FROM TIMBUKTU TO TOSAYE 143 us they meant to give us. The number of animals seemed increasing at every moment, and 1 at once feared there was some sinister intention behind this unusual generosity.

But no, I was wrong. They were really good fellows these Kel-Owi, though the merit of their munificence rather melts away when you examine closely into motives. It was present for present, as of course they knew I should not take their beasts without giving them something in exchange, I had the greatest difficulty in making our visitors understand that our boats were not sheep-pens, and that all I could do was to choose out the five finest animals.