BORNU.
Near the landing-place there was a canoe laden with grain deserted by the owners, who had run away. Gradually reassured, however, they presently returned, and from them we obtained much interesting information about the state of the neighbouring districts of Say.
Near Sinder, they said, lived a number of thieving boatmen belonging to the Kurteyes tribe, who had lately made a raid on Balia.
We should also meet Amadu Cheiku there, who owns several villages on the banks of the river, one of which is surrounded by a tata, or earthen wall. This Amadu Cheiku had persuaded a Fulah tribe called the Gaberos, who had formerly lived near Gao under the rule of the Awellimiden, to emigrate and join him.
BABA, WITH THE ROCKS ABOVE ANSONGO.
He had lately tried, but without success, to induce the people of Dergona to do the same.
The river-bed now became more and more rocky; we felt the eddies and rapids a good deal, although navigation could not yet be called difficult; and in due course we arrived opposite the promontory jutting out from the island of Ansongo.
Here, running from south-east to north-west, are four great blocks of flint of very picturesque appearance, which look like landmarks set up to mark a very remarkable point of the river, and as a matter of fact it is below them that the difficulties begin which render this part of the Niger practically unnavigable.