204 DETENTION OF THE AUTHOR BY THE IMAN OF NIEBEL. 
a conversation instantly commenced between them. I 
earnestly entreated Boukari to rise ; but it was impossible to 
make him stir from the spot. At length, when I least expected 
it, he came to tell me in the name of the Iman, that I ought 
to remain in this village, until it was positively known 
whether Almamy of Timbo would see me or send me back. 
Having long made patience and resignation a duty, I imme- 
diately agreed, and w^ent to unpack my merchandize. My 
fellow-travellers had left us without giving any notice. In 
this country, as in many others, the people shun the society 
of a man who appears to be suspected by those in authority. 
Seating myself under a tree, I was sadly musing on tliis 
new obstacle. So near my object I was yet prevented from 
attainino' it. Thouo;-h almost close to the source of the Gambia 
I found it impracticable to reach the spot. During these 
painful reflections, I suspected that this Iman might be a 
rogue, who wished to obtain presents from me : as his rank 
gave him the power to injure me, I determined to make some 
sacrifices to obtain permission to continue my route. I called 
Boukari and desired him to conduct me to the Iman, whose 
name was Ali. The latter made me wait some time in his 
court ; at length he came and seated himself, for in Africa all 
business is transacted in public, and before he would listen to 
my remonstrances, he sent for the chief and the principal 
inhabitants of the village. As soon as they had arrived, I 
told him that the village of Niebel was destitute of every 
