324 THE EXPLORATION OF THE NIGER who 5er\-ed us. Wc talked to them at first by signs, c\-cry one using a kind of language of his own. Father Hacquart became \-ery popular amongst them, for he could sjak the Arabic employed by the so-called marabouts, and haggle in Songhay with the Koyraberos, whether male or female. Some of the negresses hit upon a very clever dodge, for instead of selling, they gave. They brought presents to the Father, to the Commandant, and to the other officers, such various gifts as calabashes of honey, eggs, milk, poultry, etc., but the principle was always to give a little to receive much. Truth to tell, it is very difficult to refuse to fall in with the idea when the presents are offered tn such an insinuating way.