FROM KAYES TO TIMBUKTU have been achieved when he has been disguised as a woman, for he is wonderfully clever at imitating feminine ways. As he dances he strikes a calabash full of little flints, and composes songs on the spot which are full of caustic humour. One of his privileges, and he values it greatly, is that he can say anything to or of anybody without giving offence.

During my first stay at Kolikoro, Sanke was particulariy THE FLEET OP MY EXPEDITION.

fond of taking off the Mussulman Toucouleurs, and I remember one day \\o\w,d propos of their many prostrations and genuflexions, he said, " What pleasure can these fellows give to Allah by showing Him their backs three times a day ! " My lady readers must pardon me ; the Bambara language is in certain expressions no more refined than the Latin.

This time Sanke, after having as usual given us all the news, imitated the taking of a village. Wearing huge