INTRODUCTION ix

these parts is perhaps a pachyderm, and certainly a

lunatic.

To the Nile dwellers I add those in such head-

quarter stations as El Obeid, Kassala, and Wau. They

have not, 'tis true, the continual steamers, but there

are usually enough officers to raise a chukker at polo

or make a set at tennis. At the worst there is a white man once and again to talk to. Leave is generally

pretty sure to come their way after twelve months'

labour.

The second class of the third category is composed

of those who live in the " out-stations." They meet

their kind when going or returning from leave, the

granting of which depends on the exigencies of the

service. Their houses are, as a rule, a couple of

native tukls (huts), but as two-thirds of their time is

employed in patrolling the country this does not affect

them much. If a servant sickens, they must nurse him

and replace him as best they can with a savage from some village. They live on tinned food, chickens,

boiled or roast—the third class murghi of the Indian

dak bungalow—or whatever they can shoot for the

pot or the cook of the moment is able to improvise. They draw upon their imagination and call a lump of

maltreated dough bread. If they sicken they have

recourse to their bundle of medicines or native

remedies, and, as a last resort, send a message to

headquarters to ask the medico's advice. Should I

go on I would be put down as a "grouser." If the

intending bimbashi can be " choked " off, far better