206 
RAPACITY OF THE IMAN's WIFE. 
cabin, gave me a presentiment of the scene which was to 
ensue. A sheep followed her ; without hesitation she gave it 
that water to drink which I had taken so much trouble to fetch 
in the morning, and also made it eat the rice which was to 
have furnished me with a dinner. Perceiving that I patiently 
endured these vexations, she asked for my pocket-handker- 
chief to cover her head, and my blanket for her to repose on. 
In no country can a princess endure a refusal ; I obeyed, 
esteeming myself very happy if she limited herself to these 
petty depredations. I was alone, Boukari was gone in search 
of my horse which had taken the road to the village where we 
had slept on the 28th of March. When he returned, Maria 
{which was the name of the princess) addressed my Marabout 
in the following terms : "In Fou ta Jallon wives direct the 
affairs of their husbands ;" w^hich was as m.uch as to say it is 
she who had stopped me; " if they make war or peace, it 
is according to their advice : tell thy wdiite man that I can 
send him to Timbo in safety." This address eased my appre- 
hensions, and apprized me of the motive of my detention. 
I clearly saw that by means of presents I should remove all 
obstacles. I accordingly gave the princess Maria three grains 
of coral ; she threw them on the ground with contempt, 
exclaiming " that she was not come to receive such trifling 
presents, and that she would never disgrace herself so far as 
to wear this coral." It was really difficult to purchase the 
protection of so powerful a princess with so small a stock as 
