TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 155 
fellow, with much reluctance, left our camp, 
and appeared evidently disappointed at not 
going home loaded with presents. 
Although I was satisfied that Almamy had 
sent this fellow with some message to me about 
the horses purchased, I doubted his having given 
orders to the people of the country not to bring 
provisions to us, and therefore delayed sending 
any one to see Almamy until I might be enabled 
to ascertain, by a few days' experience, if the 
market would be attended as usual. No altera- 
tion appearing for three days, I sent Charles 
Jow to Boolibany, to inform Almamy of what 
his messenger had said, and, in case he had 
been instructed by him to bring that message, 
to say I felt very much annoyed at such treat- 
ment, particularly as it appeared to me he did 
it merely to get something from me which was 
not his due, and to prevent me from replacing 
those animals which had died and were stolen in 
his country. 
On his return the following day, he brought 
for answer, that Almamy insisted on getting a 
duty, the amount or nature of which he would 
not specify, but if I did not give what pleased 
him, I might eat my merchandize, and he 
would eat his corn, meat, &c. I again waited a 
few days, to see whether his threats, with respect 
to the market, would be put in execution, when, 
