I also included three sailors belonging to my diahbeeah, as they would
be useful in the event of boating excursions. These men were Jali,
Mohammed, and Howarti; all of whom were armed, and fell into the line of
rank and file as soldiers.
The No. 3 steamer had been packed with much care. The carts had been
loaded with the heavy portions that could not be transported by
carriers, and we had proved our capability of travelling provided the
Baris of Bedden would remain faithful to their promise. Every cart had
therefore been dismounted, and the material for the expedition was
stowed on board six vessels.
Our servants had much improved. The negro boys who had been liberated
had grown into most respectable lads, and had learned to wait at table
and to do all the domestic work required. First of the boys in
intelligence was the Abyssinian, Amarn. This delicate little fellow was
perfectly civilized, and always looked forward to accompanying his
mistress to England. The next was Saat, who had received that name in
memory of my good boy who died during my former voyage. Saat was a very
fine, powerful lad, who was exceedingly attached to me; but he was not
quick at learning. Bellaal was a thick-set, sturdy boy of fourteen, with
rather a savage disposition.
My favourite was Kinyon (the crocodile), the volunteer.
This was a very handsome negro boy of the Bari tribe, who, being an
orphan, came to my station, and volunteered to serve me at the
commencement of the Bari war.
Kinyon was tall and slight, with a pair of very large, expressive eyes.
The name Kinyon, or crocodile in the Bari language, had been given him
because he was long and thin. Both he and Amarn were thoroughly good
boys, and never received either chastisement or even a scolding
throughout a long expedition.
Jarvah was also a good lad, who went by the name of the "fat boy." I
should like to have exhibited him at Exeter Hall as a specimen of
physical comfort.
Jarvah had a good berth - he was cook's mate. His superior was a great
character, who, from the low position of a slave presented by the King
of the Shillooks, Quat Kare, had risen from cook's mate to the most
important position of the household.
Abdullah was now the cook! He had studied the culinary art under my
first-rate Arab cook, who, having received his discharge, left the
management of our stomachs to his pupil. Abdullah was an excellent cook
and a very good fellow; but he was dull at learning Arabic.
