Ghap. LXXXIl. 
ARRIVAL AT SO'kOTO. 
333 
found myself in this town, having accomplished more 
than I ever thought I should be able to do. 
The whole town, suburbs, wall, cottages, and 
gardens, were now enveloped in one dense mass of 
vegetation, through which it was difficult to make 
one's way, and recognise places well known from 
former visits. Scarcely had I been quartered in a 
comfortable hut, when my friend 'Abd el Kdder Dan- 
Taffa, sent his compliments to me, and shortly after 
made his appearance himself, expressing the liveliest 
satisfaction at seeing me again, and sincere compas- 
sion for the reduced state of my health. Not less 
encouraging was the reception I met with from my 
old friend Modibo 'All.. When I made him a small 
present, regretting that after the long time I had 
been without supplies I was not able to make him 
a better one, he was so kind as to express his 
astonishment that I had anything left at all. He 
also begged me not to go on at once to Wurno, but 
to stay a day in this place, and to write to 'Aliyu, 
informing him of my safe return, and how much I 
stood in need of his aid. I made use of this oppor- 
tunity of at once requesting the emir El Mumemn to 
forward me with as little delay as possible on my 
journey, hinting, at the same time, that I should feel 
very grateful to him, if he would assist me with horses 
and camels. I intimated also, that as I myself, on ac- 
count of the reduced state of my health, was anxious 
to reach home by the most direct road, I had to 
beg for permission for a countryman of mine, who 
