266 THE EXPLORATION OF THE NIGER getting through apparently impossible obstacles, and after Digui had executed many an admirable manoeuvre, we arrived opposite Kendadji.

Alas! our troubles were not yet over. The river in front of us was suiting terribly, the bed everywhere encumbered by large flints. Where could we pass ?

Hitherto the natives, whether Tuaregs or negroes, had helped us to the best of their ability. The orders of Madidu had been strictly obeyed, and no obstacles whatever had been thrown in our way. But at Kendadji all was changed. Our guides from Katungu had gone to the village, having begged us to let them go and palaver before we appeared, and we were kept waiting all day for the envoy of the chief to listen to reason, only to be told at last that the people were afraid of us, for a relation of ours (Captain Toute) had killed ever so many at Sinder the year before.