290 SEIZURE OF 



confidence to be placed even in locks and bolts 

 among Kroomen, and I felt more than ever 

 the loss of my countrymen. But such was my 

 present situation, which I had yet to bear till 

 the river was high enough to admit of our going 

 down. 



On the 8th of April, Lander, one of Abboka's 

 principal slaves, who took charge of a letter 

 which I wrote to Mr. Lander and a looking- 

 glass I sent to King Obie, came on board. He 

 stated that he gave the letter to one of Obie's 

 chiefs, who promised to give it to the king, and 

 through whose hands it was to be transmitted to 

 King Boy ; all of which I could only hope was 

 true. 



A circumstance occurred this morning which 

 made me feel more resolved than ever to leave 

 a place where so much deceit and mercenary 

 measures were adopted. About a week ago I 

 engaged one of the natives (a married woman 

 with one child), named Amerboo, to accom- 

 pany me up the river, and attend Iccory market 

 with some small articles, with the view of obtain- 

 ing as many cowries as possible in exchange. 

 I desired her not to say anything respecting her 

 engagement, as Abboka might prevent her going ; 



