AFRICAN EXPLORERS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 119 
inroads of the Tuaricks, and crossed the Yeou, a large 
river, in some parts more than 500 feet in width, which, 
rising in the Soudan, flows into Lake Tchad. 
On the southern shores of this river rises a little town 
of the same name, about half the size of Burwlia. 
The caravan soon reached the gates of Kouka, where, 
after a journey extending over two months and a half, 
they were received by a body of cavalry 4000 strong, 
under perfect discipline. Amongst these troops was a 
KODKA. 
corps of blacks forming the body-guard of the sheikh, 
whose equipments resembled those of ancient chivalry. 
They wore, Denham tells us, suits of chain armour 
covering the neck and shoulders. These were fastened 
above the head, and fell in two portions, one in front 
and one behind, so as to protect the flanks of the horse 
and the thighs of the rider. A sort of casque or iron 
coif, kept in its place by red, white, or yellow turbans, 
tied under the chin, completed the costume. The horses’ 
