CHAPTER II.

Arrival at Souakim.— The Wakeel.— Thieving Propensities of Egyptian Officials. — Encouragement of Slavery.— Souakim.— Caravan-routes from Souakim.

Ala-ed-Deen Pacha. — The Governor's " Palace."— Bedouin Government Prisoners. — Omnipresence of Greeks. — Dhicrra. — " Hotel du Soudan." — Curious Manner of dressing the Hair. — An African Hurlingham. — Story of the Seven Virgins. — Departure from Souakim.

After a very uneventful voyage, we reached Souakim about noon of the i ith. The day before, we had had heavy rain ; and the day we landed was very cloudy, with occasional heavy showers. We were much surprised at finding wet weather in that part of the world, but afterwards discovered, that, although rain by no means always falls at that time of year, yet it is the season of coast rains.

On our arrival, we called on the Waked, or government agent, Achmed Effendi ; he offered us rooms in the "palace," which we were very glad of, though it was decided to remain for that night on board ship.

Mr. Brewster, the custom-house officer, and Mr. Bewley, were at that time the only English residents in the Soudan. The former had been there some time ; but the latter had only just come from Jeddah, where he had lived as partner in a tradingfirm that had set up a branch establishment at Souakim. On our return to Souakim in the spring, we found Mr. Brewster had left, and that a native had taken his place, whose pay would perhaps be less, but who would in all probability far more than 10