94 Seven Vears in the Sondan.

Khartoum. Of Mr. Marno and the sudden failure of his mission I sliall speak further on.

On December 4th I arrived at Khartoum after onlyeleven days' journey, including the three lost at Bohr, Gaba Sliambe and Khava in shipping wood ; while generally it takes sixteen or seventeen days.

On passing through Faslioda, I had an interview with Yussuf Bey, the governor of the city, and commanding officer of the place. My proposals concerning sites for three stations and for leave to cut wood, encountered serious obstacles in the too great pretensions of Yussuf.. I was about to retire when, at his pressing request, and in the hope of coming to some agreement, I accepted an invitation to dinner for that day. At five o'clock I went there, and soon found myself surrounded by a crowd of fellow-guests. Yussuf Bey, while we were waiting for dinner, disappeared every now and then ; and being curious to know the reason, I learned that it was to moisten his throat with a few sips of mastic. These disappearances became more and more frequent, so that an hour after my arrival our host was completely tips}'.

At last four men entered, bearing the heavy weight of the table, measuring no less than five feet in diameter. At the outer edge Avere arranged the loaves of doora, some spoons and only one knife and fork. In the centre there were viands of every kind, and the guests, having taken their places, did great honour to their host and his cook. I did not care to take note of the dishes, but there were certainly twenty at least, and at last appeared the famous pilaf which concluded the banquet. Yussuf Bey was unable to speak, but from time to time, i)lunging his right hand into the maccaroni or other dishes, he carried some to the level of his mouth, into which he never succeeded in introducing more than a third part, bestowing the rest on his clothes or the table-cloth.

I was soon Avearied of this festival, but feared nevertheless by withdrawing to offend my host, and