244 TRAVELS IN THE 
or foresight, could possibly have averted my present sufferings. 
I was indeed a stranger in a strange land, yet I was still under 
the protecting eye of that Providence who has condescended to 
call himself the stranger's friend. At this moment, painful as 
my reflections were, the extraordinary beauty of a small moss, 
in fructification, irresistibly caught my eye. I mention this 
to shew from what trifling circumstances the mind will some- 
times derive consolation ; for though the whole plant was not 
larger than the top of one of my fingers, I could not contem- 
plate the delicate conformation of its roots, leaves, and capsula, 
without admiration. Can that Being (thought I), who planted, 
watered, and brought to perfection, in this obscure part of the 
world, a thing which appears of so small importance, look with 
unconcern upon the situation and sufferings of creatures formed 
after his own image ? — surely not ! Reflections like these, would 
not allow me to despair. I started up, and disregarding both 
hunger and fatigue, travelled forwards, assured that relief was 
at hand; and I was not disappointed. In a short time I came 
to a small village, at the entrance of which I overtook the 
two shepherds who had come with me from Kooma. They 
were much surprised to see me; for they said, they never 
doubted that the Foulahs, when they had robbed, had murdered 
me. Departing from this village, we travelled over several 
rocky ridges, and at sunset, arrived at Sibidooloo ; the frontier 
town of the kingdom of Handing. 
