FROM ZEGZEG TO BADAGRY. 
317 
in the Niger, and a cruel race of people inhabiting the towns on its 
banks. They refused, however, to accede to this, observing that 
they were bound to proceed down the Niger to the Salt Water.” 
The old mallam further observed that, “ as soon as the sultan of 
Youri heard of their death, he was much affected ; but it was out 
of his power to punish the people who had driven them into the 
water. A pestilence reaching Boussa at the time, swept off the 
king and most of the inhabitants, particularly those who were con- 
cerned in the transaction. The remainder, fancying it was a judg- 
ment of the white man’s God, placed every thing belonging to the 
Christians in a hut, and set it on fire.” It is not a little re- 
markable that it is now a common saying, all through the interior 
of Africa, “ Do not hurt a Christian, for if you do, you will die like 
the people of Boussa.” The old man left me shortly afterw ards ; 
and I thanked him for his information thus voluntarily given. 
4th. — At nine in the morning left the bank of the river, and at 
two in the afternoon fixed our tent in a bush. Proceeded this day 
by ourselves, the merchants not being ready to start in time. Not- 
withstanding the account the king of Wowow had given me of 
the dangers of the road, we were not molested in our journey. 
5tli. — At six in the morning were again in motion, and halted 
at four in the afternoon in a small town called Gorkie. This day 
one of the asses was taken suddenly ill on the road, and it was with 
the utmost difficulty we could drag him to the halting place. The 
chief of the town, at the instigation of the king of Wowow 7 , sup- 
plied us abundantly with fowls, rice, yams, &c. Gave him a pair of 
scissors and a few needles. 
6th. — Finding the ass that was taken ill yesterday unable to 
proceed any farther, was obliged to leave him behind. On seeing 
his companion going away, the poor animal brayed most piteously, 
and made many ineffectual attempts to rise. At six in the morning 
left the town, and after sunset came to a number of grass huts, 
