Chap. XLIX. 
ME'le' AGAIN". 
363 
which had been erected on account of the approach 
of the rainy season, and the old ones having received 
a new thatching. All these new structures consisted 
of reed and matting ; but nevertheless it had a neat 
and cheerful appearance. As I entered the village, I 
was saluted by the inhabitants as an old acquaint- 
ance, and pitched my tent quietly on the former spot. 
This was a memorable day to me, destined 
J ' April 19th. 
to teach me a larger share of stubborn en- 
durance. Having passed a quiet night, I began early 
to speak to the head man of the village about cross- 
ing the river, making him at the same time a small 
present. In Bagirmi also, as well as in Logon and 
other parts of Negroland, there is a separate officer for 
the river-communication. This officer, who in Bagirmi 
bears the title of alifa-ba ( a keman-komadugube " or 
"officer of the river"), has an agent or kashella in 
every village on the banks of the river where there 
is a ferry; and this agent was absent at the time. 
Meanwhile I was conversing with several of my former 
friends, and, among others, met an inhabitant of J6- 
gode, who regretted extremely that I had missed my 
road to that place, as I should have been well treated 
there, and forwarded on my journey without ob- 
stacle, almost all of the inhabitants being Kaniiri. 
The governor of that place, Avho, like that of Mofto, 
bears the title of " alifa," had left, as this man in- 
formed me, in order to join the sultan on the ex- 
pedition. 
While I was thus conversing, the head man of the 
village suddenly came to my tent, and informed me 
