40 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

To the chief Machandi, who had been so kind to me, I gave a red cloth dressing-gown. I also confided to his care some trifling presents for his wives. He was greatly delighted therewith. I also gave to each of my porters a small present, and asked Farag Aga to give them a couple of cows for a parting feast, with which they were well content. On the second morning after our arrival they set off home, leaving the Batongola to follow with the cattle at their leisure. I never thought to see any of them again, but Kitakka, one who had treated me badly, afterwards joined himself to Mr. Wilson's party, and came with us to England. He subsequently told me how sorry he was for his behaviour, and expressed great regret for it.

I did not find it at all lively staying at Mruli. It was impossible to take a walk, for the country was all under water. The place swarmed with mosquitoes, who gave no peace, day or night; added to which I was feverish all the time, as were several officers and all the Egyptian artillerymen. Such a combination of ills would make it very creditable for a man to be jolly ; I confess I did not deserve any credit.

Eionga was living near Mruli, and I paid him several visits during my stay. He is a fine old man, quiet and unassuming, but suffers a good deal from rheumatism. He is a great smoker, and showed me a fine collection of native pipes, one