We Departed From Kea At Eight O'clock, And About A Mile To The
Westward Observed On The Bank Of The River A Great Number Of Earthen
Jars Piled Up Together.
They were very neatly formed, but not
glazed, and were evidently of that sort of pottery which is
manufactured at Downie (a town to the west of Timbuctoo), and sold
to great advantage in different parts of Bambarra.
As we approached
towards the jars my companion plucked up a large handful of herbage,
and threw it upon them, making signs for me to do the same, which I
did. He then, with great seriousness told me that these jars
belonged to some supernatural power; that they were found in their
present situation about two years ago; and as no person had claimed
them, every traveller as he passed them, from respect to the
invisible proprietor, threw some grass, or the branch of a tree,
upon the heap, to defend the jars from the rain.
Thus conversing, we travelled in the most friendly manner, until
unfortunately we perceived the footsteps of a lion, quite fresh in
the mud, near the river-side. My companion now proceeded with great
circumspection; and at last, coming to some thick underwood, he
insisted that I should walk before him. I endeavoured to excuse
myself, by alleging that I did not know the road; but he obstinately
persisted, and, after a few high words and menacing looks, threw
down the saddle and went away. This very much disconcerted me; but
as I had given up all hopes of obtaining a horse, I could not think
of encumbering myself with the saddle, and, taking off the stirrups
and girths, I threw the saddle into the river.
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