170 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
bad state of the roads in his country, and the sufferings of 
his people in consequence. He regretted it much; and 
the opportunity was taken of advising him to make better, 
and explaining, at length, the immense advantages he and 
his people would derive from travelling being made 
practicable for beasts of burden. He agreed to all that 
was said, and explained it to the people with whom the 
house was by that time filled. Amongst the company were 
all his captains, who clamorously agreed to his decision. 
An interpreter was then employed, the better to explain to 
the king and his people the situation of Mr. Hastie, as 
assistant to the government agent for Madagascar. The 
king said, in reply, that nothing in his power should be 
wanting to promote the comfort of his guest, or to fulfil the 
wishes of his excellency the governor. After which he 
went out, but speedily returned, with about twenty girls 
bearing cooked provisions. Of these he pressed the com¬ 
pany to partake; appropriating, as was his custom, a very 
ample share to himself. Conversation, however, made very 
slow progress, as the king made a point of repeating to his 
people all that was said to him, and afterwards commented 
upon it at large. 
