FROM KUKAWA TO KADDAI 299 



in the middle of the town ; a convenience for getting 

 supplies easily, but a nuisance in other ways, for the " boys ' 



CLOTH STALL IN KUKAWA MARKET 



who look forward on a long trek to the village market at its 

 end as to an eldorado, were never to be found at home under 

 the tree when wanted. Of course they were in the market ! 

 The young rascals know the white master's considerateness 

 so well, that they always offer an excuse that would be very 

 plausible if only it were not made far too many times in a 

 day. 



Our last night at Kukawa was more than usually beautiful ; 

 warm, still and clear, and tlie sky was spread with all the 

 wealth of the stars. Such a night as would uplift theheart 

 of any man, let alone an astronomer. Talbot being one, was 



