The Way Was Rough, And
Overhung By The Branches Of The Prickly _Tulloh_, So That Pioneers Had To
Go Before With Long Poles To Clear Away Obstructions.
The troops sang the
praises of Barca Gana, crying, "Who is in battle like the rolling of
thunder?
Barca Gana. In battle, who spreads terror around him like the
buffalo in his rage? Barca Gana." They soon reached the kingdom and
mountains of Mandara. In the valley are situated eight large and a number
of smaller towns, which are overhung by the mountains, the recesses of
which are inhabited by a numerous and barbarous tribe, called Kerdies or
Pagans, whom the Arabs and Bornouese consider as only fit to be enslaved.
The dwellings of this unfortunate people were visible in clusters upon
the sides and tops of the hills which tower above the Mandingo capital.
"The fires which were visible in the different nests of these
unfortunates, threw a glare upon the bold peaks and bluff promontories of
granite rock by which they were surrounded, and produced a picturesque
and somewhat awful appearance." The inhabitants of these wild regions
were clothed in the spoils of the chace, and subsisted chiefly on wild
fruits, honey, and fish. They knew the object of this expedition, and so
soon as they saw the advance of the hostile army, parties came down with
peace-offerings of leopard skins, honey, and slaves. The sultan of
Mandara used all his influence to persuade Boo Khaloom to attack some
strong Fellatah posts, and the latter unfortunately consented; his
followers were eager for the attack, the prospect of booty being held out
to them.
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