SUSPICION OFLAMFIA. 
235 
to keep my notes in a little portfolio of untanned calf-skin. 
We took shelter under some huts similar to those in which 
we passed the preceding night. About three in the afternoon 
the rain ceased^ the sun re-appeared^ and the surrounding 
country was clothed in new charms. We prepared to kindle 
a fire ; but this was no easy task^ on account of the wetness 
of the wood. H(>wever_, we at length succeeded and dried our 
clothes. We burned a great deal of straw; for it was scarcely 
possible to make the wood burn^ even after we had dried it 
at the straw fire. We met some travellers coming from 
Baleya, who, like us, had braved the storm. They were laden 
with white cloth of the manufacture of the country, which 
they were going to exchange for salt in the Fouta-Dhialon. 
I had seated myself for a few moments behind a bush 
in order to make some notes, when I saw the wife of 
Lamfia advancing towards me. I immediately hid my paper 
and took up my trowsers which were drying at the fire. She 
returned to her husband, who asked her whether I was writ- 
ing: — "No," replied she, "he is putting on his clothes." I 
was near enough to hear this conversation, which sufiiciently 
indicated that they suspected me. I therefore became doubly 
cautious, and shewed a greater assiduity in the study of the 
Koran. When, on the road, I sometimes withdrew a little 
from my companions, I saw them looking at me and endea- 
vouring to discover what I was about; but I always took 
care to hold in my hand a leaf of the Koran, on which I laid 
my note paper, and when I saw any one advancing towards 
me I concealed my writing and pretended to be reading a 
verse of the sacred book. 
We had a little of our mutton left, of which we made a 
good supper : Lamfia and I ate together, and the other Man- 
dingoes took their meals apart. In spite of the distrust which 
he appeared to entertain, from his having sent his wife to 
watch whether I was writing, he was, nevertheless, very kind 
to me, always taking my part against those who doubted my 
