AT DEATH'S DOOE. 
231 
for hours,, to‘ celebrate the puberty of one of its inmates^ — a girl 
apparently ten years of age. During this period the use of milk as 
food is abstained from,, or^ if indulged in, it is believed barrenness 
wiU inevitably be the consequence. 
Up to October 20th proved weary, trying days. My poor wife 
suffered seriously from rheumatic and gastric fevers. Dr. Murie 
told me to prepare for the worst, and I had received, as I feared, 
her last words. He and I were watching her last night, when she 
suddenly asked for food. Murie, who throughout her illness had 
been unfailing in his attentions, proceeded to get something or 
other. We had long been without tea, sugar, or any of the many 
comforts so necessary for an invalid — wine, brandy, all had been 
lost in the lagoon. Soon the Doctor returned with some boiled 
grain in a paste, sweetened with honey, into which he had put a 
little araki, distilled on the premises from grain. This the poor 
patient with difficulty swallowed, and she knew us again. For days 
water only had she taken — no food of any kind. The Doctor, 
shaking my hand, said, ^^The crisis has passed; she will recover." 
Our little Halima fairly wept with delight : of mine own feelings 
I speak not. A silence most dread had been observed in the zariba 
for more than a week ; but to-day my wife has sent her thanks to 
its inhabitants, and entreats that they will enjoy themselves as of 
yore. Everywhere I am greeted, and IP hamd^ il Allah " thank 
God ! " is on every tongue. 
I think I may now look after the bustards and guinea-fowl. 
October 22nd . — The district is poor in game, but I brought home a 
small antelope yesterday. Met three native elephant hunters carry- 
ing laden spears, which I was asked to spit on for good luck. This 
