168 DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH. 
at these unknown invaders of their haunts. The 
combat had not lasted long, however, till they found 
that it was an unequal one for them, and prudent- 
ly retired into the interior of their forests. 
The next phenomenon which our party encoun- 
tered, was a person entitling himself " King of the 
Bees." He came accordingly to the boat, entire- 
ly covered with these animals, and followed by 
thousands, over whom he appeared to exercise the 
most absolute authority. They followed him " as 
sheep their shepherd,' ? and were never known to 
injure either himself, or those whom he took un- 
der his protection. 
The French, on their arrival at Tuabo, had been 
informed, that a revolution had taken place in the 
government of Gallam ; that Tonka Mouka, the 
late king, had been dethroned, and succeeded by 
a rival, Tonka Bukari. On arriving at Ghiam, 
two negroes appeared, who confirmed the intelli- 
gence, and also intimated, that the new king was 
in full expectation of receiving the duties paid to 
his predecessors. Brue stated, that he had no in- 
tention of withholding these duties, provided it ap- 
peared that Tonka Bukari really was king ; but that 
he wished previously to have an opportunity of 
ascertaining the fact. A messenger soon after ar- 
rived, announcing that Tonka Bukari was in a neigh- 
bouring village, and that, unless the duties were in- 
stantly paid, he would declare war against the 
m 
