall, and
few

more

the

I will return."

step by step farther

a

in

bend

Nell

one

all, and

through

drank.

yet, and

and, beholding her, moved

phant.
ele-

her,
This

pressing closely to the wall, she

steps, and

little maid,

the

she went

huge beast, desiring to splash his sides, turned

saw

great

passage

pass

there
in

pass

at

small

his

ravine

The

little farther.

me

see

into

immersed

the

on

left the

But

I will take

rocks;

stood

while

she hesitated, then

farther, until finallyshe reached

with

wall

the locked-in

will not

He

preparations

Nell, however, noticed

person

the other

I will go

suddenly

anything

walls, obstructed

done.

meditating, she advanced

widened

with

the

near

necessary

of

the

elephant who
Thus

on

was

egress

meditate.

from

herself

there, which
the

which

done

time

one

its native

rock

even

the rock

rocky clefts, approached

at

herself

previously

the

for fish

departure;

the

they

from

it had

as

steps.
foot-

angled

had

Stas

her

to

her

or

gathering flowers,particularlybegonia

found

descending

go

occupied

observe

not

declivity by which

stone,

to

Mea,

Kali

to

whether

abundantly

grew

and

so

waterfall, Nell decided

the little maid,

way,

her voice

hunting and

see

271

WILDERNESS

the distance

Stas went

dinner, did

the

from

the ravine, to

about
for

AND

then

vanced
ad-

the

his head,
at

once

her.
became
now

very

much

for retreat,

frightened, but
pressing knee

to

as

there

knee, she

was

curt-

272

IN

sied to

the

stretched
in

DESERT

AND

elephant

out

her

"Good
I

so

me;

to

came

she

little hand

dear

day,

best

as

with

elephant.

the

which

begonias and

I know

good day

say

after

could;

she

spoke

voice.

slightlyquivering

WILDERNESS

and

"

harm

won't

you

I have

only these

flowers""
And

the colossus

and

the

picked

fingers, and
them

at

the

flowers

the

trunk

bent;

bunch

it
"I

like

began

knew

at

house

could

time

one

opposite

stood

two

of the

or

with

crush

and

stretched
and

then

the

the

me,"

little girl

her.
his fabulous

ears,

and

ling
gurg-

trunk

the

when

little

girl

ravine.

Stas

and

other

rock, and

motion,

lion, so

the

each

one

her

ing
finally descend-

back

gurgled

nor

fro.

harm

drew

always

the brink

which

and

dropped

above

saw

alternately his

unwinding
he

now

leave

not

elephant

he

rough leaves

and

to

little

Nell's

mouth

little hands

not

did

of

the

shoulders

would

fear

the

as

her

both

you

joyfullyas
And

his

snake

swing gently

repeated, though

approached

of

one

that

and

black

huge

to

Meanwhile

into

his trunk,

out

out

his tasjp. Nell

to

were

afterwards

winding

begonias

evidently neither

as

it touched

other;

of

putting them

once

stretched

approached,

"

he,

an

she

enormity,
mite

sembling
re-

whom

he

rage

but

indeed

in

did not

make

not

these

now

through inadvertence.
the

But

inadvertent

or

happy

at

Nell

she

the

gained

upwards

eyes

asked

"May
The

and

good

motions,
arrival
courage

animal

prudent

evidently

but

gradually
as

timidly,raising her
I stroke

elephant

your

pleased

and

little guest.

of the

and, looking

was

angry

and

though

finally raised

her

high

roof

onto

little hand:

trunk?"

did not, indeed, understand

English, but

IN

from

DESERT

tHe motion

wanted

shoved

and

which

was

Nell

two

over

began

her

yards

in

stroke

to

with

both

The

and

arms

while

girlwith

he

his trunk

lightlyright and
"More!
And

little

thorns

asked

cried

with

he

his skill and

that

such

in India

and
of

mainly
for the

and

feet

plants.

she

did

that

she

would

not

not

she

legs at

showed

the knee

Nell
a

was

real

plague

trunk,
the

and

finger

he

would

at

all

aware

to

elephants

jungles composed
she

felt sorry

delicatelyat

extract

the

and

single one.

concerned

in this

could

thought, having squatted

any
to

ful
power-

he

which
not

was

African

babble

leave

excellentlywhat

the

his

these

at

numerous

wound

to

afterwards
to

cease

that

with

As, however,

began

bigger splintersand

But

these

without

are

giant, without

work

feared

in the

his foot, she

near

legs

on

hiding behind

her.

legs; from

cleverness.

thorny

find

one.

climb

to

himself, first because

ended

in the

new

tried

tree, or,

could

his hind

still more

honest

the

of

afterwards

thing, namely,

evidently

trunk

thorns

and

swing her

to

and

invented

on

he

free

reach

conveniently

time

ground, she

one

not

the

other

body

began

up,

long

in his hind

could

lose

the

the

on

stuck

which

trust.

Nell, intensely amused.

whether

again because

the

to

diminutive

entirely bold,

observed

were

beast
not

the

play lasted quite

frolics she

foot

one

it

left.

girl,now

she

finallyembraced

joy.

elephant's fore legs, as

them,

she

carefully with

perfectlychildish

and, liftingher

Finding herself
the

from

first

at

and

both,

wound

More!"

the

what

once

length.

hugged it with
from

at

palm the end of his trunk,

trunk;

with

continually gurgled

the

the

elephant stepped

After

discerned

under

hand, afterwards

one

hand

of her

273

WILDERNESS

AND

smaller, at which
the

assure

He

with, and

manner

first

that

elephant

understood

bending
on

his

the soles

274

him

caused

which

she

that

the little lady

undoubtedly

girlsat

did

he

that

think

"Nell!

not

she, engaged

"At

once!

in the

of

which

Nell

perceived

speak

"Nell!

Nell!

she

that
but

return,

would

he

in

in

dry liana stalk,

swing

he

to

explain

him

very

also.

was

to

her

in

was

that

at

full of

do

that

she

good and
take
and

only

danger, but
palpitated

the sensation, he

from

you

no

heart

his

him,

recovered

could

stopped
her

she

choking voice,

she wanted

swung

but

is Stas."

That

under

elephant

he

uneasily,

ears

that

once

How

began

for the

tamed;

at

before

to

wrong,

hand

one

ravine.

his

trembled

violently,and

And

of the

afraid, elephant!

legs yet

began

grabbed

hesitate

and, hugging his trunk, cried hurriedly:

rose

be

"Don't

Stas

to

lifted his rifle with

other

moved

elephant

moment

merrily:

accustomed

not

was

the

the bottom

to

The

would

stripped of its bark, and, winding his legsabout

was

it,slid

little

quietly

one

ears,

work, answered

her

with

danger,

with

and

so

once

of stone.

out

boy, who

presence

air

at

of

once!"

At

the

this

depth
The

stood

and

to

shouted.

"Stas

And

To

in the

which

reply

that moment

at

astounded.

was

once

about

he rushed

ears,

hie trunk

move

hewed

was

when

of the colossus

the foot

near

if he

that

that

own

at

was

Nell's voice

edge and, glancing down,

the

the

heard

he

tree, he

tree

and

Receiving

was.

the

believing his

Not

the ravine.

his

in

was

that

to him

it seemed

also thorns

were

the hunt

from

came

the interior of the baobab

enter

to

Stas

where

Mea

asked

there

toes

still greater pain.

meantime

the

In

WILDERNESS

covering his

the hoofs

between

AND

DESERT

IN

griefand

anger:

this?"
did not

anything
already entirely

was

look at him

one

began

carefully,and

do

to

play with

if Stas

wanted

and

her,
he

and

hand

one

hand

"

left,saying

right and

The

in

moment

such

was

and

mien

angry

"More!

it

as

dignity

and

and

trunk

until

the

the

that

tears

came,

before:

shouting as

end

of

through

the

began

to

ground,

idea

new

he

found

both

it with

climbed

himself

to

and

hands

it onto

over

close

elephant's

an

of

motions

motions

of the

of

the

to

posit
de-

the head

and

from

above

moment

prodigious

the
sat

the

curred
oc-

at

ear,

twinkling
on

But

unexpectedly

the
in

time

elephant intended

the
a

at

laugh also.

the

him, and, taking advantage

to

grabbed

the

time, noticing that

the

on

deportment

on

end

in the

appropriate

an

preserve

from

slackening and

were

which

to

lecture

boy

certain

impossible

deliver

the

him

eye

is

involuntarily goes

pendulum,
after

his still

earth

the

and

her hands

this there

In
between

contrast

laugh

to

is suspended

one

trunk

she

More!"

And

when

phant:
ele-

gesture what

mid-air.

above

rocking

began

the time

clapping all

in

amusing

this

little "Mzimu"

her

from

himself

found

strange and

the

to

Stas, caught by the belt of his trousers,

him, and

of

one

surmised

animal

wanted

the other

time

same

with

Swing Stas also."

wise

she waved

the

at

trunk

of the

end

of the

Stas, while

it to

drew

Elephant

hold

took

Saying this, she

275

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

of

he
an

elephant's

neck.
"Aha!"

he

understand
And

palm

that

he

began

with

And

stroke

to

of

the

ruler

from

to

Nell; "let

him

me."

obey

must

cried Nell

now?

"That

he

the mien

"Good!"
down

exclaimed

elephant's head

and

with

his

will you

get

master.

below, "but

how

"

is small

trouble," Stas answered.

slinginghis legs over

the

elephant's forehead, he

276

IN

entwined
a

DESERT

the trunk

AND

with

WILDERNESS

them

and

slid

it

over

if down

as

tree.
"

is how

That

which

After
thorns
the

both
the

from

began

legs of

pick

to

the

the

out

elephant who

of

rest

submitted

the
with

greatest patience.

In

the

decided

meantime
to

Nell

he

away

her

towards

and

the

know

heavier

and

her

him.

The

what

indeed, somewhat
and

his gaze
said

Stas

Nell

to

"Don't

in

rain

to

drew

disagreeable,

stubbornness

became

of

The

each

them.

the egress,

the

moment

Both
but

boy
drew,
with-

gradually,

them.

between

him

elephant's

and
and

eyes

Nell.

He

the

at

fixed
time

same

undertone:

an

but

run,

became

and

unfortunately.
the

not

attempted

his trunk

the

of

towards

stood
the

upon

with

threatened

the elephant followed

Finally

she

as

downpour

time

view

do

pected
unex-

every

ended

to

an

elephant did

situation

have

here

Stas

The

about

in

play

but

fell; so

itself.

and

her

might

did not

"Cracow";

to

turned

merry

elephant

first drops of rain

presented

part from

to

want

the

escort

obstacle

go

down."

come

continually draw

back

to

the

narrow

passageway."
"And

Stas?"

you,

"Draw

back!"

I shall have
The

little

the

obeyed
unbounded
under
But

no

the

this

repeated Stas
to shoot

circumstances
stood

eyes

manner

danger followed.

about

few

The

emphasis,

him

so

he do

four
for

minutes
ears

influence

of

wise
"other-

paces

this

was

harm

any

threat,

having already

as,

elephant, she

would

from

with

more

in the

confidence

boy

the

the

command;

asked.

the elephant."

under

maid,

removing his
In

the little maid

from

that

sure

to

Stas.

the giant, not

moment.

passed;

of the

full of

moment

elephant moved

score

278

DESERT

IN

banks
she

of the Blue

said that

they leap

were

it to show

he

And

he

the

towards
In

water.

big

size of

air

evening
the

at

that

they

bladders.

apple and

an

fishes;

fact,

first it appeared
had

they

said.

"This

pointed

the

at

Stas

brought

fish.

in the

opening

upper

h"

dozen

could

We

of these.
tree.

added:

something more."

even

is it? "asked

"What

the

about

from

time

in

was

window

our

reflectingfor

"And

the

the

about

for

pane

But

of

and

eat

these

to Nell.

"Look!"
make

to

above

cleaning

with

conversant

good

high

of them

one

WILDERNESS

was

were

light because

so

took

Nile,

they

very

scaling and

AND

Nell.

kite."

"A

"Such

as

used

you

send

to

in Port

up

Said?

Oh

good!

Do."
"

and

frame

for they
a

With

I will.

I will

kite will go

away

will fly the Lord

he

Here
"I

have

"What
"You

racket

membranes

the

rain will not

in the air and

up

where

knows

an

instead
soak

with

of

paper

them.

Such

powerful wind

"

idea."

is it?"

shall

that

for both

As

see.

Now

that

elephant,

as

elephant

of yours

the

show

is

better, I
such

longing for Nell, and

haps
per-

talk."

to

that the whole

so

adjacent

ourselves

out

making

even

from

figure it

children, trumpeted

shook, together with

must

soon

cannot

one

Indeed, the

"We

these

I will make

suddenly struck his forehead.

will tell you.

a

use

lighterand

are

pieces of bamboo

thin, cut

ravine

trees.

him," Nell said.

"That

will quiet him."

And
absorbed

they strolled
in his

to

the

ravine.

thoughts, began

in

an

But

Stas, entirely

undertone

to

say:

Stanislas

from

escaped

having

Said,

and

Rawlinson

"'Nelly

279

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

Tarkowski

dervishes

the

Port

of

Fashoda,

in

are

'"

at"

"

How

month's

journey

will

and

the

send

Nell,

you,

of

west

When

aid.'

already

nothing.

Nothing,

west

"

place?

Stas?"

"What,
"

the

designate

to

asked:

he

abruptly,

stopping

And

the

help

to

me

are

"

Nile

blows

fifty,

twenty,

shall

Blue

wind

'

know,

and
the

to

for

mediate
im-

beg
north

hundred

about

to

or

of

such

the

kites

them."

paste

"Kites?"
"

to

and

Yes,
than

us

the

meantime

the

began

tell you

the

to

all the

him

and

she

children

in

he

undoubtedly

"

service

greater

end

the

at

that

sure

was

But

night

same

the

had

with

he

before

king

he

of

got
all the

nodding,

retire

began

could

to

be

not

became

him

caught

work,

elephants

only

provisions
trumpet.

"The
in

plain
ex-

with

quiet

to

the
even

sleep, eat,

began

named

now

again

pitchfork

again

evening

the

to

to

he

And

and

maid

she

she

him

feet,

little

that

course,

to

brink.

attempted

Cracow."

down

that

Nell

was

for, of

Kali;

as

of

gurgling,

Nell

elephant"

shoved

by

prepared
The

time,
house

keep

when

"dear

the

ears,

the

In

the

elephant's

when

trumpeting
moment.

be

can

reached

the

of
the

of

movements

for

they

they

shuffling

mournful

that

elephants."

ten

the

In

King,"

the

ravine

in Africa.

VIII

DURING

the

few

during which
who

did

that

the

not

with

rule

as

the

began

The

King

Kali

as

him

whatever

as

she

the

trunk

of

certain
under

but

way,

it

as

postponed
one

speak

to

Nell
as

mere

with

child.

had

daily.

this

at

one

conclusion

bewitched

Nell

that

so

the

with

behavior

alone

after

him.

to

and

For

giant,

week

took

the

noble

animal
and

Kali

with

would

began

this

to

tured
ven-

was

leave
"

went

He

desert

not

the

he

him.

consider

Nell

under

fear

any

do with
she

peace

expressed it,
without

towards

could

Stas

perfect

he

as

his

in

times

was

them

how

to

confinement.

required

thoughts

no

Saba

speak properly,

to

"

at

his

from

times

the

to

came

but

Mea,

circumstances

any

end

disposed

elephant,"

that

few

King,

also.

could

even

now

And

his

the

him

free

the

protection, or,

and

hunting

he

as

the

ments
mo-

understood

elephants, gazed

pleased,

bring

fall with

not

return

Mzimu

well

towards

to

under

Good

was

even

relief

feared
in

all the

passed

departure,having

visit him

to

well

great

"

did

would

but

mighty,

he

so

rain

her

oppose

amazement

that

the

little maiden

Kali, who

Nell

days following

to

such

to

long

sacrifices

whether

doing

he

he

it from

about

ago

had

that

he

would

day

this, he

his intentions,

use

to

discovered
wrestled

with

it and

wards
after-

day.

As

finally decided

though

he

he
to

regarded

had
quaint
ac-

her

IN

"The

DESERT

rock

it is necessary

is, to

the

one

big charge

the

deepest
into

burst

bullets, pour

out

of it all.

out

it and

plug
few

wards
after-

middle;

Then

rock

the

of pieces and

score

make

I will insert in

in the

fire.

light a

even

or

find

that

and

powder,

charge

for

cartridges;that

of

the

Such
can

but

powder,

number

fissure which

I will

with

spoil a great

to

extract

blasted

be

can

281

WILDERNESS

AND

will
lead

can

we

the King out."

"

But

get scared," answered

him

"Let
bothers
talk

is a great explosion,will he

if there

the

me

to

he

if I do

"But

and

burst

continued,

not

then

not

clearly threatens

hands
that

too

Nell

this

At

we

have

horses

attack?

things

well

You

for this rifle and

And

for

if I should

journey, death

perished long

starvation.

cient
suffi-

will I hunt, with

an

not

from

her

what

use

And

of the

of

were

have

raised

vain; if I

end

case

if it

all these

carried

have

not

or

in

with

in

you

would

cartridges we

the

For

that

of course,

Gebhr's

to

thought aloud:
cartridgesthe rock will

will remain.

many

us.

will I defend

know,

while

worth

rather

or

them

before

of them

want

what

quickly. "That

Stas

it is not

enough

use

I shall waste

number,
be in

Really,

"

get scared?

seriously."

you

Nevertheless

not

least.

not

and

finger and

either

ago,

it is very

without

them

the

the
at

nate
fortu-

could

we

cartridges."

declared

with

great

:
positiveness

I tell the

"When
"

King, he

will he carry

How

the

will carry

if
cartridges,

everything."
very

few

of them

remain?"
"As
"But

to

that, he will defend

he

fire from

won't

us."
his trunk

as

I do

from

the

rifle."
"Then
the

we

trees, and

can

eat

Kali

figs and
will catch

big gourds
fish."

which

grow

on

282

IN

"

That

have

is,as

to

the

rainy

and

as

Sahara?"

"No;

one

where

trees, and

only

grass

have

anything

to

and

there

shoot

that

time, when

become

and

upon

upon

desert."

rivers, nor

mimosas

fruit-

There

grow.

by hunting.

antelopes,but
the

him

the

him

elephant

The

if I do not

King

the

will not

and

already tamed

themselves

exposing

abandon

to

starvation; and

to

of the

portion

greater

about,

worry

was

by

loss of

to

impossible

was

death

to

meant

ammunition

something

friendly it

doom

liberate

start

fever.

Stas, in reality,had

him

the

shall

with, then

them."

had

still

continual

with

is secured

them

these

you

neither

and

We

in alarm.

and

what

river.

as

chance

are

acacias

upon

will find

by

here,

asked

there

King

as

Nell

low

only

live

And

the

near

season

might

we

"Such

catch

stay

we

surely prostrate
however, that later we

journey

can

as

WILDERNESS

would

Remember,

one

AND

long

pass

downpours
further

DESERT

unavoidable

to

destruction.
So Stas postponed the work
himself

to

in

"Perhaps
In
At
to

the

his

to-morrow

meantime

first Kali

which

known

soul

he
in

Africa

returned

that

Mzimu,

with

hour

an
"

and

and

afterwards

which

Stas

poured

the

nursing

as

this
at
a

not

added.

were

below

bee-guide.

but

scheme"."

by

wild

the

out

The

black

bees

sufficiently

badly stung and

so

lost all consciousness.

plastered

him

with

"

The

stings from

strong

were

boy,

swollen

him

earth

Nevertheless, towards
negro

bees

gray-greenish bird, well-

smoke

water.

his

other

others

river

small

called

if the poor

and

the

day, repeating

to

some

trouble

aid, extracted

Mea's

night

it seemed

devise

honey,

later he

with

I may

led by

through indolence,did
and

evening:

stung

was

day

each

to

was

from

Good
until
upon
ing
morn-

dying. Fortunately,

constitution

overcame

the

did

he

danger;

lapse of

the

second

mishap

during

Kali's

sickness

to

lean.
in

as

the

But

skeletons.

became

languid, and

health

cattle at all,and

horse,

it

in the

of

course

animals

local

as

bitten

by

fortnight or

near

Kali

tsetse, but
horses

grew

He

hair

from

their

trils
nos-

to

eat

them.

merely

two

understood

"They

die."

must

Said he had

often

is such

wherever

it has

that
do

not

possess

any

able
favor-

in

the

waterfall,are

and

The

when

of oxen,
into

dies

threatens

which

thrown

perish.

days.

few

danger
herds

cattle

wastes

tsetse

even

daily with
that

kind

some

and

of onions

said that

the

and

horses

bitten; these

were

resembled

jungles.

their

they

wild

pede
stam-

in all directions.

rubbed

now

of which
the

scamper

Stas' horses

days

result of temporary

them, for it happens that whole

and

yet

tsetse," which

negroes

understand

hear its hum

And

multiplies unexpectedly,

donkey

or

ox,

the

wherever,

conditions
A

regions

some

habitat

its permanent

ford.

and

them

"

fly,called

terrible plague in

high and

happened.

African

of the

up

were

Stas also understood, for while in Port

heard

of fodder

consumed

they
at

lack

they ceased

said, addressing Stas.

he

"Tsetse!"

end

if fever

only glanced

he

few

the

eagerly,as

had

what

once

After

regained his

Kali

the

near

In

terribly

grow

shot

grass

away.

drank

instead

When

rains

slime flowed.

thick

eyes

to

explained by

pasturage

wasted

bristled,their

at

of

excellent

was

horses

and

be

they began

lead

and

horses

the

fetter

to

that

not

consequence

there
the

could

This

had

Stas, who

by the horses.

met

was

observed

water,

until

his health

recover

days.

ten

The

them

however,

not,

283

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

odor

of

donkey

plant, the

which

would

the

he

drive

found
away

notwithstanding this preventative remedy

thinner.

Stas, with

odor

dread, thought

in

the
the

of what

284

IN

might

could

he

that

them
liberate

and

two-thirds

King
of

the

clouds

rain.

of

which

Finally
which

all

came

the

the

could

King
it

should

was

There

so

tent,

much

all.

them
to

necessary

the

was

carry

how

succumb;

saddle-cloth,

utensils?

the

sacrifice

of

But
at

to

least

cartridges.
troubles

Ever-increasing
the

animals

Nell,

the

only
the

the

convey

cartridges

WILDERNESS

AND

all

if

happen

then
the

DESERT

did

gathered

not

the
others

cease

greatest

over

to

water

calamity,

dwindled

fever!
"

head

Stas'
the
in

jungle
the

like
with

presence

286

DESERT

IN

He

increased

I don't

know.

"What
"

And

when

strangely

so

then

in any

you?"

"
"

though confessing a fault,exclaimed

as

on

his bosom

and

in

meek

voice,

by sobs:

broken
"

his

place."

she rested her head

suddenly

and

uneasy

answered:

sit down

with

matter

really was

Nell

I can't

is the

I feel

WILDERNESS

still jestingly,but

asked

uneasiness
"

AND

Stas, perhaps I

sick

am

"

"Nell!"
he

Then
and

dry

"Are

cold?"

you

and

"Cold
In

fact

body.

doubt

that

she

He

at

and

with

hot

with

not

and

cold, but
would

that

must

when

Mea
her

her

and

to

she

the

plaids.
had

Stas

have
have

Mea

seen
a

the

slightest

while
time

same

hands

Her

known

by

of

her

terrible

entered

seen

people

night and

But

she

By

the

the

tree

she

began

and

in the

light of

with

to

With
water

give

the

little
her

complain
the

forehead

about

hot

He

ning
begin-

continued

febrile

fear

of

cloth
saddle-

disorders,

extraordinary restlessness
fever.

were

observed

he

under

shook

anything

afterwards

perspirefreely.
whole

drink.

drink.

and

tree,

find, for he had

to

side the

the

to

fever-stricken

in order

to

her

ground,

could

that

interior

After
at

chills continually
have

not

the

on

honey

the

and

conduct

to

Nell's

want

in

did

now

Fashoda

sit at

to

hung
heat

chattered

whatever

glitteringeyes.

she

carried

cold""

sheeps' hide

water

did

he

and

arms

was

fever.

place

and

determined

the

which

the way.

on

more

Stas

with

in Khartum

covered

asked

ordered

her

cover

he

had

once

her

undress

lamp

fier in his

little teeth

her

her

her

took

hot, but

shook

to

he

icy. So

her forehead

upon

camp-fire.

the

to

placed his palm

he

the

that

observed
little girl

DESERT

IN

gazed

her

at

did

and

fear

even

not

She

and

lie down

again she asked

about; then
at

her

he

was

which

not,

her

surged

to

she

morrow

That

and

them.

He

matter

to

bid

his

are

he asked

the

the

And

"Kali

is

he

left the

to

be

to

him,

it

tree

to

was

who, with

going

in the

harder
with

stuff his trunk

and

piece

quiet

took

silent, he

to

that

observed

Stas

as

as

the

light

of smoked

meat

of the

river.

direction
where

are

going?"

you

negro.

boy stopped, and

black

said with

to him

so

doing there, and

you

the

on

so

Returning, he observed, by

shoulders, was

"What

bark.

throw

to

camp-fire,Kali

of the
on

elephant

time.

to

easily,but

Saba

melons

least for

at

patient;

the

tears

somehow

was

continually trumpeted
him

cause

silenced

few

and

the

irritated

that

him

assured

angry

the

with

run

her that

assured

night, the elephant

that

or

she

not

was

suffused

were

and

he

when

not

rise and

to

he

could

she

entirelywell.

be

disturbed

Saba

awake

him

her eyes,

would

whether

sick, and

was

eyelashes

evening,

strangely
this

she

because

her

permit

to

him

With

her.

that

him

to

and

amazement

recognize

said

him

begged

certain

to

seem

spoke consciously.

she

with

though

as

287

WILDERNESS

AND

mysterious

going

another

to

when

drew

Stas

near

countenance:
tree

to

meat

for the

kill the

'Good

place

Mzimu."

wicked

"Why?"
"That

the

wicked

Mzimu

should

not

Mzimu.'"
Stas

wanted

to

say

griefseized his bosom;

so

he

only

in
set

reply, but
his teeth

suddenly

and

walked

in silence.

away

When

he returned

hands, lying on
but

something

it seemed

the

that

to

the tree

Nell's eyes

were

saddle-cloth,quivered indeed
she

was

slumbering.

Stas

closed,her
strongly,
sat

down

288

DESERT

IN

her, and

near

from

WILDERNESS

AND

fear

the

Mea,

sitting on

while

pieces of ivory protruding

defend

to

became

herself

other

in

overflow,

of the

motionless.

sat

of her

out

in order

ears,

below, from

It

the direction

choly
frogs and the melan-

of

croaking

little

every

drowsiness.

from

manner

the river

the

came

he

side, readjusted

this

still;only from

her

waking

of

of toads.

piping

Suddenly Nell

sat

the

on

up

bedding.

"Stas!"
"I

here, Nell."

am

And
seek

she, shaking like

his hands

"I

afraid!

am

"Don't
And
if

as

that

"Don't

which
that

by

hand

eagerly and

clung

tried to take

it away

soothe

to

me

to

hand!"

your

this time
do

to

with

he began

to

cover

afraid!"

be

water

with

honey

had

cooled.

This

time

the

hand

from

heated

was

kisses.

don't
her

gave

time

which

what

knowing

he

breeze, began

you."

be afraid,Nell!

After

to

with

am

emaciated

poor,

Give

afraid!

am

grasped her palm

fire;not

on

the

repeat hurriedly:
I

fear.
he

which

and

leaf in

with

the

her lips. The

drink,

to

Nell

utensil

drank

when

cool drink

he

seemed

her.

Silence

ensued.

Nell

again

eyes

could

sat

be

But

up

on

after
the

lapse of

half

in her

bedding and

terrible

seen

the

an

hour

wide-open

fright.

"Stas!"
is it,dear?"

"What

"Why,"
Chamis
To
were

walk
Stas in

around

nobody

are

here.

in
the

tree

voice, "do

broken
and

peer

instant it seemed

an

crawling
"What

asked

she

over

as

at

Gebhr

and

me?"

if thousands

of ants

him.

you

saying, Nell?"

That

is Kali

he

said.

walking around

the

"There
tree."

is

DESERT

IN

opening, cried with

dark

she, staring at the

But

289

WILDERNESS

AND

tering
chat-

teeth:
"

And

Bedouins

the

Stas

with

her

clasped

his

pressed her

and

arms

"

kill them?

did you

Why

too

his

to

bosom.

happened long

That

that !

In fact

it

long

was

back

beaten

the

sick child.

words

of

widened

and

of the water,
the

her head
I

weak, weak,"

Stas
she

at

of

paroxysm

attacks

two

But

of

which

after

received

not
as

come

no

few

African

had

thus

and
to

hospitably.
or

two

the first in the

and

often

returning

days

within

only

was

one

home,

missionaries
kowski

fish taken

until

morning.

"

Stas, I

and

flying

am

eyes.

strong

third

Rawlinson's

in Mr.

her

this

Travelers

withstand.

repeated.

dreadful

the

the

resist,but

she

terriblyalarmed

firstbecame
died.

had

bedding.

so

ment.
mo-

any

her strength exhausted

was

the

she closed

which

Nell's

below."

down

somewhere
After

upon

the

terror

at

like

almost

wave

palpitated

burst

about

this continued

morning

dropped

am

herself

vain.

heart

it would

that

throw

to

Her

more.

it seemed

like

in

appeared

and

She began

returned

again filled with

reassurance

more

Only towards

it had

and

the shore

violently that

"

!"

ago

but

ago,

from

thoughts of

out

of

Nell, long ago."'

"No,

eyes

think

Don't

there!

^o-day!"

"To-day!

All

look

Don't

why!

know

"You

for he

end

the

far

recurrence

it is not

first

deadly,

been

had

more

to

Said

olic
frequently Cath-

second

fatal

can

able

this in Port

Europe, whom
The

the

healthy people

fortnight, while

weeks

of

fever, termed

related

yet

thought that

Pan

attack

if the
as

third

Tarcomes

does

it is reckoned

of the sickness.

Stas knew

290

IN

the

that
attack

AND

only medicine

the

for her.

time

But
of

rocks

being, however,

the

it

ravine

he did

broth

which

for

and

seeing that
and

was

The

from

the

and

the river made

Desiring

Nell, the

the river towards

kill

to

took

boy

his

clump of

brace

of

shrubs

were

with

the

little

fowl

passed

bound
all.

This

the

he

him

for

He

"bibi"
meat

and

first so

direction
the

guinea-fowl

of

guineaanother,
them

continually

Gebhr,

Chamis,
he

upwards

eyes

these

observe

was

of

strolled

occupied

so

after

one

he

cries

felt the effect

he did not

slaying

said

tears:

Kali, who
the

ate

young

For

sin,punish

I could

not

but let her

me,

negro,

recovered

day,

every

though

her

loving

he

might

He

the

health

but

if she

an

to

the

whether

see

him

the

little

vious
pre-

"bibi,"

entirelydifferent

wicked
he would

Mzimu

that

bring

him

died, though he feared

afterwards

the wicked

felt

to

gone

offered

meat

particularly told

ages.

had

her, but he prayed in

flayhis hide that

it for

the

if it is

met

Mzimu

prayed also

piece of

trot,

beyond
elephant

flock

Nell, oh Lord, for Nell !

night. The

if the

in

whole

pray

health."

the wicked

fashion.

liftinghis

otherwise; but

the way

On

of

with

choking

I did this for

regain her

that

also because

and

Bedouins,

free her

thoughts

watering place,and
thought

voice

him

by

happened

He

praying.

his

girl'sillness

close

for the

and

to

which

on

sleep so much

"

was

and

gun

of lack of

with

Nell

resounded

he

and

have

from

day.

birds usually perched for the night. But

at

off the

not

began

leaped

sun

his breakfast

birds.

aquatic

along

keep

or

now

calm
the

overflow

of the

somewhat

in the meantime

already demanded

for

break

big doses, but

breathing, he became

of

could

of it.

For

the

WILDERNESS

which

in

quinine

was

atom

an

DESERT

Mzimu

perish, he
would

greatly encouraged

would
ber
remem-

when

the

DESERT

IN

AND

291

WILDERNESS

deposited the previous night disappeared. It might

have
been carried away
indeed
by some
jackal,but the
meat

Mzimu

might

the shape of

assume

informed

Kali

latter,however, stared
him

all and

at

in which
the

also

wasps'

like gray

few

On

papyrus.

There

score

ibises, and

forth

if

wide,

just like

of

wings,
colored

but

roses,

from

nests

black

river formed

the

an

in part

overgrown

by

they

gray

birds black

flamingoes and

bills like

heads, and

their

on

hook, and

blood, and

as

storks, and

European

our

spoon-billswith

crowns

as

the

with

place

one

paces

curlews, variegated and

and

In

legs red

white

with

cranes

birds

bills ending with

thick

velvet, with

tall trees

long stockings

yellow

nearer

expansion aquatic birds always swarmed.

this

storks

were

storks with
as

like

blotting-paper.

expansion

with

resembling big

nests

of shrubs

clump

guinea-fowl, he drew

overgrown

little

titmice, beautiful
and

were

suspended

were

Passing

find any

not

understand

if he did not

as

further.

the

propitious incident;

this
him

at

on

Its banks

river.

which

went

did

he

of

Stas

jackal.

multitude

of

mice, flying quickly back

as

long, thin,

tiny sylvan spriteson

were

and

spoons,

snipe-likelegs.
large ducks, beautiful, cinnamon

Stas killed two

and

treading

see

bank,

the

strewed

there

whether

The

shots had

two

marabous,

away
men

did

and
with
not

loathsome
and

he

move

the

at

in

between

reverie.

The

fleshy pouches

the

lifted his quarry.

and

ten

They

hanging

afterwards, observing that the

like

the shoulders.
for

from
wasps

only

twenty

were

boy gazed

to

shallows,

birds; there remained

pressed between

all.

thousands

carefully

in

and

the water

into

standing

bald heads

crocodiles

any

dispersed

plunged

around

first looked

were

he waded

after which

butterflies,of which

dead

upon

colored,

while

their
were

paces

old

two

They
at

the

breasts,

beginning

292

DESERT

IN

the

to

himself

They

did

Nell

later.

the

at

little

the

into

flung

sound

afternoon

felt

girl

he

somewhat

her

sleep.
first

and

still

look

to

and

stronger

strength

desiring

tree,

in

now

and

she

more;

the

at

than

paler

the

immediately
the

reach

and

King

second

remedy
In

day,

the

large

awakening,

attack

by

unaided.
and

which

meantime

increasing

the

the

he

he
could

rain

humidity

her

which
she

poured
of

the

and

could

neither

dozen
air.

peared
ap-

despite

she

with

was

eyes

strong

prevent

there

face

also,

thought
had

ion
complex-

her
of

quite

that
Stas

that

and

broth

havoc

black;

appeared

of

cup

Her

were

pupils

felt

she

her.

eyes,

It

that

what

seen

lips

the

usual.

after

ravine

her

Even

Stas

to

assurances

in
her

under

aged.

be

wrought

transparent;

had

it

though

had

furrowed

circles

could

daylight

the

fever

yellow

were

the

revived

night's

was

any

fell

he

Mea,

to

"

left

one

the

ducks

and

until

The

only

that

her

turned
re-

sun.

But

as

the

handing

so

broth

and

rose

he

frequently,

more

place.

wake

not

strong

and

saddle-cloth

upon

WILDERNESS

more

camping

slept;

still

Nell

the

him

around

circle

to

AND

withstanding
not-

drank

barely
of

despair
medicine

nor

it.

or

more

times

294
In

of

moments

Stas, and
tell him

that

tears, for
shall

"I

was

not

sorry

death.

to

return

now

very

very,

feared

she

and

"

but

papa,

him

beg

to

return/' Stas answered.

will

"You

could

he

And

with

to

me."

to

come

animation

said:

spoke of this

she

greater

always

she

Once

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

not

anything

say

more

he

as

wanted

to

wail.
continued

Nell

And

in

scarcely audible, dreamy

voice:
"And

will you

but

thought

after

"But

am

sorry!

so

began

to

know

without

pain, pressed her

you

do

would

what

his

his shoulder

upon

to

animation:

return

not

face,

tone:

her little head

replied with

and

still lower

mastered

He

weep.

