HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
245 
the king paid a visit to his friend, and almost covered him 
with a piece of white cloth. He then accompanied him half 
way down the hill, the road being lined with troops, and 
took leave of him in the most friendly manner, under a 
salute of cannon. Two companies of soldiers then escorted 
the travellers about a mile further on their way, and, after 
another salute, returned. 
At a short distance from Zozora, a place about one day’s 
journey from Tananarive, the party was met by about one 
hundred marmites, whose burdens convinced Mr. Hastie 
that they were going to the capital in expectation of 
obtaining slaves. Many of them were trusty men of the 
chief of Tamatave, and on inquiry they reported themselves 
to be sent by that chief. As an excuse for their journey, 
they said they were conveying presents for the king. One 
of them had with him a portrait of the king of France. 
A few minutes after this party, the travellers observed 
several people approaching, several of whom saluted Mr. 
Hastie, who was at that time proceeding on foot, and in¬ 
sisted on carrying him. On asking their reason for so 
polite a proposal, they replied that the king had published 
his proclamation prohibiting the sale of his subjects at 
each of the weekly bazaars—that it had reached them but 
yesterday, and they were proceeding with tribute to him; 
u for,” said they, 66 we no longer dread being transported 
from our country; and if we commit a crime that subjects 
us to slavery, we may, by industry, redeem ourselves; and 
as we are going to manasina the king, we must also shew 
you what we feel.” 
<£ They carried me a short way,” says Mr. Hastie, “ but 
I would not retard their journey. Most earnestly do I wish 
that his excellency Governor Farquhar could be here for a 
short period, to witness this conduct of a people who owe 
