$2 TRAVELS IN THE 
amicably adjusted, and he mounted his horse and led the way. 
He was one of those Negroes who, together with the ce- 
remonial part of the Mahomedan religion, retain all their an- 
cient superstitions, and even drink strong liquors. They are 
called Johars, or Jowers, and in this kingdom form a very nu- 
merous and powerful tribe. We had no sooner got into a dark 
and lonely part of the first wood, than he made a sign for us to 
stop, and taking hold of a hollow piece of bamboo, that hung 
as an amulet round his neck, whistled very loud, three times. I 
confess I was somewhat startled, thinking it was a signal for 
some of his companions to come and attack us ; but he assured 
me that it was done merely with a view to ascertain what suc- 
cess we were likely to meet with on our present journey. He 
then dismounted, laid his spear across the road, and having said 
a number of short prayers, concluded with three loud whistles ; 
after which he listened for some time, as if in expectation of an 
answer, and receiving none, told us we might proceed without 
fear, for there was no danger. About noon we passed a number 
of large villages quite deserted, the inhabitants having fled into 
Kasson to avoid the horrors of war. We reached Karankalla 
at sunset ; this formerly was a large town, but having been 
plundered by the Bambarrans about four years ago, nearly one 
half of it is still in ruins. 
Feb. 12th. At daylight, we departed from Karankalla, 
and as it was but a short day's journey to Kemmoo, we tra- 
velled slower than usual, and amused ourselves by collecting 
such eatable fruits as grew near the road side. In this pursuit 
