2 FUNDAH AND 



Whilst the messengers from Oruka were on 

 board, two canoes, a large one and a smaller one, 

 came alongside of the Alburkah with some Fun- 

 dah traders, and after remaining a short time, de- 

 parted for Beeshee market. Soon afterwards we 

 observed a large Bassa canoe in pursuit of them, 

 and in a few minutes several more joined in the 

 chase, the natives in them paddling with all their 

 strength. The Fundah canoes were rapidly 

 leaving their pursuers, when a violent tornado 

 came on, and for a short time concealed the 

 canoes from our view. When it cleared up, the 

 Fundah canoes had lost ground, and their 

 enemies were gaining fast on them. The for- 

 mer, seeing their danger, put about, and ply- 

 ing their paddles with surprising vigour, made 

 directly towards the Alburkah. The Bassa 

 people, perceiving this manoeuvre, slackened their 

 exertions, and the Fundah canoe now came 

 alongside of the Alburkah, the people com- 

 pletely breathless and exhausted, and most of 

 them so terrified that they trembled from head 

 to foot. The Bassa people were standing in 

 their canoes, using their long paddles with un- 

 common skill ; and in the midst of them stood 

 their armed bowmen, with their arrows pointed 



