CONVERSATION WITH OBIE. 391 



soon came to me with a cloth thrown over his 

 shoulders. He was very cordial, and said he 

 would send the boys in the morning after us. I 

 told him that would be of no manner of use, as 

 we must have them then ; and in a short time 

 four boys were called in, who each in his turn 

 knelt down before the king. He admonished 

 them to be good boys, and work for white men 

 until they died, and not to give over pulling 

 strong. He then inquired what he was to call 

 me. I told him " friend," and his attempts to pro- 

 nounce the word as I spoke it were entertaining 

 enough. He then adverted to the theft which 

 was discovered at the boat, and informed me that 

 he had made several inquiries, but could not 

 detect the culprit ; adding very emphatically if 

 ever we caught them again, to let him know, and 

 he would cut their heads off! 



King Obie was particular in his inquiries after 

 Mr. Lander, and looking at me earnestly, said, 

 *'You be ezogo (doctor) for my friend, and you 

 pay him attention : when belly sick, bad palaver, 

 very bad palaver :" I told him I hoped he would 

 recover ; and he added, *^ I no want you to stop 

 now ; go to my freend and make him good again ; 

 and when I see him again, I hope he will be quite 

 good." 



