54 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA, 
was at our disposal. The burning heat was almost unbearable; 
the ground was baked and rent into fissures for a great distance 
around Berber ; the high Nile had far outstretched its boundaries,, 
and^ but a short time previously, boats had floated where we rode. 
When we dismounted and were fairly under a roof once more, the 
relief the cool shade afibrded was intense. The draughts of delicious 
filtered water I shall long remember. During the journey I often 
shut my eyes, not to see the muddy water we were frequently com- 
pelled to drink. I gave myself up to absolute repose, and though 
many visitors came and departed in rapid succession, I looked not 
upon one. Presents of sheep, fruit, grain, &c., were many, and 
the people blessed Petherick for the part he had taken in the 
re-opening of the road between Korosko and Berber. 
Sunday, 2^th , — Passed a wretched night, and, though sleeping in 
the open rakuha (a shed), we missed the pure air of the desert. 
Myriads of insects preyed upon us. We seriously speculated as to 
the possibility of ever again being able to inhabit a bed-room, we 
had found so great a charm in the Bohemian life lately led. 
Petherick received visits from the Governor, attended by a 
numerous suite, and from the leading men of the place. He was 
occupied all day. I remained delightfully undisturbed, in the 
inner room, my heart full of gratitude that we had in safety 
and health arrived thus far. In the evening strolled dreamily and 
happily about the garden. A Frenchman, recently arrived from 
Khartoum, passed an hour with us. He was at Berber for change 
of air, weak from a severe attack of fever. He said that many at 
Khartoum were ill. The season was a most unhealthy one. He 
also informed Petherick of the death of an old and esteemed friend, 
a Dr. Peney, a Frenchman. He was Medical Inspector for the 
