to
enjoy this satisfaction, for in the evening of the same day, two of the
merchant's sons (boys about my own age) came running to me, and told me,
that the next day I was to die, for the King intended to behead me.--I
reply'd that I was sure it could not be true, for that I came there to
play with them, and to see houses walk upon the water with wings to
them, and the white folks; but I was soon inform'd that their King
imagined that I was sent by my father as a spy, and would make such
discoveries at my return home that would enable them to make war with
the greater advantage to ourselves; and for these reasons he had
resolved I should never return to my native country.--When I heard this
I suffered misery that cannot be described.--I wished a thousand times
that I had never left my friends and country.--But still the Almighty
was pleased to work miracles for me.

The morning I was to die, I was washed and all my gold ornaments made
bright and shining, and then carried to the palace, where the King was
to behead me himself (as is the custom of the place).--He was seated
upon a throne at the top of an exceeding large yard, or court, which you
must go through to enter the palace, it is as wide and spacious as a
large field in England.--I had a lane of lifeguards to go through.--I
guessed it to be about three hundred paces.

I was conducted by my friend, the merchant, about half way up; then he
durst proceed no further: I went up to the King alone--I went with an
undaunted courage, and it pleased God to melt the heart of the King, who
sat with his scymitar in his hand ready to behead me; yet, being himself
so affected, he dropped it out of his hand, and took me upon his knee
and wept over me. I put my right hand round his neck, and prest him to
my heart.--He sat me down and blest me; and added that he would not kill
me, and that I should not go home, but be sold, for a slave, so then I
was conducted back again to the merchant's house.

The next day he took me on board a French brig; but the Captain did not
chuse to buy me: he said I was too small; so the merchant took me home
with him again.

The partner, whom I have spoken of as my enemy, was very angry to see me
return, and again purposed putting an end to my life; for he represented
to the other, that I should bring them into troubles and difficulties,
and that I was so little that no person would buy me.

The merchant's resolution began to waver, and I was inde