GAUARONGA, THE GREAT CHIEF 161 



concealment. His figure is very thick, and his gor- 

 geous robe was set off to little advantage. 



When he reached us he stopped, and we stepped 

 forward to return his salute. He gazed fixedly at 

 the first white women to enter his kingdom, and we 

 exchanged long, curious glances. Then he turned and 

 rode slowly on, greeted by shrill cries of applause from 

 his subjects. 



He stopped outside his palace to watch the fantasia 

 for a little while, and sitting thus, he continued to re- 

 ceive the salutes of his people. The crowd was motley 

 — here a prince or some great chief mounted on his 

 favourite horse, there a group of Arabs clad in rags 

 that seemed as if they could not hold together. 

 Splendid high-spirited stallions jostled with emaciated 

 ponies. Among mingled crowds of Bornuese, Kanuri, 

 and Wadaians came a line of men, waving ostrich- 

 feather fans above their heads and dancing forward, to 

 make an escort for the Princess Royal. Gauaronga 

 only remained a few minutes to share in the rejoicings 

 of his people. When he had gone we too returned 

 to camp. On the way there Captain Lucas told 

 us about Gauaronga and the customs of his court. 

 Every person of position in Tchekna is sent food from 

 the royal table — the French post receives it regularly, 

 and twice a-day throughout our visit ten or twelve 

 henchmen brought us calabashes full of provisions. 

 Sometimes they were ready cooked, delicious pigeons 

 or honey -cakes, or some less appetising farinaceous 

 food ; but always an ample supply of meal, eggs, 

 honey, and live-stock for ourselves and the boys. 



A milch cow was sent up for our use, and an 

 ox ; goats, fowls, and pigeons arrived frequently, so 



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