130 A MODE OF RECOVERING DEBT. 



found himself securely seated on the throne,) 

 and the head to be severed from the body and 

 exposed to public gaze. This he did because 

 of the preference given to his elder brother, 

 Abboka, who nevertheless did not come to the 

 throne. 



Like all the kings and chiefs of Africa, Attah 

 is very anxious to impress us with an idea of his 

 vast importance, and of the extent of his do- 

 minions ; and for this purpose, he lays claim to 

 several towns that are entirely independent of 

 him. He told us that Fundah belonged to him, 

 together with some towns on the banks of the 

 Niger : whereas the inhabitants had never heard 

 of him. 



Mr. Lander complained of the conduct of the 

 King of Fundah, who had obtained goods from 

 Mr. Laird without paying for them. Attah 

 said that he did not approve of such conduct, 

 and that he particularly hated thieves. When 

 we asked his advice respecting the measures we 

 should take to enforce payment, he recommended 

 us to seize all the Fundah canoes, and the people, 

 and sell them until the whole amount was paid. 

 Such is the method adopted in the interior ; so 

 that the poor trader must suffer for the injustice 



