Northern Nigeria 



some Niger Company officers and black troops 

 enabled us to make a start again up river for the 

 Borgu expedition, under the command of Major 

 Willcocks, as he then was. 



We cut across country for a couple of days ; 

 we were above the range of stern-wheelers now, 

 and struck the river again at Bajibo. Our route 

 now left the river, but before we could start we 

 had to collect a certain number of carriers, and 

 though Bajibo was a large native town, and good 

 pay was offered, it took some time to collect 

 men ; they would keep sending women, whom 

 we wouldn't take. Finally, the king had to be 

 seized and lodged in the guard-room, where he 

 was fed on bread, or its equivalent, and water, 

 till enough men arrived. It was always difficult 

 to get carriers up country, particularly if they 

 thought there was any chance of a fight. But 

 as it was impossible to move without them, and 

 as they were well paid, so that it was only 

 laziness or cowardice deterred them, one felt no 

 scruples in using a little high-handedness in col- 

 lecting them, especially as they were contented 

 enough when once started. 



Bajibo was unfortunately situated in that every 

 one going to Borgu, which became quite a fashion- 

 able resort a little later, left the river and required 

 carriers there. They wouldn't come by them- 

 selves, and if you went to look for them, they 



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