40 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

To the chief Machandi, who had been so kind to

me, I gave a red cloth dressing-gown. I also con-

fided to his care some trifling - presents for his

wives. He was greatly delighted therewith. I

also gave to each of my porters a small present,

and asked Farag Aga to give them a couple of cows

for a parting feast, with which they were well

content. On the second morning after our arrival

they set off home, leaving the Batongola to follow

with the cattle at their leisure. I never thought

to see any of them again, but Kitakka, one who

had treated me badly, afterwards joined himself to

Mr. Wilson's party, and came with us to England. He subsequently told me how sorry he was for his

behaviour, and expressed great regret for it.

I did not find it at all lively staying at Mruli. It

was imjoossible to take a walk, for the country was

all under water. The place swarmed with mos-

quitoes, who gave no peace, day or night; added

to which I was feverish all the time, as were several

officers and all the Egyptian artillerymen. Such

a combination of ills would make it very creditable

for a man to be jolly; I confess I did not deserve

any credit.

Ptionga was living near Mruli, and I paid him

several visits during my stay. He is a fine old

man, quiet and unassuming, but sufi'ers a good deal

from rheumatism. He is a great smoker, and

showed me a fine collection of native pipes, one