TRANSACTIONS AT DIABA. 107 
that the pretended envoys had gained the cause. Boubakar, 
ashamed that his influence and his eloquence had so com- 
pletely failed, made every possible effort to deliver me from 
the robbers into whose hands I had fallen. This time his 
exertions were not wholly unsuccessful, for he soon came back 
to inform me that my Marabout was permitted to depart with 
us, and that my effects were restored to me. I could scarcely 
g-ive credit to this intelligence, for I could not conceive, that 
a decision which seemed to have been pronounced with all 
the solemnity requisite in such cases, should not be irrevocable. 
It seemed not very probable that Boubakar should possess 
sufficient influence to procure its repeal ; but in a few mo- 
ments my doubts were dispelled by the appearance of Bou- 
kari with my property untouched. The services of so zealous 
an advocate were not very high-priced, a grain of coral paid 
for them. Boubakar was nevertheless a rich man, and we 
know that in Europe, wealth is a reason for demanding a 
larger fee from a client. 
Fearful of being exposed to fresh dangers, I resolved, 
when we were at some distance from Diaba, to travel alone 
with Moutoupha and his friends. I therefore desired Boukari 
to remain a little behind, until we had seen Almamy, and to 
say that the merchandize belonged to him ; he having only 
undertaken to conduct me to Oulli, to see my family there. 
It was very late when we arrived at Agnam, where we were 
lodged by Joloffs. Our host had collected several of his friends, 
p 2 
4 
