circumspection; and at last, coming to some thick underwood, he
insisted that I should walk before him. I endeavoured to excuse
myself, by alleging that I did not know the road; but he obstinately
persisted, and, after a few high words and menacing looks, threw
down the saddle and went away. This very much disconcerted me; but
as I had given up all hopes of obtaining a horse, I could not think
of encumbering myself with the saddle, and, taking off the stirrups
and girths, I threw the saddle into the river. The negro no sooner
saw me throw the saddle into the water than he came running from
among the bushes where he had concealed himself, jumped into the
river, and by help of his spear, brought out the saddle and ran away
with it. I continued my course along the bank; but as the wood was
remarkably thick, and I had reason to believe that a lion was at no
great distance, I became much alarmed, and took a long circuit
through the bushes to avoid him.

About four in the afternoon I reached Modiboo, where I found my
saddle. The guide, who had got there before me, being afraid that I
should inform the king of his conduct, had brought the saddle with
him in a canoe.

While I was conversing with the dooty, and remonstrating against the
guide for having left me in such a situation, I heard a horse neigh
in one of the huts; and the dooty inquired with a smile if I knew
who was speaking to me. He explained himself by telling me that my
horse was still alive, and somewhat recovered from his fatigue; but
he insisted that I should take him along with me, adding that he had
once kept a Moor's horse for four months, and when the horse had
recovered and got into good condition, the Moor returned and claimed
it, and refused to give him any reward for his trouble.