82 
TRAVELS IN THE 
a number of people from the town, all of whom demonstrated 
great joy at seeing their old acquaintance the blacksmith, by 
the most extravagant jumping and singing. On entering the 
town, the singing man began an extempore song in praise of 
the blacksmith, extolling his courage in having overcome so 
many difficulties ; and concluding with a strict injunction to his 
friends to dress him plenty of victuals. 
When we arrived at the blacksmith's place of residence, we 
dismounted and fired our muskets. The meeiing between 
him and his relations was very tender ; for these rude children 
of nature, free from restraint, display their emotions in the 
strongest and most expressive manner. Amidst these trans- 
ports, the blacksmith's aged mother was led forth, leaning upon 
a staff. Every one made way for her ; and she stretched out 
her hand to bid her son welcome. Being totally blind, she 
stroked his hands, arms, and face, with great care, and seemed 
highly delighted that her latter days were blessed by his return, 
and that her ears once more heard the music of his voice. From 
this interview I was fully convinced, that whatever difference 
there is between the Negro and European in the conformation 
of the nose and the colour of the skin, there is none in the 
genuine sympathies and characteristic feelings of our common 
nature. 
During the tumult of these congratulations, I had seated my- 
self apart, by the side of one of the huts, being unwilling to 
interrupt the flow of filial and parental tenderness ; and the 
attention of the company was so entirely taken up with the 
blacksmith, that I believe none of his friends had observed me, 
