310 MEHEMED ALl'S SLAVE-HUNTS.

these people appear as if deranged, and it is very difficult to recognise those with whom you may be well acquainted, they so distort their features in their shout.

As soon as the preparations are concluded, the expedition sets out upon its march. Two to four field-pieces accompany it, and it is provided with a sufficient supply of bread for eight days. The oxen, sheep, and other beasts for slaughter, which may be required, are seized on in Kordofan, although the province may have already paid its contribution.

If they meet a herd at pasture or at a well, the cattle is stolen ; no one asks whether it belong to one person or to several, the contribution is not effected in shares ; whoever meets with the loss must bear it with patience ; no objection, no remonstrance is of avail ; no complaint is ever listened to, for the governor is present in person.

On the arrival of the forces at the nearest hills of the Nubas, the natives are challenged to contribute a stipulated number of slaves. This demand is generally acceded to willingly, because the poor creatures know they are too close to the confines of Kordofan, and that they would expose themselves to a far more obdurate fate if they offered resistance. If then the slaves are voluntarily contributed, that hill is spared. But about this time a scarcity of bread generally begins to be felt ; the troops, therefore, are not content with slaves alone but must be provided with grain, nor do they ever for one moment