306 TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
one whereon, although there existed a scarcity of 
water, we should not have any thing to fear 
from robbers. This answer was perplexing in 
the extreme, and, from what had already hap- 
pened in Bondoo, I began to doubt the sincerity 
of this chief ; but still in order that obstacles 
should not arise on my part, I sent him the ar- 
ticles he requested, and desired Giboodoo to 
say that if he would only send a party of twenty 
horsemen with me to Bangassi, I would run all 
risks of robbers or other impediments, and 
make a farther addition to his present by the 
return of those people. As nothing, liowever, 
was to be done without securing the interest of 
the head slaves, I sent them an additional pre- 
sent each, in hopes of stirring them up to exer- 
tions in my favour. Giboodoo took those pre- 
sents to Dhyage on the 3d of April, and re- 
turned on the 4th with answer, that his Majesty 
was satisfied with my conduct towards him, 
and would immediately settle my business to my 
satisfaction. With people whose time is not very 
precious, immediately often means weeks or 
more ; and as I could ill brook such delay, at 
least in perspective, I despatched Giboodoo to 
remain at the king's elbow until he would give 
a decisive answer one way or other. 
In the mean time, I made presents, large and 
small, to a host of royal personages, amongst 
