438 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chap. LXVII. 
adopt the character of a Mohammedan, in order to 
traverse with some degree of safety the country 
of the Tawarek, and to enter the town of Timbuktu, 
which was in the hands of the fanatical Fulbe of 
Hamda-Allahi, while I had not yet obtained the pro- 
tection of the chief whose name and character alone 
had inspired me with sufficient confidence to enter 
upon this enterprise. 
Thus I had now reached the object of my arduous 
undertaking ; but it was apparent from the very first, 
that I should not enjoy the triumph of having over- 
come the difficulties of the journey in quiet and 
repose. The continuous excitement of the protracted 
struggle, and the uncertainty whether I should suc- 
ceed in my undertaking, had sustained my weakened 
frame till I actually reached this city ; but as soon 
as I was there, and almost at the very moment when 
I entered my house, I was seized with a severe attack 
of fever. Yet never were presence of mind and 
bodily energy more required ; for the first night 
which I passed in Timbuktu was disturbed by feel- 
ings of alarm and serious anxiety. 
On the morning of the 8th of September, the first 
news I heard was, that Hammadi the rival and enemy 
of El Bakay had informed the Fiilbe, or Fullan, that 
a Christian had entered the town, and that, in con- 
sequence, they had come to the determination of 
killing him. However, these rumours did not cause 
me any great alarm, as I entertained the false hope 
that I might rely on the person who, for the time, 
