236 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
here will take place about the 12th_, and preparations to ensure such 
a step are actively carried on. Grain_, which is now easily procured^ 
is converted into flour^ and meat is dried in the usual way. Merrissa 
is made^ also aracki,, which,, partaken of somewhat too freely, riot- 
ous scenes oft follow. My wife, to prepare herself for the journey, 
accompanies me in the morning rides. Game is scarce, so we 
amuse ourselves by picking cotton, which, though wild, is luxu- 
riant j the blossoms, both pink and yellow, grow on the same plant. 
The staple is fine, and is spun by our negresses into excellent 
thread : thus our wretched torn clothes can now be repaired. Some 
of our men had gained the affections of these girls, and proposing 
marriage, entreated my consent to the same. Desirous to know 
if the girls were really willing, they were summoned ; and, greatly 
to our surprise, were accompanied by the widow of poor Mussaad ; 
Halima, also the negress who had followed us from Khartoum, and 
who had proved a valuable servant, was with them. One and all 
expressed a wish to become wives, as each man addressed his lady- 
love. One pretty girl had two suitors for her hand, so she was 
asked to choose between them. Hiding her face on the shoulder of 
a companion, she pointed to Zein, a handsome fellow, whose face 
lighted up when thus accepted, whilst his rivaTs became darkly 
malignant. Halima was sought by the chief hunter, Wod Ali; 
Kechan, the cook, was accepted by the young widow ; and Om 
Buchat, our servant, made happy her old companion, Jochar, who 
also had begged to accompany us when we left Khartoum. The 
wedding ceremony was to take place the following evening at sun- 
set, according to Mahommedan rites. All retired rejoicing, and the 
brides elect, accompanied by the married women, were escorted to 
the tookuls. We were inexpressibly relieved at this unexpected turn 
