He Replied That He Did Not Himself Wish To Be Hostile, But That All The Trading Parties, Without One Exception, Were Against Me, And That The Men Were Convinced That I Was A Consul In Disguise, Who Would Report To The Authorities At Khartoum All The Proceedings Of The Traders.

He continued that he believed me, but that his men would not; that all people told lies in their country, therefore no one was credited for the truth.

"However," said he, "do not associate with my people, or they may insult you; but go and take possession of that large tree (pointing to one in the valley of Ellyria) for yourself and people, and I will come there and speak with you. I will now join my men, as I do not wish them to know that I have been conversing with you." He then made a salaam, mounted his donkey, and rode off.

I had won him. I knew the Arab character so thoroughly that I was convinced that the tree he had pointed out, followed by the words, "I will come there and speak to you," was to be the rendezvous for the receipt of the promised gun and money.

I did not wait for the arrival of my men, but mounting our horses, my wife and I rode down the hillside with lighter spirits than we had enjoyed for some time past. I gave her the entire credit of the "ruse." Had I been alone I should have been too proud to have sought the friendship of the sullen trader, and the moment on which success depended would leave been lost.

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