KING OBIE. 387 



fowl and foofoo,* in clean wooden dishes, 

 as clean as a dairymaid's in old England. I 

 quite enjoyed it, although there was nearly a 

 pint of palm-oil in it, and I had to eat it 

 with my fingers. When I had finished, some 

 water was given me to wash ; and the young 

 princes commenced eating the remainder. The 

 eldest youth desired my interpreter to inquire 

 what white men did with all the ivory they pur- 

 chased. I showed him the handle of my sword, 

 and pointed out a few of its uses. He appeared 

 surprised, and said, " What a distance to come 

 for ivory for such simple purposes ! " and with 

 much simplicity asked me if white men made 

 houses with it. 



Two slaves then entered with circular fans made 

 of bullock's hide. They commenced fanning me, 

 and I experienced a little relief from the ex- 

 cessive heat. Having sent word to the king that 

 I was ready, he entered the yard dressed much 

 the same, with the exception of a sheet which he 

 now wore, and a small hat of crimson velvet 

 trimmed with gold lace. 



We left his house arm in arm, preceded by his 



* Foofoo is pounded yam, similar to mashed potatoes, 

 with palm-oil and Cayenne pepper (capsicum annuum). 



2 C 2 



