196 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
dead to the ground ; the others retreated. Dr. Murie brought in 
from one of the tookuls, whieh was supposed deserted_, two prisoners^ 
a woman and her little son. These Petherick determined to keep 
as hostages. 
August 29th . — No rest for any of us during the night_, another 
attaek being expected. The grain surrounding the tents was cut 
dowUj so that we might not again be surprised. The body of a 
negro was found close to the guide-lines of our tent; his com- 
panions had stripped him of his weapons. At noon several negroes 
came to make peace^ saying that a foolish youths in the absence 
of the chiefs and worked upon by the women^ who said^ Their 
weapons are dumb in the rain/^ had instigated and led the attack, 
and he was the first to fall. Petherick gave his word that he would 
remain perfectly passive, but that their grain we should eat, until 
the boats were provided. 
August 30^A. — At an early hour a large party of the negroes 
approached. In the midst of them was a fine white bullock, 
which was presented to Petherick as a peace offering. It was 
then slaughtered wdth considerable ceremony, and the tents were 
sprinkled with its blood, whilst we w^ere with water. The negroes 
then licked their lances with the tongue, and Alussaad and his men 
kissed their guns as a token of peace and good fellowship. The 
prisoners were given up to the chief Majoah, and, after promising 
boats, all withdrew. 
Sunday, ?>\st . — The negroes bringing friendly little presents to 
me of delightful honey and vegetables — most acceptable — Mussaad 
handed to me a bag of beads, so that I am enabled to give them a 
