102 
CURIOSITY OF THE PEOPLE OF BOQUE. 
Poula term, signifying- a Mahometan priest. Whilst my host 
made his wife prepare my breakfast, a Marabout brought me 
some milk and millet flour. I was gratified by this present, 
but I conceived, I knew not for what reason, that it was 
offered from some interested motive, and I was not mistaken. 
He went out, and presently brought back with him his mother 
who was afflicted with a very large absoess in her cheek. I 
proposed an operation, but this was opposed both by the 
patient and her son. These people wanted some charm, or 
other ; nevertheless they did not venture to ask me for any. 
I had not yet begun to sell amulets. During the whole of the 
time which I passed in the hut of this Marabout, the door was 
besieged by a crowd of curious people, and my host had great 
difficulty to prevent them from forcing an entrance. The 
population of Boqué is very considerable, and is partly com- 
posed of Joloffs. This village is veiy rich in flocks and in 
corn. When night approached, my host secretly saddled my 
horse, and when it was ready, came and fold me that I must 
assume the Moorish dress to escape the Poulas of Boqué, who 
detest the whites. I did not think proper to follow his advice, 
but resolutely mounting my horse, I galloped out of the village, 
and thus escaped with nothing worse than hooting and abuse. 
The swiftness of my horse delivered me from this rabble, who 
pursued me, running as fast as possible. The rude manners 
of these people, perhaps, arises from their mode of life ; being 
constantly in the woods with their flocks, they naturally con- 
