At Kuti, Dr. Wilson and I were busy for several hours weighing, dividing and packing in equal loads the provisions I had purchased: fourteen _munds_ in all (1120 lbs.) of flour, rice, red sugar (_ghur_), salt, red pepper (32 lbs.), _dhal, miseri_ (lump sugar), _ghi_ (butter), and a large quantity of _satoo_ (oatmeal), and broiled corn. There were, in addition, the preserved and tinned provisions which I had brought with me from London. To give my carriers no cause for complaint, I allowed them to choose their own shoes, blankets, &c., and I did all in my power to humour them, because the loads threatened to be excessively heavy. In fact, I found that, even after dispensing with everything but what was absolutely essential, there was still ample to carry for at least two strong men. Every available Shoka had joined the party, and no inducement that I could offer brought me more volunteers. I was very unwilling to delay, and I was on the point of subdividing among the men I already had the two extra loads, when two stray shepherds turned up, half famished and naked, with long unkempt heads of hair, and only a coral necklace and a silver bangle by way of clothing. I quickly secured them, and although one was really only a boy, I decided to trust to luck and take Dr. Wilson's assurance that he looked tough enough and would be useful. This brought my little force up to thirty strong, and now I was ready to start. [Illustration: PLAN OF KUTI CASTLE 1. PILES OF STONES 2. STEPS 3. OUTER WALL 4. TOWER 5. BLACKSMITH'S HOUSE 6. WINDOWS] CHAPTER XXI The Kuti Castle--Under way--Our first disaster--A cheerful and a sulky coolie--Mansing--A brigand--A strange medley of followers--A character--Tailoring--Fields of stones--Troublesome rivers--The Jolinkan or Lebung Pass--Sense of humour--Pleased with small comforts.