TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
171 
preaching end, and were endeavouring to get 
from him all they could before that event should 
take place. Soon after my entering the hut, he 
ordered them all to leave him as he had something 
particular to say to me. When they had gone 
out, he called me to his bed-side, by no means an 
agreeable situation, and placing his mouth to my 
ear, said, " They are all rogues ; I did not know 
it before. I see I must soon die, but when I am 
gone, many, who now fear me, will then wish 
me back to no purpose." He next asked me 
what I thought of the French, my new friends, 
as he called them ; and, on receiving a favourable 
report, expressed his astonishment that people, 
who were so lately at war with each other, could 
so soon be such good friends. 
Having explained to him the reason of my 
not being able to present him with the articles 
which I had promised at Goodeerie, with which 
he appeared well satisfied, I made him the small 
present, and, taking leave for the last time, re- 
turned to the camp, where I found all had gone 
on well during my absence. 
The length of time that had again elapsed 
since I had heard from Mr. Dochard made me 
very uneasy on his account, and induced me to 
despatch a person to gain, if possible, some in- 
telligence respecting him, or, in case of his hav- 
ing got to Sego with his party in safety, to fol- 
