??0 JOURNEY TO CENTRAL AFRICA.

CHAPTER XXI.

LIFE IN KHARTOUM.

The American 1 lag — A Rencontre — Search for a House — The Austrian Consular Agent — Description of his Residence — The Garden — The Menagerie — Barbaric Pomp and State — Picturesque Character of the Society of Khartoum — Foundation and O-rowra of the City — Its Appearance— The Population — Unhealthiness of the Climate — Assembly of Ethiopian Chieftains— Yisit of Two Shekbs — Dinner and Fireworks.

At the time of my arrival in Khartoum, there were not more than a dozen vessels in port, and the only one which would pass for respectable in Egypt was the Pasha's dahabiyeh. I had but an open merchant-boat, yet my green tent and flag gave it quite a showy air, and I saw that it created some little sensation among the spectators. The people looked at the flag with astonishment, for the stars and stripes had never before been seen in Khartoum. At the earnest prayer of the rais, who was afraid the boat would be forcibly impressed into the service of the Government, and was anxious to get back to his sick family in El Metemma, I left the flag flying until he was ready to leave. Old Bakhita, in her dumb, ignorant way, expressed great surprise and grief when she learned that Achmet and I were going to desert the vessel. She had an indefinite