RESIDENCE AT KATUNGA. 
to another; but that by the way of Nyffe he would not ensure my 
safety ; and that if he suffered me to go where there was danger, it 
would cause a reflection on him. I thanked him for his kindness, 
and said that whatever he did was right. He then said that his 
messenger, and that of the caboceer of Yarro, would attend me 
to Youri. I thought this a proper time to hint a gentle complaint 
against our fat guardian, for having for some time past appropriated 
our provisions to his own use. The old rogue swore through thick 
and thin that he had given us every thing, even some goats which 
I had actually purchased at the market, but which he swore he had 
supplied himself. I told the king it was of no use talking against 
a rogue like his eunuch, therefore I should hold my tongue. As 
the king never comes to us empty-handed, lie brought us a Muscovy 
duck, and a bag of rice ; the last a scarce article, and not to be had 
in the market. 
Wednesday, 22d. — Cold morning. Harmattan still continues. 
More caboceers came in yesterday, with their attendants. They 
waited on us this morning, and we observed that they were well 
provided with dust, as they had been to wait on the king early; it 
being the etiquette of Yourriba to hold a levee twice a-day, at six 
in the morning, and at two in the afternoon. 
It is the custom, during the time that the caboceers from the 
different towns remain on their visit to the king, to act plays or 
pantomimes, or whatever they may be called. I shall attempt a 
description of the one I saw to-day. The place chosen for this 
pastime is the king’s park, fronting the principal door where his 
majesty usually sits. A fetish house occupies the left side ; to 
the south are two very romantic and large blocks of granite, by 
the side of which is an old withered tree. On the east are some 
beautiful shady trees; and on the north his majesty's house, from 
whence he views the scene. In the centre are two beautiful clumps 
of trees ; in one of which is a tall fan-palm, overlooking the whole 