"Nell, I will
all

sometime,

come

"

this she rested

his bosom,

at

will

you

brightened the little wan

smile

she said in

while

Saying
and

and

come

not?"

this

At

will

papa

and

"

this

in

I do

world

not

without

you."
followed, during

Silence
Stas
outside
came

with
"

when

from

running

and

Great

the

negro,

the south, said

had

barely

promontory

he

began

to

gone

Kali

shout,

frightened face:

Great

want?"

do you

"What

he

hands;

his

waving

again fell asleep.

the

of

summit

the

master

tree, but

the

to

agitated and

an

And

her

carried

Nell

which

master

!"

Stas asked.

stretching out

his hand

and

pointing to

"Smoke!"
Stas

sight

shaded
in

the

luster of the

his eyes
direction
sun,

which

with

his

indicated
now

palm

and

really saw

stood

low,

straining his
in the

streak

ruddy

of smoke

IN

risingfar
distant

in

DESERT

the

all over,

horrible

slavery

this

their

was

this could

Besides

If

be

Nell's

Mr.

he felt

directed

instructed

lightit during
Nell

the

and

warmed

his head
subtile

her

to

news

lightly,smiling when
dust

of

the

decayed

of light which

the last rays

the

apparently

as

She

tree.

after
"And

perhaps

"You

surely

the second
at

ail."

attack

I may
will

was

you

not

not

her

his

life;

him

out
with-

of his father

death

would

not

should
be

even

like lightning.

which

he

not

Saba

Stas.

he

body,

in

with

setting sun
better

Stas with

once

her

stroked

his jaws the

floating in

wood

at

she

to

tree.

close to

while

caught

the

She

lay

he

dare

to

entered

felt better.

Nell,

at

the way

On

tree.

of the

while she addressed

after

fire and

the

his huge

with

eyes

he

of

days

the

while

desire to look

the

night, after

this

of Abdullahi.

once,

through his head

sleeping and

communicated

again

Khartum,

to

liberty to

was

himself

extinguish

to

not

was

use

his steps towards

Kali

of the

insurmountable

an

wanting!

was.

grave

flitted

thoughts

Suddenly
and

her

at

that

And

lash

die

rest

He

that

first he

at

was

or

the

dervishes

hyenas.

where

say

Fashoda

he look into

if the

his

certain

was

dervishes!

would

the

could

the

to

Such

remembered

Smain, and

or

of what

Rawlinson,

able to

Nell

slave

still more

two

Stas, also,it seemed

to

Mahdi

the

them

How

fling her

To

else than

return

did escape

Nell?
or

well

disease, the

of

remain

if he

he

dervishes; he

one

any

again

they caught

and

the

fatal

hand

the

would

of

top

terriblyfrightened. Only this

slavery, and
under

with

for

camping place.

not

became

too

the

quite high.

were

trembled

295

WILDERNESS

jungle, amid

hills which

Kali

AND

frame

the

streak

formed
of

in

mind,

quite a livelymien.

die."

die," Stas

replied;"since

feel stronger, the third will not

after
come

296

IN

But

she

began

meditating
"

even

she

in that

Stas

he

and

the

Nell

her

the

more

audacious

of

dying

not

"

had

and

than

half

villageat

the

His

distressed

upon

Arabs
Witu

of

from

and

the

but

in

one

denly
sud-

It

Arabs

be

about

bolder

one

he

after

resourceful

began

southern

camp.

and

to

der
pon-

direction

might indeed
from

the

had

trade.

Abyssinians

it not

the

be

in

nothing

slave

proper

smoke

from

or

some

hunters

for him

for

with

common

The

be

ocean

expeditions into the interior

foot-hills which
Would

First
in

injured their

camp

this

the

further

plans, each

other.

These

who

reached.

he

horse,

hour,

an

meditated

smoke

great

slaves.

the

on

jungle was

Stas

form

that

made

then

located.

was

for

might

be from

and

opposite to

yet

it also

also

would

it,he would

him

the

dervishes, but

dervishes

of

before

and

Smain's

the

her

set

sun

from

and

what

enough

dervishes

necessarilycame
coast, who

know

direction

quinine.

labor

to

die.

to

not

little

darkness.

whether

over

in

asleep and

and

began

from

feel

me

remember?

two^powders,
even,

girl chattered

mind

The

do you

"

least bit

do

if he

the

in

fell

she

himself

made

were

little fingerjust how

plaids,seat

meantime

the dervishes

yet

if she

quinine."

of the

camp

little

ivory

which

prepared
"I

with

in

plunged
which

of

thought that

the

The

eyelids as

like that

her

be

immediately

start

In

would

pinch

wrap

which

said:

upon

declared,

treat

once

would

and

think

not

she

give for

at

her

powders

indicated

case

"Ah!"

And

with

much!"

so

not

WILDERNESS

night with the lions

I would

And

blink

to

bitter

after the

-then

AND

something

over

If I had

well

so

DESERT

might
negro

had
to

not

satisfy

point?
Zanzibar, from

from

Mombasa,

the

and

vicinityof Bagamoyo,
in

general from

the

DESERT

IN

territorybordering
for

the

to

great reward

could

promise such

his promise.

There

touched

to

him
of

many

the

cured

from

the

Greeks
So

be

pondering
in the

he,

could

executed

them

be

and

from

the

to

came

strongly

more

division,it
that

in

the

gold.
coast

that

and

Egypt

the

the

about

if

even

for him

of

account

on

ation
the situ-

upon

incumbent

was

for Nell."

go,

conclusion

nothing

with

have

not

that

not

the

aid of

to

complete

Sudan, Smain

their abduction

knew

Fatma.

glad

But

to

governing

of

for the

simple

and

the

Now

to

them,

others

instead
vast

of

he

his

commanding

region he

was

meet

men

among

never

saw

children

own

now,

particularly if
not

these
that

reason

only about

scheme,

Chadigi, together

Bedouins.

he apparently did

some

son

he might long for them

return

of the Mahdi
since

Chamis,

concerned

individual

her

was

only Chamis,
was

understanding with him;

an

the two

Smain

concern

he

had

abduction

Idris,Gebhr, and

in his life. He
and

stole

by renegade

weight

Arabs

that

Fayum.

therefore

did

the

and

they

himself, "I shall

of relations between

Fatma

with

to

probability knew

all

from

end,

recollected

He

that

Nubia,

people

it for its

that

saw

from

hidden

were

believe

it.

said

more

Smain's

was

he

which

quinine

if it

have

to

And

in

with

expected

be certain

rupture

Khartum

the white

as

he

idea which

another

him

Copts they purchased

shall go/7 Stas

go.

badly

as

that

they would

dervishes, particularly those

"I

that

In

Europeans, and

might

would

depth.

themselves

or

it

to

the

suffered fever almost

they

occurred

them

conduct

not

that

tinuously
con-

knows

perfectly well

and

reward

who

so

men;

would

knew

Stas

port?

nearest

white

they

who

people

were

ocean,

with

in contact

came

whether

the

on

297

WILDERNESS

AND

and

in the

with

might
service

tune,
great for-

powerful troops

compelled

to

or

catch

298

will say

seaport

any

see

And

he

Of

this

disastrous, but

wonder
have

frightened

quick

relief for

It

thing

behind

him

and

of the

the words

night

the

during

to

to

himself,

"

silvered by her

"Kali, take
thorns, and
your

Saba

guard

head, while

in that
"

luster

do

amid

the lion,

time

hyenas and

jackals,

recollected
he

when

time

it is

good fire

forth

set

for

night.

it;

near

to

should

that

to

rescue

went

and, having returned,

And

went."

he

peated
re-

fear, but I will go."

he
the

moon

rose,

only when

call Kali

and

as

the

the night

jungle was

say:

tree, close the entrance

with

the

little

I go

and

see

take

Kali

with

you

not

want

lady

what

with

Mea

as

the eye

kind

of

people

in
are

camp."

Great

kills bad

into

the

Kali

but

until the

did

of

for Saba

I shall

even

such

at

at

negro

search

go,

to

even

anxious

was

boy, however,

extraordinarily dark, and

was

well

began

Smain

he

jungle

of

end

with

than

speak

The

waited, however,

He

as

another

and

feared

him, "Kali

to

again

never

plank

the

in

say

the

in

to

prey.
young

besides,Mr.

consider

to

in which

grass,

their

to

night

leopard, not

seeking

Stas

Nell, he determined

sit at

to

become

first and,

at

thorny zareba,

panther,

said

might

whirlpool.

darkness, in high

are

it

offenses;

altogether safe; it might

easier, however,

was

would

possibilityof meeting

the

why

Smain

African

that

from

life."

us

with

return

will

you

arrangement.

an

not

was

if not

in your

that

certain

was

course

prove

one

Fatma

rejected such

he

before

and

children

your

and

the children, and

rich;

you

will lead

if you

Ocean

"

Fashoda.

beyond

will pardon all your

and

will make

Rawlinson

Indian

government

rejoin Fatma

will

you

far

"

thought, "that

the

on

the

Egypt,

to

us

where

him," Stas

to

WILDERNESS

AND

knew

Lord

the

slaves

to

DESERT

IN

master,
animals.

Kali

does

and
to

the rifle which

stay."

DESERT

IN

to

you

Kali,

the

and

the

on

bark

And

taking

warriors

her

who

give

will

beads, and wire, and

the

young

negro

Stas' limbs, and

"Bwana

kubwa!

Stas

deeply touched

was

he leaned
"Go

meet

the

to

himself
and

set

in

the

zareba

into

and

you

bibi

'

does

cross,

people, and
There

as

tell the

you

will find

rifles,much

powder,

sea.

cloth

wards
after-

continually to the

go

many

die

not

your

able

are

you

began

to

to carry.

by

and

the

not

on

at

will she

rejectedat

off

well

as

once

foot in the

the

horse
the

question, who

what

on

as

or

for

bless

said

you!"

while

whether

the safer

was

tigers in India,

course,

in

case

donkey, always charge

man.

in such

But
case

herself ride?
the idea of

jungle.

boy's devotion, so

God

may

This

will return!"

his head, and

on

deliberated
him.

You

black

braced
em-

mournfully:

repeat

the

and

"

his knees,

on

will return!

ridinga

man

animal

he
and

her

faithfully,and

himself

into the tree, Kali

at

tent

return

her

him, placed his hand

over

lions in Africa

they

them

threw

You

Remaining alone, he
take the donkey with

for

not

understand?"

you

And

to

to

great

much

as

high

the

they should
the

men

and

serve

until they reach

white

will leave

you

he formed

return

and

that

confident

am

thus:

not

her

great sign like this."

shall conduct

you

east

carve

so

If I should

will build

you

he continued

shall honor

Wahima

die,

bamboos,

two

If,however, I do

you

Do

tree

will

you

after which
"

the

around

in

presently said

prudent,

I tell you.

lady should

little

tree, but

I forbid

what

will do

that you

silent,but

faithful and

are

you

became
voice

hollow

somewhat
"

he

which

After

"And

firmly.

me."

with

go

said

stay!" Stas

shall

"You

299

WILDERNESS

AND

he

propounded

will carry
After

Nell's

this observation

taking the donkey

300

IN

The

DESERT

already

moon

began
which

easily be concealed

could

not

see

when

the

moon

everything

steeped

was
was

easy

circle instead
cheered

of

towards

camp,

he

it

appeared between

But

the

Fortunately

what

and

forward.
that

walk

at

blackly outlined
and

then

him

seized

happen

and

would

But

cavern.

should

find

this

the

at

veil

himself

the

not

was

every

sound,

creeping

rifle

seemed

ready

to him

stood

stray.

white-ant
feet

of each

of the

high.

hillock;
the

hills

sky, descended

over

and

the

terror

and

moon

his head
to

fire at

over

that

screws,

any

something

would

the

sky, for

subterranean
The

jungle
heard

be

which

is downright
had

it.

Stas

look

around

as

second.
was

can

the buzz

make,

grass

on

stillness

the

almost

hover

in

what

only danger.

everything, to listen,watch,

direction,have
the

step, and

every

Fear
to

the

four

or

not

descrying

though

as

night time, when, amidst

heed

place

everything.

thought of

the

in the

insects

in

again that

twenty

top, and

background

only

if clouds

he

such

farther.

proceeded

Fear

the

the

on

and

there

the rifle at the bottom

to

below

three

veiled

acacias

Stas

climbed

first

could

between

afterwards

night,

fore,
lofty hills; there-

of two

ten

one

around

most

hillocks, sometimes

carefullyplaced

daytime

Under

the

in

of paces

score

the

horseback

of the

the promontory,

and

into

Stas, nevertheless,

was

tops

was

culties
diffi-

heights, and

hills in sight,one

few

every

stray

went,

mimosa,

grass,

to

the

the

by keeping

from

English miles distant

in the

it

the

on

deep shade?

in

thought

which

man

the

only

moving

the

by

it,and

in

illuminated

it

conditions

was

heavens;

plunged

Even

in it.

step ahead

that

high

so

grew

boy

the

as

soon

as

could

the

in

higher

rose

considerably lighter. Nevertheless,

therefore

grass,

WILDERNESS

AND

to

the
rifying.
ter-

pay

in every

it were,

and

Every

moment

have
it

approaching,skulking,

302

IN

would

he

Smain's
their
in

dervishes,

the

retreat

direction

holding
about

the

direction

of

stopped.
the

breath

In

that

the

rest

had

these

the

wild
as

so,

The

Before
at

he

could

luster

the

on

which

at

the
that

without

became

its

base

Then, crawling slowly, he crept

to

For

assumed
He

was

them

to

scare

Lord

and

nor

away

that

it

was

distinct.

more

found

himself

illuminated,

most

was

again

detection.

more

rock

he

near

passed, Stas

opposite
at

the

the

horses.

grass.

guards

thanked

hour

an

high

thus

from
and

but

fires above

farther

rocks

of

quarter

the

any

he

proceed

indicated

which

But

in

stepped

proceeded

five

enough,

not

possible and

as

horses

of

be

no

he

heard

counted

were

lighted

animals.

place

guards

find

could

while

Having

he

not

there

he

He

quietly

as

snorting

concealed

that

dervishes

Would

unexpectedly

moonlighf

were

only surprised

After

fire,moving

would

the

this.

to.

jungle the

this

from

for Nell?

he desire

he

from

escaping

hills?

in his bosom.

the

dervishes

the

coast?

eastern

who,

ascertain

to

paces

the

of

salvation

or

of the

hundred

the

negroes

thickets

did

nor

now,

in the

savage

imperative

was

from

villages,sought protection

slavery,

or

WILDERNESS

Arabs

or

inaccessible

death,

AND

below?

see

native

It

DESERT

fire must

be

burning.

the brink

and

glanced

below.
The

first

tent;

before

lay

the

fire which

negroes

Stas
bottom

which

tent

attired

man

perhaps

negro,

the

object

in

one

of the

stood
a

twelve

moment

ravine.

white

years

illumined

sleeping under
in

struck

the
it

on

slid

his eyes

field

canvas

was

rocky

bed,

adding
wall

both

sides

down

the

big white
and

and

of the

on

dress.

European
old,

was

little

dry fuel
a

row

it

to

of

tent.

declivity to

the

XI

FOR

time

some

not

utter

lying

man

him

with

the

Nasibu

"Yes,
"

Are

heavily

before
stared

and

almost

the
at

sciousness.
uncon-

upon

"

there?

the

answered

see

you

he

silent

was

bordering

you

master,"

Do

also

could

emotion

exclaimed:

latter

panting

who

bed,

amazement

an

Finally
"

the

on

stood

and

word,

and

exhaustion

from

one

any

any

"

lad.

negro

standing

one

before

there

me?"
before

But

his

the

With

he

little

said,

his

and

recovered

help.

am

Suddenly,
wild

with

"A
you

What

his

brow

beg

for

Nell

blinking

with

help."

him,

with
said

vish
der-

But

jungle.

at

he

Help?

however,

white

boy!
you
want

he

shook

his

hand.

himself.

to

myself

in

joy

his
I

"

are.

of

eyes,

again
Did
me?

himself

gazed

torpor,

or

of

you

stare

the

from

am

"This

in

need

of

wounded."

gleam

do

to

hear!"

What?

dream

whoever

but

see

illusion!

no

rubbed

Tarkowski.

escaped

in

sake

her

Stanislas

have

hiding

are

for

then

only

not

is
I

continued

and

eyes,

we

and

unknown

"I

Stas

reply

to

name

Rawlinson

terribly sick;
The

"my

Miss

captivity

is

able

was

speech.
"Sir,"

is

boy

see

you
"

more

said
a

as

though

of

out

consciously,

and,

white

speak

one!
of

some

welcome
sick

girl?

304

of Mr.

she

Rawlinson,
die if he did

must

attacks

"Two

"But

have

several

jars of

it which

he

ordered

Speaking thus,
big

box, which

tin

took

he

store;

"

began

had

desire

thank

to

Zurich.

good,

to

hand

him

travelingdrug

It will last you

Two

wounded

days

for

he

Then

if his

as

own

is

you

hiding in

to

the

do you

what

"Fly

divisions

wart-

escaped

mind

thoughts.

my

dervish

from

jungle? Is it so?

my

comes
be-

Truly,

captivity

"

intend

to do

?"

Abyssinia."

are

prowling

cannot,
a

and

worse

pipe clears

had

will fall into

"You

accident.

an

from

Swiss

I said it."

"Yes, sir.
And

pipe."

But

that

say

are

am

said:

the lad:

the night-time the fever is

you

Linde;
with

I met

ago

times, and

several

said to Stas:

confused.

"Ah,

rapture

his head

addressed

fillmy

"We

he

delight,so

severely."

me

"Nasibu,

In

sheer

from
much

as

name

my

he

"

me

large jars filled with

rather

shout

to

nodded

Afterwards

and

now."

to

small

was

I haVe.

with

him

unknown

"Good,

did

use

want.

you

involved.

were

The

"

no

unknown.

even."

Stas

hog

of

the third.

the
as

and

Stas.

to

is half of what

This

year

life

them

quinine

that

fever

prevent

little Nasibu

of it two

gave

to

of

answered

are

apparently

out

and

powder

quinine

much

as

you

attacks

two

is bad!"

that

"

of the Canal;

directors

from

obtain

not

give

can

of the

one

suffered

had

already

Nell, the daughter

the sick girlwas

repeated that

Stas

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

month

the
all

however,
ago

of the

hands

along

undertake

I could

the

Mahdists; whose

boundary."
anything else."

still have

given

you

aid.

But

now

"

Divine

upon

astonishment.

with

Stas gazed at him

"And

dependent only

"

lad."

black

that

and

mercy

alone

am

305

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

this camp?"

It is the

"And

negroes?"

those

"Those

of death."

camp

will not

sleeping and

are

negroes

awaken

any

more."

"

They

from
is

disease

quivered, and
slept
with

And

though

as

Linde

"Ah!

This

desiringto
"That

not

the

stirred

negro

whole

propped

or

even

conversation

rock, others

the

on

all

their breasts.

upon

will

he had

Africa is

awaken

not

any

more?"

yet realized the significance

not

charnel

conversation

be

house."

Recent

is inoculated
oxen

sickness

rebellion

to

nearer

the

legs to

from

and

men

those

"

the

the

are

edge

the

only

horses.

Mahdists

in certain localities.
cause

of the disease

During
was

Swiss

said.

I routed

that this disease

fly "tsetse" which
causes

the time

unknown.

valley,

light.

whom

its bite

Nevertheless

of the

horses," the

investigations have demonstrated

in people by the bite of the same

and

the

them

was

fettered

is nothing

captured

kills

Only

heard.

jumping with

small-pox.

said:

further

of

"I

it, excepting

to

interrupted by the ing

stampthe horses, which, startled at something in the jungle,

But

came

heads

sleeping and

are

he had

of what

ravine

during

drooping

"They
he asked,

the

with

heads

all fell prey

struck by the fact that at the time

was

that

some

"

this terrible

where

of

Those

me."

to

slid into

he

Lakes

previously died

who

Stas, just before,

when

sleeping sickness.1

and

continually raging
remains

boy

the

Great

the

beyond

those
that

"

sufferingfrom

are

men

are

"

understand

do not

"I

the

sleeping

of the Mahdist

306

IN

few

weeks

DESERT

There

ago.

But

more.

three

were

had

they
which

Remingtons,

men

will

all

return

to

Stas

she

Then

is still

"

I shall

whole

is

"It

had
the

is

two

of you

and

that

to

even

above

me?

only

I know

the fever.

of

hour

an

of

camp

later

sleep

He

kept, however,

The

that

night

both

clouds
the

in

double.
that

you

my

If you
Now

Are

there

are

alone

! this Africa !

the

stirrups and

"

I have

quinine for

"What

this time
he

now

closely to

must

lead

zodiacal
on

my

little one!

he felt the jarswith

his hand,

were

lions and
"

as

fall;
water-

the

if he

wanted

broad

speed,

panthers
from

and,

strongly.

breakneck

And

all

stillness

scattered

light shone

almost

river,

of the

roar

no

high

After

the

the flanks with

at
are

the

sky

in

as

the

it.

to

on

paid

in the

encounter

return,

from

return

more

distance

rode

to

dark, but

might

to

horse

started

death, but

western

the

in his soul:

and

he

easier

the

moon,

saying

Stas

ravines

from

came

boy pricked

Arabian

face.

conscious.

see

Ah

still

night was

considerably

besides

from

closed his eyes.

dangers which

the

tea,

I can."

more

No,

any

of the

been
for I

heed

was

you

is she?"

more

European

of me,

The

it

at

have

horseback.

assuming

also;

ever
supplies what-

once

in whatever

gaze

hold

this strange

grass.

tion
ammuni-

for more."

tjiankyou

you

taking

quarter

to

that

give you

of the

come

to

help

this is

he

And

old

Nasibu

Take

to-morrow

earlier I would

fever

my

said:

good

come

how

"

Let

"

for her.

and

and

Linde

patient

and

or

horse

haps
per-

under

arms

Take

child

surely return

heart

And

wine

want,

them;

replied.

rice,coffee,and
you

need

want.

your

of

stacked

are

If you

you

sooner

"Eight,"
"

that

hundred

principally spears,
now

wall, absolutely useless.

take

WILDERNESS

AND

time
to

to

me?

to

time

assure

that

himself
all

not

Various
He

through his brain.

he

that,

as

he

ball,and

of

the

the

Linde

which

it seemed

flitted

Swiss

whom

He

took

skull

almost

him

to

with

was

think

to

him

and

for

round

as

rels
the bar-

against the

was

mentioned

to

pitied so heartily

with

stacked

fire.

strange

these
He

Nell.

pictured

she

that

and

and

rock

certain

that

the

Smain's

division,

that Smain

might

he

had

the

not

the
were

the

rode

quinine, and
of

performer

where

acted
that

like

smoke

forgiven myself during the

steep and
beasts

that

that

as

banks
But

quests.
tracks

evidently

horse

The

of lions

happily, and

hid

or

moment

was

was

in

the

near

the

river

rocky dens
a

to

the

at

animals

of

elsewhere

already

was

snorted

distance

necessary

all the

of
it

in

formed

overflow
which

to

inaccessible.

of prey

it

Now

it.

the

for

roar

ing
the croak-

already

recognized

even

above

he

from

the

previously shot aquatic birds.

had

watering place

locality came,

recent

he

greater caution,

time

hour

an

quite distinct and,

conjectured

standing

trees

on

for

little less than

luster he

moon's

nocturnal
the

of

ascertain

have

became

frogs,he

exercise
same

him

jar

himself, "if I had

to

gone

of

surprised she would

whole

take

not

the expansion where

the

how

said to

lapse of

of the waterfall

the

himself

thought

constant

life."

of my

After

the

morrow

I would

from

of

the

on

"Ah,"

coward

rest

to

mingled

probably would

miracles.

came

visions

behold

to

In

he

was

fallen.

With

whom

it

pictures

sleeping "pagahs,"

Remingtons

battle

be

of

row

the

have

and

wounded

little Nasibu

saw

glistening in
and

the

saw

that

and

first,during their conversation, he

at

madman;

them

thoughts

gratitude and

felt immense

307

WILDERNESS

actually possessed

he

dream.

AND

DESERT

IN

late and

after

their

little,scenting

panthers; nevertheless, Stas

later

saw

on

the

high

308

IN

in Africa

first time

arrived

He reckoned

dead.

exclaimed

had

sensation

For

if he

as

had

find all
bark

asleep,but

loud

enough
before

appeared

he reckoned

awaken

to

the

and

tree

horseback!"

there was,
in Stas'

however,
so

powers

joy than

more

much

horse, fye black

much

very

began

had

to

also

On

created

even

But

Kali

believed

been

began

kubwa!

In his voice
he

he

of "Cracow."

"Bwana

as

silhouette

that he would

Saba, who

the

even

WILDERNESS

home.

at

without

AND

big black

the

promontory
the

DESERT

that

surprise,

if the

boy would

latter

not

have

surprised.
in

itself in

manifests

as

joy

to

slap his thighs

negroes

with

laughter,he

and

his palms

like

laugh

madman.
this

"Tie

him, build

from

began
white

entered

call him.

to

lying

hands

the

the

supplies

Nell

tree.

aside

also and

awoke
the

wall,

canvas

fire-pother pale face, and

the

the

on

"Remove

boil water."

Stas, drawing

light of

the

by

saw

fire,and

this he

After

said.

horse," Stas

plaids

which

with

thin,

she

was

covered.
do

"How

and

"Good,

why do
"

you

Because

feel, little one?"

you

asked

he

awoke

slept well until Saba

merrily.
me.

But

"

sleep?

not

I rode

away."

"Where?"
"

To

"To

drug store."

drug store?"

"Yes, for quinine."

The

little girldid not

of the
as

she

diseases

quinine powders

relish very

which

she had

them

as

world,

she

regarded
in the

indeed

an

infallible

sighed and

much

the taste

taken

before, but,

remedy

for all the

said:

310

DESERT

IN

her

admiration

much
be
that

it

now

long

as

would

age

thin

her

"Stas,

are

"Mea,

have

do.

But

perished
he

that

boy

So

when

of

his

tude
grati-

great

entered

Stas

remedy

hugged

thing

girl.

other

and
the

necl^and

kind

very

am

he

and

satisfaction
the

his

to

with

little

no

as

heart,

her

plain

immensely;

how

little

is

to

was

she

threw

heartily.

him

me."

to

be

to

Why,

kind?

like

that!

medicine!"

Nevertheless

to

her

over

whom

to

this

knew

her

it

would

her
her

for

replied:

he

"And

she

for

or

around

you

While

Take

in

arms

that

defended

leaned

and

protect

reflecting

not

did

for

to

cared

done

have

overflowed

again

her

he

and

her

gratified

he

course,

ought
to

that

ago;

of

boy

occurred

considered,

everything

matter

older

an

that

it,

WILDERNESS

had

him,

for

over

taken

AND

happy;

was

with

again

as

joy

his

and

pride,

opening:
serve

the

bibi

'

with

tea,

glistened

eyes

now!"

he

called,

with
ing
turn-

XII

STAS

did

until

noon,

not

the

On

need

might

had

for he

adventure.

fresh

weak

but

inquired about

he

should

not

the

fever

and

the

sun,

and

their

this

evident

with

end

an

of

said

and
"

as

if in

If in your

they

will not

And

after

"The

that

lit his

he

you

believe

best
are

what

the

to

and

able

greeting

arrival

in

afterwards

hands,

gazed

the narrative
Stas

own

during

interest, often

growing

when

water.

his

Gebhr's

Swiss

The

night

bad

and

for
from

one

the

the

to

that

cure

request,

from

with

man

very

Stas

little

Mahdi;

pipe, surveyed

from

reached

head

to

foot,

reverie:

country
be

beginning

narration

the

his

at

wanderings.

admiration,

warned

finally from

liberation

their

to

further

time

the

visit

the

staying during

him,

the

history from

Fashoda

after

was

entirely sure

guard

and

to

sick

Linde

he

an

from

places,

the

as

the

guinea-fowl, which

two

gratitude.

should

related

previous night's

that

Immediately

he

damp

and

the

Nell, after which

that

Stas

Khartum
from

with

getting wet,

and

Nell's

killed

regard quinine

from

Afterwards
and

he

fully conscious.

he

after

rest

following day

the

camp

anticipating

meat,

really accepted

low

to

way,

were

in

Linde's

for

start

to

there

are

manage

moment

I tell you:

you

of silence

proof of the
here, that

many

you

truth
are

your

boys like
very

he
of

you,

then

easily."

continued:
your

standing
situation

words
before

is this,
me.

And

is terrible; the

312

IN

road,

in

"If
I

whether

such

Nell

But
is

you

will

only

"

of

be

save

self
your-

well, then

shall do

whatever

Stas.

mature

that after

before
Do

person.

you

departure from Fashoda

our

great settlement

have

you

present?"

at

are

you

No, I remember

called

Deng,

kind

some

river."

interrupted Linde.

"Sobat,"
"

In

there

Deng

quite

were

Sobat

beyond

But

negroes.

ravine, in which

the
"

reached

you

after

that
turned

the

present in

river,

in all

for
probability,

satisfymyself

cannot

Karamojo

After

the

battle, I heard

they

into

tribe occupy

but

present

partly died
Mahdists,
Mountains.

of

this

you

south.

You

at

are

do not

into

know

and

they

region only

source.

prisoners

for

that

certain,

not

were

now

I turned

investigate its

the dervish

even

present,
the Nile.

point, though
to

and

slaves.

The

generallysparselysettled country,
the region is desolate, as the population

Shilluk
at

that

from
but

Ogeloguen,

venture

myself

Mountains

the

it is called

it appears

travelers

probability falls

upon

from

we

until

Sudanese

the
to

which

"

ravine

me;

the
to

more

near

in all

northwest, and

I say

with

Sobat

locality unknown

The

geographers.
runs

listen to

southeast, but

the

the

of

reached

we

happened

along

and

region

until

what

Now

river.

crossing

to

at

are

this

into

weeks

went

you

of dervishes

entered

we

know

you

Afterwards

I know.

number

whole

proceeded

jungles and

as

will not

you

knows,

gulf."

beyond the strength of

crossed, near

we

this

as

terrible; who

yourself,for the task which

spare

where

know

WILDERNESS

boy

child from

that

can," exclaimed
"

AND

direction,is likewise

any

however,
and

DESERT

this

smallpox, partly

and

was

swept

partly sought refuge

In

Africa

it often

in

happens

by

away

the
that

the

Karamojo
a

region

DESERT

IN

desolate

thickly settled to-day becomes

to

six

calculations

my

miles, more

the

south

Emin, but

to

"And

bear

I know

the

No,
"

you

be

to

for

that

that

tribes

Yet

waging

war

is

do, and

western

hordes

of

vishes
der-

easily fall

Christian

either

are

the

along

empire,
profess

or

pagan

Mahdi,

the

secretly favor

reason

I to

away.

therefore

might

you

get through that

am

is

smaller

or

Abyssinia indeed

will not

Well, what

Mahdi

the

greater

southern

savage

and

Islam

probability
thought of."

distance

prisoners

and

prowling

into their hands.

the

to

escape

and, therefore, against Abyssinia.

frontiers

southern

but

eighty-

is in all

not

same

that

world

also from

are

the

mind

in

against the whole

and

about

is also

must

you

might

You

himself

Emin

as

and

Abyssinia?" Stas asked.

to

"That

Lado.

cording
Ac-

to-morrow.

hundred

dervishes, that is

the

besieged by

are

you

less,from

or

313

WILDERNESS

AND

"

way."
shall I go with

where

Nell?

"

Stas asked.
told you

"I

Linde

that

said.

"

lay
The

sixty

for it is

the

and

here;

from

among

savage

probable

that

peoples,and
there

of

transports

upon

Mombasa

perhaps

"

on

be able to explore the

"

long

I shall

we

never

return.

to

localities.
You

Kismayu,

But

might
Lamu

to

missionary expeditions.
the

go

I would

dervishes

of this river

course

shall return

to

deserts,

over

pass

and
tains,
moun-

cross

England.

to

ivory
of

the Nile, I, too, wanted

"Then

even

to

waterless

are

upon

account

over

have

would

you

nominally belongs

Realizing that
to

five hundred

"

ocean," he finally
said, is

country

chance

for

in silence.

miles
go

and

to his head

Saying this he put both hands

time

is extremely difficult,"

situation

your

because

eastward

to

not

it turns

the ocean."

together," Stas exclaimed.

The

wart-hog has

so

badly

torn

my

314
muscles
in.

set

Only
but

numb,

infection

an

could

surgeon

the

during

the

of

save

everything has

Now

leg.

my

that

veins

and

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

blood

by amputating

me

and

coagulated

first days

bit my

must

become

hands

from

pain""
surely will get well."
brave
lad, I surely will die and
my

"You

"No,
well

me

with

the dead

To

out.

it is

unpleasant

dimmed
thus

have

already

resigned
about

remains

for

take

But

ocean.

startingand gain strength,otherwise

will die in the

first

the

end

course

of

of the

rainy

water

still

covers

we

are,

and

hundred

is

marshes,

eighty-nine

is weaker.

The

fall and

to

healthiest.

about
the

from

journey

longer.

twenty-two
At

sea.

fifty feet

and
height of forty-two hundred
exist and when
brought
does not
course

the

the

are

above

feet

before

rest

ceases

plateau lying

road

littlecompanion

even

rain

fever

the

the lower

the

places

the little English girlup

Take

"

give

the

only
good

idea

I will

you

and

the

the

mist,

the

to

Postpone

season,

when

with

me.

your

weeks.

few

months,

summer

Here, where

its

far

so

not

you,

There
the

east, to

until the

die

to

though

as

become

speak about

us

the

to

me

during life

but

same,

It is hard

it.

dig

cannot

"

were

this advice.

you

hyenas

all the

of

continued

he

let

the

be

think

to

eyes

after which
"But

it may

own

your

his

Here

that

so

cover

"

from

away

so

stones,

will

you

into

the mountains."

apparently fatigued

Talking
again broke
away

Stas

the
saw

After

"Pay

off and

big
among

blue
the

for

close

time

some

flies; the

attention

so

he

impatiently brushed
kind

same

much,

very

as

those

which

de*bris of Fashoda.

burnt

this he continued

him

thus:
to

what

tell you.

About

IN

DESERT

towards

day's journey
mountain,

not

than

like

pan

feet; it looks
steep, and

are

the

that

narrow

so

only

in

it side

on

residents.
Smain

It

whom

escort

an

is

to

the

multitude

of

drove

there

is

no

will

one

but

is about

done

those

slaves

village,

negro

carried

was

on

the

away

that

by

I did

same

not

do

ture
cap-

Nights

or

not

and

great

from

the

living creature

At

two.

there, which

ants

cool.

are

health,

infection

were

now,

month

villagea
her

there

fields,and

will find

you

fear

not

And

mountain.

manioc

the huts

In

place.

few

the dervishes

recover

ceed
pro-

There

water,

fever.

barely

that

excellent

in that

Remain

and

this

Settle

the

rocky ridge

can

was

sides

Its

under

bones, but

from

us

twenty

its flat top, which

Nile.

after

as

corpses,

and

previously despatched them

bananas.

human

many

horses

two

wide, there

that

isolated

an

upside down.

slaughtered

had

he

spring of

On

defeated,

because

places

be

is

reaching it is by

of

way

feet

may

there

twenty-six hundred

by side.

Mahdists

the

south

turned

some

thirty-fivehundred
but

the

higher

315

WILDERNESS

AND

such

There
you

height
little

your

will

gain

new

strength."
"And
I

what

am

afterwards, and

do

to

where

shall

go?"
"After

through
where

to

that

in their

the Samburu
"

Wahima?

Here
which
had

it will

Stas

the

Wahimas.

in

have

and

Wahima

began
that

to

disposes. Try

places situated
reached,

or

ride

to

the

get
than

farther

reaching

are

to

east

kind

some

"

of

they purchase from

tribes."
from

comes

Wahima

the

Linde

narrate

to

after

Gebhr's

Kali
he

God

ivory which

for

Kali

as

Arabs

coast

search

he inherited
told him

be

Abyssinia

the dervishes

I heard

lake

that

was

the

son

death

tribe."
the
and

manner

in

that Kali

of the ruler of all the

316

IN

Linde

But
than

rule

hands, I

forget what

indifferently

more

forget that

am

of that."

sure

also is

he

as

helpful

souls,though

their gratitude; they

upon

the day before."

