y stout black, wore a scanty
petticoat, with a fillet of crocodile's teeth round his head, a similar
ornament on his neck, and bracelets on his arms. He was attended by a
drummer, who, as I approached, beat with might and main to do me honour.
His followers were armed with shields made of reeds, very cleverly
woven, sufficiently long to protect the whole body and legs, and about
three feet broad. At their backs hung quivers of iron-headed arrows,
and two short broadswords were slung to their sides. The chief invited
us into his hut. It was of good size, with a verandah in front. In a
short time his wife and her attendants brought a large mess of manioc
flour and some pieces of cooked meat, but what it was I did not at first
inquire. After eating some, Igubo told me that it was zebra's flesh.
In a hut opposite the chief's house, I observed the figure of an animal.
On examining it I found that it was formed of grass, plastered over
with soft clay. The eyes consisted of two cowrie shells; and a number
of bristles, which appeared to be taken from elephants' tails, formed a
sort of frill round the neck. It was more like a crocodile than any
other animal; but Igubo inquiring, was told that it was a lion, though
certainly it was very little like the king of beasts. On further
inquiries, I found that it was the principal idol, or fetish, of the
inhabitants, and that when the chief or any of the people are ill, their
fetish men, or priests, assemble before it, and pray and beat drums,
either to propitiate it or to arouse its attention, that it may drive
away the evil spirits which they believe are the cause of the malady."

"Poor people, dey know no better," observed Timbo; for, with the
privilege of an old servant, he did not scruple to join in our
conversation at all times. "I go and talk to dem and tell dem better
t'ings. I tell dem dat dere is one God who lubs dem, and when dey are
ill dat dey pray to him. Dat he hear dem, when de fetish hab no ears to
hear, and no way to do dem good."

"Oh yes, Timbo," said Natty, "I should like to go with you to those poor
savages. It is sad to think that they should be so ignorant. I am sure
it is our duty to try to tell them the truth."

"Yes, Massa Natty, we will go, please God," cried Timbo, looking at
Natty with a glance of approbation.

"Timbo and I must beg your pardon for interrupting you, Captain Hyslop,"
said Natty. "Pray go on."

"Unfortunately, I could not u