TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
tages its inhabitants would derive from the exist- 
ence of a friendly and direct intercourse with the 
English, who, should no serious difficulties pre- 
sent themselves, would soon make trading voyages 
into the interior, and furnish them with all Eu- 
ropean merchandize at a much cheaper rate than 
they could at present procure them. The only 
answer we received, was made by his friend Mo- 
diba (for he did not say a word himself), and, 
although expressed in many words, and in very 
ambiguous terms, might be construed into this, 
that he always thought the English were the 
friends of Africa, and would do every thing in 
his power to facilitate the attainment of their 
wishes. 
As nothing but the common routine of a for- 
mal visit of ceremony could, consistent with 
their customs, take place at the first interview/ 
even had the king been compos mentis, we were 
obliged to take our leave without anything more 
having been said as to the terms on which we 
might expect his protection. Modiba, however, 
told us he would take care that no rum should 
be drank by Mansa * in the morning, previous to 
our seeing him, and requested we would shew 
him the present we intended to give j which we 
promised to do, when it could be prepared. 
* Title of the kings of Woolli. 
