282 UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH BOUBOU. 
huts. Saadou, who had property in this place, begged me to 
halt there, whilst he directed his slaves what they were to do 
in the plantations during his absence. I was scarcely seated 
in a hut when I perceived Boubou. This traitor was returning 
from Labbé, a large trading town, and the chief of which, 
the vassal rather than the subject of Almamy of Timbo, 
exercises almost sovereign power over a great extent of 
country. Boubou was conversing with some persons who 
were unknown to me ; amongst them was the brother of the 
chief of Labbé. Some people of the retinue of the latter 
came to me, saying, they were sent by the chief of Labbé, 
and ordered me in his name not to leave the place where I 
then was. I returned no answer, but prepared to depart, and 
if a storm had not prevented me, I should have put my design 
in execution. When I returned into the hut, Ali also came 
with a message from his brother Abdoul, forbidding me to stir. 
A moment afterwards the latter entered my hut: notwithstand- 
ing his protestation of friendship, I was perfectly acquainted 
with his perfidious disposition. Boubou also appeared, and told 
me in the name of Abdoul, that I could not go unless I took 
Ali or himself with me. At these words, looking fiercely at 
Boubou, and addressing myself to Abdoul, I said to him : 
" There is but one expedient to prevent me from pursuing my 
route, which is to put irons upon my legs. Why dost thou 
order me to remain, when only yesterday thou gavest me 
permission to depart ? Being at liberty to chuse, I have 
