in, and at the same time to treat them kindly, as
otherwise he would be hung. The good Hatim entreated the emir to
present to little Nell a female slave, who would serve her and take
care of her during the journey and in Smain's camp. Nell was delighted
greatly with this gift as it appeared that the slave was a young Dinka
girl with pleasant features and a sweet facial expression.

Stas knew that Fashoda was death, so he did not at all beg Hatim that
he should not send them upon a new journey, the third in rotation. In
his soul, he thought also that riding in an easterly and southerly
direction, he must approach the Abyssinian boundaries and that he might
escape. He had a hope that upon the dry tableland Nell would be
safeguarded against the fever, and for these reasons he willingly and
zealously entered into the preparation for the journey.

Gebhr, Chamis, and the two Bedouins also were not opposed to the
expedition, reckoning that at Smain's side they would succeed in
capturing a considerable number of slaves, and afterwards sell them
profitably in the markets. They knew that slave-dealers in time amass
great fortunes; in any case they preferred to ride rather than to
remain at that place under the immediate control of Hatim and Seki
Tamala.

The preparations, however, consumed considerable time, particularly as
the children had to recuperate. The camels were unavailable now for
this journey, so the Arabs, and Stas and Nell were to ride on
horseback. Kali, Gebhr's slave, and Nell's maid, called Mea upon Stas'
suggestion, were to go on foot beside the horses. Hatim also procured a
donkey to carry a tent intended for the little girl and provisions for
three days for the children. More Seki Tamala could not give them. For
Nell, something in the nature of a ladies' saddle, made of
saddle-cloth, palm, and bamboo mats was constructed.

The children passed three days in Fashoda to rest, but the countless
number of mosquitoes above the river made their stay unendurable.
During the daytime appeared swarms of big blue flies, which did not
indeed bite, but were so vexing that they crept into the ears, filled
the eyes, and fell even into the mouths. Stas had heard while in Port
Said that the mosquitoes and flies spread fever and an infection of the
inflammation of the eyes. Finally he himself entreated Seki Tamala to
hurry the expedition, particularly as the rainy spring season was
approaching.

XXI

"Stas, why are we