433 THE FOREST AND THE FIELD, 



he sold to Mr. Walker, had lived for a long time 

 at the factory. 



At the request of the king, who had heard of 

 the magic lantern from some of my people, I gave 

 them a representation, which amused them very 

 much, and afterwards w^e had a dance, during 

 which His Majesty, with true African hospitality, 

 dashed me one of his daughters and another young 

 female party for wives, observing at the same time 

 that they were the nicest-looking girls in the 

 village ; but, in case I should prefer any others, I 

 had only to say so. I made the Bekelai thank him 

 for his "delicate attention," but begged to be 

 excused from becoming his son-in-law that night, 

 as I was tired after my long walk, and wanted to 

 sleep. He, however, would not be refused, and 

 insisted upon the damsels accompanying me to my 

 house, which they did with the greatest non- 

 chalance imaginable. 



After supper, I assembled my people, and, 

 giving them their customary glass of grog and 

 tobacco, I held a consultation as to what was best 

 to be done. King Bapi's slave, N'adoma, told me 



