150 
NOCTURNAL ALARM. 
fortification of earth, which was falling- to ruin. This man who 
was extremely phlegmatic, after haying some time considered 
if he should receive us, at length told one of his slaves to give 
up his hut to us. We slept until eleven o'clock without the 
house. 
During the night I heard my horse neigh, and supposing 
that he was attacked by some wild beast, I instantly rose and 
took my gun. Imagining that I saw a hysena prowling round 
him, I called Boukari, and told him to arm himself ; we then 
cautiously approached the unknown animal, which was nothing 
but a large dog, watching our movements ; he began to bark, 
and thus dispelled our alarm. On our return we had to 
encounter the jokes of a dozen traders, who lodged with us 
under the same roof. 
March 13th. Notwithstanding a fresh attack of fever, 
I departed early with my people. Having gone, according to 
the custom of every civilized country, to take leave of the 
chief, I presented him with a grain of amber, which surprised 
him so much that he could not utter a word, as he had not 
himself granted me hospitality. The heat having overtaken 
us in the woods, we rested in them, and as the trees afforded 
but little shade, Maka made me a tent with my blanket. I 
could not now mount my horse. The sight of this poor com- 
panion of my labours was so impaired, that during the night 
he had two or three times run against the trees with me. We 
slept at Diotte, ' . 
