FROM KANO TO SOCCATOO. 
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setting out for the capital, where I could then deliver to him the 
present, and the king of England’s letter, as he intended making 
an attack on the capital of Goobur on the morrow. The rain having 
now ceased, I was permitted to take leave, and made the best of my 
way to that part of the camp assigned to me, which was not far 
distant from the sultan’s abode. 
During the night, a pretty strict guard was kept, by horsemen 
in quilted armour ; and all the horses in the camp were saddled at 
sunset, and remained so during the night. 
Hello’s appearance was very little altered from what it was when 
I saw him last, except that he had got a little lustier, and dressed 
somewhat better. He was dressed to-day in a white striped muslin 
shirt and turban, and the finest tobes that the country produces. 
Monday, 16th. — Morning clear, with aheavy.dew. At 4 A.M. 
all was ready for commencing the war ; but it was six before they 
started ; the intermediate time being spent mostly in praying. I 
kept close to the Gadado, as it was his wish I should do so. Our 
path was through the plantations of millet and dourra of the enemy. 
At 8, the sultan halted under a tree, and gave orders for a camp to 
be formed, which was speedily done by the troops, cutting or pulling 
up the millet and dourra, and making huts, fences, and screens of 
the stalks. I waited on the sultan, who was dismounted, and sitting 
under the shade of the tree, near which he had halted. He was 
surrounded by the governors of the different provinces, who were 
all, with the exception of the governor of Adamawa, better dressed 
than himself. 
After the midday prayers, all, except the eunuchs, camel 
drivers, and such other servants as were of use only to prevent 
theft, whether mounted or on foot, marched towards the object 
of attack ; and soon arrived before the walls of the city. I 
also accompanied them, and took up my station close to the 
Gadado. The march had been the most disorderly that can be 
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