y a black one," remarked Jack.

"Perhaps an odd one would be the most appropriate term," said I. "Did
you ever see such a headdress?"

The manner in which the Princess Oninga had seen fit to dress her head
was indeed peculiar, I may say ludicrous. Her woolly hair had been
arranged in the form of a cocked hat, with a horn projecting in front,
and at a short distance off it might easily have been mistaken for the
headpiece of a general officer minus the feathers. There was little in
the way of artificial ornament about it, but the princess wore a number
of heavy brass rings on her arms and ankles. Those on the latter
reached half-way up to her knees, and they were so heavy that her walk
was little better than a clumsy waddle. Before we could pass further
comment on her appearance, King Jambai entered, and saluted us by taking
us each separately and rubbing noses with us. This done, he ordered in
breakfast, which consisted of roast and boiled plantains, ground nuts,
roast fowl, and roast pig; so we fell to at once, and being exceedingly
hungry after our long walk of the day before, made a hearty meal.

"Now, sir," said Jack, when our repast was about concluded, "as you are
going to leave us soon, you had better arrange with the king about
getting us an interpreter and supplying us with a few men to carry our
goods. I think you said there was once a man in the tribe who spoke a
little English. Have you found out whether he is alive?"

"Yes; I have heard that he is alive and well, and is expected in every
day from a hunting expedition. He is a splendid hunter and a capital
fellow. His name is Makarooroo, and if you get him you will be
fortunate."

"Then ask his black majesty," said Peterkin, "as quick as you please,
for, to say truth, I'm rather anxious on this point. I feel that we
should never get on without a good interpreter."

To our satisfaction we found that the king was quite willing to do all
that we wished and a great deal more. In fact, we soon perceived that
he felt highly honoured by our visit, and had boasted not a little of
"_his white men_" to the chiefs of neighbouring tribes, some of whom had
come a considerable distance to see us.

"You have made quite a conquest, gentlemen, of worthy Jambai," said the
trader, after translating the king's favourable reply. "The fact is he
is pleased with the liberality you have shown towards him in the way of
gifts, and is proud of the confidence you ha