I 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. l6l 
longed, who might either kill, sell, or keep 
him." 
I had much difficulty in persuading them that 
all my men were as free as myself, and that I 
could not now take any step, until I had re- 
ceived an answer from Almamy, to whom I had 
sent a messenger, Osman, who had heard of 
their arrival, came up at that moment, and find- 
ing them much inclined to add violence to in- 
solent language, ordered them, in a very pe- 
remptory tone, to return to their village, and 
leave the settlement of the affair exclusively to 
him, who alone, from its having happened in 
his district and with his strangers (meaning us), 
had the right of interfering. Although they 
went away immediately, I was sorry to see them 
do so with so much reluctance, and with such 
evident dissatisfaction at the unfortunate affair, 
as well as at the indifferent reception they met 
with. I therefore requested Osman to accom- 
pany them for a short distance, and endeavour 
to convince them that it was my wish to render 
every satisfaction the laws of the country de- 
manded, and make the owner of the deceased as 
ample recompense as it was in my power to do. 
In a few minutes, the old man, who acted as 
their speaker, returned with Osman, and com- 
ing into ray hut, offered me his hand, which I 
accepted, and sat down, telling me that he was 
M 
