ness in the depth of the rainy
season, naked and alone, and surrounded by savage animals and men still
more savage, five hundred miles from the nearest European settlement.
His spirits began to fail, but he reflected that no human prudence could
possibly have averted his present sufferings, and that, though a
stranger in a strange land, he was still under the protecting eye of
that Providence who has condescended to call Himself the stranger's
friend. At this moment the extreme beauty of a small moss in
fructification caught his eye. Though the whole plant was not much
larger than the top of one of his fingers, he could not contemplate the
delicate conformation of its roots, leaves, and capsules without
admiration. "Can that Being," he thought, "who brought this plant to
perfection look with unconcern upon the situation and sufferings of
creatures formed after his own image? Surely not." He started up and,
disregarding both hunger and fatigue, travelled forward, assured that
relief was at hand.

In a short time he overtook the two shepherds who had come with him from
Koomah. They were greatly surprised to see him, observing that they
never doubted that the Foulahs had murdered him. In their company he
arrived at Sibidooloo, the frontier town of the kingdom of Manding. The
chief man in the place, called Mansa, received him most kindly, and when
Park related how he had been robbed of his horse and apparel, he
observed, with an indignant air, "Sit down. You shall have everything
restored to you--I have sworn it." He at once gave directions to his
people to search for the robbers. Park was conducted into a hut, where
he was provided with food, and a crowd of people assembled, all of whom
commiserated his misfortunes and vented imprecations against the
Foulahs.

As there was a great scarcity of provisions in the place, Park, after
spending two days there, begged Mansa to allow him to depart. He gave
him permission to do so, provided he would remain at a town called Wanda
for a few days, until he received some account of his horse and goods.

He took his departure accordingly on the morning of the 28th, and
reached Wanda about noon of the 30th.

The head man of the place, who was a Mahommedan, acted not only as chief
magistrate, but as schoolmaster. He kept his school in an open shed,
where the traveller was desired to take up his lodgings. Park was very
anxious for his clothes, as those he had on were compl