THE SHBHU OF KUKAWA 295 



But our hopes, and not our services as photographers 

 " By Royal Appointment," were destined to be " dashed " 

 on this occasion ; for behind the fine group of the bearers 

 and their load came a mallam with naked knife, which he drew 

 with dexterous sweep across the throat of the animal the 

 instant it was thrown to the ground. Thus the diversion 

 was explained and the wise courtier's policy revealed. Surely 

 Allah was appeased by so rich a sacrifice, and the evil-eye 

 of the camera averted ! 



