208 
THE ‘ ALBEKT’s ’ ARRIVAL. 
his country as a friend, and had brought other ships to 
do good to him and all the black people. That the 
Commander of the Expedition was on his way, and would 
soon be in sight. In the meantime, he would endeavour 
to satisfy Obi’s curiosity by adverting to some of the 
objects of the Missiop ; but said he could not enter into 
details or conclude anything with him until the arrival 
of the other Commissioners. He was much astonished 
at being told, that the vessels could find their way, 
although they had nobody on hoard who had been in the 
river before. We showed him round the ship, and 
he appeared very much pleased, especially when he 
fired a detonating tube fixed on the long gun. His 
numerous attendants made such a clatter, that we were 
obliged to keep them to their canoes, except a few who 
were indispensable to his dignity. 
In the evening the ‘ Albert ’ made her number, and 
on our signalizing that Obi was on board. Captain 
Trotter hoisted the royal standard. The ‘ Soudan’ 
arrived soon after, having passed on the other side of 
the island opposite to Ibu Creek. Thus far, therefore, 
we had arrived in safety, and after our little separation 
the meeting was gratifying. As it was so near sunset 
when the ‘Albert’ anchored, the King could not he per- 
suaded to go on board of her, pleading fatigue, but he 
promised to visit Captain Trotter the next morning. 
After remaining some time with us, the Ibu sove- 
reign put oflf for the shore, much in the same formal 
state as when he came, his musicians making “ plenty 
palaver,” with tlic opes and erikl-rikis, or wooden 
