74 TRAVELS IN 
cn the animal, that at firft he would not 
part with him. But I difplayed before his 
eyes fuch a variety of objeds, that he could 
not refift the temptation ; and he at length 
confented to refign him for a tinder-box, 
fome tobacco, feveral firings of glafs beads, 
two tin bracelets, and a few nails. 
Next day, however, he feemed to regret 
his bargain; or rather, having feen in my poC- 
feffion fome new objeft, which pleafed him 
more than thofe which he had received in ex- 
change the evening before, his defire was 
fixed on thefe ; and he wiflhed to give back 
the others. This natural pafTion for pofleffing 
every thing was the caufe of an event 
which deferves to be particularly related, as it 
had nearly proved fatal to me. 
Though I wore my beard long, I was ac- 
cuftomed, from time to time, to fhave my 
muftaches. This operation afforded me an 
agreeable refrefhment ; and I very frequently 
performed it, efpecially when our approach 
towards the tropic rendered the heat lefs fup- 
portable. 
I v/as employed in foaping my lips, when 
the chief entered my tent, accompanied by 
two 
