d gladly have avoided. He then
poured out expressions which I took to signify how deeply grateful he
was to me for saving his daughter from the huge ape. He then asked me
what had become of my companions, and how it was that I was there all
alone. I may have been wrong, but this, I believe, was what he said to
me. I tried to explain by signs rather than words, how I had been
separated from them while out hunting, that I had looked for them in
vain, and then made my way towards his village, where I fortunately
arrived in time to do the happy deed which I trusted would guild my
humble name in the eyes of his majesty and his subjects. I do not know
whether the king understood what I said, but as I put my hand to my
heart and looked very much pleased, I was sure that he understood, at
all events, that I wished to say something civil. From what I heard the
girls say, I confess that I was somewhat afraid that his majesty would
propose bestowing his daughter on me at once, and was greatly relieved
when I found he had not in any way alluded to the subject. Having seen
her carried into one of the huts by her attendants, the king took my
hand and led me towards another hut on the opposite side of the square.
It was a very well-constructed building, of fair size and height and
look, remarkably neat and clean. Behind it was a plantain grove; a
garden with lime and other trees, and shrubs of beautiful foliage, with
an enclosure in which were a number of goats and fowls.

Many of the inhabitants were clothed in robes of bongo, a species of
cloth made from the delicate cuticle of palm leaflets, which are
stripped off and ornamented with feathers. These are woven very neatly,
many of them are striped, and some made even with check pattern. The
pieces of cloth are then stitched together in a regular way with
needles, also manufactured by the natives. I saw in the town a number
of men sitting at looms in the middle of a hut with a wood fire burning
near them. The weavers were smoking their long pipes, the bowls of
which rested on the ground, and shouting to each other as they worked
merrily away. Some of the king's attendants brought in cushions and
mats, which they placed on the floor. He then, begging me to be seated,
placed himself by my side, and tried to enter into conversation, but I
must confess that I had great difficulty in making out what he said I
tried, however, to look very wise, lest his majesty might lose pati