304 
TRAVELS It^ AFRICA. Chap. LXXXL 
My companions, the followers of the Sheikh, even 
wanted to make me believe that he objected to see 
me at all ; but I entertained a strong suspicion that 
this was only a petty trick played by them to further 
their own interest ; for, being supplied by the Sheikh 
with a present for this governor, they wanted to claim 
for themselves all the merit of the visit. Having de- 
clared that if the governor did not want to see me, 
he should certainly not obtain a present from me, 
I very speedily obtained an audience, and was so 
graciously received, that I could scarcely believe that 
he had entertained any hostile feeling towards me ; 
for on my entrance he rose from his seat, or divan, 
made of reed, and met me at the door. 
Eesponding to his cordiality in the most friendly 
manner, I told him that only the most urgent cir- 
cumstances and the advice of my own guide, the 
messenger of Khalilu, had induced me the preceding 
year to act contrary to my own well-determined 
principle, which was, to make friendship with all 
governors possessed of power and authority along 
my road ; and that, in consequence of his warlike 
disposition and straightforward and chivalrous cha- 
racter, he had become known to me long before, and 
occupied the first rank among those whom I intended 
to visit. My speech, backed by a tolerable present, 
made a very favourable impression upon the gover- 
nor, especially when he understood that it was I 
who had induced the Sheikh to honour him with a 
mission ; and he entered into a very friendly conver- 
