118 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
and reached its welcome bank with hearty rejoicings and con- 
gratulations. 
In the abandonment that followed^ when life_, but a short time 
since despaired of, seemed now to smile upon them calm and bright^ 
like the rays of the joyous sun upon the unrippled current that 
glided stealthily away^ groups of negroes in the distance warned 
them to be on their guards as mischief^ perhaps^ might be attempted. 
They seemed to multiply by enchantment j and as rapidly as was 
the increase to their numbers^ so regularly and determinedly did 
the undaunted savages surround them on every quarter. Hemmed 
in on the river^s side^ our party seized their arms and prepared for 
defence; whilst^ beyond the range of their firearms^ the enemy 
remained obstinately stationary and seemed to threaten a siege. 
Night brought no change_, and, driven forth by hunger, on the 
following day a part of them went in quest of game. The besiegers, 
on their approach, gave way, and took good care to keep out of the 
reach of harm. Under such circumstances, unprovided with grain 
or provisions of any kind, nourishment for the numerous party was 
indeed difficult to obtain, and during fifteen days (the term of this 
state of things) most cruel were their sufferings. A boat appointed 
to meet them afforded, although tardy, yet most welcome relief, 
and fortunate was deemed the termination of this unhappy 
expedition. 
May Zrd . — The rain continued all night. Towing until sunset. 
Passed a village of the Nouaer called Gowaer. 
Sunday, Uh , — No firewood, and unable to land. Still towing. 
May Mh . — -A repetition of yesterday^s weary progress. Broke 
up a case for firewood, and cooked some of the dried fish. We 
