230 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
In 1857^ Sheikho, as trader,, accompanied by sixty men^ pro- 
ceeded to the Aliab, and there established himself. To facilitate 
' his operations, he sought and obtained in marriage the daughter of 
the chief Akwang, and relations on both sides became so amicably 
established that Sheikho disarmed his men and kept no guard at 
night. 
Quantities of tusks were purchased, and when fresh supplies of 
beads, &c., were received from Khartoum and deposited in Sheikho^s 
camp, Akwang and his followers, who were daily visitors, allured by 
the prospect of acquiring such wealth, at night, and in cold blood, 
murdered every one they could lay hands on. Sheikho and his 
wife were the first victims, and the bride^s father was the assassin. 
The tusks and merchandise were removed and the camp fired ; six 
men only escaped and reached the river, and being good swimmers, 
they in safety arrived at the not far -distant station of the priests 
called Santa Croce, established by the Pro- Vicar Knoblecher, where 
they found welcome and shelter. 
The successful chief is regarded as the hero of his tribe, and his 
murderous hand, when in public, is supported by two or three 
young girls. 
The departure of the men upon their lawless mission was a gala 
day to the villagers. Many relatives of the negroes attached to the 
force entered the station dancing and singing songs in their praise, 
and the men who remained as guard, invalids, women, and chil- 
dren, all joined in the demonstration. The females bore green 
boughs in their hands, and waved them with grace as they danced. 
Rain fell until noon, when it ceased. 
The negresses and wives of the men occupying the station — for 
most of them had intermarried with the people of Adael — collected 
in a group, and to their song and clapping of hands danced merrily 
