Lake Victoria to Khartoum 



I shall leave a description of Khartoum to 

 another chapter, and close this account of my 

 first memorable march down the Nile. We had 

 had a most enjoyable trip from every point of 

 view. Everything had gone right ; we hadn't 

 had a single storm or a drop of rain ; the whole 

 party had taken the rough with the smooth, with 

 never a harsh word or the semblance of a grumble 

 — for which I must thank every one. Short- 

 comings there were, as indeed there always are, 

 even in the best-reoulated families — for it was a 

 little bit awkward to order the stores and legislate 

 for a long trek with little to be obtained en route. 



Into the bargain, we had all been singularly 

 free from illness of any description till the very 

 day of our landing at the Palace steps at Khar- 

 toum. A few short words are necessary in 

 memory of Scrivings, Mr. Churchill's valet, who 

 had served his master faithfully for some years, 

 and who, when all the dangers and hardships 

 were over, succumbed to a sudden attack of 

 ptomaine poisoning on the very last night of the 

 trip. It was extremely sad, and put quite a dam- 

 per on our enjoyment. Though he had sprained 

 his ankle some little time back, he was always 

 cheerful and never uttered a complaint. 



This was indeed a sorrowful ending. But I 

 have never enjoyed a trip more or had more 

 pleasant companions to work with. 



May their shadows never grow less ! 



104 



