thought I, who planted, watered, and brought to perfection, in this
obscure part of the world, a thing which appears of so small
importance, look within unconcern upon the situation and sufferings
of creatures formed after His own image? Surely not! Reflections
like these would not allow me to despair. I started up, and,
disregarding both hunger and fatigue, travelled forwards, assured
that relief was at hand; and I was not disappointed. In a short
time I came to a small village, at the entrance of which I overtook
the two shepherds who had come with me from Kooma. They were much
surprised to see me; for they said they never doubted that the
Foulahs, when they had robbed, had murdered me. Departing from this
village, we travelled over several rocky ridges, and at sunset
arrived at Sibidooloo, the frontier town of the kingdom of Manding.



CHAPTER XIX--ILLNESS AT KAMALIA AND KINDNESS OF THE NATIVES



The town of Sibidooloo is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded
with high, rocky hills. It is scarcely accessible for horses, and
during the frequent wars between the Bambarrans, Foulahs, and
Mandingoes has never once been plundered by an enemy. When I
entered the town, the people gathered round me and followed me into
the baloon, where I was presented to the dooty or chief man, who is
here called mansa, which usually signifies king. Nevertheless, it
appeared to me that the government of Manding was a sort of
republic, or rather an oligarchy--every town having a particular
mansa, and the chief power of the state, in the last resort, being