144 VISIT FROM KING OBIE. 



We sent an interpreter to King Obie, with a 

 present of an umbrella ; and a boy, to inquire if 

 the Quorra was in the Nun. Two of Obie's sons 

 came on board, and were presented with two 

 long tin horns. No sooner did the young ur- 

 chins receive them, than they forthwith com- 

 menced applying them to their intended purpose, 

 namely, making a disagreeable noise, in which 

 they appeared to take great delight, and enjoyed 

 making them " speak," as they called it. 



Our intention was to get under weigh as early 

 as possible in the morning, for we fancied we 

 could already smell salt water. 



Obie despatched several messages, imploring 

 us to remain the next day ; but we were deter- 

 mined that his entreaties should have no atten- 

 tion. About an hour after midnight he came on 

 board, dressed in a handsome cap of a field- 

 officer's uniform (given him by Mr. L.), an offi- 

 cer's coat, and scarlet trousers made very full. 

 We knew him to be as avaricious a man as any 

 in Africa ; and the first request he made was for 

 two presents of every kind that we had, such as 

 umbrellas, rings, pieces of cloth, and sundry 

 other articles ; and before he went on shore, he 

 asked for a richer coat than the one he then 



