462 THE EXPLORATION OF THE NIGER We anchored off Garafiri, whilst above and below us roared the rapids.

The next day, the 8th, we started early and passed without difficulty the Kandji rapid, which is comparatively easy. We breakfasted at Konotasi ; at least, that is the way the natives seem to me to pronounce the name marked Kpatachi on maps.

Digui again went to reconnoitre, and came back with the gloomy face of old difficult days. The trading canoes which had left Bussa during our stay there had not yet gone, but were about to discharge their cargoes. They would take a little channel on the right, but it was too narrow for us. Moreover, there was not yet water enough even for native boats, and they would have to wait for an inundation. We must again follow the main stream, and we went along the banks to look for the pass.

Malali was nothing to what we had now to encounter, for the only pass was by an opening not as big as that of the sluice of a canal.

" Can we pass, Digui ? " we asked. — " Yes, perhaps," he replied, " if it is the will of Allah ! " With this assurance we had to be content, and I gave the order " Forward ! " When my old guide saw us steering towards the left to take the course impracticable even to native canoes he was terrified. " Laol alia ! Laol alia I " he cried, " there is no pass there ! " I put my hand over his mouth to make him hold his tongue, and flinging himself upon the deck he hid his head in his cloak.

I got my camera ready for taking a photograph, but Digui said to me. "It is not worth while !"—" Why ? " I asked. — " Because you will not be able to look. You will be afraid ! "