244 DEPARTURE FROM BOIE. 
house, the architecture of which had appeared to me to be remark- 
able for the country. The wall which supported the roof was 
nine feet high, a gallery lofty enough to walk under, and which 
afforded shelter from the heat of the day, was carried round 
the whole of the house ; bamboos of a dazzling red supported 
the roof ; the bedstead, composed of moulded earth, was orna- 
mented with delicate sculpture ; arms were suspended above 
it. Large mahogany doors, although only shaped with the 
hatchet, presented a very smooth and polished surface. 
I then visited the mosque, a square building, the floor of 
which was covered by beautiful mats manufactured in Liban ; 
four columns supported the roof, and a long gallery went 
round it. 
At two o'clock I prepared to leave Boié, after making a 
present to Boubakar. This hospitable chief, whom I have since 
seen at St. Louis, intreated me to pass the rest of my days 
with him. " I will give thee a wife," said he ; " I will satisfy 
all thy wishes ; I will take as much care of thy children as if 
they were my own ; my slaves, my house, all I have shall 
belong to thee." " I too have a family," answered I, " to 
whom I must return." He smiled, and admitted that he 
could not blame me for refusing to remain with him. 
Before we parted, Boubakar gave me dinner, ordered 
his wives to salute me, and then conducted me himself beyond 
the limits of his territory. My departure was as pompous as 
that of a sovereign, for all the inhabitants, even women and 
