em protection.

Assisted by Dr Laidley, Park here set to work to learn the Mandingo
tongue, and to collect information from certain black traders called
Seedees. During his residence at Pisania he was confined for two months
by a severe fever, from which he recovered under the constant care of
his host.

A coffle, or caravan, being about to start for the interior of Africa,
Park, having purchased a hardy and spirited horse and two asses,
arranged to accompany it. He obtained also the services of Johnson, a
negro who spoke both English and Mandingo. Dr Laidley also provided
him with a negro boy named Demba, a sprightly youth who spoke, besides
Mandingo, the language of a large tribe in the interior. His baggage
consisted only of a small stock of provisions, beads, amber and tobacco,
for the purchase of food on the road; a few changes of linen, an
umbrella, pocket compass, magnetic compass and thermometer, with a
fowling-piece, two pair of pistols and other small articles. Four
Mahommedan blacks also offered their services as his attendants. They
were going to travel on foot, driving their horses before them. These
six attendants regarded him with great respect, and were taught to
consider that their safe return to the countries of the Gambia would
depend on his preservation.

Dr Laidley and the Mr Ainsleys accompanied him for the two first days,
secretly believing that they should never see him again.

Taxes are demanded from travellers at every town, by the chiefs.

Madina was the first town of any size he reached. He was here received
by King Jatta, a venerable old man, who had treated Major Haughton with
great kindness. He was seated on a mat before his hut, a number of men
and women ranged on either side, who were singing and clapping their
hands. Park, saluting him respectfully, informed him of the purport of
his visit. The king replied that he not only gave him leave to pass,
but would offer up his prayers for his safety. He warned him, however,
of the dangers he would encounter, observing that the people in the east
differed greatly from those of his country, who were acquainted with
white men and respected them.

The king having provided a guide, Park took his departure, reaching
Konjowar the next night. Here, having purchased a sheep, he found
Johnson and one of his negroes quarrelling about the horns. It appeals
that these horns are highly valued as being easily converted into
sheaths for k