EXCURSIONS AROUND KHARTOUM. 309 CHAPTER XXIV.

EXCURSIONS AND PREPARATIONS.

Excursions around Khartoum — A Race into the Desert — Euphorbia Forest — The Banks of the Blue Nile— A Saint's Grave — The Confluence of the Two Niles— Magnitude of the Nile — Comparative Size of the Rivers — Their Names — Desire to penetrate further into Africa — Attractions of the White Nile — Engage the Boat John Ledyard — Former Restrictions against exploring the River — Visit to the Pasha — Despotic Hospitality — Achmet's Misgivings — We set saiL My morning rides with Dr. Reitz, around Khartoum, gradually extended themselves into the neighboring country, within the limits which a fast dromedary could reach in two hours' travel. In this way I became familiar with the scenery along the banks of both Niles, and the broad arid plains between them. As I rarely appeared in public except in the Consul's company, and attended with all the state which his household could command, I was looked upon by the inhabitants as a foreign prince of distinguished rank. The Pasha's soldiers duly presented arms, and the people whom I met in the streets stopped and saluted me profoundly, as I' passed. The Consul had succeeded in making a strong impression of his own power and importance, and this was reflected upon his guest One