220 TRAVELS IN THE 
thick underwood, he insisted that I should walk before him. I 
endeavoured to excuse myself, by alleging that I did not know 
the road ; but he obstinately persisted ; and after a few high 
words and menacing looks, threw down the saddle and went 
away. This very much disconcerted me ; but as I had given 
, up all hopes of obtaining a horse, I could not think of encum- 
bering myself with the saddle ; and taking off the stirrups and 
girths, I threw the saddle into the river. The Negro no sooner 
saw me throw the saddle into the water, than he came running 
from among the bushes where he had concealed himself, jumped 
into the river, and by help of his spear brought out the saddle, 
and ran away with it. I continued my course along the bank ; 
but as the wood was remarkably thick, and I had reason to 
believe that a lion was at no great distance, I became much 
alarmed, and took a long circuit through the bushes to avoid 
him. 
About four in the afternoon I reached Modiboo, where I found 
my saddle. The guide, who had got there before me, being 
afraid that I should inform the king of his conduct, had brought 
the saddle with him in a canoe. 
While I was conversing with the Dooty, and remonstrating 
against the guide for having left me in such a situation, I heard 
a horse neigh in one of the huts ; and the Dooty inquired, with 
a smile, if I knew who was speaking to me He explained him- 
self, by telling me that my horse was still alive, and somewhat 
recovered from his fatigue ; but he insisted that I should take 
him along with me; adding, that Ijehad once kept a Moor s horse 
for four months, and when the horse had recovered and got 
