Chap. XXIII. THE GOVERNOR'S WISHES. 67 
of my good will ; and he remained incredulous to 
my protestations that we had intentionally not taken 
such things as rockets with us, as we were afraid 
that if we gave such a thing to one prince, his neigh- 
bour might become fiercely hostile to us. But he 
remarked that he would keep such a gift a secret. I 
was very glad he did not say a word more about 
the pistols ; but in order to give me a proof that 
he knew how to value fine things, he showed me the 
scissors and razor which I had given him the other 
day ? for which he had got a sheath made, and wore 
them constantly at his left side. He then told me he 
would make me a present of an " abi-n-hawa " (some- 
thing to mount upon), intimating already by this 
expression that it would not be a first-rate horse, as I 
had not complied with his heart's desire, but that it 
would be furnished with saddle and harness, and that 
besides he would send me a large " hakkori-n-giwa " 
(an elephant's tooth) to Kano. This latter offer I 
declined, saying that, though my means were very 
small at present, I did not like to turn merchant. 
He reminded me then of my promise to return ; and 
we parted the best of friends. Notwithstanding the 
injustice of every kind which he daily commits, he 
has some sentiment of honour; and feeling rather 
ashamed for having given me so much trouble for 
nothing, as he was aware that it would become known 
to all his fellow-governors, and probably even to his 
liege lord, the Emir el Mumenin, he was anxious to 
vindicate his reputation. It was from the same motive 
r 2 
