30 
TEAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
we are to carry with us. It was thought advisable that I should 
rough it a little before the journey was commenced; and indeed 
I am enjoying it. Our encampment is close to the river; the air 
delicious^ but at midday the heat is intense. As we have no boats 
at our command^ we must travel on dromedaries across the Bayooda 
Desert to Wadi Halfa_, the second cataract a little above Korosko. 
It will he a trying journey^ even if we start at once; if delayed, the 
heat will be unbearable. Mr. Joyce has sent his tent out here; 
he and Petherick, after a couple of hours’ shooting or fishing, each 
morning ride into Khartoum, and at six o’clock return to an al 
fresco dinner. A crocodile, a pair of turtles, loads of their eggs, 
and a number of fish, have been captured, and prepared to add to 
our collection. Mademoiselle von Capellan sends her tent to- 
morrow, and she will become a welcome guest. The report of 
Madame Tinne’s boats coming down proved false; and I fear 
that Miss Capellan will not have the heart to leave without tid- 
ings. We left Khartoum in a great hurry, as the small pox was 
raging amongst our people. One fine little boy was the first to 
die : I had him in my arms a few hours before, not knowing what 
was the matter with the child. 
^‘’On Thursday I received your letter of January 31st, also 
cuttings from several newspapers. Do not grieve, dear sister, all 
will end well; Petherick will see Speke upon our return. Wait 
the result patiently : we have no fear. 
I can hardly realize that so soon we may meet : how my heart 
leaps when I think of it ! how much have we to thank you for ! 
what a pain have we been to you ! but we will talk about that by- 
and-bye. We hope to arrive in England the end of August : this 
you will doubtless receive the close of May. The missionary who 
gave us sad accounts of the treatment Consul Cameron and the 
