DOWN THE LOGONE RIVER 127 



the ground. Their purpose was soon revealed, for a 

 group >f children had gathered round one, and were 

 playing a game with different -coloured nuts, each of 

 a special value. They threw these into the basin, 

 and scored according to the colour that was nearest 

 the centre at the end of each round. 



The Sultan was anxious that we should remain to 

 see an exhibition of horsemanship, or fantasia as it 

 is generally called, in his capital. He proposed to 

 summon his country chiefs, and to make it a regular 

 function. We could not stay, however, but he would 

 not forego the scheme, and, though he had only a few 

 hours for preparation, succeeded in making it a mag- 

 nificent spectacle. Brilliantly caparisoned horsemen 

 gathered in the square, which was lined with infantry. 

 Every man carried a spear that rested on his broad 

 shovel - shaped stirrup. The wooden saddles were 

 peaked and high, before and behind, and were com- 

 pletely covered with worked leather. Each man had 

 an elaborate saddle-cloth, bridle, and chest decora- 

 tions, with the usual powerful, cruel bit. The horses 

 themselves were fine animals, and together with their 

 gaily dressed riders, remarkable for their stature, made 

 a gorgeous and beautiful sight. The Mai and his little 

 son were there, both very magnificent, and four of the 

 Sultan's best horses were led in the procession. They 

 were completely clad in trousers, and their cloths were 

 of sheepskin. In every other fantasia the feature of 

 the entertainment was, as at Lere, the quick gallop 

 and sudden halt ; but here it was the magnificence of 

 rider and of beast, and the glittering tout-ensemhle. 

 Only as we left did the younger knights break out 

 from slow stately walk into the more ordinary and 

 amusing trials of skill. 



