Then above all, our thanks are due to my friends Baudry, Bluzet, Taburet, and Father Hacquart. We were going back now to civilized life, perhaps to disperse to the four corners of the earth, but a bond had been formed between us which nothing will ever break. As for me, that bond was made up chiefly of loving gratitude, for to them is due the fact that I was able to keep my oath made when Davoust died, to serve my country and to increase the extent of the future possessions of France. [Illustration: NATIVES OF SANSAN HAUSSA.] Thanks too must be given to those who aided me by their influence, their encouragement, and their contributions, no matter how small. As my readers have seen, the beginning of the hydrographical expedition I commanded was set about with many difficulties, and I can honestly assert that I suffered far more personally just because of my zeal for the task I had undertaken; a task which when completed would extend the area of our colonial possessions and make them better known, which would add to the wealth and the power of my native country. Yes, I suffered more than if I had been a bad officer, caring little about his duty. I wish I could say that at least all was changed on my return, but truth compels me to add that there were certain notable exceptions to the general sympathy with me, and the general kindness of the reception given to me. [Illustration: GRAND MEDAL OF THE PARIS SOCIETY OF COMMERCIAL GEOGRAPHY.] But never mind, the sense of having done one’s duty is worth more than anything else. It is to you, dear friends, dear companions on the Niger, that I add—“Let people say what they will; a hundred years hence many things and many men will be forgotten, but for all that, it will be as true then as it is now, that our hydrographical expedition was the first to descend the Niger, the first to explore its course from Kolikoro to the sea.” A French sailor, Francis Garnier by name, on his way to Tonquin, which he had to aid in conquering, and where he was to end his days, wrote to his mother describing all the difficulties he would have to contend with, adding, “But I do not mind, mother dear. Forward, for the sake of old France!” For ourselves, and for those who are to come after us in Africa or elsewhere, I too close my narrative with the same words. “Forward, for the sake of old France!” [Illustration: _THE COURSE OF THE RIVER NIGER from TIMBUKTU to BUSSA._ _Reduced from the Original Surveys made by the HOURST Expedition._] INDEX Abd el Kader, Arab name of Hourst, 90, 191, 196, 309 Abder Rhaman, a chief, 142, 144 Abdu, 285-288, 293 Abdul Dori, 65, 66, 78, 98 Abdulaye, a carpenter, 96, 189, 287, 319, 320, 335, 364, 370, 399, 496 Abdulaye Dem, Tierno, 41, 70, 84, 95, 96, 157, 196, 286, 338, 352, 353, 367, 397, 416 Abdul Bubakar, 329 Abdul Kerim, 88-90, 101, 103, 124, 146, 153, 154, 168, 174, 184, 191 Abegga, 484, 485