Chap. LXVII. PROSPECTS OF HOME JOURNEY. 451 
not deeming it prudent, in order to avoid creating 
unnecessary suspicion, to lay too great stress upon 
navigating the river, I preferred putting forward 
the name of the capital of the Songhay empire ; as in 
visiting that place I was sure that I should see at 
least the greater part of the river, while at the same 
time I should come into contact with the Tawarek, 
who are the ruling tribe throughout its whole course. 
But the generous offer of my friend was rather 
premature ; and if at that time I had known that I 
was still to linger in this quarter for eight months 
longer, in my then feeble condition, I should scarcely 
have been able to support such an idea ; but for- 
tunately Providence does not reveal to man what 
awaits him, and he toils on without rest in the dark. 
This was the anniversary of the death of Tuesday 
Mr. Overweg, my last and only European September 27th. 
companion, whom I had now outlived a whole year ; 
and whom, considering the feeble state of my health 
at this time, while my mind was oppressed with the 
greatest anxiety, I was too likely soon to follow to 
the grave. Nevertheless, feeling a little better when 
rising from my simple couch in the morning, and con- 
fiding in the protection tendered me by a man whose 
straightforward character was the theme of genera] 
admiration, and which plainly appeared in the few 
lines which I had received from him, I fondly cherished 
the hope that this day next year it might be my good 
fortune to have fairly embarked upon my home 
journey from Negroland, and perhaps not to be far 
G G 2 
