on Selim, were tending
the flocks placed under our charge--several of those belonging to other
families of the tribe being on the outside of us. It was about noon,
and the rays of the sun struck down between the lofty branches,
rendering the heat almost insupportable. As we were moving on we
observed the camels ahead hesitating to advance, notwithstanding the
efforts of their drivers to urge them forward. A cry was then quickly
passed from rank to rank that wild beasts were at hand; and the guards
looked to their firearms. Suddenly a huge panther leapt from a thicket
almost into the midst of the nearest flock. Muskets were discharged
from all sides, at the no small risk of hitting either the shepherds or
the sheep. Several men, bolder than the rest, rushed forward with their
spears to attack the panther; but, with a blow of its paw, and
regardless of the spears thrust at it, it knocked over two of its
assailants; and springing at a third, who was endeavouring to make his
escape, brought him to the ground. The panther was now in the midst of
the flock; and while some of the guards were reloading their weapons, it
seized a sheep, and, before they could fire, bounded off with it as
easily as a dog would with a fowl. Though several shots were sent after
it, the animal, unhurt, disappeared in the forest. And this was only
one of several instances of a similar character which occurred during
our journey.

We now ran to the assistance of the three men who had been struck down;
but they were all dead. Loud wailings arose from their comrades, who,
taking up their bodies, carried them to the spot where we halted for the
night. Double guards were set, and fires lighted round the camp to
frighten away the wild beasts. The night was spent by the Arabs in
bewailing the loss of their companions; and at daybreak the next morning
the dead were carried forth and graves were dug, when they were
committed to the earth--some time being spent in piling up stones over
their bodies, to prevent the hyenas or other wild beasts from digging
them up.

The instance I have mentioned was too common an occurrence, however, to
make much impression on the rest of the people.

Antonio had of late appeared to have forgotten his former animosity
towards us, and whenever he could find opportunity he entered into
conversation with Halliday and me. Still, notwithstanding the friendly
manner he put on, I did not trust him; for there was somethi