I rescued

said, and

be

may

honest

are

from

Gebhr's

Nasibu

added:

him

pointing

good child; take

"

happened

will not

"Perhaps," Linde
"He

there

depend

cannot

you

"Kali

this information

blacks

the

children who

are

WILDERNESS

better," he said,

the

Among

to you.
as

received

much

So

AND

expected.

Stas

"

DESERT

at

with

him

after my

you

death."
"

speak of death, sir."

the Swiss,
dear boy," answered

Do

not

"My

if it would
I

now

only

wake

not

and

they

from

which

men,

sixty remained

smallpox, and

of

Stas

had

susceptibleto
All

through

very

their eyes

thickly on
there

no

to

ran

their

to

jungle,
hundred

two

away,

gaze

many

died

of

and

The

sleepers.
indicates

half

eyeballs were

some

were

their ribs could

hands

feet

open;
not

swollen.
be counted

out
quivered with-

big blue flies swarmed

lips.

help for them?"

the

at

in negroes

for their

knees

that

rapidly.
and

the

closed, others

eyes

The

Their

correct
in-

before their

to

Of

speak

asleep in other ravines."

began

awe

light.

their skins.

cessation

"Is

fell

"

fly

return.

Many

me.

thin, so
frightfully

were

aberration

slept deeply,

the

that

of the

one

short time

ashen-hued, which

were

latter

these

rather

or

for

more

to

some

paleness. Some
but

never

pity and

with

bodies

Their

awake

their mental

in

"

accidentallystray
like a sheep."

me

more,

any

all of them

"

stab

if any

it

the sleeping negroes.

pointed to

he

They will

death

and

should

could

he

hollow, alone

Here
"

I routed

whom

consider

great agony;

completely unarmed,

am

Mahdists
this

without

come

desire

"I

Stas asked.

318
of

IN

DESERT

AND

preserved food, but from

day for fresh

every
not

that

when

wild

few

and

up

trampled
in the

had

coagulum

formed

was

insisted upon

Stas

would

he

him

"

to

the

the tent.

th"

flow

In the

the

of the two

Cracow,"

afterwards

of blood

and

foot,however,

internal

flow

of

so

and

blood

not

as

announced
leave

to

blacks, he proposed

saddle-cloth,stretched

on

beast

patient.

daily, or,

care

shot, the

near

dressing his wounds

come

the

only under

check

from

threatened

gangrene

his

near

the camp
and
tearing his shirt and making

to

to

man

but

thoughtlessly drew

This happened

able

it, was

shot

it happened

and
his legs frightfully,

sight of Nasibu, who,

lead the wounded

and

sportsman,
he

he hunted

excellent

an

fallen from

his loins.

of

of the scurvy

was

days before
tore

upon

bandages

that

He

meat.

which

boar

started

and

fear

sufficientlycareful

WILDERNESS

Nell

to convey

between

horses.

two

Linde
not

agreed
to

the

know,"

he

agree

"I

be

to

torn

night-time
And
"I

he

began

he

until

held

are

the wounds,

but

would

the negroes,
I cannot

alive

back

"that

those

doom

them

by hyenas, which
by

the

during

the

fire."

repeat feverishly:

to

became

at

they die,

I cannot!

cannot!

But

said, pointing

pieces

to

dressingof

removal.

die, but

must

men

the

to

I cannot!"

immediately, and

calm

continued

in

strange voice:
"

to

Come
make

as

and

if you

of this African

I wished

to

may

Take

water

those

poor

be

morning

to-morrow

of you,

out

you

here

postpone

gulf,and
this

unconscious
in

some

can

I have

"

perform it,God
grant

request
to-morrow

utensil, stop

me

an

request
lead

may

death.

easy

until to-morrow,
I make

before

sleepingfellows,sprinklewater

but

it to-day.
each

over

one

of

him, and

DESERT

IN

these

say

Father,

and

Here
"

'I

of

the

reproach

with

is
that

even

that

those

of

death

now

in

he

the

said

fell

into

over

my

those

and

caravan

became
"

while,
who

desire

upon

the

"

Ghost!'

final
I

of

name

he

their

me,

of

remnant

and

after

of

the

Holy

speech

manner

who

hovering

of

his

in

thee,

and

myself,"

leave

and

Son,

319

WILDERNESS

baptize

checked

emotion

take

not

words:

AND

silent.
that

died

of

slumber.
to

the

go

did

pox
smallBut

together
last

great

journey."
this

Saying
and

two

Stas

tears

wept

he

coursed
like

with

pointed

slowly
beaver.

his

over

hand
his

at

cheeks.

the

ruddy

sky,

xin

THE

next

Stas

walked

morning's

him

over

the

sacramental
and

tilted

or

And

corpses.

the

in

"

the

enclosed

in

nothing

more.

him

at
on

away

chills, and
On
at

Before

not

his

the

Kali

opening

to

eat,

but

in

sun,

cloudless, a

head

with
did

carried

both

to

and

care,

said

thirst tormented
He

delirious.
sail

to

far

too

fell into

without
him

papers

hands.

all,

at

recovering

sincerely, and

neighboring

they closed

of which

Stas

recognize Stas

for
him

weaker.

afterwards

not

mourned

his

not

lake, and

and
to

became

days later, he died

Stas
with

afterwards

sleepers

the

was

handed

children

imaginary

three

of

weaker

them

he

sunset

unknown

consciousness.

cave,

could

clasped

noon,

day

grew

entrusted

following day he

the

of the

luster

dressed, he

were

some

their

on

already resembling

baptism

that

sky

conscious, but

He

some

this

with

though sad.

tin case,

terribly.

shouted

The

as

the wounds

After

and

and
still

was

place

pronounced

drooping

still alive but

each

they slept

heads

stillness,in the

gloom.

grayish blue,
Linde

took

morning

desert

And

limbs, with

before

and

water,

words.

upwards,

thus

strange spectacle.

rocky walls, stopped

his foreheaiwith

quivering hands
breasts

the

along

moistened

negro,

illuminated

sun

with

narrow

thorns

and

stones.

Stas

ordered

took
to

little Nasibu
watch

the

to

"Cracow,"

supplies

at

the

while

camp

Kali

and

was

keep

DESERT

IN

big

fire burning

rock

made

and

powder

which

cartridges,from

mine

for the

the

imprisoned

her

reluctantly and

not

permit

acacia

thorny
which

devolved

the

to

boughs.
Mea,

for

of time, he

times

each

day

also overworked
endured

hidden

and
the

"Cracow";

to

and

leave

ride

to

the

those

He

tenth

day

of less value

led

of

of

score

the

importance

number

alone

her

luggage.

until

were

after

brought

were

the

onto

were

tory
promon-

Remington

rifles were

be

later

rifles were

to

borne

by

King.

During that time

of the

some

mortem
return

in Linde's

of the

there

more;

from

camp,

would

sleeping negroes

paroxysm
no

and

start

Kali

in

the

had

to

that

one

Finally

the

camp

were

bury.
soon

time

itself

order

he seized him

or

After

who

some

time,

to

in

up

died
their

in the

ante-

an

two

arrived
He

for
was

weeks

only

with his trunk

heads

tame

and

one

spot,

on

the

These

remained,

exhaustion.

blastingthe
so

the

on

neighborhood.

died in his sleep from

liberation of the King.

time

disease, fly into the jungle, and

others, rushing blindly, crushed

rocks

but

whom

his iron constitution

not

more

horses, too,

by them, which

carried
the

those of

of work

her, however,

upon
to

for

camp

terribly,but

considerable

than

packs distributed;

in caves,

leave

to

Saba,

Nevertheless,

would

pressure

preferred

Linde's

himself

all toil.

all the

were

most.

to

the

to

Rather

the

depended
length
any

the

closed the opening with

Nasibu, and

all he

quinine,and

riding away

on

him, he had

upon

of

care

Owing

of

strength. Stas left

her

and

tree

health

Happily Nell's

King.

fear, and

the

her to leave

blasting the

of

purpose

increased

with

extracted

he

which

improved considerably after daily doses

greater variety of food

ally
continu-

luggage and

ravines, conveying

two

rifle

particularlythe

bustled

the sleepers. Stas

near

the

between

321

WILDERNESS

AND

now

rock
that

placed him

and

the
Stas'

at
on

his

322

IN

DESERT

neck.

He

which

Kali

pulled

insisted

that

Nell

also had

truth to him

it

Linde

from

Saba,

sight of

in this

At

joke of

children

act

of

understood
seemed

this

In

beyond

obey

that

the

most

only

not

Stas' orders, and

less heed

So

loved

Mea

and

and

leaving only

it

twisted
The

of

lit the

carry

fastened

he

King,
wagged his

who

did whatever

perfectly,for
most

about

necessary

whom

the

To

most.

stance,
into

all cared

Kali

he

paid

all the

rubbed

with

finally arrived.
after
to

deepest

plastered it wholly with

fiber and

rope,

him

it in the

opening through which

moment

powdered

legs could
bad

small

dry palm

decisive

urably
immeas-

carefully complied with

most

Nell

even

the

afterwards

was

and

he slightedentirely.

which
a

the

him

surpass

discerned

the person
he

of

animals, and

Stas, after making the mine, inserted

fissure, after

as

because

order, but

every

elephants

whom

that

Nell.

was

wanted

was

King

person

Stas, and

was

latter

surpassed Saba,

pleased. The
the

biting.
the dog

was

souse

the

regarded by

tail to all of Nell's admonitions

that

the ground

on

pretend that he

respect

comparison,

he

him

overturn

domesticated

all other

With

comprehension and seriouslyminded,

comprehend,

nod.

every

in

luggage inherited

principallypleased

everything

to

the

unexpectedly

was

were

beast,being quick

heavily burdened, but

would

the poorest taste.

The

ladder.

in the

he would

which

water,

bamboo

beginning he displayed
quite friendly, and played with

Saba

times, however,

with

whom

he would

his trunk, and

with

over

respectable load for him.

became

manner:

bearing things

to

fly,and only

form

back
too

was

like

WILDERNESS

accustomed

his

on

he

was

uneasiness, he
him

become

could

the

at

AND

the

others.

which
tree

he
in

Nell

ran

fuse

fine powder.

Stas

which
was

hung

clay,

as

personally
far

as

his

previouslyhe

afraid that

the

DESERT

IN

King might

first with

her

which

on

morning

They

after

and

bottom

poured

of the

the

greater

of the

lime
half

other

to

rock

quite

with

was

Nell

little and,

with

ravine, stood
which
when

Nell

began

the

two

ravine,

to

sound

and

ments;
fragof

score

explosion

edge

Kali.
the

The

big

in

King

in

unusual

already opened,

he

into

the

of

the

thunder.

came

the

was

the direction

she

than

ravine,

brink

very

such

of the

King

to him

became
the

were

jungle,and

it

was

caught them.

Nell

led the

followed

afterwards

his supper

against

about

call to him, when

Kali

colossus

The

the

to

of

startled

day

same

very

minute

to

into

and

Mea

dashed

that

until sunset

littlepuppy,

head

the

of

the force of the

rushed

passageway,

horses, of which

world."

burst

retreating to

the

came

More

secured

bends

uplifted trunk, gazing

entirely quiet.

That

jumped

moment,

free.

he found

not

top

distance.

now

through

that

reduced

pieces,which

overjoyed boy

But

from

unscraped decayed wood

was

had

The

from

shook

mosphere
at-

explosion appeared extraordinary.

the

elephant

startled

agitated the

tree

Stas, at

The

where

heavenly elements

so

baobab

sturdy

of

smaller

or

scattered

elephants

passageway.

half of the

One

roar

and, avoiding the

results

The

the

storm,
thunder-

wild

day

palpitating hearts, counting

terrific

remnants

tree

to the

ran

when

with

their heads.

upon

by

that

assurance

the

selected

jungle.

minute.

that

out

the

over

sat, however,

minute

to

the

with

had

he

accompanied

was

peal of thunder

the

unfettered

are

that

statement

then

hear

often

the

the

and

much, but the boy calmed

frightenedtoo

be

323

WILDERNESS

AND

this

sycamore

her

bathed

King

"out

into

the

obediently,like

in the

river,and

singularmanner:
tree, he

alone

bracing
broke

his

it like

324

IN

reed

feeble
and

DESERT

and

afterwards

carefullynibbled

the

fruit

the

tree,

the leaves.

Towards
and

evening he returned, however,

littlewhile, his

shoving, every
opening, sought

an

WILDERNESS

AND

that Stas

for Nell

finallywas

to

enormous

zealously and

so

compelled

through

nose

persistently

give his trunk

to

sound

smack.

Kali, however,

the most

was

of that day, for upon

his shoulders

gatheringprovisions for
an

task.

easy

lightingthe

The

then

kills

master

great

rainy
to

days, but
to

were

the

Nell's

inherited

compass

and

on
ears

Stas

be

can

The
idle and

yet

"massica,"
cloudy and

indicated

carried

health

did

him

to

soon

not

present

rainy

by Linde,

after the

out

was

Stas decided

any

King's

obstacles

clear day, they started

from

descry distant
were

elephant.
his neck
looked
without

The

bore
as

that

now

Linde,

they would
among

at

stray,

various

localities.

Besides

accompanied by

five

Saba

though she

were

regret abandoned

between

his

sittingin
the

as

the

it
and

was

the

pack-horses and

latter,besides the luggage

Nell, who

noon.

articles,a

excellent field-glass,
through which

an

donkey they
the

Yah!

Kali

so-called
were

mountain

afraid

not

were

to

Yah!

she felt decidedly better.

boy had

easy

posed
joy, com-

Yah!

also days entirelyclear.

Selecting,therefore, a
They

of

Yah!

and

the

There

he

purpose

liberation.
as

end.

an

to

this

now,

means

him, while

lions.

rocks.

trees

or

season,

there

remove

and

no

Yah!"

Yah!

drawing

heard

hymn

new

and

men

crushes

master

elephant, himself, breaks

The

Nell

sing a

by

was

of

followingwords:

great

eat.

and

Stas

the result

fallen the work

had

the giant,which

fire for supper,

of the
"The

So

overjoyed with

on

two

his back,
enormous

big arm-chair.

promontory

and

the

326

DESERT

IN

forest

reallya

was

AND

but

"

WILDERNESS

of bananas.

sightof them
excepting the King, and

delighted all exceedingly, not

Stas was
pleased,for
particularly
in Africa

nourishing and

more

preventativeof
fruit.

There

suffice

for

even

Amidst

wide

Before

find

ordered

The

black

into

the

there

and

Nell

had

Nasibu

boys carried
river, which

out

to

The

not

the

on

whole

fall prey

boas

to

that

and

chief's hut,

find

bones.

by flingingthem
While

farther.

them

not

the

the human

remove

silence which

great number

into

this order

carried

people by the dervishes

allured

the terrible "siafu."

was

Mea

and

declaring that they would

of the

of insects.

even

as

nor

little warriors.

Kali

the mountain.

by

roaches,
cock-

hovels,

all negro

smallest
out

theless,
never-

of ants,

big black

cleaned

by

the time

From

the

employed, however, they found

in

cleaned

been

neither

the

and

bones

leaven

single snake,

of veranda.

the

in

to

clay,with

of

already elapsed;

swarm

nor

time

one

smelt

be

them

been

conducting

Stas

at

sort

spoke.

or

stillwhole.

human

there

had

certainty that

invincible

After

in

burned

were

hidden

was

been

some

walls

Linde

could

usually
had

mountain-top
these

and

weeks

scorpions

had

huts

the

here

many

could

also

they would

plants

largest,belonging

invasion

huts

Everything

that

chalk, for they had

as

the

spiders nor

was

the

lay

of whose

one

them

attack, but

huts

which

It

of the

the

in

and

of these

forming around

invasion

of the

the flour of dried banana

leaves

roof

ants

better

nor

village;it wa*s prettilymade

skeletons, white
the

than
of

of the

stood

center

healthy food

there is not

year.

the time

the king of the

a

that

he knew

many

village; most

at

the

In

so

the immense

the negro
ruined

all ailments

were

The

Linde
a

thus

mistaken

was

livingcreature

reignedafter

on

the seizure

the sightof the bananas

of chimpanzees

which

built

IN

for

themselves,

want

not

but

kill them,

to

the

and

need

towards

rocks

The

had

sun

for

Kali

set.

the

journey

baobab

in

bones, which

"How

the floor is covered

I

"To-morrow

answered;

to-day,
If

our

name

The

"Then

with

shall

this

dwell
were

papas

not

Stas

feared, had
she

pare
pre-

necessary

cheerful
had

which
in

the

illuminated

all feel

at

fatigued

fell into

been

It will be

perfect

that

announced

fully examine
here

fire to

the

taken

exclaimed.

resin.

of them.

king's hut,

cool, and

so

it with

any
a

not

the

away.

"Look,

even

fine here."

our

what

possessions,"
I

have

seen

all his life."

here, then

we

could.

But

how

will

"

possession?

mountain
and

did

sounded,
re-

large travelinglamp

"judging, however, by

could

one

day

it is here!"

nice

the

tree, but

she

built

unpacking
to

still

broken

near

reach

fire-potwhich

Nell
a

growing
not

did

the

over

light and

especially when

good humor,
human

air.

barking

retreat,

Nasibu

was

the

Linde.

from

the

from

It

lit,not

interior of the

inherited

and

night, repaired

had

hut, for Mea

the trees

Stas, after

occupied by Nell.

was

"

away,

noise, trumpeted

dashed

fangs could

Saba's

supper.

articles for

you

did

them

bass

the

make

to

apes,

and

river

the

rapiditythat

such

the

by

rocky ridge; they

seek the

to

furious

incited

King,

But

threateningly.

Saba's

the shot

after

when

more

"

Stas

this

with

This

he

drive

to

brellas
um-

object in view he fired a shot into the

increased
produced a general panic, which

and

the

decided

like

rain.

protection against

roofs, for

or

something

loftier trees,

the

on

327

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

ought

let this

I shall

be

to be called Mount

villagebe
in the

named

Linde

after you,

geographies?"

asked

in geographies;
Nell."
she with

great glee.
"You

will,you

will,"Stas repliedin all seriousness.

XIV
THE

the weather

all the

Linde

was

lions
As

Stas

even

small

on

armed

living soul

to

of the

"island"

which

changed

the banana
the

to

white

supply the

On

the

view

from

was

of

the

ears.

could

repulse

the

road

leading

could

King

barely
need

weapon

In

top.

the middle

crystal,

as

pure

the steep
waterfall

narrow

side of the

their

favorite

high

"

over

by
an

island

rocks

"

beyond

palms

cocoa

lay

of which

roots

food, and

magnificent plumes

surrounded

hanging

resembling

manioc, the

with

it extended

both

on

and, running sinuously amid

immeasurably

shape

Neither

place the King

good

Africa.

he

spring, cool and

southern

with

negroes

"island"

reach

stream

abundantly

in the

The

with

finallyfell over

fields towered

crowns

the

into

river, forming

field,covered
the

gushed

groves,

tape.

that the

precipitous sides.

there

that

man

all

of

sleep safely

narrow

so

its

dervishes, as

of

created

safety, Mount

to

sufficient to
to

thoroughly

whole

spot

over

was

able

division

it and

permit

not

be

was

viewed

chimpanzees.

to

climb

conclusion

the

to the mountain
pass

only

could

to

to

came

when

hours

were

the

on

chosen

the

rocky ridge,it

its entrances

at

had

noon

First, in respect

accessible

panthers

the

at

inspection

though

as
were

nor

to

The

impression.

sides

Its

possessions and

nooks.

favorable

but there
little,

clear,so Stas early in the morning started

was

visit his

to

it rained

day

next

with

of feathers.

of

jungle and

immense

expanse.

sea

DESERT

IN

the

From

elevations, which,
covered

side the view

the

jungle

the

help

could

ran

On

far

as

the

sky. Stas
field-glass,
numerous

of the

In

the grasses

be

antelopes and

of

Here

dozen

or

In

place

one

where

Kali had

which

water,

Nell

this whole
On

the

of the

when

"

of

the

water

yet shot

naked
of

high,

too

up

whole

eye

herds

elephants and

faloes.
buf-

through the dark

Close by the river a

was

air

and

others

every

the

depths.

of

out

calm, fishes like those

littlewhile
like

Stas

promised

weather

had

the other

on

and

of the

out

silvery stars,

to

himself

settled

and

fell

bring

to

show

her

beaks

sounds

hand, there

there

and

Big parrots, white as snow,

yellow crests flew above the bushes
widow-birds

tiny, wonderfully plumaged

the

thin

of the

none

great number

were

were

birds.

manioc

like jewels,and
glittering
the

like churches.

horny heads

"

island,

grove;
on

swung

the grass

disported

larger animals; instead

black

with

the

which

boundary, at

menagerie.

butterflies

of

the

and, twinkling in the

there

the western

on

and, scattered

caught leaped every

again into the river.

were

hollows

of grass.

sea

the

hue,

giraffescut

their

thrust

hand,

not

groups

water-bucks

more

little while

or

there

of the

surface

green

zebras

and

had

with

perceived even

dark

descried, however, with

risingabove

trees

places,where

Mountain

considerable

seen

their

other

the

met

be

the horizon's

as

sparsely,mighty
could

also

judge from

to

forests.

with

329

lividlythe Karamojo

south

the

On

chain.

loomed

east

WILDERNESS

AND

African

stalks, changing color

from

the

cuckoos

high
and

trees

cocoa

the

and
came

gentle cooing

of the turtle-dove.
Stas
soul.
is
as

returned
"The

from

his

climate," he

inspection trip with

as

Paradise."

in his

said, "is healthy; the security

perfect,the provisions are

beautiful

joy

abundant,

Returning

and
to

the
Nell's

place is
hut

he

330

DESERT

IN

learned

"island";

discovered

in

goat with

with

Nasibu, who

would

"bibi"

do

we

had

kid at

excellent

settled down

for

became

proud
his

friendly

daily.

asked
her

to

The

of his discovery

milk

Nell

good

instrumentality

fresh

Stas?"

now,

absent

was

overlooked.

once

through

had

day,

one

housekeeping

the "island."

on

"There

began

count

to

"In

Nasibu,

as

is necessary

baptize

them.

Then,

be

of

two

the

the

"About

will

I don't

"

That

ready
"But

won't

and

you;

hunting;
cartridges,

that
"

for

meat

go

rifles and

fourthly

faith, and

you

there

shall

probably

will

you

still,
you

work."

be all play, but

it will end

for fiftyor

work

with

one

most

useful

kite for you

for all.
must

more."

many?"

so

better

glue, or

play only."

to

that

why

of

must

in order

shoot

shall be your

want

think

to

smoke

to

the

It

kites?"

which

That

"

them

it is necessary

therefore

and

pagans,

kites?"

those

sew.

Don't

defend

to

us

forgot about
"Yes,

Kali

teach

to

are

Mohammedan.

teach

good supply

is

hand, he

one

awaiting them.

Mea

Zanzibar,

and

journey

thirdly, having
I want

and

Kali

of

work

enlighten them,

to

future

our

fingersof

all the

place

native

the

out

them

on

first

the

do," the boy answered,

plenty of worlrto

is

which, spreading

after

be

that

have

now

she had

when

fact

shall

"What

the

Stas

immeasurably

was

the

of

while

the dervishes

wild, but

little

was

larger animals

were

fact, for little Nasibu

thicket

banana

goat

in

two,

kid, which

and

there

his surprise that

to

the

on

WILDERNESS

AND

asked

the

girl,whose

curiosity

aroused.

was

So

would

Stas
write

began
on

to

each

explain

his

plans and

kite their names,

how

hopes.
they had

He
es-

DESERT

IN

whither

and
a

they

for

request
Said.

Port

the wind

them

the

Nell

enchanted

was

in

comparison

of

the

that

the

with

let

off;

only

many

of

one

hands

European

and

until night.

be

she

Her

of

of

the

was

not

She

"

glue

to

that

quite

was

fly even

them

from

great that

so

that

even

also

kites would

fever, was

announced

Stas

mentioned.

promised

joy

that she might get

the idea and

wisdom

multitude

their papas,

with

could

King

certain

far

not

but

fall into

time

every

the east.

to

mountains,

to

saved."

are

we

west

were,

despatched

flythese kites

the

and

coast

they

also inscribe

be

message

said, "will fall

the

stopped by

fly to

then

he

of them/'

from

would

He

he would

blowing

was

be

that

that

After

"Many
will

and

331

dervishes,where

bound.

were

help

WILDERNESS

of the

the hands

from

capcd

AND

to

morning

Stas, from

compelled

to

fear

restrain

her

ardor.
And
in

from

that time

Kali, who

earnest.

leaping fish

as

and

made

instead

in

something

high

of

the river.

strong

in this

manner

He

drove

was

King, who,

it

that

On

several
at

account

of
a

treacherous

as

those
far

as

this

the

King

did

was

swim

to

opening
ropes,

with

muddied

to

damage

this himself;

the

and
but

an

in

Kali
and

help

stirred

all other

unmuddied

also occurred,

times escaping crocodiles overturned

times

trellis

he

catch.

silveryleapers

of this,some

rather

this sluice

net

they could

line

or

of the

bountiful

many

on

tough palm

led into the water,

only

vanished

creatures

depth.

not

them

fishes had
In

of began
as

bamboo,

middle

the

of

the

catch

water.

assured

catch

trellis,and

the

plaited

spoke

to

of thin

In

free

fish into

of the
so

net

to

fence

nature

get into the

to

placed

or

ordered

was

big opening through which

order

as

that Stas

possible,ceased
the

pulled across
a

the work

the trellis,

cherishing for

332

IN

crocodiles

DESERT

of inbred

sort

some

and

when

with

his trunk, tossed

they

them

upon

dressed

while the bladders

stretched

them

She
not

was

than

they became
that

dried

and

they ought

and

design

because

was

of better
The
but

he

summer

of

he

dry

season

was

uncertain

of

he

dried

found

big and

light,was

whether

in

some

time

the

shade.

if he

did

the

powerful
Stas

glass until

don
aban-

not

it
and

paper

let go

it became

its
as

effects.

wind;

western

the

flightwith
as

the

following day he

others

made

still higher, but

the

membranes

worked,

however,

of

it shot

on

soon

up

at

mountain

field-

butterfly,a littlespeck,

The

up

first one,

aid of the

pale azure

shot

large

string,flew,carried

in the

let go

The

air, to the Karamojo

small

during the

of which

paper,

Stas cut

of

watched

with

in

fall

not

mountains.

Linde's

among

current

did

until finallyit dissolved

from

At

membranes

and

which

covered
dis-

already approaching,

was

rain

the

high, and when

very

chain.

the work

as

lighterthan

as

year

glued kites

was

the

particularlyin

"

amount

by

into

proof against rain.

However,

once

them

thicker,indeed,

Stas after

them

regarded

open,

fish,but after drying

kites from

making

sun,

them

cut

were

times, however, he lost patience, and

the

in the

Mea,

river

be

to

toises,
tor-

hands.

of^our
frail.

nets

excellent

changed

membranes

very

them

them

trampled

an

Nell, who

to

this by Stas

bladders

of the

bank, and
also in the

the palms of two

The

seized

exiles made

board,

all easy.

at

that
up

found

taken

assisted at

was

the

the fish and

upon

he

waters

onto

young

were

largeas

as

hatred, he pursued them,

shallow

them

the

which

Kali

sheets

in

were

furiously. They

from

broth.

WILDERNESS

AND

account

of the sky.

of fish

bladder,

of the

parency
trans-

disappeared entirely

view.

Nell

with

extraordinary zeal, and

334

IN

expected.

The

DESERT

AND

black

trio listened

instructions,but received
When

told them

Stas

fairly well,
Kali

but

them

the

when

in

their

related

involuntarily stroked

own

negro

the

way.

of the world, about

snake, the

he

willinglyto

most

of the creation

about

and

paradise

WILDERNESS

teaching proceeded

how

Cain

his stomach

and

killed Abel,
asked

quite

calmly:
"Did

he

him

eat

The

black

He

likewise

afterwards?"

boy always claimed,indeed, that the Wahimas

of that custom
ate people, but evidently memory
never
still lingered among
them
national tradition.
a
as
kill the

could

wicked

conception

of

good

there

me," asked

"If any

evil

similar

many
too

was

occurred

once

Stas, "what

takes

one

did

not

things.

African;
between

in

His

quence
conse-

the teacher

"

Excellent!

This
"If

Kali

then

exclaimed

the

time

takes

answer

is

Stas,

"

wicked

wicked

and

without

came

the

away

is

"

deed?

Kali's cow," he answered

away

brief reflection,
"that
"

and

God

why

pupil this colloquy:

"Tell

and

"Mzimu,"

of which

and

understand

not

of

cow

after

deed."

what

is

good

"

one?

reflection:

any

somebody else,that is

deed."

good
Stas

was

evil and

too

good

to

young

deeds

were

perceive that
enunciated

in

similar

Europe

views
not

of

only

by politiciansbut by whole nations.

Nevertheless, slowly, very
slowly, the light dawned
that which
in their benighted minds, and
they could
not

their

comprehend

hearts.

warm

their

with

After

baptismal rites,which
The
of white

were

god-parents gave

percale and
felt somewhat

they understood

with

fitted
they were
performed with great

for the

heads
time

to

each

child sixteen

string of blue beads.

for
disappointed,

Mea,

in the

nity.
solem-

yards
theless,
never-

simplicity

DESERT

IN

of

her

would
when
Nell

she

soul
at

she

turn

observed

comforted

possessed

that

thought

once

she

AND

white,
that

and

she

her,

however,

white

soul.

335

WILDERNESS

after

great

the

with

her

was

remained

as

the

her

baptism

astonishment

black

assurance

skin

as

before.

that

now

XV

instructed

STAS

rifle, and

this
of

teaching
a

banks,

the

that

few

the

Kali

young

which

the

until

his

boar

already

after

the

him

at

brought
dead.

with

Stas
and

he

had

that

the

the

He

ing
flinghe

found

sat

wild

boy

he

to

did

himself
the

to

denly
sud-

up

where

tree,

came

Nell

which

Kali,

permit

yet

kind

same

upraised.

which

promised

encounter

started

rhinoceroses.

elephants

after

the

however,

not

cob;

wart-hog,

shot,

in

refuge

did

the

tail

Stas, who,

lions,

the

at

place, because

watering

would

never

one.

When,

herds

of

the

jungle,

Samburu
the

ocean

"Do
after

you

twenty

country?"

the

above

from

zebras,

he
and

in

however,

hours,

to

for

carelessly

buffaloes,

shoot

Linde,

at

river

The
in

the

sandy

antelope

resulted

than

shooting

the

on

wart-hog.

almost

rifle, sought

cries

for

kill

finally

befell

charged

away

in

and

days'

big

Remington

easily

ten

slept

kilted

latter, however,

and

not

which

from

more

After

negro

ariels

shoot

to

proceeded

crocodiles

approached

hunt

how

catechism.

at

accident

of

also

instruction

the

and

mark

with

Kali

morning

took

often

know,

days

Kali

with

questioned
with

nations,
coast,

ariels,

they

which,

necessarily

Kali,"
on

the

he

horseback

the

him.

boy

desiring
must
a

we

grazing
these

During
about

the
to

come

noon
after-

field-glass,

springboks

or

asked

the

during

espied, through

he

hartbeests,

he

or

go

cursions
ex-

Wahima

eastward,
in

contact.

certain

day,

could

reach

"that
your

IN
"

Kali does

"But

rises in the

sun

and

that

I know

"Yes!

the Wahimas

live in the

they

morning,

exclaimed

Yes!"

"

black

if
"

live,"the

young

Kali

would

the great
"And
"Kali's
Stas

command
and

master

would

amazement

language

our

means,

The

great master

knows

thing."
every-

how

the Wahimas

would

receive

them
before

to fall

'Good

the

their faces before

on

Mzimu/"

they obey?"

father

this

that

leopard'shide

wears

understood

king, and

with

them."

to

came

we

know

not

great water."

some

in

in which

direction

boy

That

water.

No, for I do

near

the

joy; "Basso-Narok!

great and

us

where

know

not

337

WILDERNESS

AND

answered, sadly shaking his head.

negro

the

DESERT

to

Kali

that

mean

and

Kali's

his oldest

was

"

son

Kali, too."

father

and

was

the

future

ruler of the Wahimas.

So he continued
"

You

told

to

ask further:

that white

me

travelers visited you

the older people remember

"

Yes, and

of percale on
"Ah!"
but

Kali

has

that

them."

heard

that

they

had

great deal

their heads."

thought Stas, "so

Arabs,

and

whom

the

lighter complexion

those

and

white

dress

Europeans,

account

of

mistook

for

on

negroes

not

were

their

white

men."

Inasmuch,
and

could

not

however,
give

Stas propounded
"

Have

not

any

to him

the Wahimas

as

Kali

did

not

remember

specificdetails about

more

them

them,

other questions.
killed any

of these

men

dressed

in white?"
"

No

that."

"Why?"

Neither

the Wahimas

nor

the Samburus

can

do

338

IN

"For
the

they

glad

am

Stas
"

Would

them
"

other

"And

lives
the

"Beyond
there

is

With

this

the

might

of

dangers, but

all their
start

lives

soon

the

heat could

nights

were

But

hotter, and
would

and

earth
Stas
into

assumed
one

Libyan
would

the

that

of those

in

narrow

Nevertheless, he

in

that
stream

full

remain

not

suitable

it

the

to

and

well

that

seldom

now

river

the

in

river
he

the

saw

very

for the

land;
high table-

was

jungle below

of which

only

and

time, after the rainy

the

summer

"khors,"

Desert, and
flow

rain

necessary

yet be felt on

knew

level

water

was

the most

in the

he

such

they

perhaps
journey

for Nell

cool still that

The

come.

soon

it

that

pestilential
swamps,

was

not

so

well covered.

be

the

covers

everywhere,

The

purpose.

and

towards

and

they could

The

journey.

water

is to be found

hardships

Linde

said

ivory,

and

more

journey

that

he realized that

the

on

when

season,

knew

He

Stas

had
in

trading

Mount

on

mountains, and

no

great

Linde

series of terrible

be

to

that

missionary expedition.

new

the

of

Arabs

would

are

ended.

conversation

coast

meet

settled

are

in it lions."

remembering

east,

the great master

Samburus, who

there

frequently thought

more

rifles?"

the Samburus?"

Samburus

the

and

promised

water."

beyond

jungle, and

the sea, if I

also, but

the

side of the

who

he asked

percale,beads,

subdue

to

to

us

the Wahimas

first have

the

on

and

goes

into

they believe so."

go with

of

soak

fall."

to

while, after which

the Wahimas

Kali

should

blood

cease

that

big quantity

would

hear

for

thought

if their

would

rain

to

WILDERNESS

AND

that

said

ground the

"

DESERT

necessary
it

was

siderably
con-

intense

heat

bedewed

the

lowered
would

daily.

change

many

middle

in the

of it

of water.

postponed

the

departure from

day

DESERT

IN

On

day.

to

well

as

like

looked

viewed

in the

selves
all,them-

only

rid of the

not

ached; Kali's
satin; Nasibu

legs,and

donkey,

until

not

with

future

the

thin

the

the

the King,
fat.

grew

end

in

the

ney
jour-

jungle sea.
they had

of

case

Stas

of the

fear; moreover,

and

assistance

was

never

like this amidst

island

King great

well with

like black

on

and

they would

find another
he

Nell

walking

the horses

that

well knew

And

so

also; Stas' head

melon

less than

no

was

skins began to shine

Mea's

and

it

the animals!

as

of anaemia

but

fever

Linde

Mount

339

WILDERNESS

AND

necessitya

defense.
Thus

week

the

preparations for
their

packing
send

with

going eastward
continued

by

strong

far

beyond

from

the
tent

the

on

moments

did

not

cease,

the

carried them

mountains.

the

palanquin in

elephant.

accustomed

The

this

to

others

to

which

with

all

the little maid

was

it

feather

intended

was

and

tying

well

as

with

his back

of which

pieces
ride

to

to

as

the

strong palm

in

comparison

burden

to

Nell

trials,became

few

and

protect
from

was

cane,
hurri-

him

Kaliiand

and
Mea

engaged.

