CHRISTMAS IN CAMP. 171 CHAPTER X. SHEIKH MAGRANEE. New Year’s Visits—My Husband interviews Sheikh Magranee —His Quarters—Reception of the English Officers—The Sheikh’s Sermon—Arrangements for his Official Recep tion—We go up to Camp to see it—Description of Pro cession—Women screaming the “Zaghareet”—Reception by my Husband of the Sheikh—Old Woman cured by Touch of Sheikh—Dinner given by Abdul Russak—Speeches— Band plays “ God save the Queen ”—Fireworks—News from Kassala and Sinkat—Tewfik Bey’s Letter—The Complaints of Want of Provisions, Cold, and the Number of the Enemy—Story of Messenger—His Narrow Escape— News from Tokar—The Enemy seize Part of the Town, AND PLUNDER THE PRINCIPAL MERCHANT’S HOUSE — ARABS ANXIOUSLY INQUIRE ABOUT NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL—MAJOR Giles—Bashi-Bazouks—Their Want of Discipline—Mr. Bewley appointed Chief of Transport—Number of Camels REQUIRED FOR ARMY—GLANDERS — MaHDI’s INTENTIONS — Wreck of the Tantab—Melon-fields—Camels eating Thorns—Bottle-birds—Native Huts in Town—Colonel of Bashi-Bazouks—Old Pistols—Eastern Auctions—Sale of Things recovered from Wreck of the Burns—Natives looking on. January 1, 1884.—We have had a great crowd this afternoon of well-wishers; even the natives, after calling upon my husband, came over to us afterwards.
