—re-engages. The “Kruman” is 
FROM SAO PAULO DE LOANDA TO THE CONGO. 19 
employés are perhaps nearly forty in number. Kruboys, 
Krumanos, and Kabindas are used for all the ruder labour 
in the factories and steamers belonging to this company, 
and there are probably from three to four hundred of: 
these “niggers” in the employ of the Dutch at Banana 
Point. There is a subtle distinction between Kruboy and 
Kruman, or, to use its Portuguese form, Krumano. The 
Kruboy comes from Sierra Leone * and the Liberian coast, 
and is much sought for through- 
out West Africa as an invaluable 
labourer well worthy of his hire. 
He is very independent and in- 
variably returns home at the 
expiration of his term of ser- 
vice, and lives a rollicking life 
amongst his relatives before he 
an. artificial name given to the 
indigenous slaves of the country 
—men, for instance, of the 
Lower Congo tribes, that are 
sold by their chiefs to European 
merchants, who, in order to avoid 
shocking British susceptibilities, 
call them by the Portuguese 
rendering of Kruman (or Kru- 
boy) — viz. Krumano. Then A “KRU-BOY.” 
“Krumanos” are also obtained 
by other means than payment. If a native in these 
countries steals from a white man, he is compelled to 
become his slave, unless his people are prepared to pay 
a large indemnity. Naturally, in nine cases out of ten, 
they do not care to do so, so the unhappy “ nigger” 
who has been caught stealing a handful of tobacco or a 
piece of cloth (perhaps spread out as a bait) becomes the 
slave of the white man he has robbed. Such is the custom 
of the country, and one that seems to meet everybody’s 
_* Those at Sierra Leone are rather a separate colony from the Kru 
country, which lies to the east of Liberia. 
C2 