Little Nasibu

grind

them

plucking

of

an

was

commissioned

into

flour

the

heavy

bunches

which

work

by the King,
such

after

ocean.

favored

were

to

to

were

the mountains

to

after

on

the

times

at

great burden,

not

they

constructed

Stas

King,

the distribution

upon
were

load

This

they

order

In

which

fastening of the palanquin

ropes.

because

from

however,

towards

wind, resembling

western

scorching heat,
a

lake, and

them

fly

to

free

that

announcement

some

seized and

which

of

In

towards

They

they commenced

journey.

effects they

kites

out

before

elapsed

more

extent

at

between

that, in the

to

two

of

bananas

dry

flat stones.
fruit

they overfed

he

was

At

the

assisted

themselves

neighborhood

and

of the

to

huts,

340

IN

DESERT

soon

were

another

table-land.

them

least with

captivityof

when

he

that

once

of

steep hanging rock

hideous

gap

at him

with

boy

then

scurry

him.

He

wound

around

monster,

black

arm

the

and

ten

him, he

most

happened
brink

the

in the

rocky

hair, blinking

fangs

though

as

first and

at

terror

his legs could

as

twenty

paces

when

carry

hairy

lifted off his feet, and

was

night, began

as

it

above

black

a*sfast

away

between

ran

with

of

his life,
or

For

bananas

stupefied from

was

with

displayingwhite

and

its eyes,

paid

suddenly beheld

he

do,

to

to

excursions.

singularkind.

face, covered

to

these

on

plucking

was

smiling. The
began

nothing

his zeal, almost

for

Nasibu,

But

had

who

Saba,

frequently accompanied
at

WILDERNESS

entirelygone, and they had to go

plantation lying on the opposite extremity

bananas

the

AND

flywith

to

him

the

to

precipice.
Fortunately the gigantic
could

only

run

who

in

was

his

fangs

feet,in

two

on

seized

having

ape,

in its back.

horrible

it and

even

lion.

their

reach

easily

him

by the neck

steps and
One

as

the
the

Saba;

negroes

ground

lives and

not

relinquish

liberty are

gave

grabbed

already raised

it had

dull

in

behind, could

nevertheless, having

with

the

skull and neck

call the

certainty

gorillawith

their

and

sound

under

heavy

King appeared.

shattered

greater

rule, however, do

its left hand

with

light thwack

the

buried

strength,
gorillavanquishes

gorilla,being caught from

The

when

though

even

not

him,

as

for

succumb,

to

Simians

quarry

danger.

with

had

surely have

Saba,

in which

fight began,

the dog, notwithstanding his powerful stature

would

boy,

of which

consequence

vicinity,easily overtook

the

the

or

his tusks

trunk

sufficed

the terrible

gorilla. The

through inborn
to the ground

"

to

forest

prostrate

demon,"

King, however,

for

fury, pinned

the

and

afterwards

did

XVI

which

in

prayer

Stas

rode

After

him

bearing

the
on

long palm

commended

daybreak,

six o'clock

ambled

Nell

of the

account

Saba.
and

ears

in

and

followed

by

together with

tied

and

packs;

numerous
on

early hour, the heat

day

the

Karamojo

Mountains

not

shaded

the
a

the

copious

the

the

the

the

donkey,

was

not

as

But

wind, under
jungle

rains

all

even

could

green

surface

which

moved

hour's

journey,

forward
on

an

eastern

became

be

seen
a

not

gigantic thistles having

there
the

like the

grass
sea.

lay

After

exuberantly that,

so

the

rose

horses

hidden

were

waving

that

above

the

only the

white

palanquin,

King;

like

dry,

only

fied
molli-

breeze

breath

grew

beyond

magnificently,

moments

wavy

vegetation
the

At

whose

not
places especially,

but

rolled

first

at

from

and

sun

of its rays.

whole

in the grass,

clear

was

cloudlet.
heat

strong

and

in lower

by

intense

low

upon

morning.

his

were

little Nasibu

the

oppressive, though

quite

they

another,

carrying

with

in the

palanquin

canvas

Mea;

after

and

rope

short

themselves

gravely, moving

with

one

after

days

preceded by

horseback,

on

several

himself.

as

On

warmly

powerful back

his

procession closed
fat

at

King

horses

Linde's

departure,

head,

the

at

palanquin

the

The

they

God, took place

to

until

start

not

conversation.

this

after

did

they

NEVERTHELESS,

so

launch

on

lake.

After

an

high elevation, they chanced

stems

as

thick

as

the trunk

IN

of

and

tree

sides of

some

barren

they

high.

DESERT

size of
which

mountains

plantswhich

Other

thistles and

the

it

This

dozen

or

even

the

it

score

few

of them

the character

with

even

jungle

The

and

Stas

from

of

could

over

like

tree

be

which

rose

was

more

there

heights

and

seen

grew

northern

the

region

steppe, covered

only umbrella-like
greenish, shorter,

for Nell from

which

on

forest;

one

the

In

mountainous

antelopes than

giraffesalso

sight of the
and

into

each

that

so

apart.

up

hartbeests, springboks, and

cows,

and

changing

he

the

rode,

King's
far

saw

they had
The
elsewhere.
sometimes
animals
grazed alone
at times mingled together; gnus,
cobs, ariels,
antelope-

greater herds

and

whose

"daro,"

the great trees

evidently better for pasturage,

back

met

of

grass

that

paces

some

assumed

acacias.

trees

larly
Particu-

churches.

spaces,

appeared

very

and

like

ground and

immense

direction

an

the smallest

to

were

however,

nearer,

appeared

gigantic, isolated

and

separate grove.
region, from a distance, seemed
as

the

twenty-six feet

fig-trees,called

were

weeping boughs, touching

formed

distance

about

jungle,looking

trunks, covered

On

proportions corresponding to the

here

prominent

new

from

Europe belong

in

furze-bushes;

above

head.

man's

furze-bushes

saw

varieties assumed

rose

the

flowers

343

WILDERNESS

AND

ears,

gazed

twenty

to

graze

started

crash and

herds,

the

at

the white

having

palanquin with
in

which

between

run

moment

and

ten

still,
staring at this object

them, until, having gratifiedtheir curiosity,

to

they began

and

they again stood

paces

unknown

away,

at

after

extraordinary amazement,
they scampered

Zebras

stopped feeding, raised their heads,

caravan,

prickingtheir

great kudus.

lacking. The

not

were

that time

to

in

up

rage,

calmly.

From

suddenly before
but

in

spiteof

time

the
its

to

time

caravan

impetuous

noceros
rhi-

with
nature

344

DESERT

IN

to attack

and. its readiness

of its vision, it

range

of the King, whom

from

WILDERNESS

AND

everything which

ran

only the commands

pursuit.
African elephant detests

An

shamefully

away

within

comes

the

at

of Stas

sight

restrained

rhinoceros,and if he finds

its fresh

tracks, trusting to superior strength, he follows

until

finds

he

in which

for the

easy

the

responsiblefor
but

he

now

Stas

adversary

the rhinoceros

not

was

his

was

King,

trunk

and

desire

to

walked

might
might

bump

would

be

against
he

which

of hunts

tiger-hunters in India

fear,
in

that

one

no

endure
On
a

such

which

also

hand, the

of dangers.

they

scampered
whole

night the King, with

tent

that

the

the howdah

giant is so heavy

in which

that though Stas

of the

presence

could

long

away

of the

vicinitygatheredat

lake, drank
one

hind

him

the

on

leg tied

Nell slept. This

ordered

bold

faloes,
buf-

for the little lake

sight of

at

removed

King

malignant and

The

that day bound

met

all the animals

circuit of the

the

tions
descrip-

rides.

the other

which

life

tigers,that

impairment of his health

without

multitude

at

of the

feared

Nell's

Said

dash

pursuit may

palanquin
huge beast

from

the

than

Finally,the full run

tree.

he

then

knew

lack

the

run,

in Port

more

against a

observing
not

the

and

Stas

or

full

regard

his uplifted

did

is worse,

the elephant in

panic

Stas

read

had

and

dropped

on

bough,

to

giants, but

what

terrible danger.

in

voice

quietly.

be wrecked, and
it

accustomed

fight between

this habit,

renounce

he

in his eyes,

elephant started

If the

for Nell.

to

hearing his

ahead

witness

who

and^vasso

that

the threatening look

combat

It
always the victim.
undoubtedly was already

of many,

tame

his master,

as

commences

is almost

death

so

and

was

fire to be

to
a

ing,
even-

and, making
other
a

side.

tree,

watch

At

guarded

so

secure

built,he regarded

DESERT

IN

zareba

began

to

roar

odor

camp;

but, when

voices

and

suddenly,

amid

clarion

tones

thunder-like

such

night, and

their further

and

best

reach

the

not

daybreak

anxiety and

they could

Proceeding

the

to

nearer

hearing their

tired of

they hushed

resounded,

to

did

have

as

with

that

direct

any

balance

they proceed

in this

of

upon

frontier

determined

and

Linde

had

would

Linde's

follow

to

than

after

positivelyclaimed

six miles
be

advice
that

the

day.

able indeed
but

month,

In

traveling slowly

were

more

they

manner

Abyssinian

was

they

make

not

again began.

worry

place,he perceived that

that

blazing fire the

slept excellentlythe

at

some

journey.

for Stas

But
first

only

lopes.
ante-

his threatening,
stillness,

the

was

children

dealings. The
the

it

individual

an

the

apparently understanding

abashed,

though

in

giganticjunipers 1 growing

King became

the

of

that

night

horses, drew

of

missing

herds

very

Notwithstanding

lions, allured by the

be

not

numerous

the

among

hillsides.

the

on

such

fact, it happened that

In

lions

lions would

with

region abounding

superfluous precaution,

as

the

that

knew

he

though
a

of

erection

the

345

WILDERNESS

AND

Stas

as

in every

to

respect,

they would

not

be

able to go through to Abyssinia, there remained

only the
But
road to the ocean.
according to the calculation of
the

Swiss

from

they

were

and

the ocean,

being situated
therefore, the
months.
months

With

of

tribes which
desolate

six hundred

over

that

farther

in

direct

south, the

journey would

alarm

Stas

country

from

was

encounter.

which

the

miles

still further;

require

dangers
They

three

over

thought that it would

heat, toil, and

they might

twenty

line; then Mombasa

goal

entire

excessive

and

be three

from

were

population

negro

still in

had

been

in Abyssinia attain the

Junipers in the Karamojo Mountains
and sixty feet.
See Elis6e Reclus.
height of one hundred
1

346

but
later

they

an

reach

must

ruled

races,

relied

simply

him

where

the Wahimas

heard

something

called

that

this:
in

Linde

to

taught
a

conclusion

further

east

and

of

err

that it

for

this
Stas

upon

the Wahimas

the
the

ocean.

he had

lake, of

great
Kali

contended

lake, which

Victoria

fever

which

Nyanza,
toria,
Vic-

come

situated

was

what

might

and,

had

he

think

to

not

chance

also the savage

insurmountable

tains,
moun-

he

feared

Nell, the heat, and

still

no

spoken

Mountains,

destroy animals;
for

by

was

from

just come

he

that

and

in the school

only had

know

he

troubled

was

mountains,

did not

jungle, the

flies which

expanse

localityoccupied

the lake; he feared

sleepingsickness,the

immeasurable
the

tsetse

had

them,

to

way

mysterious lake

all; he feared, however,

waterless

was

Karamojo

of it

tribes, the

the

Stas

If Kali

of those

north.

at

idea

no

thoroughly, there

lake.

the

along
that

had

Africa, which

very

assumed

not

upon

Linde, who

that

of

Now

geography

have

could

It

life and

occupied by the Wahimas,

was

reports of natives

the

could

some

side

one

of such

northward,
from

kings.

of warriors

Kali

narratives, and

Samburus.

was

it,he would

but

the

made

mention

neither

mentioned

from

only

in the

Said

Port

unknown

by great promises

But

trib^ indicate

had

Basso-Narok,

by

or

chanced

tens

designate specificallythe

knew

other

the

of the

few

them

ocean.

lived;

positiveness that

with

by

if he

that

induce

the

to

Linde

he

which

of

he

them.

by

sooner

cruel petty

drill

would

afterwards

accompany

could

this:

upon

people, he

shooting, and

nor

and

savage

so

raids;

difficulties.

such

Wahima

to

dervish

task to extricate one's self with

uncommon

Stas

the

of

news

localities inhabited

usually by

libertyfrom
the

WILDERNESS

whole, is quite populous,

the

Africa, on

was

AND

by the smallpox and

driven

in

DESERT

IN

separated

them

that
from

IN

after

But

to

Mount

had

of

experienced and

already acquired
why,

energy,

it

of it

he decided

girl;so

to

in the

But

meantime,

and

live

crocodiles

water

action

did

Both

seeing

how

liquid,admitted

the reservoir

with

coffee,tea,
of medicine.
were

more

not

lack

and

had

sugar,

Stas

only

in

there

bathing

in which

found.

little girl to
Linde

with
in
pure

fish,
drink

filterwhose
amazement.

turbid, whitish

and

translucent

sign of surprise and joy.

at

the

Linde

did

not

than

have

to

preserves,
save

supplies
and

of

all kinds

his packs for there

they could take along; they did

implements,

sky-rockets,which

beginning progressed

considerable

bouillon, various

also various

and

laughter and slapped their knees with

from

of them

here

in which

Mea

filter,
immerged

the

still

be

the

from

and

the whole, the journey

easily. They

three

absolutely safe, for

to

permit

Kali

the palms of their hands

On

from

valleys,were

water

are

inherited

had

to

water, lay down

o'clock

little

greater waters

food,

not

filled

always

little

The

flowed

time

same

the

usual

he

as

in

only

Stas, however,
crude

mountains

the

at

their

form

which

the

from

excellent

was

time
mean-

the first stopping

at

in the

cool
pouring crystalline,

streams,

march

to

the

six until ten

everywhere.

water

downpours

the

by

filled,and

well

the

of

strength

that

case

to

as

the rain fell during the massica

as

quite copiously,they found

lakes, formed

the

had

water.

no

was

In

the second

only in

to six in the afternoon

place there

make

to

Stas

determined

necessary.

spare

strength

experience, and

travel only from

to

in the forenoon, and

be

might

as

of

concerned, he

was

essential

was

deal

great

Linde

the

beyond

was

energetic traveler,but

Nell

as

much

as

use

continually eastward.

said that this journey

indeed
an

Linde, naught else remained

ahead

go

347

WILDERNESS

AND

leaving

than

do

to

DESERT

on

weapons

encountering

of all
negroes

calibers,

might

348

fresh

there

table-land

blood

the

shade

favored

of

ray

fever.

during

the

great

trees,

of

Nell,

the

sun

Stas,

so-called

through
could
and

therefore

not

which

heat

from

ten

but

the

little

"white
the

rfegroes.

hours"
dense

ulate
inocin

o'clock
travelers

in

foliage
Perfect

the

On

mosquitoes

penetrate.
the

upon

exhalations.

the
The

likewise

chanced

they

water,

unbearable

became

morning

stopped

not

with

of

none

lands

noxious

fore
there-

game,

abundance,

in

with

their

were

fertile;

was

low

covered

with

air

the

infecting

the

in

there
still

but

marshes,

country

everywhere

was

and

Here

fruit.

The

meat,

WILDERNESS

AND

useful.

very

prove

the

DESERT

IN

the
of

health

deep
which
also

350

IN

"Our

when

in

and

your

reads

papa

'Stas and

they

there

will be joy in the

will

and

you

And

will

it ended

in

and

end

the

from

wept
future

into

proud

of

the

him;

became

and

And

"

such

he

he could

But

it

marks
thinner
could

the

of the

whether
within
In

the

the

in the

he

that

him
to

were

the

and

arm

of the

thought

would

"You

to

be

behaved

possessed him

said

courage

himself,

to

And

moment."

that there

were

overcome

nor

no

at

gers
dan-

obstacles

the

hide.

any

trees

Finally the

branches
a

was

sat

right side

of
green
very

the

on

herds
to

even

of

the

the

acacia

made

white
became

grove

scattered

trees

withstandin
jungle. Stas, notoppressive,slipped

elephant'sneck
antelopes

or

replenishhis supply
he

time
mean-

the

through

way

of these

heat

view, for he wished

on

their

distance

palanquin and
there

to

fountains,

Stas'

emotion

see

able

thorns

across

seen

fact,

two

him:

must,"

to

King's

that
out

into

longing, ardor, and

live to

making

long

and

be

commenced

on

"
"

surmount.

were

upon

praise

and

"

yet far to the final victory. In

The

grove.

will

his father

to

say

"I

not

not

was

they

bred

steel.

was

they

chin

at

that

intense

it seemed

which
which

and

I must

moments

will

papas

Stas, allowing his imagination

was

as

Nell.

rescue

joy

future, divined

in his heart

our

Then

hug tightly papa's

leanefl her head

Pole;"

her

changed

eyes

that he would

inflexible

as

that

rejoice!

us!

shall always be together

longing,and

sorrow,

meeting.

roam

as

she

I shall

tures
signa-

will

meet

rejoiceand

is it?

the

at

and

ing,
weep-

What

they

to

house

and

this:

beautiful

Then

whole

Said and

looks

prepare

will

we

quiver, the
in

to

come

after that

it and

Nell/

up

everybody

they

neck, and

start

Port

despatch.

opens

Then

rejoice and

WILDERNESS

with

boy

comes

or

papa

AND

sitting,"she said,"in

are

papas

My

DESERT

espied a

herd

to

see

zebras
of meat.

of ariels,

of

composed

elephant turned
eyes

of the

mile

he

the

to

observed

of the field between

engaged
"

Negroes

And

"

his heart

he hesitated

began

districts and

have

he

the

At

his hand

at

"We

young

the

we

he

the

horses

yambo

run

villagewas

how

upon

villageand

negro

there

are
"

Shall I ride to them?

then

you

friends."

as

the

them, master," exclaimed

towards

around

his

the

suddenly

lipsand began

engaged
and

stood

in
as

only the twinkling of

away,

workers, he placed
shout

to

in alarm

the hoes

screaming,

to

hoeing the
if
an

thunderstruck,
eye,

and

the trees

manioc

for

wards,
after-

baskets, they
amidst

which

concealed.

little travelers

sana!"
women

flingingaway
to

the

great self-assurance.

sound, the
up

come

tell

to

of his hands

this lasted

The

is

the manioc.

that

with

field started

the

field.

that

reflection,

together," Stas answered, "and

this

began

the

or

populated

brief

will ride

"Yambo,

but

after

hide

approached and, pointing

Kali

That

what

and

them, and

at

palms

At

in

natives

so,

while,

of trees, said:

clump

turning

border

that, sooner

working

negro

And

him

to

with

formed;

master!

know

apparently

back

turn

the

relations

moment

of

Nell.

to

should

elephant towards

shall tell them

"I

he

meet

to

were

same

"Great
women

the

the

at

travelingparty might depend

relations

guided

third

black forms

it occurred

into

enter

fate of the whole

those

the

violently. For

beat

whether

to

as

would

later,he

sight struck

field and

twenty

to

the acacias, but

again in

the

of about

exclaimed, turning

he

and

in the field.

work

at

and

ten

different

manioc

ostriches,

two

of trees

clump

distance

large

last

left, a

the

At

boy.

them

among

the

they passed

when

but

head, and

few

351

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

approached slowly

and

calmly.

In

352

IN

the thicket

resounded

the

which

silence

fell.

after
the

hollow

cease

even

It

DESERT

loud

but
for

WILDERNESS

AND

yellingof
It

of

drum, which

three hundred
All stood in

long row

King

at

the distance

gaze

at

them.

of

The

hundred

one

illuminated

sun

breasts,and powerful arms.

with

and

heads

adorned

were

warlike

and

subdued

upon

the

King,

to

them.

of

elephants,whole

elephant
herds

fields as well

manioc

the

and

spears

hide, the

poor

man

which

and
none

But

feathers,

parrot

They appeared
and

motionless

fastened

were

eyes

palanquin, and

the

not

was

white

of which

destroy

fightthe

one

of them

of any

to
ever

sit
saw

of them

night their

doom-palm plantations.
not
pierce the elephant's
depredatorswith the help

imitating

elephant

an

at

in dread

and
do

arrows

animal

unknown

an

they continually live

aid of cries

that

permit

into the mind

Their

simply unbounded

by diggingpits,and constructing traps

of trees.

skin.

and

was

banana

as

negroes

the

fire,with

had

monkey

fighting. All

the contrary,

On

armed

were

thighs some

they stood

white

to

his neck.

Nevertheless, an

of

the

on

began

well-shaped

They

skulls.

amazement

the desire for

sittingon

man

As

off baboons'

silence, for their

in

of

threatening,but

and

battle,for

and

their

their

ostrich

with

great scalps torn

or

Around

spears.

skirts of heath, and^some

short

for

paces

forms, wide
bows

not

suddenly emerged from the thicket.

before the village.Stas stopped the

of them

did

moment.

evidently a signalof the warriors

was

voices,

interrupted finallyby

was

rumble

hundred

some

on

his neck

before, and

crow,

of the trunks

made

should

that

cockerel's

become

anything

of

something

was

it

slave

never

entered

like that

was

presented to them
possible. So the spectacle which was
passed so far beyond their understanding and imagination
do: whether
know
what
to fight
that they did not
to

to

or

result in leaving them

would

of them, stood

Listen

these

are

within

heed

speech,pay

the voice of Kali, the

to

each

to

understand,"

word
the

rang

"

to shout:

began

listen,listen,and

Oh

have

spear'sthrow

mighty king of the Wahimas

the

which

at their hands?

us

in the stirrupsand

up

of Bassa-Narok.

"We

creatures

awaits

"People! people!
Fumba,

they only

amazement

Kali, having ridden

this

at

what

and

to us,

But

What

mother!

"Oh,

caprice of fate.

the

to

though it

them,

other:

each

whispered to
come

lead

uncertainty, alarm, and

in

So

his

should

their eyes

where

run

353

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

shores

understand

if you

that

the

on

of

son

he utters."

answer

of three

let him

tell his

hundred

mouths.
"Let

your

king

let him

open

his

"M'Rua!

forth;

and

ears

M'Rua!"

M'Rua
than

stand

lipsthat he

three paces.

voices

numerous

in front

stepped

He

of
a

was

may

the

negro,

and

name

hear

began

ranks, but

better."
to

cry.

not

more

already old, tall

and

powerfullybuilt,but evidently did not suffer from too much

of his legsquivered so that he had
as the calves
courage,
to implant the edge of a spear in the ground and support
himself on the shaft in order to stand on his legs.
After
spears

his example, the

into the

ground

in

other

sign that they

peaceably the words of the

And Kali again raised his
and

"M'Rua,
you

speaks

cows

Narok
what

cover
as

says

as

the

to

of the

son

thickly the
ants

cover

your

you

son

also drove
wanted

to

the
hear

arrival.
voice.

M'Rua's

you,

Kali, the
to

announces
comes

the

warriors

men,

king

of

you

the Wahimas,
around

mountains

the body of
of the

the great and

villagethe 'Good

king

heard

slain

the

that

to

whose
Bassa-

giraffe. And

of Wahima?

Lo, he

happy tidingsthat there

Mzimu,'"

354

IN

he

which

After
"That

yelled stilllouder:
Good

which

surged

of warriors

M'Rua

spear

Only after

for

individual

and

here

and

while

himself

with

Kali's voice

retreated

hands

both

shouts of

the

on

silence continued.

"

of homage

time

in

ranks

the

Mzimu!"

Yancig! Yancig!

and

again predominated

"

welcome.
the

over

murmurs

shouts:

"Look

and

in that

white

rejoice! Lo, the 'Good

hut

great elephant obeys her

and

like

you

have

have

"We

And

anything

seen

of all warriors

the eyes

rather

And
Mount

at

"bibi"
thus

during the

Linde

learned

had

could

and

in the

will tell the

your

in

nor

at the

"hut,"

Great

during
manioc,

The

in order that you

little white

of the

God;

from

on

mountains,

moves

prayer

'Good

so

he

spoke

of the waters;

Spiritto

send

may

the

have

with

rain

the grass
to

eat

an

Mzimu'

clouds,and

you

plenty

on

rises,beyond

sun

there the 'Good

water

bananas, and

is riding

Mzimu'

in which

drought will

your

faith

that

that the

direction

out

religious instructions

perfectsincerity:

Listen!

the mountains

clouds

fathers

your

directed

everything

procure

further

elephant

master

Yancig!"

were

Kali, who

"Listen!

obeys

the palanquin.

deeply convinced

was

sits there

like that."

Yancig!

seen!

not

slave

as

Oh, neither

child its mother!

Mzimu'

of the great elephant and

the back

on

the

or

others

repeat "Mzimu!

to

wave

impelled by

passed through

murmur

same

The

some,

the hollow

voices began

the

perceived the

created.

paces,

there resounded

expressiveat
and

be

forth, for

time

some

while

and

But

few

could

words

and

supported

and

"

Kali's

Ooo!"

ensued

back

curiosity,advanced
fear.

Mzimu!

stillness which

great sensation

WILDERNESS

AND

The

is so!

the

In

DESERT

your

in

and

the

those

millet,
jungle,

that

your

DESERT

IN

shall have

cows

Do

fat milk.

"He!

We

do,

"And

the

'Good

to

the

you

Do
He

Mzimu'

will tell the

wind, which

will blow

'

Mzimu

him

the

Great

will

protect

from

blow

to

milk

the

Spirit at
from

you

from

from

away

into

it away

your

comb.
honey-

oh, men?"

"

attacks

the

of

prayer

fields and

your

Spirit to

!"

it away

blow

depredations in
the panther and

from

and
from
and

snake

'Good

the

slavery
the

lion

and

and
cust""
lo-

the

from

her do that."

"Let

the

him

want

you

Great

changes the body

which

Let

"And

"

and

food

do!"

we

villagethat sickness
"

and

men?"

-oh,

send

plenty of

have

to

want

you

give thick

shall

and

fodder

good

355

WILDERNESS

AND

So, listen yet and

of the

ears

the

kubwa,

look who

terrible

great and

sits before the hut

elephant. Lo,

mighty white

there

master,

between

sits bwana
the

whom

elephant fears!"
"He!"

has thunder-bolts

"Who
bad

in his hand

and

kills with

it

"

men

"

"He!"
"

Who

"

kills lions"

"He!"
"Who

lets loose

"

fierysnakes

"

"He!"

"Who

crushes

rocks

"
"

"He'"

"Who,
honor

however, will do

the

'

Good

"Yancig!
"

from

And

Mzimu.'

no

you

harm,

if you

will

"

Yancig!"

if you

bananas,

will
eggs

bring to
of

him

an

abundance

of

dry flour

chickens, fresh milk, and honey."

356

fall

approach and

So

WILDERNESS

Yancigl"

"Yancig!
"

AND

DESERT

IN

on

faces before

your

'

the

Good

Mzimu!'"
and

M'Rua

for

"yancig"
twenty

his warriors

started

moment,

advanced

but

paces,

of

superstitiousfear
before

startled them

that

is, a

that

region

as

flesh above

all

armed

the "Good

solemn

thdh

more

at

the

the

well

as

world

did not

come

of the

crowd

the

fell

their faces

on

prevailedin
Stas'

and

began

example Saba
capable. Then
groans,

until Kali

to

emitted
from

or

"Oh, M'Rua,

and

the

and

Nell,

aside

the

exhibited
M'Rua

dared

his

to

when

more

to

and

the

strongly;

and

King,

after
he

and

his
his
was

issued, resembling

Aka!"

all

and

volition, raised

own

the

formed

move,

deepest bass of which

Aka!

most

to

that their bodies

all the

and,

the

But

drew

so

of

'wobo/

afterwards

all breasts

you,

rope.

master,

even

of them

of

the

again addressed

on

turning

trumpet

"Aka!

in

seeing that

white

Mzimu."

one

all hearts

order

wobo,"
lives

until Stas,

"Good

Not

long,livingdeck.

trunk

"

daring attacks

them?"

palanquin

of the

at

sight of

Saba, they whispered

at

oppose

profoundly and

the warriors

of the

as

bewitched

they
can

terror

Abyssinia, and whom

unheard-of

elephant then

"If

moment

either

for

stillgreater idea of the power

walls

fear

him

the terrible "wobo"

held

negro

curtain-like

The

quieted, however,

They

other:

first bowed

eyes

downright

for

lion, for it prefers human

with

other, and

Mzimu,"

staringnow
in

in Southern

acquiring a

they were

who

and

they mistook

as

as

men.

the little obese

each

anew

well

fear

to

cautiously,

to

and

ten

big, yellowish-brown leopard, which

the natives

But

between

approached

the "Mzimu"

ceasing

not

elephant impeded their steps.

the

Saba

even

they

and,

treating
en-

this continued

them.

children

of M'Rua!

You

have

DESERT

IN

358

WILDERNESS

AND

and

well

be

for

"

drew

that, bowing
"

Would

and

the

he

Kali

from

at

in order
there

is

form

glory for
the

Fumba,

eats

him;

he only saved
Mzimu'
in order

Wahimas
honors
"

Let

of Kali

to

it be

and

eat

them
as

Kali

old

you
a

white

bolts
thunder-

the 'wobo'

and

crushes

rocks,

mere

king?

Spirit would

Great

it is not

not

enough

small piece of Kali, the

son

of

Kali, the

son

of

if

and

Wahimas,

piece of you?"
asked.

M'Rua

slave?"

great master

the 'Good

pay

not

you

The

small

holds

audacity, and whether

ruler of the

Fumba,

"

the

the

that

with

the

whether

if you

you

fierysnakes

brotherhood

blood

for your

punish you

"Are

slightest

to

kills lions, to whom

who

Reflect, oh, M'Rua,

of

turned

really think

you

lets loose

who
its tail,

could

perceiving
the

have

not

M'Rua,

of

small

brothers,

but

words,

did

eat

treachery?"

elephant fears, who

the

hands,

in his
wags

he

piece

Do

whom

master,

after

divinity

become

and

these

that

small

M'Rua!

"Oh,

and

said:

and

negro

prostrated

should

falsehood

no

translated

once

eat

tirely
en-

small piece of M'Rua,

they should

that

Stas' countenance

desire to

it

now

now

Mzimu"

M'Rua

that

consent

whom

among

M'Rua,

leads the white

who

great master,

piece of him,

Oh, mother,

"Good

the

Some,

Stas, spoke in the following manner:

to

would

"

the elephant and

near

the elephant,be pleased to eat

on

protect them

of disasters.

cows."

our

before

more

once

and

us

emboldened,
himself

hips, said

and

breasts

strikingtheir
will

against a multitude

them

secure

would

which

possessedpowerful "charms,"

did not

seize

Kali, neither did he buy

his life;therefore
and

the

master

that

the

Wahimas

and
say

small

to

Kali
the

and

is

conducting

country
Fumba

of the

should

great gifts."

give

them

and

let M'Rua

piece of M'Rua."

eat

small

piece

DESERT

IN

so," repeated the warriors.

it be

"Let
"Where

is the

fetish-man?"

"Where

is the

fetish-man?

is Kamba?"

Where

voices began to call.

might change entirely

which

newly arrived

by

standing apart and surrounded

an
stockade, there suddenly resounded
like the

was

of

of

roar

drum,

like the

and

like the

wolf,

King hearing

The

The

brayed.

by

assailed

were

looked

the

and

more

Kali

in

rage.

Mzimu

if

cast

to

pet,
trum-

sat,

Stas'

which

they
The

moment.

hostile

suspicious and

the

rise among

to

noise in the isolated hut

ears

Mzimu!

"Our

one

began

murmurs

to

ensued.

in

pulled the

scalded,and
of:

of

hinges.

Nasibu

favor, with

and

began

terrified and,

was

broken
the

"Master!

which

on

shouts

esteem

iron

rusty

Confusion

uneasy

howling

increased

more.

voice

Mzimu,

of

the

sounds, began

donkey,

leaped as

the horrible

and

creaking

ground.

savages

It

din.

infernal

hyena,

dreadful

these

glances. Threatening
crowd

of

arrivals,vanished

the

at

of the

eyes

shrill

The

Mzimu!"

Our

laughter

warriors

of the

out

spears

separate

lion, like thunder, like the rumbling

barked, the

Saba

From

guests.

hut

the

make

the friendlyrelations,and

of the

enemies

negroes

fetish-man?

is the

Where

numerous

embroil
the state of affairs,
the

king asked.

the

something occurred

Then

359

WILDERNESS

AND

who

with

quickly,said

Stas

emotion:

with

fetish-man

fears that

Master,

approaching

he

will lose

quiet the

the

awakened

has

is

giftsand
and

fetish-man

these

for otherwise
great gifts,

wicked

roaring in

the

wicked

will turn

men

against us."
"Quiet them?"
And

Stas asked.

suddenly he
and

greed of

danger roused him

to

was

the

possessed by
fetish-man;

the bottom

anger

and

the

of his soul.

at

the

versity
per-

unexpected
His

swarthy

360

DESERT

IN

the

face assumed

AND

expression which

same

without

Kali,

there

reflection

any

From

him.

shout

came

it

"

under

the

after that

and

dust

amid

while

And

at

trunk

it,ordered

Kali

hand

to

wheedle

to

ade
wits, the stockcrashed
hut

and

crumbled

air; and

black

after

trunk

big drum

with

monkey

it to

him

raised

skin

made

of the

stretched

over

and, returning,stopped

warriors.

voice, "it is not

loud

makes

who

it is this rogue

roars;

of alarm

the fetish-man, Kamba.

trunk

amazed
a

the

the

saw

the floor

tree

he said in

"Men!"

drum

of

men

on

whether

of the

in

flew up

warriors

savage

their

clay walls

of the

the

directly among
who

his

Stas, observing

hollowed

elephant

the negroes,

elephant's head

of the

roof

the end

of the
known

not

was

the

the
and

M'Rua

high and

the

among

they recovered

pressure

tumbled;

alone

breasts

the

of rage, but, before

or

drove

he

desiring to remain

not

after

ran

glittered

eyes

hut.

the

towards

he

he said.

I '11quiet them!"

And

His

when

compressed and his cheeks paled.

ominously; his lipswere

"Ah!

it had

the Bedouins.

and

shot Gebhr, Chamis,

WILDERNESS

the

and

of you,

gifts out

Mzimu

your

noise

whom

the

on

fear

you

like children!"

Saying this,he seized the

his
so

and

skin of the drum

up

strength.
startled

they

shrilly,as
"Oh,

the

how

The

began

not

stupid are

which

resounded

negroes

muffled

now,

by

and

M'Rua

through the driedwith

twirl it around

to

sounds

same

were

drawn

rope

the

had
and
walls

all

previously
even

more

of the hut.
shouted

his children!"

Kali.
Stas gave
to

make

word

could

the drum
noise with
not

be

he flung the drum

back

When

M'Rua's

while

Kali
such

it with

heard.
at

to

the latter began

zeal that

for

finallyhe had

feet.

while

enough,

IN
"

This is your

of words
all

them, pointing

to

and

dry

and

honey.

in

the

deceiver

"

Aka!

to

Where

Mzimu

hollowed

his

and

one

would

possiblycan,

heard,

not

the

even

words

these

load

and
to

"

were

Kamba

"

with

at

to cheat

him

to
to

any

is this,

piece of wood
tread

and

to

the

nor

women

M'Rua

them

Let

pay

they

gifts as

many

they hitherto

the

appeared

Mzimu,
them

fullyto make
So

and

death.

for

so

the

M'Rua

keep

they had

him

years,

himself

was

anew

But

as

allowed

they wanted, by
begged Stas

until he could

Nell,however,

white

desert him

they commenced

because

many

as

unnecessary

divinity and

new

themselves

them

bind

were

greater humility and haste.

kill him.

cruel
sufficiently

not

genuine Mzimu

one

his wicked

contempt.
even

angry

all means,

allow

with

him

yancig

they

than

weaker

that it sufficed most

master,

What

master.
as

is

will befall them.

negroes

vastly

Ah!

