MODE OF LIFE OF FALI LOUM. 
31 
I awaited the return of my messenger until the 2d of 
February, During these two days, I was overwhelmed with 
visits. The negroes of the neighbourhood, apprized of my 
arrival, flocked to see a white man, who was an entirely new 
object to the greater part of them. Some brought me provi- 
sions in exchange for tobacco ; I was thus enabled to live 
much better than Fali Loum ; his rank of chief not permitting 
him to taste the provisions of a poor traveller : thus I regaled 
myself with fowls and fresh eggs, whilst my host contented 
himself with his couscous, I did not excite the envy of any of 
the negroes by eating eggs, for they never touch them, 
Meanwhile I employed this interval in observing the 
customs of the negroes, and examining the interior of their 
habitations. My host led a very regular life, which I must 
confess, somewhat surprised me. Fali Loum rose with the 
first rays of the sun : a rigid observer of the Koran, and full of 
devotion, his first w^ords were addressed to the Supreme Go- 
vernor of the universe. After having fulfilled this duty, held 
sacred by all mankind, he came to our hut to ask how we had 
passed the night, and stirred our fire. He then received 
visits from the people of his village who had retired to more 
distant places. These negroes never failed to come daily and 
pay him their respects. The conversation generally turned 
on the cruelties which the Damel exercised upon his subjects. 
I often heard them swear never to receive any of the envoys 
of that prince. Some related that they had seen men crouch- 
