s which, just now there is a stream which cannot be crossed
for a month or more."

Unable to stand Mahamed's shifting devices with equanimity any longer,
I accused him of trying to trick me in the same way as all the common
savage chiefs had done wherever I went, because they wished me to stop
for their own satisfaction, quite disregarding my wishes and interest;
so I said I would not stop there any longer I would raft over the river,
and find my way through the Bari, as I had through the rest of the
African savages. We talked and talked, but could make nothing of it. I
maintained that if he was commissioned to help me, he at least could
not refuse to give me a guide and interpreter; when, if I failed in the
direct route, I would try another, but go I must, as I could not hold
out any longer, being short of beads and cows. I had just enough, but
none to spare. He told me not to think of such a thing, as he would give
me all that was needful, both for myself and my men; but if I would have
patience, he would collect all his officers, and the next morning would
see what their opinions were on the subject.

5th.--I found that every one of Mahamed's men was against our going
to Gondokoro. They told me, in fact, with one voice, that it was quite
impossible; but they said, if I liked they would furnish me guides
to escort me on ten marches to a depot at the further end of the Madi
country, and if I chose to wait there until they could collect all
their ivory tusks together and join us, we would be a united party too
formidable to be resisted by the Bari people. This offer of immediate
guides I of course accepted at once, as to keep on the move was my only
desire at that time; for my men were all drunk, and Kidgwiga's were
deserting. Once more on the way, I did not despair of reaching
Gondokoro by myself. In the best good-humour now, I showed Mahamed our
picture-books: and as he said he always drilled his two hundred men
every Friday, I said I would, if he liked, command them myself. This
being agreed to, all the men turned out in their best, and, to
my surprise, they not only knew the Turkish words of command, but
manoeuvred with some show of good training; though, as might have been
expected with men of this ragamuffin stamp, all the privates gave orders
as well as their captains.

When the review was over, I complimented Mahamed on the efficiency of
his corps, and, retiring to my hut, as I thought I had him now in a
good