Mzimu,

only

bring

the fetish-man, together with

so

does

calamities,of which

otherwise

as

is

powerful

let them

them;

to

For

There

fear him.

men

Why

the

crying

Where

master.

elephant will

neither

of such

afraid

be

is

and

skin and

the

the Wahimas,

reallygreat and

honors

have

in his defense?

old

the

that great

how

now,

stupid

as

of

power

his charms?

clout of monkey

pieces. Among
and

look

through decay which

children

the

the elephant's trunk

are

roar

their Mzimu?

nation

and

the pity of the white

arouse

his power?
wicked

from

hangs

rainy

many

beans, flesh of kids,

on

in

believed

They

declared

He

through

king

another

in his charms, and

and

fetish-man

him

at

not

was

thief in the cap

"that

them

they fed

Is there

world?

he

M'Rua.

at

that

cheated

and

seasons

and

Kamba,

at

rat's skin"

of

made

"

jeers at them

of

sparing

laughter.

exuberance

negro

the warriors; at which

address

to

the usual

began with

he

361

WILDERNESS

he exclaimed, with great

Mzimu,"

which

After

AND

DESERT

devise

determined

to
a

to

362

DESERT

IN

life,and

his

spare
"

the

Kali

as
"

Mzimu

Good

who

Kamba,

only

the

from

Good

guests had
desire

and

Stas

savages,

heath

for the

which

even

Men

well

as

lobes

as

wire

The

the

in

expanded

lower

lips they

bony rings as large

or

and

their

or

brass

collars of iron

throats

stiff that

and

high

only of

and

distinguished warriors

their

in

tattooed.

the

that

the

In

shoulders.

more

around

big

so

terror.

of real

consisted

perforatedears,
bone

the

succeeded

hips; all were

"peleles,"that is, wooden

had

so

or

village,and

not

negroes

their

had

of wood
the

saucers.

wives

these

around

women

as

reached

carried

of

children

settlement

had

Arabs

saving

their

the

extraordinary

overcame

saw

for

and

women

most

before

her

the whole

over

the

tied

opening, chunks

die in the

arrival of the

first fime

dress

skins

or

be

cannot

his face

on

Mzimu

white

Nell

reaching. The

fell

of the

news

the

see

would

stockade

the

already spread

to

blood

wherever

expulsion of the hapless

he

that

tortures,

beyond

poured, for the

that

and, blubbering, thanked

"

From

his life.

the

to

expected

Mzimu

announced

village.

ingeniouslydevised
"

had

sojourns human

shed, Stas consented

fetish-man

WILDERNESS

AND

they could

then-

barely move

heads.

apparently belonged

They
extends
their

the

far into

speech excellentlyand

have, however,

limbs

the

overflowingbanks

the

shoulders, not

birds.

The

disfiguredby
looking than
The

women,

eyes with

"

long

as

as

looked

like fleas

peleles,"
were,

the older

not

living on
broader

were

and,

in

like

not

wading
being yet

comparison, better

without

people.

having first from

looking at the

their kindred

generallyless

tall,and

did

partly. They

Nile; they

of the

so

children

Stas

understood

Mea

and

Kali

east, for

tribe, which

Shilluk

the

to

"

Good

distance

Mzimu,"

began

sated
to

their

vie with

DESERT

IN

warriors

the

chickens,

as

he

until

Stas

for them

glassesinherited

between

around

village; and

the

afflux

beads

and

stopped

Linde,

from

immense

the

performed

battle, and

sham

war-dance

Owing

to

latter,having killed
kind

of

then

the

riors
war-

form

to

by

old

an

The

adjuration.
its

liver,divided

he

began

to

turn

and

foot

and,

ing
gaz-

addressed

M'Rua,

at

thusiasm,
en-

them

in

piece

of

voice:

solemn

"Kali,

M'Kuli, do

do

of Fumba,

son

the

M'Rua,

and

Kali

little

guests and

taken

was

his hand

spinning-wheelwith
at

now

the

for this ceremony

which

after

in the

M'Rua.

extracted

and

kid

looking-

that, the

of the

who

with

cale,
per-

full of

and

and

Kamba,

fair-sized morsels;

it into
a

Kali

sufficientlyconversant

negro

colored

twenty

After

his place
usually indispensable,

was

supplies;

finallythey proceeded

of

absence

the

of

joy reigned

in honor

between

brotherhood

blood

of millet.

tent, in which

continually resounded.

and

ten

sought shelter,shouts, happy

travelers

fought

brewed

beer

liberallywith

Nell distributed

and

whole

beans, and

black

eggs,

paid

363

WILDERNESS

bringing gifts to her, consisting of kids,

in

continued

This

AND

of

son

you

and

M'Kuli,

desire to

desire

you

eat

to

you,

piece

of

eat

M'Rua,

son

Kali, the

son

of

of

Fumba?"
"We

do," announced

"Do

you

heart

desire

that

and

of M'Rua

brethren.

the future
the

the

heart

heart

of Kali

should

M'Rua

the

of

be
heart

the
of

Kali?"
"We

do."

"And

the hands

"And

the cows!"

"And

"

And

and

the spears

everything which
what

he possesses

each

and

and

the cows?"

one

possesses

will

possess."

and

will

364

IN

"And

DESERT

that

should

there

falsehood,

you

hatred!"

"Nor
"

be between

not

hatred?"

treachery, nor

nor

WILDERNESS

AND

And

that

shall not

one

pilferfrom

the other?

"

"Never!"
"

And

"

shall be brethren?

that you

"Yes!"
wheel

The

turned

and

more

rapidly. The

more

gathered around, watched

its revolutions

riors,
war-

with

ever-

increasing interest.
exclaimed

"Ao!"
deceives

the

aged

And

if he
the

swallow
before

"

he be accursed!

"May

is

blood

before

is

if he

accursed!

repeated all

the

you

steals

"

warriors.

plotting treason,

of his brother, and

let him

let him

spit it

not

out

"Let

him

"Let

him

eyes!"

our

die!"

let him

"And

liar and

he be

may

of

one

eyes."

our

"Oh,

"if

negro,

by lies,if*he betrays him,

other

him, if he poisons him,

from

"

the

die!"
be

torn

pieces by

to

wobo!"

"Wobo!"
"Or

lion!"

"Or

lion!"

he

"May

and

rhinoceros
"Oh

"May

be
a

and

"

he

trampled

be

an

elephant and

buffalo!"
buffalo!"

by

upon

bit

by

repeated

snake!

the

chorus.

"

"Snake!"
"And

may

his tongue become

black!"

"Black!"
"And
"To
"And

his eyes
the back
may

he

sink to the back

of his head!

of his head!"

walk

on

his heels

upward!"

"

366

IN

its

downpour

divinity
and

her

for

her

little toes,

she

began

had

"You

the

from

leap

whole

of

presence

shanks

he

warriors, and

word,

the

of his

he

the

his

roar

tumbled

beans

old

would

M'Rua,

and

seeing
he

as

could

that

through

In emulation

of their

and
time

some

be

of the tent

leap, and

women

which

the negroes

ocean

conviction

to

custom,

After

since

her

on

after them

children; in

jumping

was

as

divinity amused

roared

towards
the

among

he

to

so

theless,
Never-

laughter.

rendered

the

down

mighty King

depredations
them

herd.

surpassed
and

with

Stas

the

pious

subjects a real and enduring service,for when

beasts, seized by
a

would

her

to

me!"

the

to

piety.

the

and

down

lay

field he drove

snakes"

journey

bring

leap as high

started

given by

elephants made

rockets

would

that

so

the

in

during the night-time

king and

negro

the negroes

in front

to

once

village for

example
that

much

lost their wits.

if all had
This

at

later

whole

the

crowd,

ministers"

superior "the
the

proof

gave

journey

the

crooked

that act

leave

happened

began

his

become

according

jo^ saying

jumping Mzimu,
with

and

joked with

his further

on

ivory, and

won't

quick. This

and

easy

Stas

where
village,

in his ear,

whispered
to

Mzimu"

uncertainty, and, standing

no

kind, the

so

were

Good

unbounded.

of

convinced

were

her.

to

words:

four

only

"

the

proceed alone

chapel

Nell

But

giftof

was

in M'Rua's

bananas

and

Nell

would

he

leave

erect

the

negroes

this, saying that since she had

about

her

WILDERNESS

earth, the

was

gratitudeto

their

AND

the

supplies upon

that this

in

DESERT

his

their

banana

King and shot

panic caused

The

even

the

on

upon

by the

expectation.

The

a
"

few

fiery
huge

frenzy of terror, filled the jungle with

noise of hoofs, and, escaping blindly,
a

and
chased

trampled
after

his

upon

one

another.

The

flying companions with

alacrity,

extraordinary

not

the

In

village
the

passed
millet

and

many

important
of

For

which

mention

no

had

which

M'Rua's

that

and

begins
far,

all

the

belonged

"Bassa-Narok"

how

to

came

to

on

the

the

east.

Nile

the

the

that

conclusion
the

living

fact
from

the

name

designation

on

it

is

of

shores

the

Shilluk

great

extends,

the
little

very

the

in

finally

from

differed

he

which

would

they

of

lake,

going

Inferring

the

surrounded

that

that

also,

peoples

and

and

of

them

of

geography

probability

to

however,

east

selected,

speech

in

was

locality,

which

he

speech,

the

people.

Kali's

"Wahima"

of

had

Wahima
and

Mea's

that

existed;

they

the

encounter

in

them,
some

proof

was

made

was

actually

studied,

direction

this

Stas

beer

that

lying

negroes

drinking

from

appeared

water

great

some

mountains.

by

it

things;

and

learned

the

and

reigned,

doomM'Rua.

old

of

village

dancing

Kali

wine.

palm

heard

had

in

night

whole

also

joy

great

the

to

that

and

banana

the

in

trunk

certain

be

could

one

appear

belonging

plantations

palm

would

elephant

an

night

his

of

blows

sparing

not

such

After

tusks.

and

367

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

not

of

tribe,
known

XVIII

"

Good

"

Mzimu

the

ravine

by

not

take

awaken

their

lives, he

such

of

sight

delighted

covered

its
that

shot
The

also

really

of

lions

entreaty

they

in
had

of

and

to

it

compact

only

with

panthers.

with

the
a

nights
with

Nell

cover

crossed

ous
mountain-

and

rocky,

sometimes

that

they
Stas

of

they

greatest
saw

killed

big
one

dressed

might

negroes

person

the

often

afterwards

who

ceeded
pro-

ing,
scorch-

were

region,

to

the

ravines

that

do

so

these

Kali,

order

now

barren

vegetation

brinks

hide

They

again

days

the

of
Mea

ordered

Stas

through

way

sometimes

the

of

feast.

caravan

The

country.

high altitude

the

to

the

days

sometimes

with

the

three

coverlets.

shaggy
ravines,

At

of

peace

instead,

"mama"

of

amount

could

among

the

farewell

he

discord

embroil

for

supplies

possession

design, and,

meat

desolate

that

cold

so

their

its

large

following

but, owing

two

left

through

were

this

and

the

and

and

negroes

porters

that

envy

the

some

them.

the

For

evoke

abandoned
and

of

for

to

wares

want

reflecting

covetousness,

buffalo

big

to

the

begging

Stas

out

the

sometime

come

point

owing

might

treasures

to

afar

tears,

people.

should
hidden

but

him,

with

deign

had

he

her

his

he

which

with

them,

which

Linde,

left

such

in

of

would

whether

hesitated

time

leave

remember

to

escorted

village

whole

took

she

and

M'Rua,

to

and

that

vehemently

the

of

population

THE

at

royal blood.

could

force

difficulty.
and

apes

of

them

himself
once

know

at

in

DESERT

IN

the ravines,

Beyond

again began
at

to

of
for

high stockades
so

with

entwined

Some

day

like

smoke

rising from

of

that

and

alarm

Nevertheless,

travelers,for

not

cruelties and

timid

gentle.
"piece"

Kali

ate

no

hatred

of the

suspended
of

palm

from

to

local king and

the

of

the

that

out

closer

extraordinary travelers

was

to meet

king

of the most
the negroes
the shape of
wooden
with

logs

the

aid

mainly fear,
changed into gratitude when they
his generosity equaled his might.
one

happened

local

the ruler of the elephant,

to

notice

rather

fiery snakes, aroused

villageswere

give
It

come

trees

villageto the other by the beating

negroes

converse

against the

the

from

of great

"great master,"

and

convinced

Where

boughs

however,

soon,

became

one

the

an

frequently happened that

honey, extracted

The

ropes.

thunder,
which

and

to

fills their

"

eggs,

it

elephant,

against infidels,
are

it most

So

with

away

one

"piece" of Kali, after which the relations were

Good
To the
Mzimu,"
friendlycharacter.
furnished
evidence
of homage and piety in
chickens,

the

aimed

was

where
every-

only did

people, ran

spear

one

afterwards

until Mohammedanism

negroes,

souls with
and

and

was

the

village; that

sightof

there

they

from

was

the

the white

that

caravan

Once

Saba, the horses, and

were

villagecould

esteem.

at
village,

with.

by

hand

Only

M'Rua's

distrust

happen that the whole

so

The
at

as

and

admiration, amazement,

of the

there.

less

or

close at

even

middle

dwelt

more

adjacent forest,

surrounded

were

virgin forest.

the

perceivethat people
is,at first with

together, some

near

All

villages

protection against lions,and these

clumps

received

lay

two.

or

creepers

looked

369

high table-lands,negro

on

appear.

the distance

WILDERNESS

AND

of everything with
also that

the

another
announced

val
arrifrom

drums, for

of

the

entire

the

the

aid of drumming.

populace would

them, being well disposedin advance.

370

IN

In

DESERT

village,numbering

one

local ruler, who

surrounded

was

the

fear that

show

by

such
did

with

than

nearer

any

to

people

chapel, covered

and
"

them

The

long before

fell from

white

and

had

Stas

he

that

the

the

that

from
and

heights
out

sent

the

that

negroes

also

that

one

the

divinities who

were

could

it

in

of

the

was

at

saying

"

the

and

served

were

suitable

to

time.

moon,

be

kites,

children

flyothers

Stas

night, which

not

this

himself

kites in

of

Mzimu

from

that

he

determined

same

Good

earth

to

came

other

course

very

"

offerings

that

one

Both

They

farther

the

in

make

truth, for it appeared

plainly

might flystill further.

wind

ebony

it,and

sent

Linde.

thought

the

that

"

the

was

and

moon,

declared

from

Mount

from

the

same

fetish," which

stated

king

Mzimu

fetish"

"great
with

Good

deviate

not

despatched
pleased

"

of the

did

that

tail.

the

veneration

hide, and

not

in

approach

to

rhinoceros

fetish

the command

the great

dare

not

the

heads,

king

extraordinary

fiftypaces.

thousand

one

fetish-man

was

consented

person,

WILDERNESS

AND

made

convinced

the white

ter
mas-

and

they

that

with

sufficient

humility.
But

Stas

delightfulto

more

the

than

and

homage

was

only about

thirteen

days' distance

of

the

people

called

shores

of the

great
it

Bassa-Narok
mountains

But

Stas

and
now

"Doko."

Less

Samburus.

steep
did not

of

consoling was
a

war

necessary

at

for

was

to

the

heed

the

times

as

lay

denizens
received
wine.

news

the ruler of
this by saying

the

Wahimas

that

raging, and
cross

of humility

doom-palm

called

ravines, full of
much

that

confirmed
so

marks

Bassa-Narok

Fumba,

Kali

neighbors

water

was

and

exchange

heard

even

distant

more

that

news

they stopped

salt in

local king had

that

and

direction

that

from
The

village in which

the

these

to

immense,

the

on

go

to

wild

rapacious beasts.

rapacious beasts, and

DESERT

IN

though the wildest,

preferred mountains,

he

plain country where fever lay in

In high spiritsthey started.
villagethey
and

hanging

that

the

like

which

to

they

highlands which
with

they stood
travelers stopped
well

Amid

in

and

amid

trees

these

from

flowers.

Nell

was

countless

might

distance

the

lacking,but

acacias

standing
The

groves.

for refreshment

kinds of

Various

beautiful

and

pigeons,

starlings,

toucans,

"bingales" flitted

clump

one

be covered

to

In

fall
be-

shade.

another, singly

to

with

particularlycharmed

paradisaical fly-catchersand
with

not

and

clumps

region

what

were

On

distance

flocks,changing color like the rainbow.

appeared

After

domains.

Stas called

foliageor flew from

in the

wretched

from

knowing

birds swarmed.

turtle-doves,and

very

clusters,forming small

beaks, which

with

populous

unknown

Fumba's

for the abundant

as

the trees

big birds

in

that

chasm.

an

exception of dragon-trees

the

as

was

not

they passed

alone

rest

This

they reached

before

them

of

edge

peaks, which

of

bound,

were

low

rarely by deep fissures.

began, cut

appeared entirely black.

Beyond

the

on

the

to

for travelers.

wait

settlement,

one

hazy chain

rose

nest

foot-hills

the east

only

to

came

371

WILDERNESS

AND

by

Some

trees

many-colored
the

sight of

large, black

rather

birds,

crimson

liningto the wings, which emitted sounds

like a pastoral fife.
Charming woodpeckers, rosy on
bright blue beneath, sped in the sun's luster,
top and
a

catching

in

their

treetops resounded
times

at

there

the

reached

Adansonia

greeted

Before
flew

and

the

sunrise

by,

so

rustle

and

of

green

On

the

parrot, and

though

as

of

silvery

birds hidden

green-gray

under

another.

one

after

countless

the

sounds

them

the small

grasshoppers.
of

screams

bells,with which
leaves

and

flightbees

sunset

that

their little

were

flocks of native
it not

rows
spar-

for their twitter

wings they would

be

mis-

372

DESERT

IN

for clouds.

taken

scattered

and

birds

and

females
sat

male

little flock

perched

the

on

the

after

first notes,

After

to

this.

the

little voice

the

tree, went

to

and

finished

finished, and

and

acacia

flew

flock
the

in

concert,
in

chorus, again resounded

could

children

chorus

and

want

to

might

to

take

scare

three

on

with

flew to the last acacia

boy stopped
Now

and

Nell

I will escort

whether

jungle, for

longer than

there
Kali
two

listen

not

of the

leading

tune

warbled

in her

thin

quickly repeated

are

says

for

mile

from

King,
fear

When

the

and

from
camp,

Saba.

trip and
that

did

Stas
not

his barking

the little flock finally

the other side of

on

musicians

winged

hunting

him,

the game.

away

the

negroes,

start

Saba

half

over

away

in it the

about

was

see

the

song

had

and

the whole

the children,following the

leaving

"

like

he

others

the

the last refrain of his

resembling the

notes

the

of "tui, tui, tui, twiling-ting!ting!"

Once
tree

began

Nell, catching the

concert, joined with

sound

male

nearest

six

or

feathers.

seemed

resumed

The

stillness.

five

and

tree

which

this

soloist and

the

southern

enough

after

flightto the
of

composed

he

real

particularmanner:

chorus

brief pause,

light wavy

the

of

listened in silefice. Only when

they again repeated;

a

were

gave

glitteringmetallic

top of the

did they repeat together in

song.

they

greatest surprise

consisted

little throats, the

of their

the others

their pretty

was

daytime

the

in this

singleacacia

lower, and

tuning

it

flocks,which

with

male, with

one

on

was

in

little

children

Every

ecstasy.

They

flyingin

filled both

concerts,

while

so,

rang

that

singleclumps.

on

other

But

assumed

Stas

little bills which

WILDERNESS

AND

wide

ravine,the

said:
you

to

the

King and

any

antelopes

that

the smoked

days."

or

after that I shall

zebras
meats

in the

high

will not

last

374

not

"

Stupid, stupid. She

leave

what

knows
that

rosy

apes

can

me

for

her

bush

of the

out

God

her.

bite

or

the

walk

snake

of

forbid!

to

not

her.

Who

whether

under

lying! Big

her

carry

Africa.

ought

is not

and

ravine

was

part,"

in

is with

knows

he
my

alone

King

Who

kind

some

stupid on

child!

happen!

may

when

paces

was

to

is such

step unless

leap

it

Why,

permit Nell

"to

thought,

hundred

gone

by uneasiness.

seized
he

had

he

But

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

from

away

committed

terrible

folly."
his uneasiness

And
at

the

into

time

same

turned

longer, he

terrible fear.

around

through daily hunting,

without

mimosas

stealing to
he

his head

shoved
and

about

the

lay

twenty

paces

little maid's

with
on

feet, and

her

at
a

At

in the

acquired

the

thorny

panther when
After

while

glanced

had

she

beast

in

dropped

distance

the

stretched;
out-

about

of

creeping towards

was

grass.

his green

flattened

of his

as

was

ears,

light,cat-like

this

had

her little hand

with

from

big tawny-gray

face, which

account

spring and

ready

high underwood,

fastened

eyes

white

as

lurking and

it would

One

motion.

be

all

over

with

sight the boy, hardened

twinkling of

an

eye

the

upon

chalk, his

narrow

raised

his shoulder-blades

ward
up-

creeping posture, his

long body and yet longer tail,the end

with

rifle

amid

flowers, which

distinctlysaw

Stas

evil

the

night.

at

bush

cusso

rosy

the low

her amid

of the

out

under

terror,

antelopes

sudden

stupefied.

was

Nell stood

head

of

he

rustle, exactly like

any

herd

held

advanced

and

reflecting
any

by

great dexterity which

that

fire,with

if stung

as

himself, and

at

Not

hurriedly,he

presentiment. Walking
to

into anger

changed

of which

moment

he moved

more

"

one

Nell.
and

understood

inured

to

that if he

danger,
did

not

IN

DESERT

AND

regain self-command,
shot

and

badly

heavily,the
himself

little maid

steel

springs.

dark

spot in the

With

one

light motion

and

fired.

The

under

limbs

directed

the

report of the shot, Nell's

bleat

resounded

the

at

the

dreadful
the

second

without

quiver.

The

bursting

torn, white
the

and

little hunter
the

at

now

able

to

before

would

hunter

in the whole

suddenly became
from

And

he

Nell!

despair,that
if he

had

will and

and

fever.

all the

of weakness

and

and

began

of his

relaxation

had

out.

time,

other,

that

not

something
moment

experienced
and

coolness,

tremble,

to

he

seized

to

repeat:

tears

his head

returned!"

consternation, such

unheard-of

an

its eyes,

some

each

most

fiber within

After

powers

not

for

the

out

oozed

calmness

began

by such

every

torn

Stas, who

afterwards

If I had

swayed

was

his

by

almost

"

Above

at

the

close to

nose

had

after

same

his limbs

palms of his hands

"Oh, Nell!

for the

grass

stood

But

this

world

his eyes,

bullet

Nell

astonished

pale;

the

beast, then

Now

have

in

of its brain

word.

out, with

of its neck.

and

slain

utter

happened.

the

the nape

convolutions

strange

with

flattened

rag,

wedged

gory,

flowed

claws

of its head

being

wards
to-

body, he aimed

own

entirely unnecessary,

was

and

back

gazing

shot

lay like

cat

ground

And

jumped

the assailant.

at

But

with

"

short, shrill

Stas

his

rifle at it

of the

and

scream,

like

detected

beast's ear,

barrel

Nell, and covering her with

again

of these

calm

he

eye

moment.

same

master

influence

of the
of the

neighborhood
he

he could

But

the

though

suddenly became

glance

one

if he

courage,

assailant,even

perish.

that

and

muster

the

must

degree

hands

thoughts his

did not

wounded

only

that

to

if he

375

WILDERNESS

soul

and

come.

him

quivered

exertion

body
Before

of

lated
beas

his

moment

his eyes

376

IN

DESERT

the picture of the

was

in

muzzle

pieces. And

to

have

would

second

one

if he had

and

it would

more

plainly could
in

both

threw

soul

to

him

arouse

"Stas!

Stas!
is the

nothing

he

But

long

time.

shot

not

kubwa"

with

One

minute,

late.

too

The

around

arms

little
his

This

her

upright

neck

and,

if she wanted

loudly, as

the

and

fired in vain,
The

that

young

calm

that

leading
his face

heard

the

the

"Bwana

horse to carry

glancing

negro,

beast, suddenly retreated, and

only after

Kali, who

knew

came

See,

me.

Stas!"

grew

and

camp

with

matter

Stas!

me.

after

Immediately

the game.

away

been

him.

is the

himself

to

never

and

happened

slumbej?.

matter

far from

body

banish.

call to him

Nothing

came

have

not

little

to

from

have

returned.

not

comfort

to

her

weeping also, began

tearing NelPs

this, that Nell, recovering from

alarm, had

and

and

cave

this could

of course,

Finally it ended
fear

dark

some

stained
blood-

beast, resting with

dreadful

happened

he

thought

WILDERNESS

AND

at

the

at

slain

became

once

ashen.
"Wobo!"
The

he shouted.

children

growing rigid. Up
idea

accurate

from
the

as

his shot.

boy that
after

for the

His

spots, but

stared

it

was

was

at

tawny

him

made

that

what

Stas

time

kind

of beast

an

did

exceeded
skin
was

the

have

not

had

of prey

was

he
the

it seemed

with

than

somewhat
his eyes

were

by

that

dimensions

strewn

narrower

surface

saw

an

fallen

exceptionallylarge serval;

resemble

to

already

carcass,

the first glance of the eye

wider, and

driven
the

to

closer examination

his head

higher,paws
them

At

slain beast

leopard.
which

to

the

approached

now

it

theless,
never-

not,

was

of

to

even

chestnut-hued

that

of

leopard,

wolf; his legswere

enormous.

One

of

bullet, the other still

children, fathomless, motionless, and

awful.

IN

Stas

DESERT
the

to

came

conclusion

panther unknown
unknown

was

Kali

the

upon

feared

if he

"Wobo!

The

But

turned

her

Stas

head,

that the wobo

"You

"

Tell

"No

how

me

I turned

the

ravine."

"And

stood

He

"Did

walk

after

stilland

if you

full-

are

with

penitent mien,

King."
you

it and

draw

hear

him

out

of

how

saw

"

near?

those

flowers.

he crept out

of

to look

began

at me."

long?"

Stas.

It occurred

when

Only

him

dropped

I
with

the

hands

my

Stas that if Nell

to

have

been

owed

her

which

seeing before

it,for

flowers
did

he

and
creep

pounced

at

upon

preservation to
while

was

were

once,

the

it for the

and

that

astonishment

first time

uncertain

what

she would

negress

of

she

part
the

being

to

in

beast,

unknown

do.

chill passed through the boy's bones.

Thank

After
"

said:

then

me."

towards

"

the

or

himself

assure

and

on

through the jungle."

Nell

Did

guarded myself from

to

as

then?"

he look

"Long,

voice,

placed his hand

even

golden fly flew

low

beast

wobo!"

away,

that

alone

you

around

what

her

see

it was?

Only

"

So

"

You

with

go

in

the

at

to
definitely

carried

Stas/' answered

can

terror

killed

desired

not

cannot

"True,

great

the little maid,

he

Nell.

you

grown,

"but

with

master

to

had

see,

Bassa-Narok

it:

great

though

as

Lake

species of

was

as

ground, repeating

awaken

to

this

geography.

to

gazed continually

stretched

that

zoology, just

to

377

WILDERNESS

AND

What

"I

God
which
were

wanted

Thank

he

asked

you
to

God

that I returned

!"

further:

thinking

call you,

of at

and

"

"

that moment?
I could

not

"

but

"
"

37$

WILDERNESS

what?"

"But
"

AND

DESERT

IN

But

thought that

do

know

not

"You

she

me

I myself

"

her

little

around

arms

her tufts of hair.

afraid,now?"

not

are

again threw

he began to stroke

his neck, and

protect

"

this

Saying

would

you

"No."
little

"My

Mzimu!

My

Mzimu!

You

ugly

beast?"

what

see

is."

Africa

"Yes, but

will kill every

you

will."

"I

to

examine

closely the

rapacious

beast.

Stas, desiring to

preserve

its skin

ordered

Kali

another

wobo

Both

not

again began

feared
"

might

leave

to

lion

him

wobo

strip it off, but

to

than

more

roars

wobo

alone, and

night

at

but

and

kill

and

after that he seizes

wobo

for

"

in the

great many

spear

wobo

is

the

to

and

fear

begged

that
him

question whether

he

of them

stockades,

leap over
leap

can

in the

negroes

over

middle

and

protection,nor

no

ravine

does not

day

one

from

trophy

lion, said:

white

latter

of the

out

creep

the

as

stockade

of the
him.

eats

village,
Against

bow, only charms,

be killed."

cannot

Nonsense," said Stas,

"

look

is he not

at this one;

well

slain?"
"The

white

kill him," Kali

It ended
to

rope

in

the

kills wobo;

master

this, that

horse

and

the

the
horse

succeed

gigantic cat
dragged

did

the

evidently surmised

to

carry

that

even

who

cannot

man

replied.

Stas, however,

King,

the black

not

off his little

Stas' orders

the slain beast

in

with

him

the

to

camp.

preserving his hide, for

lady, fell into

were

tied by

was

that

wobo

the

such

wanted

frenzy of

rage

him.

ing
Seiz-

it twice

into

unable

to

restrain

his trunk

he

tossed

DESERT

IN

the

air;

and

in

it

into

placed

an

an

bones
atom

began

trampled

jaws,

the
not

he

jelly-like

which

with

of

the
flesh

on

blood

against

and

changed

legs

the

of

road,
an

hour

remained.

tree

succeeded

Stas

remnants

of

course

or

his

mass.

the

ant-column
in

with

it

it

strike

to

upon

shapeless,

on

cleaned

which

end

the

the

saving

that

after

379

WILDERNESS

AND

and

so

the

in

head
the

he
ants

thoroughly

XIX

days

FOUR

somewhat

later

similar
That

the

in order

second
for

the

to

fly

to

the

them

if but

even

Arabian

and

expressly

for

English and
not

of

one

hands

attention

was

the

new

would
their

difficult for

him,

For

from

ing
start-

of

the

west

this, that

European

or

extraordinary

attract

be

to

despatched

certainty, besides

greater

Arabian,

the Arabian

he knew

as

before

fall into

inscriptionshe added

French

when

kite, the

upon

expedition

an

rescue.

killed

continually, but

reliance

should

cause

rower.
nar-

time

sent

blew

undoubtedly

it would

and

of

ones

monsoon

them

at

hill

battle

remnants

placed great

Stas

hard

on

Nell, taking advantage

glue

to

only when

east.

and

rest

smaller

they had

which

Stas

ocean.

stay, determined

the

after

the

with

of those

longer

fcfe attacked

whom

playing

was

Linde, but

night Saba

baboon,

baboon

stopped for
Mount

to

same

male

big

Stas

which

language

perfectly.
Soon

after

starting from

that

east, he

in

recognized

Bassa-Narok;
the

as

the
a

like

hunters.

from

valley
lake

of

some

of

There

assumed
which

the

roses,
were

cusso

negroes

saw

nounced
an-

in the

surrounded

always

certain,

shapes, according

viewed.

they chanced
two

not

was

were

with

overgrown

which

peaks

different

they

he

chain, which

mountain

nevertheless, he

mountains

place

small

the

resting-place, Kali

the

After

bushes
upon

in it and

to

crossing

and

looking

hut

of

one

lone

of them

382

IN

very

DESERT

AND

but

negroes,

savage

WILDERNESS

will

now

not

encounter

any

dervishes."
"

"

Yes, while

prefer negroes,"the little maid

from

conducting

am

and

father

Mr.

as

pass

with

Fayum

now

you

replied.

goddess.

little

lady whose

some

kind

Rawlinson

name

they

Nell, and

was

of Mzimu.

that

kidnapped

was

I shall tell my

should

never

call

anything else."

you

Her

began

eyes

"Perhaps

we

If it

Bassa-Narok,

that

be

"

Kali, did the sick

He

heard.

It is

there
in

the

on

bad

this time!"

at

one

shores

Too

sooner.

of the war?

hear

big

war

Kali.

at

negro

in Mombasa."
that

be

engaged

Saying this,he nodded

"

for

woul3

we

smile:

papas

not

were

should

Fumba

our

see

may

"Perhaps.
of

sparkle and

to

war,

big

very

"

Fumba

"

with

Samburus."

"Well, what
the Samburu
"The

the

"And

and

before

away

before

get through

we

the great master,

Kali."

you?"
Kali, because

before

began

devolve

upon

meditate

to

him

Kali has

riflewhich

manner

that

as

their

which

would

Accordingly it

was

the

upon

part

in the conflict between

tribes and

Samburu

event

run

shall

thunders

kills."

Stas

such

will

King and

before

And

How

happen?
country?"

Samburus

before

"

will

determined
not

to

arrival
at

retard

would

once

necessary

his
be

an

only

to

and

his affairs in

journey. He

stood
under-

entirelyunexpected

Fumba

assure

would

the Wahima

conduct

to

which

of

make

superiority.

the most

of

victory.
In

the

derived

of
villages,
new

which

information

the
about

sick hunter
the

war.

spoke, they
The

reports

IN

DESERT

and

AND

more

The

little travelers

more

learned

defensive

campaign, and

command

of their

where

water

great

great "boma"
This
Stas

He

war

familiar

him

to

with

distinguished

for the

the

be

able

the

only

have

but

of the last

knew

negroes

side of

that

depression in a crest of
mountain
to a valley lying in

the

Kali
and

mountain,

travel, during which

during the

another

better than
the

were

village,
won

seek

to

necessary

led the

from

now
were

if it

and

easy,

them

and

King.

well and

he knew

incommoded

to

the

at

road

find the

to

horses

not

was

been

These

King.

caravan

the

from

certainty peaks which

passage

days' arduous

two

begged

possible,assuring him,

as

region which

leading from

passes

after

who

separating them

aid of the inhabitants

for the

Fumba's

King

childhood.

from

by gifts,it would
road

tured
cap-

of the

border

rock

high

would

great

Nevertheless, the
not

he

lead not

in

already

was

siderable
con-

villagerssaid that the

and

quickly

as

could

he

the

had

and

the southern

mountain

time, that

same

which

on

wide

occupied

situated.

was

the

cross

of the

the

under

intelligencegreatly grieved Kali,

to

seat

on

Samburus

country

The

cows.

raging principallyon

was

war

of

conducting

Mamba,

Wahiina

for Fumba.

was

he

the

named

of the

multitude

that

that

king,

expanse
a

but unfavorable

accurate,

were

383

WILDERNESS

great cold

nights, they successfully

mountain

the Wahima

country.
Stas halted

in the

surrounded
to

be

allowed

his father's
started

be

that

morning

by underwood,
to

scout

very

The

same

sort

of fortress

on

which

"boma,"

as

for

while

horseback
was

or

in the Sudan.

fortified camp.

Kali, who
in the

about

night. Stas and

zareba

in this desolate valley,

rest

Nell
A

begged

direction

of

day's distance,
waited

for

great boma

may

him
also

384

DESERT

IN

the

whole

that

he

day with
had

the

perished
when

and

enemy,

the

He

sight of

fell at

greatest uneasiness
fallen

or

into

finallyhe appeared

horse, he himself
that

WILDERNESS

AND

excited

of

and

the

ing
pant-

dejected

so

pity.

Stas' feet and

at

once

lean

on

feared

hands

equally fatiguedand

was

him

the

and

began

implore for

to

help.
"Oh,
defeated
them

Fumba's

and

Fumba

if the

said, "the

warriors;

boma

have

great
with

nothing

to

does

not

his brow

whom

the

Kali

and

kill Mamba

and

will

his

perish

all the Samburus

Stas' knees, while

meditated

deeply as

everything he

he

the latter

what

to

to

was

concerned
particularly

was

The

young

the

toes

was

evident

of

moved

he could
that

simple reason

every

the

warriors

be here at once."

fingersof

his feet about

that

Fumba's

there?"

negro

both

"are

dispersed?"
and they will

them
are

many

for the

finallyasked,

Samburus

found

"How

and

and

and

Nell.

"Where,"
"

They besiege

Fumba

boma

of

Mamba."

be done, for in
about

kill.

not

in the

eat

Begging thus, he embraced

knitted

did

have

multitude

Bol^p Mountain.

on

master

Samburus

they killed

dispersed those they

in

warriors

he

master,"

great

score

indicate

not

he

could

not

appeared

greater amount

to

hands

both

and

times, but

of

the exact

him

number
above

count
as

it

ten

"wengi,"

that is,a multitude.

