Tierno Diagne had adapted to his new life and had even begun working in market gardening; he was doing quite well.
Salif, whose business was thriving, purchased two tons of goods and stored them at home. He then went to speak with his father about his plans.
"Father," Salif said.
"Salif?" replied Abdoulaye.
"I need to talk to you about something important."
"Yes? Go ahead."
"I bought two tons of goods."
"A great merchant already!" Abdoulaye teased.
"Some of them are agricultural products."
"You want to go into farming?" Abdoulaye asked.
"Yes," Salif replied. "We have vast cultivable lands—why not use them?"
"Trade suits you well," Abdoulaye said thoughtfully, "but there's no harm in trying."
"Thank you."
"Good. Be courageous. Go see Maguette. I want you to join the delegation going to Watch Dal. Tierno Diagne knows the way. Take your friends with you—and above all, be careful."
"Yes," Salif said, standing up. "I'm going."
Salif left his father and gathered his companions—Modou, Ibra, Thiam, Babam Ba, and Nder—and rode on horseback to the home of Madiaw Thiam. They had even brought an extra horse for Tierno Diagne.
When they arrived, they found him deep in thought. Madiaw greeted them and wished them good luck.
Noticing Tierno's expression, Salif asked:
"Are you alright?"
"Who, me?" Tierno replied.
"Yes. What's wrong?"
"Soukeyna is pregnant," Tierno said.
"Take your horse," Nder said hurriedly, holding it ready for him. "We'll talk about it on the way."
"And Soukeyna?" Salif asked. "Shouldn't we greet her?"
"That wouldn't be a good idea," Tierno replied.
Without delay, Salif's group set off toward Watch Dal.
Meanwhile, in her room, Soukeyna was in distress.
"My child will never belong to a criminal," she said in despair.
"Stop!" ordered Amina, exhausted from trying to comfort her. "Everything will be fine. He will never know who his real father is."
"What's done is done," said Madiaw Thiam. "We cannot change it, and it is painful. After the child is born, I will marry you to Tierno Diagne. The child will grow up happy, and you will take care of him together."
On the road, Salif asked:
"Who got her pregnant?"
"During the trouble at the market, she was chased by Neub and Mong Dal. It must have been one of them," Tierno replied.
"Who are they?" Thiam asked.
"They used to be my companions," Tierno said. "And I should tell you—I asked Madiaw Thiam for his daughter's hand. I love Soukeyna. Her child will be mine."
"I admire you," Modou said. "So I can call you brother-in-law now?"
"Yes," Tierno replied with a smile. "You already can."
As they approached Watch Dal, they noticed a drunkard staring at them. When they arrived, he welcomed them and guided them directly to Dof Dal.
Throughout the walk, the drunkard kept glancing at Tierno.
"Come in," said Dof Dal upon hearing the knock.
The drunkard entered with Salif's group.
"Good morning," Salif greeted.
At the sight of Tierno, Dof Dal stared at him in astonishment, as if trying to devour him with his eyes.
"Incredible…" he exclaimed, then regained his composure. "Sit down."
"Thank you," said Salif.
"You are welcome," Dof Dal replied, before turning to Tierno. "You left us just like that. We even thought you were dead—yet you were living among them."
"Now it's Diagne," Tierno said calmly. "No longer Dal."
"I see. Does your new life suit you?"
"Perfectly."
"I'm happy for you."
"Thank you," Tierno replied, surprised by Dof Dal's calm demeanor.
"We have come as collaborators," Salif said.
"A man once came here," Dof Dal said thoughtfully. "You resemble him—the same gestures."
"Yes. That must have been my father."
"I know why you are here," Dof Dal said. "And I thank your village for keeping its promise."
"Thank you," Salif and the others replied.
"The rainy season is coming," Tierno added. "We will teach you all the techniques of market gardening and support you throughout the season."
"I hope they won't be foolish enough to refuse," Dof Dal said. "Soulard, go from district to district and inform them that the help is real—that the people of Deuk Wolof truly intend to support us."
The drunkard left to carry out his mission.
Several minutes later, he returned with a large crowd gathered in front of Dof Dal's house. Dof Dal invited his guests to join them.
Facing the crowd, he began:
"I only told him to inform people, but that man is always overexcited. I don't know what he told you to bring such a crowd here—but you know him. With him, nothing is surprising."
Laughter erupted from the crowd.
Taking advantage of the moment, Dof Dal continued:
"The people of Deuk Wolof have kept their promise. They even sent young men to prove it."
As glances were exchanged, Modou stepped forward. Tierno, however, locked eyes with Neub and Dramé Dal, who stared back at him with threatening expressions.
Encouraged by the applause, Salif spoke:
"You are surrounded by cultivable land," he said confidently. "From the look of the soil, the water table is not too deep. You could even dig a well and farm all year round. This could be the beginning of your success."
"Well said," Ibra added.
More than half of the Dals seemed receptive to the proposal—until a man abruptly interrupted:
"Go to hell with your worthless projects!" shouted Mous Dal with contempt. "These are just kids filling your heads with dreams."
"You're the one talking nonsense," replied Kheuch Dal.
"Mind your own business," snapped Mous Dal.
"To hell with you!" Kheuch Dal shouted angrily. "You're a nuisance to all of us!"
"Enough!" Dof Dal intervened. "Fighting will lead nowhere. If you follow him, you are no better."
"He's becoming unbearable," Kheuch Dal muttered, still furious.
Watching Mous Dal leave, Kheuch turned to Dof Dal.
"I see nothing but madmen here," he said. "Tell these young men to leave."
"Well, it is true that you have a long journey ahead," Dof Dal said, agreeing. "I won't keep you any longer. But know that we are truly grateful for your visit."