186 DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH. 
length one, bolder than the rest, named Compag- 
non, ventured to pass the dreaded boundary. He 
was copiously furnished with every commodity which 
could serve either for presents or trade. He be- 
gan by insinuating himself into the favour of the 
Farim of Kagnure, a town situated about fifteen 
leagues up the Faleme, and in the immediate fron- 
tier of Bambouk. This chief sent forward his son 
with Compagnon to Sambaura. The arrival of 
Compagnon there caused a mingled sensation of 
wonder, horror, and dread. Some were for depriv- 
ing him of life ; and the most moderate urged, that 
no time should be lost in removing him out of the 
country. His companion, however, pleaded power* 
fully in his favour ; and, when he began to open 
the stores with which he was provided, a wonderful 
revolution followed. The Farim undertook his 
cause, and soon brought over the people to the 
same disposition. At length he became the fa- 
vourite of the whole city, and they began to thank 
heaven for having conducted him thither. He 
found no difficulty, therefore, in selecting a few 
from among the inhabitants to attend and intro- 
duce him in other cities. Wherever he went he 
found always prejudices and opposition to encoun- 
ter. The people of Silabuli wrote to their neigh- 
bours, that they acted like madmen in allowing a 
white man to enter their territory, and that he 
ought to be put to death without a moment's de- 
