ARRIVAL AT SEDO, 109 
selves into tlie arms of their husbands, whom they strained to 
the^r bosoms but without kissing- them; yet such was the 
delight they felt, that tears bathed their cheeks. The children 
hid themselves, and durst not appear before the travellers, 
who asked to see and to embrace them. The neighbours, 
informed of our arrival, eagerly ran to enquire concerning 
their friends, and particularly respecting' the state of the 
country of the Bourb-JolofFs, which they still regretted as 
their ancient native land. Moutoupha, who had become 
my host, gave them a brilliant picture of their common 
country. " Abundance reigns there at this moment," said 
he ; " each man now can put his foxcl into his pot the 
flocks are multiplying ; every one possesses several changes 
of apparel, and the people are happy, notwithstanding the 
incursions of our eternal enemies the Moors." This state- 
ment proves how national predilection can deceive even 
the Negro, respecting the real state of his country; for to 
nie that of the Joloffs had appeared most miserable. The 
whole hut was soon in motion, for Moutoupha was rich 
and had a great number of slaves, some of whom unsaddled 
our horses, while others brought us drink. When the first 
transports of joy were over, the eyes of all were fixed upon 
me, especially as Moutoupha had seated me near him. " This 
This was literally the expression he employed. 
