part, without disputing my own deformity, I paid them many
compliments on African beauty. I praised the glossy jet of their
skins, and the lovely depression of their noses; but they said that
flattery, or, as they emphatically termed it, honey-mouth, was not
esteemed in Bondou. In return, however, for my company or my
compliments (to which, by the way, they seemed not so insensible as
they affected to be) they presented me with a jar of honey and some
fish, which were sent to my lodging; and I was desired to come again
to the king a little before sunset.

I carried with me some beads and writing-paper, it being usual to
present some small offering on taking leave, in return for which the
king gave me five drachms of gold, observing that it was but a
trifle, and given out of pure friendship, but would be of use to me
in travelling, for the purchase of provisions. He seconded this act
of kindness by one still greater, politely telling me that, though
it was customary to examine the baggage of every traveller passing
through his country, yet, in the present instance, he would dispense
without ceremony, adding, I was at liberty to depart when I pleased.

Accordingly, on the morning of the 23rd, we left Fatteconda, and
about eleven o'clock came to a small village, where we determined to
stop for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon my fellow-travellers informed me that, as this was
the boundary between Bondou and Kajaaga, and dangerous for
travellers, it would be necessary to continue our journey by night,
until we should reach a more hospitable part of the country. I
agreed to the proposal, and hired two people for guides through the
woods; and as soon as the people of the village were gone to sleep