198 
RESIDENCE AT SOCCATOO AND MAG ARIA. 
ness, both before I came to Soudan and on my return ; and that, 
when I left Bornou for England, he had dismissed me with a 
handsome present, and the strongest expressions of friendship and 
regard. I added, that I must insist on seeing this extraordinary 
letter, and have a copy of it ; but he said that Bello had sent the 
letter to Gondo, to his cousin Abdallah. I must positively see 
it, I rejoined ; and also he allowed to take a copy of it before I leave 
this place ; for I had a letter and presents from the king of Eng- 
land for the Sheik. I then asked him what other path the sultan 
proposed. He replied that he would place me under the pro- 
tection of a marahoot, or holy man, who would safely conduct me 
to the sultan of Borgoo, and from thence I might pass to the north- 
ward, as far as the borders of the desert, and proceed along it until 
I came near to Foutoo Tora, from whence I could turn to the south- 
ward into a country that belonged to Bello, and which was inha- 
bited by Fellatas, and not far from one of the English settlements. 
I told him it was a matter of serious consideration to me, as I had 
a sick servant at Kano, who was unable to travel ; but, at all events, 
I must have the letter the Sheik of Bornou had sent to Bello. 
I was very ill all day ; but in the afternoon I paid a visit to 
Atego, Bello’s brother, and made him a present of a gilt chain and 
a pair of scissors, and a few cloves. His house being at some 
distance, I was so much fatigued I thought I should not live until 
the morning. 
Sunday, 29th. — Saw the sultan this morning, who was sitting in 
the inner apartment of his house, with the Arabic copy of Euclid 
before him, which I had given to him as a present. He said that 
his family had a copy of Euclid brought by one of their relations, 
who had procured it in Mecca ; that it was destroyed when part of 
his house was burnt down last year ; and he observed, that he could 
not but feel very much obliged to the king of England for sending 
him so valuable a present. After a few general questions, I retired 
