28 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEIOA. 
was conveniently placed at the side ; as a counterpoise on the other 
side^ my little travelling-bag and large umbrella were suspended. 
I wore yellow Turkish hoots_, very loose and uneomfortable ; full 
Turkish trousers,, but over them a brown holland skirt or petticoat,, 
and a white flannel jacket with capaeious pockets; upon my head 
an enormous straw hat,, over which folds of muslin were rolled. I 
had a blue veil alsO; but could never bear it over the face. I was 
advised to try wire gauze spectacles ; and one day,, when the dust 
was more than usually troublesome,, I put them on^ but only for a 
moment ; they scorched the eyes. I had determined to be as com- 
fortable as possible^ and to forget everything about eomplexioUj &c., 
so I wisely stowed away the small hand-mirror^ and was spared 
seeing myself a fright. 
The naga was snapping at every one near her,, and moaning 
piteously. Her rein^ a single cord,, secured her fore-feet^ so that 
she could not rise. I was told by Petherick-' to place my left 
foot on Aiks knee^ who was on the ground close to the eamePs 
side,, and then I was to spring into the saddle. I did so,, and crossed 
my legs around the peg or pommel^ and found myself well seated. 
I was tlien,, as the camel rose,, to throw myself backwards,, then 
forwards,, and another backward movement would settle the ajffair. 
All was done as directed^ and I was towering high in the air. 
Petherick was soon on his camel and at my side. He had quite 
a show of firearms surrounding his saddle^ and was thoroughly at 
home — wearing a knickerbocker suit and formidable-looking boots ; 
a brigand^ s hat (without the ribbons) completed his toilet. 
I looked round for the Doctor : he was on his eamel^ well propped 
up by bedding on each side ; Poxcroft was supported in a similar 
manner. All of us began the march in the best spirits ; it lasted 
until half-past twelve, when we rested under shelving rocks ; the 
