INTERVIEW WITH THE KING OF THE JOLOFFS. 73 
selves directly to a strang-er, whom they suppose to be ig- 
norant of their language. Their dignity requires them to 
employ the medium of an interpreter. After some minutes 
spent in scrutinizing my person, the Bourb-Joloffs ordered 
me to be conducted back to my hut. In the evening an ox 
was killed in honour of my presence. This good cheer 
enlivened the spirits of our hosts. I was the first subject of 
conversation ; they then talked of the Moors, whom I so much 
resembled. Each was eager to recount the dangers which he 
had escaped from these people. One related the courageous 
defence he had opposed to a sudden invasion of their troops ; 
another deplored the fate of a hamlet, all the inhabitants of 
which weve carried off in one night by these banditti. The 
kingdom of the Bourb-Joloffs is really one of those which are 
most exposed to their depredations. This nation treats the 
Negroes like brute animals, they allow them to herd, as it 
were, in the Ouallo, and the provinces inhabited by the Joloffs, 
and when they want slaves, they drive them off from these 
countries, the kings of which never take vengeance on the 
plunderers. 
February 15th. Wishing to set off during the day, I 
repaired at an early hour to the hut of the king to apply for 
the promised guide. The Bourb-Joloffs was still in bed. I 
waited a considerable time, until his sable majesty had risen. 
At length I saw him go out. He desired me instantly to 
attend him to the hall of audience. As I had presents to 
