124 BRUTALITY TOWARDS THE WOMEN. [chap. v. 
upon fine forest trees, beneath which the ground was 
yellow with the quantities that had fallen from the 
boughs ; these were remarkably sweet, and yet acid, 
with much juice, and a very delicious flavour. 
At 11.25 we again started for a long march, our 
course being east. The ground was most favourable for 
the animals, being perfectly flat and free from ravines. 
We accordingly stepped along at a brisk pace, and the 
intense heat of the sun throughout the hottest hours 
of the day made the journey fatiguing for all but 
the camels. The latter were excellent of their class, 
and now far excelled the other transport animals, 
marching along with ease under loads of about 600 lbs. 
each. 
My caravan was at the rear of the trader s party; 
but the ground being good, we left our people and 
cantered on to the advanced flag. It was curious to 
witness the motley assemblage in single file extending 
over about half-a-mile of ground :—several of the 
people were mounted on donkeys ; some on oxen : the 
most were on foot, including all the women to the 
number of about sixty, who were the slaves of the 
trader’s people. These carried heavy loads; and many 
in addition to the burdens carried children strapped 
to their backs in leather slings. After four or five hours’ 
march during the intense heat many of the overloaded 
women showed symptoms of distress, and became foot¬ 
sore ;—the grass having been recently burnt had left 
the sharp charred stumps, which were very trying to 
those whose sandals were not in the best condition. 
The women were forced along by their brutal owners 
with sharp blows of the coorbatch ; and one who was 
far advanced in pregnancy could at length go no 
farther. Upon this the savage to whom she belonged 
belaboured her with a large stick, and not succeeding 
in driving her before him, he knocked her down and 
jumped upon her. The woman’s feet were swollen 
and bleeding, but later in the day I again saw her 
hobbling along in the rear by the aid of a bamboo. 
