dilapidated condition,
but we were all in good health, and Tom had recovered from his wound.
On descending the hill, we made our way through the forest towards the
nearest point where we saw water. We had still some beads and trinkets
left, and we hoped, should we meet any natives to purchase canoes from
them. If not we agreed to try and build them, as Aboh told us that he
and his companions were well able to do so. We were in high spirits at
the thought of so soon terminating our journey, forgetting that months
might elapse after we reached the coast before a vessel made her
appearance.

We were pushing eagerly on through the forest, with less caution than
usual, when we came suddenly upon a large body of armed blacks, who were
out evidently on a hunting expedition. Among them was a chief who, by
his dress, we saw was a person of importance. It would have been
useless to have attempted to escape them, so, telling our blacks to keep
behind us, with the exception of Aboh, who came as interpreter, we all
advanced towards the chief. Neither Quagomolo or Sanga Tanga were
beauties, but this fellow was about the ugliest black we had yet come
across, with a most savage expression of countenance. He was very tall
and big, with a wonderful muscular development. He inquired who we
were, where we had come from, and whither we were going. Harry, who
always acted as spokesman, replied that "we had been shipwrecked, and
were travelling through the country towards the mouth of the river,
where we expected to find a ship to carry us back to England. We wished
to be friends, and begged him to assist us with canoes, as we desired to
prosecute our journey without delay."

Whether or not he understood what Harry said was uncertain. He uttered
a loud hoarse laugh, as if he thought that it was a very good joke. We
waited some time for a further reply, but the savage did not deign to
say anything. At last he exclaimed in a harsh voice, "You must come
along with me."

"We must have some guarantee that our liberty is not interfered with if
we do that," said Harry.

I do not remember the exact terms Harry used to express himself, but the
savage only grinned.

"We must keep clear of this fellow," said Charley; "fall back on our
men, he intends mischief."

Before, however, we had time to follow his advice, the savage, springing
on him, wrenched his gun out of his hand, while the black fellows
pressing round us prevented us fr