t for her secured her confidence, and she always
treated me in a kind and familiar manner. Their language consists of
few words compared to our own, and in a short time, by help of signs, we
understood each other tolerably well. She appeared to have a most
ardent curiosity to know who we were, and from whence we came, and all
the time that we passed alone was employed in putting questions, and my
endeavouring to find out her meaning and answer them. This, although
very difficult at first, I was eventually enabled to accomplish
indifferently well. She was most zealous in her mistaken religion, and
one morning when I was following her to her devotions on the hill, she
asked me where my God was? I pointed upwards, upon which she told me
with great joy and innocency, that hers was there too, and that,
therefore, they must be the same God, or if not they must be friends.
Convinced that she was right, she made me worship with her, bowing my
head down to the sand, and going through the same forms, which of course
I did not understand the meaning of; but I prayed to my God, and
therefore made no objection, as it was pleasing to her. This apparent
conformity in religion recommended me more strongly to her, and we
became more intimate, and I was certainly attached to her by every tie
of gratitude. I was quite happy in the friendship and kindness she
showed towards me; the only drawback was my fear of the proud old king,
and the recollection of him often made me cheek myself, and suddenly
assume a more distant and respectful demeanour towards her. I soon
found out that she dreaded the old savage as much as I did, and hated
him even more. In his presence she treated me very sternly, and ordered
me about in a very dictatorial manner; but when we were alone, and had
no fear of being seen, she would then be very familiar, sometimes even
locking her arm into mine, and laughing as she pointed out the contrast
of the colours, and in the full gaiety of her young heart rejoicing that
we were alone, and could converse freely together. As she was very
intelligent, she soon perceived that I possessed much knowledge that she
did not, and that she could not comprehend what I wanted to teach her.
This induced her to look upon me with respect as well as kindness.

One day I purposely left her bow behind in the hut where my companions
resided; and on her asking me for it, I told her that I had done so, but
that I would make my companions