— 52 — or again, the python might crush it in its death agonies. But, as fate decreed, there was present one of the Nyam-Nyams who had one of the pipes of the country of which the length was four cubits.

This he lit and puffed the smoke in the python's mouth until it gradually relinquished its hold. Then the hunters proceeded to spear the unlucky serpent, but, after they had thrust into it thirty spears, the illomened creature writhed so violently as to break them all off.

CONQUEST OF THE NYAM-NYAIVl COUNTRY 1872.

This kingdom which I had founded did not please Tikma, the Sultan of the Nyam-Nyams. His daughter Ranbu was still my wife, and he was wont to send her a yearly present comprising fifty cantars of ivory, two hundred skins of honey, one hundred ardebs of simsim, and one hundred slaves. But when my kingdom, so near to his, became famous he ceased to send these gifts, for he regarded me as an enem}'. In the beginning of the year 1872 he despatched his uncle Marbu against me with a great army, and attacked the frontiers of my state. I sent messengers to enquire of him concerning this, and he returned them, together with three of his own emissaries, saying that he could not allow me to build up a great kingdom near his ; he added that,