plied with servants. Clapperton told him that English servants were hired for stated periods, and paid regular wages, and that even soldiers were fed, clothed, and paid by government. This intelligence greatly excited his surprise, as, whenever he wishes to go to war, he sends round a crier to proclaim his intentions, and to command the attendance of his subjects, with provisions for the length of time which the expedition is expected to last. God is great!' he exclaimed. You are a beautiful people!'

"Though kindly treated by Sultan Bello, Clapperton could not prevail upon him to supply him with a guide to enable him to continue his journey through the western countries to the Gulf of Benin. At first the sultan was not averse to the proposition, but he subsequently retracted his permission, assigning as reasons the rapid advance of the rainy season, and the war which raged between the Fellatahs and several of the neighbouring kingdoms,

unsafe for any one

which would render it very coming out of his dominions. In short, as Clapperton soon discovered that no escort would be furnished, nothing remained for him but to retrace his steps to the Bornou territories. On his return journey, Clapperton was exposed to many dangers from the disturbed state of the country, and the precautions which it was necessary to take to avoid the marauding parties which were traversing it in all directions. So harassing were the forced marches that the party which he accompanied found it necessary to make, that, on the fourth day after their departure from Sackatoo, it was found that nine men and six horses had perished from fatigue. Fortunately, however, the strength and perseverance of Clapperton overcame every difficulty. He joined Major Denham at Kouka, whence, after a short stay, they once more recrossed the desert, participating in many of the fatigues and privations of their previous journey. At the different

towns at which they halted, after passing the desert, they were cordially received by the people, who expressed the greatest pleasure at their safe return. To go and come back from the black country! Oh, wonderful!' they exclaimed. You English have large hearts! [that is, are brave, determined people.] God bless you! Now you are going home! Well, good fortune attend you! How all your friends will come out to meet you with fine clothes!-and how much gunpowder they will fire away!'

"At Tripoli the bashaw also received them in the kindest manner, and honoured them by attending a fête given by the consul on the occasion of their return. Shortly after, they embarked for Leghorn, and proceeding to Florence, crossed the Alps, and arrived in England in the end of May.

'Notwithstanding the dangers which he had encountered," continued Uncle Thomas, "Clapperton, like his predecessor Park, re

solved to return to Africa to make still farther researches, and to attempt to trace the course of the Niger. But I must leave the account of his second expedition till another opportunity, and bid you good-bye for the present." 'Good-bye, Uncle Thomas."

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CHAPTER VII.

UNCLE THOMAS TELLS ABOUT CLAPPERTON'S SECOND JOURNEY INTO AFRICA, AND HIS DEATH AT SACKATOO; ALSO ABOUT THE TRAVELS OF JOHN DAVIDSON; HIS ATTEMPT TO REACH TIMBUCTOO; AND HIS MELANCHOLY FATE.

"GOOD evening, Uncle Thomas," said the boys, when they were once more assembled. "You promised to tell us about Clapperton's second journey to-night. We hope he was as fortunate as on the first occasion, and returned home in safety."

"No, boys, he was not," said Uncle Thomas; "but we must not anticipate. When Clapperton returned from his first journey, he was the bearer of a letter from Sultan Bello, the chief of the Fellatahs, to the king of England, proposing, amongst other things, to establish a friendly intercourse between the two nations,