chap. iv.J INTEREST OF NATIVES. 163 
shortly arrived. The chief now brought me a large 
pumpkin-shell containing about a gallon of merissa, 
or native beer, which was most refreshing. He also 
brought a gourd-bottle full of honey, and an ele¬ 
phant’s tusk; the latter I declined, as ivory was not 
required. 
We were now within six miles of Ellyria, and by 
means of the humpback I explained to Tombe, the 
chief, that we wished to start the first thing in the 
morning, and that I would engage the humpback as 
interpreter. This was agreed upon, and I now had 
hopes of getting through Ellyria before the arrival 
of the Turks. My caravan having arrived, the interest 
first bestowed upon the horses, as being a new kind 
of animal, was now transferred to the camels. The 
natives crowded round them, exclaiming, “ that they 
were the giraffes of our country.” They were amazed 
at the loads that they carried, and many assisted in 
unloading. 
I noticed, however, that they stuck their fingers 
through the baskets to investigate the contents; and 
when they perceived twenty baskets full of beads, 
and many of copper bracelets—the jingling of which 
betrayed the contents—they became rather too eager 
in lending a helping hand; therefore I told the chief 
to order his men to retire while I opened one bag 
M 2 
