184 MARAMASITA — THE AUTHOR DISCHARGES HIS GUIDES. 
socone, then absolutely deserted, for all the inhabitants were 
in the woods, occupied in hunting wild cattle. Obliged to 
sleep in the open air, we found the cold so sharp, that all the 
clothing I had to put on could not defend me from it. 
March 22d. Notwithstanding the desire my guides 
evinced to await the arrival of a caravan, I departed, and 
during the day we reached Maramasita, a name, which in the 
Serracolet language signifies, an elephant fastened with a cord 
of baobab. It was necessary on arriving at this village to 
receive a visit from one of Almamy Bondou's sons, whom all 
the people of Maramasita accompanied in token of respect. 
How much this state differs from that of Foutatoro, where I 
had seen the brother of Almamy confounded with the crowd 
of courtiers, and not treated witli any distinction ! 
At the moment we were about to enter the wood which 
is on the confines of Bondou and Fouta Jallon, Boukari, 
to my extreme surprise, refused to come with me, unless I 
took two skins of water : this proposal was so much the 
more ridiculous, because in the deserts into which we were 
going to penetrate, there are abundant springs, and my beasts 
were so fatigued, that they would have perished under the fresh 
burden with which I must have loaded them. Seeing the 
obstinacy of this man, until then so faithful, I dismissed him. 
His example seduced Maka, who also applied for his discharge. 
I had no means of refusing ; I therefore dismissed them both, 
and they departed. 
