157 CHAPTER VII.

Unfortunate Affair at Samba Contaye—Almamy's Decision —Purchase of a Slave—Arrival of the French Expedition at Galam—Mr. Pilkington's determination of leaving the Mission—His Departure for the Coast—Visit to the Senegal—Conversation with Almamy—Messenger sent to Mr. Dochard—Fires at the Camp—Death of Almamy Amady.

Another circumstance occurred during this month, which, although wholly accidental, was by no means calculated to inspire the natives with a friendly feeling towards us, and would, I feared, previous to its being arranged, have only furnished Almamy with a second opportunity of falling out with us. In this, however, I was fortunately mistaken, as he not only judged the affair impartially, but expressed his sorrow that I should have punished the man even by confinement for a few days.

It was on the morning of the 25th, when sitting outside the door of my hut, half asleep from extreme debility, I was aroused by the report of a musket within the fence of the camp, followed