I had taken under my especial protection a number of Bari women and
young girls whom Wat-el-Mek and Tayib Agha had pressed into their
service to carry loads during their journey from Gondokoro to Fatiko.
There can be no doubt that these poor creatures never would have been
returned to their country, had I not delivered them; but seeing their
condition upon their arrival at Fatiko, I had ordered them to accompany
me, and to show me the position of their homes during the march.
On arrival at the broad dry bed of a stream about two days' march from
Gondokoro, we halted beneath the shade of a large tree for breakfast.
The women and children now approached, and hesitatingly declared that
this was their country, and their villages were near. They evidently
doubted my sincerity in restoring them, which hurt me exceedingly.
"Go, my good women," I exclaimed, "and when you arrive at your homes,
explain to your people that you were captured entirely against my will,
and that I am only happy to have released you."
For a few moments they looked around them, as hardly believing the good
news.
