He had crossed the Atbara, plundered the district, and driven off large numbers of cattle and camels, after having killed a considerable number of people.

No doubt the reports were somewhat exaggerated, but the inhabitants of the district were flying from their villages with their herds, and were flocking to Katariff.

We arrived at Wat el Negur on the 3d of December, and we now felt the advantage of our friendship with the good Sheik Achmet, who, being a friend of Mek Nimmur, had saved our effects during our absence.

These would otherwise have been plundered, as the robbers had paid him a visit.

He had removed our tents and baggage to his own house for protection.