224 TRAVELS IN THE 
weather, and the fury of wild beasts, "Go along," was all 
the answer; and a number of people coming up, and urging 
me in the same manner, with great earnestness, I suspected that 
some of the king's messengers, who were sent in search of me, 
were in the town ; and that these Negroes, from mere kindness, 
conducted me past it, with a view to facilitate my escape. I 
accordingly took the road for Sego, with the uncomfortable 
prospect of passing the night on the branches of a tree. After 
travelling about three miles, I came to a small village near the 
road. The Dooty was splitting sticks by the gate ; but I found 
I could have no admittance ; and when 1 attempted to enter, 
he jumped up, and with the stick he held in his hand threat- 
ened to strike me off the horse, if I presumed to advance another 
step. 
At a little distance from this village (and farther from the 
road), is another small one. I conjectured, that being rather 
out of the common route, the inhabitants might have fewer 
objections to give me house room for the night ; and having 
crossed some corn fields, I sat down under a tree by the well. 
Two or three women came to draw water ; and one of them 
perceiving i was a stranger, inquired whither I was going. I 
told her I was going for Sego, but being benighted on the road, 
I wished to stay at the village until morning ; and begged she 
would acquaint the Dooty with my situation. In a little time 
the Dooty sent for me, and permitted me to sleep in a large 
baloon, in one corner of which was constructed a kiln for dry- 
ing the fruit of the Shea trees : it contained about half a cart- 
load of fruit, under which was kept up a clear wood fire. I was 
