BUG: Incorrect return type

[bsian03]

BUG REPORT

Overview

This returns a buffer. Could add option to return as string

Issue state:

• [X] I know how to fix this and I will open a PR to do so
• [ ] I am just reporting the issue

Details:
This issue is about:

• [x] Typings
• [x] Documentation
• [x] Bug in existing feature
• [ ] Missing feature / breaking change
• [ ] API / library update
• [ ] None of the above (don't know what the issue is about)

[bsian03]