264 NIOGO — PASSAGE OF THE FALEME — RUMBDE-PARAVI. 
S r- April 27th. The parts throug-li which we had passed in 
our way to Timbo were much changed since the rains had 
set in. All the flat country was inundated ; we could not 
advance without infinite difliculty, being obliged to carry our 
provisions on our shoulders, and could not reach Niogo until 
sun-set. ' ' ' "' ^ 
April 28th. We were a long time stopped at the passage 
of the Falemé ; a very narrow ridge of rocks formed a ford 
across this river, which was there very broad. The water 
reached up to our waists ; I fell into a very deep hole, and had 
nearly lost my journal. Overcome by the fatigue caused by 
the passage of this river, we rested under the beautiful trees 
which shaded its banks. By the help of some underwood, 
to which we set fire, we roasted a handful of pistachio-nuts 
to recruit our strength, and arrived in the evening at 
Rumbdé Paravi, where the inhabitants were so terrified at our 
ass. that we could not obtain a lodging. 
April 29th. A curious accident retarded our departure ; 
Ali would not set ofl" till he had found a paper written in 
Arabic, containing directions for mixing silk with the hair of 
Europeans, in such a manner as to procure great riches. 
After long search, he learned that a Marabout in the village 
possessed a similar paper ; he obtained a copy of it, and then 
consented to depart for Paravi. At a little distance from 
this place we met the old man who had manifested so strong 
an attachment for me at Lalia, when I passed near that 
