SOURCES OF THE GAMBIA AND RIO GRANDE. 233 
to whom he was relating the wonders of St. Louis, where he 
had lived ; he was very unwilling- to rise, Wlien we had 
commenced our journey, my heart palpitated whenever I met 
a man, fearing that every one had guessed my intention, and 
that insurmountable obstacles would be thrown in the way of 
its execution. Our guide first led us to the west, then looking 
about on every side to see if any one observed us, he turned 
to the north-west, and took us to sleep at Rumbdé Toulon. 
Such excursions must be made in the open day, not to awaken 
the suspicions of so distrustful a people as the Poulas. 
April 12th. We had not been able to sleep quietly, for 
we were in constant alarm. In the morning, after making 
my guide eat a hearty breakfast to keep him in spirits, we 
pursued a western direction, taking bye-paths in the lofty 
mountains called Badet ; we at length arrived at the summit 
of one of these heights ; it was entirely bare, so that we could 
discover below us, two thickets, the one concealing- from view 
the sources of the Gambia, (in Poula, Diman,) the other those 
of the Rio Grande, (in Poula, Comba.) The joy I felt at this 
sight could not be disturbed by the reflection of Ali, who the 
moment we perceived the two rivers said to me : " I fear they 
will murder thee, if they learn that thou art going to the 
sources ; nevertheless, since thou wilt have it so, we will 
proceed towards them as if we were hunting, and Boukari on 
his side shall go to the neighbouring village." The Poulas of 
Fouta Jallon call this village, the Sources. Satisfied with this 
H H 
