1^0 OUR FRIEND ABBOKA. 



On the next morning we were informed that 

 the king would send horses for us to the water- 

 side. It being Mr. Lander's intention that I 

 should return up the river as soon as the steamer 

 reached the Nun, he was desirous of telling this 

 to the king. Mr. Lander had named this to 

 me ; and, in the event of Mr. Laird's having de- 

 parted for England, I could have no objection 

 to take on me such a charge, in order to keep 

 up our connexion with the natives, until further 

 orders arrived from England. 



Our friend Abboka came on board, and ap- 

 peared delighted to see us. His customary 

 embraces were very severe hugs ; and the usual 

 manner of salutation was gone through, viz. 

 touching the forehead and chest with the fore- 

 finger of the right hand, as frequently as they 

 exclaim " Tenoo ! tenoo !" which is sometimes 

 repeated a dozen times. 



About 9 A. M. the horses came down to the 

 landing-place, and we departed for the king's 

 residence. On our arrival we were conducted 

 to the queen's apartment, where we remained a 

 short time, until one of the eunuchs came to in- 

 form us that the king was ready. He received 

 us most cordially, and frequently shook us by 



