50 CANOES FROM RABBAH. 



about here. The weather last night was ex- 

 tremely cold. We sent for a supply of wood, 

 and expected to get under weigh in the morning. 



In the course of the following day we received 

 several canoe-loads of wood from the natives, 

 who availed themselves of this method to obtain 

 a sight of the Christians. About 10 a. m. a ca- 

 noe arrived from Rabbah, sent by the king, with 

 instructions to ascertain if it were true that the 

 Christians were in the river, and if they were the 

 same who visited Soccatoo about two years be- 

 fore (meaning Captain Clapperton and Lander). 

 On the return of the canoe, Mina was ordered 

 to accompany them, to announce our peaceful 

 intentions. Shortly after his departure, two other 

 canoes arrived, — one from the Magia, and the 

 other from the King of the " Dark Water" at 

 Rabbah, Sullikeen Beckee Roa. They had 

 been hovering about some time, afraid to come 

 on board : they said they came to see where we 

 were, and if we were near Rabbah. 



At 2. 7 P. M. we got under weigh. Two Fela- 

 tahs came on board. Al Hadge made them put 

 ashes on their foreheads. It is a custom preva- 

 lent throughout the interior to kneel to the 

 kings and chiefs, at the same time throwing sand 



