348 FATAL DISASTERS AT MOUAOU KOMEO. Chap. XVIl. 



to the place of onr retreat was very steep, and, from 

 what 1 could gather by a survey of our position, I 

 found we should be on the main eastern road from 

 Mouaou. The villagers looked on at our jDioceedings 

 in mute amazement. 



Before evening the whole of the baggage was 

 removed. My men erected sheds, and collected fire- 

 wood to cook our supper. The place was a very 

 pleasant one, under the shade of magnificent trees 

 whose closely interwoven crowns would protect us 

 from the night-mist, which dissolves in a soaking 

 drizzle almost every night in this humid country. 

 The path near our encampment was a broad and 

 well-trodden one, showing that it was one of the 

 highways of the district. 



As soon as we had finished, I sent Igala and two 

 other men, well-armed, along the path to try to find 

 the next village, and ascertain, if possible-, why they 

 did not wish us to pass through. My messengers 

 returned in about two hours, Igala laughing whilst 

 describing to me the ignominious way in which the 

 warriors of the village, armed to resist our progress, 

 ran away at the sight of him and his two com- 

 panions. The villagers told him that they had no 

 quarrel with me, but had an old feud with the 

 Mouaou people about two slaves that were owing to 

 them, and that they were determined not to let them 

 jDass until the debt was paid. " If that is the case," 

 said Igala, "why don't you come and fetch our luggage 

 and take us on yourselves ? " To this they returned 

 evasive answers ; they would call a council of the 

 people to consider the matter, and give us an answer 



