444 RETURN OF THE MESSENGER. 



around their loins like an apron. The natives 

 whom we first met beckoned us to return, which 

 we chose rather to comply with than to alarm 

 them further by proceeding. 



A great quantity of ochrus was growing around 

 the town, but no rice was to be had here. The 

 hills before mentioned are principally composed 

 of ironstone, great quantities of which were lying 

 in the foot paths. The natives generally are 

 well armed with bows, arrows, and spears : the 

 latter weapon is about seven feet long, and 

 barbed at the end. They appeared to be the 

 most savage, barbarous, and uncivilised people 

 we had yet met with. — The evening, as we re- 

 turned on board, was showery. 



The following morning was also showery. 

 There being as yet no sign of provisions, I volun- 

 teered to go ashore, with cowries, to endeavour 

 to purchase some, accompanied by Mina, one of 

 the Kroomen. As soon as I landed, to my infi- 

 nite surprise, I beheld Jowdie, who by this time 

 was supposed to be at Domah. He stated that 

 he had proceeded some distance on his journey, 

 when he was met by some Bornou soldiers, who 

 opposed his progress, and, threatening to cut his 

 head off if he proceeded, insisted on his return. 



