CHAP. I.] 
CHARMING HUSBAND . 
63 
them a girl from Khartoum who had been captured 
by a slave-hunter; this delighted the people, and 
they immediately brought an ox as an offering. The 
“Clumsy’s” yard broke in two pieces, thus I was obliged 
to seek a dry spot for the necessary repairs. I left the 
village ISfuehr Eliab, and in the evening lowered the 
“ Clumsy’s ” yard; taking her in tow, we are, this 
moment, 8.30 p.m., slowly sailing through clouds of 
mosquitoes looking out for a landing-place in this 
world of marshes. I took the chief of the Nuehr’s 
portrait, as he sat in my cabin on the Divan ; of 
course he was delighted. He exhibited his wife’s 
arms and back covered with jagged scars, in reply 
to my question as to the use of the spiked iron 
bracelet. Charming people are these poor blacks ! as 
they are termed by English sympathisers; he was 
quite proud of having clawed his wife like a wild 
beast. In sober earnest, my monkey “ Wallady ” looks 
like a eivilized being compared to these Nuehr savages. 
The chief’s forehead was tattooed in horizontal lines 
that had the appearance of wrinkles. The hair is 
worn drawn back from the face. Both men and 
women wear a bag slung from the neck, apparently 
to contain any presents they may receive, everything 
being immediately pocketed. Course S.S.E. 
Jan. 14 th .—All day occupied in repairing the yard ; 
