THE INEVITABLE MOTHER-IN-LAW 179 modified among most races, but not among all, by a power of divorce almost American in its facility, but mainly in favour of the man.

So matrimony is not to be lightly entered into by the inhabitants of the Sudan, even in respect of one wife only ; there is considerable formality to be observed in the nuptial proceedings ; an expensive feast for numbers of relations is considered necessary ; a dowry has to be provided for the bride, who has, moreover, to be supplied with new clothing, and, indeed, also the mother-in-law ! It is quite easy for an Arab to spend a sovereign on each garment, and savings are long in increasing.

On the other side of the causeway we may come across prisoners in chains, under guard, doing the light work of the sanitary department, drawing water for the use of public buildings and staff, and by no means too discontented. Some Abyssinians stand up as we pass, having come down the Sobat, perhaps in the hope of evading military service, a fact which causes them to be returned whence they came, to avoid complications. Many of these men are martyrs to " itch," and are thus most unwelcome visitors.

At the back of the Governor's house is the north-west angle of the old Egyptian earthworks, now only just observable, and bounded by old buildings of brick. These are relics of 1871, when the Egyptians, after much previous difficulty, finally conquered the Shilluks. This was the site which Marchand occupied so bravely and anxiously during 12—2