198 DESERT OF FOUTA JALLON. 
answered, that my journal was the book in which I wrote 
my prayers. This stratagem, which I always made use of, 
served to prevent all suspicion respecting the object of my 
journey. . < < ; 
Our troop then entered the thickest part of the wood to 
await the rising of the moon, which alone could guide us 
during the night, in paths, the traces of which are so easily 
lost. When this luminary appeared in the horizon, an old 
Poula merchant, named Boubou, who was accompanied by 
his wife, gave the signal for departure. After a long and 
tedious march by a hilly path, covered with ferruginous stones, 
we rested in a plain, which seemed to have been desolated 
by fire, for there was scarcely any appearance of verdure. 
Some stones served us to rest our wearied limbs upon. Whilst 
several of my companions went all round in quest of leaves to 
make me a bed, we lighted some fires to prevent the approach 
of wild beasts, and to prepare our supper. 
March 26. After prayers we again resumed our route. 
Arriving in an open place, a Poula exhorted us to quicken our 
march, assuring us that this spot was infested by Mandingo 
robbers, who generally attack caravans. I was anxious to keep 
up with my companions, but my horse, accustomed to travel 
over a sandy country, and with a worn out hoof, proceeded 
with difticulty. At noon, we passed the road to ïenda, on 
the right, and that of Dentilia on the left. Torrents every 
moment intercepted our progress ; a few were dry, but the 
