A TALISMAN. 
261 
other hand, acted well their part, keeping np a succession of signs 
to induce those on the height to a parley, hut without effect. The 
indefatigable little messengers, emboldened, went to the base of the 
rock, where, with wild manoeuvring, the savages met them. Some 
halff dozen, after many a stoppage, with fear depicted in their 
manner, followed them to our presence. My invitation to be seated 
was accepted by an elderly man and two others, the latter on either 
side and a little behind him, from which I imagined he might be 
the chief. The deficiency of an interpreter was awkward ; but 
the talisman of a present of some beads acted beneficially, and the 
scared and troubled countenances relaxed. My wife and self, seated 
upon panther- skins, were objects of wonder and surprise. How 
eagerly and expressively they stared at us, and what searching 
glances they furtively cast at our attendants ! I motioned them to 
call the people from the rock, and to take possession of their huts 
to go to sleep. This seemed to please them, and, after a short con- 
sultation, two of the party proceeded towards their companions, 
and in a short time we had the satisfaction of seeing the whole 
body in motion — men, as usual, bearing only their arms, and the 
women carrying heavy baskets and crockery — descending the steep 
rock, and, proceeding in long lines, they passed us to re-occupy their 
homes. In the meantime the old chief repeated the pantomime of 
their possessing nothing, which very shortly was contradicted by 
both men and women supplying us vrith dourra, flour, and water. 
November 28/A. — Yesterday^s long rest benefited us all, and at 
7.30 we were on tbe march. Past granite rocks and a few negro 
settlements west of us, beyond several hills, apparently of granite, 
adorned with luxuriant trees ; farther on, our path led us through 
tangled bush and high grass, and after two or three brief halts, our 
