aged in collecting wood, and bringing in bundles in order to
keep up the fires during the night. The king having imbibed a good
quantity of palm-wine, waxed valiant, and seizing his spear, advanced in
front of the camp, flourishing his weapon, and addressing in stentorian
tones some fetish or spirit of the air in the forest. We of course
could not make out what he said, nor would Aboh enlighten us. Perhaps
he was merely praying for a successful hunt the following day. After
the king had thus given vent to his feelings, whatever they were, he
returned and seated himself near us at the fire, when he ordered another
jug of palm-wine to be brought One of the courtiers suggested that his
majesty was taking a little too much, on which the king, who was now
certainly beyond the point at which discretion is retained, told him to
mind his own business, and looking in his face, swallowed down another
cup. He then insisted that we should join him, wishing to show us the
highest possible mark of honour; we, to please him, took the bowls in
our hands, but the moment his eyes were averted, we handed them to some
of his courtiers, who had no objection to drink instead of us.

Night had now come on, but still the revels of the king and his
courtiers continued. We had retired to a lean-to, hoping to find some
rest, for we were all really tired after our day's excursion.

"It seems strange that the king, who ought to remember that we are in
the country of one of his enemies, should not take more care to guard
against a surprise," observed Charley. "I think we ought to keep watch,
for very likely these African fellows will forget to do so, and even if
they are not attacked by their enemies, a leopard may steal into the
camp and carry one or more of them off."

Harry and I fully agreed with this; and we drew lots, as we always did
on such occasions, to settle the order in which we should keep watch.
The first lot fell to me. I was on the point of arousing Harry, who was
to keep the second watch, when I was startled by the most fearful
shrieks bursting from every side around the camp. The next instant the
whole space was filled with warriors, who leaped down into the midst of
the sleeping hunters, clubbing some, piercing others with their lances,
and throwing cords round the arms of others. There was no necessity to
rouse up my companions, for they had started to their feet.

"Where shall we go? We are not going to fight for th