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