Of the people of his own district the Sultan said, "You have nothing to
fear from them, except that thieves may come in the night. Beware of
them; and fall upon any one who may come near your tents after dark.
There may be people who will slink from the neighbouring towns to rob
you; take care and watch during the night." Upon this I asked him for a
couple of servants as guards, but he replied that it was not necessary.

Of the Tanelkums he observed: "It will be better when they are gone, for
many strangers come to them, known neither to you nor to me; and they
may rob you." This was an excellent observation, for on the road I
always found that the Haghar strangers, the bandits, and all the idle,
low characters, who might follow the caravan, never failed to make
friends with our Tanelkums, and thus gained a footing to carry on their
treacherous designs.

The greater part of the interview was thus occupied by a little oration
on the part of this respectable Sultan, who wound up by saying that he
hoped, if it pleased God, that we should now enjoy some repose, and
afterwards be conducted safely to Zinder and Soudan.

Observing that the dialogue was flagging, I caused the presents we had
brought with us to be laid out. The Sultan examined all the articles
carefully and quietly, but said not a word. Then his son-in-law informed
us aside that it was now time to retire. We did so with many
compliments, trusting that our visit had produced a favourable
impression. I was very anxious to know what was thought of the
present,--the largest we have yet given, much larger than what was
received by either Hateetah or Wataitee. I sent two of my servants about
to pick up the news in town. I was not disappointed; I hoped to please
his highness, and succeeded. He was greatly delighted; and, moreover,
displayed immense generosity for an African. Immediately we had retired
he called together all the great people of the town, and thus addressed
them: "See the fine present these Christians have brought me. I shall,
however, only take a blue burnouse for myself. The rest I give to you.
Take all else." The notables were greatly pleased at being called in to
share in the gifts, and exclaimed, "The Consul is a fine man; a man of a
large heart." So far, so good. But some of the lesser men were heard to
say, "Ah! now the Christians are in peace, and yet they give us nothing.
How much did they give away, and yet get no rest!" Sure enough; but