SUSPICIOUS-LOOKING CANOES. 177 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Proceed vp the River in a Boat. — Value of an old Friend. — 

 Hints on Trade. — Meet Abboka, the King of IddaKs 

 brother.— Meeting of Al Hadge and his Master. — Arrive at 

 Iddah in the Boat. — Visit Attah. — Friendly communica- 

 tions with the King. — Return to the Alburkah. — Mortality 

 on Board. — Despatches sent to the Sea-coast. 



The next morning was far from fine, being 

 foggy and hazy. My men had worked well, and 

 the canoe was prepared for my journey to Attah. 

 Six Kroomen, a fireman, and Al Hadge, the inter- 

 preter, were directed to prepare themselves to 

 accompany me. 



As the morning advanced, the fog cleared 

 away, and we saw a great number of canoes 

 assembled on a sandbank, with pieces of cloth 

 of various hues flying from long bamboo poles. 

 Their being collected in such numbers so near 

 the vessel had a very suspicious appearance ; 

 but I was bent upon going, be the consequences 

 what they might. Our canoe was provided with 



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