m WESTERN AFRICA. 
53 
fltay in town. If a person stays more than one 
night, it is expected that he call upon the head- 
man of the town each morning, and say ^^How 
you do’^ to him. On leaving the place the travel- 
er must pay his parting respects to his landlord. 
By observing these customs, head-men feel re- 
sponsible for the safety of the traveler and his 
goods to some extent, and will often befriend him. 
To refuse a present, no difference of how little 
value, is treating the one offering it impolitely, 
and is considered sufficient ground for palaver. 
Persons of note treat head-men impolitely if 
they pass their towns without stopping and 
paying them their respects. It is regarded as a 
token of respect to call on persons at any time, to 
say ^^How do you do^’ to them. 
We were much amused one Sabbath morning, 
just at the hour of worship, and while we were 
reading the Scriptures, to see one of the workmen 
in the employ of the mission come to the door 
and beckon with his hand to a brother missionary 
who had charge of that station, and who was 
seated on the other side of the room, to come to 
him. He went to the door, and asked him what 
he wanted.. He replied: ‘‘Oh, me only come for 
say how do you do ; no more.’^ 
Their meeting and parting salutations are 
strictly observed. I was taken to task several 
