60 SCENE OF CONFUSION. 



falling at this time, we put on our water-proof 

 cloaks, which furnished a new subject of cu- 

 riosity among the natives, who stared with as- 

 tonishment, as they completely enveloped our 

 horses as well as ourselves. Mallam Moosa's 

 house was situated in the market-place, through 

 which we had to pass. Here the greatest con- 

 fusion prevailed : the throng that followed us, 

 joined to the numbers collected in the market- 

 place, rendered passing almost impossible ; stalls 

 and their baskets were upset ; cowries were 

 flying about in all directions; and several poor 

 creatures were knocked down and trampled upon. 

 We were accompanied by a deaf-and-dumb boy, 

 who carried a whip made of the hide of the hip- 

 popotamus, which he used most unmercifully, 

 making at the same time a singular noise. 



The population of Rabbah must be immense. 

 We noticed a number of very fine entire horses. 

 Mr. Lander met with an Arab, named Ali, who 

 appeared unusually communicative : — he told 

 him that the king and principal men had all 

 made preparations for leaving the town ; and 

 had not our messengers convinced them of our 

 friendly intentions, they would have carried their 

 design into execution. 



