I arranged a guard of sixty men: twenty upon each side of the triangle.
They were to remain outside the fence, and to keep a vigilant look-out.
This work being over, I returned at night to the diahbeeah together with
Lieutenant Baker. We found dinner ready on the poop-deck, where my wife
had been rather anxiously expecting us. I sent for Colonel Abd-el-Kader,
and gave him the necessary orders for the night.
My diahbeeah was a charming vessel, that had originally been sent from
Cairo to Khartoum, when the former Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pacha, visited
the Soudan.
The poop-deck was lofty and very spacious. This comfortable boat had
been my home for two years, and she was kept in admirable order.
There were no mosquitoes during this season in Bedden's country,
although they were very numerous at all seasons at Gondokoro, therefore,
being relieved from these pests, the enjoyment of the evening was
delightful.
The night was calm, as usual in these latitudes. Dinner was concluded. I
was enjoying my evening chibouque with the best Ghebbelli tobacco, that
soothes many anxieties. The troops were for the most part asleep, and
all was quiet. My wife was sitting on the sofa or divan, and Lieutenant
Baker had been recalling some reminiscence of the navy, when several
musket shots in the direction of the cattle kraal suddenly startled
every soldier from his sleep.
The shots were almost immediately succeeded by heavy firing from the
whole force stationed at the cattle zareeba. The bugles sounded the
alarm, and every man was quickly under arms.
Having arranged the men in position to defend the vessels in case of a
general attack, I took twenty men of the "Forty Thieves," together with
a supply of rockets. I was accompanied by Lieutenant Baker and most of
the Englishmen, and we pushed rapidly forward towards the cattle
zareeba, where the flashes of muskets were distinctly visible.
As we approached the position, I ordered my bugler to sound "cease
firing," as I expected to receive a few bullets intended for the enemy.
We were quickly challenged upon arrival at the zareeba. We found the
cattle all safe; only a few sheep had been killed by the heavy attempt
at a stampede when the cows took fright at the musketry.
I was informed that the natives in considerable force had made a sudden
rush upon the zareeba, and had thrown showers of stones in order to
create a panic among the cattle, which they expected would break through
the fence and scatter over the country.
It was fortunate that I had taken the precaution of securing them.
I was determined to clear the neighbourhood before the attack should be
renewed. The night was dark.
