68 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
turn to exhibit. The music was more lively^ and he ran rapidly 
aboutj occasionally bending his head,, and leaping as if he were 
going through a circus hoop. His performance over^ Achmed 
came forward to dance the Kordofanese dance. His movements 
I can hardly describe^ so eccentric were they : his elbows,, keeping 
time with his feet^ touched his ribs at each step^ whilst his knees 
met together and saluted each other. The music beat faster,, and 
those who were clapping their hands crowded round,, and did 
so almost under Achmed^ s feet,, after the fashion of the popular 
Spanish dancers. He also jerked his head when close to us^ so 
that the tassel of his fez fell over his face. 
The Neam Neams danced most gracefully; humming a low 
melody : their movements were very calm. Ringa was in advance 
of the females Wangyo and Halima; they linked together their 
armS; and followed him. Sometimes they separated; and the three 
would; still singing; go through the figure of eight. Selim; the 
Shillook; bounded forwards. He had taken off his blousC; wore 
only drawers; and a feather (I am sure it was plucked from a 
turkey^s tail) was placed upright in his stiff curling hair. His 
leaps were truly astounding. He required no musiC; but danced 
in his own wild way. Suddenly a cry of defiance came from him; 
and he looked as if he saw a foe ; and then he did in pantomime 
what he really; if weapons had been in his hand; would have done. 
He threw imaginary spearS; evaded others; he crawled along the 
yard like a serpent ; and sometimes he was motionless as a stone ; 
and had one not been closely watching; one might have been 
deceived. He feigned death ; and then; as those who thought 
him so approached; he would leap upon them. Ringa watched 
these manoeuvres with great interest; and; when they were ended; 
proposed to show what the Neam Neams did when they attacked 
