312 Seven Vcars in the Soudan.

little by little, he confiscated all tliat Suleiman possessed, telling him that he ought to be thankful that he was not killed. Some days later Suleiman was treated by his jailor like a slave, and forced to submit to AV'ork in the fields and render other mean and fatiguing services.

But Suleiman, even in his position of slave, was able gradually to acquire the confidence of the Darfour chief, who had so infamously betrayed him ; so much so that the latter gave him a gun and ammunition, and permitted him to hunt ostriches. Kalaka, the ])opulation of which is perhaps scantier than that of Shakka, is the true nest of slaver3 "IMic numerous caravans that come from the south are accustomed to stop there. The Jelabba — merchants of these human goods — inhabit about six hundred huts. The slaves are separated into different classes, and other merchants hasten from all parts to make their purchases.

When I returned to Bahr-el-Ghazal from my excursion to Darfour, T took in preference the route followed by the Jelabba of Kalaka and Shakka, in order to study these people attentively.

The horses that were to carry us to Darra were only ready towards evening. I left at fiA'e o'clock, accompanied by two orderlies, a guide, and four native horsemen.

The country Avhich we crossed is covered with acacias and tamarinds ; the soil is sandy ; the villages are numerous, but only consist of about fifteen or twenty badly-built huts, because of the difficulty of procuring the necessary material. For about five or six hours, as we marched towards Dara, we met with peasants who possessed cattle ; but farther on there were none, because of the total want of water. Millet is the only grain sown in this soil. When I asked why doora Avas not cultivated I was told it could not thrive like millet. AVood was entirely wanting, and the connnon melorrhia, which