224 THE TASK OF ADMINISTRATION The return journey by Duk, the headquarters of Diu, twenty-five miles from Awoi, through almost unexplored country north-east to the upper reaches of the Khor Filus, was safely negotiated, and civiUzation was once again reached after a journey of 270 miles and an absence of twenty-one days.

On a second journey, subsequent to my visit, Diu having died in the meantime, and his son Woll at first succeeding him, the new chief was successfully persuaded to visit Khartoum ; and on the return of the party it was found advisable to settle some trouble which had arisen between IMachar Diu and Lyam Tu Tiang, then Sheikh of the neighbouring province of Lau. The latter was therefore summoned to meet the representatives of Government, for the dispute to be arranged face to face with Machar, who already had assumed paramount influence. This was highly unpopular with Lyam Tu Tiang, who valued his life, and thought it ran risk of a quick termination if he placed himself in the hands of his neighbour. He reluctantly came, bringing twenty men with him ; the case was duly decided, and the arrangement agreed to by both. The Gaweir natives then became excited, and ominous movements took place ; so, to ease the situation and divert attention, a war-dance was suggested. But the dance added fuel to fire. A boy came to say that Machar Diu would kill Lyam Tu Tiang and his people, who in despair adopted the attitude customary when all hope has gone—squatting down, with their spears thrust in