Upon my near approach to the town of Zafoora, the people employed in the fields appeared, but fled from their employment, halting at short intervals and looking backward, like startled cattle. However, as we came nearer to the entrance of the town, they seemed more bold and awaited our approach. A messenger on the look-out had doubtless informed the caboceer or king of our approach, and he had sent a messenger or head man to inquire what we wanted, from whence we came, and if we bore any message or presents for him; but my reply was, that I merely came to see himself. I remained outside the inner gate till the messenger returned, who was detained some time. My people now showed some symptoms of alarm, and we found by experience that we were not under the protection of the good King of Dahomey. No ready-cooked provisions, no prostrations, or cheerful welcome, but all looked curiosity and suspicion. At length the messenger returned, informing us that the King would shortly be ready to receive us. Accordingly, in about a quarter of an hour afterwards, he made his appearance, surrounded by his head men and soldiers. The soldiers, who were bowmen and spearmen, exhibited the most singular gestures as they approached till within a few paces, when the whole party halted. The King in person then desired to know if it were himself I wanted. During this inquiry he eyed me with apparent doubt or suspicion. I told him I hoped I saw him well and happy, but I had another object in view besides coming to see him, which was to visit a merchant, a Mahomedan fetish-man, named Terrasso-weea. As soon as I mentioned this man, the King, as if aroused from stupor, was all politeness and condescension; but to my great disappointment and dismay, I was informed that my friend had left that town, after a long sojourn, for one at a great distance in the interior. This seemed almost like a death-blow to me, and I could also observe that my people were much disheartened, as well as foot-sore and tired. My poor fellows were glad to lie down, and my little horse seemed a little tired, although I had walked some considerable distance. I had travelled forty-four miles, almost without halting. Concealing as much as possible my disappointment, I began to make some inquiry where I could purchase some fowls. The King immediately ordered some to be brought, from which I selected two, but was astonished when, upon asking the price, I was told twelve strings of cowries for each fowl. This was an exorbitant charge, as the selling price amongst each other is 1¹⁄₂_d._; however, I was obliged to comply with the extortion, although I had only one head of cowries with me, not expecting to be absent more than a day. It is true I had some articles of hardware, but although they would greedily have accepted them as presents, yet money--money seemed to speak their language better than any thing else, as in fact it does in all countries.