212 TRAVELS IN THE 
set in, with all their violence ; the rice grounds and swamps, 
were every where overflowed ; and, in a few days more, travel- 
ling of every kind, unless by water, would be completely ob- 
structed. The Kowries which remained of the King of Bam- 
barra's present, were not sufficient to enable me to hire a canoe 
for any great distance ; and I had but little hopes of subsisting 
by charity, in a country where the Moors have such influence. 
But above all, I perceived that I was advancing, more and 
more, within the power of those merciless fanatics ; and from 
my reception both at Sego and Sansanding, I was apprehensive 
that, in attempting to reach even Jenne (unless under the pro- 
tection of some man of consequence amongst them, which I 
had no means of obtaining), I should sacrifice my life to no 
purpose ; for my discoveries would perish with me. The pro- 
spect either way was gloomy. In returning to the Gambia, a 
journey on foot of many hundred miles, presented itself to my 
contemplation, through regions and countries unknown. Never- 
theless, this seemed to be the only alternative ; for I saw inevi- 
table destruction in attempting to proceed to the eastward. 
With this conviction on my mind, I hope my readers will 
acknowledge, that I did right in going no farther. I had 
made every effort to execute my mission in its fullest extent, 
which prudence could justify. Had there been the most distant 
prospect of a successful termination, neither the unavoidable 
hardships of the journey, nor the dangers of a second captivity, 
should have forced me to desist. This, however, necessity 
compelled me to do ; and whatever may be the opinion of 
my general readers on this point, it affords me inexpressible 
