My imagination was so excited by Enphadde's accounts, that I con-
ceived the design of starting with him, and endeavoring to reach his
country by the same route by which he had come. Upon proposing it to
them, Kaloolah clapped her hands with delight, and Enphadde's eyes
sparkled for a moment with eager joy, but his glances soon fell, as the
conviction of the utter impossibility of accomplishing such a journey
came upon him. He explained, by a rough chart drawn upon the ground,
that the nations to the north of Framazugda were much less savage, and
that were we to approach his country in that direction it would be dififi-
Gult, but still possible to reach it ; but in going east-by-north from the
Congo there would be no hope. Even were we alone, there would not be
the slightest probability of success — with Kaloolah it would be impos-
sible. Leaving out the formidable difficulties and dangers of the route,
the desert of Srah, would be an obstacle impassable, except by the con-
sent and assistance of the cruel and ferocious beings who inhabit it.
Kaloolah was by no means disposed to submit to the reasoning of her
brother. She persisted in asserting her willingness and ability to en-
counter and endure any hardships and dangers ; and to all his objections,
made answer by pointing, sometimes to me, and sometimes to my gun,
as if, with that in hand, I alone could ensure their safety against wild
beasts, cannibals, and bushmen. Poor Kaloolah ! woman-like, she followed
the dictates of her heart rather than her head ; and danger, suffering, even



KALOOLAH. 107

death itself, had no power to stay her in the route affection pointed out.
