Presently two of their Latookas come to us, having deserted. They are thirsty, and direct us to a spot where water can be had. While we are drinking, in comes a party of natives with the decayed head of a wild boar, which they cook and eat, even though the maggots are thick in it. The health of these people does not seem to be affected by even the most putrid flesh. These Latooka deserters now become guides. They lead the way, with Colonel and Mrs. Baker. The country is that of the Tolloga natives. While we halt under a fig tree to rest and await the rearward party with the laden animals, the Tollogas emerge from their villages and surround us. There are five or six hundred of them, all curious, and especially delighted at sight of our horses. They had never seen a horse before. We inquire for their chief, when a humped-backed little fellow asked in broken Arabic who we were. Colonel Baker said he was a traveller. “Do you want ivory?” asked the hunchback. “We have no use for it.” “Ah, you want slaves?” “No we do not want slaves.” At this there was a shout of laughter, as though such thing could not be. Then the hunchback continued: “Have you got plenty of cows?” “No, but plenty of beads and copper.” “Where are they?” “With my men. They will be here directly.” “What countryman are you?” “An Englishman.” He had never heard of such a people. “You are a Turk,” he continued. “All right; anything you like.” “And that is your son?” pointing to Mrs. Baker. “No, that is my wife.” “Your wife! What a lie! He is a boy.” “Not a bit of it. This is my wife who has come along with me to see the women of your country.” “What a lie!” he again exclaimed. Mrs. Baker was dressed precisely like her husband, except that her sleeves were long while the Colonel’s arms were bare. Soon Tombe, the chief of the tribe, put in an appearance. He is propitiated with plenty of beads and copper bracelets and drives his importunate people away. The hunchback is employed as interpreter, and now our party is away over a rough road, determined to beat the Turks through the Ellyrian tribe beyond. But it is too late. Their advance is ahead. Their centre passes us in disdain. Their leader, Ibrahim, comes up, scowls and passes on. Mrs. Baker calls to the Colonel to stop him and have a friendly talk. He does so, tells him they need never clash as they are after two entirely different objects. Then he shows him how he could either punish or befriend him once they were back at Kartoum. The old villain listens, and is moved. Baker then gives him a double-barreled gun and some gold. Both parties now march into Ellyria together, glad to escape the rocky defiles which had to be threaded on the last stages of the journey, where many a trader has lost his life.