LAST MISSION TO AFRICA. 
113 
come back again ; with a number of such questions. To 
all which I gave the best answers I could ; and then told 
him that I did not come to purchase slaves or gold ; I did 
not come to take any man's trade from him or any man's 
money ; I did not come to make money, but to spend it ; 
and for the truth of these assertions I could appeal to 
every person who knew me or had travelled with me. I 
farther added, it was my intention at present to travel 
peaceably through his kingdom into Bambarra ; and that 
as a mark of my regard for his name and character, I had 
brought a few articles which my guide would present to 
him. Here Isaaco spread out on the floor the articles before 
mentioned. The King looked at them with that sort of 
indifference which an African always affects towards 
things he has not before seen. However much he may 
admire them, he must never appear in the least surprised. 
He told me I should have permission to pass ; and he 
would make his son take care of us till we arrived at Sego ; 
but it would be some days before he was ready. I told 
him I was anxious to be in Bambarra, as I found my 
people very sickly ; and if he would appoint me a guide, 
I would esteem it a favour. In fact I knew before, that 
this son proposed going to Sego with the annual tribute, 
which amounts to three hundred minkallis of gold or 
VOL. II. Q 
