284 THE AUTHOR PERMITTED TO DEPART ON MAKING PRESENTS. 
to him. Boubou, that villain who has sought to destroy thee, 
and who was driven from Bondou for his crimes, has gained 
all his confidence. Ali, still too young to dare to resist their 
will, has become their slave. As to myself and Boubakar, 
we have ranged ourselves on the side of our brother Mamadou, 
whose weakness needs support. They wish to draw thee back 
to Bandeia to rob thee of thy merchandize ; but if thou 
followest my advice, thou wilt remain in this hut as in a fort- 
ress where hospitality will prevent thee from being attacked." 
This communication was so much the more important to me, 
as I perceived that this family was divided into two parties, and 
that it would be sufficient to gain over one of them in order to 
conquer all difficulties. Next day Boubou came to ask me if 
I would receive Mousa, brother to the chief of Labbé ; I con- 
sented, and when Mousa had dismissed his suite, he entered 
my hut with Boubou and Abdoul. I put into the hands of 
Mousa half of my powder, sixteen grains of coral, and 
fifteen of amber : this present won all their hearts ; they 
went into another hut to hold a council, which Mamadou 
attended. I soon perceived that my cause was gained, for 
Boubou and Abdoul slunk away ashamed from the hut, and 
I never saw them more. A message was sent to me that I 
was at liberty to go, and to take Saadou for a guide. As night 
approached, I deferred my departure until the next morning. 
June 14th. On escaping from the snares which had 
been laid for me, I hastened to profit by a decision which 
