320 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chap. XL VIII 
very strong, and the water deep, though fortunately 
the distance was only about 200 yards. 
Having crossed this imposing stream, we entered 
the small harbour of Mele, and as soon as we reached 
the shore were saluted by a " chiroma," or squirrel, 
which, running about freely, and wagging its tail, 
seemed to offer a good omen for a happy arrival in 
this country. The inhabitants also, who were em- 
ployed in various ways at a small wharf used for 
building the common craft of the river, received us in 
a friendly way, more especially as I made a small 
present to a sort of official personage who has the 
title of " Kashella," and added a few needles in addi- 
tion to the fare paid to the boatmen. I was agreeably 
struck by the fine figures of the females, their comely 
appearance and very becoming head-dress distinguish- 
ing them most advantageously, not only from the 
Kanuri, but even from the people of Logon. 
Having here spent a few minutes re-loading our 
camel and exchanging compliments, we hastened on, 
ascending the higher bank, which here rises to about 
twenty-five feet, and leaving the village to the left, 
close to the steep slope overhanging the river. But we 
had only proceeded about a mile, delighted at the 
idea that, notwithstanding the obstacles thrown in our 
way, we had succeeded in entering this country, when 
we saw a person advancing towards us, whom my 
horseman recognized as a servant of the chief of A'su. 
This incident could not but fail to lessen our hopes 
of success considerably. Had the chief of A'su been 