"Well, if they
and

to

go

"They
but

with

wengi/
Stas

your

here, place yourself

come

at

their head

father's relief."

fear

the

the

great

Samburus
master

of Samburu."

pondered again.

and

will not

they will

go

go

and

with

Kali,

kill 'wengi,

IN

DESERT

"No," he finallysaid, "I

battle

I will

it for anything

do

not

world."

in the

this Kali

At

neither take the 'bibi' to

can

alone, and

her

leave

nor

385

WILDERNESS

AND

foldinghis hands

and

rose

began

to

repeat

incessantly:
"What

is

'

the young
And

'?"

Stas asked.

for

Wahima

he

began

and
with

waste

had

other

each

the

war

there

affected

clay enclosure

of the

goods.

Others

warriors

They

rooster.

clay rampart
could

They

would

women

also

with

only stand
give

happened

that

Luela

to

be cut

their children

other

fight a

battle
the

by

the

very

that

was

ancient

off and

they

way

of

the

cross

surrounded.

custom

it.

within

crowing

and

rampart

the

and

supplies.

permitted to

not

market-place

The

victories

or

various

either side violated

always concerned
should

place.

supplies of food attached

was

place
market-

villageswith smoked

be reached

before

them

This

were

the

which

poles.

bamboo
never

distant

even

likewise

were

fiercest

sought shelter

of them

Many

could

which

of Luela

distance

the

spacious market-place, found

allowed

not

were

of

Luela, behind

in

with
of hostilities,

from

came

who

beans, millet, manioc, and

meat,
The

time

defeats

away

shore

in the

sacred

fare
war-

carried

during

no

women,
a

and

the southern

was

men;

surrounding

during the

there

other

assembled

It

Now

They laid

years.

even

nations

absolutely safe asylum.

an

each

which

at

between

fate

the

women,"

in continual

great many

perfect safety.

raged only

engaged

localityon

was

of both

women

with
war

been

for

lake, called Luela,

the

Samburu

extraordinary things.

plantations of

But

cattle.

relate

to

Mamba

the

to

and

replied.

negro

Fumba

to

Luela

great boma

"A

Luela!"

Luela!

"Luela!

The

then
to

the

long

and

it

victors

of the defeated

did not

permit them

386

IN

DESERT

approach

to

could

the

sacred

reached

be

"Oh,

AND

by

place
Kali

Stas' knees, "great master,

yourself take the King,

you

fiery snakes

and

heard

the

that in many
He

women.

certain

vicinity of
custom,

German

of which

with

were

the

on

start

with

more

because
think

not

the

of

but
to

should

act.

not

permit

to

command
to

To
a

peace

him

an

meantime,

that

How

"A

in

of the

in certain

The

that
He

war.

without

the

free

Fumba,

existence

determined

of the

also to

too

bloody

only the aid

not
was

necessary.

and

the

reconcile
matter

he said

comfort

he announced

far is Luela

from

for himself

"Thus

the young

but

it should

negro

that he did not

here?

"

but

afterwards

himself in his soul, and

to

he

to

belligerents,appeared

only

not

how

Samburus

and

revenge,

all the

they could

war

the

rout

of

ened
danger threat-

Samburus

to

this

places
market-

delay for Luela,

of the

the

lighted
greatly de-

no

for which

contending

quick decisions,he already knew

desiringto

he felt sorry,

Said

that

Bassa-Narok

journey

imperative

thus it shall be!"

"

of

beneficial for the negroes.

most

had

include

not

in Port

related

women

the termination

further

of the Wahimas

the

of the

before

Accustomed

time

one

be certain

little maid

at

does

war

he

tribe sacredly observed

shores

account

on

Luela, and

to

Samburus."

subject to attack.

Stas, for he could

Nell

take
Kali, take the rifle,

perfect freedom

never

this custom

take

bibi'

gigantic jnountain, Kilima-Njaro,

by virtue
and

'the

missionary

Massai

partieswalked

lead

how

warlike

immensely

begged, again embracing

localities in Africa

the

which

negro's narrative, for

young

remembered

young

distance

crow.

the wicked

rout

believed

Stas

within

rooster's

master!"

great

WILDERNESS

also

be and
in the

for whom

refuse aid.

he asked.

half day's journey."

"Listen, then!

we

will convey

the 'bibi' there at once,

IN

from

Samburus

will kill them

"Kali
And

passing

at

with

already achieved.

the

Stas with

mirth

warriors, whom

he

the

hundred;

white

they

had

leather, with
dressed

sight of
the

by

fear and

same

in

negroes

advance

that

the

whom

of their

So, instead of running

kneel

or

fall on

their faces.

But

the

at

sessed
pos-

the

which

in

them

killed

and

wobo,

rocks, lets loose

they stood

away,

with

the whites

they should

whether

glistening,uncertain

eyes

had

Mzimu"

kills lions, who

crushes

sight
seized

were

warned

"Good

the

the

At

which

Kali

were

the

at

man,

silence,full of admiration,

in

long row

ferns.

horses, they

But

elephant fears, who

fierysnakes," etc.
in

the

behold

"who

master

three

heads

villagesthrough

previously passed.

mighty

and

amazement

children

appear

about

Their

service of

those

to

shields of hippopotamus

manes,

same

they would

outbursts

commanded

knives.

in the

the

though

as

further

numbered

with

faces, Saba, and

the

the

he

feathers, baboon

of the white

But

They

armed

elephant

an

whom

javelins and

with

ardor

gathered together during his

master.

were

much

as

time

same

they

were

full of faith that if these extraordinary beings would

them
Stas

the victories of the Samburus

then
rode

along

and

to

to

the

the

repeat his promise that

issued

Kali

file on

an

rode
women

order
with

after which

he

would

that

they should

few

warriors

of both

would

start

he

liberate

end.
a

mander
com-

ordered

Fumba,

for Luela.

in advance

tribes that

help

soon

elephant, just like

is reviewing his army,

who
Kali

the

to

interrupted by the arrival of

were

scouting expeditionand
before

shall ride with

You

despair to joy, he began

from

once

the

gratitudeand

the

away

the rifle!"

thank

of

drive

them."

leap,laugh, and
victory was

and

King

father's boma.

your

shall fight with

and

the

on

387

WILDERNESS

AND

I shall ride

after which

me

DESERT

to

they would

announce

have

the

388

DESERT

IN

and

inexpressible

was

heir
and

time

that

When,

was

gigantic

white

elephant

"

the

Stas

of

hatred,
the

But

Nell's

under

the

first

have

herself

but

tent

percale
of

to

Nasibu,
behind

her

they

month,

out

appeared

gifts brought

regard

for

and

rampart
for

honor.

and
wreaths

food

of

the

that

divinity

women

even

in

attired
a

as

them

to

ness
ugli-

humble
a

as

rosy
vant
ser-

far

being

negressos.

common

of

and

for

who,

beads,

burst
out-

an

Wahima

enraptured

strings of blue

such

market-place

the

only

Mea,

before

Mzimu,
the

The

the

supplies

not

and

and

witches.

garlands

brought

retinue.

few

the

his

which

joy

for

it

on

extraordinary

trees,

saw

unheard-of

of

it with

of

shouts

like

corner

thick

two

themselves

the

superior

in

set

of

sufficed

and

look
of

they
and

voices

at

Fumba.

hours

the

as

them

and

frenzy

their
so

made

was

after

prostrated

such

more

decorated

for

with

jest

to

ramparts
a

the

as

jesting with

was

few

being

Kali

tribe

into

manifestations

women

would

of

mistook

the

and

shade

flowers,

whole

matter

who,

wanted

the

fell

Mzimu/'

at

were

When

the

lapse

they

negresses

these

Samburu

the

he

approaching

Good

that

of

hour

after

palanquin,

received

for

heavy

so

that

The

recognized
he

Good

"

the

women

that

thought

surprised

were

those

even

tribe,

throne,

however,

yells

that

seeing

elephant.

an

on

Wahima

the

to

them

of

the

of

members

of

pleasure

arrive

extraordinary

so

lost

unheard-of

would

who

Mzimu,"

WILDERNESS

AND

Nell

little abdomen

at
so

his
once

childish
took

age,

advantage

conscientiously

resembled

an

admitted

was

African

that
war

of
after

drum.

the
an

390

IN

DESERT

screened

sides,was

AND

by the underwood.

his neck, quietly issued

gave

Kali

the

red

ribbon

and
later

two

infernal

hiss,but
the

King's

Wahimas

Samburu
and

roar

which

the

was

darkness,
terror

the

at

burus.

by

the

at

part of them

ran

and

spears
tens

of

the

him, offered stubborn

in the

flashes of the shots, they

him

person

were

dinned

from

time

on

with

to

time

the mountain,

in the

though

dressed

he

for

began,

in

the

knew

that
that

saw

them.

greater

hundred
in

from

Negro

the
spears.

and

rallying

however,

their

when

the weapon

minutes.

by

gigantic beast and

white, and

from

and

be reached
A

were

horrible

succeeded

the ground

imagined

Sam-

they

ears

Kali

which

seeing the first sky-rocket, which

few

at

were

discharged, their hearts sank.

in the

place

resistance; when,

the reports of

heights, fell on
dead

battle

seized

Wahimas.
Mamba

warriors, whom

they could

about

on

knives,

passed entirely beyond

threatened

of

maces

and

beginning, blind

very

only

before

away

an

hundred

confusion

beings and

terrible

with

three

it took

the

in

happening

destruction

few

cries of the

sight of the fierysnakes

some

seconds

horizontally

assagais,1maces,

But,

unavoidable

loud

camp-fires

was

few

aimed

were

hushed

simultaneously resounded

understanding. They

attacked

the

they

bouquet

though

as

terrible because

out.

What

their

became
A

sky, after

All voices

irrepressiblespeed.

all the

as

dark

flew out,

with

more

trampled

once

the

with

ahead

in the

into

camp;

who, armed

rushed

sky-rockets.

gloomy silence ensued.

this time

he

of the

it scattered

stars.

fiery snakes

more

directlyat
the

of

moment

hissing,high

golden

Stas, sittingon

final orders, after which

explosivesound,

an

red, blue, and

of

the

signal to light one

flew up,

which, with

WILDERNESS

fright and

Fumba
burst

lay

But, regaining

as

sciousness,
con-

desperate yellsof the

IN
warriors

DESERT

AND

thing,namely, that

one

exterminating the Samburus

flashed through his mind
that
aid of those
the

mustered
a

of the

side

into
In

killed,the hollow
the

of the

groans

in the

darkness

with

rushed

it into

could
frontiers

this pass

only those
they

knew

his skull.
ordered

one

son,

did

not

drive

as

the

only

to

himself

He

his rifle

Samburus,

the

promised little Nell

kill any

one,

and

on

come

of the enemies.
at

his

wide

burus
Sam-

towards

their

taken

be

to

the

of

blow

Fumba

as

of the

out

whole

host
the

upon

alive, though
them,

even

or

victors.

Mamba

of

crushed

mace

hand,

sacrifice of gratitude

future
to

own

The

but

pass,

that

sword

Faru, fell into Fumba's

young

had

permitted him

fear

enemies.

mountains

hands

bound,

him

for mercy,

seizing Gebhr's

slavery awaited

the

at

being

men

wound

might

his warriors,

cruel

the spiritswhich
Stas

he

His

of the

begged

of the

the

beat.

to

red flashes

the

Kali, from
he

midst

against shields and

maces

himself heroicallyuntil

defended

howls

Nobody

themselves

death

immediate

the

of

changed

now

ceased

only by

rent

road

who, throwing themselves

safe

that

battle

drums

fire,and

of

with

were

The

negroes.

to

way

ground, permitted

to

off the

flee from

now

only by

blocked

who

cut

of the

the

his salvation,he

and

confusion

people, finallyceased

as

boma

to

and

wrath, and

sallied forth from

wounded.

is unknown

for mercy

the

to

come

and

was

blows

their

thought

him

by Kali's rifle,resounded

cast

the

not

was

Samburu

darkness, which

did

incur

fugitives.

The

massacre.

the

if he

spiritswere

about

exit of the

greater part of the

of

Then

Samburus

all his warriors

secret

kind

some

below.

spirits,he might

extermination

391

WILDERNESS

his assistance.

terrible King

trumpet
did not

to

into

increase

the

battle;

the

terror

fire a singleshot from

for in the

leaving Luela

first place he
that

again he actuallyhad

no

he

would

had
not

desire to kill

392

DESERT

IN

people who
enough

that

Fumba,

who

Kali

when

he

done

he

assured

for

the

in

raged yet

in

the

Nell.

or

of

news

underwood

was

freed

Soon, also,

definite

of the

cessation

It

victory and

great boma.

with

victory,

battle,which

and

rocky recesses
implacable hatred

the

prolonged by

was

him

to

the Wahimas

running
order

an

harm

no

besieged

came

issued

which

had

was

WILDERNESS

AND

and
of

old

Fumba.

before Kali

However,

The

daylight.

quickly from

succeeded

as' is usual

sun,

beyond

the

After

pierced by

corpses

certain

time, when

only the joyful yellsof

quiet, Kali
sad

and
distance

that

which

on

the equator,
and

lay

battle

Wahimas

that
some

with

two

hundred

over

by

disturbed
with

it could

be

kind

misfortune

of

rolled

perceived

maces.

finallyceased

again appeared, but

was

flooded

crushed

or

spears

the

the

quellingit, it

under

mountains,

bright lightthe battle-field

Samburu

in

the

and

ing's
morn-

face

jected
de-

so

from

even

had

overtaken

him.

fact, when

In

his head

stood

his fists and

with

"Oh,

he

great

master!

before

Stas, he began

exclaim

sorrowfully:
kufa!

Fumba

"

strike

to

Fumba

kufa!"

(isslain).
"

Slain?

Kali
it

"

Stas

related

hatred

the

inveterate

had

ceased,

two

Samburus,
of

The

news

of

he

was

of

cause

of

from

his words

he

of them

only

was

the

after

give the

to
one

from

occurrence

for

Fumba,

still wanted
and

the

and

last

battle

blow

received

to

the

spear.

among

all the Wahimas

around

Kali

six warriors

bore

on

spread
eye

later

moments

who

an

the

that

appeared

stroke

repeated.
what
had happened,

not

and

killed but

mob

in the twinkling

gathered.

spears

fatallywounded.

the

old

Before

few

king,
his

DESERT

IN

393

WILDERNESS

AND

queror
mighty master, the real conof the Samburus, sittingon
an
elephant.
admiration
struggled in his
Accordingly uncommon

death

he desired

with

eyes

to

dusk

the

the

see

with

which

his pale lips,stretched

and

Yancig!"
But immediately after
his mouth
opened wide

death

them,

dimming

was

by "pelele,"whispered lowly:

"Yancig!

his breast.

the

Among

No

faces.
rule

to

raised

belonged

but

of Fumba,

son

In the

boma

of the wicked

him

but

war

The

dance

around

right and
the

in the morning

sun.

rose

dwell

Stas

master,

in Fumba's

nodded

of the

oldest

fetish-men

began
men

the

not

heard

of the

all voices

sharp points of

against

prisoners for
The

warriors

and

commenced

Fumba's

corpse.

row

Stas, Kali, and

din
in the

directed

to rumble.

in

in the

savage

Stas had

as

bring the 'bibi*

hut.

Kali

all heads

repeated;
the

of their eyes

twinkled

spears

is Kali's
his head

king
king."

in

sign of

hours, for he and the King

He

did

leave

to the boma

is

few

not

the

turning to Stas, said:

and

the great master

their

the right

opposition, as

left in unison, the whites

glistened,and

"Great

same

Yach, yach!"

on

conqueror.

huts

long host of three

"Oa, Oa!

Kali

drums

"yancig"

to

as

upon

strike

to

ruler

young

but this time it was

village,
demanding the death
was

in

nodded

the

Mzimu,

killingFumba.
formed

in the

and

mountain-top, resounded

the

first negro

began

some

only by law,

not
as

himself

threw

the

in

voice

also

meantime,

on

warriors

Kali

to

died.

tears

fell before

Some

one

he

reclined backward,

proclaim Kali king

their heads, others to

in his honor.

and

"

him, with

loved

Kali, who

that his head

until towards

and let her

of the Wahimas

assent

were

the

but

and

remained

entitled to

evening.

rest.

During

394

IN

DESERT

his absence

the

bodies

and

into

thrown
a

once

his

the

as

flocked; the fetish-men

Fumba's

only

which

funeral

and

Kali

"

of the life and

master

at

made

assumed

death

of all

subjects.

"Do

know

you

maid

the

on

gazed

"

He

is your

"

Aha

! A

delighted

time

her

to

who

the

slave

former

humble

of

servant

sudden

This

immensely.

the

the

of

cruel

Stas, became

something extraordinaryand

Linde's

remark

incapable

were

day before, did

Kali, for

of Mount

all the Wahimas."

the

at

exceedingly amusing.

Nevertheless,
children

Luela.

king of

Nell

which

to

later the

king, seemed

the little

surprise.

! Kali is now

boy

change, thanks

same

with

asked

Stas

boy."

news

Gebhr, and

is?"

journey from

him

at

Kali

what

return

Nell

This

to

removed

were

neighboringdeep abyss, over

preparations for

WILDERNESS

of the slain Samburus

of vultures

swarm

authority

AND

soon

as

Boko

as

not

Stas

that

of

spired
tran-

just in its application

appear

Nell

stopped

hurried

monarch

the young

what

remembering

and

like

were

negroes

greeted them with the usual marks

he
joy and repeated the words which
he

to

of

the foot

at

them;

meet

humility

had

and

previously

uttered:
"Kali

is the

is Kali's

king of

he

divine

and

surrounded

both

of all the

acquired during
more

for the

Leading them

the great master

with

almost

adoration

an

prostrated himself, particularlybefore

in the presence

he

and

Wahimas,

king."

And

cared

the

to

to

them

divided

he knew

journey, that

little "bibi"

solemnly

surrendered

great shed

the

people,for

the

than

the

into several

ence,
experi-

from

great master

for himself.

capitalboma

Fumba's

Nell,

on

hut, which
rooms.

He

the

mit
sum-

bled
resem-

ordered

IN

the

Wahima

and

who

who

utensil with
he learned

when

their

out

solemnly, and

more

brief rest,

under

he

with

this in

of the

out

came

Mzimu,"

to

in the first room,

all the

But

tongues.

Luela,

bibi," tired by the journey,

commanded

deepest silence

the

observe

Good

milk

sour
"

the

that

fallen asleep, he

had

and

honey

"

the

at

from

them

with

came

look enough

not

395

WILDERNESS

AND

women,

could

place a
and

DESERT

the

decided

inhabitants
of

penalty

cutting

them

honor

to

to

view, when

still

Stas, after

shed, he approached him

and,

prostratinghimself, said:
and

shall

and

for Kali

as

cause

of Mamba,

son

who

dies

them

cut

"

the Wahimas

"I

am,

"

brains

ought

their king, should

you

learned

jackalsand
is not

to

with

gaze

he answered:

the

slaves.

them

cut

"

be

king

down,

cut

king."

sternly:

more

are

to

Kali is not

that

"

he asked.

them

voice,

old

The

succeeds

young

command

and

uncertain

an

Did
not

you

learn

not

you

Christian?

anything

"

oh, great master!"

"Listen, then!
your

shall order Faru,

began

said in

down

cut

think

Linde, and

hands, but for

after which

negro

not

more

of it?

What
Mount

on

did

would

looked

Stas

Kali

and

brows

down;

If Kali

down.

their

for Fumba

that."

always

Wahimas

"the

down

cut

buried

captured by the Wahimas."

were

the young

"Master,"

"

to do

I forbid you

be

to

pieces and 'wengi, wengi'

to

into Kali's eyes;

his steelyeyes
"

be

fingerson
cut

his

knitted

Stas

be

to

of other Samburus
And

have

to

Fumba

for the great master,

the 'bibi' and

the

slaves

many

both

as

order

shall

Kali

"To-morrow

from
like

to be white.

enlighten
me

hyenas

have

Wahimas

The

and
"

You,
them

from

make

allowable to cut down

the
men

as

and
'

black
as

soon

teach

bibi.'

of them.

for
captives,

brains, but
you

became

them

They

what

like

are

Tell them

the Great

it

Spirit

396

DESERT

IN

The

defenseless.
want

you

and

abominable

will bless you

that

Kali

is

That

hear!

the blood

and

what

Well, I

begin
Wahimas

M'Rua's
human

no

blood

will beat,

"Kali

drums

'Good

and

Mzimu'

do

who

killed Fumba?"

and

who

father

it is
alliance

head

with

stick,go

in order

how

they
the

out

that

all the

these

knaves

Wahimas,

at

yourself announced
*

the

Good

Mzimu'

to

sojourns

shed."

with

to

and

Faru

there

that

allowable

formed

his

kill anyone.

his

You

harmony;

the
But

Samburus

the

with

out

where

plans for everything

question, answered

head.

he

king, as

fetish-men; throw

Wahimas

for this

young

the

Faru, after which

shall dwell in

you.

each

to

until

Cast

foolish

you

oh, beat

frighten

not

drums.

your

wants

of course,

you,

fetish-men

boma,

perished and
for

good

deafened

which

Mzimu,

the

wherever

already had

only waited

"Your

continued:

their

which

is it is not

shall Kali

Stas, who

of

Tell

be

and

understand

tell the

what

the

bibi' will not

fetish-men

bamboo

boldly and said

him

glanced at

can

you

for

the

evidently persuaded the

Stas' words

the

and

them.

people,that

'

the

it will

of the

time, that

same

Change

of

take

than

the middle

deceived

Kali.

captives. But

hides

see

you,

to

of the Wahimas

mnd

louder

may

was

wicked

of the

the

Gebhr

his hand

this to you:

roar

into

have

huts

means

thrash

to

drums

heads

slaves,and

than

for this and

is your

that

say

and

hut

the

Stas waved

his words.

know

in

of the

stupid, bad negro."

savage,

din

horrible

"I

blood

murder

not

on

customs

God

the

Shame

and

ones

say

them

to

worse

the

avenges

people do

Christian!

ancient

white

be

to

you,

"

the 'bibi' pray

I and

whom

to

WILDERNESS

AND

father

at

once:

fore
perished,there-

shall conclude
the Wahimas

and

blood
burus
Sam-

cultithey shall peacefully

398

DESERT

IN

the

In

his

above
left

grave

should

the

of

cross

with

utensils

few
he

that

foot

buried

they

meantime
the

at

not

WILDERNESS

AND

rock

Fumba

below

made

of

bamboo,
and

pombe
annoy

the

and

with
boma.

haunt

Kali

while

smoked

nity
solem-

great

the

meat

them

"

placed
negroes

in

order

during

the

night-time."
Mamba's

body,

brotherhood
to

the

between

Samburus.

after
Kali

the

conclusion
and

Faru,

of

was

the

blood

surrendered

XXI

"NELL,

can

enumerate

you

Fayum?"

from

journeys

our

asked.

Stas

"lean."

began

count

to

"At

Fashoda

which

probably

There

flown

has

such

over

fly would look

began to laugh.

"That
Stas

fly on

"But

he

shall

"When
"As

the lake

"

that

"

those

shoot
"And

And

world

fly on

you."
elephant!"

an

"

not

tsetse."

agreeable fly."
on

our

rested
Kali

whom

fifth

journey?"

thoroughly, and

has

promised

to

I
me

can

how

little."

shall

"Long,
be the

the

of Africa."

without

very

on

have

you
men

piece

fly in

she asked:

start

we

as

soon

instruct

"

King

praise,propped her little nose

the

which

after

arm;

"a

answered,

Nell, pleased with

to

to

another

not

Honestly, Stas

tsetse!

is

queer

elephant!

an

not

"No,"
his

Linde

Mount

the

one;

from

second;

found

we

is

fourth."

"Yes.

"A

which

that

"

is the

that

"

in

third; and from

and

eyebrows

Khartum

to

Fashoda
ravine

her

fingers.

Fayum

to

that

to

that is the
is the

little

From

Khartum

from

her

on

once.

raised

little maid

the

this

Saying

we

Nell

"

ride

long?"

longest journey?
you,

as

Who

long!

whether

knows

"

usual, will be equal

to

it."

it will not

400

IN

"I

be."

must

Stas had

Somehow
he

could, but

this

They
which

were

boy desired

to

previously

had

in

have,

the

horses

been.

bore

with

thought

that

Fashoda

with

He

hundred

armed

people

of

thought

how
too

did

he yet

much

his

was

not

at

all at

and

after

Stas

on

the

was

where
maps

pass

that, what?

Mr.

was,

from

which

his

to

as

he

lish
Engabove

and

own

through the

Linde's

that

horses.

all his toils.

sessions
pos-

without

regionswould

as

the head

Rawlinson

any

tribes

what

Upon

greatly worried
he

at

Samburus

the

without

highly, but

ease

from

said by the

and

by

pride,

journey

coast

be

father

chance, into what

know

certain

elephant and

an

surely would

promised

negroes,

ocean

would

what

travel still remained?

vague.
not

with

Wahimas

difficulties,but
would

two

the

to

what

fate, for he
of the

the

Sam-

inhabited

thought of this sweetened

The

Nevertheless, he
Nell's

his

and

was

difficulties

many

country

prized resourcefulness

who

say.

wild

army

Faru

escaped during

men

could

hundred

himself

to

and

removed

not

come

he

of the

rest

without

only Nell
might

pictured

would

having

young

force and

rifle-men

bows, whom

and

Stas,

he

means,

all he

and

presence

tribe.

Samburu

The

Wahimas

through the wide

of travel

of two

fifteen.

spears

forty

only twenty-five rifles and

carried

whose

More

he

tions
instruc-

principalarmed

the

the

than

he gave

rifles to

Remington

hundred

better

this in view

form

only

furnish, and

any

from

King

one

burus, armed

the

With

to

the

as

best

as

dangers, so

be protected against them

were

consist of

to

manifold

with

Nell's body-guard.

not

to

threatened

who

measure

shift for himself

to

journey required great preparations.

into unknown
venture
regions in

to

shooting

Wahimas

managed
fifth

were

they

in

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

he enter, and

directions

because

he

actually

part of Africa
studied

were

peared
ap-

geography

IN

entirelylike
Lake

DESERT

blank

Bassa-Narok

its southern

on

might

to

the

bali!"

that

which

how

great

ascertaining the
whether

coursed
of Faru

claimed

"

which

desert

the
and

adventures,
of his

many

not

one

would
wilds

in the

himself

he

reason

along its
which
But

It

and

inquired

so

the

was

celebrated

could

not

could

make

any

the

that

not

great lake which

traveler

Teleki

and

and

was

haps
per-

find

and

the

river.

tell him

those

lack

once,

regions are

Samburus

Linde's

only Nell, Mea,

they reallymight avoid

course,

knew

he would

case

about

eagerly

lay a waterless

home,

return

at

caravan

subjects

"

hardships began,

understood

all he

wards
after-

experience,

the

desert with

as

Stas, who

own

such

the

about

travelers, from

to

In

travelers in waterless

himself
1

remain.

disperse the

would

water

desert

For

Samburus

his

later

years

much

so

of their country

from

few

of it, which

out

of

small,

was

Bassa-Narok

of

dangers and

Above

little Nasibu.

yet traversed.

would

all

was

committed.1

The

narratives

the

men

flow

east

had

Kiswahili

this

it

concerned

not

not

partly

when

that

aware

but

that

he

error

ocean.

that
one

no

from

negroes

the

to

tended
ex-

questions with,

far!"

dimensions

did

lake

the

north, shutting off the view,

was

exact

river

some

all

assumed

an

Wahimas

the

knew

others in Africa.

many

being, however, he

time

he

he

near,

lake, like

appeared

the

on

was

him.

elicit from

appeared quite
it

"far!

meant

mountains

the

brackish

who

Kali,

the

far

how

He

was.

neither

But

this

of the overflow

the width

tell him

north.

could

Stas

As

could

idea what

no

great it

passably well, answered

language
"Bali!

how

miles.

ten

Samburus
to

and

was

also had

border, at which

amount

the

nor

He

page.

401

WILDERNESS

AND

and
of

for that

Going

horrors

to

exposed.

anything definite;

longer explorations of the

was

which

discovered
he named

in 1888
Lake

by the

Rudolf.

402

IN

shore

eastern

Boko.

at

the

DESERT

of the

He

he

that

flew

villageshad

from

to

and

the

as

the

For
and

Kali

had

able

were

write.

it

So
caravan

Kali

water

before

him

with

do

"Why
Kali

Stas

you

an

want

of the

day

King

young

and

three

the

weeks

which

on

they

of the Wahimas

the

'

bibi

had

he

far

as

right

no

immense

as

the

people float."

proof of attachment;

this

take

to

journey, a

placed the palm

will

what

govern

the

brother

knew

that

negroes

and

power

so

he

and

are

you

theless,
never-

the

return

boy
from

in your

strife for

pondered

for

bibi/

Kali's

honest

kingdom

"

woolly head.

and
and

good boy.
who

will

place?"

of Kali's

lured

he asked.

the
on

an

your

"

us?

of his hand

of

become

Stas

people;

that

Wahimas

"MTana,

with

to go

the great master

loves

know, Kali,

"I

But

until

that

might be uncertain.

which

"

by

such

upon

to

importance

his time

of

journey

eve

the master

thought that

he

of them

and, bowing profoundly,said:

Stas

touched

sonally.
per-

necessary

great pirogues of the white

which

was

much

so

the

was

far

as

neglect.

to

the

on

daybreak

with

goes

on

Stas

at

start

appeared
"

But

elapsed.

now

perfectly,

of great

matter

for the

ready

not

was

to

occupied

glue them

all that it

as

allowable

not

was

this labor

were

them

on

rounding
sur-

could

fly them, neither

to

Stas regarded this

which

had

how

the

supervise

to

of

necessary

perhaps

had

could

was

the wind
"

him

from

mountains
it

away

he

and

of

reason

far

Nell

learned
inscribe

to

chain

this work

though

Linde

this

flat desert

kept
probabilitynone

all

for these

ones,

Now

ocean.

the

For

fly new

across

carry

in
Mount

crossed

Bassa-Narok.
make

WILDERNESS

lake, for other employment

reckoned

kites that

negro

AND

mother."

rulership raged

them
a

the

while

same

and

as

said:

among

the

the

white

IN

DESERT

AND

I cannot

take

Kali.

"No,

the Wahimas

with

remain

403

WILDERNESS
with

you

in order

You

me.

make

to

must

good people

of them."

will return

"Kali
"

M'Tana

has

himself

he

kingdom

is

good.

He

Kali

will

and

master

"We

Kali

grief."
Speaking
a

become

should

again
'

go

big

not

to

leave

the

the Wahimas

to

that."

the great water

the

to

"

then."
the

and

water

hands

his

and

glistenedin

tears

how

to

from

weep

above

'

the

his head;

bibi

'

much

very

"

not

but

was

to his

stirred up

of return

the negroes,

only with

not

for Kali,

sorry

entreaty.

speak of the dangers

threatened

was

assent

his eyes.
He

act.

the fetish-men

or

country

and

if

whispered:

nevertheless, he did

M'Tana

happen

bibi.' "

crossed

he

he

do

not

to

will sit beside

hesitated

"

will

I"

two

Stas

king

induce

would

be there

thus

while

much

And

"

to

Kali loves the great master

very

boy

Well, what

"

do it?"

the

shall not

"Then

"

and

if he should

"Then

after

desire

sons,

his

"MTana

great

sons

"

expel you?
"But

many

should

to

them."

to

He

stood
underthat

"

then

if
the

expulsion from

the

death.

with

It is better for you

to

"

remain," he said, better without

question."
But
the

while

thin

mat

perfectlythe

he

saying this,Nell entered.

was

separated the

which
whole

conversation, and

Kali's eyes

she

fingers,and

afterward

"

Kali is

rooms

began

to

now

she

going with us,"

to

had

heard

seeing tears

wipe his eyelidswith

turned

Through

her

little

Stas:

she said with

in

great firmness.

404

IN

answered

"Oho!"

depend

not

will

stared

did

he

little

began

air

the

great

with

going

crying?

you

how

My,

had

pale

fists
with

in

her

her

that

seeing

like

and,

eyes

he

mouth,

opened

haste:
is

us!

He

How

unbearable
are!

you

but

little

the

to

gentle,

though

as

happened

and

good
little

her

with

exclaim
is

so

tears.

amazement,

greatest

what

caught

bird,

are

going!

of

both

to

the

with

her

of

flood

genuine

always

was

"Kali

Why

into

understand

stuck

she

foot.

little

her

stamped

at

not

who

maid

repeated.

go."

not

burst

she

Stas

does

"that

it."

want

And

she

us,"

with

she

Suddenly

ruffled,

you."

going

he

"No,

WILDERNESS

somewhat

Stas,

upon

is

"Kali

"I

AND

DESERT

He

going!

going!

is

He

are!

you

is

is

He

going!

Do

you

hear?"

And

evening
"

Good

of

Mzimu

his

Stas

happened.

it

thus

"

the

"Good

carried

her

for

weakness

having

"

gentle,

and

obedient

as

was

ever.

ashamed

Mzimu,"

point,

was

until

the

and

the

as

quiet,

406

DESERT

IN

Poland,

new

would

Nell, who

ready
it

himself

occupied
stretched

in

out

neck, decided
and

he

drubbing
that

with

Kali's

at

set

under

savagely

caravan

the

have

to

he

King's
thing
every-

the

with

packs

to

the

their heads

on

another,
fetish-

two

had

who

same

belonged

"

after

one

received
caravan

together

the road.
and

asked:

go?"

to

you

the

and

once

do

it, it

was

mask

drive

to

humility their

of

their faces

wanted

at

reflected
them

such

glittered

eyes

malice
and

away,

he did not

only because

that

if he

want

Stas

did

not

undermine

to

authority.

Nevertheless, he summoned
Did

"Kali

you

at

order

ordered

"Then
them

Africa,

king," they answered, bowing humbly.

But

"

in order

the

"

hands

out

on

ordered

The

surprise,that

MTua

stopped them

The

Kali's

to

sight.

without

and

they

"Who
"

in

end

tMe

of

of it, so

out

matters.

people passed by him,

not

the others

So he

plans

in the world

person

things to get

nearer

ride at

the

M'Kunje

and

only

long string. Stas, sittingon

everybody

observed,

all

with

to

when

men,

be the

of the Macedonian

confide his

not

was

whether

subjugating that region

above

necessary

Now

play the role

to

there

applaud them.

besides, before

was

him

certainlywould

to

And

drilled black

he doubted

as

Africa,he did

in

of

felt,however, that

in the idea and

permit

Alexander

the head

at

he

As

something ludicrous
his father

WILDERNESS

start

even

old.

the

for

host

or

AND

him

the fetish-men

at

to go

once.

with

us?"

he asked.

it,for Kali is wise."

I shall ask

you

why

your

and

M'Pua

did not

wisdom

leave

home?"

"Because

instigatethe

if

M'Kunje

Wahimas

to

kill Kali

remain
upon

they would

his return,

but

if

take

we

with

them

able

will be

Kali

us

407

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

watch

to

them."
Stas meditated

"Perhaps

for

sightof them, day

"Kali

will

said:

right; nevertheless, do

are

you

and

while

night, for they have

or

bamboo

have

wicked

sticks," the

lose

not

look."

young

negro

replied.
The
ordered

procession, as
had

and

than

the whole

over

fancy

and

hardships

and

caravan

desert.

to

by him, and

the

as

It

should

take
the

when

would

deserters

dangers began

watch

to

were

that

foreseen

be

his

to

something

who

seize those
to

was

most

nearest
as

present they

At

others.

the

close the

to

quite long, they

degree to this young

time,

same

moment

lasted

certain

last

they regarded themselves

person,

better

in
the

at

chosen

drills,which

the

the

at

Remingtons,

men

were

attached

commander,

they

During

become

august

with

guard, armed

the

reliable.

