UP THE SHARI TO GULFEI 



115 



bank widch presented a most animated appearance, as 

 we came within view. Hundreds of people lined the banks 

 and the Sultan himself was there with all his horse and foot 



THE SULTAN OF GrLFEI 



drawn up in line. The chequered garb of the soldiers, the 

 gorgeous trappings of the horses, the ghnt of many spears 

 and gun-barrels and the shining brass of the long trumpets 

 that blared forth at intervals deep notes to the accompani- 

 ment of many drums, all made a gay medley of sights and 

 sounds that stirred my senses and made me think the days 

 of Denham and Clapperton had come again. When I stepped 

 out of the boat I was welcomed by the Sultan, a giant of 

 6 ft. 5 in. He wore a high, white turban and richly chequered 

 bernouse of ample folds which tended to make his propor- 

 tions seem even greater. As he came near me, I felt as if I 



