THE AUTHOR IS STOPPED AT DIABA. 
105 
its water, which seemed delicious when compared to that of 
the wells which I had drunk since the commencement of my 
journey, induced me to bathe ; I enjoyed this pleasure for the 
first time since my departure from St. Louis. My companions 
followed my example, and seeing me undressed, they wished 
to avail themselves of this opportunity to clear up a point on 
which they had often been in doubt; they were extremely 
curious to ascertain whether I was circumcised ; they believed 
me,however, on my word, and did not carry their examination 
farther than the mere question. 
It was three o'clock in the afternoon when we quitted 
Diaba, and we were not very far from it, when some men, 
sent as they told us, by Almamy, stopped us, saying that I 
must immediately repair to their prince, and leave my arms, 
merchandize, and ass at Diaba, under the care of Boukari. 
The countenances of these men made me strongly doubt the 
truth of their assertions ; nevertheless I prepared to obey ; but 
a Toucolor, named Boubakar, galloping up to us, declared 
that these men were rogues, who had no other intention than 
to rob us of our baggage. A sharp altercation ensued between 
them and Boubakar ; and I was much embarrassed to decide 
into whose hands I should commit myself. I however thought 
it more prudent to return to the village, than to enter into 
any dispute with these men in the middle of the country. 
The Marabouts who had accompanied me from the JololF 
country, so far from imitating the example too frequently 
