270 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chap. LXXX. 
lions, and we saw the remains of four horses, which a 
single individual of that species had torn to pieces 
the preceding da}^ ; but, notwithstanding the strength 
and ferocity of this animal, I was assured by all the 
inhabitants that the lion of this region, like that of 
A'lr, has no mane, and that its outward appearance 
was altogether very unlike that beautiful skin upon 
which I used to lie down, being the exuvice of an 
animal from L6gone. 
Friday, ^ur way hither the preceding day, we 
July 21st. -j^^^i \)Q{iY\ overtaken, near the village of Gan- 
diitan, by a band of some three or four Songhay 
people, who had rather a warlike and enterprising 
appearance, and were very well mounted. Having 
kept close to us for some time, and spoken a great 
deal about my arms, they had disappeared, but at a 
very early hour this morning, while it was yet dark, 
and we were getting our luggage ready for the day's 
march, they again appeared and inspired my com- 
panions Avith some little fear, as to their ulterior in- 
tentions. They therefore, induced the chief of the 
Eratafdni to accompany us for a while, with some of 
his people on horseback ; as they were well aware 
that the Songhay who at present have almost en- 
tirely lost their independence, cannot undertake any 
enterprise without the connivance of the Tawarek. 
But as for myself I was not quite sure who were 
most to be feared, our protectors, or those vaga- 
bonds of whom my companions were so much 
afraid ; for although the chief himself seemed to be a 