Stas

proceeded.

caravan

be

not

lacking.
But

the

first

The

possiblemanner.
heads, each

amidst

column

along the
but

the lake

as

they had
the

climb

when

which

which

lying south

they would
of Borani.

directly east

not

go

was

situated

few

for

they

enter

Stas
he

to

their

smaller

long serpentine
they skirted

the level ground,

to

the

that locality,
claimed
cross

high

called Kullal

into

the

understood
remembered

degreesbeyond

on

they turned

knew

have

best

all sides by high peaks

mountains

would

the

few

time

over

on

who

in

some

surrounded

the mountains
after

For

shore of the lake

was

caravan

and

bow

jungle.

old Samburus,

The

east.

that

to

with

extended
assagais,

the

southern

the burdens

with

negroes

armed

one

so-called

javelinsor

in

day everything proceeded

Ebene
that

that

tween
be-

passes

and

Inro,

country,

they

could

Mombasa

the equator and

there-

408

DESERT

IN

fore considerably south

a

few

would

first

the coming
which

at

of darkness

After

kubwa"

would

from

him

them

lead
it.

for

the fire,while

Some

finallyhad to command
sleep.
The
night was
very
firstrays
at

of the

About

once.

sight.
a

They

mile wide,

in

the

with

rather

through

In fact,at
seen

distance

herd

are

at

smaller

than

the

do

see

not

did

not

receive

saw

Stas

should

when

the
warm

strange

little lake

over

by the rains
Stas, sitting

about

the

region

stop

the

at

begin

the

to

continuallyahead

yards could

heads, approaching

at

elephants," Stas

strange

keen

King, their
tusks

the water."

five hundred
of five

of

with

them

any

going to

are

after the other.

kind

In the meantime
did

Bwana

it became
locality,

suddenly

of about

one

some

said, gazing
not

they

stirring up

day,

next

looking

composed

the little lake slowly

"These

and

King,

"

that Nell

great slough formed

Elephants

small

the

and

little travelers

the

thirst

exclaimed:
field-glass,

"Look, Nell!
be

the

valley, when
the

on

the

their

loudly that

so

silence in order

cold, but

dough

they would

just approaching

were

mountain

Nell

sotong and

sunrise

or

what

squatting

illuminated

sun

and

where

to

as

ate

utensils with

hunger

and
sang,

all talked

and

of the

their

hill. With

camp-fires blazed,

dried meat

themselves

gossipingamong

were

of

scores

roasted

appeasing

fear that he

not

wooded

upon

roots, picking it out

fingers.

Possessing

road.

few

lake.

left,he did

night they lodged

the negroes

of manioc

Linde

the proper

stray from

The

of that unknown

which

compasses

WILDERNESS

AND

attention; "they
are

ears

far

smaller,and

all."

elephants entered

shore,

splash

are

as

with

the

the

water

but

King usually did, and

their

trunks, but

they plunged deeper

and

deeper

going
until

IN

DESERT

finallyonly their backs

boulders

is this?

The

They

with
the

at

close

finallywas

stare

watery

with

even

pane

rocking with

"They

by it.

be

not

red

the surface

flowers,jutting above
the

on

and

bottom

those

believinghis

the

are

own

eyes.

to Kali:

them?"

see

you

Kali

Yes, master,

answered

distinguished

lightmotion.

shouted

"Kali, did
"

Nell,

at

now

could be

eye

tips of their trunks," Stas said,not

Then

began

all; in the smooth

at

seen

the naked

standing

are

he

it and

halted

Stas

the

lake.

five spots like round

and

considerably towards

extraordinary astonishment

elephants could

The

like

water

exclaimed.

diving!" Stas

are

approached

caravan

shore and

then

the

above

protruded

of stone.

"What

to

400

WILDERNESS

AND

the young

Those

sees.

1
water-elephants,"

are

quietly.

negro

"Water-elephants?"
"Kali

has

"And

do

often."

they live
the

"During
and

them

seen

in water?"

night they

during the day they

(hippopotamus).

kiboko

the

to

go

live in

the

do

They

jungle

lake
not

the

and

feed

same

until

out

come

as

after sunset."
Stas

for
and

his

on

he

order

it occurred
1

Africa

time

it not

were

way

night in

long

to

could

that

would
view

to

him

contains

it was

have
better

that

not

the

urgent for him

halted

these

the

his

until

caravan

elephants might

emerge
Rumors

secrets.

prise,
sur-

proceed

to

singular animals.

uninvestigated

many

from

recover

But
from
of

water-elephants
were
given no
ears
credence.
Recently M. Le Petit,sent to Africa by the Museum
of Natural
History, Paris, saw
water-elephants on the shores
reached

of

Lake

in the

Leopold
German

in

of travelers

the

Congo.

An

of

account

periodical "Kosmos,"

No.

6.

but

this

can

be

found

410

DESERT

IN

the

water

it

nearer

be

difficult

signal

for

would

and

side,

opposite

the

on

WILDERNESS

AND

to

if

even

observe

they

out

came

them

in

closely

dusk.

the
He

the

gave

said

We

"Well!

have
have

European

think?

road

the

on

that

if

believe

when

us

And

seen.

reach

we

tell

them

which

something

seen

ever

"

in

but

departure,

Nell:

to

no

the

the
that

do

the

safely

ocean

there

are

what

know

you

of

eyes

will

nobody

water-elephants

Africa."
"

the
usual

But

if

caught

you

Nell

ocean?"
would

be

able

one

said,
to

and
in^the

accomplish

took

him

along

conviction

everything.

that

with

us

Stas

to

as

XXIII

AFTER

days' journey

ten

depressions in
different
and

the

there

small

by
in

singly or
Here

and

each

other

there

projected

acacias

umbrella-like,

and

from

with

acacia

to

and

white

in

that

dry

number

unbearable.

savage

principally with
number

of

The

sky

the
each

armed

lower

day

there

yellow

was

But,

nevertheless,

food

for

each

great

the

day

elers
trav-

guards

did

not

and

treeless

bring

rest.

some.
burden-

more

it with

if it

any

encountered,

caravan

as

and

cloudless,the days

was

received

and

and

open

more

the

species

raven

grass

the

night

populace

and

of

arms

antelopes, hartbeests,
on

reluctance,
of

times

upwards

the

the

rye.

heat

villages which

the

extremely

and

became

journey
In

large

ripe

herds
The

excessively hot,

the

like

considerable

plain became

The

of

The

animals, for several

particularlyzebras.

were

soared,

from

trunks,

shot

like

boughs

plumage.

grass.

affording but

hillocks

birds

acacia

the

coral-hued

jungle obviously supplied

of
met

with

tation
vege-

distance

foliage and

sky vultures

looked

spike,

with

here

The

of

considerable

white-ant

euphorbias,
the

surface

gum,

into

big trees, rising

no

wavy
a

the

plain, broken

were

scant

the

In

black

and,

with

Among

candle-stick.
flew

yielding

but

there

at

entered

mainly level.

was

the

over

and

immense

an

hills,but

clumps

little shade.

was

entirely. There

changed

here

It

finallycrossed

caravan

of mountains

crests

country.

the

not

were

well

fear, but

as

for

the

the

sight

412

the

of

DESERT

IN

faces, the

white

would

threatened

have

Kali's

With

farther

waterless.
herds

which

Stas

was

and

rivers

no

desertions

detected

Kali, with
all the

his

night about

their

prey,

acacia

boughs

the

there.

He

and

more

be water,

of their journey they should

destitute of water,

they

could

in bags of antelope skin

true!"

but

Wahimas

ran

how
two

another:

after

while, one

M'Kunje
sunset

the

language. Taking
stopping place lions
would

to

vince
con-

unavoidably
the night

terrible

"wobo"

would

that
and

for two

the

if in the further

chance
take

wherever

upon

or

find
lopes
antecourse

region entirely

enough

of it with

three

them

days' journey.

"Oh, mother, how

every
true

little
that

following night five Samburus

away,

on

is,
and

and

after that every

did

tune
not, however, try their for-

the

simple

body
night some-

missing.

was

the

upon

them, which

hearing his words, repeated

negroes,

back

passed

said afterwards

live there must

brought

if he

even

still

was

escape

Stas, assembling

to

away

by

set

Stas endeavored

ran

negroes

caught them

were

native

the camp,

that whoever

become

The

speech

the

sticks,impressed

the fact that at the last

men

their

of their conduct.

interpretedinto the
of

all

roared

him

\Niken they

camp;

was

where.
some-

was

horseback

on

pursuers

guards, delivered

advantage

that

desert,in which

first example

Fortunately

impropriety

negro

young

The

the aid of the bamboo

the

them

the

from

of the

drunk

sloughs,frightened

MTua.

early,and

far

not

have

must

account

nor

began.

and

M'Kunje

ascertain

to

villagesand that the country

hard
to
believe,for the numerous

they encountered

were

able

was

no

Nevertheless, the
there

Saba, great danger

the travelers.

were

This

WILDERNESS

King, and

assistance

there

on

AND

and

second
ordered

MTua
time
them

for
to

be bound.

reason

that

Kali

at

414

IN

such

to

up

DESERT

raised clouds

more

long
in

ran

flat

of dust.

and

the

man's

and

easily as

if he

When

the

ordered

the

bath

The

this

the

are

to

as

One

his

the

by

him

as

thirst, Stas

water

of

one

round

entrance

from

with

perfect

might

bathe

he

stationed

the

little maid

King.

and

rest

it

and

days

endured.

and

humor
After

began

negroes

"

Bwana

this water.

near

excellent

Nell,

to

At

at

taking
wander

once

nap

among

the river,looking for palms bearing wild

few

"Job's
of them

tears," from

which

returned

the

before

camp

objects which

square

some

to

necklaces

Stas

nized
recog-

kites.

own

of these

that

with

their

caravan

two

fell into

men

carrying

sunset,

only

the

whole

stop

so-called

made.

shallow

Nell

toils they had

and

dates

opened

were

him, crushed

on

entrance

joy of the

above

trees

let

not

strength somewhat.

the
the

of the

out

only terminated

was

with

that

refreshments

and

the

greatly refreshed

news

forgot

in

the

decided

kubwa"

their companion's

to

finally quenched

men

the great

To

greedily

mushroom.

mouldy

at

negroes

seized the hand

they pulled

foot

high bamboos

her

restored

rushed

matter

placing his
were

And

crocodile

moment

The

bank, in order

safety.

The

drinking so

thoiigh his jaws

erection

of

enclosure

they recognized by

and

Others

hand

who,

King

numerous,

lizard,which, however, did

knives.

of

and, reaching the bank, lay

heads

one

loathsome

of the

spears

in

not

its banks.

on

the trees

of their number.

water

the

growing

towards

rescue

the

river, which

they stopped only when

one

go

little

of trees

race

the hoofs

Nevertheless, the travelers chanced

it, dipping their

on

that
of

under

herds, rushing by, though

upon

row

WILDERNESS

degree that it crumbled

the antelopes,and

once

AND

kites bore
was

sent

the

out

number

from

7, which

Mount

dence
evi-

was

Linde,

as

the

IN

DESERT

flew

children

that

from

hugely overjoyed

place

few

sight and

this

at

415

WILDERNESS

AND

Stas

score.

renewed

him

it gave

was

courage.

did

"I

flysuch

distance.

for
can

Nell, "that

certain

that

was

But

and

Bassa-Narok,

from

now

they would

I have

wind
that

surrounding

the road, will fly as

on

fly prepared

hope

mountains

the

remain

the

that

see

and

to

kites could

only let them

now

it wants

sent

we

and

Karamojo

where

them

which

those

said to

accident.

any

carry

of

the summits

on

he

expect,"

not

far

the

as

ocean."

surely will," Nell answered.

"They
"

gers
grant," the boy acquiesced, thinking of the dan-

God
and

The

hardships of

started

caravan

them

taking with

further

from

by the

sun,

ground

in

they

Sometimes

even

places

was

as

yards

in diameter.

lianas

as

covered

thin

these

But

were

many

the
the

so

horses

could

did

find

donkey nibbled
not

in the

them

After

thicket

mice

to

color

beautiful

acanthus, there

European
that

penetrab
im-

so

for

even

out

the

neither

King

Only

them.

in

nor

cautiously.
of several

course

immortelles,

two

ground,

the

over

the

nourishment

any

anything except

see

plants, like
touched.

the

in them

thorns

Sometimes

pumpkins

difficult

notwithstanding

plants,resembling

imbedded

trunks

huge globes there shot

be

of these

the

threshing-floor.

monstrous

distances, forming
it would

bags.

and

grew,

as

string,which, creeping

as

that
it.

acacias

day,

region grilled

upon

bare

resembling
In

immense

penetrate

in leather

passion-flowerswith

met

and

ground

the

not

third

the

on

water

entered

which

some

river

great supply of

in

journey.

the

nightfallthey again

Before

in

the

coarse,

which

English
short

miles
and

grass

crumbled

night's bivouac, during

upon

the

they
low

being

whole

of

416

DESERT

IN

the

following day

The

quivered

air

there

was

with

light that

sound,

not

not

AND

living fire descended

a
as

even

WILDERNESS

the

on

Libyan

cloudlet.

the

even

men

buzz

of

find

to

the water,

save

have

surround

to

with

and

water

great deal

therefore

the

got

but

return,

off their heads.

cut

with

Remingtons

The

for

night

next

build

did not
there

sentinel

to

go

was

These

he

the

and

that

the

King

would
armed

men

leave.

one

level plain. They

say,

with.

one

Faru

and

The

Saba.

zareba,

duties of
This

was

tenth

of the

needed, trumpeted for it until sunrise,and

Saba,

Stas

to

give him

by Linde, which

shoulder, but
one

sumed
con-

Wahimas

Wahimas

let any

not

received

hanging tongue, turned

Nell in mute
appeal for even
left

the

that

ordered

build

with

wanted

the

the Sudanese

as

sufficient,but the King, who

water

separately.

watering-place.

that

them

to

guard and
passed upon

performed by

suppliesof

latter began to threaten

on

to

necessary

one

of

drink, and

himself

or,

nothing

was

were

He

boma,

kind

declared

Stas

each

in addition

favored.

were

orders

but this
conscientiously,
and delayed the march,

to

one

like children,who

carried the
to

some

their share

the Samburus
to

water

complained

than

more

of

they

shields in

Stas issued

are

tRose who

time

finding

Samburus

The

of

not

times

Finally it was

this very

to

flooded

so

At

them.

morrow.

guard

sky

luster.

and

meats

under

apportion the

to

attended

Kali

the

thought of

no

the

white, and

sweat.

the negroes

but

was

ill-omened

an

of dried

little shade

In

insects, interrupted this

with

dripping

were

deposited their packs

pileto

earth

everything appeared

deadly stillness surfeited with

The

Desert.

The

heaven.

from

in the dark

he

was

hour;

only

his eyes
one

Stas carried with

saving
therefore

towards
The

drop.

mouthful

from
a

Stas

little maid
rubber

string across

this remnant

he declined.

and

for the

flask
his
little

IN

On

the fourth

the

them

As

party.

cooler than

or

the

of water,

nights, however,
the

the

ordered

Stas

The

day.

the

in the

negroes

was

still great;

last

supply, especially as
armed

with

sun,

dare

fear

of

rush

at

this

guard

of

two

to
a

as

following

order, but

this

the

Remingtons,

and

quantity

for the

it stood

near

small

were

vexed

of the

saved

did not

they

so

rate

any

times

morning

bags
grumbled at

member

such

at

rays

those

Stas

men

thirst

at

with

bags

cupful for each

burning

received

people had

the

quite half

under

less than

five

evening only

not

days, and

417

WILDERNESS

AND

day towards

remained,

water

of

DESERT

guard being changed

hour.

every

and

Wahimas

The

blades

pulling out

of poor

Nevertheless, there
inexorable

and

weary

dropped

as

fell into

deep

soul

had

he

much

with

slumber.

Stas

awoke

and

where

he could

began

to

secure

caravan,

together with

situation

was

boy did

hard
not

and

incidents, from

Fayum

until that

the
About
book, entitled

present Bishop

After

the

people

and

waterless

the

in the

to

the

come,

the

by

the

Rev.

and

see

Mr,

His

ful
resource-

began

to

recall

from

across

desert,the attempts
region

he

animals.

great journey

this

too

for the whole

of their abduction

time

in

in his

hours

perhaps horrible,but the

plains
"Kilima-Njaro,"
of Gabon.

few

was

Nell, and

for

and

disturbed

was

what

water

moment:

Sahara, the hurricane

1

long.

day's march,

asleep, but

yet yield to despair. He

all the

the

it,as

they stopped,

and

on

roots.

thirst,at least

whole

also fell

meditate

in

by

night followed, the

the

worries

many

sleep peacefully and

to

their

lifeless,wherever

though
too

chewing its

when

so

thirst

the earth's surface.1

quench

forgetit;

their

moisture

no

below

not

exhausted

and

grass

it,even

it did
to

cheated

almost

was

burnt

sun

Sleep, though
permitted them
men,

Samburus

to

the
Le

the

escape,
excellent

Roy,

at

418

IN

Khartum,

the

Gebhr's
death
which

they

undergo,
"

journey

Bassa-Narok

and

much

did it

have

that all

seem

it is

help. Why,

such roads

over

should

we

have

yet

But

hope

the
of

they

were

misty

and

saved,

he

of

would

of Africa

it

so

was

to

necessary

from

harsh

find water

certain

best

as

little while

time

it seemed

sound, resembling

in which

night.
rose

grass

to

the

see

plot

what
a

few

groans
was
score

be

much

could

of the

not

tains.
moun-

atmosphere

as

distance;

before that time.

wise
Other-

them.

repeated
of

he

the

could

to

himself.

elephant, who
the

exhaled

rupted
burning heat, inter-

the boy's meditations.

to

groans,

him

that

coming

water-bags lay covered

the

As

would

immeasurable

an

more.

How

height

transparent

at

seen

breathing

his lungs
every

of

such

It is necessary," Stas

The

Perhaps

perhaps

away,

the

it."

some
field-glass

something he

upon

threatened

destruction
"

in

be

can

the

by this, that

waterless.

was

depended

Lofty peaks
that

seldom

consume

for it all

compute

about

him

we

it is not

why,

"

Now

reaching them, they

are

passed

terrible dangers,

know

in

English miles
in

having

of mountains.

though

as

mountains

that

time

region

was

always found

last journey.

espied through

outlines

hundreds

as

after

people would

the

if they succeeded

But

this

we

soliloquized,

many

mainly sustained

was

southeast

kind

this the

upon

were

so

did

that there

and

me

through

gone

little water

for if it

Sahara,

on

perish

aided

place at

much

lost and

was

impossible that,

and

that

"So

from

after Linde's

suffered," he

we

help; nevertheless,God

no

the further

passing the night.

were

so

often

so

reaching Lake

liberation

their

Fashoda,

Mahdi,

hands; afterwards
until

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

were

he

But

heard

from
in the

kind

some

the

direction

grass

repeated several

for the

times, he

happening and, walking towards

paces

distant

from

the

after

the

tent, he

perceived

watch

were

to

than

anything
in

work

some

he

same,"

and

both

Ah!

and

thought;

precious

more

world,

other

two

moonlight.

the

water,

Kali's

"they
to

us

sleep

as

now

to

went

bamboo

will

have

to-morrow."
he

impression
of

one

each

near

in
the

huts.

own

do

this

of

the

in

to

Under

the

over

their

lying

always

419

WILDERNESS

glistening
are

negroes

though

bodies

barrels

"The

foot

dark

two

Remington

"AND

DESERT

IN

the

and

approached
but

sentinels,

at

shook

drew

once

the

back

in

horror.

knife

sticking

him

was

was

almost
Two

lay

sleeping

apparently

The

in

Stas

the

felt

with

from
water

littered
that

throat

likewise

other,
severed

bags
the

his

in

grass,

his

hair

lay

negro
up
cut

the
had

to

the

so

terribly

back

handle

beside

and

that

with

his

head

trunk.

disappeared;
and

slashed
stood

his

on

on

end.

sunken.

the

other

three

XXIV

IN

rushing;

all

the

of

cries

not

so

and
much

Some

ensued.

about

the

the

out

murdered

spirits had

Kali

and

But

Stas

and

M'Pua

were

that

grass

patch.

of

than

water.

The

it

that

wicked

the

of

The

one.

who

king

deceive

to

death
Mzimu

exposed

which

the

murder

act

of

for

the

the

over

of

Kali

recollected

bags

and

time

priests
the

the

upon

good
young

permit

not

the

Now
like

them
of

wings
hawk

the

dence
evi-

same

upon

did

caravan

and

The

themselves

was

were

the

at

caravan.

Wahimas.
entire

there

guards

two

themselves

and

above

howling

slashed

frauds

their

bags.

M'Kunje

happened

of

whole

the

meant.
men

evil

that

slashed

had

and,
sucked

earth,

shouted

all

revenge

revenged

ignorant

the

flock

and

that

ground

of

those

revenged

fetish-men

stretched

death

from

remaining

an

was

of

sentence

In

it

what

missing

more

something
theft

knew

soil.

jungle

the

and

about

as

parched

Others

guards

the

full

concerned

were

lumps

moisture.

scene

commotion,

upon

fingers

the

murderers

the

were

later

at

the

themselves

of

remnants

and

come

moments

people

into

their

with

few

The

soaked
threw

out

and

yelling.

slain

to

who

assembled

and

terror,

first

guardsmen

two

Samburus

shouting

negroes

clawing

the

the

was

watch,

and

which

water

Kali

came

previous

crime,

of

the

the

Wahimas

the

shout

him

after

relieve

to

his

to

response

over

doves.

engrossed

with

too

late

that, having

something

else, he

his

mind

forgot

to

troubled
have

the

422

DESERT

IN

rise and

want

to

when

he observed

before
not

Stas

after which
"And

"Did

MTua

order

them

he

of the

two

the

began

murderers

"wobo"

or

it should

scented
"God

of

Kali

And
"God
"Far

"Kali

sees

the

camp

lay close

to

behind, lacerated
that when

assumed

in the

them

it and
But

began
the

light
moon-

to entreat

terrible

beast

afterwards, having appeased its hunger,

bags

the

tore

that

Stas

to

pieces.
the

said, "and

the wicked

Mzimu

Wahimas

is

incapable

one."
:

punished them,

be water

must

from

Both

from

their lives.

spare

added

ahead

death.

met

punished them,"

rescuing any

quite far

skulls crushed

be convinced

should

hand;

bodies

The

happened.

found

they

and

water

his

be killed?"

to

their faces before

both, and

killed

with

dead," Kali replied.

are

gnawed spines. Kali

lion appeared before

they fell on
it that

was

MTua?"

were

where

shoulders, and
the

there

apana!"

relate what

to

other, both had

each

which

killed^hem."

'wobo'

place

placed

once

said:

and

And

at

perspiring forehead

and

or

Stas,

great pity for them.

pieces,in

to

journey.

and

said,"madi

M'Kunje

lion

by

daybreak

torn

he

his

he

you

further

water.

"M'Kunje
"A

bags

rubbed

Stas

their
seized

before

Master,"

"Great

WILDERNESS

upon

this,was

two

drop of

at

start

returned

Kali

AND

of

us

but

in the

have

we

east

water."

no

saw

There

mountains.

there."
them

also, but

it is many,

many

days

to

them."
A

moment

"Master,"

of silence followed.

spoke

out

the 'bibi' beg the Great

Kali, "let the 'Good

Spiritfor rain

or

for

Mzimu'"
a

river."

let

IN

Stas left him, making

saw

Nell's little figure;the shouts

her

some

the

before

he

tent

and

yellshad awakened

she

asked, running

before.

time
has

"What

But

reply.

no

423

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

Stas?"

happened,

up

him.

to

placed his

he

And

hand

her little head

on

and

solemnly

said:

"Nell,

God

to

pray

for water;

otherwise

all shall

we

perish."
little maiden

So the

her

fastening
implore

for

to

revolve

and

the

on

eyes

to

upraised her pale little face and,

who

Him

succor

earth

on

moon's

silvery shield, began

in heaven

tempers

the

the stars

causes

wind

for the

shorn

lamb.

sleepless,
noisy, and anxious
night the sun
rolled upon
the horizon suddenly, as it always does under
On
the grass
the equator, and
a
bright day followed.
there was
not
a
drop of dew; on the sky not a cloudlet.
and delivered
the men
Stas ordered the guards to assemble
After

speech

short

impossible to

there

Perhaps

it often

gale carries
water-side.
a

few

sign

they

away

river now,

for

the other
in

water

it

hand

the

the

seeds,trees do
they

saw

find

of this whoever

heart, not

be

must

is not

of

not

grow

no

the
some

one

knew

stream,

some

not

be seen,

the strong
even

at

the

big antelopes and

some

running towards

course

by five days'

plains where

open

of

was

opposite direction.

they would

upon

that it

they

slough. Trees, indeed, could

Yesterday

to them

on

far away

yonder there

his bosom

declared

separated from

But

happens

ostriches

that

in view

or

the

were

not

was

not

even

rivulet

some

but

to

nights'journey.

whether

He

them.

return

that

well knew
and

to

east, which

was

watering place, and

fool and

hare but of

whoever
a

lion

or

has

in

buffalo,

424

IN

will

DESERT

prefer to
than

rather

AND

forward, though in thirst and

move

lie down

to

WILDERNESS

and

wait

there

for

pain,

vultures

or

hyenas.
saying this, he pointed

And

of which

few

circle above

the

whom

commanded

Stas

they did
in view

not

herself will

that

the

outset

had

not

in

had

been

have

the

of the

of the

out

moment

the

rest

thirst.

remained

he

The

also

was

drop

on

percalein

scarcelya

his throat,

to

few

water,

from

more

even

those

it off their

wipe
be

to

much

quickly that

so

the way

foreseen

exhaustion

from
best

as

he

lean for

to

that

could
even

littleroof he covered

order

tea

thimblefuls
he drank

still had

for her

with

bottle

to

in which

At

the

handed

and

tears

of water,

it.

in

crease
in-

for sweets

sugar,

any

it double.

make

to

he

which

his lips the

pretendedthat

caravan

fluid in their

which

can

littlegirlurged him

placed

she

when

it started

water

they

cooled off,without

it to her when

so

in

palanquin, whose

of the

selves:
them-

this,at labor, would

furnace

bottle,he prepared a strong

rubber

also;

did

white

piece of

With

and

sun

the

at

the

other

any

protected Nell
not
permit her

Stas

Samburus,

death

suffering;and how

It

would

men

sunstroke.
the

or

moment

same

kings,

said among

manner

cooler climate

their hands.

with

from

with

of water

copiouslyperspirethe

at

many

and

in

of

one

twenty-four hours the people

unendurable

an

drink

almost
skin

For

as

remained

meet

this

almost

one-half, and

this blazing African

in

who

In

almost

drop

"

the Wahimas,

of the

these
to

ill-omened

power

king Faru

go

us?

torture.

Even

mouths.

we

to

proceeded, reduced

their

tures,
the vul-

at

an

up

many

rise, and

to

come

in

dreadful

resist. But

should

"Why

the

to

want

already

rise,stood

to

to

of the fact

his hand

After these words

caravan.

dare

not

lake, did

so

coursed

for, accustomed

man,

with

drink
there

and, moving
the

moment

he felt the moisture

when

red

eyes

spots began
if

pain, as
hands

His

shook

stuck

one

some

he

that

so

fortunately,
the

morning
not

living flame

with

The

the

whitened.

horizon

heat

As

far

euphorbias could be
desolate plain,covered
From

heather.

time

About

to

silence.

It

nobody
and

Nell

panted

he

The

halt.

like

the

to

ran

if he

remained

would

demand

perhaps

that

He

she

his eyes

He

there

ranks

should

that

share

sunken

had

drank!"

for he

feared

it with

him.

course

so

or

This
of the

suffer horribly.

continually the red

tightening of his jaws

that

her

from

water

the

her

to

drank!

to

the

clots of blood.

during the
began

about

During

road.

dried

"I

was

gloomy

fell and

people

camp,

act

in

surrendered

Stas

snatch

flew

the

them

on

heroic

the greatest,it

The

himself, however,

Before

felt

would

his most

was

journey.

he

measurabl
im-

this in fair skies

horse
on

side of the

other

and

in the

one

exclaiming:

bottle, and

burnt,

resounded

broke

eating.

bird, so

even

grass

became

heat

lips and

not

only

"

of the

borders

drought.

that

of

thought

was

of blackened

there

caravan

appeared

cracked

eyes

rubber

tufts

of the guards remained

thirteen
rest

the

when

noon,

necessary

but

storms

not

There

reached

eyes

light thunder, but

distance

proclaims

the

time

to

following

the

The

Nothing

with

in them.

evil spirit,
ravaged

an

earth.

seen.

rible
ter-

passed, after which,

terrible.

like

as

felt

in his mouth

But

became

parched

his

for Nell.

came.

sun,

Before

pins

three

or

saved

night

intense
of air.

breath

cooler

two

toil again

and

of torture

day

did

spiltthese last drops.

almost

he

the rest

his tongue;

he

jaws

thousand

Nevertheless, he caught only

with

in his

flit,and

to

that

if he

that

drop dead.

would

he

and

aflame

were

flame

that

quench

not

to him

his lipsit seemed

on

stomach

and

his breast

425

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

stronglythat

he

patches.

opened

426

and

closed

burning;
was

there

the

the

ordered

towards

beside

as

The

had

people
suffer

to

fell. Saba

his blackened

the

least,but

he
kind

answered
came

near

trunk

so

him
that

Kali's

would

down

decreased

still air

animals

the

the

was

began

again

start

of

one

from

heaved;

fell. The

King,

jungle,apparently suffered

time

to

larly
particu-

talked

him, he

killed the

have

to

Kali

when

gurgle, but

tered
glit-

Stas, and

light. To

time

little eyes

His

and

grunted menacingly

he

he

boy

bloodshot, the veins

were

eyes

inflated,and

his lipscracked

five o'clock

About

lay

carelessly
waved

his

had

if he

not

aside in time.

jumped

he

the

same

as

approached

Stas

issued
difficulty

voice which

with

"Great

master,

Kali

can

go

no

out

in his neck
the other

and, in

of his

further.

were

negroes.
a

hollow

throat, said
Let

the

night

here."

Stas
an

from

still with

The

be vicious.

to

of strange

Nell, who

to

come

began

followed

heat

of froth

drop

the dry African

to

with

not

its head

men

his flanks

and

o'clock,

at

them

of

and

after

panted

tongue

accustomed

hour

cessant
in-

of burning charcoal.

gas

breathe

to

an

three

The

the

the

caravan.

started

one

some

with

but

was

side of the heavens,

still*terrible.

nothing
In

About

nevermore.

was

though

less.

no

the horses

but

tongue

resounded

hardly seventy

now

rise

to

drought

rise and

to

caravan

the

this

dry,

was

mouth;

for the

western

little while

degrees

permeated

the

to

But

every

and

border.

the

his pack

few

for him

throat

course

horizon's

the east.

him, and

of

the

passed

sun

And

announcing

the

on

in his

saliva

no

torture

thunder

The

Stas

was

WILDERNESS

difficulty.His

though wooden.

as

when

AND

with

them

beginning of

DESERT

IN

the

overcame

pain

in his

jaws

and

answered

with

effort:

"Very

well.

We

will stop.

The

night will bring relief."

"It

will bring death," the

The

men

down

Their

ground.

the

on

they did

occasion

this

on

their temples, hands, and

they would
of

sensible
and

throats

be

of the settingsun

rays

Then

the air with

between
Bwana

Stas

And
"Kali

began

to

with

for

unknown

an

in convulsions.

and

Nell, catching

repeat entreatingly

silent.

to

die

side the

Cross

sky

twinkled.

thirst

with

her arms,

said

voice.

togetherwith

Kali."

followed.

the

meantime
The

endured

reason

the least of all,approached, sat

suffered

long silence

region.

stars

lay

is dying."

wants

the

and

glassystare and remained

in her quiet, melodious

In

and

other:

the

close to him, and, embracing his neck

another

while:

easiest and

"Mea

after

ruddy

water!"

this,Mea, who

At

the

him

kubwa,

after

in

water."

kubwa,

gazed at

"Bwana

and

breath

one

Stas

near

mouth, and

open

the

among

away
one

entrails

entirelyexhausted.

was

ground

the

on

sat, squatting

Kali

their

were

though seeking something,

as

fell in turn

they

moment

they

uneasily

farther

seen

until their strength

this continued

if in

in

they strolled

as

tufts

dried

the

among

"

could

others

packets;

walked

Some

fire.

arteries in

the

their bones

in

disquiet and

excessive

an

and

their bodies, drying up

of

itch;

to

lie

immediately

pulsatedas

skin

the fever

as

gree,
the highest de-

not

hearts

limbs

The

burst.

shrinking, began

and

heads, but

already reached

blood

in their thickened

whispered.

negro

young

the loads off their

threw

427

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

sun

became

set

dark-blue.

glistened. Above
The

moon

and

came

the
out

night
On

plain
from

covered

the

its southern
a

myriad
under

of

the

428

earth

and

the

on

the

began

zodiacal

world

and

waning

The

sank

light,and

transformed

was

into

luster
ever-increasing

palanquin,

King's back,

with

pale twilight extended

air

The

gulf.

region.

whitewashed

as

darkness

the

luminosity. The

the

on

WILDERNESS

satiate

the

luminous
the

AND

to

with

west

great

DESERT

IN

and

the

which

merged
sub-

remained

gotten
for-

glistened,
just
houses
glisten in a bright night. The
into
silence and
the
sleep encompassed
tents

earth.
And

in the

the

nature

On

people howled

form

moon's

the

of

beams

Nell's dresses
bodies

from

elephant

illuminated

and, amid

of the negroes

darkness

the

besides

tufts of

the

Stas' soul
into

changed

and, scattered

time

and

there

"

help

efforts,those
he

which

and

naught, and
the

of the
ocean.

final

the coast;

He

himself

an

would

and

there, piles

propped

sat,

towards

his

on

the

not

not

of

remnants

all those

moon's

thought,
this

prodigioustoils

of will and

acts

unknown

inexorable
And

because
at

would

he would

Said, would

that

the

to

journey,

Ah!

and

age,
cour-

performed during the terrible journey

from Khartum
to Khartum,
to Fashoda,

that

horrible

more

and

approaching.

was

The

despairingfeeling that

those
sufferings,

Fashoda

from

of life

had

Medinet

from

gigantic

Stas'

tents,

here

only the

and

gloomy
no

was

the

mournfully.
oscillated

for death.

heather,the dark, shriveled

packages. Before the children

fore legs,Saba, and, raisinghis head
In

quiet of

strongly outlined.

was

of

shield, he howled

this

pain and waited

silvery background ^)f

the

black

of this stillness and

presence

not

end
this

this end

the

of the

appeared

of which

conduct

her

her
to

by
Mr.

his father's

him

to

termination
now

avail

struggle and

during

convey

fall into

would

"

came

not

surrender

lake

the

all
time

lay the

little Nell
steamer

to

Rawlinson;
arms

and

to

Port
he

would

430

IN

Saba

DESERT

running

came

sides, he

AND

WILDERNESS

him.

to

again began

Having
howl,

to

smelt
if

as

him

at

all

on

summoning

aid

for him.

Nobody, however,
the

the

lay like

boy

cooler

breath

the

east.

rise

to

of

Stas

return

The

wind

blew

and

dashed

heard, but

above,

For

revived

unexpectedly blew
while

long

only by
from

attempted

second
the

time.

Saba

to

east, began

to

baVked

once

or

twice

ahead.

For

some

time

ceased

dilate his
a

short,

he could

his barking again resounded.

soon

and, staggering on

rose

him.

on

was

after

he

Suddenly

bass

Only from

Nell.

nostrils.
broken

He

and

up

towards

be

aid.

wind, which

sat

to

cooler

dead.

howling and, turning

not

with

looked
quiet and indifferent,

moon,

time

hurried

his numb

legs,began

Stas

look after

to

him.

Long journeys, long stays in the jungle,the necessity

in continual
of holding all his senses
restraint,and continual
had

dangers

which

habit

tortures

his

half-conscious
the

back

in' a

pull him
Stas

and

felt

mind,

standing
So, notwithstanding
notwith-

moment,

the

And

dog.

Saba,
him,

near

uneasy.

few

around, again rushed

ran

in

barking

thing
every-

the

heather; again he

finally,
seizing the boy's clothes,began

direction

is this?'

opposite

'

thirst,is disordered

no!

If

and

would

not

have

was

have

near

or

senses.
"

it

"

he

water

Either

If it

have

run

dog's mind,
water.

to

far away,

was

has

the

scented

has

he would

jaws.

wet

scented

his

to

the camp.

to

bethought.

from

water

to

through instinct and

of

Stas,

at

completely recovered

"What

that

at

heed

him.

strangely agitated and

ahead, scenting and

came

careful

pay

behavior

he raised his eyes

times

to

certain time, again appeared

somewhat

was

he

the

after the lapse of

but

boy

taking place about

was

watched

he

the

taught

no

smell.

