Chap. LXXXII. TAKE LEAVE OF THE GHALADl^MA. 355 
he, again, along this roundabout way (the direct route 
having been almost entirely broken up by the enemy), 
directed his steps towards Katsena. After satis- 
fying our appetites, for which w^e had not been able 
to provide the preceding night, I took a small present 
with me, and went to bid farewell to the ghaladima 
and those of his suite who had been particularly kind 
to me ; and I hope that they will long remember me. 
Having fulfilled this duty, I proceeded with my 
people, in order to continue my march alone. The 
country was tolerably open, broken only here and 
there by granite rocks, while the vegetation was en- 
livened now and then by diim-palms. Cultivation 
was limited to certain tracts ; but, notwithstanding 
the unsafe state of the country, the pasture-grounds 
were not quite destitute of cattle ; and being at length 
able to travel according to my own inclinations, I en- 
joyed the scenery extremely. It had been my original 
intention to pursue the road to Korofi ; but, by mis- 
take, after leaving Wurm6, I had got into the track 
leading to Birchi. I reached this latter town after a 
march of altogether about twelve miles, having crossed 
my former route from Kiiraye to Kiirrefi. I found that 
almost all the male inhabitants of the place had joined 
the expedition against Kdura ; and I pitched my tent 
in front of the house of the ghaladima, but was invited 
by the people who were left as guardians to pass the 
hot hours of the day in the cool entrance-hall of his 
courtyard. Although the place does not exhibit any 
great signs of wealth or comfort, T was glad to find 
