SAMSON ODOK. 
105 
And his plans did not miscarry. I found on his 
back the heahng wounds inflicted by the flogging, 
and in his appearance, etc., abundant proof of his 
cruel treatment. How I longed to give the Ete 
a taste of his own medicine. Instead I reported 
the matter to the Government, and had Samson 
assigned to the Mission for at least two years, the 
master receiving half his wages as before. This 
was the best I could do. At the end of that time, 
Samson was troubled again and again. Because 
he refused to leave the Mission and trade for 
Charles Ekanem Esin he was summoned to the 
native court, who sent him to prison. From prison 
he wrote me saying that God was with him all 
same " as He was with Joseph and Daniel. In the 
end such persecution drove him to flee the country 
to escape from his tormentors. One of the bravest 
and finest acts standing to Samson's credit was his 
public confession of Jesus Christ in baptism. When 
he first spoke to me about his desire to confess 
Christ and join the Church, it was not long after 
his cruel treatment at the hands of his townsfolk. 
His desire, therefore, had to me a peculiar and 
tender appeal. It filled my heart o'erflowing full. 
After putting a few leading questions to make 
doubly sure he realised what was really involved, I 
said : Well, Samson, this is one of the happiest 
moments of my life. I shall not deem it necessary 
that you should go through all the steps like those 
who live in heathen compounds. YouVe lived with 
me. I know you thoroughly. Our next baptism 
service at Jamestown is on such-and-such a date. 
Your baptism shall take place then.'* When I 
had finished speaking Samson answered : ^^Etuboni 
