This was the substance of the plot thus carefully concocted.
My men evinced a sullen demeanor, neglected all orders, and I plainly perceived a settled discontent upon their general expression.

The donkeys and camels were allowed to stray, and were daily missing, and recovered with difficulty.

The luggage was overrun with white ants, instead of being attended to every morning.

The men absented themselves without leave, and were constantly in the camps of the different traders.

I was fully prepared for some difficulty, but I trusted that when once on the march I should be able to get them under discipline.
Among my people were two blacks: one, "Richarn," already described as having been brought up by the Austrian Mission at Khartoum; the other, a boy of twelve years old, "Saat." As these were the only really faithful members of the expedition, it is my duty to describe them.