that the Bahr el Ghazal is a far distant country teeming with dangers. And so I determined to join him and did indeed overtake him at the village of Wad Shallai, on the White Nile, one day's journey from Khartoum. I tried to dissuade him from continuing his voyage unless he first returned to Khartoum, but he refused to go back until he had completed his undertaking. Then was my heart vexed sorely at his refusal, and I swore to him by divorce that, if he would not return to Khartoum then would I go with him. This solemn oath I took, thinking that he would not accept my sacrifice and would be forced to return. But he insisted on continuing his journey, so, in order to fulfil my oath, I joined him in the service of Ali Amuri, and we left Wad Shallai on the 14th day of .September 1856.

I fly to God — Whose name be exalted— for protection from that journey, from which I expected naught except evil and danger. But it fell out better than I had anticipated, insamucli as it was the cause of all my progress and fame. Through it I reached such a pinnacle of renown as none in the .Sudan has ever before me attained to, nor is it likely to be reached by any that come after. "Verily, indeed, you may hate something that may prove to be good for you."

But, sooth to say, I did not attain to this