After a short interview with the caboceer, during which he questioned me as to my purpose in visiting his country, I was asked to partake of some peto, which stood in immensely large earthen pots, made in the form of the bottle-gourd, from which, doubtless, they have taken their pattern. In reply to his questions I said, that my object was to ascertain what trade could be done in this part of the country in the event of my coming next time with a large quantity of goods. This, I knew, would please him, and he assured me that I should certainly get rid of any quantity I might bring. I told him, that after I had seen Terrasso-weea, I should return, and bring plenty of goods to his mart. I was very well aware I should easily get rid of any quantity of goods if I brought them, but in all probability at their own price. I knew, however, that this would be the safest excuse I could make. I asked the price of slaves, and was immediately shown a number of male and female slaves, varying in price from forty-six thousand to forty-nine thousand cowries. After receiving orders for different articles on my return, I resumed my journey, having presented the caboceer with a pair of scissors and a few needles. At twenty miles, we crossed the brook Ithay. Here I found good water, running eastward over a gravelly bed. The country was level, and now more gravelly, containing a considerable quantity of iron. The soil was less rich, though crops of corn were very abundant. The valley forming the source of the brook Ithay was richly shaded with large trees of luxurious growth. At twenty-eight miles, we arrived at the large town of Assofoodah. Here we were also received with much apparent suspicion. It was now getting late, and I felt much anxiety to see the caboceer or king, to obtain a hut to sleep in. We were very tired, and though we had eaten a considerable quantity of corn as we passed along, still my people, as well as myself, were a good deal exhausted, and in want of more substantial food. After considerable delay, the caboceer came to the outer gate of the town, attended by a number of bowmen and spearmen. He advanced with a slow, firm step, with a stern, suspicious frown upon his features. My poor fellows, who could speak English, remarked how different our treatment was when under the protection of the noble King of Dahomey, as compared with our present reception. However, this was not a time to humble ourselves, and I therefore determined to assume great consequence, though I was not now in possession of one single cowrie. I stood by my horse’s head, with folded arms, and assumed as much consequence as if the place were my own. When within about ten paces, the caboceer made a sudden halt, his head men prostrating themselves, and at the same time asking what I wanted with their master, whom they styled king.