290 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

accompanied them on shore. On entering the station the company of soldiers presented arms and the cannon fired a salute. We were conducted to a raised platform before the Mudir's house, where seats were prepared for us, and that worthy and his numerous attendants were assembled. On taking our seats the drums and trumpets stationed below on our left began to play, and although the music was good it was rather too near to be enjoyable. A large square was formed by soldiers, their wives, children, and the inhabitants of the town, and soon a noise of bells was heard and a band of Shillooks rushed pell-mell into the square, yelling and leaping in a most extraordinary style. At the same time arrived their young chief, Kaykoum by name, who came up and kissed hands and sat down with us. He is a splendid young man, tall and well built, and his beautiful face was unspoiled by the numerous cuts which so generally disfigure both men and women. He gave me the impression of possessing great power, both of mind and body. His interpreter was quite a study for an artist ; he was six feet four inches in height, with a massive face. The warriors came up in a line to the platform and saluted by dropping their lance-points to the ground and half bending the right knee in a very graceful manner.

It is difficult to give an adequate description of these men, so fantastic was their appearance. Bound each head a band of leather was tied, into