But

it to drink
he would

He

is not

DESERT

IN

pulling me

for

antelopes,

to

Nor

during the evening.

431

WILDERNESS

AND

did

he

beasts

to

want

not

to

eat

Well, what

of prey.

is it?"
And
more

Perhaps

in the

"

Perhaps

under

before him
he

stumbled

heed

no

In

and

the

Kali

anything.

to

he

were,

trembling hands

it in

string of
After

and

the
a

One

Stas

his

soul, he

"

village?
"

Oh, merciful

"

the

on

the

he tied it to

pack

red

seized

to

bamboo

like
His

after

in which
out

while

he

paid

the

rockets
sky-

of them.

one

stick,planted

match

upwards

and

lit the

with

sputter

pole with both

fixed his eyes

beat

white

bottom.

the
flew

snake

loomed

bamboo

incessantly

ground, but

drew

and

at

him

withstandin
not-

camp,

dog, who

reached

voice

hanging

the

Nell's form

camp

prayer.

sent

far

as

the

of

Reaching

temples

in fervent

of men?

negro

towards

run

lying

to fall and

not

pulse and
whole

while

some

ground, struck

the

tube

sizzle.

in order

moved

in

odor

gleam of hope he regained

it open

tore

With

crack

is

flown

of
to

her weak

over

the

yet

"

obstinacy

his way.

him

in his bosom

"

began

the

beat

there

the influence

strength and

barred

brought

kites has

Oh, Christ!

And

to

began

distance

the

of

one

Christ!

wind

the

"Perhaps

his

his heart

suddenly
strongly.

the distance.

on

sledge hammers;
last

hands

breath, and

his

His

lips

in it his

God.

passed, another, a third, and a fourth.

Nothing! Nothing! The boy's hand dropped, his head
bowed
immense
to the ground, and
tured
griefflooded his torminute

breast.
"In
beside
At

vain!
Nell

In vain!"
and

this moment

of the moonlit

we

he

whispered.

will die

together."

far, far

away

on

the

night, a fieryribbon

"I will go

and

sit

silverybackground

suddenly

soared

up-

432

DESERT

IN

ward

and

like

great

scattered
tears,

"Succor!"
And

tufts

of

and

report

divine
be

to

The

fired, and

from

miracle

few

other

rushed

the

Yet

last

than

few

while, but

almost

in

burning
At

helmets
With

slight

the

when
of

front

of

row

that
the

of

it

passed

Nell

before

drew

air

space

each

last

long.

but

seen.

farther

not

lights
hid

ground

them
himself

found
in

the

to

numerous

he

sounds.

by

heard

holding

negroes

by

not

the

in

out

After

Stas

though

saving

they

was

distinct.

trumpeted

be

only

elevation

of rifles

as

trip did

not

Remingtons

separated
sides

to

easy

more

him

brought

was

the

the

were

paces.

it

keeping

after

flew

breeze

also

and

across

sky-rocket,

and

which

whole

race

colloquy

more

both

the

sky-rocket

The

glistened.

the

camps

could

hundred

all

and

from

as

shots

rifle

one

for

two

miles, but

ordered

became

Saba

The

the

which

time

first

plain towards

the

in

in

strength,

simultaneously,

Soon

that

horse,

its

gigantic King.
of

that

across

him

After

Stas

on

recovered

Beside

the

tapping,

all and

sitting

dashed

him,

of

shots.

at

After

half-dead

were

pell-mell

grass.

distant

boy,

dashed

though

who

people,

appeared.

interrupted

not

slowly,

earth.

these

and

third
as

fell

which

stars,

shouted.

before,

shrubs

golden

the

upon

Stas

time

second
a

into

immediately

short

WILDERNESS

AND

their

hands

torches.
of the

head
and

with

one

being Captain

row

were

rifles in their

glance
Glenn

of

the

and

eye

Doctor

Europeans,

two

in English

hands.
Stas

recognized

Clary.

them

as

XXV

of the

object

THE

and

large

abundantly

despatched
the

of

slopes

The

Fayum,
and

far not

thus

whose

sister married

keenly her

felt

boy.

Mombasa

from

children

of the

it

came

did
even

never

in distant

by

no

In

farther.

But

they

until

considerable

Clary,

the

time

trip to Cairo,
mourned

also

despatches

sent

After

the

last unfavorable

before

the

starting

they finallylose all hope.

occurred

to

Khartum

them

could

that

children

the

in that

appear

about

forget the beautiful

meantime

was

asking whether

Rawlinson
not

from

who

and

the

during

were

Mahdi,

Bombay

times

both

rescued.

been

Glenn, he

with

Several

the

el-

English

them

the

little

in the

on

the eastern

ing
even-

could

girl.

expedition advanced

long stay

prisoned
im-

locality.

finishingtheir daily labors, for the doctor

means

the

little Nell

they conversed

Often, however,
after

in

found, and

caravan,

And

Rawlinson

Mr.

to

were

reply, which

had

tain.
moun-

indeed

in the

that

slavery under

well

as

Medinet

from

northern

knew

published

was

was

of that

doctor

children

European
by

loss.

brave

the

for

charmed

much

very

and

they thought

in

groaning

whom

it

the

pedition
ex-

tion
expedi-

Kilima-Njaro,

as

the

but

papers,

were

or

of

intelligenceof

as

Arabian

dead

well

as

It

government

regions lying north

vast

abduction

Nell.

eastern

mountain

Clary

Doctor

and

Stas

equipped

gigantic

captain

the

about

and

explore the

to

the little-known

as

find

all to

at

not

was

Glenn

Captain

farther

and

slope of Kilima-

434

DESERT

IN

the

Njaro, after exploring

rivers, as well

and

Tany

and

doctor
the

in

turned

to

it and

pitched near

the

During

hunting and

the

the negroes

is always

so

faces at the top of

Akuna
"Ndege?
A bird?)
bird?
doctor

the

Before

men

of

were

to

and

scientific

idleness,which

happened

arose,

when

and

twenty

day

one

ing
approachnatives

repeating in

of

he

looked
and

circle:

bird?

(A

Ndege?"

the negroes

be

to

gazing with upturned

and

he

tents

sent

to

through

Not

his
it at

tent

the

great astonishment

his countenance.

captain

the negroes

to

come

reached

upwards.
The
captain,in

turn,

here," he said.
him

the captain appeared in

startingon

was

"Look, Glenn," the doctor

with

ten

tree

ndege?

front of the tent, for he

his eyes

it

short-sighted,so

was

reflected upon
"Ask

Now

caravan,

high

object pointed out by

was

the

field-glass;afterwards

themselves

between

to

herds

occupied with

were

Clary, shortly after he

Zanzibar, belonging

vast

days' stop.

men

them.

to

the shore, observed

for

white

devoted

sweet

Doctor

The

ten

arranging the^r geographical

notes, and

that

the

ing
crossa

upon

ordered

water,

announced

stop

travel

captain

Captain Glenn, discoveringa

so

brown

lake of wholesome

small

of

months

long rest,

entered

Sabak

after

frequented by countless

three

After

the

Mountain,

northerly direction,and

and

plain,uninhabited
entitled

Kenia

as

the

of

courses

upper

Guasso-Nijiro they

marshy

antelopes.

WILDERNESS

AND

antelope-hunt.

said, pointingwith

turned

his hand, and

an

was

his face

his hand

upwards,

astonished

no

shaded

less than

the doctor.
"A

kite,"he exclaimed.

"Yes,
it come

but
from?"

the

negroes

do not

fly kites. So where

did

"Perhaps

kind

some

the vicinity or

from

or

region unknown

this

as

settlements

no

"This

is

"We

in

all

know

You

from

blown

the

probability

that

here

west,
inhabited
un-

as

there

are

missions."

or

really curious."

had

"It

has

and

jungle.

in

mission."

of

days the wind

three

"For

is located

settlement

of white

kind

some

435

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

kite."

get that

better

is necessary.

Perhaps

we

where

ascertain

may

it

from."

came

The

captain

yards high, but the

of

removed

"

There

And

who,

tree

was

at

once

climbed

negroes

is

glancing
kind

some

of

he

face

"Glenn,"

said, "take

he

I did not

get

tens

the

to

handed

it.

inscriptionon

Suddenly his

few

top,
it to

it, said:

at

his eyes

blinking with

that

The

carefullythe imprisoned kite, and

doctor

the

order.

the

gave

began

trembled.

this, read
and

"

'11 see.

read.

to

changed, his hands

sunstroke

We

it, and

that

assure

in my

am

me

sound

mind."

The

captain took

fastened

was

"

read

Nelly Rawlinson

Nile, escaped
they arrived
the

At

addition
"This

Glenn

the

kite, the
a

lake

sheet

Fashoda

After

dervishes.

from

sent

from

east

long

Abyssinia.

tum
Khar-

months'

They

the

travel
are

going

beg for speedy help."

the

of

written

Tarkowski,

of

which

to

from

lying south

lake

They
side

surrounding
should

at

ocean.

the

from

Stanislas

conducted

and

frame

follows

as

and

Fashoda

to

to

and

bamboo

the

sheet

in smaller
54th

in

letters

order,

unknown

notify the Directory of

they found

to

the

was

the

following

flown

from

geography.
Canal

at

Port

the

mountains

Whoever
Said

finds
or

Captain

in Mombasa.

Stanislas

it

Tarkowski."

436

DESERT

IN

the

When

gazed
"I

died

do not

Doctor

believe my

"This, of

the

away,

friends

two

in silence.

other

is this?"

"What

WILDERNESS

captain's voice

each

at

AND

the

eyes!"

own

is

course,

asked.
Clary finally

captain answered.

illusion."

no

"No."
"

It is

'

Rawlinson

plainlywritten, Nelly

and

Stanislas

Tarkowski.'"
"Most
"

"

plainly."

And

they

God

rescued

"Thank

"But

There

no

long time

does

the doctor

rainy

but

in the

place torn

by

them."

sheet

the

over

and

only

after

indicate

the

decipher:

to

passed long ago."

season

"That

the boy lost the computation

"And

in

this

he

manner

this

kite

of time."

endeavored
have

may

to

been

sent

not

up

long ago."

very
"

fervently.

that mean?"

date, therefore
If that

The

is so,

discuss

they

both

every

however,
the fact that

five miles from

would

at

all

"

about

the nearest

have

in

assumed

that

that

it

The

if it

hundred

was

an

while,

document

and

thing
not

were

there

and

the doctor

"

here."

for

region in which

three

coast

the
it.

upon

improbable

so

far from
lasted

scrutinize

to

inscribed

this occurred

Europeans

be very

conversation

began

word

not

may

feverish, broken

after which

no

read

to

they able

"The

"What

words

other

their heads

were

probable."

kite?"

the

on

It is hard

leaned

it is

so

region."

seek them?"

we

few

in this

that," exclaimed

more

are

the bough.
Both

for

shall

"Is there
"

them,

Him

where

be somewhere

may

and

peared,
ap-

for
were

seventythe

tain
cap-

ill-timed joke,

438

directions

were

zigzag

way,

DESERT

IN

trace,

lacking. The
hoping that
extinct

some

the

on

bark.

days.

WILDERNESS

AND

In

captain led the

he

fire, or

this

might chance

they entered

plain, entirely treeless, covered

tufts

dried

of

friends.

How

it

easy

how

much
like

crept

fires at

the

in

times

at

finding

the

carved

for

began

other

children

both

in that

measurab
im-

and

they imagined,
amid

in

The

and

caravan;

as

notes

lose hope

to

upon

heather

Another day passed.

any.

few

possess

somewhere

worms

them

helped

to

whole

boxes, with

tin

nor

tufts

doctor

little

themselves!

night

each

children,who,

two

so

two

than

higher

on

more

with

even

expanse,

sign

high heather

began

miss

to

was

some

afterwards

with

Uneasiness

grass.

upon

they advanced

manner

Unfortunately

with

tree

in

caravan

Neither

thein, fastened

captain and
of

ever

the

succeeding

of findingthem
and, particularly,

alive.

sought

They

for them
The

following days.
and

zealously,however, during the

patrols, which

left,finallyreported

desert

him

to

entirely waterless;

Glenn

that

farther

when

so

cool water

in order

to

replenish their suppliesfor

The

cleft

and

comparatively
with

the

after

water,

spring
the

carbonic

was

they drew

water

journey.

of yards

score

halt

deep

flowed

for it

rated
satu-

was

Nevertheless, it appeared that

acid.

not

the further

boiling water,

cooling, was

could

caravan

to

necessary

its bottom

At

like

abundant

so

was

fissure,a

narrow.

spring,seething

warm

more

rather

was

cleft it

began

on

they accidentally

discovered

in

right

sent

good and

that

it.

exhaust
from

three

the

it the

On

wholesome.
hundred
the

more

The
men

contrary

of
the

it flowed, and

filled the fissure higher.

"Perhaps
will be

sometime,"

resort

for the

Doctor

Clary said, "this

health-seeker, but

at

place

present this

fissure
"

Could
do

"I

steep."

the

children

Fires

nothing

was

folding chairs, and

of that which

converse

"Not

is

news

occurred

of the

And

order

the

If they

if they

the

Here

knobs,

the

"if

said;

near

to send

glad

that

I did not

the way,

and,

awaken

vain

we

ten

despatch that there

am

white

helmet

plain

is

do

if they

even

hopes?

"

his head

from

the

return

and

trees

children

would

to
at

find

them

seemingly level, but

the

in

Besides, by

ocean.

that

lake

night light a

might descry

rollingground would

the

as

should

down

we

lose
definitely

would

we

hew

to

men

far off the

wavy

with

"

perspiringforehead.

were

are

replied,

"

giganticbonfire, perhaps
"

their hearts.

upon

Clary.

should

the pain

"Listen," he
and

most

perishon

removed

his

wiped

to

would

doctor

The

lighting their pipes, began

But

revive

the

After
sat

coast

ocean

was

with.

one

and

doctor

children.

men

build

to

me," Glenn

to

the coast, why

reached

and

the

to

men

that, as the
"

water

captain

lay

trace," declared

It had
our

can

Nevertheless, a boma

the evening refreshments, the

of

them

without

if not, then

lit.

were

erected, for there

"

of

more

"

perish."

must

upon

that

be

It may

similar spring?

upon

locality. But

in this

Night fell.
not

chance

know.

not

be found

they

too

are

the walls of the

because

for animals

is inaccessible

water

439

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

it."

and

anyway,

hide

the fire.

realityis
retreating

of findingeven
possibility

in
we

traces

of them."
"

"

Speak candidly.
dear

My

sir,we

and

think

were

here

alone,
"

men

"

are

even

have

no

would

with

hope?

"

strong, and

grown-up,

of what

men,

and

You

become

weapons

"

of

but

us

resourceful
if

we

without

two

plies
sup-

440

DESERT

IN

"Yes!

alas

going in

such

yes!

"

picture to myself the

night across

"

Hunger, thirst,and

"

And

nevertheless

is also

children

two

desert."

the

wild animals."

the boy writes

they proceeded
"There

WILDERNESS

AND

for

that

under

such

ditions
con-

long months."
in

something

which

that

passes

my

comprehension."
For
the

long
of
sizzling
a

into the

time

could

be heard

the tobacco

depth

of the

amid

the stillness only

in the pipes. The

night,after

which

doctor

gazed

he said in

dued
sub-

voice:
"

It is

think
the

sfeephas

already late,but

that

they, if alive, are

amid

moonlight

children!

Do

these

dry heathers

alone

"

Glenn,

And

me.

somewhere

straying

remember,

you

deserted

the

to

in

such

"

little one's

angelic countenance?"
"

I remember

it,and

"Ah, I would

allow

And

he

did

forget."

cannot

hand

my

be cut

to

"
"

started up

finish,for Glenn

not

off,if

suddenly

if scalded.

as

in the

he shouted.

"A

sky-rocket

"A

sky-rocket!" repeated the doctor.

"Some

kind

"

Which

"

Perhaps.

of

Let

us

of us."

is ahead

caravan

have

might

distance!"

the children."

found

hurry

to them."

"Forward!"

captain'sorders resounded

The

the camp.
their feet.
distant

torches

sent

up;

camp

was

the distance

were

that

and

be continued.

the whole
From

Soon

Zanzibarians

signal directed

other, be
shots

The

in

moment

sprang

up

lit.

Glenn

few

rockets,

afterwards

Before
on

one

that

quarter

in

the
of

an

throughout
suddenly on
to

the

after

the

reply

one

salvo

of

hour

elapsed

rifle

the way.

shots

replied.There

was

no

doubt

that

this

was

unknown

from
The

would

remains

they

not?

clatter
the

on

of

him

"Torches
In

the
circle

of

children!"

"Water!"

But

upon

their

of

the

heard

they
In

they

few

appeared

had

friends.

distinctly
and

minutes,

rider,

holding

Glenn.
the

rider

his

brought

horse

into

arms

and

Water!"

"The

leaped

for

if

light.

"Water!

And

that,

object.

moment

same

soul

which

view

that

hoofs.

commanded

up,"

children

only

of

knobs,
further

near

elevation,

white

the

horse's

the

of

top

before

those

of

so

seek

the

heather-bushes.

terrible

already

his

in

could

journey

obstructed

were

said

nately
alter-

swept

find

they

doctor

one

forward,

raced

Would

The

-hour

before,
they

doctor

further

appealing,

caravan,

help.

hope.

those

half

spoken

the

the

amid

After

the

and

European

for
the

fear

in

they

But

and

captain

not,

of

reasons,

by
or

kind

some

441

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

Stas
he

almost

out

of

immediately
the

ground.

cried.

repeated.
hurled

the

Clary

Doctor

Nell

into

the

captain's

saddle.
he

staggered,

and

fell

like

corpse

CONCLUSION

in the camp

JOY

boundless,
to

but

curiosity of

how

the
and

all understand

in what

called

Stas,

before

them
weapons

the leader
with

"

said

every

but

little while:

have

not

doctor

repeated with

rescued

the little

which

hastened

he

And

hunger

the

to

tents

and

changed

did

Kali

about

but

the

Stas' deeds

and

It

of

provisions.

his

seen

and

saved

to

and

arms

great deal
the

honest

"And
her!"

how

see

pean
Euro-

palanquin,

astonishment:
and

they

as

with

out

"

at

appeared

supply

the

negro,
can

their

appeased

clothes, slept

he
After

children

as

thirst

though

following day; the people

Captain

same.

great master

asleep.

their

of the

the

young

but

armed

I have

slavery

children, having

during the whole

"The

less

no

cross

not

Pole,"

that

boy,"

the

caravan

little

caravan,

such

not

they slept well.

whether

and

were

"the

captain spread

from

one

they could

present

"Clary,

seen

jected
sub-

separating that region from

considerable

was

was

could

elephant bearing

an

sight of this, the

the

by themselves

at

of

Clary

previously they could

manner

horses, tents, and

with
At

then

Doctor

Englishmen

only accomplished

not
as

if

deserts

Fashoda,

Nile

and

both

children

and

the

For

test.

wilds

vast

Captain Glenn

the

severe

comprehend
those

of

and

adventures

opening
do

one

tried to

few

in their

question

only answered:

eye,

necessary
a

slain,

during the journey,

everything,"

positivelybecame

explanations for

Glenn

and

days.

"

to

and

again fell

postpone

tions
ques-

IN

the

In

journey

return

farther

commissioned

quickly
rest

to

they decided, therefore, to

one

ocean

of

day

little

that

be

the government
and

the

civilized but

the

and

of

Nell

good
for

him.

and

"Bwana

to look

of

young

kubwa"

and
at

separation came
directions.

with

not

heart, but
The

Stas

even

passed

moments

his honest

part.

England,

as

them

the

Kali

when

he

king, could
the

savage

not

only

thing he repeated

Kali.

which

had

the

to

"

while

in

same

their

on

soften

of

the

them

in

same

leave-taking, however,

shed

were

to

with

make

baths

persuaded

nation, he,

The

good people.

in substance

and

Wahimas,

at

Stas

Christianity,

news

Mombasa.

was

servant,

of his

establish

of

customs

At

than

more

send

and

even

Mount

or

rest

It

as

necessary

to

selfishness

Egypt, and

in

that

due

farther

be

be

to

come

Kali.

would

"

to

the

for

prevailed.

Mountain

after

from

him

take

nothing

assumed

spread

it would

by

them

fathers

third day.

the

much

return

also decided

them

parting

Egypt

to

or

would

that

were

out
with-

return

regard

to

trated
pene-

they

very

afflicted

they

summon

to

said to her

He

their

there

springs,on

warm
a

desire

journey began,

return

time

and

to

From
and

the parents

the

but

the cool heights of Kenia

on

The

lured

was

geography,

to

children

Kilima-Njaro.
to

indeed

captain

insisted,however,

doctor

The

to;

possible

as

territorythan

more

the

over

it was,

as

explored

of the

health

had,

They

and

unknown

lake

conferred

friends

two

Mombasa.

to

The

delay.
that

the

meantime

443

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

them

and

had

lay long

the "Good
a

at

Mzimu."

sincere

caravans

affection

feet of his

Twice

while, but finallythe

the two

for he

appreciate

to

the

tears

evil and

many

learned

conceived

negro

for

through

had

only

of

ashamed,

not

was

Kali

multitude

he

turned
re-

moment

started in opposite

444

IN

It

of

the

prone

to

time
all.

at

in

the

scorching

incidents

So

they

the awful

journey

Khartum

and

the

Omdurman,

friends

his faith,both

"The

Mahdi

his
and

is not

Mahdi

"The

"

after which

righthand,

Stas'

the succession

related
induce

to

each

passed.

of them

desert

and
and

"

earth, and

on

his

reply to
him
to change
warmly shook

the captain said:

living?"

fat, or, in other

own

the

across

the doctor.

out

had

living!"

is not

Yes," spoke

children

Stas

and

rose

occurrences

Medinet-el-Fayum

latter tried

the

when

the Mahdi,

from

When

than

greater

those

resembling hell

ill-bodingMahdi.

not

deeds, though
Each
day during

of

the

camel-back

on

developed

evening during the

of Captain Glenn
and

it were,

kidnapping

brag

at

the eyes

which

through
the

saw

and

at

of

manner.

hours'*

Stas,

great deeds,

be

not

of the

did not

too

all, enough

Clary pictures, as

Doctor

began.

many

was

should

modest

"white

too

and

much,

glided before

stops there

and

performed

words

most

the narrative

trifle boastful,now

after

was,

that

little travelers

too

that

There

related
the

be

WILDERNESS

journey

two

undergone

understand

acts.

the

simply had

He

he had
to

AND

only during

was

adventures
one

DESERT

"

Stas

He

repeated
choked

words, he died of

of his government

with

tonishment.
as-

himself with
heart

has been

trouble,

assumed

by

Abdullahi."

long silence ensued.

said

"Ha!"

us

would
And
"

But

"For

for

our

begun,"

the

destruction

to

expect when
Fashoda-

that

he

spatche
de-

death

added:

Abdullahi
that

not

him."

first overtake
later he

did

"He

Stas.

reason

is stillmore
mutinies

cruel than
and

massacres

captain replied,"and

the

the Mahdi."
have

already

whole

edifice

446

IN

should

create

to Port
"

DESERT

AND

astounding

too

Said, contained

Thanks

WILDERNESS

the

forwarded

followingwords:

boy, favorable

to

sensation, and

about

news

children.

Come

to Mombasa."

second,

The

explicit,addressed

more

Aden,

to

of

was

this purport:
"Children

with

are

the cool

On

Well.

us.

the

heights at

Boy

hero."

foot of Kilima-Njaro they

stopped fifteen days, as Doctor

Clary
was
imperative for Nell's health, and
children

The

with

their

which

kissing mountain,
world.

Its

daytime

were

with

eternal

altar of God, and

the

Stas the

passed. They

had

and

unhealthy

forest

to

travel
with

formerly
Mea.
the

when

hands

chisel and

during

fogs. But

road

the
of

led

with

among

the

chiselingupon

world

children

was

bright

this sight

at

was

and

but

over

wilderness

and

was

easier

familiar

only Kali
from

Aside
of the

cooler

great gneiss rock

trails,than
and

responsiblefor

now

implements

it

well provided

caravan

with

but

charming

much

how

had

of travel to

the

hunted.

in the

exertion

month

through

and

rested

he

whole

numerous

Stas

hammers,

from

blushed

appeared like

them

Taveta;

now,

Kima-Wenze

uneasiness

Besides, Captain Glenn

journey.

of the

in prayer.

stray in the

to

Stas'.

climates

in thick

the

this

this heaven-

Kima-Wenze,

of both

yet before

everything

having found
in

time

of worry,

days

Mombasa

was

on

folded

involuntarily were
For

snows

darkness, the mountain

in

plunged

for

nights the fogs suddenly dispersed and

luster at

rosy

and

frequentlyhidden

most

twilight the

the

all the

possesses

that

even

souls admired

peaks, Kibo

two

in fair

when

whole

insisted

caravan

hours
the

this,
a

engaged
inscription

"

Jeszcze

of their

trace

some

astonished

were

perpetuate his

to

to

did not

He

she did not

her

whether

the

little maid

claimed

that

storms

on

But

he

boy
ferred
pre-

and

only

to

was

the little

would

one

no

Sea,

Captain Glenn

Stas

boy

awoke

the Red
eyes

do."

to

greater praisefor the

and

one

the

of what

evidence

truer

the

Clary asked

that when

what

will know

answered, "Stas

to

of Nell and

care

beautiful, calm

her

raised

tion,
inscrip-

chosen.

to take

fear

rock.

that

confidence

unbounded

in her such

the

occurred

never

had

he

however,

cease,

translated

on

name

own

the words

carve

it

that

leave

to

region.

he

whom

to

wished

he

for

in that

sojourn

Englishmen,

The

zginela,"1

nie

Polska

447

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

be

able

at

Port

to pronounce.

Said

had

created
Nell's

first

the

Though

been

such

despatch

powerful

father.

began

be

to

prove

that

God

beseech

to

had

that

the

children

despatched

Tarkowski,
the
all

greatest

died

of

the

danger
The

an

who

men

alive!

Mr.

far

as

could

smallpox, of starvation, or

continual

and

massacres,

the

slightestclue.

and

lived

only on

In

caravans,

Arab, had

his life

to

toiled

whole

Sudan

disguised as

futile.

was

to

of the

the end

hard

while

Khartum,

as

The
"Poland
is not yet lost."
Polish national
Translator's
march.
"

to

Rawlinson

penetrated

Pan
with
but

have

given any news

perished during the

children

both

so

not

sorrow,

there

fathers

was

lost all

in the deep conviction

recollections,

and

prayer

both

had

even

were

in

knelt

chimera, bred from

delusion, a morbid

an

was

intelligenceshould

the

longing,and pain. Why, they

learn

he

in the first moments

person,

despatch,

receipt of the

the

killed

joy almost

that

sensation

exceptionally self-controlled
after

it nevertheless

care,

Tarkowski, though

Pan

But

much

with

worded

Tarkowski

Pan

to

title of the
note.

most

not

hope
that

popular
*

448

IN

in

here

life

would

death

In the

them

unite

that

ventured

coast

the Nile.

boy," he explained
captain and

could

impossible
only

found.

to

unravel.

captain and
them

with

which

would

the eastern

penetrated
"

Thanks

that Stas had

by letter where

the

that

fied
noti-

he

with

information
as

to

the

awaken

summoned

have

not

not

otherwise

dared

have

not

all would

above

teacher,

the

"Peninsular

en

was

and

second

After

hero."

almost

about

Tarkowski's
who

kowski,

saved
not

At

"Children

To

him

the

owe

desiring to display too

only, setting his teeth, "Yes!

at

them

Well.

us.

walked

joy, and, squeezing

repeated:
I

awaited

Rawlinson

Mr.

great

stopped

with

are

Company,"

way

Aden

from

senses

palm, he
her.

on

reading it

of his

out

and

Zanzibar.

despatch:

Oriental

and

of

deck

the

on

were

for India

route

Aden, Mombasa,

he

Tar-

ransomed

from

favorable,

very

Nell's
of

steamer

Pan

Pan

brief, and the

preparations for the journey were
eers,
day after the receipt of the despatches both engin-

second

Boy

came

Mombasa.

to

The

the

children

despatch,

manner:

doctor

certainty
un-

means

any

been

which

their

Nevertheless, many
things it was
On
the other hand, Pan
Tarkow-

doctor

the

have

of the

quite clearly

them, and

in

hopes

in this

favorable, but

was

by

is, Mombasa.

caravan

the

be

understood

ski

of the

words

The

to

Nell

were

with

the interjprfor ivory and

into

far

the

news

they might

Arabian

as

as

only

beyond

linked

was

could

manner

that

supposed
stolen by some

that

beingswho

Neither

Africa, that

of

part

it

But

amazement.

kowski
or

those dearest

them.

in what

comprehend

and

unexpected joy, almost

fell upon

and

with

them

in the world.

them

meantime

strength,

from

nothing awaited

now

everything for

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

"You

her

see,

life."

much
The

Pan

it

was

Tar-

weakness,

swered
an-

boy acquitted

DESERT

IN

he

himself bravely," but when

from

his cabin he wept

the

when
Mr.

and

Their

and

whirlwinds
with

anew

had

that

returned

They

belonging
which

that

dervish

from

lock

in

and

her

father's

little eyes,

she

kidnapped

us

struck
to

me

Khartum

worked
"

the

"

to

and

Mahdi

killed

which

and

the

at

in

spoke
and

conveyed

and

Stas
there

get dates for

did
sent

lion and

not
us

me

Fashoda

is called Cracow

"

"

and

So, sitting

her

camels
me

died

to

all of them

him

of
we

"

beautiful

they

papa,

and

"

and

hunger
at

were

chirping

amusement

"And,

on

and

"

them,

and."

an

defended

want
to

"

the

the cooler hours

in

manner:

people

quartette
which

time, to the

us

escaped

happy

there

raising to

this

had

news

object of general

the

part

with

Reunion,
the

great cabin

same

and

Company,"

who

an

spend

sentence

knees

and

Stas

in

prised
sur-

steamer

When

children

Nell, too, took

little bird,and

filled

whitened

had

islands

Zanzibar.

themselves

all,beginning each

on

the

praise. But

to them

up

narrations.

like
of

gave

away

were

Maritimes

from

were

universal

preferredto

to

were

splendid French

slavery Stas became

curiosityand
captain

on

travelers

board

on

boy

pass

children

the

But

"Messageries

Mauritius, Madagascar,

spread

as

lives

"papas"
separation.

Suez

to

full of

was

Their

their

of

the

the

to

disappeared

joy.

hair

completely during

his

happiness; longing and separation

their

the

in

little treasure

of the desert.

serenityand

augmented

arrived

of their fathers.

embraces

misfortune

storms

privacy of

long clasped his heroic

Tarkowski

Pan

bosom.

his

the

the

to

last the hour

At

seized his recovered

Rawlinson

arms

retired

happiness.

fell into

children

449

WILDERNESS

AND

Gebhr

we

camo

and

"

the Mahdn

change his religion

"

and

"

and

we

the

afterwards
lived in

King

Sta"

was

big
with

and

Statree,
us

450
and

IN
I had

wobo

very

kind

to

the

same

until their
Mr.

his tears
contain

these

the

fashion

Mount

from

the

and

otthe

energy

it

happened

from

Fashoda

he

uneasily

pondered

with

that

in the head

Nell

Stas

sent

ask

to

if

anybody

to

boy,

one

the

ran

times,
of everything.

account

narration

of

great load

he shot Gebhr
and

and

began

Tarkowski

for any

menaces

to

knitted

to

your

Do

be

to

one

land
father-

your

life of your

questions.

no

little

after that gravely said:

entrusted

mother, sister,
shoot

care,

not

reproach

him
self
your-

to Port
immediately after the return
England, where he settled permanently.

and

prevent

after

to

adventures

corresponded

combined

Pan

it not

thousand

hawed

allowable

by his father

his deeds

children

The

and

from

account."

Said took

where

he told how

It is not

Rawlinson

was

the

during

while, and

woman

and

that

Mr.

van.
cara-

even

were

the waterfall,a

to

hemmed

death, but

the life of

but

once

puts in jeopardy the

on

the

journey

doctor's

that

boy

his father, while

at

"Listen, Stas!

or

the final

specificand complete

companions,

or

always

was

happiness,for

it appeared

fell off his heart, for when

lavish

killed

Kali, Mea,

captain's and

and

pride

narratives

more

journey

his brow,

and

"

and

"

Linde, the kites,and

perishing, not
help.
And

look

me

spoke about

of

Stas gave

his

cured

Rawlinson, listeningto this chirping,checked

with
while
Pan
Tarkowski
could not
difficulty,

bravery

without

the

Stas

she

meeting with

childish

risk

and

"

papa!"

"

himself

for the

WILDERNESS

conquered the Samburus

me

King, Saba,

AND

fever

and

"

In

DESERT

almost

school

were

finishingschool

in

Alexandria,

less known.

daily, but

their seeing each

in

other

The

circumstances
for ten

Egypt, entered

in Zurich, after which, having secured his

the

years.

technic
Poly-

diploma,

he

in the construction

engaged

was

When

ten

had

years

them

his

to

summer.

home,
had

maiden

into

grown

convinced,

became

who

man,

dear

run

But

Nell

of ladies.

both

of his

palms

the

had

first of all to

"sudds,"

or

plants, were
great Lake

lying on

had

greater

the

Nilotic

cleared
steamer

Victoria
the shores

so

from

reach

Nyanza.

been

to

as

The

dren,
chilof

state

overthrown,
ceeded."
stated, "suc-

Cairo

to

the young

Khartum.
of

growing

couple could

only Fashoda

not

From

of that lake

themselves

Glenn

obstructions

that

England

they started

wandered

already

built

was

to

Egypt.

England/as Captain

railroad

comfortable

one

Abdullahi

and

after its fall

the

to

spent their earliest

time

at

in

later

year

afterwards

and

had

Mahdi

in

and, looking

darling with

they

the

water

day

one

in the world

man

localities in which

they proceeded

The

to

angelic benignity:

they promised

As

long journey.

and

decided

remained

and
and

death

Rawlinson's

visit those
years

couple married

young

until Mr.

theless
never-

of beautiful

Rawlinson

an

and

treasure

"

confidence?

upon

give my

could

shoulders

that

lead him.

would

is

there

Stas, whether

Stas

peace,

finallyhe

said with

eyes,

own

had

and

flower, and

thought

Stas'

on

invited

year

years,

mind, Mr.

of

state

I could

The

even

his eyes

place

in that

Tell me,

whom

He

incessantly that

so

straight in

"

as

of his

expense

while

placed
him

the

whatever

to

away

eighteenth

completed twenty-four

had

stillthink
and

at

Stas

Court, for the whole

charming

as

and

Rawlinson

Mr.

her

finished

Nell

retired

he

and

Company,

Hampton

near

Tarkowski

Pan

England.

in

visited their friends

in Switzerland.

of tunnels

passed,

the service of the Canal

from

451

WILDERNESS

AND

DESERT

IN

the

but

ence
city of Flor-

they proceeded by

452

railroad

to

removed

the

and

master

shook
also

recognized
the

also

Here

region

Stas
the

under
south

of

local

this

After

and,
in

savage

with

they

and

English

outlived

dog

Nell

in

the

and,

though

the

wind.

almost

and

good

enjoyed
he

Protectorate

that

spreading

were

with

fold
two-

trifle

everywhere.

Kali

tha"

Rudolf,

Lake

to

by

swept

former

Nell
trees

mangrove

who

ities
author-

his

greeted

were

Clary
there

English

recognized

the

Saba,

learned

the

ruled

he

health;
entire

introduced

had

Christianity

among

tribes.

journey
Stas'

if

Doctor

Mombasa

local

particularly

allotted
Stas

who

missionaries
the

old

usually

years

accompanied

blind,

that

as

in

the

once

that

trumpeting

neighborhood
He

and

at

and

but

of

care

giant

mistress

joyful

such

The

King.

Glenn

Natal,

to

solicitous

the

under

lived

WILDERNESS

Captain

Mombasa.

already

had

AND

DESERT

IN

the

couple

young

venerable

father,

Poland.

THE

END

returned

settled

to

Europe

permanently