258 TRADING TO THE BOCQUA MARKET. 



great number of people ; and on our arrival out- 

 side the walls, found that our interpreter, Ibra- 

 him, had absconded with his musket and accou- 

 trements. He was a native of Kano, an intelli- 

 gent and active fellow, but a great rascal. 



"' Our march to Potingah was not the most 

 agreeable, as we found the water in the ravines 

 in some places up to our waists, and we felt 

 really thankful once more to get on board the 

 launch. 



" On the 2lnd of July we arrived on board the 

 Quorra, and found the Alburkah at anchor be- 

 side her ; having met with nothing but kindness 

 and civility from the common people, and roguery 

 and insult from their chief. In fact, I do not 

 believe, that if the king could have mustered 

 courage to attack us, his people would have sup- 

 ported him in his intention. " 



After Mr. Hector's return, as I did not con- 

 sider the river, although much swollen, was suf- 

 ficiently so to justify our proceeding to the sea, 

 I employed him in trading with the launch to 

 Bocqua market ; and a circumstance occurred to 

 him, while on one of his trips, strongly illustra- 

 tive of the disorganised state of the country, and 

 the demoralisation of the people. 



