380 
VISIT TO THE CHIEF. 
proceed by way of Sansanding. I was much vexed when 
he informed me of this resolution, for I was very reluctant 
to venture either into that town or Sego, in both which 
places I thought I was likely to meet with some unpleasant 
adventure. I knew that several Europeans had travelled in 
those parts, and, therefore, there was reason to fear that the 
inhabitants had become somewhat suspicious. Besides, that 
direction did not correspond with my plans, on account of 
the war between Jenne and Sego, which intercepted all 
communication between the two countries. 
I accordingly resolved to remain at Tangrera, until I 
should find an opportunity of going to Jenne. My guide 
accompanied me to the chief, to whom the old chief of Time 
had recommended me. I was also accompanied by a saraco- 
let of the country, who had travelled long among the Moors. 
He spoke the Moorish language very well, and he told me 
that he had been at El-Arawan, which they call Arawani. 
Before I visited the chief, who is of the Bambara sect, 
I had had a conversation with the saracolet. He advised me 
to say that I was poor, and the lightness of my baggage, 
which was carried by my guide, sufficiently proved the truth 
of the assertion. By way of precaution, I took off my girdle, 
which contained some pieces of money, for I was afraid that 
the chief would examine my property. The chief was a 
venerable-looking old man. We found him lying upon a 
bullock's hide, which was spread upon the ground, beneath a 
large bombax. He was superintending some labourers, who 
were employed in building huts. One of his brothers, a 
Mandingo converted to Mahometanism, accompanied us. 
My guide presented me to the chief, observing that the chief 
of Time had requested him to receive me kindly. He then 
briefly related my adventures, the way in which I had been 
captured and brought up by the christians, and finally my 
abode of five months with his brother Baba at Time. He 
described in feeling terms the illness and suffering I had un- 
