JOB BEN SOLOMON. 
197 
on some traffic on the Gambia, with strict injunc- 
tions not to pass that river, as the inhabitants of 
the opposite bank were Mandingos, and deadly 
enemies of Foota. The young prince, however, 
in whom curiosity and the desire of knowledge 
were powerful propensities, felt an irresistible de- 
sire to pass this limit. Dismissing his domestics, 
he entered into engagements with a negro mer- 
chant, with whom he crossed the Gambia. One 
day, feeling the necessity of repose during the 
heat, he hung his arms on a tree, and lay down. 
At this moment a party of Mandingos arrived, 
and seized upon the young chieftain. He was 
brought to Joar, and sold to a Captain Pyke, who 
was taking in slaves for America. The captain, 
on hearing the quality of his captive, readily al- 
lowed him to send a message to his father, and 
afford an opportunity of ransom ; but the distance 
was so great, that, before an answer could arrive, 
it was necessary to set sail. Soon after a deputa- 
tion arrived with an immense ransom ; but it was 
too late,— the vessel had departed. 
Job was carried to Maryland, where he was 
employed first in the cultivation of tobacco, and 
afterwards in the tending of herds. He does not 
appear to have been positively ill-treated ; but the 
recollection of his former greatness continually 
imbittered the sense of his present condition. 
Above all, his strict observance of the rites of 
