Chap. LXXXII. SWOLLEN TORRENT OF SO'KOTO. 335 
my death : and taking everything into consideration, 
it was certainly a want of circumspection in Mr. 
Vogel, notwithstanding the rumours which were 
current in Bornu, not to endeavour to place himself 
in communication with me in the event of my being 
still alive. 
Having arranged my luggage at an early Tuesday, 
hour, and waited some time for my people ^"^"'^ 
to get ready, I set out. Winding down the slope 
of the hill on w^hich Sokoto is situated, and which 
was now covered with crops, we reached the border 
of the stream, which, from having been an insig- 
nificant brook at the time of my first arrival in the 
place, was now changed into a powerful torrent, about 
200 yards broad, and rushing along with the most 
impetuous violence, undermining the banks, and 
leaving in its course small patches of grassy islands, 
which made the passage extremely difficult. The view 
opposite will give an idea of the scenery. Having at 
length crossed this stream in frail barks, dragging 
our horses and beasts of burden alongside of them, we 
had to wait a good while on the opposite shore till 
the camels sent from Sokoto came to meet us, when 
we proceeded about eight miles, and having been 
caught in a heavy shower, took up our quarters in 
A'chi-da-Mfia, a large straggling farming village. 
Here I felt extremely weak and exhausted, my case 
assuming more distinctly the character of dysenter3\ 
After an agreeable march of about six Wednesday, 
miles, it being a fine clear day, we ^"^"stsoth. 
