DOWN THE CONGO TO THE ATLANTIC. 
447 
over the river, and other drums soon echoed the dull 
boom. 
“ Keep together, my men,” I cried ; “ there may be 
hot work for us below.” 
We resolved to keep in mid-stream, because both the 
island and the left bank appeared to be extremely 
populous, and to paddle slowly and steadily down river. 
The canoes of the natives darted from either shore, and 
there seemed to be every disposition made for a furious 
LOSS OF CANOE AND CREW. 
attack ; but as we drew near, we shouted out to them, 
“ Friends, Sennenneh ! Keep away from us. We shall 
not hurt you ; but don’t lift your spears, or we’ll 
light.” 
There was a moment’s hesitation, wherein spears were 
clashed against shields, and some fierce words uttered, 
but finally the canoes drew back, and as we continued 
to paddle, the river with its stiff current soon bore us 
down rapidly past the populous district and island. 
Before we finally passed by the latter, we came to 
