92 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Cii vr XLI. 
the line, I could not make out. Two horsemen were 
galloping along the line and brandishing white ban- 
ners, such as I had not observed before. There was a 
good deal of parade in the whole scene ; and at the 
end of it several small troops of horsemen galloped 
out in advance of the line as "iman," that is to say, 
as bound by an oath either to be victorious or to die. 
At length we pursued our course, the line breaking 
up into small irregular detachments, as chance or 
attachment grouped the people together ; but we soon 
came to another halt, and much conversation ensued, 
in consequence of which, three of the Fugabu horse- 
men were despatched to the south, to bring up an ex- 
perienced guide. Having at length resumed our march, 
through a- fine undulating and well -wooded country, 
we chose about sunset an open place for our encamp- 
ment, where we were told we should rest till the moon 
had risen. Strict orders were given not to light a fire, 
in order that the enemy might not become aware of 
our approach. But as soon as it became dark, very 
large fires were seen to the south-east, forming one 
magnificent line of flame ; and as it was clear that 
these were not common fires for domestic use, but 
appeared rather to be beacons, it was conjectured that 
the enemy had tidings of our coming, and were calling 
together their people. An order was therefore im- 
mediately given to proceed ; but scarcely were the 
loads put upon the camels, and every thing ready for 
the march, when a counter-order was received, that 
we were to remain. We then began to make our- 
