Not, I hope and pray, within the reach

Of the tribes who live on loot and plunder,

Fanatics who practise what they preach.

Fancy if these horrible disturbers,

Swooping on our countrymen astray,

Touaregs and Bedouins and Berbers,

Carried off the succulent TAY PAY!

Hardly had this agonizing presage

Taken shape within my tortured brain,

When good REUTER flashed the welcome message,