232 
SOURCES OF THE GAMBIA. 
with the leaves of trees ; they have no millet whatever, but rice 
grows there in abundance. 
. I found at Toulon the companions who had travelled with 
us from Cacagne and quitted us so abruptly at Niebel ; they 
begged me to wait for them that we might proceed together to 
Timbo. I refused their request, as I had no wish for their 
company, knowing* that they would be of no use to me in the 
moment of danger; the pusillanimity with which they had 
abandoned me when detained by Ali had been a lesson to me ; 
and besides I wished to take advantage of my vicinity to the 
sources of the Gambia and Rio Grande, to go and examine 
them, conformably to my instructions. I did not conceal 
from my guide the desire I felt to visit the places whence 
these rivers spring. " Ah !" replied Ali, " the inhabitants 
will never suffer it : they know that the only object of the 
white men in exploring them is to gain possession of the 
country." " But I will make thee a present," I replied : " will 
three grains of amber satisfy thee ?" This was an irresistible 
argument, which dispelled all the terrors of Ali ; " yes, I will 
conduct thee," he cried. When we had taken our repast we re- 
ceived a visit from a great number of the inhabitants of Toulou, 
who were much surprised at our departure. I desired my inter- 
preter to tell them, that I was going to Satina to procure provi- 
sions, since none were to be had at Toulou ; and as they did not 
appear to be convinced of the truth of what I said, I hastened our 
departure. I pulled Boukari away from a numerous circle. 
