HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE NOUAEE. 
319 
rets has this moment informed us that my poor Luxor died two 
days ago. I am so grieved ! 
Did not leave Gaba Shambyl until four p.m. April 17th, and for 
some days experienced rough weathei% much rain^ and adverse 
north winds. On the 20th arrived at our old quarters amongst the 
Nouaer, where we must await the nugger, having lost sight of her 
two days. Our old acquaint ance^ the chief of the blue robe, now 
minus that garment, came to greet us. His people had been sadly 
used, and carried into slavery. The following morning Petherick 
started on a pot-hunting expedition, which proved eminently suc- 
cessful, geese and ibis being bagged. 
On the 2^nd Shotbyl, the chief, our old friend, paid a visit. 
He too was much changed : in an affray a lance had been hurled 
at him, and had penetrated from the back through his chest. The 
wounds, back and front, were plainly visible. 
Whilst we are awaiting the arrival of the nugger, our consort 
boat, Shotbyl, a man of intelligence, tells many interesting customs 
of his tribe, the Nouaer ; Petherick translates them as follows : 
‘^^The Nouaer tribes are greatly divided, each community having 
its independent chief. They frequently war on each other for the 
sake of cattle ; no prisoners are made, but men^s lives taken with- 
out scruple, whilst the women and children are ever respected. If 
threatened by enemies not of their tribes, feuds between themselves 
are suspended temporarily, and they fight in common against the 
invaders. Shotbyl can raise nine hundred fighting men. They 
carry a bow tur.ned like a shepherd^s crook at both ends, a club, 
and large lance ; the club is thrown at an enemy, but the lance is 
never parted with. 
No taxes or impost of any kind is paid to a chief ; but should 
