NEGRO DANCES. 
67 
a large flock of goats. These last a fine boy^ Selinij a Shillook, 
takes daily to pasture in the neighbourhood of Khartoum. One 
morning; accompanied by a boy of his own tribe; who likewise 
herds the goats of his master; they went as usual to the herbage. 
They remarked some Arabs seated under a tree; who called to them 
to approach. They did sO; fearing no evil; but the Arabs rose 
and attempted to capture them. The boys flew like the wind in 
the direction of the town ; but Selim; who had been seized by his 
ferda^ a long piece of calicO; rapidly unwound himself from it; and 
thus escaped; leaving his garment in their hands. These boyS; 
when at a convenient distance; turned to see if they were pursued ; 
but; no — the Arabs had mounted their camels and were flying in 
the opposite direction. These Arabs were probably of the Shook- 
aryeh tribe; who yearly come to Khartoum with their graiu; and 
who have no hesitation in seizing any people they conveniently 
can; and selling them as slaves. The following morning we doubted 
if Selim would take his flock to pasture; but he did sO; saying; I 
will keep clear of all trees and bushes where men might be 
hidden.^^ 
One night; some time after our arrival; and when the moon was 
full; it was whispered that our people wished to dance before us. 
Consent was willingly granted; and seats were placed for us. 
About twenty of the servants stood in a semicircle. They began 
with singing a doleful melody; clapping their hands to the measure. 
One of the women^s children; a pretty girl of seven yearS; stepped for- 
ward : she moved her feet slowly to the time; and advanced; curving 
her body till her head almost touched her heels ; and when close to 
mO; she jerked her head forwards so violently; that her necklace 
slipped over and fell into my lap. A drum was then beaten — this 
was done by the hand — and a boy of ten yearS; a Djour; took his 
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