But he was not to enjoy the distinction of being the sole possessor of an amulet, for the potter was instantly besieged by applicants for clay pellets, and for the next hour I was kept busy writing inscriptions on the little tablets, a shea butter lamp being provided when the daylight faded; and a special fire was made for hardening them, which process was conducted under the superintendence of the potter himself. This rather absurd incident was a fortunate one for me, for by it I gained the goodwill and respect not only of our own party but of the villagers, and so far from being a burden to my hospitable host, I became a benefactor; for the gifts of fowls, yams, and fruit that poured in on me converted our evening meal into a veritable banquet. That night, as we sat by the fire on our mats, Isaaku opened his heart to me on the subject of my appearance, which evidently troubled him not a little, for, like all Mahommedans, he had very strict ideas concerning the outward decencies of life. “It grieveth me, Yúsufu,” said he, “to see thee go so naked and forlorn. I know thou art a holy man, modest and clean in act and thought, but I fear that strangers, who know thee not, may scoff to see one of our faith, and a wise man, walking abroad uncovered as the heathen do. Moreover, it is not good that thy wife, who is young and comely, should be seen without decent raiment.” “Thou speakest wisely, Isaaku, and like a true follower of the Prophet,” I replied. “I will remember thy words and buy me some fitting apparel with the first money that I earn.” Isaaku was silent for a time; then he said somewhat shyly-- “I have in my pack a _riga_ and _wondo_ that I do not need. They are threadbare and old, and not such as are fitting to one of thy condition, but, if thou wilt take them, they will at least serve until thou canst get thee more suitable raiment.” “I will take thy gift and be very thankful,” I replied, concealing with difficulty my eagerness and delight; whereupon Isaaku arose and, calling his wife, went with her into the house allotted to the women. Presently he came back with a bundle in his hands, which he unrolled on the mat. “Here are the garments,” he said. “They are but poor things, and little worth, but, such as they are, thou art welcome to them.” I thanked him and shook them out. They were very shabby and none too clean, and they smelt most horribly of civet; but I was overjoyed at possessing them, and without more ado I stood up on the mat and put them on. As my head came through the hole in the _riga_ I heard Aminé give a little cry, and looking towards her, saw that she was holding out a large, blue-striped body-cloth. “See, Yúsufu!” she exclaimed gleefully; “the good Fatima hath given me a _túrkedi_.”