832 MR park's first journey. 
which were to be paid to his wife, during his ab- 
sence, and the remainder to himself. The other 
was a boy named Demba, the slave of Dr Laidley, 
who, on the condition of fidelity, had promised to 
emancipate him at his return. His baggage con- 
sisted chiefly of a pocket sextant, a magnetic com- 
pass, a thermometer, an umbrella, two fowling- 
pieces, two pair of pistols, and a few changes of 
linen and clothes. In the day they continued their 
journey, and in the evening were entertained by 
ludicrous tales, resembling those of the Arabians, 
which the Mandingoes related. On December 5, 
they arrived at Medina, the capital of Woolli, con- 
taining about 1000 houses, surrounded with a high 
wall of clay, and an exterior fence of pointed stakes 
and prickly bushes. Here Mr Park was introduced 
to the venerable chief who had received Major 
Houghton with so gTeat hospitality. He found 
him seated upon a mat at the door of his hut ; and, 
upon desiring leave to pass through his territories, 
was answered, that he should be furnished with a 
guide next day, and assured that the king himself 
would pray for his safety, but entreated him to desist 
from a journey of such imminent danger, which had 
already proved fatal to Major Houghton. In return 
for this kindness, one of Mr Park's attendants began 
immediately to sing an Arabic song, in which the 
king and his people joined as chorus. After re- 
ceiving the guide, he departed from Medina, and, 
