DEBTS — PROVERB. 
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that all this part of Africa is put under contribution 
to supply the South American market with slaves. 
Zinder is. considered within the circle of Soudan, 
and not to be Bornou, but only a Bornouese pro- 
vince. The Sheikh has in this province several 
Tuarick subjects, i. e. Tuaricks settled in the Zinder 
provinces. 
The souk to-day was full of people, but goods 
of value were wanting. Indeed, Zinder is now a 
poor place. Only the foreigners have any at their 
command. The Sarkee is at this moment despe- 
rately poor, and is going on this approaching razzia 
to raise money to satisfy his creditors. Verily, this 
is a " new way to pay old debts." 
I heard a curious explanation of the reason why 
the people of Zinder do not use mats or skins to lie 
down upon in the daytime. It is said they are 
afraid, because the Sarkee does not use them, and 
they must not display a luxurious taste not prac- 
tised by their prince. This is the explanation of the 
Shereef and the little court of Arabs and Moors by 
which he is surrounded. "Like people like prince" 
is a proverb which I think I have heard. 
The Shereef told me this morning that he had 
made war with France, in Algeria, fourteen years, 
and he had been a prisoner of the French seven 
months. He said the French were people without 
religion, or faith in their words and promises, and 
could not be trusted. He showed me his French 
passport. However, he seems to have soon for- 
