Chap. LIIL 
DARING THEFT. 
37 
on the north side, near a fine tamarind tree, where 
millet was grown to a great extent. The south and 
west sides were surrounded by an extensive swamp or 
swampy watercourse fed by the komadugu, and, with 
its dense forest, affording to the inhabitants a safe re- 
treat in case of an attack from their enemies. All the 
towns of the Bedde are situated in similar positions ; 
and hence the precarious, allegiance of the people 
(who indulge in rapacious habits) to the ruler of 
Bornu. The inhabitants of Geshiya*, indeed, have 
very thievish propensities ; and as we had neglected 
to fire a few shots in the evening, a couple of 
daring men succeeded, during the night, in carrying 
away the woollen blanket in which my companion the 
Mejebri merchant 'All el A'geren was sleeping at the 
side of his horse. Although he was a man of hardi- 
hood and experience, he was dragged or carried alcng 
to a considerable distance, until he was forced to let 
go his blanket ; and, threatening him with their spear 
in case he should cry out, they managed this affair 
so cleverly and with such dispatch, that they were off 
in the dark before we were up to pursue them. It was 
a pity that these daring rascals escaped with their spoil ; 
but in order to prevent any further depredations of 
* The billama, or mayor, of this town, who has subjected him- 
self to the authority of Bornu, bears the title " Mai 'Omar Bed- 
dema." Fititi, the residence of the chief Babyshe, or Babudji, and 
the chief town of Bedde, lies a short day's march from here S.S.W, 
I have more materials of itineraries traversing this region ; but 
they are too indistinct with regard to direction to be used for 
a topographical sketch of the country. 
n 3 
