dote against it.] At
length we learned an Antidote and Counter-Poyson against the filthy
venomous water, which so operated by the blessing of God, that after
the use thereof we had no more Sickness. It is only a dry leaf;
they call it in Portugueze Banga, beaten to Powder with some of the
Countrey Jaggory: and this we eat Morning and Evening upon an empty
Stomach. It intoxicates the Brain, and makes one giddy, without any
other operation either by Stool or Vomit.

[They still improve in the knowledge of their Way.] Thus every Voyage
we gathered more experience, and got lower down, for this is a large
and spacious Countrey. We travailed to and fro where the ways led us,
according to their own Proverb, The Beggar and the Merchant is never
out of his way; because the one begs and the other trades wherever
they go. Thus we used to ramble until we had sold all our ware, and
then went home for more. And by these means we grew acquainted both
with the People and the Paths.

[Meets with his black Boy in these parts, who was to guide him to the
Dutch.] In these parts I met with my black Boy, whom I had divers years
before turned away, who had now Wife and Children. He proved a great
help to me in directing me in the ways; for he had lived many years
in these parts. Perceiving him to be able, and also in a very poor
and sad condition, not able to maintain his Family, I adventured once
to ask him if a good reward would not be welcome to him, for guiding
us two down to the Dutch. Which having done he might return again and
no Body the wiser. At which Proposition he seemed to be very joyful,
and promised to undertake the same: only at this time for reasons he
alledged, which to me seemed probable, as that it was Harvest time
and many People about it, it could not so safely and conveniently be
done now, as it might be some two Months after.

The Business was concluded upon, and the time appointed between us. But
it so fell out, that at the very precise time, all things being ready
to depart on the morrow, it pleased God, whose time was not yet come,
to strike me with a most grievous pain in the hollow on my right side,
that for five days together I was not able to stir from the fire side,
but by warming it, and fomenting and chafing it I got a a little ease.

[But disapointed.] Afterward as soon as I was recovered, and got
strength, we went down and carried one English man more with us for
company, for our better security, seeing