14 PREPARATIONS IX ZANZIBAR AND ON THE COAST 



was entrusted, began his work the very next day, but not, of 

 course, without the prayers and incense-burning which are 

 customary over the doing-up of the first bale. The usual mode 

 of packing is very simple, and is rapidly accomplished. Several 

 pieces of coloured stuff are laid between two bales of white 

 material ; the whole is then placed in cheap white merikani, or 

 calico, which in its turn is covered with cocoanut matting, and 

 after being beaten into the smallest possible compass with strong 

 sticks, is sewn tightly up into a hard, firm ball. The beads 

 were only packed in common sacks, some of which very soon 

 burst on the journey, much to the delight of the carriers, who, 

 of course, did not let slip the chance of dipping their fingers 

 into them. The coils of wire, &c, were tied together and sewn 

 up in matting like the rest of the loads. Finally, every load 

 had to be marked with a legible number and entered in a 

 book. 



The mode of packing just described is neither lasting enough 

 nor does it sufficiently protect the goods ; in fact, the matting 

 really only makes it more difficult to check deterioration by 

 hiding the damage done ; but, like everyone else, we fell 

 victims to dasturi — or old-established custom — and our mer- 

 chandise was done up in the usual unsatisfactory way. 



One day, when we were busily engaged as described above, 

 we were alarmed by the tidings that Stanley was about to start 

 on his journey for the relief of Emm Pasha, and would want 

 500 men from Zanzibar as carriers. Now, although there are 

 any number of men in the capital eager to take part in explor- 

 ing expeditions, we should have to bestir ourselves if we wanted 

 to secure really trustworthy fellows. We had waited till the 

 last moment, as we really had not enough for the men to do, 

 but now we had no choice, and Count Teleki lost no time in 

 making it known in the quarters where porters are to be had 

 that we too were ready to hire. 



