Every one is buried under the floor of his own house, without monument or memorial, and among the commonalty the house continues occupied as usual, but among the great there is more refinement, and it is ever after abandoned.  The corpse being washed, the first chapter of the Koran is read over it, and the interment takes place the same day.  The bodies of slaves are dragged out of town, and left a prey to vultures and wild beasts.  In Kano they do not even take the trouble to convey them beyond the walls, but throw the corpse into the morass, or nearest pool of water.

Major Denham was now informed that the sultan had sent a messenger express, with orders to have him conducted to his capital, and to supply him with every thing necessary for his journey.  He now begged him to state what he stood in need of.  The major assured him that the king of England, his master, had liberally provided for all his wants, but that he felt profoundly grateful for the kind offer of the sultan, and had only to crave from him the favour of being attended by one of his people as a guide.  He instantly called a fair-complexioned Fellata, and asked the major if he liked him; the answer was given in the affirmative, and Major Denham took his leave.  He afterwards went by invitation, to visit the governor of Hadyja, who was here on his return from Sockatoo, and lived in the house of the Wanbey.  He found this governor of Hadyja, a black man, about fifty years of age, sitting amongst his own people, at the upper end of the room, which is usually a little raised, and is reserved in this country for the master of the house, or visitors of high rank.  He was well acquainted with the major’s travelling name, for the moment he entered, he said laughing, “How do you do, Abdallah?  Will you come and see me at Hadyja on your return?”

“God be willing,” answered the major, with due moslem solemnity.

“You are a Christian, Abdallah?” asked the governor.  “I am,” replied the major.

“And what are you come to see?” inquired the governor.  “The country,” replied the major, “its manners and customs.”  “What do you think of it?” asked the governor.  “It is a fine country,” said the major, “but very sickly.”  At this the governor smiled, and again asked, “would you Christians allow us to come and see your country?”

“Certainly,” said the major, “and every civility and kindness would be shown to you.”

“Would you force us to become Christians?” asked the governor.

“By no means,” answered the major, “we never meddle with a man’s religion.”

“What!” he exclaimed, “and do you ever pray?” “Sometimes,” said the major.  “Our religion commands us to pray always, but we pray in secret, and not in public, except on Sundays.”

One of his attendants here abruptly asked, what a Christian was “Why, a kafir,” rejoined the governor.  “Where is your Jew servant?” he asked, “you ought to let us see him.”