ed hamlets as we passed along, and
our escort procured us flesh and fowl with their bows and arrows; but we
were in a state of great anxiety to know where we were going, and nobody
appeared able or willing to tell us. I often thought of Whyna, and at
times repented that I had not remained with her, as I feared falling
into a worse slavery, but the recollection of the old king's diabolical
parting look was sufficient to make me think that it was best as it was.
Now that I had left my mistress, I thought of her kindness and amiable
qualities and her affection for me; and although it may appear strange
that I should feel myself in love with a black woman, I will not deny
but that I was so. I could not help being so, and that is all the
excuse I can offer.

Our guards now informed us that we were about to pass for a few miles
through the territory of another king, and that they were not sure what
our reception might be; but this was soon made evident, for we observed
a party behind us, which moved as we moved, although they did not attack
us; and soon afterwards a larger body in front were blocking up our
passage, and we found that we were beset. The commander of our party,
therefore, gave orders for battle, and he put into our hands strong
spears, they being the only weapons we could use, and entreated us to
fight. Our party was greatly out-numbered by the enemy, but ours were
chosen warriors. As for us white men, we kept together, agreeing among
ourselves, that we would defend ourselves if attacked, but would not
offend either party by taking an unnecessary part in the fray, as it was
immaterial to us to whom we belonged.

The battle, or rather skirmish, soon began. They dispersed, and shot
their arrows from behind the trees, and this warfare continued some time
without damage to either party, till at last they attacked us closely;
then, our commander killing that of the enemy, they gave way, just as
another party was coming forward to attack us white men; but finding us
resolute in our defence, and our own warriors coming to our assistance,
the rout was general. They could not, however, prevent some prisoners
from being taken; most of them wounded with the bird-arrows, which,
having their barbs twisted in the form of an S, gave great pain in their
extraction. I observed that a particular herb chewed, and bound up with
the bleeding wound, was their only remedy, and that when the bone was
injured, they considered