CHAPTER XV.

Departure from Dongolah. — Numerous Villages. — Island of Argo. — Residence of the Melek. — Arab Accountants. — Melek Tumbol. — Extent of his Territory. — Arab Manners compared with European. — Philosophy of the Arabs. — The Melek’s Dinner. — Military Force. — Garden. — Visit to the Antiquities. — Numerous Vestiges of ancient Towns. — Colossal Statues. — Remains of a large Temple. — Name of Sabaco, the Conqueror of Egypt. — Entertainment of an Arab Sheakh. — Richness of the Island. — Indigo. — Ethiopian Fort. — Cataract of Toumbos. — Mutilated colossal Statue. — Hospitality of an Arab Sheakh. — Character of the Inhabitants. — Hippopotamus. — Alarming Intelligence. — Revolt of the Mahas. — Dreadful Consequences. — Our providential Escape. — Arab Stories of Travellers 204