172 CHIEFS & CITIES OF CENTRAL AFRICA 



despite his mutilations and disgrace he has worked 

 his way back into comparative favour, and is now 

 chief of one of the river towns. 



These war - chiefs, and others who hold posts of 

 authority, are usually slaves by extraction, for the 

 Sultan fears to give an office of power to men whose 

 birth and position might tempt them to intrigue 

 against him. Indeed, he takes still further precau- 

 tions. Most of the court officials and eldest sons of 

 influential fathers are eunuchs. 



The Fatcha, first in importance, is an exception, 

 because he was good to Gauaronga in the days of 

 his captivity, and the Sultan does not let old friends 

 go unrewarded. The Fatcha is unfortunately addicted 

 to peto -drinking, and were his position at court not 

 so privileged would be held unfit for work. 



When a chief is deposed, the penalty includes the 

 loss of slaves, servants, and horses, which are all 

 forfeited to his successor. 



The Kadi, or Alcali, is chief judge, and as he went 

 by Captain Lucas illustrated his practice of law and 

 his value to the Sultan with this story : a woman 

 struck her husband so severe a blow in the stomach 

 that he died from its eff'ects. By native law her 

 family was responsible, and the deceased man's son 

 brousfht an action against them. When it came before 

 the Alcali, he decreed that ten cows must be given in 

 compensation. He then addressed the accuser, and 

 said that three of these must be paid as tribute to 

 the Great Chief, three to himself for his conduct of 

 the case, whilst five others were to be made over to 

 five men who had given him legal assistance. As will 

 be seen, the total of cows awarded was ten and of 



