OBI AND HIS WIVES. 
207 
hands of a novice. On reaching the deck, Obi greeted 
Commander W. Allen as an old friend. His features are 
pleasing and his countenance expressive of kindness ; 
with an air of dignity and self-possession like one used 
to command. He cannot, to judge from appearance, be 
much under fifty. 
Obi brought with him two favourite wives and a 
daughter, one of the former probably was not more 
than thirteen, and was younger than the daughter. They 
were simply attired with a scanty waist-cloth ; but two 
dresses of flaming red silk, and another of cotton print, 
supplied to the Expedition by their compassionate sisters 
of our own blest land, were presented to them, and very 
soon put on, but did not appear to add at all to their 
comfort, as they stood trembling between fear and joy. 
Commander W. Allen explained that he had returned to 
