e our backs against the wall, but Aboh warned us that some
ill-disposed fellow might thrust his spear through it, and that it would
be much safer to take up a position near the centre. Our knapsacks had
not been taken away, as our captors possibly suspected that they were
part of ourselves; fortunately within them we had stored the remainder
of the deer and several birds we had shot the previous days, and which
we had cooked for breakfast; we therefore had abundance of food. This
was indeed providential, for no provisions were brought us; we had also
enough water in our leathern bottles to quench our thirst. We waited
until it was dark before we attacked our meal, that the natives might
not discover that we had eaten, and would give us credit for a wonderful
power of endurance. By economising the food we were able to save enough
for breakfast the next morning. At last we lay down to sleep, keeping
our rifles by our sides ready for use. We all resolved that should we
be attacked to fight to the last. To avoid being surprised, one of us,
as usual, kept awake as if we were in camp. Until a late hour we heard
the people outside shouting and making a great noise, for a dance was
being given in honour of the victory obtained over us.

We were left alone during the whole night, and as soon as it was
daylight we sat up and ate the remainder of our food, waiting for
anything that might occur. It was past noon when the door opened, and
the king appeared.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, with a grin on his countenance, for he
expected to find that we were starving.

"Not particularly," answered Harry. "We should not object to a dish of
plantains, or some goat's milk, if you will be good enough to send them
to us."

"You are wonderful men, you don't look as if you could easily be
exhausted," observed the king. "My general Mundungo must be a brave
warrior to have overcome you."

"He's a big knave, at all events," answered Harry. "But that's not to
the point at present, what we want now are some plantains and milk, or
venison."

I don't mean to say that Harry used these exact words, but with the aid
of Aboh he thus signified our wishes.

After some further conversation, the object for which the king had come
being gained, he left us again to ourselves.

It was not until near evening that the door opened, and two damsels
appeared with baskets on their heads. They placed them on the ground
before us, when, much to ou