In Afric’s Forest and Jungle 
entered the chiefs compound, slew him and all 
who attempted to defend him, seized everything 
that was his, and then proclaimed himself the 
ruler of Ejahyay. Through the terror of his 
name, all submitted to him, but many continued 
to hate him in their hearts while pretending to be 
very loyal. Sometimes, however, this dislike 
would show itself very unexpectedly. One day, 
1 expressed concern on hearing that Areh was 
very sick and asked my informant if he would 
not be sorry if the chief should die. With a sly, 
side glance at me, he placed the back of one 
hand into the palm of the other and said in a low, 
significant tone, " Be hawlaw bah hoo, adieh ho 
sookoon.” (If the fox dies, the chickens will not 
cry.) 1 found that 1 was talking to one of Areh’s 
secret enemies and immediately dropped a sub¬ 
ject so dangerous. 
The government of the kingdom of Yoruba, 
of which Ejahyay formed a part, resembled that 
prevailing in feudal times. The different towns 
were allowed to do about as they pleased so long 
as they acknowledged the suzerainty of the 
king and rendered him military service when he 
was attacked from without. The king of Yoruba, 
therefore, thought it best to accept Areh as chief 
of Ejahyay and he invited him to come with the 
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