CHAPTER XXX.

THE CAPITAL OF BÓRNU 369

My Friends—The Arab Áhmed bel Mejúb—The Púllo Íbrahím from the Senegal—Dangerous Medical Practice—Áhmed the Traveller—My Bórnu Friends—The Vizier el Háj Beshír; his Career; his Domestic Establishment; his Leniency—Debts of the Mission paid—The English House—Plague of Insects—Preparations for a Journey—Character of Kúkawa—The Two Towns—The Great Market—Business and Concourse—Defective Currency—Prices of Provisions—Fruits—Camels—Horses—Want of Native Industry—Bórnu Women—Promenade.