INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 321 
their dry provisions ; others had gone to visit their relations, 
or collect some trifling debts ; and, last of all, it was necessary 
to consult whether the day would be a lucky one. On account 
of one of these, or other such causes, our departure was put off, 
day after day, until the month of February was far advanced; 
after which all the Slatees agreed to remain in their present 
quarters, until the fast moon was over. And here I may re- 
mark, that loss of time, is an object of no great importance 
in the eyes of a Negro. If he has any thing of consequence to 
perform, it is a matter of indifference to him whether he does it 
to-day or to-morrow, or a month or two hence : so long as he 
can spend the present moment with any degree of comfort, he 
gives himself very little concern about the future. 
The fast of Rhamadan was observed with great strictness, by 
all the Bushreens ; but, instead of compelling me to follow their 
example, as the Moors did on a similar occasion, Karfa frankly 
told me that I was at liberty to pursue my own inclination. In 
order, however, to manifest a respect for their religious opinions, 
I voluntarily fasted three days, which was thought sufficient to 
screen me from the reproachful epithet of Kafir. During the 
fast, all the Slatees belonging to the coffle assembled every 
morning in Karfa's house, where the schoolmaster read to them 
some religious lessons, from a large folio volume, the author of 
which was an Arab, of the name of Sheiffa. In the evening, 
such of the women as had embraced Mahomedanism assembled, 
and said their prayers publicly at the Misura. They were all 
dressed in white, and went through the different prostrations, 
prescribed by their religion, with becoming solemnity. Indeed 
T t 
