MOHAMMED. 
deavouring to penetrate into the east, to take advantage of 
the Musulmans and to overreach them. 
This scene, vi^hich 1 had foreseen, but which I could 
not avoid, vexed me exceedingly, for I was afraid it might 
lead to unpleasant consequences. However,''no attention was 
paid to Lamfia's fury ; he was looked upon as a rogue irri- 
tated at finding himself discovered ; and 1 was told not to 
mind his accusations. I endeavoured to interest the natives 
in my behalf, pointing out to them my critical situation, 
alone and almost destitute in a strange country, and to 
crown my misfortunes, speaking the language but imperfect- 
ly. Many appeared to pity me, and these were the most 
zealous followers of the Prophet. I then went to the hum- 
ble hut of my new host, who received me in the best manner 
he could. He even offered me the mat on which he was 
himself accustomed to lie ; but this I objected to take, being 
reluctant to deprive the old man of it. He insisted however 
that 1 should have it, observing that it became me as a stran- 
ger to yield to him, and allow him, a native of the country, 
to do the honours of his little hut in his own way. I par- 
took of his frugal supper, consisting of a small plate of tau, 
with some good gombo sauce, seasoned with salt. How 
happens it that, in every country, the poor man is always 
the most charitable ? Because, being himself unfortunate, 
he measures another's wants by his own. 
On the morning of the 8th of July, the chief sent for 
me, and I and the Moor Mohammed went to him. He was 
visiting the alkali, * a Foulah of the Wassoulo, settled at 
Kankan. He was one of the richest men in the town, and 
was also a member of the council. I found three or four 
Mandingoes of rank, who accompanied Mamadi-Sanici. An 
account was given to all present of the theft that had been 
committed upon me, and I took notice that Lamfia's good 
* The title of a chief. 
