I shall forward the officers' letters to the
Khedive."
This conspiracy would have played the game of Abou Saood, and he would
have revelled in his success. I made no remarks upon the conduct of
Raouf Bey, but the chain of facts will speak for themselves.
For the first half-hour after the receipt of these letters, I was
disgusted through every bone. It appeared as though all hope of success
was gone. What could be done with such wretched and treacherous
material?
I would not condescend a reply to the letters I had received. I rode up
to head-quarters; Mr. Higginbotham was ill, as were also some of the
Englishmen and Mr. Marcopolo. Nevertheless all were unanimous in their
resolve to stand by the expedition at any risk.
I sent Lieutenant Baker, R.N., to Raouf Bey, with instructions not to
mention the letters, but to convey the following order: -
"Colonel Raouf Bey, with six companies of troops, to be under arms at 2
A.M., to await me at head-quarters."
Mr. Higginbotham had the entire charge of the vessels. I ordered three
noggurs to be prepared, together with one small diahbeeah, to pass the
troops across the river at 2 A.M.
All troops and sailors were to take two days' provisions. I had
determined to push straight for the Bari islands, south of Regif hill.
Should I be able to procure the supply of corn that I expected, it would
at once checkmate the conspiracy.
The Baris of Regiaf and south of that hill had been allied with those
of Belinian, and had taken charge of their great herds during the
month's campaign in that country.
We started punctually at the time appointed, and sailed for about seven
miles up the river, which at this season could be navigated without
difficulty. We now crossed over to the west bank, and the wind being
foul, the soldiers turned out and hauled the vessels against the stream
by tow-ropes.
The country was perfectly lovely. The high, rocky hills, a few miles
distant, sloped in beautiful undulations of open, park-like land to the
river's bank. Here and there fine ornamental trees were dotted about the
surface; but the absence of forest would have rendered the locality
unfit for a large station.
The villages were innumerable: but there was not a sign of friendship
among the numerous population. The natives poured out of their various
stations leaping, brandishing their spears, and gesticulating with
unmistakable actions of hostility.
The river was about 500 yards wide, and in several places the dull, grey
heads of rocks protruded from the surface. We therefore continued to tow
the vessels close to the bank, with a party marching parallel to protect
the flank in case of a sudden attack.
The natives evidently intended to oppose us. I always gave the Baris a
fair chance, and allowed them to make the first hostile move before I
proceeded to forcible measures.
