DENHAM AND CLAPPERTON. 139 



Bimie ; while the successful soldier, under an humbler name, 

 retained in his own hands all the real power of the kingdom. 

 After five days an invitation arrived from the sheik to 

 visit him at Kouka, for which city the travellers immediately 

 departed. In their way they passed the Yeou, the first river 

 of any description which had crossed their path in this long 

 journey, exciting considerable interest from being for a mo- 

 ment supposed to be the Niger flowing from Timbuctoo. 

 The stream was fifty yards broad, and proceeded with some 

 rapidity eastward into the Tchad : in the wet season its 

 breadth became twice as great. On the bank, for the con- 

 venience of passengers, lay two large canoes, rudely put to- 

 gether, constructed of planks fastened by cords, and having 

 the openings stuffed with straw. The men and goods were 

 ferried over on these rafts, while the horses and camels, 

 having their heads fastened to them, swam across. 



In approaching Kouka Major Denham experienced con- 

 siderable emotion, in consequence of the contradictory re- 

 ports which he heard respecting the array and aspect of 

 this great central court of Africa. Some told him that the 

 sheik was surrounded by a mere handful of half-armed, half- 

 naked negroes, fit only for plunder ; while, according to 

 others, he was at the head of a numerous cavalry, highly 

 equipped and well-disciplined. The Major pressed eagerly 

 forward before the main body, and, emerging from the 

 forest, had liis curiosity gratified by seeing a body of several 

 thousand horse drawn up in line, and extending on each 

 eide as far as the eye could reach. He now awaited the 

 coming up of the Arabs ; at sight of whom the Bomou 

 troops, who had previously stood immoveable, raised a 

 mighty shout or yell, which rent the air, followed by a sound 

 equally loud of rude martial music. Then, forming de- 

 tached parties, they galloped up full speed to the strangers, 

 never pausing till they almost touched the horses' heads, 

 when they suddenly wheeled round and returned, exclaim- 

 ing, " Blessing ! blessing ! sons of your country ! sons of 

 your country !" They had soon completely surrounded the 

 party, and wedged them in so close, waving their spears 

 over their heads, that it was impossible for the strangers to 

 move. Boo Khalloom had nearly lost all patience at this 

 vehement and incommodious welcome ; but at length Bares 

 Gana, the commander-in-chief, made his appearance, re- 



