provided themselves for the purpose of barter. The consequence was,
that, after paying three pieces to the natives who had conveyed their
luggage, another for a couple of fowls, and presenting a fifth to
Canning, (a chief who had been Elwood's principal friend on his former
visit, and to whom he had given this distinguished name,) to secure his
good services,--they had only one remaining for their future resources;
and it was by no means satisfactory to be thrown upon the casual
generosity of the natives. It is true, they had with them some salt
beef and biscuit, and it was understood, when they quitted the ship,
that Captain Owen had engaged to compensate the King for their
protection and entertainment.

_Tuesday, 20_.--At daybreak we were visited by Canning, and several
other chiefs, who brought with them a large yam, and some palm-wine
intended for our breakfast. We were from time to time, in reply to our
inquiries, assured that the King was coming; we waited, however, two
hours in vain expectation, and at length sent Anderson to inquire into
the cause of delay, when we were informed that His Majesty was busily
occupied at his toilet, or, in other words, having his head dressed, in
order, as I suppose, to enable him to appear with more dignity on this
important occasion. About 8 o'clock he made his entree, accompanied by
several of his chiefs. At first his manner was somewhat reserved, but,
after a short conversation, which held out to him the prospect of
receiving presents, confirmed by the actual gift of two large knives
from myself, he became highly animated, loquacious, and agreeable. He
now ordered a plentiful supply of palm-wine, which he caused to pass
freely round; and, after staying with us about an hour, returned to his
own residence, from whence he shortly after sent us half a dozen yams.

There was a native priest resident in our hut, probably placed there to
observe our conduct, and who, for the whole morning, had been occupied
in smearing himself with coloured clay. We noticed that this man,
during our visit, performed every morning a few religious ceremonies,
and repeated prayers, in which the natives appeared to join. After the
King's departure, he began to exercise some of the more mysterious
functions of his office. I know not what the occasion was, but the
ceremony consisted in frequent repetitions of certain short sentences,
in which the individual on whom he was operating occasionally joined;
an