326 HOSPITALITY OF THE GOVERNOR OF BISSAO. 
induced me to travel into the interior of Africa ; my answers 
appeared satisfactory to him, and he was kind enough to 
express himself to that effect. " But have you breakfasted ?" 
added he. " I have not eaten any thing for three days ;" was 
my reply. He immediately ordered fresh bread, tea, butter 
and cheese, to be set before me, and poured out the first cup 
for me himself. He then retired to the steps in front of the 
house and left me to take my breakfast at my ease. At the 
same time my only claim to the kindness of this generous 
man, was a letter of recommendation from M. Dioqui, for 
which I was solely indebted to the interest with which I had 
inspired him. 
When I had breakfasted, the governor said to me : " Sir, 
all that is in my house is yours ; it is at your disposal ; you 
doubtless need repose ; a chamber has been prepared for you, 
which you may now occupy." An officer immediately con- 
ducted me to a good stone house, situated on the sea-shore. 
As I had a violent attack of fever, I immediately went to bed, 
and slept soundly, and on waking I felt relieved. I was 
congratulating myself on this happy change, when news was 
brought me which proved the truth of the old adage, that 
there is no joy without a mixture of sorrow. My ass, the 
faithful animal to which I owed the preservation of my life, 
had perished in the sea. I was so weak when I disembarked, 
that I could not remain on the shore to superintend the landing 
of this poor beast. He had rendered me important services. 
