weather, and the fury of wild beasts. “ Go along," was all the answer; and a number of people coming up, and urging me in the same manner, with great earnestness, I suspected that some of the king’s messengers, who were sent in search of me, were in the town ; and that these Negroes, from mere kindness, conducted me past it, with a view to facilitate my escape. I accordingly took the' road for Sego, with the uncomfortable prospect of passing the night on the branches of a tree. After travelling about three miles, I came to a small village near the road. The Dooty was splitting sticks by the gate ; but I found I could have no admittance; and when I attempted to enter, he jumped up, and with the stick he held in his hand threatened to strike me off the horse, if I presumed to advance another step. At a little distance from this village (and farther from the road), is another small one. I conjectured, that being rather out of the common route, the inhabitants might have fewer objections to give me house room for the n igh t; and having crossed some corn fields, I sat down under a tree by the well. Tw o or three women came to draw water; and one of them perceiving I was a stranger, inquired whither I was going. I told her I was going for Sego, but being benighted on the road, I wished to stay at the village until morning ; and begged she would acquaint the Dooty with my situation. In a little time the Dooty sent for me, and permitted me .to sleep in a large baloon, in one corner of which was constructed a kiln for drying the fruit of the Shea trees ; it contained about half a cartload of fruit, under which was kept up a clear wood fire. I was informed, that in three days the fruit would be ready for pounding and boiling and that the butter thus manufactured, is preferable to that which is prepared from fruit dried ia th e sun ; especially in the rainy season ; when the process by insolation is always tedious, and oftentimes ineffectual. Aug. 13. About ten o'clock I reached a small village within half a mile of Sego, where I endeavoured, but in vain, to procure some provisions. Every one seemed anxious to avoid me; and I could plainly perceive, by the looks and behaviour of the inhabitants, that some very unfavourable accounts had been circulated concerning me. I was again informed, that Mansong had sent people to apprehend me; and the Dooty's son told me I had no time to lose, if I wished to get safe out of Bambarra. I now fully saw the danger of my situation, and determined to avoid Sego altogether. I accordingly mounted my horse, and taking the road for Diggani, travelled as fast as I could, until I was out of sight of the villagers, when I struck to the westward, through high grass and swampy ground. About noon, I stopped under a tree, to consider what course to take; for I had now no doubt that the Moors and Slatees had misinformed the king respecting the object of my mission, and that people were absolutely in search of me, to convey me a prisoner to Sego. Sometimes I had thoughts of swimming my horse across the Niger, and going to the southward for Cape Coast; but reflecting that I had ten days to travel before I should reach Kong, and afterward an extensive country to traverse, inhabited by various nations, with whose language and manners I was totally unacquainted, I relinquished this scheme, and judged, that I Gg
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