456 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
CHAP. LII. 
HOME-JOURNEY TO KUKAWA. — DEATH OF MR. OVERWEG. 
Although I had once cherished the idea 
August 10th. 
of penetrating towards the upper course 
of the Nile, I was glad when I turned my face west- 
ward, as I had since convinced myself that such an 
enterprise was not possible under the present circum- 
stances. I had been so many times deceived by the 
promise of my final departure, that when in the 
morning of that day a messenger from the zerma 
arrived with the news that I might get ready my 
luggage, I did not believe him, and would not stir 
till Zerma himself made his appearance and confirmed 
the news, assuring me that I should find the letter of 
the sultan, with regard to my security on a future 
visit, with Mama Sabiin. 
In consequence I ordered my servants to get my 
luggage ready ; but before I started I received a visit 
from a large number of courtiers, with an agid at 
their head, in order to bid me farewell, and also to 
entreat me for the last time to sell to the sultan my 
fine "keri sassarandi" (horse). But this I was obliged 
to refuse, stating that I wanted my horse for myself, 
