56 SUFFERINGS OF THE AUTHOR. 
marabout^ so I had no hope except from the pity of those 
who were near me. I tried again to persuade them, for I 
was exhausted with pain and fatigue, but in vain ; I got 
nothing but raillery in answer to my entreaties, and I was 
told that I should win heaven by suffering with patience. 
They spoke the truth ; but I am sure not one of them would 
have taken my place to earn heaven at this price. If they 
had even left me alone in my misery, it would have been 
more bearable ; but the young princes, mounted upon their 
fine horses, came bounding about me, running against me, 
and rallying me upon my dress, which consisted only of 
a coussabe* made of coarse blue pagne, and falling to pieces. 
I found on the road some water-melons, which 1 ate to 
quench my thirst, and when it became still more intolerable 
I was forced to beg some water, with my beads in my hand, 
and then I sometimes succeeded in obtaining a little. 
At last, about eleven o'clock we stopped near a lake 
called Tobaiti. I perceived the tent of the king, which was 
pitched, and thither 1 went to rest myself. Several mara- 
bouts came and took out the numerous thorns which had 
run into my feet, and the king appeared sorry to see me 
suffer ; he assured me that if he had fallen in with me by 
the way, he would have ordered a beast for me, and he sent 
me some milk and some water to refresh me. When I had 
rested a little, I went to the tent of Fatme- Anted- Moctar, 
the residence which had been assigned me. In the evening, 
at the usual hour, milk was distributed among us for supper, 
and as soon as I had received my portion, I inquired if there 
was any body to be found who would exchange a little sangleh 
for milk ; upon which I was referred to an old female slave 
who was seldom without it. She accepted my proposition 
and gave me a little at the time, promising me the same 
quantity every day. I, on my side, promised her a reward. 
This poor creature was in the habit of going, when her 
* A sort of round frock without sleeves. 
