He soon returned with plenty of corn for my horse, and a fresh supply of needles seemed to give him great satisfaction. In a short time my hut was crowded with boys, each with a bundle of wet grass, thinking that they would obtain needles in payment. When I told them that the first supply was sufficient, they declared, to my no small amusement, that they thought I myself ate grass. Whether this was their real belief, or whether merely to obtain money, I am not able to determine, but I should suppose the latter. After a short time, the affrighted ladies returned to their employment, and were with others soon induced to come to the door of my hut. Some of the boldest of the crowd ventured to come into my hut, importuning me for dashes (presents), and shortly afterwards made free enough to endeavour to examine the contents of our havresacks; but by a stern look, and placing my hand at the same time on the hilt of my sword, they made a hasty retreat. In about an hour afterwards, the king or chief returned to my quarters, and some of his attendants brought a small quantity of shea-butter to trim my lamp afresh. He asked me if I had any tobacco, or if I had any knives. Having a few small pocket-knives, I made him a present of one and some Jew’s harps. We kept a light the greater part of the night, during which time many parties came to look at me. This was annoying, as I so much required rest, and had an unsatisfied appetite. It was a bad season of the year for yams, which were not yet ripe, and in this country too they are of inferior quality, and very insipid, being water yams. FOOTNOTES: [12] In Scotland, the “packman’s drouth” is hunger for food. CHAPTER V. Inhospitality--Good Fortune--Soil--Mahomedan Town--Hymn of Welcome--The Natives, their Curiosity, &c.--Manufactures, &c.--The Crown-bird domesticated--Quampanissa--Market Day--Curiosity of the Natives--A Cranery--Market Constables, their Functions--Singular Musical Instrument--A Palaver with the Caboceer--Bidassoa--Mishap--A Bivouac--Reception by the Caboceer--Palm Wine freely taken by Mahomedans--Superstition of the Natives--Grain Stores--Manufactures--Buffaloes--Fruit Trees--Horses, their market price here--Cattle--Elephants--Manufactures--Game--Method of drying Venison--Trees, Shrubs, Grasses, &c.--Kosow--Terror of the Native Females--Appearance of the Caboceer--Palaver--Presents to the Caboceer--His Harem--Swim across the River Ofo--Its Width, &c.--The Town of Kasso-Kano--Slave-Market--The Women--Neighbouring Hills--Iron--Antimony--Native System of smelting Ore--Native Furnace and Bellows--Roguery--Bivouac.