On the twenty fifth day of the month of Pilgrimage, Dhu al-Hijjah, 1280*, my master did visit the Kaaba, and upon his return did set forth once more into that most mysterious continent.
However, in my master's absence, the vile "Turkish" slavers from the north had clearly been building their strength. In his wisdom, my master laid an ambush, in the hope that this might grant him that victory which was elsuive in more open battle. Sadly, this was not to be. Whilst our loyal freemen stood their ground in combat with the foe, they were not strong enough prevail. Likewise, our Baluchis once again proved their valiant nature, standing against an onslaught of swordsmen, warriors and spearmen, but they proved to be but as the tortoise that lies in the path of an elephant herd- an obstacle which is but brief.
Thus, we withdrew to the sounds of our captured freemen bewailing their fate, having fallen into the hands of the unscrupulous northern slavers...
However, in my master's absence, the vile "Turkish" slavers from the north had clearly been building their strength. In his wisdom, my master laid an ambush, in the hope that this might grant him that victory which was elsuive in more open battle. Sadly, this was not to be. Whilst our loyal freemen stood their ground in combat with the foe, they were not strong enough prevail. Likewise, our Baluchis once again proved their valiant nature, standing against an onslaught of swordsmen, warriors and spearmen, but they proved to be but as the tortoise that lies in the path of an elephant herd- an obstacle which is but brief.
Thus, we withdrew to the sounds of our captured freemen bewailing their fate, having fallen into the hands of the unscrupulous northern slavers...
On our return to Zanjibaar, to lick our wounds, it was learned that Baker had gone his own way from Speke and Grant, sighting Lake Victoria on the fifth day of the month of carrying, Shawwal**. He appeared to make some claim about the equal importance of Lakes Albert and Victoria in relation to contributing to the Nile. By now, it is understood that Baker has begun his return journey.
*Late 1864
**14th March, 1864
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