old man, whom, by his
appearance, I took to be the chief. He had no weapon, and as he drew
near, his countenance, which wore a friendly expression, reassured me.
I therefore hastened on, leading the zebra, to meet him. He took my
hands in his, and looking into my face, seemed to be inquiring whence we
came. Then he seized Natty's hands and stroked his face, and exhibited
every sign of regard. He cast, however, an astonished gaze at the
zebra, and was evidently greatly surprised at seeing the docility of the
animal.

"At all events, you see, they are friends," said Natty. "I do hope they
can give us some account of the rest."

We were quickly conducted inside the village. The chief led us to his
house. He then seemed to inquire what we would do with the little
zebra, and pointed to a small enclosure on one side. I begged that it
might be placed within it, and signified that I should be glad if it
could be supplied with grass. Immediately several people set out with
knives, I concluded for the purpose of cutting the grass. My
disappointment was great, however, at not seeing any of our friends, and
by all the signs I could think of I inquired of the chief what had
become of them. I could get no satisfactory reply to my questions, and
I could not help supposing that the chief had some reason for not
informing me. We were taken at once into his house, and in a short time
food was placed before us. How delicious the plantains and cassava
tasted, and some well-dressed venison. As soon as our hunger was
satisfied I again began to inquire by signs about our friends. A
stranger coming in might have supposed that I was performing some
pantomimic play for his especial amusement. He, however, seemed greatly
puzzled, and I concluded of course that I had not the right talent for
my purpose. At length a sign of intelligence came over his countenance,
and he now in return made a variety of gestures, which I must own were
considerably more clear than mine. He first pointed to the north, and
held up his fingers, counting the number of people of whom our party
consisted. He then got up and ran across the room, and next opened his
arms, and seemed to be receiving some phantom guests. He then lay down
on the ground and pretended to be asleep, and got up seven times; by
which I understood that they had come and remained at the village that
number of days. He next pointed southward, and seemed to be mourning,
as if regr