On the 17th, I gave to a man, who had long solicited me, a dose of jalap for his wife, who he said, had the colic. He begged me to call and see her; I visited her and found her really in great pain. I made the husband promise to kill a fowl and make a refreshing broth of it, which she was to take after the jalap had operated. He came to me next day and told me that the medicine had operated very well, but that his wife still suffered from swelling of the abdomen, and begged me to give her a second dose. I supposed that this distension of the abdomen was the effect of irritation, in consequence of the jalap having been given in too great a quantity, and I told him that a second dose would probably do her a great deal of harm, and that it was necessary to let the patient have rest, and to give her the broth as I had directed. But I could not convince him. He alleged that there was a want of good-will on my part, and reiterated his request so earnestly that, for the sake of peace, I was obliged to substitute for the jalap a dose of cream of tartar, which I knew could do no harm; but the Mandingo perceived the difference, and would have jalap, insisting that it was better. Being unable to convince him, I again visited my patient. I was uneasy about the consequences of my jalap. However I diluted the cream of tartar, which she drank, and I ordered a mess of gruel to be made for her. Thus I became a physician, without having had for a moment the idea of assuming that character. I was extremely desirous to set out as soon as possible for the country of Kankan, as I feared that I should be obliged to go to Timbo, to visit the almamy, and that I might there be discovered and arrested. It is true my skin had became so swarthy, by exposure to the sun, that I might very easily have passed for a Moor; I was nevertheless not disposed to incur the risk. My guide was employed in his husbandry labours, which were likely to detain him a month or two, and I by no means wished to wait for him so long. I therefore resolved to take advantage of the first opportunity which might occur for crossing the country which separates Fouta-Dhialon from the Kankan. CHAPTER VIII. Bridge over the Tankisso. — Departure for the Kankan. — Description of Fouta-Dhialon. — Character, Manners and Customs of the Foulahs. — Country of Kankan-Fodéa. — Butter-tree. — Course of the Dhioliba. — Countries of Couranco, Sangaran, and Kissi-kissi. — Mandingo marriages. — River of Bandiégué. — Bagaraya. — Saraya. — Bacocouda. — Warlike dances.