"Although these people complain of want, they actually purchased 126
slaves during the journey from Tewfikeeyah, thus adding to the number of
mouths, and at the same time acting against my positive orders.
"They say there is no corn in the country, but as yet they know nothing
of the neighbourhood, with the exception of Belinian; and when in the
midst of plenty they _will not collect it._ Thus the Khedive's officers
would actually abandon the expedition, and forsake the immense amount of
stores, merchandise, &c., which would fall into the hands of the
natives.
"By God, not a man shall go back, except by my orders! no matter whether
they mutiny or not. I shall forward the officers' letters to the
Khedive."
This conspiracy would have played the game of Abou Saood, and he would
have revelled in his success. I made no remarks upon the conduct of
Raouf Bey, but the chain of facts will speak for themselves.
For the first half-hour after the receipt of these letters, I was
disgusted through every bone. It appeared as though all hope of success
was gone. What could be done with such wretched and treacherous
material?
I would not condescend a reply to the letters I had received. I rode up
to head-quarters; Mr. Higginbotham was ill, as were also some of the
Englishmen and Mr. Marcopolo.
